Jun Lin Inn, Lotus Pavilion
A delicate courtyard floated like a lotus bloom upon a tranquil lake, its elegance serene and breezy. Crystal-clear waters revealed a miniature ecosystem below—vibrant fish darting among colorful corals, a mesmerizing display.
Yet, all paled beside the figure seated within the pavilion. Lan An's gaze lingered, entranced by Qin Meng Ying's graceful silhouette. Despite her marred visage, an ethereal aura enveloped her, as if she could draw souls into her orbit.
Inhaling deeply to steady himself, Lan An approached with measured steps. The waiter, ever tactful, bowed and withdrew.
Sensing his presence, Qin Meng Ying brushed aside her glossy black hair, turning to face him.
"Oh?"
Her lips parted in surprise. Before her stood a youth in flowing white robes that hugged his lean, toned frame. His unbound hair danced in the breeze, his chiseled face framed by a silver eye gleaming with a crescent moon's mystique. His left eye, a void-like abyss, lent him a desolate allure that captivated her.
A flicker of astonishment crossed her eyes as she rose gracefully to greet him.
Lan An, in turn, studied her up close. Her face remained as he remembered—unlovely—yet her figure exuded a fragrance like a proud rose in bloom, intoxicating and regal.
He admired her courtesy in rising to meet him. A Void Refining powerhouse, equal to clan patriarchs like Lan Po Lei, yet she treated a mere Golden Core youth with such grace. Her heart was as vast as the heavens.
What a remarkable woman, he thought.
"Please, sit," Qin Meng Ying said, gesturing to a small stone table.
Her voice flowed like a gentle stream, laced with a trace of dao charm that startled Lan An.
Worthy of a Void Refining expert—every word and gesture carries the weight of the dao, he marveled inwardly, maintaining a calm exterior as he sat.
Looking at her directly, he asked, "What brings the mistress of Jun Lin Inn to summon me?"
"No need for formality. Call me Meng Ying," she said warmly. "And you, Young Master?"
"I'm Lan An. Meng Ying, you may call me Xiao Nan," he replied, matching her courtesy with a genial smile.
A ripple of doubt stirred in Qin Meng Ying's heart. No Lan Clan existed within ten thousand miles of southern Bing Tian Frost Continent. Was he lying? Yet, as a Void Refining cultivator, her senses were keen—he spoke the truth.
Dismissing her suspicions, she spoke softly. "I sought you out because you stand apart from others I've met. I wish to befriend you, Xiao Nan."
"Befriend me?" Lan An blinked, surprised. With her status, suitors for her friendship likely begged at her door.
Reading his confusion, she brushed her hair aside, her voice sincere. "I love forging bonds across the realm. I built this inn not for profit, but to weave connections far and wide. Yet, most friends I find are women. Men scorn my appearance, but you… you're different."
Lan An nodded, understanding her plight. On this continent, female cultivators, nourished by spiritual energy, were often radiant, their impurities purged. Women like Qin Meng Ying, marked by plainness, were rare and oft-maligned. His Earth-born perspective, having seen all manner of hearts and faces, kept him from judging her looks.
He sensed her desire for a true friend, an equal, not a sycophant cowering before her might. A pang of sympathy stirred within him.
Extending his hand, he smiled warmly. "I'd be honored to be your friend, Meng Ying."
Her wide lips curved into a radiant smile. "Agreed."
She clasped his hand, her touch cool, soft, and fragrant. Lan An was loath to let go, but, viewing her as a true friend, he banished stray thoughts.
They exchanged smiles, releasing hands.
"You're new to Ling Wu City, aren't you, Xiao Nan?" Qin Meng Ying asked casually.
Lan An nodded. "I'm a rogue cultivator, unbound by sect or clan, passing through Ling Wu City."
"How long will you stay?" she asked, a hint of regret in her tone.
"Until Duo Bao Pavilion's auction ends," Lan An replied frankly.
"Oh, you're attending the auction? Let's go together!" Her eyes brightened, her smile warm.
"Sounds good," Lan An agreed.
"This auction is grand," she said, a playful lament in her voice. "Rare treasures abound, even Heaven-Grade items, I hear. Without deep pockets, competing will be tough."
"Heaven-Grade items, truly?" Lan An's heart raced. Heaven-Grade treasures were clan-defining, like the Lan Clan's Lan Moon Frost Scripture. His System had granted only one such item—the White Moon Soul-Seizing Eye—its power beyond question.
He couldn't fathom anyone selling a Heaven-Grade treasure.
"It's true," Qin Meng Ying confirmed. "Every three years, Duo Bao Pavilion hosts a major auction in southern Bing Tian Frost Continent, choosing a city at random. This time, it's our Ling Wu City."
"Ling Wu City's about to get lively," Lan An said, his tone grave, foreseeing a storm of powers.
"Indeed, heroes will converge—sects and clans from the south will flock for the auction," she said, chuckling. "My inn might burst at the seams."
"Duo Bao Pavilion's wealth is staggering," Lan An remarked, awed by their influence over the southern powers.
"Of course," Qin Meng Ying agreed. "They hold auctions across the continent's east, west, and north, too, just at different times."
"You're quite the scholar, Meng Ying," Lan An teased, his eyes glinting.
"Haha, I just eavesdrop on my guests' tales," she laughed, unabashed.
Leaving her pavilion, Lan An tallied his spirit stones. Selling beast corpses and the Ice Slaughter Sword had enriched him, but it was a pittance for the auction, especially for Heaven-Grade treasures.
With half a month until the event, he shook his head wryly. Compared to great factions, he was dirt-poor. Even a Han Clan junior like Han Qing wielded an Earth-Grade Ice Slaughter Sword casually—whole clans were another league.
"Young Master!" Chen Jiang's eager voice rang out, the youth rushing over with a small pouch.
A storage bag, less potent than his Black Skull Ring but still spatially endowed.
Lan An probed the bag's contents—a small room filled with ornate furniture: tables, chairs, a bed with plush bedding, mirrors, all crafted from rare wood, etched with exquisite patterns.
"Well done. Cost?" Lan An asked, nodding.
"Nineteen Upper-Grade Spirit Stones, all top-tier, fit for the City Lord's manor," Chen Jiang boasted, thumping his chest.
"Keep the rest," Lan An said. "I hear Ling Wu City offers mercenary tasks for spirit stones?"
"Planning to earn for the auction?" Chen Jiang grinned, sharp as ever. The auction was common knowledge.
Lan An nodded.
"For quick spirit stones, there's a perfect place," Chen Jiang said, eyes glinting.
"Spit it out," Lan An said impatiently.
"The Beast Arena, Young Master," Chen Jiang said, his tone unusually grave.
"Oh? Tell me more," Lan An said, intrigued.
"Run by the City Lord's manor, it houses ferocious beasts. Defeat one of your tier or higher, and you earn hefty spirit stones. Spectators bet, and confident challengers can wager on themselves. Payouts vary by tier and beast," Chen Jiang explained.
"Fascinating. Take me there," Lan An said, his lips curling with excitement. He'd planned to train in Shan Mu Forest, but the Beast Arena offered practice, spirit stones, and Prestige Points—a triple win.
"No problem!" Chen Jiang thumped his chest, leading the way.