The girl blinked, then her expression lit up. "Of course, sir! Right this way."

She led him up a spiraling stair lined with jade lanterns, her steps graceful and practiced — though Michael's attention drifted beyond her as he watched the floor below begin to fill.

'Let's see… I'll just eat some fruits, lean back in a chair, and if someone impressive walks across the stage… boom. Our seventh member.'

The hostess gestured to a lavish private balcony box. Michael entered, waved her away, and sprawled lazily into the silk-cushioned chair. A table of fresh fruit and fine wine awaited.

Below, murmurs began to rise. The auction was starting.

The murmurs in the grand hall began to settle as the main lights dimmed, leaving only a soft golden glow bathing the central stage. Silks rustled and jewels sparkled as nobles and spirit masters leaned forward in anticipation.

Then, from behind a velvet curtain, a tall woman stepped onto the stage.

She wore a shimmering crimson and gold gown, daringly cut — a high slit ran along her right thigh, revealing long, sculpted legs with a sheen of spirit-laced perfume. The neckline dipped dangerously, offering a generous view of smooth, fair cleavage framed by a fan of phoenix feathers. Her black hair was swept into a loose bun, leaving a few strands trailing along her collarbones. Eyes of violet-gold scanned the audience like a queen appraising her court.

Michael, still lounging in his chair with a grape between his fingers, raised an eyebrow.

The woman's red lips curved into a sultry smile as she held a jade microphone orb in her hand.

"Distinguished guests of Cloudrose Auction House," she said, her voice smooth as velvet and carrying easily across the massive room. "We thank you for gracing us with your presence today. I am Mei Lian, your host for this very special event."

Several whistles and low murmurs of appreciation rippled through the crowd.

"Tonight's items include rare treasures, spirit artifacts, ancient herbs, and a few surprises even I wasn't told about," she added with a teasing smile, her eyes glinting. "So do try not to blink."

The crowd chuckled, and the mood settled into sharp anticipation.

Behind her, servants brought forward the first covered tray, placing it gently on a jade pedestal.

Michael reached for a plum from the fruit tray as the auction officially began, half-listening as Mei Lian's voice continued, rich and rhythmic.

"Our first item of the night," Mei Lian announced with a practiced smile, "is a pair of Grade 2 Spirit-Gathering Incense Scrolls — used by clans during cultivation sessions to subtly increase the absorption rate of ambient spirit power. Especially useful during bottleneck breakthroughs under Rank 40."

She lifted the silk cover, revealing two rolled scrolls bound in gold thread, each emanating a faint herbal fragrance.

A soft murmur of interest passed through the room. Several elder sect representatives leaned forward.

"Starting bid: 3,000 gold spirit coins."

The bidding began immediately, with measured calls from robed elders and well-dressed envoys.

In his private box, Michael reached for a grape with one hand, unimpressed. These kinds of tools were helpful, sure — but nothing exciting.

He didn't come here for incense, supplements, or spirit master training aids.

One by one, the practical treasures cycled through — a mid-grade armor made from Steel-Back Crocodile hide, a set of thunder-imbued throwing needles, a martial soul resonance pendant that glowed faintly when near similar soul signatures. Useful, but nothing game-changing.

Michael stayed reclined, swirling his wine, picking from the fruit tray, gaze half-lidded. He hadn't raised a single bid paddle all night.

Eventually, the auction lights dimmed slightly.

A chime echoed across the hall, soft and drawn-out.

A new figure stepped onto the stage — the female hostess quietly withdrew as a middle-aged man in an ornate black and gold robe took her place. Unlike her polite and elegant demeanor, his air was more grounded, practical, and businesslike.

He adjusted his cuffs, then raised his voice across the murmuring hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we now begin the final segment of the night's auction — the servant lot." His tone was neutral, neither celebratory nor grim.

Murmurs rose — some eyes gleamed with interest, others exchanged quiet whispers behind fans or sleeves.

"These individuals are non-spirit master slaves or low-potential rejects with unique aesthetics or light auxiliary skills. No forged identification, no bindings — all contracts are fresh and legal under Heaven Dou law."

Michael sat up slightly now, resting an elbow on the armrest. Finally.

The first curtain was drawn back.

A young man, perhaps seventeen, thin and silent, was led onstage. Plain robes, dull eyes. The auctioneer announced flatly, "Male. No innate spirit power. Has some stable cooking training and is literate. Starting bid: 400 gold."

Michael didn't even blink.

Another came — a short girl, her mismatched eyes scanning the crowd with anxious energy. Cat-like ears twitched atop her head, and a thin, furred tail curled tightly around one leg. She looked like she wanted to shrink into herself and vanish.

The auctioneer's voice rang out, clearer this time:

"Next: Female, aged sixteen. Martial spirit mutated during awakening — fused with her physical form, resulting in beast-kin traits. No known combat use, but unique physiology may allow for future refinement or adaptability. No cultivation to date. Starting bid: 800 gold."

This time, Michael's gaze sharpened.

A martial spirit fused with the body… Not awakened properly — but not useless, either. A blank slate with a rare condition…

Exactly the kind he'd come looking for.

A murmur swept the crowd. A few nobles leaned forward — whether for her exotic appearance or curiosity, it didn't matter.

Michael raised his hand — casually, decisively.

"1000 gold."

Silence followed. A few in the crowd shifted, hesitated. Then, one hand rose from a distant booth. "1100!"

Without a change in expression, Michael flicked his fingers. "1500."

No one dared challenge further.

The gavel struck once, and she was escorted offstage — her eyes still confused, but her steps steadier now.

The auction rolled on.

More Slaves came in as Michael bought all of them which were similar to the girl with beast kin features.

*******

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