Though small, Tian City was far larger than the village Liang was from and the streets were packed with vendors and people haggling. The old man seemed to enjoy arguing even over the smallest purchases; he walked away with great pride as long as he was able to lower the price. The large basket he purchased for three silvers instead of five made him especially proud.
It was made of nothing more than straw so he thought the old man most likely still overpaid. However, Liang knew not to antagonize him, as currently he was in an embarrassing state. At the moment was unable to walk, in fact he was unable to move anything except his head and his arms, so the old man needed to carry him.
Just before pulling him up off the bed the old man forced Liang to drink a bitter tasting clear liquid telling him, “I don’t want you embarrassing me so this will stop you from shitting and pissing yourself for a few days.” To which Liang was grateful.
However, right after he finished the old man picked Liang up, carrying him by the waist using one arm, which left his head and legs to dangle freely. The position made it difficult to breathe and he thought most people would think he was a dead body. He closed his eyes to avoid the onlookers but whenever the old man bought something, he could hear laughing in the background.
Even a few city guards came to investigate, making sure he was not dead. After purchasing the basket, the old man dropped Liang inside and carried him on his back. He still felt embarrassed, but at least now, people just saw him as a disabled boy being carried by his grandfather. Many onlookers were even giving him pitying stares instead of mocking laughs, some were even praising the old man’s kindness.
Eventually a thick aroma caught Liang’s attention and he felt a strange prickling sensation throughout his body. The old man stopped to stand in line, and began to explain, “This is actually an herb shop and they’re having some type of auction here. I’m not quite sure but apparently they have some rare pills, fruits, and a few other things. They must believe they can make more money by causing a bidding war.”
Liang had never been to an auction. Merchants would sometimes stop in their village to show off their wares and occasionally someone would get into an argument and offer more than the other person but that was the extent of his experience.
He was quite excited so he rapidly began to ask the old man questions, “Are we here to get something special? Is there anything we’re going to buy? Do you have something you want to sell? What are the special pills they’re selling?”
The old man did not seem bothered by the barrage and did not answer until Liang was finished. “Actually there are three reasons we’re here. The first is to allow your body to absorb the qi that has gathered here. Humans are unable to process plant essence directly, which is the reason they condense it into pills. This doesn’t apply to beasts though. You will not improve much, but you will be able to feel the way the qi enters your body.”
“The second reason is I’m interested in what they consider treasures and their prices. This is only a backwater area so even cheap products might hold a lot of value. And last, it’s for the entertainment.”
“Bidding wars can turn quite interesting. People will try to use their status to suppress others, antiques close to death will come hoping to find something to extend their lives, and the young masters of some sect or clan with too much money will try showing off. You can learn a lot about an area by going to an auction.”
Taking in what the old man said they arrived at the receptionist booth and the old man handed her a golden card. A bright smile spread across her face before she looked down and blushed. Taking a deep breath, she called an usher over to take them to their seats. It took a moment, but Liang finally realized what was going on. The receptionist was the young woman he saw leaving their room at the inn.
The old man must have received the gold card from her. He was not sure why, but maybe she had a fetish for old men. However, he would not judge people on their preferences so he pretended not to know her. He was told once that love was a strange thing that we do not choose, it just happens. Still, he thought the old man might have tricked her somehow.
After the usher brought them to their seats, the old man dropped Liang into the chair. He was unable to hold his body up and the old man found it amusing how he slid off and fell to the floor. Liang could only give a cold stare as he fell repeatedly after every time the old man picked him up.
After a few more times, the old man finally called over the usher asking for two pieces of rope. He secured Liang to the chair by tying the rope around his chest and legs to hold him in place. It was a bit uncomfortable but he no longer slid down like mud off a rock.
The area where they were seated was filled mostly with merchants. The old man explained, “These people around us have money, but they’re seated here because they don’t have much status. They’ll generally be fighting for the scraps that are not particularly valuable to clans and sects. The high status people will allow them to win a few things to keep them happy.”
Nodding to show he understood what he was saying he turned his head towards the entrance when the merchants began to clamor over the new guests. “Isn’t that Elder Huang from the Immortal Sword Sect? I heard he recently had a breakthrough and is now a peak Nascent realm cultivator.” “I heard that as well.” Chimed another one.
From sect leaders to clan elders, people with high statuses continued to enter and the merchants continued to fawn over them. Auctions were also a place to make connections for businesspeople. They were willing to take a loss if it meant that in the future they could sell their products to powerful figures.
Finally, the last guests entered and all of the merchants turned “Is that young master Wang of the Warring Crane Sect? I heard he was born with six meridians and established his foundation at 17, nobody knows what his cultivation level is now.”
“That’s right, he’s 22 now and last year he was made the successor to the sect leader. His future is bright as the sky is wide.” The young man was arrogant and enjoyed hearing the praise from the merchants. Since he was young he was groomed for the sect leader position, it was only a matter of time before he took over.
Liang struggled to turn his head when he heard “Warring Crane Sect”. It was always his goal to enter as a disciple and he was surprised hearing that the young master came to this auction. Turning his neck as far as he could, Liang’s jaw twisted and his mouth opened slightly. He looked reverently at the future sect leader and thought he was exactly how he expected.
After a moment, a beautiful young woman walked up to Young Master Wang, and it caused the crowd to hush. The pair stood still as if allowing everyone to bask in their glory until finally someone whispered, “It’s Fairy Xu.”
Every man’s gaze quickly fell on her as if she was a goddess to worship. It was then that people began to notice that despite being inside a slight breeze followed her wherever she went. It blew her long black hair from her face, causing it to flutter behind and accentuating her beauty further.
“I heard Fairy Xu became a Rank 2 alchemist recently.” “I heard that too. Apparently she was able to create a second rank healing pill that can cure any illness.” “Ah the heavens are unfair, both beauty and talent, her future is endless.”
She looked over the crowd who were discussing her beauty before her gaze fell on Liang. He was tied to a chair with a twisted neck and a pained look on his face. His mouth was ajar and she was certain she saw drool leaking down his chin. Her phoenix like eyes turned into slits as if the sun stung them and she rushed Young Master Wang, leaving quickly to the upper balcony.
Liang turned his now sore neck back and he noticed the old man was staring at him. The old man had not missed the exchange between the two and a wide smile spread across his face. Staying silent for a moment he finally released a “Ha”, before turning back towards the stage.
