Author's Note: I haven't finished editing this one. So I apologize if it needs some work.
They were approaching their destination, everyone in the caravan realised quickly. For those who plotted, it was good news that they would return to their territory. For the group of seven, it meant they would be stepping into the home turf of a hostile faction. That knowledge brought some tension to them at what might be awaiting them.
As the sand sled carriage moved forward, a wall carved from rock came into sight. The wall was obscured by hills on either side of it. Perhaps it had been a single hill in the time, as the wall seemed connected to the hills. The gate of the wall was opened for the caravan, allowing their passage.
Through the gate, they found themselves on a road between rock walls. As the carriage moved, the rock became solid above them into a tunnel. Light came from the opening in the tunnel behind them, and another in front.
The tunnel last lest then a dozen meters, but even so. That meant the rock might be as solid as a natural wall. Finally, as they exit the tunnel through another gate, they see it. Their destination this hidden city area.
It was not quite the size of the city they had stayed in before entering the desert. Immediately noticeable was that city was surrounded on three sides by rock. Part of the city was instead bordered by a large river of all things.
From where they had exited the tunnel, they were able to look down on the city. The largest building took up a fraction of the city's space, possibly the arena. Though it seemed more like how a colosseum would be.
"Is that a port?" Tang Yuan said out loud as he looked out the window. It was built on the water and definitely seemed to be designed for ships. Which would make this place a…
"Yes, a port city in this land of all places, we might have never learned about it." Yue Guan said his voice was uncharacteristically cold.
Tang Yuan noticed that immediately, "What is it?" Something had to be wrong. He wondered at the source of that irritation.
Tang Nuan was the one who spoke her face a grim mask. "This port was made to be obscure and hidden. That fact in of itself brings to mind several grim possibilities. Especially paired with our new found aquatintences words."
Tang Yuan considered that statement for what it was. The things considered forbidden in this world weren't like those on Earth. Almost all of them had danger beyond the individual level in a way.
"Then what do you think they might be trading in this place?" Tang Yuan wondered what she suspected they might have. He only knew of a few of them himself.
"There are several things they might have here." Tang Nuan considered how much she should say. Several of them weren't things she ever wanted her son to know of. Yet now they might have here.
"Of course their might not be anything, and this is merely a hidden outpost," she said with little hope for that. Already imagining what troublesome things they might encounter. Especially if those Evil Soul Masters were also involved here.
The carriage continued its traversal of the city. They paid attention to the streets as they passed them. The city seemed seedy, perhaps is the word to describe it.
Multiple gazes locked onto the carriage, some with ill intent, others with curiosity. Others looked away deliberately as they passed. Most simply continued drinking or gambling, it would seem.
Dugu Xin winced as he saw one person stab another for some reason. Only for another to hit him, starting a small scuffle. "This place is pretty…" he trailed off, slightly unsure what to say.
Tang Yuan observed the passing buildings. They had passed at least a half a dozen inns, all overflowing with drunk. This place was a bit how he would imagine a frontier town in the old west to be, or a den of pirates on the seas. He felt that either might be accurate.
As he looked, he noticed Bibi Dong was also glancing outside. Though he felt she actually had less reaction then himself. Looking at the city sights as if it were something she had seen many times before.
Then they moved on, and the city around them began to change. The visage grew nicer, or at least not so dark. The building around them seemed far better maintained; they also seemed to be houses.
The caravan seemed to be approaching the looming coliseum in the middle of the city. Considering what they were told, it should be their base. That statement was proven true as they moved along the left of the building.
Finally, the carriage stopped before a set of massive stone doors. After a few moments, the doors opened inward for them. The caravan quickly entered as if walking into the crocodile's mouth.
Their group stepped out of their borrowed carriage, tense and waiting. They had entered the base of those who were more than likely their enemies. When would they attack? How would they attack? Would they attack?
The questions ran through their mind uncontrollably. At least they occurred to Tang Yuan and his two friends. They had less experience with human enemies as they did soul beasts. Tang Yuan had only endured a single such occurrence.
