Chapter 55: The Auction House Encounter
As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City's streets were spacious and clean, lined with shops, and teeming with an endless stream of people.
Chen Sheng and the two girls first found a restaurant for lunch, then strolled through the streets, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the heart of Heaven Dou City.
"Brother Sheng, look! A clothing shop!"
Xiao Wu pointed excitedly at an elegant storefront with beautiful dresses displayed in the windows.
The sign read "Elegant Moon Boutique" in flowing golden letters.
"Let's go in and take a look," Chen Sheng suggested.
The three of them entered the shop. A middle-aged lady with kind eyes and refined appearance welcomed them with a warm smile.
"Welcome, young master and young ladies! How may I help you today?" She bowed slightly, her professional demeanor evident.
Chen Sheng gestured to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing. "Please help them find some nice quality outfits. Money is no object—just show us your best pieces."
The shopkeeper's eyes lit up. "Of course, young master! Please, this way."
She led them deeper into the shop, where the finest garments were displayed. Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled as she looked at a beautiful pink and white dress with delicate embroidery.
"This one would suit the young lady perfectly," the shopkeeper said, noticing Xiao Wu's interest. "It's made from Cloud Silk, very comfortable and elegant."
"Try it on," Chen Sheng encouraged.
Xiao Wu blushed slightly but nodded, taking the dress into the changing room.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing was drawn to a more subdued but equally elegant black dress with silver accents.
"That one matches your temperament perfectly," the shopkeeper said. "And this purple one here would also complement your figure beautifully."
When Xiao Wu emerged from the changing room, Chen Sheng's eyes widened slightly. The dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her youthful beauty while maintaining an air of innocence.
"You look beautiful," he said sincerely.
Xiao Wu spun around, the skirt flowing gracefully. "Really? You're not just saying like that?"
"Really," Chen Sheng confirmed.
Zhu Zhuqing also tried on her selected dresses. Each one made her look even more stunning than before, her natural elegant figure enhanced by the fine craftsmanship.
"We'll take all of these," Chen Sheng said, pointing to the dresses both girls had tried on, plus several more the shopkeeper recommended.
The shopkeeper's professional smile widened genuinely. "Excellent choice, young master! Let me package these for you."
After some calculations, the total came to twenty five gold coins.
Chen Sheng paid without hesitation, making both girls protest.
"Brother Sheng, this is too much!" Xiao Wu said.
"You deserve it," Chen Sheng replied simply. "Besides, I want to see you both in beautiful clothes."
[DETECTED! Xiao Wu's Emotion (Happiness, Gratitude, Love) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Zhu Zhuqing's Emotion (Warmth, Appreciation, Deep Affection) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
Both girls hugged his arms tightly as they left the shop, their faces glowing with happiness.
"Thank you, Brother Sheng," Zhu Zhuqing whispered.
Chen Sheng smiled. "Let's go. We'll check out the Heaven Dou Auction House next."
The three of them walked together toward the Heaven Dou Auction House, the girls still wearing their new dresses.
---
The Heaven Dou Auction House was enormous. The half-sphere resting on the ground was almost five hundred meters in diameter, and its highest point exceeded eighty meters, making it not much smaller than the Great Spirit Arena.
The auction house's main entrance was also semicircular, matching the overall architecture, both appearing milky white and gleaming in the afternoon sun.
Three tall young women stood in front of the door, carefully selected for their appearance and figure. They were around twenty years old, wearing long, form-fitting dresses that perfectly accentuated their graceful curves.
Upon seeing Chen Sheng, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing approach, one of the women stepped forward with a professional smile and bowed slightly. "Honored guests, is there anything we can help you with?"
Chen Sheng said, "We'd like to participate in the auction."
The young woman smiled politely. "Guests, may I ask if you have bidding qualification certification?"
Chen Sheng asked, "What is bidding qualification certification?"
The young woman explained, "Only guests with bidding qualification certification are allowed to enter the auction house. Qualification certification is divided into several levels, with the entry-level requiring proof of assets of ten thousand gold spirit coins. This is a necessary measure to prevent malicious bidding, and we ask for your understanding."
