156 The Grand Auction 1 (1/2)

”This is the Golden Mane Lion from the Willow woods.” a hint of pride can be detected in the auctioneer's voice as he pointed towards the roaring beast inside the cage. It did not betray it's name for it's mane was shinier than gold and it seemed thick too.

” Heh, it is said that no one returns alive from that place once they enter. How did these guys catch a lion?” the sarcasm in her voice was clearly evident.

” But they can't stop animals which leave the forest, can they?” He Chun spoke faintly with his eyes still locked on the auction stage.

' Ah! So, that's the case.' Xia Lian nodded silently in understanding.

” Where did Bao Su go? It seems that I should give you a more responsible guard.” Xuan Li Wei gritted his teeth. What was that fellow doing? If he was doing his work properly the little girl would not have been surrounded by all these pests. He was seriously considering to fire that irresponsible fellow.

” I sent him on a mission. He will not be back anytime soon.” Xuan Li Wei's mood did not improve even after hearing her explanation.

Xia Lian started to praise Bao Su completely oblivious to the gloomy prince's dissatisfaction. ” Li Wei, your shadow guard is truly reliable. He trained me in qing qong and in the art of sword fighting. The most attractive thing about him is his vast amount of knowledge on various things. No matter what I ask, he always has an answer.”

Bao Su is attractive? It was he who trained all his shadow guards. Why is that he is the one who is getting beaten and his shadow guard was the one who is getting praised?

It was unfair!

” I was the one who trained him.” his voice came out almost like an inaudible whisper, but Xia Lian who was seated beside him heard his complaining voice clearly.

” Only a well trained and excellent general can produce such good saplings.” Xia Lian tried hard to maintain a straight face while praising the man before her.

Was he a kid sulking on such trivial matters? On seeing the smug smile of victory on his face after she praised him, she glared at him ” So, don't even think of taking Bao Su away from me!” Xuan Li Wei could only nod, how could he reject her words.

One can say that many are fond of this Golden Mane Lion as the price reached 50,000 gold coins.

” 60,000” A man dressed in blue silk robes shouted.

Not willing to back down, a plump man in green robes proudly announced ”70,000”

” 90,000” A slim and tall man with beard covering most of his face, yawned in a lazy voice. The audience seemed to be riled up as the prices began to soar up again.

”100,000”

”150,000”

The bidding went on as it stopped at 400,000. The auctioneer glanced around the room only to find pin drop silence after the man in beard bid at 400,000 gold. It was a huge sum for a lion.