“Miss Qing’er, don’t complain. Those teams cutting in are from the most renowned families and factions in the Tianqian Empire. They’re powerful, so they have privileges. Our Lin family may be top-tier in Pingcheng County, but here, we’re nothing special,” the white-haired elder beside the young woman said soothingly.
“You’re also surnamed Lin?” Lin Yun asked curiously.
“Yes, we’re from the Lin family of Pingcheng County. Do you know our family?” the woman, called Miss Qing’er, asked Lin Yun.
“Not at all, just a coincidence that I share the surname,” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“Oh? You’re a Lin too? I’m Lin Qing. What’s your full name?” Lin Qing asked.
Before Lin Yun could respond, a flat-headed man stepped forward with a hint of hostility. “Who are you? Just a rogue cultivator, daring to claim ties with our Lin family? Saying you’re a Lin to climb our ranks?”
Lin Yun gave an awkward smile. “You’ve misunderstood, friend. I am indeed surnamed Lin, but I’ve no intention of climbing.”
“Good, because our Lin family is a top-tier clan in Pingcheng County. Countless cultivators there wish to curry favour with us, but not just anyone can,” the flat-headed man said with a touch of arrogance.
The white-haired elder scolded him. “A’Cheng, haven’t I told you? This is the imperial capital, not Pingcheng County. Behave yourself and don’t offend anyone.”
Turning to Lin Yun, the elder said courteously, “Young friend, my young master is straightforward. Please forgive any offence.”
“You’re too kind, elder,” Lin Yun replied with a slight smile.
“Great Elder, I get it, but why worry about a mere rogue cultivator? He’s just trying to latch onto our Lin family. Why apologise to him, with your status?” the flat-headed man said dismissively.
“Enough,” the elder said sternly, glaring at him.
The flat-headed man shut his mouth reluctantly, though his glance at Lin Yun remained disdainful.
The queue continued.
Despite the large crowd, multiple entry points meant Lin Yun entered after about twenty minutes.
Entry required 50 spirit crystals as a ticket.
Inside, the venue, built by the Xiaoyao Building and hosting the auction, was divided into VIP and general areas.
Naturally, the prominent families, sects, and factions of the Tianqian Empire sat in the VIP section.
Lin Yun had purchased a general-area ticket.
Following his ticket number, he found his seat next to the three from the Pingcheng County Lin family.
It made sense; he’d bought his ticket just before them, so their seat numbers were consecutive.
Lin Qing sat right beside him.
“Goodness, so many cultivators! What a grand scene!” Lin Qing exclaimed.
The flat-headed man looked enviously at the front. “Those in the VIP section are all major players in the Tianqian Empire. Seeing so many powerful factions at once is a rare chance.”
“I brought you here to broaden your horizons, not to limit your sights to Pingcheng County,” the elder said.
Lin Qing and the flat-headed man nodded.
“This scene isn’t actually that grand,” Lin Yun remarked.
To his current perspective, it was true.
“What a bold claim, kid,” the flat-headed man sneered, clearly thinking Lin Yun was boasting.
Lin Qing turned to him. “By the way, friend, you said you’re a Lin. What’s your name?”
“Lin Yun,” he replied calmly.
“Lin Yun? I heard there’s a famous Immortal from the Huoyun Empire named Lin Yun,” Lin Qing said.
“I know of him,” Lin Yun nodded.
The flat-headed man scoffed. “Our Lin family has a Lin Yun too. Think sharing a name with a big shot makes you special?”
“Actually, I am that Immortal,” Lin Yun said with a faint smile, looking at them.
The three froze.
“Haha!” The flat-headed man burst into laughter after a moment.
“Kid, you’ve got guts. If you’re an Immortal, then I’m the Tianqian Emperor!” he roared with laughter.
The white-haired elder shook his head with a smile but said nothing.
Even Lin Qing gave a wry smile. “You’re quite the joker, friend.”
“Qing’er, let’s switch seats. Don’t sit next to this guy,” the flat-headed man said, standing to swap places.
Lin Qing waved it off, but he insisted.
Soon, all the auction attendees had entered.
The venue held tens of thousands, a significant gathering, and only non-ordinary cultivators could participate.
Lin Yun leaned back in his chair, exuding a carefree air.
An elder stepped onto the stage, clearly the auction’s host, and the crowd quieted.
As a Xiaoyao Building event, no one dared cause trouble.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the treasure auction is about to begin. I won’t bore you with the rules: the highest bidder wins!” the host declared.
“First up, the Crescent Halberd, a Holy Spirit-grade weapon,” he announced, raising his voice.
The weapon’s appearance ignited the atmosphere.
“Goodness, starting with a Holy Spirit-grade weapon!” the flat-headed man beside Lin Yun exclaimed.
Such a weapon was far beyond their Lin family’s reach.
“Starting with something this high-grade sets the tone. Don’t worry, there’ll be items we can bid on later,” the elder reassured.
Lin Yun thought to himself that he could buy such a weapon to refine Qiankun Crystal Stones, as a casual act.
“The Crescent Halberd starts at 8 million spirit crystals. Please bid!” the host called loudly.
“8.5 million!”
“9 million!”
…
Bidding erupted.
Only the major families and factions in the VIP section bid on such a weapon.
The general area remained quiet, its occupants merely spectators for this round.
