ASER - Chapter 151
Chapter 151: Hidden Danger
In the main hall of the Black Mountain Auction House, A'Diao had been invited at the last minute, and the head of Black Mountain had temporarily added a core VIP seat for her. This change was difficult for ordinary customers to notice, but some well-connected VIPs still discovered it.
Another core VIP?
The auction had already begun, though only a few items had been presented. Currently up for auction was the complete form of a 9th-level rare demon spirit.
Not a corpse, but a complete, living, enslavable demon spirit, complete with the forbidden item for its enslavement.
This item was very expensive, considered a heavyweight transaction piece for the early stages of the auction.
A'Diao stood on the balcony of the VIP room. Having sensed at least ten Star Realm cultivators within the Black Mountain Auction House from the start, with some possessing exceptionally strong mental bodies, she didn't dare to release her mental threads. However, taking advantage of the powerful aura released by the demon spirit currently being auctioned, A'Diao switched to her Whale Net mental threads and extended them outwards, evading the senses of these Star Realm cultivators.
Soon, A'Diao's mental threads penetrated several private boxes, their information shielded by special materials, and she saw the occupants of ten boxes.
Indeed, compared to a sleazy little character like her, people like Qu Hanchuan were far more brazen.
Several Lushan Academy examinees were present in more than ten of the boxes.
However, A'Diao didn't just focus on these Lushan Academy examinees. She swept through them all in one go, immediately retracting her mental threads afterward. Then, integrating the various pieces of information she had gathered, she determined the identities of those in these boxes.
Box 1: Qu Hanchuan, Qu Lianzhou, and Qu Lianjing, whom she had met before. These three were accompanied by two mid-level Glimmer Realm bodyguards.
Box 3: Duanmu Qingyang, a Star Realm bodyguard, and Xia Sanlu.
Box 4: It seemed to be that Master Lu. This fellow was stingy and rather sleazy, yet he hadn't disguised his appearance. He was probably here to sell something, not buy, so the Black Mountain Auction House would protect him.
Box 6: Baili Huayue, Baili Xianyun, and a high-level Glimmer Realm bodyguard.
Box 9: Dantai Yu, a disciple of the Imperial Kinsmen.
Box 13: Wen Shaoyao, Guang Yunlou, and Yan Fengbai.
Box 15: People from Alchemy Mountain + the Hu family of Daoists.
A'Diao felt that there was a rather interesting book—it spoke of the circle theory, meaning that whatever caliber of person you were, your circle would be of the same caliber, and then you would feel that either you or others were mediocre.
Having reached her level, she could attend the Black Mountain Auction, enter the VIP box area, and even probe these boxes, seeing only high-end individuals. But she hadn't expected these boxes to reveal so many intrigues to her.
Alchemy Mountain and the sleazy Master Lu were at odds again.
The disciples from the Baili and Qu families were likely here to buy resources to sprint in their cultivation, because the second assessment was set as an aptitude test, and it was definitely too late to improve aptitude now. However, they were preparing for the third assessment, the martial exam.
Between the second and third assessments, there should be at least a few days of buffer period—Lushan Academy wouldn't provide such good accommodations for the examinees just for show.
So they came today.
However, A'Diao reckoned that for the other boxes whose secrets she couldn't discern, it was likely because she didn't understand them. In reality, these people basically represented various circles and factions.
And in Box 13, Wen Shaoyao, Guang Yunlou, and Yan Fengbai were undoubtedly representatives of the grassroots class, the top-tier geniuses of the current young generation sifted from the billions in the entire Tang Song Nation. They had long known their disadvantages, so they had banded together.
But their gathering was like piling grass together, whereas Xia Sanlu, who also belonged to the grassroots class, was different. He had chosen to ally himself with the powerful—the Duanmu family.
How strong was the Duanmu family? They were definitely comparable to the Baili and Qu families, perhaps even slightly stronger. However, the Duanmu family had few descendants, making Duanmu Qingyang particularly precious. In contrast, both the Baili and Qu families had numerous offspring, so even their respective heirs couldn't receive the same level of resource support as Duanmu Qingyang.
Hence the difference in bodyguard standards.
In Kyoto, there was a saying about the five great noble houses: Duanmu, Nangong, Baili, Cao, and Qu. They currently held ducal titles and resided in ducal manors, thus being collectively known as the foremost powerful nobles of Tang Song.
Interestingly, however, in this assessment, the Cao family heir whom A'Diao had met before, Cao Juanzhi, only ranked around 50th in the literary exam, not particularly outstanding.
Conversely, she, Chen Adiao, had soared straight up. Could this be considered a slap in the face?
"This Xia Sanlu is a bit interesting. His name is interesting, and he himself is interesting. I just saw him setting up an eighth-level talisman array for Duanmu Qingyang."
"An eighth-level talisman array."
His talisman proficiency was higher than hers. Impressive.
At this moment, in Box 3, Xia Sanlu was indeed peddling a talisman array. Duanmu Qingyang was listening, but her expression was indifferent, neither interested nor unconcerned.
