The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 35: A Pair of Tumbles

A Pair of Tumbles . . .

Master Feng, in reality, was Cha-Eun Xiao in clever disguise. Once more, the Xiao Monarch had transformed his appearance, this time adopting the persona of Feng Zhi-Ling. With casual grace, he entered the salesroom, positioning himself against the second-floor handrail, gazing down at the crowd.

His demeanor exuded an air of self-assured grandeur, earning him perplexed looks from those around him. However, he remained aloof, paying no heed to their curiosity.

Master Guan Wan-Shan, the salesroom's prime connoisseur, approached with humility and a smile. "Brother Feng, you've arrived early. I apologize for not being at the entrance to personally welcome you."

Internally, Guan Wan-Shan wondered about Cha-Eun Xiao's ostentatious display. Wasn't he supposed to keep a low profile? Why the conspicuous behavior in front of such a large audience? Was he unaware of the risks of exposure?

Cha-Eun Xiao replied serenely, "No need to worry. I'm just here to ensure my dan beads fetch a fair price."

Guan Wan-Shan responded earnestly, "Rest assured, a treasure as legendary as this is worth a king's ransom. We purchased five beads from you for a mere 500 thousand silver bars. It's clear we've secured a fantastic deal."

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Cha-Eun Xiao's voice remained placid as he remarked, "Indeed, I'm certain that without this small advantage, you wouldn't be able to manage your role adequately."

Guan Wan-Shan, experienced in handling guests, was at a loss for words. He thought, "This man is too straightforward. His conversation lacks the usual finesse, and he appears indifferent to my feelings."

After a few more perfunctory remarks, Guan Wan-Shan excused himself.

People from various sects occupied seats on the first floor, while members of royal families and noble clans found their places.

The eight noble clans held immense influence globally. Although officially ranked below the royal families, it was an open secret that their power surpassed mere titles.

The Mu clan's representatives arrived, and their demeanor was regal. They exuded authority, displaying the quintessential bearing of a noble clan. Cha-Eun Xiao observed them from a distance, his right fist clenched discreetly beneath his sleeve. A surge of cold energy coursed through his fist, unseen and silent.

"Undoubtedly, they belong to a noble clan. Their manner is truly distinguished."

"Absolutely, this is the very essence of nobility."

Praises flowed from the onlookers, and the two Mu clan delegates, despite their unsmiling expressions, relished the attention. They anticipated recognition and advancement within their clan following their success at the auction.

Meanwhile, the middle-aged Mu clan delegate strode forward with pride, only to suddenly lose his footing. His earlier confidence gave way to a stumble, nearly causing him to tumble to the floor. However, his experience as a cultivator allowed him to utilize his spiritual energy to regain balance. Nonetheless, the incident remained an awkward spectacle. Such a mishap had caught everyone off guard, and they were left incredulous that a delegate from the renowned Mu clan had faltered so embarrassingly on this momentous occasion.

After a brief moment of confusion, laughter erupted from the crowd. The middle-aged man stood upright, his face flushed with embarrassment. He glanced down at his feet, but there was nothing visibly amiss. He decided to continue walking, fearing that halting would only exacerbate the situation.

Cautiously, he took another step forward, determined to save face. He tried to act as if nothing unusual had occurred. But as he took his third step, his foot slipped once more, catching him off guard. This time, he couldn't regain his balance, and with great momentum, he lurched forward.

In his haste, his hands shot up involuntarily, and he almost tumbled to the floor. At the last moment, he managed to withdraw his head from an undignified collision with the ground. Using his cultivation skills, he gracefully raised himself to his feet, his face redder than ever.

In the eyes of the spectators, he had not only embarrassed himself but also brought shame to his clan.

Some in the crowd couldn't contain their bewilderment. "What's wrong with him? Why is he acting so clumsily? He's from one of the noble clans. While the first fall could be chalked up to an accident, this is just plain foolish."