Suddenly, as he became embroiled with worry, Tang Yuan felt a gentle hand. He knew it was his mother trying to calm him down. So he cleared his mind, regaining control over himself. Her other hand was placed on Bibi Dong in a similar gesture.
Dugu Xin felt a pat on his back from his father. Yet that was enough for him to calm down. His father was with him after all, a powerful Soul Douluo few could beat him. A part of him thought that none could.
With that there group moved forward in hesitant anticipation. They spotted the young master of this caravan giving orders to the members. They approached him, curious how he would act now on home turf.
Seeing their approach, the still nameless man lowered his head in a bow. "Greetings, Seniors, young lords, I hope the journey has been tolerable to you." He kept his head down as if afraid to look at them.
Tang Yuan noted this was only the third time he'd been this close to him. The man has seemed to try and keep away from them. It had only grown more noticeable and more suspicious. Tang Yuan continued to feel a strange dislike to this man, a feeling in his mind.
Dugu Bo was the one who spoke: "It was fine, even if our hosts were quite uncomfortable and stiff." His words were blunt, practically outright in fact.
The man felt a great deal of nervousness at that answer. He hadn't expected such a blunt answer. Still, he answered, "I apologize, Senior I dared not presume to intrude on your peace." He bowed even deeper, concealing his face even further.
That act revealed that they wouldn't yet tear away the thin veil. How long that would continue to be so was in question.
The man continued unmindful of that "I have sent word to lord of this city. I am certain he will rush over when he learns of your visit. In the meantime I humbly request your patience Seniors until his arrival." His words showed deference to them and this city lord.
Then he rose his head to look at them hesitantly "until the lords arrival might I dare to act as your guide." Seeing that none of them rejected his offer he seemed to grow slightly surer.
"In fact a gathering should be soon to occur in part of the building. A small auction of goods perhaps Seniors might find themselves interested?" He offered to them as an option for there time.
Tang Yuan found himself slightly bewildered by his offer. Weren't they going to end up enimes why have them attend an auction. Did they intend to scam them before trying to kill them.
Tang Nuan also found herself curious about the reason for this. Still "very well since we have time." She spoke curtly to the slightly fawning man. It would let them see what passed through this place if only a peek.
The man smiled slightly at the answer "excellent, most excellent Senior than please follow me." As he turns around, unseen by them his eyes shine with a cunning light. A small sinister smile appearing for only a fleeting moment.
Then he began to walk them through the halls. He began talking as they did trying to fufill his role as guide. "The building has the main arena area in the middle. It's large enough for everyone and the city, and more to attend."
"From what I know the massive arena predates the city itself. Though I only know what I have been told." He told them as they passed into a hallway.
The hallways were also stone an acient scent drifting through the air. Torches lined the walls at regular intervals illuminating the passage. Shadows danced on the walls as they walked along.
After a while, they entered a set area of the building. Their guide escorted them into a waiting room. It was a fairly good size a large couch like seat being the main sight. Their was also enough seats for more than a dozen others as well.
"This is the city lord's room I certain he would be happy to have you here. The auction will begin in a bit." He said as he took a smaller chair in the room.
They to decided to take seats away from there guide of course. Already they considered what this auction's purpose was. Likely to lure them into a false sense of security was first conclusion. Still, they waited quietly for the start of this event or for an attack.
As they waited, minutes passed, and suddenly there was a knocking on the door. Their guide stood up and move over, opening it. Though his face showed surprise at whoever was on the other side. He wasn't expecting them, it would seem.
The two of them spoke quietly if tersely. Tang Yuan tried to pick up what they were speaking about. But they kept themselves far to quiet to pick up much.
Still it seemed that the young master was really frustrated. Also suprised and caught off guard by this whole interruption? Tang Yuan wondered if his subordinate had made a mistake or caused trouble.
The guide visibly calmed himself down before turning back to them. "My apologies seniors a urgent matter seems to have come up. I dare not to presume to leave without your permission." He bowed at his waist almost as if begging for his life, or there leave.
Normally perhaps they might take offense to this, but in this case. Tang Nuan looked at him her face a careful mask "I find this most underwhelming as guests, go then." She practically waved him off like a bug. Tang Yuan found her mix of allowance and offended Senior state to be impressive.
