Chapter 73: I Am Very Interested (September Request for Support)

Lin Zhan had just stepped out of a shop specializing in the sale of talismans when he saw an elderly man waiting at the door.

“This young master, I am the steward of Tianwu Pavilion, surname Liu. May I ask your name?” Steward Liu was a composed man, his hands clasped in a respectful salute, his face adorned with an endlessly benevolent smile.

A cultivator of the Yellow Grade! Lin Zhan could tell at a glance that Steward Liu was a master of the Yellow Grade, perhaps even a touch more powerful than himself—likely of the third tier within that grade.

“Steward Liu, my name is Lin Zhan,” Lin Zhan replied, returning the salute.

“A fifth-tier Human Grade—what a pity,” Steward Liu sighed inwardly, though his words were warm: “Young Master Lin, how outstanding you are in both appearance and bearing!”

Lin Zhan smiled and nodded, waiting for Steward Liu to continue, for he knew well that the steward of Tianwu Pavilion would not come simply to exchange pleasantries.

“In a short while, an auction hosted by our Chief of Tianwu Pavilion will begin. If you are interested, Young Master Lin, you may proceed to the Heaven Suite on the second floor. From there, you can observe everything from a commanding vantage point—surely a pleasure in itself.”

With that, Steward Liu respectfully handed him the jade token representing the distinguished status of a guest in the Heaven Suite.

“Very well, thank you for the invitation. I am indeed most interested!” Lin Zhan laughed heartily.

Having explored most of the first floor already, Lin Zhan was eager to witness the treasures promised at the auction, and so he accepted at once. His straightforwardness earned him Steward Liu’s approving nod—instantly, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

Following Steward Liu up the stairs and around several corridors, Lin Zhan soon arrived at the Heaven Suite.

“What a magnificent place!” Lin Zhan exclaimed in admiration at the suite’s splendor.

“The auction is about to begin. I must return below to assist. Please, Young Master Lin, make yourself at home. Should you require anything, simply speak to Miss Nightingale, who is responsible for this suite,” Steward Liu explained.

“No trouble at all, Steward Liu. Please, attend to your duties,” Lin Zhan replied, clasping his hands behind his back as he began to stroll about, examining the layout.

The corridor he had just entered was built along the building’s outer wall, so the suite was entirely self-contained. In front stood a lavishly appointed balcony with ornate railings, furnished with comfortable seats clearly prepared for auction guests. From this vantage, one commanded a full view of both the auction stage and the bustling plaza, able to observe the movements of other guests with ease.

Glancing to either side, Lin Zhan saw that the adjacent suites were already occupied. Unlike him, the other guests were surrounded by attendants and retainers—clearly scions of powerful noble families.

Yet the greatest throng gathered below, encircling the auction platform at the plaza’s heart, a sea of heads surging toward the center.

Lin Zhan withdrew his gaze and settled into a seat.

“Good day, Young Master Lin. Nightingale is at your service.” Before long, the purple-clad maiden, Nightingale, entered carrying a tea tray—upon which lay a pot of exquisite Celestial Tea and several plates of fruit and delicacies.

Noticing Lin Zhan’s unwavering gaze upon her, Nightingale’s delicate cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Lin Zhan was reminded, for no reason at all, of Yun Yin at sixteen—her gentle radiance warmed his heart.

Had Lin Zhan not been lost in thought, and instead unleashed his spiritual sense for a thorough examination of Nightingale, he would have discovered something subtly strange about her—something that set her apart from ordinary folk.

But of course, Lin Zhan would never be so discourteous as to scrutinize a young lady in such a way. He simply noted that Nightingale’s cultivation was that of an ordinary person.

“Nightingale—what a lovely voice you have, Miss Nightingale,” Lin Zhan said, hoping to ease the awkwardness.

“Thank you for your kind praise, Young Master Lin,” Nightingale replied, lowering her head even further, unable to meet his eyes.

Indeed, her voice was as clear and melodious as the songbird for which she was named—crystal pure and utterly enchanting.

Lin Zhan was quite puzzled—why would a girl so bashful be assigned to such an esteemed suite? Yet despite her shyness, Nightingale’s hands did not falter in the least.

“Please, Young Master Lin, enjoy your tea.” Nightingale arranged the tea and fruit, then stood demurely behind Lin Zhan’s right shoulder.

Unbeknownst to Lin Zhan, Nightingale herself had only become so flustered after meeting him. In his presence, she felt an inexplicable warmth and comfort radiating from him, drawing her irresistibly closer—yet this longing for intimacy left her deeply conflicted and self-conscious.

Had Cuicui not gone out with her mistress today, Nightingale would not have been here at all.

Indeed, Lian Fengying—the young lady at the center of the commotion earlier at the Jiangnan Daoist Robes stall—was actually the beloved daughter of the Chief of Tianwu Pavilion’s Fuyang Branch. Normally, the Heaven Suite was managed by Cuicui, but in her absence, the chief dared entrust no one else, sending instead one of Lian Fengying’s other maids.

Both Cuicui and Nightingale were Lian Fengying’s personal attendants, but with staff in short supply at Tianwu Pavilion, they sometimes had to fill in as needed.

“Young Master Lin, the auction is about to begin!” Remembering her duties, Nightingale suppressed her desire to draw closer to Lin Zhan and quietly reminded him.

“Oh, I wonder what treasures await,” Lin Zhan mused, turning his gaze as the sound of a gong echoed from the auction stage. There, an elderly man in plain robes appeared, saluting the audience in every direction.

“That is our Chief Lian,” Nightingale explained at once. “He has never before presided over an auction in person.”

Lin Zhan understood—this auction must be truly extraordinary, with treasures of a kind unseen before, for the chief himself to take the stage.

“Generally, the auction is divided into two stages. The first features mid-grade items—various elixirs and weapons, all below the Yellow Grade. There are also rare spiritual herbs, not often encountered, but when found, they come in abundance—though none are considered peerless treasures.

“The second stage, however, showcases items usable by cultivators of the Yellow Grade. Some are collected by our own Tianwu Pavilion, others consigned to us by the major families and sects. Some are not for simple auction, but for exchange with other rare items.”

Nightingale’s voice lingered in the air, fragrant and intoxicating, as beautiful as a feast for the senses. Such a voice could stir every sense to resonance—it was truly magical. Enraptured, Lin Zhan was already lost in the sound.

“And this time,” Nightingale continued, “Chief Lian has hinted at a third stage of the auction. As to what treasures might appear, I do not know.”