Chapter 134 - The Auction (1/2)

The auction was held in a venue temporarily constructed on the largest square in Yanwu. Although it would be used only for a very short time, the materials were all transported from Firecrow Empire, and their specifications were much stricter than those of regular buildings.

The construction had begun even before the trade fair started. In just seven days, a magnificent auction hall was built, which took the shape of an unfolded fan, enough to accommodate ten thousand people. Many separated rooms for distinguished guests were ready on the second floor, waiting to serve those with high status.

Before the auction, all the aristocratic families of Firecrow Empire would receive a detailed list of the auction items. Many of these families would send representatives, such as their stewards, to bid for the items they wanted. So, even though the venue was large, it would be packed when all the invited people had arrived.

At the handle of the fan-shaped auction hall was the place where the auction items were stored in the offices for all back-end works. There was a separate small room further inside, in which, a heated argument was taking place.

“Yin Zhaoyang, I don’t care what your reason is, but I will not agree with this!” The other Guardian Elder of Myriad Treasures Store, Gan Deming, looked angry as he said in a cold voice. “Our rules are iron clad, and no one can break them!”

Yin Zhaoyang gave a disdainful snort as he folded his arms over his chest and said, “As the Guardian Elder of Firecrow branch, do I not have the right to auction an item?”

“Of course, you have! But, you need to add it before the list of auction items is released,” Gan Deming said. “With the list delivered to all the aristocratic families, how will others look at us if we add some items now?”

Not convinced, Yin Zhaoyang said with a sneer, “This is not the first time. I remember once Elder Gan’s junior had brought a fifth-tier alchemy product, which was added directly to the list even after the list was sent out.”

Gan Deming flared. “A fifth-tier alchemy product is naturally qualified to be added at any time!”

“Elder Gan is right,” said Xu Zizhuo, the manager of the Firecrow branch, who was standing to the side in silence. “I will not stop Elder Yin if the item is a fifth-tier alchemy product. But, the funny thing is, Elder Yin, even you have no idea what the item is. If we allow it to be added, and it turns out to be just a first or second-tier item, we will make ourselves a laughing stock of others, and Myriad Treasures Store’s reputation will be damaged.”

There was a faint confused look in Yin Zhaoyang’s eyes, but he said firmly, “I’m sure the quality of the item will not be inferior. If anything happens, I will bear full responsibility!”

That gave Xu Zizhuo a pause. His eyes flashed with surprise at Yin Zhaoyang’s resolute look, and he fell silent while pondering.

“Haha! You will bear full responsibility? Can you?” Gan Deming sneered. “If you are bent on your own way, I will report this and the murder in the trade fair several days ago to Lord Xie Yuhang. Let’s see how you are going to bear the responsibility!”Read more chapter at novelhall

Yin Zhaoyang’s face flickered, and his heart sunk a little. Although he and Gan Deming did not like each other and had fought for many years, their battles were limited to ordinary affairs and would never involve the higher-ups. Both of them knew that to cut others some slack was to give oneself the leeway in time of need, and none of them could afford the anger from above. But this time, Gan Deming had threatened him blatantly.

“Hmph! Suit yourself!” Yin Zhaoyang said coldly. “I will explain if Lord Xie Yuhang asks me about it. You have no right to know!” With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and left. He was a little nervous at first, but when he thought of what Yuwen Bo told him, he immediately calmed down. ‘Treat him the same way you treat me’

Gan Deming’s face fell and he bellowed, “Don’t you regret it, Yin Zhaoyang!”

Paying him no more mind, Yin Zhaoyang walked straight out of the auction hall. Gan Deming, on the other hand, was fuming with rage as he said, “My lord, you’ve heard him too! He’s just too much! He has broken our rules in a row! I can’t stand it anymore this time. I will report him to Lord Xie Yuhang!”

Xu Zizhuo’s face was full of suspicion, and there was a look of uncertainty in his eyes as he watched Yin Zhaoyang walk away. “Elder Gan, what do you think of Yin Zhaoyang?”

Gan Deming froze for a moment, then sneered. “Narrow-minded and selfish. Apart from his cultivation base, his character is good for nothing!”