There guided continued bowing "a thousand apologies honored seniors. I shall work to return as swiftly as possible." He key bowing for a minute before following the nervous attendant.
Now they were left alone only themselves present a strange event. The silence stretched on for a while. Each of them not sure how to feel about this. In there enimes base at an auction left all alone seemingly.
"So was that a ploy, because it really didn't seem like it." Tang Yuan asked unsure. Yet paranoid enough suspect it was a carefully made scheme. Though he didn't think his guide was the schemer.
"More then likely though to what extent. Well that is the consideration. Our guide was unprepared for that conversation. Yet that does not mean it was not a ploy." Tang Nuan analyzed quickly enough. Already suspecting that so-called Lord of this city.
Tang Yuan considered that it did seem possible, but then why? He considered what they would gain from this trick.
Tang Nuan observed her son's confusion closely. She looked at her other two charges, well, charges and a half. This may be a good learning experience for them. "Can you come up with a reason?"
Dugu Xin glanced at his father more concerned with his opinion. "They removed their ally from the room. Maybe they intend to poison us." That was his thought with his knowledge.
Yue Guan smirked at that, glancing at Dugu Bo his eyes filled with mocking. Finding that statement funny "looks like your son has no confidence in you Old Poison," he transmitted to Dugu Bo with soul power.
Dugu Bo's lips twitched at that statement, but didn't fire back. Taken in a way, it could be seen as that. Their foes intended to poison them with him of all people present.
"Wrong, they will be unlikely to poison us with your father present. Nor would we casually consume anything they give us, I trust. Once more, air toxins would very noticeable to your father." Tang Nuan quickly dismissed his assessment.
Bibi Dong was the next to give her thoughts "They intend to assassinate us in this room? That, or try to scam money from our group, maybe." That was what she could come up with in this situation.
"The first is unlikely, including collateral damage to their building. We are fully on guard at the moment." Guan Yue pointed out to her question. Though he didn't deny the part about them scamming them.
That still caused them confusion. Where they planning on killing them, or scamming them? Likely both, or maybe something in the auction items had been rigged.
Then every ones eyes turned to Tang Yuan to provide his answer. Tang Nuan in particular was looking forward to his assessment.
Tang Yuan considered as he made his own conclusions. They made a show to get that guy out of the room. So either he was important, getting them alone was, or he had something important. Rather that guy had knowledge of something important, them.
He turned to his mother, "They wanted him out of this room for what he knows. He traveled with us for three days, even though he didn't interact with us much. His subordinates watched us and communicated with him our habits." the more he spoke, the more possible it became to him.
"Then he intends to pass that to their leader." Bibi Dong voiced as she reached her own understanding.
Tang Yuan shrugged, "That's what I can come up with with at least." he felt that was at least part of it.
Tang Nuan nodded, "You are partially correct, Xiao Yuan. They do want to obtain information from him, what they haven't already." at first her voice held faint praise. Before voicing a leading statement.
Tang Yuan immediately realized he had fallen into a trap. Of course, they would send word ahead if possible. "Then that interaction was an attempt to trick us. Into thinking they hadn't obtained that information, and get more."
Tang Nuan nodded, "Yes, that's my thought as well. No doubt there's more to this scheme. Though how much will require time to discover," she said, wondering if this scheme had other meanings.
Elsewhere the man in question moved through the building with purpose. He had been told where the lord was waiting for him. Questions filled his mind on what that this cunning lord had planned.
As he arrived before the doors, he saw two members of the guard. Glancing at the two women, he appraised them as Soul Kings. Though how well they could fight was another thing entirely.
He stepped through the door as they moved aside. He hid the last hint of frustration, he had. After all this guy was much stronger than himself, and his teacher wasn't present.
He looked quickly, finding the lord of this place. Thus he stepped forward before bowing slightly to him. "Senior Jiao Zheng, this junior greets you."
Jiao Zheng, Lord of this city, looks at the man who entered the room. There was a smile on his face that only seemed to enhance his looks. "What an interesting look you have, Cheng Tao," he said casually.
