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Chapter 84: Zhu Zhuqing's Sense of Crisis.
2023-04-04 Author: Fu Hejun
Ye Cheng and his disciple, led by the Soul Douluo elder, walked into the auction house.
The place felt more like a grand auditorium, its layout similar to the main dueling center of a Great Spirit Arena. In the middle was a circular stage, surrounded by concentric rings of seats arranged in a radial pattern. It was divided into five main sections. The three rows of seats closest to the stage were red. Radiating outward, they were followed by black, purple, yellow, and white seats. This was clearly a setup based on the different levels of bidders. The innermost red seats were accessed through a special passage and protected by dedicated security personnel.
That was the million-level VIP area, and one had to possess both status and influence to qualify for the red VIP section. For instance, nobles or officials; simply being rich wasn't enough to grant entry.
The outer ring of black seats was the regular million-level VIP area, accessible to anyone with enough money, designating them as second-tier black VIPs. Further out, the purple seats were for five-hundred-thousand-level VIPs, yellow for hundred-thousand-level VIPs, and the outermost white seats, also the largest section, were for the most common ten-thousand-level VIPs.
By now, the entire auction center was nearly full. Ye Cheng's arrival attracted considerable attention. After all, everyone who had received an invitation knew that the three Soul Bones being auctioned today were provided by this big shot. If not for him, the three Soul Bones would have been lost long before the auction even began, ever since the auction house first announced their sale.
"Your Excellency, this way please."
The Soul Douluo elder made an inviting gesture, not leading the two toward the red seats in the center, but guiding the master and disciple down a long corridor and into a private room.
Those seated in the grand hall outside, whether in the red or white sections, were strictly speaking all the same. None could be considered the most distinguished guests.
Only those with extremely high status—such as Titled Douluos, the Emperor, or the sect masters of major factions—were qualified to obtain a private room. Everyone else was only fit to sit in the grand hall, separating the classes as if they were in two different worlds.
It could be said that the real buyers at today's Soul Bone auction were all the people in these private rooms. As for those sitting in the grand hall, they were just there to fill the seats, add to the atmosphere, or join in the fun.
Walking into the private room.
Ye Cheng discovered it was a room of over two hundred square meters with an incredibly lavish interior. Precious woods, jades, and various ornaments that were obviously expensive filled the space with an air of extravagance, yet it possessed a strange elegance that one couldn't help but admire.
This was Room 1 of the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House's core auction hall. In the past, this private room was exclusively for the Emperor. Even if other Titled Douluos or sect masters came, they could only take Room 2 or 3.
But today, the person in charge of the auction house had given this room, which represented the most distinguished status, to Ye Cheng. It was quite clear they felt he was the most honored person present. Even the Heaven Dou Imperial Family dared not object, acquiescing to this arrangement.
The room was rectangular. One of the long walls was completely translucent and crystalline, appearing white. It was also the only wall with no decorations.
The wide sofa was made from the pelt of some unknown beast, its long white fur exceptionally soft. Sitting on it gave one the comfortable sensation of sinking in, yet it provided excellent support.
The sofa was large enough to accommodate at least twenty people. On the jade table were various drinks, wines, and foods.
Ye Cheng sat down unceremoniously on the comfortable sofa, while Zhu Zhuqing obediently sat not far from his side.
After leading the two here, the Soul Douluo elder smiled, bowed, and said respectfully, "Your Excellency, the auction is about to begin, so I must take my leave. If you need anything, Your Excellency, feel free to instruct them."
He was personally hosting today's auction, so he could not continue to accompany them.
Ye Cheng, of course, didn't care about the old man's departure and nodded indifferently. The elder then smiled, backed away, and slowly left the private room.
Besides the master and disciple, five young women in gorgeous dresses remained in the room. They stood respectfully to the side. Ye Cheng could tell at a glance that these five were no ordinary people. They were in their early twenties at most, yet their strength had already reached the Soul Ancestor level. To achieve such strength at this age meant they were undoubtedly exceptionally talented.
What was especially eye-catching was that the five girls looked exactly alike; they were extremely rare quintuplets.