After Xia Sanlu finished, he asked, "Miss Duanmu, what do you think?"
Duanmu Qingyang rested her cheek on one hand, a fingertip toying with a thumb-sized tiger plushie. She replied, "A 10 billion deal, why must you come to me? Wouldn't the Baili or Qu families do?"
Each examinee had their own individual storyline. While Chen Adiao from upstairs and downstairs seemed to be the most flamboyant in this literary exam, the real major figures were still focused on established prodigies like Duanmu Qingyang.
Xia Sanlu smiled shyly. "I understand your meaning. Baili Xianyun has always been beneath you, yet she has high aspirations. To surpass you, she might very well offer a higher price. But as for me, although my talisman talent is high, I dislike being bound and controlled. Given the style of the Baili or Qu families, I'm afraid that after approaching them for a transaction, it wouldn't be easy to get the money and then extricate myself. They particularly like to monopolize talisman masters. But your Duanmu family is different."
Duanmu Qingyang's elegant and classical face showed no change in expression, appearing to have an excellent temperament. She politely said, "Because our Duanmu family has always had talisman business dealings with the Zhao family, so there's no need to monopolize? Then have you ever considered that I can also create this talisman array of yours?"
Xia Sanlu: "I know. In fact, your bloodline talent is in formations."
The Star Realm expert beside them shot a sharp glance, almost instantly about to suppress Xia Sanlu, but Duanmu Qingyang raised her hand to signal, and he desisted.
Xia Sanlu's face turned pale, his body swaying precariously...
Duanmu Qingyang: "My apologies."
Her apology was sincere. Xia Sanlu managed a smile and said it was alright. "I meant no harm. Discovering this was also an accident. At that time, I happened to use my talisman's true sight and saw you using a formation to seal off an area of Buddha statues to plunder scrolls."
"I know. Your thinking is that since my talent isn't in talismans, although I can obtain eighth-level talisman arrays from the Zhao family, I actually harbor some old grievances towards the Zhao family and would definitely avoid buying talismans from them. So, your talisman array comes at just the right time."
Xia Sanlu nodded. "That's the idea."
Duanmu Qingyang: "How do you know these things?"
She asked casually, but Xia Sanlu sensed danger and cautiously replied, "I have some talisman clients, certain individuals, who know the secrets of you noble families. It seems some people also knew about this matter back then."
Duanmu Qingyang fell silent.
Xia Sanlu glanced at the Star Realm expert. "Well, if you don't need it, then I'll..."
Just as he was about to withdraw, Duanmu Qingyang called out to him, "I'll buy it."
After the transaction was completed, Xia Sanlu left. It was unknown whether he left the Black Mountain Auction House or went to other seats to watch the subsequent auctions.
Once the door closed, the Star Realm expert said, "This person is sneaky. He always seems opportunistic and hesitant, just like his name."
Duanmu Qingyang smiled. "He probably sold it to several families. Perhaps all five ducal manors have bought his talismans."
The Star Realm expert: "Can he escape from the Qu and Baili families?"
Duanmu Qingyang lowered her gaze, saying nonchalantly, "Think about it from another angle. Perhaps he's serving both sides? This person is smooth and astute, beyond ordinary people. At the very least, he deliberately let me discover him during the exam, both showing weakness and paving the way for today—I always feel that he was testing me for something today."
"It seems like he has some ulterior motive."
The Star Realm expert: "Ulterior motive for what? Could it be... him? Looking so sleazy?!"
He was annoyed.
Duanmu Qingyang smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Something happened to the Crown Princess's maternal family. Someone from the Crown Prince's faction has already proposed a marriage alliance with my Duanmu family. The feelers have been put out. My parents told me to be mentally prepared. If the Crown Prince truly demands a strong marriage alliance, it will be either Baili Xianyun or me. It depends on which family agrees, and which family... dares to refuse."
If she wanted to refuse but didn't dare to do so forcefully and cause the Crown Prince to lose face, she could only find a man in advance to deal with it, like Xie Jingyu did.
The Zhao family... was a good family.
But...
Duanmu Qingyang had a bit of a headache. "If it really comes to it, I can only find someone easy to manage—so this is his self-recommendation. After all, he's someone with super strong talisman talent, and his temperament is soft, humble, and respectful."
"But, it's not entirely disagreeable. He's probably been pushed to a desperate situation too, wanting to find a strong backer and not wanting to be kept by the powerful nobles. Perhaps there's room for discussion."
The Star Realm expert had always known that the women of this generation had caught the good times of the spiritual energy resurgence. They could have soared freely, seeking only the path of the strong, roaming between heaven and earth.
But by occupying the status of powerful nobles, they also correspondingly bore enormous risks—marriage alliances had their pros and cons. If their aptitude were mediocre, it would be fine; they wouldn't be chosen by those above. But precisely because their aptitude was extraordinary, they were all targeted. Constrained by family interests and weighing the pros and cons, it was very difficult for them to resist.