Cheng Tao clicked his tongue at that "it was either that or have them recognise me." Nor could he trust his soul skill in front of them was left unsaid. He had no choice, but to use a physical disguise.
He turned back to this guy, who was still smirking. That dam smile he didn't buy it for even a moment. "So now what did you want?" he asked, a hint of dislike slipping out.
Several of the women in the room showed glimpses of displeasure. All of them displeased this man, who would insult their master. Only allowing that displeasure to appear for an instant.
Jiao Zheng did not bother reprimanding him. If anything, his lips quirked upward for a moment. "Ah yes, my plan moves forward," his eyes gleamed with the shining light of cunning. A scheme already in action, as his hand held a strange object.
Cheng Tao glances at the object as he sits in a chair. It was a shell of some form, though he had never seen the like before. "Then can I be told about this plan?" he asked, unsure if he would be told or not.
Jiao Zheng looks at Cheng Tao with that same smile. "I'm afraid I can't involve you in any further in the early parts. After all, it seems you to are already wary of them recognising you,"
Cheng Tao resisted the urge to comment on that. There were limits to what he could get away with. Unfortunately he was certain if he tried commenting too much would leak out. How much he hated this absolute bastard, even if it was tinged with respect.
Jiao Zheng glanced at him, seeing through him in an instant. "Still, I can tell you a bit. Consider it thanks for all the work you have done for me," he looked at Cheng Tao with what seemed like gratitude.
Cheng Tao understanding the normal byplay, "You are an ally of ours providing some help is only natural." He said with half feeling. Not as if he had any right to say anything in this matter.
Jiao Zheng began his reveal clasping his hands a serious air around him. "You have brought that group here. As you can already guess dealing with them will be troublesome. I want to have a better idea of there mindset, and thus auction provides the chance."
"What they buy, and how much they pay for it will be revealing. For that I have added a few things to the list." He revealed part of his consideration for this first step.
Cheng Tao could only nod. Yet he asked the next pressing question"then what next do we wait for my teacher to return. Dealing with four Soul Douluo would be far easier if we did. Otherwise I don't know if we could defeat them even considering your strength." He knew it might be seen as an insult, but he had to ask.
Jiao Zheng understood his intention both a question and test. "We will take action soon. Less they retreat, or become more prepared." He admitted easily thinking inwardly before that Elder returns.
"Still, I admit in terms of offense we lack the nesscary weight. They are high level Soul Douluo past the 85th level as intel agrees. I can easily handle one of them, and possibly two of them, but all four." He was being very frank in his assessment.
Cheng Tao furrowed his brow, he had some understanding of this guy. That understanding told him "than what exactly have do you have planned. In my experience it will be something particulary nasty or cunning." He said a hint of grievance slipping out.
Jiao Zheng only looked at him knowingly "oh, but my daughters told me you enjoyed my nasty scheming, and continue to enjoy." His smile was far to smug to be anything but mocking.
Cheng Tao could only glare at this Senior. "Perhaps so, but don't pretend your scheme isn't to benifit yourself." He absolutely hated dancing to his strings, even if those two made it ever so sweet.
Jiao Zheng eyes gleamed wondering what the fruits would be of that. Well that was a day years away. "Simply put we will borrow a dagger, or in this case claws." He brough the topic back to this current endeavor.
Cheng Tao understood, though he wondered who remained cable of that. That this guy would allow them to remain was telling. Still claws, a soul beast then perhaps. He wondered if this plan would give him another crack at Tang Yuan. Perhaps not with Soul Douluo's involved he admitted.
Jiao Zheng meanwhile planned and schemed inwardly. This would need to handled with care until that moment. Yet if it worked he could borrow both dagger and claw. Two crocodiles with a single act both figuratively and literally.
Suddenly a sound resounded from outside the room. They had waited for quite a while, but finally it seemed that things would begin. Tang Yuan looked up from the scroll he had finished once before. Closing it and returning it to his belt, he prepared himself.