Chen Sheng took out a black card and showed it to her. "Will this work?"
The young woman's eyes widened slightly when she saw the black card. To obtain such a card, one needed to deposit at least one million gold spirit coins. Given Chen Sheng's apparent age, she immediately assumed he was a junior from some powerful noble family.
"Of course, honored guest! Please follow me." She bowed more deeply this time, then led them into the auction house with quick, graceful steps.
As they walked, the young woman explained, "Our auctions run twenty-four hours a day. You just need to complete the registration procedures first, and then you can participate in bidding."
The procedures were simple: creating an account linked to a gold spirit coin card, ensuring that bids could not exceed the available balance.
After completing the procedures, the young woman led them to the auction center on the second floor.
"Before entering the auction hall, please wear these masks. This is for the safety of our clients." She handed them three white masks.
Chen Sheng, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu put on their masks and entered the auction center. The young woman then turned and left, as there were specialized reception staff inside.
Compared to the woman who led them, the reception staff in the auction center were dressed much more provocatively. Their white short skirts barely covered anything, revealing smooth thighs, deep cleavage, and prominent curves designed to stir the imagination.
Chen Sheng had only glanced briefly when he felt both Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing's eyes on him.
"Does it look good?" Zhu Zhuqing asked with a slight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Brother Sheng, are you looking at those women?" Xiao Wu's tone was sweet but carried a hint of danger.
[DETECTED! Xiao Wu's Emotion (Jealousy, Possessiveness) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
[DETECTED! Zhu Zhuqing's Emotion (Jealousy, Slight Annoyance) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
"They are far inferior to you two," Chen Sheng said smoothly, putting his arms around both girls' waists and pulling them closer. "How could they compare to my beautiful companions?"
Both girls relaxed slightly at his words, though they still kept a watchful eye on him.
The auction center felt like a grand auditorium, with a circular stage in the center and radiating rings of seats around it. These seats were arranged in five colors from inside to outside: red, black, purple, yellow, and white, based on the colors of spirit rings.
The red area was exclusively for red VIPs—those with proof of assets of a million gold coins AND noble status.
Chen Sheng had over a million gold coins, but because he lacked noble status, he was classified as a black VIP.
Led by a receptionist, they walked toward the black area. As they passed through the white area, Chen Sheng spotted a familiar figure: Tang San, sitting alone and wearing a mask.
Despite the mask, Chen Sheng recognized him instantly by his posture and distinctive clothing.
Tang San also noticed them. When his gaze fell on Xiao Wu nestled close to Chen Sheng's side, his hand clenched involuntarily on the armrest.
His eyes, visible through the mask's eyeholes, darkened with suppressed emotion. Seeing Xiao Wu so intimately close to Chen Sheng, laughing and smiling at him, stirred something dark and violent in Tang San's heart.
She should be with me, he thought bitterly. I'm the one who cared for her all these years. I'm the one who protected her. But she chose him instead.
The jealousy burned like poison in his veins. In that moment, Tang San made a cold decision deep in his heart: One day, I will kill Chen Sheng. I will take back everything he's stolen from me.
[DETECTED! Tang San's Emotion (Intense Jealousy, Hatred, Murderous Intent) Congratulations to Host! Treasure Chest acquired!]
Chen Sheng smiled slightly, sensing the emotional reaction, and deliberately pulled Xiao Wu even closer, making their intimacy more obvious.
"Tang San, I didn't expect to run into you here," Chen Sheng said casually.
Tang San forced his expression to calm, pushing down the dark emotions. "Brother Sheng. What a coincidence."
Xiao Wu looked surprised. "Brother San, why are you at the auction house too?"
Tang San smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I just happened to be passing by and came in to take a look. What about you?"
Xiao Wu replied happily, "We asked Brother Sheng to take us out to eat, and when we saw the auction house, we came to look around!"