Yet, the plight of the two Qu family sisters was undoubtedly a stunning blow, waking many people up.
Regardless of whether they were girls from powerful noble families or ordinary families, if they could strive and achieve everything themselves, who would be willing to depend on the most precarious and female-status-lacking imperial clan?
Even those willing to marry into powerful noble families were probably few.
This was evident from how the female prodigies in this Lushan Academy assessment avoided marriage alliances like the plague—with their formidable literary exam scores and superior intellect, how could they not know what such alliances, based on producing heirs, meant?
It was a shackle.
"But, although he is outstanding, he is ultimately a bit too insignificant. Actually, the Zhao family side..."
Duanmu Qingyang turned to look at the Star Realm expert, revealing a somewhat girlish, aggrieved expression: "Seventh Uncle..."
The latter was helpless, scratched his head, and sighed.
"Buy more resources, get into Lushan Academy. But you must be careful. If the Crown Prince's side truly has this intention, they might obstruct you from entering Lushan Academy."
How could Duanmu Qingyang not know? That was why she would rather buy more talisman arrays.
Spending money to ensure safety.
"However, the competition today will likely be fierce. There are many people buying remains."
"It's not surprising. After all, even for established aristocratic families, remains are consumable. With many people, more remains are needed... Another box has been added."
Duanmu Qingyang glanced towards the box where A'Diao was located.
At this moment, A'Diao, as the super VIP client most valued by the head of Black Mountain recently, had already obtained the confidential auction list that even Duanmu Qingyang and the others couldn't get.
The head of Black Mountain had only one meaning: Tycoon, see anything you like? If you want it, you can have it, just add more money.
If it were in the past, A'Diao, being treated as a fat sheep, would definitely be very unhappy. Is your Brother Ritian's sister a fat sheep for you to fleece?
But perhaps stimulated by these princes and powerful nobles in Kyoto, A'Diao now found even a boar to look handsome. Besides, although those in business aimed for money, at least their service was impeccable, unlike those high and mighty people above.
They wanted people, they wanted beauty, and they wanted to use them like brood sows.
There's a difference when you compare. She felt good now. However, because she had spied on the intrigues in these boxes, she gave up on buying out items in advance.
"Brother Black Mountain, I'm just doing errands for someone. How could I have so much money? I wouldn't dare to buy out anything. But I can compete a bit. If I can't buy it, then so be it."
The head of Black Mountain was not disappointed, agreed with a smile, and didn't stay to spy on her auction secrets, leaving quickly.
After A'Diao was left alone in the box, she looked at the auction list, waiting for the remains auction segment to arrive, while pondering the methods of the bodyguards in several boxes.
As she was thinking, A'Diao's gaze suddenly fell on an item on the list.
"Fruit of Prolific Lechery?"
She had an impression of this fruit, not because the name was so suggestive, but because she had just recently seen it in an ancient book in her Lushan Academy residence.
Toilet: "It looks like a rather indecent fruit, but it actually promotes genetic evolution. However, it has a strong backlash effect on humans because human gene sequences are much weaker than those of demon spirits and can't withstand its powerful effects. But this thing was used by some Spirit Kings in the First Era to induce mutation and evolution in their reared 12th-level enslaved demon spirits, with excellent results. So its value is extremely high. I originally thought you guys wouldn't be able to get such a treasure from ruins for at least a few years. I didn't expect... this Black Mountain Auction House has some serious connections."
A'Diao was also amazed. Referencing the base price and comparing it to its value in the First Era, she thought, "This item is ranked seventh from the bottom, with a base price of 50 billion. The final transaction price should be quite high. I wonder who will buy it, but its use is specific, so the competition probably won't be too intense."
A'Diao lightly dismissed the matter. Just then, it was time for the next auction.
This auction was also related to demon spirits.
"Nether Jade Spirit Fruit, a total of fifty tons. Bulk purchases are possible. Feel free to bid. The base price is..."
A'Diao looked up, wondering whether to buy some to cultivate barnacles and other demon spirits. After all, she had some methods for enslaving demon spirits. But before she could speak,
Suddenly, a person in a black robe placed a bid.
He directly raised the price to a level that discouraged any competition—a 30% increase.
Who would compete? It simply wasn't worth it.
Thus, this deal was settled with one strike of the gavel, arguably the fastest transaction so far.
And the transaction volume was so enormous, the price was also astonishing: 200 billion Star Coins. Even compared to the highest prices of some later treasures, it probably surpassed many of them.
Everyone was discussing animatedly, not knowing this person's identity. A'Diao hesitated for a moment, then peeked...
The other party was definitely Star Realm, but A'Diao, relying on her super strong mental body, just took one look and immediately retracted it.
Holy crap!
It was someone from Lushan Academy, and also one of the teachers responsible for the assessment that day. It seemed he was in charge of the eighth zone.
Why was he buying so many Nether Jade Spirit Fruits? Did he have a pig farm at home?
Were Lushan Academy teachers this rich?
