209 Spying on Spies (1/2)

The first piece of bait to lure the beast kings to the city had been taken a few days ago. It was now time to lay out the second piece of bait. As executive elder, he had certain privileges that made this much easier.

He arrived in front of a massive complex that was bustling with activity. It was called the Divine Beast Emporium and dealt with the trade of live beasts. This was an organization ran jointly by the lords and other influential business clans of the city. Many rare and valuable beasts could be found here and it was a popular gathering place for the rich and famous of the city.

As beast art cultivators, the members of Beast God Sanctum loved beasts. They not just studied beasts closely, ate beast flesh, and acted like beasts, they also liked keep beasts as pets. Maintaining a closeness with beasts was an important part of their cultivation. Many preferred beasts that were the same or similar to their chosen Dao but there were also exceptions.

The Snake Lord, before his death, kept a fox as a pet for hundreds of years. The commoners didn't know that it was Jasmine, a divine beast, but the news that a lord liked foxes inevitably leaked out. As a result, foxes became a popular pet around the city and the Divine Beast Emporium had steady business capturing and selling them.

He Xingping strode into the emporium and was greeted by rotund man in colorful furs.

”Executive Elder! Welcome back!” The man bowed and said.

”Mmm, I received your message. You have the goods?” He Xingping asked.

The man nodded, ”Yes sir, absolutely. The auction is starting soon, will you need anonymity again?”

He had an eager and greasy smile on his face. Taking part in the auctions anonymously meant that sales agents like him could charge a fat commission.

He Xingping didn't care as it was all part of the plan. He withdrew a gold tael and tipped the agent.

”Thank you, thank you, sir! This way, follow me!”

He Xingping was led through the packed hallways, up several sets of stairs and into a private box. It had a balcony that overlooked the auction hall as well as privacy inscriptions all around to prevent people outside from seeing in.

He nodded in satisfaction and sat down on in the middle seat while gesturing the agent down next to him. The auction would take over an hour as there were many valuable beasts today. To stave off boredom, he ordered some snacks as well as several bottles of wine.

The auction hall quickly filled up and the event started with great fanfare. A very attractive female auctioneer in revealing clothing was in charge of the auction, which only increased the excitement of the crowd.

He Xingping didn't bid on anything as he knew what he wanted wouldn't come until later. He occupied himself with eating, drinking, and chatting with the agent in a friendly manner. The agent also partook in some wine and flattered He Xingping as much as possible.

”Executive elder… your business must be booming during this monster invasion.” The agent chuckled, ”You've spent so much already and yet you here you are once again.”

”Heh… actually. But as long as my lord gives me the funds, I will continue to buy. It is what my lord wants, after all.” He Xingping muttered as he emptied a cup of wine.

”Oh really?” The agent said and refilled He Xingping's cup. ”I didn't know that. Why does it have to be female though? I have many great male foxes for sale. In fact, look!”

Just then, a magnificent red fox at the Spirit Initiate Realm was on display in a cage. It was around one meter long from nose to tail and a vibrant reddish orange color, like the setting sun. The beast snarled at the humans all around and let out its spiritual energy furiously. It was no use as the cage stood firm and unbroken.

He Xingping snorted in annoyance and took another gulp. ”No, absolutely not. My lord's pet fox is female so males are absolutely not allowed. It has to remain pure. He simply wants some female foxes to keep it company. It's been depressed lately which in turn makes the lord unhappy.”

”Absolutely, absolutely. The Lion Lord's wisdom is vast as the wilderness! Once the lord regains his happy pet, he will surely reward you richly!”

”Hahaha, that's right!” He Xingping replied drunkenly, ”But my friend… this has to stay between us. If I find that this news gets out, then…”

He stared pointedly at the agent before making a gesture at his neck. The agent shut up and nodded his head nervously.

The auction continued but the agent no longer probed for dangerous topics. Eventually, close to the end, what He Xingping wanted came up onto the stage. It was a tiny fox half the size of the previous fox. It had white and tan fur and the most curious pair of oversized ears.

The entire auction hall was immediately thrown into a mad frenzy. It was a female Desert Wind Fox, a rare species that was prized among the upper class of the city. It had a milder temperament compared to other foxes and tended to submit to their human masters. Being at the 3rd Level of the Spirit Initiate Realm made it even extremely desirable. But most importantly, it was astonishingly cute!