If Xu Zihuang could have heard the thoughts in E'cheng's heart at that moment, he would probably have been disgusted even to have spared him a second glance earlier.
Truly degrading.
Just a frog at the bottom of the well, hiding away in the Yuenan Archipelago.
With E'luo withdrawing from the bidding, the head soul bone of the nine-thousand-year Demon Soul Great White Shark was smoothly taken by Jing Gu. Yet even though he succeeded in winning it, a shadow still hung over his heart.
After all, he had thoroughly offended E'luo.
From the top VIP room, Xu Zihuang and the others saw E'luo and E'cheng's changing expressions clearly. Yaoyang frowned, then suddenly said to Xu Zihuang and Wang Xiao:
"Zihuang, Uncle Wang. To avoid any mishaps, I'll personally handle the handover of the soul bone with Jing Gu. In a while, I'll have Yao'er bring over the Demon Soul Great White Shark head oils. Zihuang, you can also directly tell her what kinds of rare metals you need for your soul tool studies—she'll help you arrange them."
"Alright, Brother Yang, go ahead with your work."
"If you need help, just tell me," Wang Xiao added, patting Yaoyang's shoulder before he left the room.
Yaoyang gave a moved nod, then walked down the VIP passage toward the auction hall. Between the two, there was no need for polite words.
With the auction concluded, everything was settled. The bidders departed in succession, while those who had won items were guided by the Yuexu Auction House staff to complete the handover.
Fifty Yuexu City guards stood in formation at both sides of the stage, while under their protection, Zhu Yao solemnly placed the metal box containing the Demon Soul Great White Shark head soul bone into a bracelet-shaped storage soul tool.
Although the auction was over, the handover was equally critical and could not be careless.
Just then, steady footsteps sounded, drawing closer, until Yaoyang's figure appeared at the dimly lit passage.
"Pay respects to the City Lord!"
At the sight of him, the fifty Yuexu City guards dropped to one knee, the clang of their armored salute ringing out.
Yaoyang waved his right hand lightly, signaling them to rise, wearing again the dignified air of the City Lord before outsiders. But when he reached Zhu Yao and met her reproachful gaze, a trace of indulgence and helplessness softened his eyes.
"Our City Lord has finished his official talks? How come he still has the leisure to come here?" Zhu Yao teased, feigning surprise, her red lips curving.
Ignoring her jibe, Yaoyang directly stated his purpose.
"Yao'er, give me the soul bone. I'll personally handle the handover with Jing Gu. You take the Demon Soul Great White Shark oils to Zihuang, and help him prepare the rare metals he'll need for soul tool crafting."
"Always ordering me around." Zhu Yao shot him an annoyed look, but still obediently took out the soul bone from her soul tool and handed it to him.
A warmth stirred in her heart despite herself.
So you do care for me, after all.
The five pirate groups had never been on harmonious terms with them.
—
In a secluded room of the Yuexu Auction House, Jing Gu sat shirtless on a sofa, eyes closed as if resting. But his twitching brow betrayed his unease.
The faint sound of the door opening made his eyes snap open, full of vigilance. At the sight of Yaoyang, dressed in luxurious silver-white soul master robes like a refined gentleman, surprise flashed in his gaze.
"The Viscount of Yuenan himself, coming for the handover—this is truly an honor."
"No need for courtesy, Leader Jing Gu." Yaoyang smiled faintly, wasting no time on pleasantries. With a flash of white light, the metal box containing the nine-thousand-year Demon Soul Great White Shark head soul bone appeared in his right hand.
"Business comes first. I wonder if Leader Jing Gu has the funds prepared?"
"Of course." Jing Gu's eyes locked on the box in Yaoyang's hand, his voice trembling slightly with excitement. At such close range, facing the soul bone that was about to become his, he could no longer conceal the fervor in his heart.
Not everyone was born into privilege like Xu Zihuang. For soul masters who had risen from common origins, obtaining a soul bone was an unattainable dream. What Xu Zihuang dismissed as "ordinary" was, to Jing Gu, a priceless treasure.
In the nearly hundred-year history of the Yuenan Archipelago, this was the only soul bone ever to appear at the Yuexu Auction House.
Drawing from his soul tool, he produced a gleaming purple-gold card and tossed it to Yaoyang with flourish.
"Leader Jing Gu is truly forthright." Yaoyang admired the soul crystal card, its value set at two million gold soul coins, and placed the metal box on the table before Jing Gu.
Eagerly, Jing Gu flipped the lid open. The lustrous, faintly silver-glowing bone made his eyes shine with intoxication.
After carefully inspecting it and finding no flaws, he stored it into his soul tool and nodded toward Yaoyang.
"The Viscount of Yuenan's reputation is well-earned. Since the handover is complete, I'll take my leave."
"Safe travels, Leader Jing Gu." Hands clasped behind his back, Yaoyang watched him go, then added with a shift in tone:
"Though Leader Jing Gu, you'd best be cautious on your way back. You are not the only one interested in this soul bone."
At these words, Jing Gu froze, then turned to meet Yaoyang's gaze.
"My thanks for the warning, Viscount of Yuenan."
On the surface, the five pirate groups appeared united. In reality, suspicion and rivalry simmered between them. There were no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.
The Yuenan Archipelago was not what it had been ten years ago. Having risen from commoner to his current station, Jing Gu was no fool.
But he didn't take Yaoyang's words too seriously. Even if E'luo coveted the bone, would he dare rob him? Though his soul power rank was lower, both were Soul Sages—E'luo couldn't suppress him so easily.