A'Diao pondered, suddenly thinking of a possibility—the martial exam in the third round, would it require a lot of demon spirits?
The demon spirits captured by Lushan Academy... for exam use, they would at least have to surpass the level of all examinees. Using the Seventh Prince Dantai Sheng, the No. 1 examinee, as a benchmark, his power definitely reached the peak of high-level Glimmer Realm. So these demon spirits would have to be at least 11th-level.
Considering the prestige of Lushan Academy, evidenced by the flood dragon sinew they offered as a reward, the types of demon spirits in the third martial exam must also be exceptionally unique and powerful.
A'Diao's eyes flickered.
One auction after another passed. Soon, it was time for the remains.
"A total of one hundred thousand pieces of remains, each group consisting of ten thousand pieces, for a total of ten groups. The base price for one group is 20 billion. The auction for the first group begins now!"
After the auctioneer announced the start, the bidding screen for the first group instantly lit up. Immediately, at least a hundred bids appeared, ranked by price.
The first place was 25 billion.
A direct 50% price hike caused an uproar among many, as the second-highest bid was only 22 billion.
Where did this beast come from?
Everyone felt inexplicably annoyed and uneasy.
Bidding for the second group began again.
Five seconds later, the price was set again.
The buyer with the same number was still in first place.
Highest price, 27 billion.
Damn it!
The entire venue was in an uproar.
"Who is this beast? It's too infuriating! Damn!" Qu Lianzhou and Qu Lianjing were furious. Qu Hanchuan, however, was much calmer and glanced at the newly opened box.
"Is it that Box 16?"
"Pretty much. I more or less know the identities of the people in the other boxes. They wouldn't bid so recklessly. After all, they'll have to buy more later. Doing this kind of thing isn't cost-effective. It's just this newcomer whose background is unknown."
"An outsider?"
The third group began...
Finished!
First place, 28 billion.
It was this person again, again, and again!
At this point, the hall fell silent.
The premium was too high; it wasn't worth buying. No one was willing to be such a sucker.
"Could it be a shill hired by Black Mountain?"
"I don't know. Logically, Black Mountain's style wouldn't be like this."
"Too despicable."
"Who on earth is this person?"
"Only a fool would buy. Not buying, not buying, not falling for this trap!"
Amidst the discussions, the fourth group started at 28 billion, the fifth group also at 28 billion, the sixth group still... Damn!!! Everyone's mentality was starting to crumble, and they grew tense...
Settled!
First place: 29 billion.
Huh? Damn!
No, someone else won!
That person didn't buy.
But someone had followed the trend and pushed the price up.
25 billion, 27 billion, 28 billion, 28 billion, 28 billion, a total of 136 billion. That damned fellow spent so much money and bought half of it all by himself.
With fewer items, they naturally became more precious. So why did someone follow suit at 29 billion?
Because those present were Lushan Academy examinees. They needed remains, and urgently so in the near future, so they had no choice but to be these suckers.
Seventh group.
First place, 30 billion!
Damn!
The last few groups all sold for prices between 30 and 35 billion.
Gone, just like that, all gone!
Although he managed to buy one group, Baili Huayue, who had paid 35 billion, was disgusted. "Have someone investigate the person in the new box."
On the other side, Qu Hanchuan of the Qu family also used his connections.
Although the Black Mountain Auction House was extremely powerful and secretive, there were always people working inside. As long as there were people, there were loopholes to exploit. Moreover, this person hadn't even hidden their number, showing they were quite bold.
In Box 16, A'Diao, having spent 136 billion, obtained five groups of remains. Logically, she should leave now, but she didn't. Instead, she tapped her fingers on the armrest, quietly waiting as rounds of auctions passed, until a waiter came in to offer tea and desserts. He glanced at this person's finger, which was continuously tapping on the picture of an auction item on the list.
He lowered his head and went out.
The seventh-to-last round.
Fruit of Prolific Lechery, base price 50 billion.
Bidding starts!
Five seconds, the screen closes.
First place: 100 billion.
This price surpassed A'Diao's 80 billion.
She frowned slightly, looking at the dessert on the table.
That waiter...
In the private box, Qu Hanchuan smiled faintly and said to his two bodyguards, "After the auction ends, go with me to negotiate with him. Trade this fruit for remains. You two, don't show yourselves. Lie in wait, and act according to the situation..."
He didn't say the rest.
The two bodyguards admired their young master's methods and agreed. "But Young Master, you shouldn't go yourself. According to clan rules, we don't want you to take risks."
Qu Hanchuan frowned. "Then..."
Qu Lianzhou quickly said, "Then let Lianjing and I go. The two of us are enough to represent the Qu family."
"That will do." Qu Hanchuan patted his two younger brothers' shoulders.
The two younger brothers appeared sincere. As for how much sincerity or hypocrisy lay beneath, who knew?
Anyway, no sane person liked to take risks, especially when the beneficiary wasn't themselves.
However, they didn't expect someone to knock on the door.
It was an official manager from the Black Mountain Auction House, submitting a VIP client's request.