A beautiful woman walked onto the stage her shoes clicking on the floor. She was dressed in a way that exposed her legs mid thigh. Gloves covered her hands and a portion of her lower arm. The dress confirmed to her body in a particular way, acenting her curves.
"Wow." Dugu Xin let slip out his mouth at the sight of her. He felt his cheeks flush as he watched her closely.
Bibi Dong hearing him glanced at him with slight annoyance for a moment. Before turning away if he wanted to be an idiot then. She turned to Tang Yuan with trepidation hopeing he didn't look like that.
Tang Yuan glanced at the woman for a few moments. Observing her with a hint of interest. They really do choose beautiful and sensual women. Then he turns his attention from her to wait for the item she would present.
Bibi Dong glanced at him, watching as Tang Yuan glanced at the woman. Then, his gaze wandered away from her like a painting he had finished appreciating. She felt something, relief maybe? She supposed she was relieved that her friend wouldn't act like Dugu Xin, maybe?
Tang Nuan watched as the auction began, keeping an eye on their charges. Noticing the small interaction between them. It was good to know that her son was aware of girls, but would not be easily swayed. Dugu Bo, it seemed, wasn't as fortunate.
"Greeting to you all, honored guests. I am your auctioneer on this auspicious day, we welcome you to this establishment." Though she didn't shout, her clear voice echoed through the large room. "This auction will have a grand total of seven items this time."
"Now then let us begin with our first object of interest. A rare plant specimen, yet many of you will have heard of it. It is well known for releasing its pollen and scent into the air, resulting in excitement and agitation. In other words, frenzy.
"Which also gives it one of its names, The Flower of Frenzy," she said with dramatic effect a hint of ominousness staining her words. As the object finally appeared to them all.
It was indeed a flower, one that would come up to a person's knee. It had several flowers, one much larger with the others, being sub-flowers. All of them were primarily white as snow, especially the smallest flower. Making the red stain-like parts all the more noticeable, like drops of blood on fabric.
Tang Yuan felt a chill run down his spine at the sight of it. Something about merely seeing it caused wariness. "The Flower of Frenzy, that thing makes me uncomfortable. Have I heard of that thing before now?"
"You likely have," his mother replied. The way she said it only further put him on edge. As he glanced at her, it was to find her gazing at the plant as if to destroy it merely with her gaze.
"That flower is also known as Bloody White, White Death Virgin, or the Red Death. There are many more names, it could be called as well. To think we would see one here," her words were grim as her gaze turned cold and calculating. Like a crocodile considering if it was worth it to strike.
Tang Yuan let out a breath at her words, he had heard of those names. "A flower that Spirit Hall actively seeks to hunt to extinction. Less it's affects be used once more." it was an incredibly dangerous plant to be sure.
This plant had earned many names and an infamous reputation. The plant's pollen and scent would have one of two effects. Both achieved through agitation of those who encountered it. Though the second effect had been kept vague by all sources, practically nothing on it.
Either they would be driven into a rage leading to battles with other affected beasts. What made it more dangerous was that it also boosted the effected individuals. Dulling pain, and increasing physical ability by a percentage.
That the affected beasts would attack those not affected was another danger. It could lead to large-scale slaughter in the area. In the past some used that plants pollen to invoke a beast tide as a weapon. Thus, the plant was hunted extensively.
He looked at his mother wondering if this one was to be destroyed. However, that might be difficult considering their company. After all, they had a certain flower/plant-obsessed man with them. He turned to said individual, and immediately said, "As expected."
Guan Yue looked at the flower with absolute adoration. His eyes almost seemed to be shining at the sight of it. "Such a beautiful dear, oh, it's absolutely divine. I must have it, no matter what; it must be mine," he turned to his comrades, his eyes shining especially towards Tang Nuan.
Tang Nuan felt the start of a headache at this new issue, honestly. Did they bring this plant out specifically to target Guan Yue? If so, they were extremely cunning and devious.
Now if she didn't handle this well, Guan Yue would be upset. Perhaps this was an attempt to destabilize him before the battle. She had no worries of him betraying them course, but this could be used.
What's worse was this is only the very first object they brought out. Honestly what else did they have that this was first? The thought was far more concerning than any other.