They tumbled down like rolling snowballs, one after another, creating a comical yet grand scene.
The auction time was approaching, and the entrance of the auction house was bustling with people. Occasionally, some would stop to watch the commotion.
Among them, there were those with keen eyes who, after seeing Xia Mian’s attire and witnessing her methods and aura, vaguely guessed her identity.
After all, in the Mystical World, those who dared act so wantonly are likely none other than the Divine Clan.
"I know, she’s the eldest lady of the Divine Clan!" someone shouted from the crowd, "When the Mystic Sect and the Hundred Families fought the Divine Clan on Xuandu Mountain, my sect’s disciples recorded videos. I’ve seen her in those recordings!"
"Yes, she’s the eldest lady of the Divine Clan! I’ve seen her in recordings left by our sect as well," another person chimed in.
As the surrounding discussions grew louder, the guards of the auction house secretly lamented.
Does this gatekeeper have eyes just for show?
He didn’t recognize the eldest lady of the Divine Clan and called her a country bumpkin!
Now they’re in trouble; the auction house has hit a snag!
While the guards inside the auction house were inwardly groaning, a tall figure hurriedly ran out.
The man was dressed in a bright blue robe and looked elegant. Upon appearing on the auction house’s steps, he smiled and advised, "Esteemed guests, please remain calm!"
"It’s Manager Ming!" someone in the crowd recognized the man as Xie Chengming, the second-in-command at the auction house.
Xia Mian gently smoothed her pant legs and turned to Xie Chengming, "What? You want to fight too?"
Xie Chengming quickly waved his hands, "No, no, no! The eldest lady misunderstood! I’m here specifically to invite her inside!"
Xia Mian squinted her eyes, raising her delicate brows, "You know me?"
Xie Chengming chuckled awkwardly, "I don’t know, just a guess. I don’t know if I’m right."
Xia Mian smirked, chuckling lightly, "Does it matter if you’re right or not?"
If she hadn’t traced her lineage before coming to this town, she’d still be treated differently!
It’s surprising how these opportunistic, shortsighted people really exist everywhere!
"Please calm your anger, eldest lady! The guards are unperceptive, failing to recognize greatness. I will surely reprimand them!" Xie Chengming’s smile was particularly sincere, "The auction will start soon. If you’re here for the auction, you should join it!"
Xia Mian looked down, scanning the men she had roughed up, who were now bruised and battered, then sneered, "You’re right, I’m here for the auction."
Pausing, Xia Mian sarcastically added, "But, I don’t have an invitation!"
The word ’invitation’ made the gatekeeper shudder!
He was foolish. This woman before him had such an imposing presence; she clearly wasn’t ordinary. Why did he mistake her for a country bumpkin?!!!
"No invitation is no problem. I’ll send you one!" Xie Chengming said and lightly pushed, making four gold-lettered invitations float in front of Xia Mian and her companions.
Xia Mian glanced at the four invitations, waved her hand, and pocketed them, "Thanks!"
"You’re too kind, eldest lady!" Xie Chengming remained exceedingly humble and friendly, even slightly bowing, and made a gesture to usher them in.
Only then did Xia Mian and her group follow Xie Chengming into the auction house.
At the bottom of the auction house steps, the guards climbed off the ground, glaring resentfully at the gatekeeper, "Ma the Fourth, if your eyes don’t work, don’t bother! Know who to offend and who not to!"
Ma the Fourth was scolded but dared not speak.
This time, he undeniably misjudged, getting beaten up to learn a lesson.
***
Xie Chengming directly led Xia Mian and her group to the VIP seats in the auction house.
The VIP seats were on the second floor, with a private room equipped with barriers where those inside could see outside, but outsiders couldn’t see in.
"The eldest lady may bid on anything she likes. If you don’t have enough Spirit Stones, our auction house can provide some," Xie Chengming said with sincerity, making his words quite reassuring.
Xia Mian couldn’t help but glance at him again, thinking he was quite adept socially.
"No worries, I won’t freeload your auction house," Xia Mian said with a slight smile, her tone calm.
Xie Chengming smiled slightly, waved for maids to serve top-quality tea to Xia Mian and her companions, then said, "I have to oversee the auction; I’ll see myself out. If the eldest lady has any issues, feel free to send someone for me!"
Xia Mian nodded slightly at Xie Chengming.
Only then did Xie Chengming leave the private room.
Inside the room, Xia Weizhang furrowed his eyebrows lightly, appearing thoughtful.
The news about Xia Liang from the Hundred Families spread not long ago; have people in the Mystical World already started researching Xia Mian’s background?
"Cousin, I feel something is not quite right!" Xia Weizhang sensed a faint unease.
Xia Mian smiled gently, "Don’t worry."
After a pause, her gaze turned somewhat cold, "We’ll handle anything that comes our way."
Xia Mian didn’t believe she had such influence that everyone must defer to her.
She understood the principle that strange occurrences usually have deeper reasons behind them.
Xia Weizhang responded with a hum, his face still full of concern.
Under Xia Weizhang’s anxious gaze, the auction finally started.
From their room, they had a clear view of the ground floor auction hall.
Xie Chengming, as the auction host, took the stage and effortlessly created the right atmosphere with a few words.
After that, the first auction item was introduced, naturally.
It was a piece of entirely black metallic lump.
The only difference from regular metals was that this metallic lump was notably shiny.
As the metallic lump was showcased, Xie Chengming’s introduction began, "This is Outer Heaven Xuan Iron. It possesses an inherent cold attribute, and if forged into weapons, over time it can develop an Artifact Spirit. The starting bid is one hundred Heavenly Spirit Stones!"
Just as Xie Chengming’s explanation concluded, someone immediately began raising the bid.
Listening to the bidders driving the price of this metallic lump to astronomical heights in a short time, Xia Mian couldn’t help but furrow her brows. Was she that poor? Why did all these bidders seem wealthier than her?
Under Xia Mian’s skeptical gaze, Xia Weizhang awkwardly turned his eyes away.
How could he explain to Xia Mian that the Divine Clan had been secluded for years, not engaging in trade, causing their wealth to shrink significantly...
The last pouch from the Divine Master, it was pretty much all the wealth the Divine Clan had left...
Xia Weizhang dared not mention it, fearing if he did, Xia Mian would be scared off, never wanting to shoulder the Divine Master’s burden again!