The northern mountain trail coiled like a great serpent, winding deeper into wild terrain. The trees grew ever thicker, their branches interlacing to form a vaulted canopy that swallowed the daylight, reducing the world to shadows tinted with moss-green gloom.
They had barely walked an hour before the forest stirred.
RUSTLE—
Bushes shuddered. A shadow blurred through the undergrowth.
A two-tailed Iron-Fang Lynx landed atop a stone outcrop, silver fur gleaming like tempered steel. Its twin tails lashed the air, and its eyes burned with bestial killing intent.
Jìn Bǎo flinched so hard, nearly tripping over his own feet.
"W–What grade is that?!"
Yu Lianyan stepped forward, rolling her shoulders, joints crackling like grinding jade.
"Not high enough to be worth remembering."
The lynx roared and leapt, claws flashing like metal daggers.
A flash of crimson light tore through the air—
Yu Lianyan's fist, wreathed in the searing petals of Flame Lotus Energy, struck the lynx's jaw.
BOOM!
The beast was flung ten meters, smashing through a tree before tumbling to a halt, stopped moving forever.
Jìn Bǎo gawked.
The fiery twin flipped her hair, a self-satisfied smile curling her lips.
Yu Lianxue walked past, her tone cold but gentle in its own way. "Stay alert. More are coming."
Almost on cue, the ground trembled.
A pack of four horned boars burst through the undergrowth.
This time, Chu Feng moved.
He stepped forward, runes flashing faintly under his feet, and drew his sword.
Black and white energy spiralled down the blade.
One step.One slash.
SPLASH—
A line of light swept across the boars.
They collapsed in silence.
Jìn Bǎo whistled loudly." Handsome."
Chu Feng didn't spare a glance, already moving toward the next threat.
Yu Lianyan snorted. "Don't just stand there."
"Oh!" Jìn Bǎo muttered, scrambling forward. He brandished a handful of talismans, sending them flying in arcs of flame, ice, and wind, exploding outward to shatter the approaching beasts.
Still, he thumped his chest with pride. No bags this time—every item neatly stored in his new space ring, which gleamed on his finger like a badge of honour.
He made certain everyone could see it.
From then on, they encountered one beast after another, fighting nonstop and leaving trails of blood behind them. After each kill, Jìn Bǎo dutifully stored the carcass in his space ring, humming happily to himself.
Two days later, after finishing off a pack of gale wolves, they found a cave sheltered by stone outcroppings. They decided to rest there. Chu Feng was roasting meat over a small fire, the aroma filling the space.
After they ate, Yu Lianxue unfolded the map."We should arrive at Red Pine Town tomorrow afternoon," she said. "Let's rest here for the night and set out in the morning. Once we get there, we can find a place to stay and pick up any supplies we need before continuing our journey."
Arrival at Red Pine Town
By late afternoon the next day, the dense forest gave way to open plains, revealing a large town nestled beside a river. Lanterns hung from tall poles, and merchants yelled from every corner. It was lively, messy, and noisy — everything the sect was not.
Yu Lianxue pulled her cloak tighter. "This is Red Pine Town. A major rest point for cultivators."
Jìn Bǎo inhaled deeply, as if smelling treasure itself. "Ahhh… the scent of business opportunities!"
Chu Feng shot him a side-eye.
Yu Lianyan slapped him on the back. "With your 'wisdom,' we might all become beggars."
Jìn Bǎo nearly coughed out his soul.
As they entered the town, they immediately heard bustling discussion.
"Have you heard? The Red Pine Auction House is hosting a rare event tonight!"
"Big clans are already arriving!"
"I heard a Treasure Pavilion item will be up for bidding!"
Chu Feng stopped walking.
Auction…
The word carried a strangely familiar warmth.
His clan had held many auctions, and he had grown up hearing the clamour of bids, the excitement over rare items, and the whispers of hidden treasures.
Jìn Bǎo's eyes lit up instantly. "We must go!"
Yu Lianxue gave a rare small nod. "It could give us useful supplies or information."
Yu Lianyan stretched lazily. "And if anything exciting happens, even better."
Chu Feng smiled faintly."Very well. But first, we need to find a place to stay."
Finding an Inn
After asking around, they settled on a moderately sized inn near the centre of town.
Its outer walls were painted red, and two lanterns swayed in the evening wind. The innkeeper welcomed them with a practised, friendly smile.
"How many rooms, honoured guests?"
Yu Lianxue answered steadily, "Two. Adjacent."
The innkeeper bowed and led them upstairs.
As soon as the innkeeper retreated, the twins turned to Chu Feng and Jìn Bǎo.
"To avoid trouble," Yu Lianxue said, "we disguise ourselves."
Yu Lianyan tossed two plain black cloaks onto the bed. "And wear masks. This town will be crawling with all types of people tonight."
Jìn Bǎo nodded rapidly. "Yes, yes, of course— Wait. Cloaks.. won't that hide my charm though?"
Yu Lianyan deadpanned, "You don't have any."
He clutched his chest. "Cruel…"
Chu Feng chuckled and picked up his cloak.
Preparing for the Auction
An hour later, all four stood before the inn mirror, completely unrecognisable.
Black cloaks. Plain masks. Hoods drawn low.
Only their eyes could be seen.
Yu Lianxue checked each of them with meticulous care."Don't expose yourself and stay close."
Jìn Bǎo lifted his hand shyly. "What about… ?"
Yu Lianyan patted his shoulder. "About..." with sparks almost shooting from her eyes.
Seeing them, Jìn Bǎo solemnly shook his head, signalling nothing
Chu Feng placed a hand on his shoulder.
Heading to the Auction House
Night fell.
Lanterns lit the streets in warm hues. People gathered in groups, all heading toward the towering golden building at the town centre — the Red Pine Auction House.
It was big enough to hold a thousand people, with two giant guardian beast statues flanking the entrance.
The air buzzed with excitement and danger.
Cultivators from different sects, clans, and rogue groups were everywhere. Some hid their faces. Some flaunted their power. Many radiated killing intent.
Yu Lianxue whispered, "We cannot stay in this city for long."
Yu Lianyan tilted her head. "For once, I agree."
Jìn Bǎo gulped, looking around very alert."
Chu Feng's eyes scanned the surroundings calmly.
He lowered his hood slightly.
"Let's go."
The group stepped through the grand doors.