A resale request?
"This person wants to sell remains?"
Could it be that he sensed it was Qu Hanchuan who caused trouble and was deliberately probing? But going through the Black Mountain Auction House's internal resale didn't require a face-to-face transaction, nor would it expose identities. The other party had no need to do this.
So, he really wanted to resell.
"Yes, this guest suddenly proposed an internal resale. They should be in urgent need of funds, possibly to buy later exhibits, but their funds are insufficient."
Is that so? Could it be that the Fruit of Prolific Lechery wasn't essential for this person?
Qu Hanchuan felt uneasy for a moment and asked, "What's the resale price?"
"35 billion."
Damn it! Why don't you just go rob someone?!
Qu Lianzhou and his brother cursed out loud. "Brother, we might as well buy remains from somewhere else. I don't believe..."
These two spoke without thinking. Qu Hanchuan couldn't stop them in time. So, the manager lifted his thin eyelids slightly and smiled. "According to our Black Mountain Financial Group's investigation, the most scarce items in the three nations right now are bloodline treasures and remains-type cultivation resources. Tang Song has the Lushan Academy assessment, and other countries have their own sacred land assessments. After the students' assessments, there are also teacher-level assessments. Therefore, remains are basically being consumed. This resource is already extremely scarce. Even our Black Mountain Auction House will have to wait until next month to get the next batch of remains resources."
The implication was clear: If the number one auction house like us can't get it, do you think other auctions will have it? You must be joking!
The two were embarrassed. Qu Hanchuan tactfully maneuvered the conversation for a couple of sentences, then said, "Then I'll take them all. Five groups?"
"There are only three groups left now. Two groups were just sold."
The implication: You're still being picky? If you're any pickier, they'll be gone. Buy them or don't!
Qu Hanchuan suppressed his anger and calmly bought them.
On the other side, Duanmu Qingyang had also bought one group, her expression somewhat puzzled.
What was this person up to? It felt a bit strange. Could it be because he suspected that the Fruit of Prolific Lechery he wanted was snatched by people in these boxes, so he was deliberately trying to guess their identities?
Or was he simply short of money, preparing for the later auctions?
At this moment, Wen Shaoyao, Guang Yunlou, and Yan Fengbai, who had jointly bid for and obtained one group of remains, were also discussing the matter of the remains.
They, of course, did not receive a resale notification because they were not core VIPs, merely discussing this auction.
It was a bit bad; the price exceeded their predictions, but they had to buy.
This had already emptied their entire personal fortunes, but divided among them, each could get over three thousand remains. This was an extremely enormous expenditure for them.
"I don't envy the backgrounds of people like Baili Xianyun or Nangong Zhuolie, but right now, I truly envy that Chen Adiao," Guang Yunlou sighed with emotion. Wen Shaoyao, however, smiled gently and said, "That kind of method, we wouldn't dare."
Guang Yunlou: "True, she is, after all, a family member of an official, and has connections like Zhao Ritian..."
His words carried a hint of disdain and jealousy towards Chen Adiao.
Wen Shaoyao didn't mean it that way, so she remained silent. But Yan Fengbai glanced at Guang Yunlou and asked, "If Xiao Du could defeat Baili Xianyun, do you think he would pin her to the ground and beat her? And could he retreat unscathed after doing so?"
Guang Yunlou was silent for a moment.
So it wasn't about background, but about brains.
"I wonder what she did with three hundred billion."
In Box 16, Toilet said, "Ah, what kind of operation is this? You don't want the remains, just to make a reverse profit of 39 billion?"
The airs she put on with the head of Black Mountain were earned back from the Qu family and others.
But the remains resources were gone.
Unless she...
A'Diao didn't respond, only glanced at the 189 billion in her account and didn't touch it again.
Only when the very last auction item came up did she place a bid once.
The most important auction item: Blood Marrow Pill, for refining aptitude, a secret medicine passed down from the First Era. After several hundred years, it could still be sold, and the starting bid was 100 billion.
First place: 220 billion.
A'Diao's bid ranked fourth; it wasn't her turn at all. She didn't know who bought it.
"Failed." Qu Hanchuan's face was very ugly, but he also confirmed it wasn't someone from Box 16.
"Go contact the person in Box 16. Arrange a meeting. Say you want to resell the Fruit of Prolific Lechery."
That person had also failed, so the money must still be on her.
Kill her, and seize all her assets.
But before she could be notified, A'Diao quickly exited the Black Mountain Auction House, only to be abruptly stopped on the street outside.
"What, a robbery?"
Qu Lianzhou hurriedly stated his purpose. Seeing A'Diao seemed interested, he immediately said this wasn't the place to talk and suggested going to the coffee shop nearby.
A'Diao agreed.
Upon entering the coffee shop, A'Diao glanced at the two Qu family boys. "Did you bring the item?"
"Brought it, this is it."
Qu Lianzhou took out the Fruit of Prolific Lechery.
"100 billion? Can't it be less?"