Chen Sheng then told the receptionist beside them, "We'll sit here."
He gestured to seats directly across from Tang San, ensuring they would remain in his line of sight.
The receptionist bowed and left with a hint of regret in her eyes—clearly disappointed she couldn't spend more time near such a wealthy young man.
Xiao Wu grumbled quietly, "Snobs! Dressed so provocatively, just to seduce rich men. What's the point of having such big..." She glanced down at her own developing chest and frowned.
"All the receptionists here are like this; it's not specifically aimed at anyone," a gentle voice came from nearby.
Chen Sheng and the others turned to see a refined-looking middle-aged man in white robes smiling and nodding at them. His aura was calm and scholarly, carrying natural authority.
Behind him stood an elder in a snow-white robe, with white hair and beard, yet a face as smooth as a baby's. His expression was indifferent, and he exuded an aura of supreme power—clearly a peak expert.
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin, these two are here. Chen Sheng thought but not reveal himself.
Xiao Wu couldn't help but ask, "Why are they all dressed like that?"
Ning Fengzhi explained kindly, "These receptionists were bought by the auction house when they were very young and trained since childhood. Everything about them belongs to the auction house, including their lives. If someone is willing to pay enough, they can be bought and sold."
Tang San frowned. "Then aren't they just slaves? Don't the two great empires prohibit the buying and selling of slaves?"
Chen Sheng said indifferently, "There's a lot of darkness in this world you can't imagine. So-called rules only apply to ordinary commoners and don't restrict nobles and the powerful."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "While your words are somewhat extreme, young friend, they're not wrong. The Heaven Dou Auction House has nothing it dares not sell. These receptionists cannot control their own destinies; all they can do is obey. Though beautiful in appearance, they lack their own souls. I can only describe their situation as tragic."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu felt sympathy for the receptionists and asked, "How much do they cost per person?"
Ning Fengzhi saw through her thoughts immediately and smiled gently. "Are you thinking of buying them and then giving them freedom? That would only be another tragedy."
Xiao Wu asked, puzzled, "Why?"
"Aside from serving men, they have no survival skills. With their looks, they would still end up in men's arms, and their fate might even be more tragic. Moreover, each of them costs as much as one hundred thousand gold spirit coins. How many can you afford to save?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu's mood became somber.
Ning Fengzhi didn't want to dwell on the depressing topic and changed the subject.
Just then, the host's booming voice from the auction stage resonated through the hall: "Next, we will be auctioning an invaluable treasure. All male VIPs, please pay attention!"
As he spoke, three burly men pushed over a cart with a large iron cage covered by a red cloth.
The host said mysteriously, "Everyone must be curious about what's inside, right? Let me first reveal the starting bid for this item: one hundred thousand gold spirit coins, with each increase not less than ten thousand gold spirit coins."
As a host, his methods for building anticipation were masterful. Chen Sheng and the others stopped talking and looked toward the auction stage.
"Now, please look closely, esteemed guests!" The host ripped off the red cloth.
Inside the iron cage, a young girl was curled up, trembling. Most of her body was exposed, her clothing barely covering anything. Her figure was almost perfect, but what was most striking were her pointed, cat-like ears and a white fluffy cat tail.
"As you can see, this is a rare cat girl! She underwent a mutation during her spirit awakening, acquiring these feline characteristics. Just imagine what it would be like to..." The host's voice took on a lewd tone, making suggestive gestures that drew excited murmurs from male bidders.
"These bastards! Selling people like pets!" Xiao Wu couldn't help but want to jump up, but Chen Sheng held her back gently.
"Brother Sheng, I want to help her," Zhu Zhuqing said softly, her eyes filled with compassion as she looked at the frightened cat girl.
Chen Sheng nodded and pressed the ten-thousand-coin bid button.
"One hundred and ten thousand! A white VIP has bid one hundred and ten thousand gold spirit coins!" the host announced.
But bids came in rapidly, the price quickly climbing to one hundred and seventy thousand. Chen Sheng pressed the button again.