*This old man really knows how to handle people.*
Ye Cheng only had to think for a moment to know that these quintuplet girls were definitely not just simple maids. Before today, these five were likely talents being specially cultivated by the auction house. Now, they had been brought in to serve as maids in a private room. It was obvious they were being prepared as a gift for a powerful expert like him.
Once the auction was over, even if he didn't say a word, these five women would undoubtedly be bundled up and sent to him. Unless he refused, these five women would be his property today.
*Truly an evil feudal society!*
Ye Cheng cursed inwardly. But he had to admit he was a little tempted.
After all, not only were these five girls quintuplets, but they were also very beautiful, and their talent was quite good. They were worth nurturing. It would be a pity to refuse.
Thinking about it, having five maids like this to take care of his daily life wouldn't be so bad.
The auction hadn't officially started yet. Bored, Ye Cheng began to size up the five graceful girls before him. He found that although they looked identical, the five sisters had different hair colors, allowing one to tell them apart.
Zhu Zhuqing, sitting next to him, watched her teacher sizing up the quintuplet maids. For some reason, a sense of crisis rose in her heart, as if she was about to fall out of favor. But given her status, there was nothing she could do. After all, what right did a disciple have to meddle in her master's private affairs?
Moreover, in this world where strength is revered, with Ye Cheng's status, even if he blatantly started a harem, absolutely no one would dare to say a word. In fact, people would find it perfectly normal, and even more women would offer themselves to him.
So, Zhu Zhuqing, who had absolutely no reason to be sullen, was surprised at her own anger. This was clearly a normal thing in this world, so why... why did she feel so miserable?
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't quite figure it out, only feeling a tightness in her chest. But she didn't let it show on the surface, still maintaining a cold and detached expression, as if nothing bothered her.
Ye Cheng naturally noticed Zhu Zhuqing's odd behavior. He hadn't forgotten that his spiritual power was incredibly potent. Without deliberately restraining it, his powerful perception was enough to sense the emotional changes of those around him. No matter how well Zhu Zhuqing concealed her feelings, she couldn't hide them from his perception.
Ye Cheng knew exactly what was going on with Zhu Zhuqing's emotional shift. He knew it wasn't love, but merely simple possessiveness and a sense of crisis born from the fear of losing favor.
(end of chapter)
2023-04-04 Author: Fu Hejun
Ye Cheng and his disciple, led by the Soul Douluo elder, walked into the auction house.
The place felt more like a grand auditorium, its layout similar to the main dueling center of a Great Spirit Arena. In the middle was a circular stage, surrounded by concentric rings of seats arranged in a radial pattern. It was divided into five main sections. The three rows of seats closest to the stage were red. Radiating outward, they were followed by black, purple, yellow, and white seats. This was clearly a setup based on the different levels of bidders. The innermost red seats were accessed through a special passage and protected by dedicated security personnel.
That was the million-level VIP area, and one had to possess both status and influence to qualify for the red VIP section. For instance, nobles or officials; simply being rich wasn't enough to grant entry.
The outer ring of black seats was the regular million-level VIP area, accessible to anyone with enough money, designating them as second-tier black VIPs. Further out, the purple seats were for five-hundred-thousand-level VIPs, yellow for hundred-thousand-level VIPs, and the outermost white seats, also the largest section, were for the most common ten-thousand-level VIPs.
By now, the entire auction center was nearly full. Ye Cheng's arrival attracted considerable attention. After all, everyone who had received an invitation knew that the three Soul Bones being auctioned today were provided by this big shot. If not for him, the three Soul Bones would have been lost long before the auction even began, ever since the auction house first announced their sale.
"Your Excellency, this way please."
The Soul Douluo elder made an inviting gesture, not leading the two toward the red seats in the center, but guiding the master and disciple down a long corridor and into a private room.
Those seated in the grand hall outside, whether in the red or white sections, were strictly speaking all the same. None could be considered the most distinguished guests.
Only those with extremely high status—such as Titled Douluos, the Emperor, or the sect masters of major factions—were qualified to obtain a private room. Everyone else was only fit to sit in the grand hall, separating the classes as if they were in two different worlds.
It could be said that the real buyers at today's Soul Bone auction were all the people in these private rooms. As for those sitting in the grand hall, they were just there to fill the seats, add to the atmosphere, or join in the fun.
Walking into the private room.