"Less?" Qu Lianzhou was somewhat stunned. No, I bought it for 100 billion, and you're asking me for less? When you damn well resold the remains, why didn't you ask for less!
The two hidden mid-level Glimmer Realm cultivators also felt this person was utterly shameless, but they sensed that this masked person only had the spiritual power fluctuations of a low-level Glimmer Realm.
"Can't be less? Then I don't want it." A'Diao turned and walked away.
Qu Lianzhou's face turned green with anger, but he also looked at the two bodyguards. "Marked?"
The two nodded and quickly went back into hiding...
"Brother, what do we do now?"
"You still want to follow? Of course, we wait here. Otherwise, if we get caught in the crossfire, we'll have nowhere to cry."
"Let's wait."
Inside the Black Mountain Auction House, the head of Black Mountain received a report from his subordinates. "The Qu family? It's fine, let them make a scene. Anyway, once they're out of the auction house, it's not our business. These are the rules of the underworld. I also want to know what the other party's background is... Perhaps there's a surprise in store."
He felt that someone who could spend so lavishly must have strong backing.
On the other side, Duanmu Qingyang had long sensed the undercurrents within the auction house. She coldly watched Master Lu flee with people from Alchemy Mountain chasing after him, then glanced in the direction A'Diao had left...
Soon, she and her Star Realm bodyguard also departed.
Within the Kyoto district, flying on artifacts was prohibited; otherwise, one would be dealt with by the city's law enforcement team. However, as long as one avoided the defense perimeter of the capital's vital areas, stealthy flight was possible.
By now, night had fallen.
The masked person quickly vanished into the large park on the side. Soon, she reached a secluded spot, intending to cross the mountain range and then fly stealthily.
Suddenly, the air behind her distorted. Two mid-level Glimmer Realm cultivators abruptly appeared, one brandishing a staff for a ranged attack, the other executing a critical strike with a longsword soaring through the air.
Both launched powerful attacks simultaneously!
Their plan was to take down the target in an instant, erase all traces, and finish cleaning up within seconds before leaving.
But at this moment...
In the darkness, A'Diao glanced back at them.
Her body instantly flashed ten meters away, breaking free from their lock-on. Then, two spiritual masses merged, and her spiritual power directly surged to low-level Glimmer Realm.
Fusion Spirit Plant Self-Created Attack Mode activated!
Toilet didn't need to be taken out, directly fusing with the Origin Staff...
Swish, a bow appeared in her hand, a snow-white arrow, like bone china, nocked on the string.
Nocking the arrow, drawing the bow, Daoist techniques enhancing the bow's speed and power.
Magical attack + Spirit Plant physical attack fusion.
This was the most suitable attack method A'Diao had recently conceived to utilize this mode, so the meridians in her body erupted...
Swish!
A dual arrow burst forth.
One arrow shot out, instantly splitting into two. Each arrow, in the dark and mysterious surroundings, erupted with mid-level Glimmer Realm power. Moreover, due to the terrifying number of meridians, its attack speed was extremely frightening, 50% faster than half of all magical attacks...
Armor penetration, critical hit!
The two were hit before they could react. Their armor blocked one stage, and their internal bloodline power activated. Just as their hearts were about to be pierced, their bloodline talents automatically activated in an attempt to save their lives... But!
The spirit-attached threads splitting from the arrowheads directly shot towards their mental bodies.
How is this possible!
Neither of them understood what was happening.
Dizziness.
It was over.
Their heads spun, and the bloodline defense they were about to activate was slightly hindered... failing to prevent the arrows from piercing their hearts.
Instant kill.
Two living people instantly turned into two corpses.
The A'Diao of the past could easily kill higher-level opponents by skipping ranks, but when dealing with Glimmer Realm cultivators, she almost suffered a loss against that Young Master Dongguo. Later, she understood that if she herself hadn't reached Glimmer Realm, even with all her means, it was very easy to overturn. This was because the vitality of Glimmer Realm cultivators was too strong, and their bloodline power was also a higher-level power. She had to instantly kill the opponent, giving them no chance to use their bloodline.
For this, she simultaneously used the Fusion Spirit Plant Self-Created Attack Mode and mental spirit attachment, not even using other magical techniques, just to reduce the startup time.
After all, she had to kill two mid-level Glimmer Realm cultivators at the same time.
A'Diao was just about to leave when a sudden chill rose from behind her.
Boom! A massive Heavenly Fire formation, a crimson inferno, descended upon her head!
Glimmer Realm Bloodline: Heavenly Fire Disk.
Like Han Zhuo's blood-poison fire, perhaps even stronger and more terrifying. It was both a binding-type Grade A spiritual medium and a destructive attack item, even integrated with some kind of compass-type offensive and defensive control secret technique.
Moreover, the opponent was at high-level Glimmer Realm strength. This person was stronger than the two Snow Demon Kings... Baili Huayue's bodyguard!
She was being preyed upon by one schemer, only to be preyed upon by another!