"One hundred and eighty thousand!"
"One hundred and ninety thousand!"
"Two hundred thousand!" Chen Sheng bid again.
"Two hundred thousand! A black VIP has bid two hundred thousand gold spirit coins!" the host exclaimed excitedly.
"I want to see who dares to compete with me!"
An angry voice erupted from the red area. A prince turned around, scanning the black section with fury evident even behind his mask.
Chen Sheng recognized him immediately: Prince Xue Xing.
When Prince Xue Xing's gaze swept over them, Ning Fengzhi stood up politely, smiled, and nodded at the prince.
At the same time, he whispered to Chen Sheng, "This Prince holds a high position and great power, and he is extremely vengeful. If you offend him, it might bring considerable trouble."
"There's no one in the entire Heaven Dou Empire I wouldn't dare provoke," Chen Sheng said calmly, his tone carrying absolute confidence.
Prince Xue Xing's expression faltered when he saw Ning Fengzhi, and gasps of surprise rose from those who recognized the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Master.
"The auction house has its rules. May we continue?" Ning Fengzhi's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying gentle but undeniable authority.
The host's face stiffened slightly, then he said with forced cheer, "Yes, of course! Are there any higher bids? Two hundred thousand gold spirit coins going once..."
"Three hundred thousand!" Prince Xue Xing's voice rang out, dripping with anger.
"Four hundred thousand," Chen Sheng said calmly, not even looking in the prince's direction.
Prince Xue Xing was about to raise his bid again when suddenly his mind went blank. An overwhelming mental pressure descended on his consciousness, and his hand froze in mid-air.
Chen Sheng had activated his mind ability with Divine Origin-level spiritual power, directly controlling Prince Xue Xing's mind for just a moment—just long enough to prevent him from bidding.
"Four hundred thousand going once! Four hundred thousand going twice! Four hundred thousand gold spirit coins, third call! Sold!" The host announced the successful auction.
Chen Sheng released his mind control. Prince Xue Xing's head suddenly felt dizzy and confused. What... what just happened? Why didn't I bid?
The huge iron cage was pushed away toward the delivery area.
An old man hurried onto the stage and whispered something into the host's ear. The host nodded repeatedly.
Ning Fengzhi smiled helplessly. "These people are going to try and present low-value items now, hoping I'll pay premium prices for them. It happens every time I come. Such a waste of effort."
Chen Sheng chuckled. "After I bid, even Prince Xue Xing didn't dare continue raising the price."
"You have interesting methods, young friend," Ning Fengzhi said with a knowing smile. "I didn't see what you did, but I suspect it was quite impressive."
"I have my ways," Chen Sheng said vaguely.
"Although I didn't buy anything to my liking, meeting you all makes this trip worthwhile. Let's just see the last auction item, and then it's time to leave," Ning Fengzhi said.
Soon, the next auction item was brought up. This time, it was very small, not even as big as a palm.
On the auction stage, the host introduced it: "The next auction item is an exquisite hidden weapon that can instantly fire thirty-six steel needles. Within a fifteen-meter range, it can penetrate a one-centimeter steel plate and is coated with a paralyzing toxin. It can fire a total of three times and serves as an excellent self-defense weapon. The starting bid is one thousand gold spirit coins!"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up with interest. Although it's not as powerful as the weapon my clan received from Xiao Sheng but still have certain attack power.
He directly pressed the bidding button, selecting ten thousand gold spirit coins in one go.
"Uncle, did you press the wrong button?" Xiao Wu couldn't help but ask. The starting bid was only one thousand.
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "After I make my bid, I doubt anyone else will increase the price. I can't let the creator suffer a loss."
Indeed, just as he predicted, no one competed with him, and the host announced the successful auction.
"We're leaving now. Are you continuing?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
"No," Tang San shook his head, standing up to follow them.
"Let's go too and see what we bought," Chen Sheng said to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Mm," they both nodded. They had only intended to look around, but now they'd actually purchased something—a living person, no less.
