Kyrian and the others entered the carriage rented by i Li.
The coachman, with the sa apathetic expression as always, rely raised his chin slightly in greeting to the six of them before pulling the reins. The spirit horses let out low neighs and began moving through the wide streets of the capital.
Inside the carriage, Kyrian sat in the center. To his right, i Li settled gracefully, her formal dress further emphasizing her refined posture. To his left, Yan Ling crossed her legs, too excited to remain completely still. On the opposite side, Bai Zhu, Kai, and Li Fen sat side by side.
The atmosphere was different from the previous days.
There was anticipation in the air.
"I heard there will be at least three mid-grade Earth-level weapons," Kai comnted, keeping his tone low but clearly excited.
"Not only that," i Li added.
"There are rumors of a pill capable of increasing the chances of advancing to the Spiritual Awakening Realm."
Yan Ling smiled.
"And rare techniques. Techniques that haven’t appeared in decades."
Bai Zhu cast a discreet glance at Kyrian.
"Do you already know what you want?"
"Yes." Kyrian kept his eyes fixed ahead.
He did not elaborate further. But they all knew he had been preparing for that mont since they arrived in the capital.
As they talked, the carriage moved slowly. The closer they got to the center of the capital, the more congested the streets beca.
Luxurious carriages traveled in the sa direction, many adorned with noble crests. So were pulled by imposing spirit beasts, exuding dense auras. Cultivators on foot walked in groups, wearing the robes of their sects or carefully chosen formal attire.
The flow was constant. It took nearly two hours to reach the central district. When they finally arrived, the scene before them was impressive.
The Clouds Auction building rose majestically in the heart of the capital. A vast three-story construction made of polished white stone, with columns adorned with spiritual symbols. Blue banners with golden clouds fluttered at the top.
The square before the entrance was crowded. Hundreds... perhaps thousands of people.
Common cultivators waited in line, holding spiritual pouches with tense expressions. Nobles stepped down from luxurious carriages, accompanied by personal guards. Well-known young talents from the Coliseum could be seen mixed within the crowd.
Even though the auction would only begin at noon, there was already a massive concentration of people since early morning.
Kyrian and the others exchanged a silent glance before stepping down from the carriage.
"Let’s get in line," i Li said. They positioned themselves at one of the main entrances.
As they waited, Kyrian recognized several faces. So nobles who had attended Tao’s party were talking among themselves, casting discreet glances around. Further ahead, so ranked fighters from the Coliseum were animatedly discussing possible items.
There was tension. Ambition. And anticipation.
Ti passed slowly. The line advanced at a steady pace, but the number of people was imnse.
After a long period, it was finally their turn. The guard at the entrance, a tall man with a firm expression and stable aura, extended his hand.
"Five thousand mid-grade spirit stones per person."
Kyrian did not respond. He simply took a pendant from inside his robe.
The engraved symbol was simple, yet carried authority. The personal crest of Duke Rong.
The guard froze for a mont upon recognizing the emblem. His eyes subtly changed. He bowed slightly.
"My apologies." His tone beca respectful.
"You and your group do not need to pay for entry. The VIP section is available. My companion will escort you there."
He hesitated briefly.
"The private rooms are already full. It is the only location available, I apologize."
Kyrian put the pendant away.
"It’s not a problem."
For him, the location was irrelevant. What mattered was participating. Another guard imdiately approached and made an inviting gesture.
"This way."
They passed through the great gates.
The interior of the Clouds Auction was even more impressive than the exterior.
The main hall was circular, with a massive stage at the center. The high ceiling was decorated with luminous formations that imitated floating clouds. Spirit lanterns hung at different levels, illuminating the environnt with a clear and elegant light.
The first floor held the common seats. They were already almost completely occupied.
Hundreds of people sat side by side, speaking in low voices. Just to enter there required paying five thousand mid-grade spirit stones, an amount that for many cultivators represented years of savings.
On the second floor was the VIP section.
The seats were larger, arranged in sectors separated by small ornantal partitions. There, the atmosphere was visibly more refined.
To occupy those places, one needed to pay a much higher sum, in addition to having connections with major nobles of the capital or an already recognized na.
On the third floor, above everything, were the ten private rooms.
Closed doors. Thick curtains.
There were figures such as Duke Rong himself, mbers of the royal family, leaders of the Clouds Academy, the Clouds Circle, and the Jade Palace, in addition to other guests whose identities remained unknown.
Kyrian discreetly observed the closed doors on the third floor. He did not show anything. But he knew that many of the true giants of the empire were there.
The group was led to their VIP seats. Not far away, other young leaders began to arrive.
Kyrian spotted Nan Feng Yu speaking with Mo Qian. Lin Qiao and He Yun arrived shortly after.
All of them seed to have gained a certain recognition in the capital after the Coliseum.
Upon noticing Kyrian, Nan Feng Yu waved with a slight smile.
Kyrian inclined his head in response. Ti passed. And the hall filled quickly.
The conversations turned into a constant murmur. Servants moved discreetly, offering spiritual tea. The anticipation grew with every passing minute.
"It’s bigger than I imagined," i Li murmured, observing the crowded hall.
Yan Ling rested her arms on the partition.
"And to think all of this is just for a single auction..."
After about an hour, practically all floors were completely occupied.
The murmur gradually diminished. The lights softened.
And then...
A presence erged at the center of the stage.
A middle-aged man, wearing elegant blue robes, appeared as if he had always been there. His smile was friendly, almost welcoming.
But his energy... It was concealed. Even so, a subtle pressure spread through the hall.
Kyrian recognized it imdiately. It was comparable to that of Duke Rong. Comparable to that of Dong Zhen.
An expert above the Spiritual Awakening Realm.
The hall plunged into absolute silence. The man opened his arms slightly.
"Cultivators... and distinguished guests..." His voice echoed clear and firm, amplified by invisible formations.
"Welco to the centennial auction of my house..." He smiled.
"The Clouds Auction."
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