At this moment, the Baili family expert in the forest had already locked onto A'Diao. Having witnessed her counter-killing the two Qu family members, he was astonished and immediately changed his decision from hunting the Qu family members to assassinating A'Diao.
Right now, he didn't think he had succeeded. Instead, with seasoned ruthlessness, he followed up with a flying dagger...
The flying dagger was merciless.
The Baili family's bloodline talent was flying daggers.
This old thing was so cautious, so ruthless...
A'Diao almost thought she was going to die.
But... she gave a cryptic smile.
Once locked onto by an attack, spatial teleportation was unusable, and instant movement was very difficult. This was an attack method the opponent had specifically prepared after seeing her previous flash-step, first controlling with the disk, then going for a decisive kill.
But A'Diao still had the space tunneling technique from the second volume of her Space Notes. She slithered like an eel into a spatial interstice, evading this attack. The next second, swish, she flashed ten meters away.
The opponent's pupils twitched slightly, and he was about to dodge as well, but just then, he felt something crawl onto his hair... and then burrow into something.
Not good!
Buzz! Thousands of silent mental threads instantly pierced like needles.
Not fatal, because what A'Diao mastered wasn't direct mental body attacks—otherwise, it would be too heaven-defying. But she had also researched a method to use it to attack vital points in the brain—thanks to her daily experience of arranging Whale Nets and other such nets on her own head, practice made perfect. So she could quickly find the neural pathways in the human brain.
A small, dense stimulation.
Dizziness and blindness were common and combined states.
One second was enough.
He failed to dodge, and A'Diao this time infused all her mental threads with spirit, emptying most of her spiritual power, and also imbued them with some Daoist insights she had comprehended during this period...
A snow-white bone china arrow, capable of defeating a thousand troops, flashed with white light, a critical hit.
Gambling all her strength.
If it failed, she might not die, but she would have to flee. In fact, A'Diao had also prepared escape methods... a two-pronged approach.
Pffft!!!!
A white bone arrow was embedded in this person's glabella, leaving only a small red mark.
High-level Glimmer Realm, dead just like that.
A'Diao had just breathed a sigh of relief when her mental body subtly sensed... a warning!
The next second, she was locked onto, and a long-range immobilization spell was cast on her.
The opponent was too strong, Star Realm. A single immobilization spell rendered her unable to move, unable to even use the spatial escape she had prepared.
Nearby... a Star Realm expert was rapidly approaching!
No? Her plan involved the Qu and Baili families. How could there be a Star Realm expert?
Had someone from the Duanmu family come?
Impossible. Her mental threads left in the auction house had clearly spied those two heading towards where Master Lu had left, indicating their target was Master Lu.
How could this be? Was it Duanmu Qingyang's feint? Or had other Star Realm experts present at the auction house that day arrived?
Regardless, she might die.
Unless...
Just then, in the darkness, a masked, low-level Star Realm expert approached A'Diao with terrifying speed, almost like teleportation, and could have killed her instantly upon entering direct attack range. But when he was still three hundred meters away,
Space tore open, and a black shadow suddenly leaped out from the forest, directly throwing three seventh-level composite talisman arrays... After throwing them, it tore space and fled.
BOOM!!!
An area of a thousand meters in radius was blasted bare, trees incinerated, smoke rising.
The Star Realm expert was stunned by the blast, leaping out from the rolling flames and ashes unscathed. Just as he was about to make a move, he sensed the activity of the Kyoto Law Enforcement team outside.
Not good!
Quick, leave!
He had to give up the pursuit and also abandon heading towards A'Diao, as there wasn't enough time—he wasn't a space-type expert.
Forcibly preying on others could easily lead to trying to steal a chicken only to lose a handful of rice. So, he decisively and calmly vanished into the darkness and soon disappeared.
He was so close to devouring that suspicious fellow.
While this masked Star Realm expert was being bombed, A'Diao had quickly collected the bodies of the two Qu family bodyguards and the Baili family expert. However, she left behind a body belonging to this current identity, then swiftly darted into the forest, leaped into a lake, and activated a teleportation array at her feet underwater... The water current would dilute the aura of the teleportation array.
On the other side, in a private room of the coffee shop not far from the Black Mountain Auction House, Qu Lianzhou and his brother thought they were safe. They hadn't even finished half a cup of tea when the marked teleporter appeared. No one knew he had just sniper-interrupted a Star Realm expert.
And these two Transcendent Realm cultivators were killed in an instant before they could even react.
The bodies were collected.
This mysterious assassin turned his head, Zhao Ritian's face flashing by for an instant. Then he disappeared again. A security camera in a corner of the wall captured him.
Not long after, news of casualties in both the Baili and Qu families spread, and the explosion in the park near the Black Mountain Auction House was also investigated.
Both Qu Hanchuan and Baili Huayue were invited to the relevant departments for "tea."
Simultaneously, a Law Enforcement team also rushed to Heaven on Earth to summon Zhao Ritian.
