Lin Ran strolled leisurely through Black Rock City with Xiao Yixian. After enjoying a hearty lunch, he returned to their residence and gave her a bit of guidance in cultivation. Only when the start time of the auction drew near did he finally leave the house, unhurriedly making his way back to the auction house with Xiao Yixian.
By the time Lin Ran arrived at the entrance of the auction house again, the entire Black Rock Auction was swarming with people. The noise was overwhelming—chatter, shouting, even arguing filled the air and gave one a headache.
Even with guards maintaining order, the crowd's excitement couldn't be contained.
"Did you hear? The officials just announced that today's auction has been unexpectedly upgraded. A powerful individual brought three Pills for auction!"
"A high-tier Alchemist? Could it be Master Otto and Chairman Frank?"
"Those two are involved, but my buddy who works at the auction house told me that the Pills this powerhouse brought aren't even ones Otto or Frank can refine!"
"What?! Not even fourth-tier Alchemists can refine them? That means…"
"Yeah, exactly what you're thinking. Why else do you think the auction's packed like this today?"
"Damn, I have to see this for myself!"
"You can't afford anything, what's the point?!"
"Screw you, can't I just go see some rare stuff? At least I can brag about it later."
The crowd surged like waves.
Though the Black Rock Auction operated year-round, it held a special-tier auction every month, selling rare and precious treasures. Coincidentally, today was such a day.
With Lin Ran's Pills added to the event, it was no surprise the place was absolutely packed to the brim.
"There are so many people…" Xiao Yixian marveled, seemingly trying to figure out how to slip through the crowd. But Lin Ran had already turned and was heading toward another entrance on the side of the auction house.
That entrance led to a separate passage. Compared to the crowded main gate, this one was peaceful.
A red carpet stretched down the wide corridor, and over a dozen guards stood expressionless at the sides, exuding a "keep away" aura that made the surrounding people too intimidated to approach.
As Lin Ran and Xiao Yixian approached, they saw several figures standing near the entrance—not entering or leaving, as if waiting for someone.
Looking closely, Lin Ran realized they were familiar faces—it was Lin Fei and Otto from earlier that morning. Along with them stood a middle-aged man with a stern face and a deep, powerful presence. From the faint energy fluctuations occasionally rippling from him, it was clear he was a Dou Ling-level expert.
As Lin Ran and Xiao Yixian neared, the group noticed them too. The auction house manager quickly stepped forward with two maids, wearing a beaming smile as he greeted them.
"My lord, you've arrived!"
Lin Ran gave a slight nod, offering no further response.
Despite Lin Ran's cold demeanor, the manager didn't dare take offense. A man who could casually pull out fifth-tier Pills wasn't someone even the entire Black Rock City could afford to provoke.
"My lord," the manager said respectfully as he guided Lin Ran forward, "according to our scouts, nearly every major clan in Black Rock City is present today. Many powerful figures from outside the city have also arrived, each bringing rare treasures. I'm certain today's auction won't disappoint you."
"Mm."
Lin Ran gave a perfunctory response. The manager chatted a bit more, but seeing that Lin Ran wasn't particularly interested, he quickly fell silent and led the two of them into the private entrance, disappearing from public view.
"Well, City Lord?" Otto asked quietly beside the middle-aged man. "Were you able to sense that young man's strength?"
"I couldn't," the City Lord replied, shaking his head with a serious expression. "His aura is completely concealed. Either he's stronger than me, or he's carrying a treasure that hides his cultivation."
"In either case, he's not someone from our Black Rock City. He's either from the capital or a force outside the Jia Ma Empire. Regardless, he's not someone we can afford to offend."
"Pass down my orders—no one is to cause him trouble. Under no circumstances is anyone to make him an enemy."
"Yes, sir!"
"And another thing…" the City Lord turned to Lin Fei. "Go and apologize to that young man. Best to take Xue Mei with you. While what you said this morning wasn't truly offensive, it's still best to avoid any unnecessary risks."
"I understand, Father." Lin Fei lowered her head. She wasn't a bad person—just used to being treated like a pampered princess. That was why she'd made that offhand remark in the appraisal room.
Who would have thought Lin Ran possessed such deep strength and background? Just recalling it made Lin Fei break into a cold sweat.
In a world where strength ruled, even a single careless sentence could cost one their life—or even lead to a family's ruin.
The odds may be low, but it was a gamble no one should take.
Lin Ran and Xiao Yixian walked down the softly lit passageway. After a few minutes, the path opened into a vast space—the auction hall.
It was massive and split into two levels. The lower floor was filled with rows of seating, while the upper level consisted of private booths.
"My lord, this way, please. You are our esteemed Black Crystal VIP."
The maid respectfully led Lin Ran and Xiao Yixian up to the second floor. They stopped at a private booth near the auction platform. With a polite smile, the maid bowed and withdrew.
The booth was spacious and richly decorated. Most importantly, it provided a commanding view of the entire auction hall—like gazing down upon the world from above.
"Young master, it's them," Xiao Yixian said in surprise. Lin Ran had also noticed Lin Fei and Otto seated nearby—along with Xue Mei and Frank.
Coincidentally, their booth was positioned diagonally across from his.
Lin Ran gave them a passing glance before withdrawing his gaze. He had no interest in the locals here. The only reason he was lingering in Black Rock City at all was to restock supplies and possibly track Xiao Yan's movements.
Now that Xiao Yan clearly hadn't come to Black Rock and their needs were replenished, if today's auction yielded nothing worthwhile, he would depart for the Tagore Desert tomorrow.
Lin Ran closed his eyes to rest. But only a few minutes later, Xiao Yixian spoke up.
"Young master, they're coming over—they say they want to pay a visit."
She paused slightly.
"It's the two girls we met this morning."
(End of Chapter)