As the group walked out of the center, a young woman in a silver dress immediately approached them. "Distinguished guests, please follow me."
Led by the silver-dressed woman, they arrived at a luxurious VIP room. The space was elegantly furnished with comfortable leather sofas, and exquisite fruits were arranged on a round glass table.
Xiao Wu immediately jumped onto a sofa, reached for a fruit, and took a bite. "It's very sweet! Tastes good. Do you want some?"
"No need," Zhu Zhuqing shook her head slightly.
A short while later, the cat girl Chen Sheng had bought and the hidden weapon Ning Fengzhi had purchased were both delivered.
"Zhuqing, have you thought about what to do with her?" Chen Sheng asked.
"I just wanted to help her. As for how to settle her, I haven't thought about it," Zhu Zhuqing admitted with some embarrassment.
"If we just give her freedom, she'll probably end up back on the auction block before long. Let's take her back first and then figure out how to settle her," Chen Sheng suggested.
"Mm," Zhu Zhuqing nodded.
"Please settle my bill," Chen Sheng took out his black card and handed it to the silver-dressed woman.
Then he walked to the iron cage, opened it, and said gently to the cat girl, "You heard what we just said. Don't be afraid. We won't hurt you."
The cat girl timidly emerged from the cage. Her clothes were so scanty that she could only use her hands to cover her exposed skin, her cat ears flattened against her head in fear.
"Put this on first." Chen Sheng removed his outer jacket and tossed it to her.
After putting it on, the cat girl stood timidly in front of Chen Sheng, head bowed, not daring to look at him. Her white tail curled protectively around her legs.
"What's your name?" Chen Sheng asked kindly.
"I... my name is... Huo Miao," the cat girl said weakly.
"Huo Miao. That's a good name," Chen Sheng said. "From now on, you're under our protection."
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi took out a red card and handed it to the silver-dressed woman, then turned to Tang San. "Since this weapon seems to be of your design style, could you teach me how to use it?"
Tang San nodded. "Of course."
He briefly introduced the usage of the hidden weapon to Ning Fengzhi. It wasn't complicated, and the Sect Master quickly learned it.
Ning Fengzhi put away the weapon with satisfaction and smiled. "Although it's a bit presumptuous, I still want to ask—which family are you from?"
Tang San shook his head. "We are not from any family. We are still students."
"Students?" Ning Fengzhi was stunned. "But your spirit power levels are so high for your age. You and these young people—your spirit power has exceeded level thirty-five, and that young lady in black has reached level forty-eight. Haven't you graduated yet?"
Tang San said with some surprise, "You can see our spirit power levels?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "I have a spirit ability that can detect a Spirit Master's level. You are, at most, seventeen or eighteen years old. I really can't think of any family that could cultivate such outstanding disciples as yourselves."
Tang San said, "We really don't have a family backing. You spent ten thousand gold spirit coins to buy my hidden weapon, so I can't let you suffer a loss. I'll give you this too."
He removed the Silent Sleeve Arrow from his arm and introduced its usage to Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi examined it carefully and noticed two small characters engraved on it. "Tang Sect? Was this weapon made by the Tang Sect? Why have I never heard of such a sect?"
Tang San explained, "The Tang Sect is a sect I plan to establish in the future. Currently, it's just an idea, so you naturally haven't heard of it."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up with understanding. "So, these weapons were made by you?"
Tang San didn't hide it and nodded.
Ning Fengzhi quickly pondered, then said, "I wonder if these weapons can be mass-produced? If so, I hope to purchase them from you in large quantities."
Tang San said with some surprise, "You want to buy them in large quantities?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "If you're interested, I can take you to my sect to discuss details."
Tang San shook his head. "Thank you for your kindness, but we have other commitments right now. Perhaps we'll meet again if fate allows."
Ning Fengzhi smiled understandingly. "You're right. We will definitely meet again. It was a pleasure meeting you all."
After speaking, Chen Sheng stood up with the three girls and Huo Miao, preparing to leave.
Tang San quickly followed them out.
---