"Hey, watch your language! He's from the Mu clan. Show some respect!"

"Uh, right. My apologies."

Laughter filled the air, and the mirthful atmosphere lingered.

The old man, the other Mu clan delegate, chastised the middle-aged man in a low voice, his own embarrassment evident. "What's gotten into you? Making such a blunder at this crucial moment? You've brought disgrace upon us! You shouldn't have come with me!"

The middle-aged man, unable to argue, bowed his head and offered a feeble explanation. "It felt like I stepped on some ice…"

The old man erupted in anger. "Nonsense! Ice in the middle of summer? We're in the Ling-Bao Hall! There couldn't possibly be ice on the floor. At least come up with a better excuse! You imbecile! If I'd known you would bring such shame, I would have left you for dead when your mother was pregnant with you!"

The middle-aged man had no retort but continued to apologize inwardly. Yet, he harbored bitter thoughts about the old man. His mother had passed away long ago, and it was the old man who had beaten her to death. He resented the mention of her by his father.

The pair briefly considered the possibility of someone tampering with them but ultimately dismissed it. They believed no one would dare engage in such antics in front of such a vast audience. Moreover, they had detected no trace of spiritual power. As the old man had pointed out, they were in the Ling-Bao Hall, and even the eight noble clans dared not claim ultimate authority.

What neither of them could fathom was the existence of the East-rising Purple Qi, a martial art of such finesse that it had escaped their notice. Unbeknownst to them, this unique skill had been employed by the person behind the subtle ice manipulation.

On the second floor, Cha-Eun Xiao relaxed after successfully pranking the Mu clan delegates. He loosened his clenched fist upon sensing a cold sensation in his palm.

Moments earlier, he had utilized his gelid qi to create two ice shards as thin as cicada wings, remotely positioning them under the middle-aged delegate's feet. None in the audience had detected his subtle manipulation.

It had been a risky maneuver, but it paid off, successfully fooling the Mu clan and avoiding any suspicion.

While these individuals might not pose a significant threat to the formidable Xiao Monarch, and these were the top cultivators of this world. Overwhelming them all was no easy task.

Several participants remained inscrutable even to Cha-Eun Xiao, so he remained vigilant.

The prank may have been harmless, but the satisfaction it brought was enough for now. He mused, "The East-rising Purple Qi is truly remarkable. It might just be the world's number one martial art. If I ever encounter a situation I can't handle personally, this skill could be the perfect solution. It leaves no trace and is ideal for assassination or covert operations."

Cha-Eun Xiao maintained his focus on the first-floor red carpet but found no traces of the ice he had strategically employed. Only then did a satisfied expression cross his face.

The ice had vanished silently, leaving no telltale signs of water or discoloration. It was a truly stealthy and noiseless operation.

Even if it had been on dry ground, Cha-Eun Xiao believed the ice would have left no trace, especially on a battlefield where combatants were constantly engaged in intense, sweaty struggles.

A triumphant smile played on his lips as he marveled at the effectiveness of his East-rising Purple Qi technique.

Shortly thereafter, Cha-Eun Xiao spotted Su Ye-Yue, accompanied by some of her sisters, making their way into the salesroom. Following closely behind them were two young men dressed quite decently. At a distance, they appeared presentable, but upon closer inspection, one could see that they were none other than Lan Lang-Lang and Zuo Wu-Ji.

One of them walked as if he had no backbone, while the other scanned his surroundings with a pair of oddly crossed eyes. They presented a somewhat unconventional image.

Engaged in hushed conversation, they exchanged their thoughts.

"Where's that little rascal Cha-Eun Xiao? Doesn't he realize today's a significant day for the 'three lords'? We should have shown up together at the very least..."

"I wonder if I'll finally get my jade ruyi... Can you believe all these people are here for that? My jade ruyi, of all things..."

"Curses upon them!"

"What? You dare...?"

"I don't dare, but I know you do..."

"Of course I do, but I'm worried I'll lose..."