Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Auction Begins

Du Gu Ling carefully read through the Chaos Codex, and by the time he finished, dawn was already breaking. As he closed the book, he suddenly felt as if he had gained a profound understanding of so many things; from an ignorant youth unfamiliar with this continent, he had transformed into someone with scholarly insight into this world.

A deep curiosity welled up within him for the vast and wondrous world depicted in the tome. Even if not for the noble cause of saving the people, he resolved to become a peerless force, admired by all. Just look at the Lord of Ouyang City—a mere Grand Immortal, yet revered by tens of thousands in Cold Moon City. If he himself could one day reach the heights of a Chaos Supreme Immortal, wouldn’t the entire Chaos Continent bow before him?

The thought alone made his heart race.

Lost in his musings, sleepiness overtook him. He placed the book back into the Void Divine Ring and drifted off.

While Du Gu Ling slept soundly, a graceful figure entered his room—it was Shan Shan. She gazed at him, entranced, and murmured, “This fool, even when he sleeps, he’s so adorable.”

When alone, with no one else around, Shan Shan always called Du Gu Ling a fool.

She gently covered him with the blanket that had slipped off, moving with utmost care lest she disturb his slumber.

Before leaving, she looked at his handsome face, couldn’t resist stealing a kiss, and fled the room blushing furiously.

Du Gu Ling slept deeply, turning over and continuing his rest.

As Shan Shan departed, a transparent shadow slowly floated out from the Void Divine Ring on Du Gu Ling’s left hand—it was Cang Cang.

She lingered, gazing at Du Gu Ling and said playfully, “So he’s quite the romantic, isn’t he?” Then she slipped back into the ring.

When Du Gu Ling finally awoke, it was already afternoon. He rubbed his eyes—perfect timing, he thought.

Just then, Yuan Tian Ci knocked on the door, calling him to get ready for the auction.

Du Gu Ling quickly tidied himself up and followed Yuan Tian Ci and Yuan Shan Shan, boarding a carriage bound for the auction house.

Yuan Shan Shan’s face was flushed red as soon as she saw Du Gu Ling, making him uneasy—he even wondered if he hadn’t washed his face properly. How could he know that a girl had secretly kissed him while he slept?

Upon arrival at Miao Miao Auction House, he stepped out of the carriage to a scene of dazzling lights and lavish opulence. The broad avenue was lined with carriages of every kind, and the entrance teemed with people—a truly bustling spectacle.

“Oh, isn’t that Brother Tian Ci from Iron Ox Smithy?” A handsome youth descended from a luxurious carriage and approached them.

“Young Lord Ouyang, good to see you. We’re merely here to join the excitement,” Yuan Tian Ci replied with a smile.

“Brother Tian Ci, you’re too modest. Everyone in Cold Moon City knows Iron Ox is wealthy and influential,” Ouyang said with a respectful bow.

Yuan Tian Ci laughed, and the group entered the auction house. As distinguished guests, they had their own luxurious suite.

“Brother Tian Ci, I’m in Suite One and have already arrived, so I’ll take my leave now,” Ouyang said respectfully.

“Yes, we’re in Suite Four. Farewell,” Yuan Tian Ci responded politely.

Du Gu Ling, Yuan Tian Ci, and Shan Shan entered Suite Four.

“Brother, do the suites have numbers?” Du Gu Ling asked.

“Of course. It makes auctions more convenient, and it’s a mark of status. Look at this suite—luxurious, with plush beast-hide carpet, sandalwood chairs, fresh sweet fruit—what an experience,” Yuan Tian Ci replied, settling into a chair.

“Oh?” Du Gu Ling said in surprise.

“See, Young Lord Ouyang went to Suite One. Notice anything?” Yuan Tian Ci prompted.

“So does that mean Iron Ox ranks fourth in Cold Moon City?” Du Gu Ling asked.

Yuan Tian Ci said proudly, “Exactly. The largest is Ouyang City Lord, then the Gongye family who command the troops, followed by the Prime Minister Sima family, and then us, Iron Ox.”

He paused, then added, “But if you’re talking wealth, Iron Ox is the richest. So if you fancy anything at the auction, just bid for it. We can afford it.”

Du Gu Ling always knew Iron Ox was wealthy, but hadn’t realized just how rich they truly were.

Just then, someone entered the suite.

“Lan Lan?” Du Gu Ling said softly in surprise.

It was the female staff member who had helped him appraise his items the other day.

“What did Young Master Du Gu say?” Lan Lan asked curiously.

“Oh, nothing, nothing at all,” Du Gu Ling replied.

Yuan Shan Shan glanced at Du Gu Ling, frowning slightly.

Lan Lan continued, “The auction will begin soon. When bidding, you may use the numbered buttons on the table. If you need anything, just call for me at the door.”

Yuan Tian Ci, accustomed to auctions, waved her off.

Lan Lan bowed and withdrew.

As she closed the door, she wondered, Strange, Young Master Du Gu seems to know me and even called my name. Why do I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before? Impossible. She dismissed it, thinking she must have misheard, and continued with her duties.

Du Gu Ling looked at the bidding device on the table and remarked, “Such advanced technology!”

As the auction was about to begin, Du Gu Ling peered through the large window at the bustling hall outside.

A provocatively dressed woman sauntered onto the stage.

“Thank you, distinguished guests, for attending this Miao Miao Auction. I, Sima Miao Miao, offer my sincerest gratitude for your presence. Let’s not waste any more time—I know you’re eager for the auction to begin. Therefore, I declare the auction officially open.”

The woman was none other than Sima Miao Miao, who had made Du Gu Ling’s life so miserable the other day. She addressed the audience with an enchanting smile, receiving thunderous applause in return.

Ps: Tonight, Jimo will work hard and post as much as possible; tomorrow there will be a power outage. Jimo is still fighting a cold, a bit dizzy, so please forgive any confusion in the writing, haha. If you can, please add this book to your collection. Thank you, dear readers.