Lushan Academy naturally received the news. It wasn't exactly a shock; being so prestigious, they had seen everything. It was just a matter concerning a visitor, nothing major. However, as it also involved the deaths of two examinees, another teacher and Teacher Green Pepper handled the reception and went to inform A'Diao...
When the door opened, Teacher Green Pepper, who had already received the news and was mulling over the hidden secrets, saw A'Diao and Zhao Ritian both with dark circles under their eyes, flushed faces, and covered in sweat.
Teacher Green Pepper: "?"
Law Enforcement Team: "??"
Did we... interrupt something?
When Zhao Ritian learned of the situation, he looked bewildered, then furious. "Damn it, slandering me? I've been here the whole time! What auction house did I go to!"
"We're just asking about the situation."
"Fine, ask away. But let me remind you, the ones who died were two brats from the Qu family, right? What kind of nobodies are they, worthy of me personally going to the interrogation hall?"
As a high-ranking official, without absolute evidence, as long as he was assertive, the other party wouldn't dare to be forceful.
As if he didn't have backing.
The Zhao family acknowledges me, hmph!
A'Diao tugged at Zhao Ritian's sleeve from the side. "Brother, be polite. It's not easy for these military officer brothers either."
"I know, I know. You go inside. Remember the formation from just now properly."
"Oh, oh."
The expressions of the Law Enforcement personnel softened slightly. They said politely, "At the place where Qu Lianzhou and his brother were killed, the murderer was photographed. It was your face, Lord Zhao."
Zhao Ritian frowned, seemingly lost in thought. "Do you think I would make such a low-level mistake? Such an obvious frame-up... Was no aura left behind?"
"We haven't found any yet."
"I'm just puzzled. Isn't it just a case of schemers being out-schemed... Such a big commotion, making it seem like we're seeking justice for robbers. Forget it. So, I just need to prove I was at Heaven on Earth, right?"
"Theoretically, that's correct."
The Law Enforcement officer glanced at A'Diao. "I'm afraid Miss Chen's testimony won't be useful."
"Oh, then what about this."
Zhao Ritian pointed to Xiao Yuanbao beside him.
"I was teaching her formations. I was afraid she'd forget later, so I recorded it. Her fat leopard can help me with that, right?"
Yuanbao exported images of the two of them. The timing basically matched up. As for the time taken to go to the restroom, it wasn't enough, and it certainly didn't align with the time Qu Lianzhou and his brother were killed.
The Law Enforcement team nodded. Later, they received a phone call and apologized. "We just found a drop of blood in a coffee cup at the scene. The blood contained the murderer's spiritual essence. Would it be convenient to take a sample from you, sir, for comparison?"
"Sure!"
Zhao Ritian released a wisp of spiritual essence, which was absorbed into a test tube, and then the Law Enforcement team left.
Teacher Green Pepper didn't say anything, just looked at the two of them and said, "Sleep early."
A'Diao: "Oh, oh, okay, thank you, Teacher. Brother, let's go to bed early. You've worked hard today."
Zhao Ritian said nonchalantly, "It's just a bit of effort. What's so hard about it?"
The two teachers: "..."
They left, and the door closed.
A'Diao: "They're definitely going to check if we teleported out now."
Zhao Ritian: "Let them check. Are you scared, sister?"
A'Diao: "With you here, brother, I'm not scared at all. I feel so secure."
Toilet: "..."
The highest realm of a drama queen is to have a split personality, directing and acting out a play by oneself, and even believing it oneself.
However, deliberately leaving behind an appearance was also a flaw within a flaw. Entering the game oneself was more proactive than being passively drawn in.
On the other side, Lushan Academy was investigating that very day. Did you think their protective barrier was a joke? Even teleportation would leave traces.
But strangely, they found no record of the two leaving.
Regardless of whether their robot's recording was true or false, the fact was they hadn't gone out.
The barrier system had no record.
So... the two were innocent.
The Chief Examiner stroked his chin, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, A'Diao, taking a bath, rubbed her face and sighed at the mirror: I was almost ambushed by that mysterious Star Realm expert. Indeed, there's no such thing as a perfect plan; there are always strong people waiting for an opportunity. Fortunately, she had prudently released Zhao Ritian for a two-pronged operation earlier, and then, sensing danger, had him temporarily teleport to intercept the Star Realm expert, thus escaping disaster. However, this person was a hidden danger. Who could it be?
If he wasn't identified, her subsequent plans might encounter unexpected changes.
However, Lushan Academy probably wouldn't find out. Even if they guessed the method, they wouldn't find any evidence and could only smooth things over. After all, it was the examinees themselves who wanted to go out. Who could they blame for courting death?
After all, they would never imagine that another examinee and the interviewee would time their teleportation perfectly to land in their kitchen's trash can, become a pile of garbage, and be naturally transported out, ahhh!
And finally return as toilet paper needed by the logistics department...
The timing was perfectly calculated.
The plan was also set.
Now it all depended on how the plot unfolded tonight and tomorrow...
Who on earth was that Star Realm expert?
At that time, this person must have also been inside the auction house.
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