"The lowest cultivation among the guards is at least seven layer Foundation Realm." Gui Sheng muttered, walking closer to Yuan with a side glance.
Although Yuan was in awe, upon hearing Gui Sheng words his expression slightly changed. "Old Gui, Do you know who was inside that carriage?"
"It's difficult to tell… and his cultivation is definitely far higher than mine. It's too difficult to even sense his presence."
Then he took a pause as if something flashed his mind. "Either way since we are in Imperial Capital I think it's better not to pry much."
Gui Sheng dismissed any further ideas on this discussion.
Even though, Xu Family was one of quite Influential families but Imperial Family was far leagues above them.
And knowing their dominating nature, even slight prying was like asking for trouble.
The moment they stepped inside, the noise of the street faded away, replaced by a calm, luxurious silence.
Attendants attending people, discussion and murmuring continuously erupting from the hall. An open arena-like stage in the centre of this Grand Hall with seats around it.
In all these, Yuan saw a figure with two guards behind, approaching and he instantly recognised him.
'Hong Yize… Why this bastard is here.'
Hong Yize, the third Young Master of Hong Family, Apart from Xu, Li and He Family, Hong Family was one of the four big families of Jin Yang City.
"Brother Yuan, What a surprise, meeting you here of all places." Hong Yize spoke leisurely, blocking his way from aside, a vicious smile tugged on his lips.
"Oh! Brother Yize," Yuan said with the fakest grin he could make. "I also didn't expect to see YOU here. Truly, what a… delightful surprise."
Actually their lovey-dovey relationship has always been like this, Xu Yuan likes to look down on Hong Yize, and Hong Yize likes to show superiority over Xu Yuan.
Of course Yuan had never lost, not even once, how can a mere third child of Hong Family who doesn't even have proper authority in the family can compare to him.
"Haih~" Hong Yize sighed, shaking his head dramatically. "I heard about your family crisis. My condolences, I hope it doesn't… affect your MENTAL HEALTH in any way.
You know, when these tragic things happen people often hurt their PRIDE and always end up suffering severe mental issues."
"Ah, brother, you're really so righteous!" Yuan replied, as if giving a sincere admiration. "Truly, only you deserve to be the next patriarch of Hong Family. Your mouth alone is enough to lead the whole family."
Hong Yize's lips twitched so hard but he kept his stretched smile. "Brother Yuan, what are you saying? How could I be Patriarch? I'm only the third child, how can I even compare my talent to an only heir like you."
Hiding his true expression Xu Yuan nodded seriously. "Oh—"
But before he could speak Ying'er coughed lightly, interrupting. "Ahem! I think the auction's about to start soon."
An annoyed expression clearly visible on his face, she had been standing there silently, waiting for the end of their conversion.
But these fools, what the hell are they even bragging about? She wanted to beat both of them right here, unfortunately she had to restrain herself at this place.
Meanwhile, Sun Tao and the lady attendant just sighed in disappointment. They had been enjoying their conversation but it ended so soon.
"Why don't you join us, Brother Yize? We've got seats upstairs." Xu Yuan said suddenly, with an indifferent expression.
How can he lose like this? This guy needs a good lesson.
"Oh, No, No, Brother Yuan. I wouldn't dare to trouble you," Hong Yize replied, hands raised in polite panic.
"It's fine, Brother Yize. We're brothers after all. What kind of brother would I be if I didn't share my seat with my sna— I mean, my sworn brother." Yuan said with a smile, the kind of smile that could make a demon sweat.
"Ahaha… then I shall humbly accept," Hong Yize glanced at Ying'er before saying, his teeth grinding slightly.
Before Long, they were led to the second floor through upstairs.
As they reached near a room, another graceful lady in dark purple attire greeted them with a bow and opened the door.
The moment the door creaked open, a smell of expensive tea filled the room.
A large window to look down the auction floor below, while a mirror-like artifact projected on the wall which shows the same view with perfect clarity, the soft silk-coated couch, beside a low table arranged with a steaming pot of rare tea and a platter of spiritual fruits.
"Hehe… It's a private-VIP room." Xu Yuan giggled inside, hiding his excitement behind a serious expression.
He stepped inside giving a side glance to Hong Ziyu with a smirk. It's all thanks to Ying'er with her wealth, today Yuan's future will definitely shine bright.
They all settled in their seats. Soon, the graceful lady politely picked the pot of steaming tea. She poured it carefully into porcelain cups, the aroma spreading softly. The lady filled their tea cups and excused herself quietly and closed the door behind her.
Gui Sheng sat in a side silk coated chair, his gaze turning toward the curtains at the window side, thinking to himself. "I hope they won't create much trouble today, there are several powerful figures attending this auction."
Then he took took a sip of his tea. "The aura I sensed earlier from those side rooms… it was far beyond the Foundation Realm. And not to mention, there are likely hidden experts among the crowd... it could become troublesome.
The room grew quiet for a moment. Xu Yuan and Hong Ziye stood near the window watching cultivators like ants gathering on their seats.
Hong Ziye took a sip of tea in strange thoughts. "A VIP room is surely good…
Hmph! This bastard thinks he can afford this, if it's not for Zhao's daughter, he will be sitting in that ant crowd.
Heh! Either way, coming here is not a bad decision at all. If I bid from a VIP room the competitors definitely will be less and chances of winning will increase."
While Xu Yuan just strolled his eyes from the window as if looking for someone. His mind wondered about the person who just contributed him lots of Admiration Points at entrance. But at least three things were definitely clear.
First, there is someone who admired him, he must have been enchanted by his peerless beauty or charm or maybe impressed by his intelligence in some way.
Second, If it's someone from a powerful family like the Imperial Family, he could only be in one of these VIP chambers.
And lastly that guy is definitely not a good person since he got one full Admiration Point.