He adjusted his cloak, pulling the hood slightly lower before heading toward the nearest information pavilion. The attendant, a sharp-eyed young woman, greeted him with the kind of professional warmth that came from years of dealing with every sort of eccentric customer.

"Welcome, young master. How may I assist you today?"

"I'm looking for an auction house," Tian Lei said evenly. "Preferably one that handles high-tier artifacts, spirit materials, or rare beast essences."

The woman blinked, momentarily surprised at the calm authority in his tone—rare for someone his apparent age. Then she nodded, consulting a jade slip on the counter.

"There are three main auction houses within Mist Leaf City," she explained. "The smaller ones serve local merchants and minor sects, but the two that truly dominate are The Willow Silver Lake Auction House and The Azure Pavilion Exchange. Both are reputable, but the Silver Lake is famous for its exclusivity—and for occasionally handling items brought in from beyond the kingdom's borders."

Tian Lei's interest stirred. "The Willow Silver Lake, you said?"

"Yes, young master. They're holding their next grand auction in three days. It's invitation-only, but VIP tokens can be acquired through sponsors or affiliated merchants." She paused, studying his calm yet refined demeanor. "Would you like me to arrange a recommendation?"

He smiled faintly. "That won't be necessary. I'll handle it myself."

As he turned to leave, the attendant hesitated. "A small warning, young master—Silver Lake attracts powerful eyes. Even nobles tread carefully there."

Tian Lei's steps didn't falter. "All the better. I like quiet places that only the bold dare to enter."

Outside, he exhaled, the city breeze brushing against his dark hair as he looked toward the distant skyline—the direction of the Silver Lake District, where mist drifted over crystalline rooftops and golden spires reflected the sun.

Tian Lei made his way through the lively streets of Mist Leaf City, his pace unhurried, his eyes sharp beneath the shadow of his hood. The city was a swirl of sound and color—vendors calling out wares, spirit beasts lumbering past with carts, and cultivators of all ranks weaving through the crowd. But his destination was clear.

Soon, the grand structure of the Willow Silver Lake Auction House came into view.

It stood like a palace of commerce—white jade walls veined with silver, elegant willow carvings swaying with gentle arrays that mimicked a lakeside breeze. A crescent-shaped sigil gleamed above the massive entrance, its faint spiritual resonance marking the building's defensive formation.

As he stepped through the arched doors, the air shifted. Gone was the bustle of the street—replaced by a tranquil hum of refined energy and the faint aroma of sandalwood. Attendants in silver-blue robes moved gracefully between guests, each bearing the emblem of the Silver Lake upon their chest.

One such attendant approached him, bowing politely.

"Welcome to the Willow Silver Lake Auction House, young master. Are you here to participate, consign, or purchase?"

"Consign," Tian Lei replied simply, drawing a small storage ring from his sleeve. "I have several Mortal and Spirit-grade artifacts to sell, as well as beast materials—bones, cores, and essences. Some need to be processed soon before they deteriorate."

The attendant's brows lifted slightly—those were not trivial items. "Understood. May I take you to the appraisal hall?"

He nodded.

They moved through a quiet corridor lined with shimmering formation runes, each one designed to suppress spiritual fluctuations. Inside the appraisal chamber, a silver-haired elder awaited—a man with narrow eyes and an aura that carried the weight of long experience.

The attendant bowed. "Elder Shen, this young master wishes to consign a number of items for the next auction."

Elder Shen nodded, motioning for Tian Lei to sit. "Please, show me what you've brought."

With a flick of his wrist, Tian Lei summoned several bundles from his Expansive Space.

Weapons wrapped in spirit cloth clinked softly as they landed—Mortal and Spirit-grade swords, spears, and daggers, each marked with traces of old enchantments. Alongside them came several small containers filled with beast materials—gleaming bones, faintly pulsing spirit cores, and fragments of carapace still rich in energy.

The old man's eyes glimmered as he extended a hand over the pile, threads of appraisal light weaving through the air. "Hmm… well-preserved. Good grade, stable essence lines. You have quite the collection, young one."

"Just clearing space," Tian Lei said mildly. "The weapons can be bundled together for auction—no need to list them individually. As for the beast materials, I'd like them appraised and sold at market value in bulk."

Elder Shen smiled faintly, amused by the boy's pragmatic tone. "Efficient and unpretentious. I like that."

He tapped his jade brush against the table, recording each item's category and estimated value. "For what you've provided, the total estimated worth is between eighty to ninety white-gold spirit coins, depending on the final bidding."

Tian Lei nodded. "Acceptable."

Elder Shen chuckled softly. "Not one for haggling either, I see." He handed a small silver-etched token across the table. "This is your consignment mark. It allows you to track the sales remotely. And—" his tone lightened "—since you're consigning at least three Spirit-grade items, you qualify for a temporary VIP booth for the upcoming auction."

That caught Tian Lei's attention. "A booth?"

"Yes. Private seating, spirit barrier, and direct bidding privileges," Elder Shen said with a knowing look. "You'll find it useful, especially if you intend to make any purchases yourself."

Tian Lei accepted the token, slipping it into his sleeve. "Much appreciated."

As he stood to leave, Elder Shen inclined his head respectfully. "The auction begins at dusk three days from now. We look forward to your participation, young master."

Tian Lei gave a faint nod, his expression calm but his thoughts already in motion.

Hmm… with the money I have, it's unlikely I'll find anything truly exceptional here, he mused, his sharp gaze flicking toward the auction house's silver-etched doors as they closed behind him.

Stepping out into the sunlit street, he inhaled deeply, the scent of mist and pine mixing with the faint trace of incense from the city's shrines. The bustle of Mist Leaf City faded behind him as his eyes drifted toward the distant horizon—where jagged mountains loomed like slumbering beasts beneath the drifting fog.

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