An awkward silence fell over the auction hall. When news spread that the mysterious VIP in the second-floor box had chosen to withdraw from the bidding, a series of gasps rippled through the room. Soon after, applause broke out for Dongfang Xun's victory.

But Dongfang Xun was so angry his nose was nearly bent out of shape. He had thought the other party would fight him to the end but hadn't expected them to back down so quickly. The Blackgold Wood could have been his for twenty or thirty million, but now it was going to cost him ten times that! Three hundred million. For him, this was no small burden.

Dongfang Xun was both angry and pained. Fortunately, he had swindled quite a bit of money in the Jiangnan region over the years. This was his last year here, and he could thoroughly fleece one last fat sheep. Not only could he recoup his losses, but he could also easily buy the Harbor City mansion he had promised Xiao Qi.

Thinking of Xiao Qi's coquettish voice and fiery figure, a mischievous smile crept onto Dongfang Xun's lips. He really wanted to hurry back to Harbor City.

Dongfang Xun nonchalantly wrote down the figures and signed the checkbook. Then, he stepped onto the stage, and with a light touch, the one-meter-tall piece of Blackgold Wood vanished from its spot.

This caused an uproar. "As expected of Daoist Dongfang," someone exclaimed in amazement. "That technique was nothing short of divine!"

Hearing the familiar flattery, Dongfang Xun's expression finally softened, and he waved to the surrounding crowd with a chuckle.

However, Niu Guihua, the Family Head of the Niu Family from Hua City, was ashen-faced. This meteorite from beyond the heavens was a chance finding by Niu Taishan. Not knowing its use, he had decided to put it up for auction for charity.

Now, not only had they overshadowed the Su and Jiang Families, they had also offended Dongfang Xun. And what if Xu Lai, who failed to win the bid, also holds a grudge against the Niu Family...?

Niu Guihua's stomach churned with regret. Wouldn't it have been better to just offer a few antiques? Now they had managed to offend everyone they couldn't afford to, all at once.

The other leading families of Jiangnan's thirteen cities had varying thoughts; some watched the drama with amusement, while others felt a tinge of pity.

Of course, none of this had anything to do with Xu Lai. The Heavenly Court's treasury contained over a hundred thousand stalks of Blackgold Wood, so a single piece was neither here nor there for him.

The auction's proceeds of 389,720,000 RMB would be used entirely for charity, supervised jointly by the thirteen wealthy families and the public.

Then the auction ended. The crowd did not disperse, however. As in previous years, they lingered to chat, network, and foster connections.

"Daoist Dongfang, it's getting late. It's time to head to the hotel," Wan Yuanshan, Family Head of the Wan Family from the East Sea, said respectfully, unable to contain his anticipation for the magic artifact. "The sooner this is finished, the sooner you can get to the airport. We mustn't delay your flight back to Harbor City tonight."

"Hmm," Dongfang Xun replied faintly. "Then let's go."

He had a flight booked for midnight. His plan was to flee after fleecing the fat sheep and never return to the Inland again. He really couldn't afford any delays.

As Dongfang Xun made his way out, Ruan Jin grew excited. He pushed through the crowd and said eagerly, "Daoist Dongfang, may I have a moment for a private word?"

"And you are...?" Dongfang Xun asked, looking puzzled.

Ruan Jin offered a business card. "My name is Ruan Jin, from the Ruan Family of the East Sea. I've heard that Daoist Dongfang is a living immortal, and I have a special favor to ask."

Dongfang Xun was slightly impatient. People asked him for favors all the time; who had the time to entertain every single one? Especially when they didn't offer any money, just... Hmm?

Dongfang Xun took the business card. Feeling it was unusually thick, he discreetly flipped it over and saw a folded check tucked behind it.

It was made out for fifty million RMB!

Instantly, a broad smile spread across Dongfang Xun's face. "Hahaha, of course! Let's go to the hotel to discuss this in detail."

When a client had a need, he aimed to satisfy it. At the very least, he had to keep up appearances until the money was safely in his account.

A convoy of more than a dozen luxury cars headed for a five-star hotel very close to the airport.

In the conference room, Su Daiyi, Old Jiang Ba, and the Family Heads of the Wan and Niu families, including Niu Guihua, exchanged uneasy glances. They had been waiting for ten minutes, but Dongfang Xun had yet to appear since arriving at the hotel.

Su Daiyi frowned. "I'll go ask what's going on."

"Don't!" the Ling Family Head from Wencheng warned, shaking his head. "Daoist Dongfang has an eccentric temper. We must not disturb him."

"It would be one thing if it were just us, but Mr. Xu is still here," Old Jiang Ba added, showing his slight displeasure.

A heavy atmosphere settled over the room, and no one spoke. Martial Dao was a world beyond the imagination of ordinary people, but Martial Artists weren't completely inaccessible—you might find one in ten thousand. The path of a Daoist, however, was a one-in-a-million calling, with each commanding immense respect. After all, in modern society, there was a saying: no matter how great your kung fu, you still fear a kitchen knife. And things like Feng Shui and Formations were on another level entirely, possessing the terrifying power to transform the mundane into the miraculous.

Of course, Xu Lai wasn't in a hurry. He was busy with Qian Xiao and Yiyi, their faces pressed to the window, watching the planes take off in the distance.

So he said calmly, "Then we'll wait."

That "wait" turned into a full half hour.

「In another room.」

Dongfang Xun first had Ruan Jin briefly explain his request, inquiring about his family and background.

Then his eyebrows shot up, and his expression turned strange. "You want me to use a curse to put Xu Lai in a vegetative state?"

"Yes," Ruan Jin said respectfully. "I beg you to act."

"Are you even human?" Dongfang Xun spat. "Even if you're not blood-related, that's your cousin's husband! He's your kin! A deed like this will get you struck by lightning and ensure you die a horrible death!"

Ruan Jin was thoroughly chewed out and looked terrified. Just as he was about to apologize, Dongfang Xun continued, "An immoral act like this shortens one's lifespan. So... you'll have to pay more."

"..."

Ruan Jin was both shocked and delighted. "How much more?" he asked cautiously.

Dongfang Xun said nothing, simply holding up five fingers.

Ruan Jin gasped. "Another fifty million? I... I might not be able to raise that much on such short notice. But please, give me some time. I'll borrow it, I promise!"

Dongfang Xun was startled. He had only been planning to ask for five million. Seeing how earnest the man was, however, he nodded with satisfaction. "You have a bright future. I'll take the job."

After taking a photo of Xu Lai, Dongfang Xun said leisurely, "Alright, go get the money. I want to see it within the hour."

"Rest assured!"

Ruan Jin nodded eagerly. He would call in every favor he had to borrow the money and cripple Xu Lai. Otherwise, how would he ever get his hands on Above the White Clouds and Haitang Court?

With his hands clasped behind his back, Dongfang Xun followed a hotel attendant to the conference room.

When he pushed the door open, he froze. The man Ruan Jin wanted him to kill was standing right there by the window.

"Daddy, are there birds as big as airplanes?" Xu Yiyi asked, her small face tilted up in excitement.

"There are," said Xu Lai. "When we get home tonight, Daddy will catch you a Kunpeng, and we'll roast it."

"I know, I know!" Qian Xiao raised her hand excitedly. "Is it the Kunpeng that's so big a single pot can't hold it?"

"So, it was you people."

Dongfang Xun's face gradually darkened as he recognized the all-too-familiar voices. He didn't know if a Kunpeng was really that big. What he did know was that the three people standing before him were the very ones who had caused him to lose a fortune at the auction

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