Volume One: A Beauty’s Bane Chapter 21: Femininity

When Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun stepped into the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, the main hall was already bustling with a surging crowd.

At the same time, Jiang Hao noticed a previously unseen entrance leading underground had quietly appeared in the center of the hall, adding to the growing frenzy of the atmosphere. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion, as this entrance had certainly not been there during his last visit.

As Jiang Hao pondered this, a beautifully dressed attendant approached with a respectful demeanor and whispered, "Young Master, it has been a long time. Sister Yan Tao was detained by urgent matters, so she specifically entrusted me to wait here for your arrival."

"It has only been a few days, yet she seems even more breathtakingly beautiful," Jiang Hao replied with a polite smile.

This stunning attendant was the same one who had received him a few days prior; clearly, Yan Tao had made special arrangements. The proprietor of the auction house was astute, well aware of the value of guests like him. He had understood as much from his brief exchange of glances with Yan Tao outside.

"You are too kind, Young Master. Please, follow me," the attendant said with a charming smile, leading Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun forward.

*If not for the sudden arrival of that Prince, surely Sister Yan Tao would have greeted me herself,* Jiang Hao sighed inwardly.

Today, though Fan Caiyun remained silent, she clung tightly to Jiang Hao’s arm, her eyes darting around as if filled with curiosity about everything surrounding them. Led by the attendant, they slowly moved toward the mysterious underground entrance.

"Young Master, this is our underground auction venue. The auction will officially begin in half an hour. I shall not disturb you further," the attendant said with a graceful bow before lightly retreating back toward the main hall.

"Thank you," Jiang Hao replied, though his attention was already captured by the underground space.

"Brother Jiang Hao, this underground auction house is truly spectacular!" Fan Caiyun exclaimed.

Before them lay a magnificent underground arena. The towering ceiling, over thirty feet high, made the space feel like a grand palace, leaving them in awe. The surrounding walls were adorned with exquisite carvings, and fine artworks shimmered under the candlelight, as if whispering countless legendary tales.

In the spacious hall, the crowd surged. Guests stood or sat, their voices rising in a constant hum of excitement. The soft, bright lighting of the auction house illuminated every expectant face, reflecting their deep longing for the treasures to come.

The central auction platform stood tall like a throne, waiting in silence for the grand event. Around it, a dozen guards armed with sharp swords patrolled vigilantly, ensuring the proceedings would remain safe and orderly.

"As expected of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion; the strength of these guards is no less than my own," Jiang Hao thought, offering a wry smile.

On the platform, several attendants were busy with final preparations, occasionally glancing at the crowd with eyes full of anticipation. In this grand setting, the air was thick with tension and excitement, as if every moment held endless possibilities.

Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun’s gazes met amidst the luxury and bustle, their hearts filled with anticipation.

Meanwhile, the Prince who had entered earlier was seated in the center of the crowd, occupying an excellent vantage point. The middle-aged man and the two leaders of the Wild Wolf Gang stood guard by his side, never leaving his proximity.

Recalling what he had heard outside, Jiang Hao knew the Prince was named Murong Hai. He was five years his senior and possessed a cultivation level at the Great Perfection of the Spirit Spring Realm.

*I wonder where Sister Yan Tao went. I assumed she would be the one to host this auction,* Jiang Hao thought, scanning the room, but he could not spot her.

As time passed, the tension in the hall grew, the crowd’s anticipation mounting like a firework ready to bloom. Suddenly, a slight stir rippled through the room. Everyone’s gaze snapped toward the entrance, as if waiting for someone of great importance.

Expectation and excitement intertwined, and it felt as if the entire auction house were holding its breath for the grand reveal.

"Apologies for keeping you all waiting!"

Just as the crowd craned their necks in anticipation, a woman wearing a red cheongsam walked slowly from the entrance. Following her with a respectful and solemn expression was Yan Tao.

The woman’s figure was curvaceous and elegant, like a beautiful painting. Her slender waist, accentuated by the red cheongsam, appeared delicate and supple, like a budding flower. The fullness of her chest, wrapped in the fabric, showcased her allure perfectly, reminiscent of a peony in full spring bloom.

The curves of her hips were fluid and graceful, rippling with infinite charm. With every light step she took, the fabric of the cheongsam clung to her, outlining every graceful line as if telling a story of her unique temperament.

Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall, the slightly curled tips shimmering under the lights. Her bright eyes sparkled with wisdom and vivacity, seemingly able to peer into one's soul, leaving onlookers intoxicated. A faint, mysterious, and gentle smile played on her lips, instantly capturing the attention of everyone in the room.

The blend of confidence and elegance she exuded made her shine like a star, making it impossible for anyone to look away.

"It’s Pavilion Master Qin!"

With her appearance, the venue erupted! The crowd rose to their feet, cheers crashing down like a tide, instantly igniting the atmosphere.

Every movement she made seemed to conduct the rhythm of the event, and at that moment, it felt as if the entire auction house had been conquered by her charm.

"Yu Mei! You have made this Prince miss you dearly!"

At some point, Prince Murong Hai had stood up from his seat and waved toward Qin Yumei. However, the woman did not respond, merely offering a faint, indifferent glance.

"Your Highness, as the Prince of the Zhenbei Prince’s Mansion, you must not lose your composure," the sword-bearing middle-aged man whispered, leaning in to remind him.

"Very well, Uncle Han, I know what I am doing," Murong Hai replied carelessly. The relationship between the two seemed far more complex than that of a mere master and servant.

"Your Highness, this Pavilion Master Qin will be yours sooner or later," Ge Tianlang said, stepping forward with a fawning smile.

"Indeed! In all of the Southern Xia Kingdom, only Your Highness is fit to conquer such a great beauty!" the less eloquent Yang Dahu added, following suit with a flattering grin.

"Haha! You two rascals!" Murong Hai laughed, his mood clearly improved. He looked up at Qin Yumei and offered a frivolous smile: "Yu Mei, you are destined to be my woman, and that day will not be long in coming."

"Brother Jiang Hao? What is wrong?" On the other side, Fan Caiyun noticed Jiang Hao staring blankly and tugged lightly at his lapel.

When the woman in the red cheongsam had appeared, it wasn't just the crowd that had gone wild; Jiang Hao had also found himself momentarily entranced.

"Ah?" Jiang Hao blinked, coming to his senses, though he seemed not quite entirely back to reality.

Seeing this, Fan Caiyun frowned, pouting her cherry lips with jealousy. "Brother Jiang Hao, don't tell me you’ve been bewitched by that woman on stage too?"

"No! Absolutely not!" Jiang Hao quickly denied, shaking off his daze. He couldn't help but think to himself, *Such a beautiful woman; perhaps only my Master could compare to her.*

*Though, this woman on stage seems to possess a bit more feminine charm...*

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than the mysterious pendant on his chest flashed with a beam of light, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, as if whispering a complaint.