Ye Cheng discovered it was a room of over two hundred square meters with an incredibly lavish interior. Precious woods, jades, and various ornaments that were obviously expensive filled the space with an air of extravagance, yet it possessed a strange elegance that one couldn't help but admire.
This was Room 1 of the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House's core auction hall. In the past, this private room was exclusively for the Emperor. Even if other Titled Douluos or sect masters came, they could only take Room 2 or 3.
But today, the person in charge of the auction house had given this room, which represented the most distinguished status, to Ye Cheng. It was quite clear they felt he was the most honored person present. Even the Heaven Dou Imperial Family dared not object, acquiescing to this arrangement.
The room was rectangular. One of the long walls was completely translucent and crystalline, appearing white. It was also the only wall with no decorations.
The wide sofa was made from the pelt of some unknown beast, its long white fur exceptionally soft. Sitting on it gave one the comfortable sensation of sinking in, yet it provided excellent support.
The sofa was large enough to accommodate at least twenty people. On the jade table were various drinks, wines, and foods.
Ye Cheng sat down unceremoniously on the comfortable sofa, while Zhu Zhuqing obediently sat not far from his side.
After leading the two here, the Soul Douluo elder smiled, bowed, and said respectfully, "Your Excellency, the auction is about to begin, so I must take my leave. If you need anything, Your Excellency, feel free to instruct them."
He was personally hosting today's auction, so he could not continue to accompany them.
Ye Cheng, of course, didn't care about the old man's departure and nodded indifferently. The elder then smiled, backed away, and slowly left the private room.
Besides the master and disciple, five young women in gorgeous dresses remained in the room. They stood respectfully to the side. Ye Cheng could tell at a glance that these five were no ordinary people. They were in their early twenties at most, yet their strength had already reached the Soul Ancestor level. To achieve such strength at this age meant they were undoubtedly exceptionally talented.
What was especially eye-catching was that the five girls looked exactly alike; they were extremely rare quintuplets.
*This old man really knows how to handle people.*
Ye Cheng only had to think for a moment to know that these quintuplet girls were definitely not just simple maids. Before today, these five were likely talents being specially cultivated by the auction house. Now, they had been brought in to serve as maids in a private room. It was obvious they were being prepared as a gift for a powerful expert like him.
Once the auction was over, even if he didn't say a word, these five women would undoubtedly be bundled up and sent to him. Unless he refused, these five women would be his property today.
*Truly an evil feudal society!*
Ye Cheng cursed inwardly. But he had to admit he was a little tempted.
After all, not only were these five girls quintuplets, but they were also very beautiful, and their talent was quite good. They were worth nurturing. It would be a pity to refuse.
Thinking about it, having five maids like this to take care of his daily life wouldn't be so bad.
The auction hadn't officially started yet. Bored, Ye Cheng began to size up the five graceful girls before him. He found that although they looked identical, the five sisters had different hair colors, allowing one to tell them apart.
Zhu Zhuqing, sitting next to him, watched her teacher sizing up the quintuplet maids. For some reason, a sense of crisis rose in her heart, as if she was about to fall out of favor. But given her status, there was nothing she could do. After all, what right did a disciple have to meddle in her master's private affairs?
Moreover, in this world where strength is revered, with Ye Cheng's status, even if he blatantly started a harem, absolutely no one would dare to say a word. In fact, people would find it perfectly normal, and even more women would offer themselves to him.
So, Zhu Zhuqing, who had absolutely no reason to be sullen, was surprised at her own anger. This was clearly a normal thing in this world, so why... why did she feel so miserable?
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't quite figure it out, only feeling a tightness in her chest. But she didn't let it show on the surface, still maintaining a cold and detached expression, as if nothing bothered her.
Ye Cheng naturally noticed Zhu Zhuqing's odd behavior. He hadn't forgotten that his spiritual power was incredibly potent. Without deliberately restraining it, his powerful perception was enough to sense the emotional changes of those around him. No matter how well Zhu Zhuqing concealed her feelings, she couldn't hide them from his perception.
Ye Cheng knew exactly what was going on with Zhu Zhuqing's emotional shift. He knew it wasn't love, but merely simple possessiveness and a sense of crisis born from the fear of losing favor.
(end of chapter)
