Volume One: The Beauty Who Brings Disaster Chapter 15: The Pavilion of Ten Thousand Treasures
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“The Myriad Treasures Pavilion! It really is magnificent!”
At that moment, Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun were already standing before the entrance of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. The sight before him took Jiang Hao somewhat by surprise, while Fan Caiyun stood utterly stunned, clearly visiting this place for the first time.
The seven-story Myriad Treasures Pavilion was like a dazzling pearl set within the prosperous city of Yong’an, radiating an unparalleled air of luxury.
Its imposing exterior was decorated primarily in gold and sapphire blue. Tier upon tier of eaves spread like ornate wings, while the upturned corners and sweeping ridgelines revealed an air of classical elegance.
The grand double doors at the entrance were exquisitely carved and gleamed with a metallic sheen, as though warmly welcoming every guest who came in search of rare treasures.
People streamed in and out of the entrance, the bustling scene surging like a tide. Nobles and merchants dressed in splendid garments complemented one another, and amid their hushed conversations came bursts of laughter, as though they were already speaking of the feast to come.
The attendants stationed outside stood tall and graceful, greeting every customer with courteous smiles. Their refined manners displayed the dignity and elegance of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
“Little one, let’s go inside and have a look.” Jiang Hao practically pulled Fan Caiyun through the doors.
Once they entered the auction house, a spacious and brightly lit hall opened before them. Priceless works of art hung upon the surrounding walls, dazzling like stars scattered across the night sky.
The lofty arched ceiling was adorned with exquisite reliefs and gold-leaf decorations that complemented one another, making the place seem like a palace.
The hall was filled with rising and falling chatter as guests from all walks of life eagerly discussed the treasures on auction.
The female attendants wore gorgeous outfits and enthusiastically introduced the pavilion’s treasures to the guests around them. They smiled and nodded from time to time, their every gesture carrying a hint of ingratiation.
“Brother Jiang Hao, it’s so beautiful here! Caiyun doesn’t even know how to describe it!” Fan Caiyun clung to Jiang Hao’s arm, her eyes glittering as she stared blankly into the distance.
“You little thing.” Jiang Hao smiled and gently stroked Fan Caiyun’s head, his eyes filled with tender warmth.
“Young master, is there anything I can assist you with?” Just then, a female attendant in an extravagant dress slowly approached them.
Her gown was primarily a vivid sapphire blue, embroidered with golden patterns. It was magnificent yet elegant, its flowing lines outlining her graceful figure, full in front and rounded behind.
The cut of the bodice was perfectly measured, accentuating her elegant contours and radiating a trace of alluring charm. The design at her back displayed her curves with equal grace, captivating to behold.
Her face was lit by a warm smile, brimming with genuine enthusiasm for every guest. The dazzling earrings at her ears swayed gently with her movements, adding yet another glimmer to her radiance.
“As expected of the largest auction house in Yong’an City. Even the appearance of its attendants is so striking.” Jiang Hao sighed inwardly.
“What a beautiful older sister.” Fan Caiyun’s large, limpid eyes remained fixed on the attendant before her.
“What an adorable little girl. I like you very much.” Hearing Fan Caiyun’s praise, the attendant smiled even more alluringly, like a gentle spring breeze brushing across one’s face.
“I’ve come to auction some items. I wonder whether your establishment offers fair prices?” Jiang Hao stepped forward and asked.
The attendant covered her mouth coyly and said, “Young master, you have certainly come to the right place. Not only in Yong’an City, but throughout the entire region, if our Myriad Treasures Pavilion claims to offer the fairest prices, no other auction house would dare call itself second!”
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The attendant then moved closer to Jiang Hao and asked softly, “May I inquire what you wish to sell?”
Jiang Hao quickly took a step back and replied in a low voice, “The item I intend to sell is no less valuable than a third-grade Sea Transformation Pill.”
“A Sea Transformation Pill?” The attendant’s brows immediately drew together. She stared intently at Jiang Hao before giving a coquettish laugh. “Young master, you aren’t teasing me, are you?”
Jiang Hao glanced at her and answered with complete seriousness, “Miss, do you think I’m joking with you?”
Seeing the earnest expression on his face, the attendant put away her seductive smile and said respectfully, “Please wait a moment, young master. I’ll report this at once.”
With that, she hurriedly turned and left. Her light, brisk steps made her especially conspicuous amid the noisy crowd.
“Brother Jiang Hao, are we really going to sell something?” Fan Caiyun was clearly puzzled by his purpose.
Jiang Hao turned toward her and said gently, “That’s right. I need some funds at the moment so I can buy martial arts techniques and pills.”
“Besides, you have already reached the third level of the Spirit Qi Realm. As your cultivation advances, your training speed will gradually slow. When that happens, Brother Jiang Hao will help you find some pills capable of improving your cultivation.”
“Brother Jiang Hao, Caiyun doesn’t want you to waste money on me. That would be too extravagant!” Fan Caiyun hurriedly refused.
