The atmosphere inside Liuyao Pavilion grew heavier as night crept further across the sky. Golden chandeliers cast their glow upon the spotless marble floor, while every corner of the hall was filled with hushed, eager whispers. Representatives of countless factions sat in their respective VIP rooms, eyes fixed upon the central stage.
The auctioneer's voice once again cut through the tense silence.
"Honored guests, the next item is the final one in tonight's auction," she announced, her tone deep and commanding, drawing every gaze back to the stage.
For a moment, the entire pavilion held its breath. Everyone knew the words to follow would carry weight far beyond mere numbers. Several glances darted toward Yu Tianlei's VIP room, as if testing whether the prince would react with strategy or with temper.
Yu Tianlei's hands tightened into fists, his composure barely masking the fire smoldering in his chest.
Beside him, a middle-aged man in golden robes placed a hand on his shoulder. His long black hair gleamed faintly, carrying with it the air of authority and experience.
"Do not be rash," the man said calmly, yet firmly. "Whoever sits in VIP room No.1 is not someone ordinary. Even with our background, it would be foolish not to first know our opponent."
Yu Tianlei gave a slow nod, swallowing the burning feeling inside. The elder's gaze sharpened as he added, voice laden with meaning,
"And as for Yao Yue… you need not be concerned. Since the day that girl left the dynasty, she has been nothing more than a weak little thing."
Yu Tianlei's brows furrowed slightly. "Elder, do you mean…"
"Second prince," the elder interrupted with a faint, knowing smile. "It seems you have forgotten someone."
The glint in his eyes carried more weight than words, and Yu Tianlei's expression shifted as understanding dawned.
On the main stage, a woman appeared, carrying a tray draped in crimson cloth. The very moment she stepped into view, a strange aura poured into the hall, making every neck crane instinctively, curiosity and unease mingling in their chests.
The auctioneer took the tray from her hands and placed it reverently upon the stage.
"I trust that our guests will bid honestly and refrain from disturbing the proceedings," she said.
Her tone was polite, yet held a subtle undercurrent — a warning hidden within courtesy.
The lower floor and the VIP rooms fell into silence. Some lowered their heads, others exchanged wary glances. Several elders from major powers frowned, sensing the danger coiled within the object.
The auctioneer slowly drew back the red cloth, revealing a shard of silver mirror. At first glance, it seemed ordinary — but the mysterious energy emanating from its surface made every heart tremble.
"This mirror has the power to drain a person's consciousness to death," the auctioneer cautioned. "Any who dare to probe it should beware."
Gasps rippled through the hall. Eyes in the VIP rooms widened. This was no ordinary fragment.
Those well-versed in the study of artifacts quickly recognized that this mirror was beyond Tier 9. Others, less knowledgeable, still felt its oppressive weight, a primal instinct warning them to keep their distance.
Murmurs began to swell on the lower floor.
In one of the VIP rooms, Jian Yunhe's gaze deepened. If he could obtain this item, his contribution points to his sect would skyrocket. Yet a question gnawed at him — would he have the strength to contend with the forces present tonight? His chest felt heavy, but the burning spark of curiosity refused to be extinguished.
All across the hall, young prodigies from various factions began to step out from their rooms, their auras alight with ambition.
In another VIP room, two young figures appeared. Both wore white robes; the girl's face was hidden beneath a thin white veil, while the man beside her stood straight-backed and solemn. They were the same pair who had once appeared at the tavern, asking after Yifan and Yun Xi. This time, they were not alone.
A third figure entered — a strikingly beautiful woman in a flowing deep-violet robe embroidered with fine silver threads. Her gaze swept over the two beside her, full of curiosity and quiet judgment.
The woman in violet spoke with a teasing lilt. "Jingxue, do you wish to claim this item for yourself? Or is it the young expert you mentioned who has caught your interest?"
The veiled girl, Jingxue, turned her head slightly, her voice soft but thoughtful. "Senior Sister Linghan, what do you think?"
Linghan's lips curved in a faint, knowing smile. "You seem far more interested in that handsome expert."
Jingxue's brows knitted briefly before her gaze returned to the shard of mirror. "As for that expert, I already have a guess where he might be."
"Oh? Could it be… in that VIP room?" Linghan's gaze slid toward VIP room No.1, lingering on the Pavilion Mistress of Liuyao Pavilion who was always seen there.
The auctioneer's voice rose once more.
"We do not know the name of this mirror. The information we have is extremely limited, but it is likely an artifact above Tier 9 — an Immortal-tier artifact. Though it is but a fragment, it is certainly no ordinary thing and may hold blessings none of us can predict."
"Because it is only a fragment, the starting price is fifty million Heavenly Stones. Each bid must increase by no less than fifty million."
"Fifty million Heavenly Stones!" someone shouted.
"One hundred million!"
"One hundred and fifty million!"
"Two hundred million!"
The bids echoed one after another, clearly coming from the VIP rooms.
"Three hundred million Heavenly Stones!" an old man's voice rang out suddenly.
A heavy hush fell over the lower floor, as if the very air had been sucked away, leaving the guests to swallow hard. All eyes turned toward the Yusheng Dynasty's VIP room — it was their elder who had spoken.
"Even an elder of the Yusheng Dynasty is bidding," someone whispered gravely.
"As expected. This treasure must be of immense importance."
"Will anyone dare to compete?" another voice asked, tone laced with tension.
"Six hundred million Heavenly Stones!"
The soft, clear voice belonged to Jingxue, raising the stakes once again.
The Yusheng Dynasty's elder turned toward the sound, his sharp gaze lingering on Jingxue and her companions. Curiosity flickered in his eyes, but he soon looked away, his attention shifting to the still-silent VIP room No.1.
Inside that room, Yifan remained calm, lazily eating fruit, his demeanor as relaxed as if the commotion outside had nothing to do with him.
Yao Yue's brows furrowed slightly as she watched him. Seeing no change in Yifan's expression, she let out a quiet sigh. To him, it was as though the artifact held no value at all. Perhaps because it was broken?
"Young Master…" Yun Xi spoke softly.
The girl in the flowing amethyst robe glanced at Yifan with meaningful eyes. She did not seem worried, though the artifact had clearly piqued some interest.
Even Xue Yao was staring at him, her curiosity plain.
Yifan cast a brief glance at the shard of mirror, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable weight. "It is indeed a fragment of an Immortal artifact — the Heavenly Veil Mirror."
The room fell silent. Yao Yue's eyes widened, as though she could hardly believe the name she had just heard. Yun Xi lowered her gaze slightly, respect flickering in her eyes.
Even Xue Yao, ever serene, felt her heartbeat quicken — a faint gleam flashing in her eyes as though some hidden chord within her had been struck.