Jiang Hao seemed to have anticipated her answer. He gave a helpless, bitter smile and said, “You little thing, how could that be considered wasting money? Have you forgotten that you must train hard so you can avenge Brother Jiang Hao in the future?”
Afraid that Fan Caiyun would refuse again, Jiang Hao continued persuading her. “Besides, the stronger your cultivation becomes, the more at ease Brother Jiang Hao will naturally feel.”
Sure enough, after Jiang Hao’s persuasion, Fan Caiyun finally agreed, though only reluctantly. Even then, she repeatedly reminded him not to spend too much.
Before long, the female attendant returned with a young woman, both of them hurrying toward Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun.
“Sister Xiaotao, this is the young master who said he has an item comparable to a third-grade pill to sell.” By now, the attendant’s expression had completely changed from seductive to respectful.
The young woman stepped forward and carefully assessed Jiang Hao before greeting him warmly. “Young master, I am the manager here. My name is Yantao, though everyone calls me Sister Xiaotao. You may call me Xiaotao as well.”
“May I ask what you wish to sell? Might I take a look?” Yantao asked with a smile.
“Her cultivation is actually far above mine.” While Yantao was examining Jiang Hao, he was also studying her closely.
The young woman before him was about the same age as Jiang Hao. Her eyes were clear as a tranquil lake, gleaming with intelligence and revealing a quick, perceptive mind.
Her soft hair fell loosely over her shoulders, with a few strands occasionally lifted aside, giving her an air that was both carefree and elegant. Her clothing was simple yet stylish, accentuating her fresh and refined bearing while also conveying competence and confidence.
Judging from the attendant’s deferential attitude toward her, her manner of speaking, and the cultivation Jiang Hao could not see through, she clearly held a high position within the auction house—at the very least, she was someone with considerable authority.
“My name is Jiang Hao. Since Sister Xiaotao is the manager here, I would naturally be pleased to let you examine the item. However, there are too many people here and too many prying eyes. Perhaps we should discuss it somewhere more private,” Jiang Hao replied courteously.
“You may return to your duties. I’ll attend to this young master,” Yantao said, immediately understanding his meaning. She turned and gave the attendant a few instructions.
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“Young master, please come with me.” With that, Yantao took the lead and walked ahead.
“Then I’ll trouble you to show us the way, Sister Xiaotao.” Jiang Hao nodded and followed with Fan Caiyun in tow.
Following the splendid staircase, Jiang Hao and Fan Caiyun accompanied Yantao to an elegant private room on the second floor of the pavilion.
“Young master, please have some tea.” As she spoke, Yantao walked over to Jiang Hao and poured him a cup.
Fan Caiyun remained by Jiang Hao’s side without taking a single step away, as though she might cling to him at any moment. The unfamiliar surroundings made her feel deeply uneasy.
“Thank you.” Jiang Hao offered his quiet thanks, then took a Heavenly Spirit Fruit from his Universe Ring and gently placed it on the table.
“The flesh is crystalline and translucent, radiating a faint glow. Such tremendous vitality… Could this be a Heavenly Spirit Fruit?” As she gazed at the fruit before her, Yantao’s eyes instantly lit up. She was clearly shaken by the treasure Jiang Hao had produced.
“Judging by your expression, Sister Xiaotao, it seems you didn’t really believe I could produce this Heavenly Spirit Fruit.” Jiang Hao could not help teasing her with a smile.
Jiang Hao was indeed short of funds, but he did not have to sell the Heavenly Spirit Fruit in order to obtain the money he needed. Aside from the Heavenly Spirit Fruit, he also possessed several hundred beast cores, which could likewise be exchanged for a considerable fortune.
However, if he had chosen to sell those instead, it would have been difficult to attract the other party’s attention. After all, countless customers came to sell their possessions, while those capable of offering something more valuable than a third-grade pill were exceedingly rare.
Only in this way could Jiang Hao make the master of the auction house take notice of him, allowing him to purchase the sword-cultivation techniques and pills he desired more easily. In other words, Jiang Hao had laid out a truly masterful plan.
And Yantao’s reaction upon seeing the Heavenly Spirit Fruit was exactly what he had expected.
“Young master, what price do you intend to ask for it?” By now, Yantao no longer dared to underestimate the young man before her, despite the fact that he was clearly younger than she was.
Jiang Hao smiled faintly and held up two fingers.
“Young master, do you mean two hundred thousand silver coins?” Yantao asked respectfully.
In Yantao’s heart, it seemed she was about to obtain an incredible bargain. After all, even the precious Sea Transformation Pill among third-grade pills cost roughly that amount.
Because Jiang Hao was present, Yantao did not allow her delight to show.
“No, Sister Xiaotao. I mean two million silver coins.” Jiang Hao smiled calmly.
“What?” Yantao could no longer maintain her composure. She blurted out, “Two million silver coins?”
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