Actually, Jiang Xuan had long been prepared for the fact that someone was tailing him.
He was very clear that with his current looks, those tracking him were not after his beauty—he could only be sure they were after his money.
And whoever wanted his money knew about his wealth, which could only refer to those people in the auction house earlier.
The reason Jiang Xuan was prepared was because the ones not too fond of him had given feedback to the System, which finally did something remotely useful post-upgrade.
But the Martial King’s power didn’t matter much to Jiang Xuan—he was actually quite looking forward to using those people as sparring partners to practice his skills honed over half a month.
Even if he couldn’t overpower them, he could easily return to the Imperial Palace—once he mastered his movement techniques and martial skills, even Martial Kings wouldn’t be able to stop him from leaving.
However, he didn’t expect to bump into Nangong Xinwan, who, conveniently enough, helped get rid of his pursuers.
Back in the present, Nangong Xinwan smiled at Jiang Xuan and said:
“I’m your savior, Xuan-ge, right? Saving someone means you owe them your life, know what I mean?”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan felt awkward. He really wanted to say that he already repaid her, but… it was more like he owed her half?
Fortunately, Nangong Xinwan didn’t push it further; instead, she took his hand and led him directly to the auction house.
Before leaving the alley, Jiang Xuan also grabbed a token off one of the Martial Kings.
Not long after, the two arrived at the biggest auction house in town—the Divine Martial Auction House.
It was rumored that this was just a branch in the Cold Light Dynasty, with the main headquarters located in the Divine Martial Empire.
These rumors came from Jiang Xuan hearing them somewhere.
Before entering the auction house, Jiang Xuan pulled Nangong Xinwan aside and whispered:
“Um… Xinwan, can we pretend I’m your personal guard when we enter? You don’t have to speak; I’ll handle everything.”
Nangong Xinwan: “?????!”
“Huh? Xuan-ge needs my help? So…what do I get out of this?”
“If you help me, I’ll give you half of the spirit stones I get tonight…”
“Half? No way, I want it all!”
“No… isn’t that a bit greedy?”
“Well, if you don’t give me anything, how about being my willing companion tonight?”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
“Fine, fine. Take the spirit stones, Xinwan. Consider it protection money.”
…
Moments later, Jiang Xuan put on a mask and entered the auction house with Nangong Xinwan.
Soon, he saw the old woman who gave him 12 billion high-quality spirit stones.
She was a bit surprised to see Jiang Xuan there.
This meant their attempt to reclaim the spirit stones had failed.
Just then, Jiang Xuan threw a token at her and said in a commanding voice:
“The last time, I kindly sold a teleportation charm at a low price to your auction house, but I didn’t expect your hospitality would be so… eye-opening. Stealing from me? If you don’t provide an explanation, the consequences will be severe.”
The old lady’s eyes widened slightly.
Nangong Xinwan, seeing Jiang Xuan’s bold move, was initially stunned but quickly chimed in:
“Minor Lord, this auction house isn’t needed anymore. It should be dissolved.”
As she spoke, the aura of a Half-step Martial Sovereign emanated from her.
After inheriting from the Transcendent Martial Saint, her cultivation advanced significantly, while the latter had entered temporary hibernation due to a weak soul.
Observing this sudden power boost, Jiang Xuan felt like watching a sci-fi movie—totally enviable.
Seeing Jiang Xuan’s imposing figure, the old lady hurriedly stepped forward to explain:
“Senior, this is all a misunderstanding! I think someone must have impersonated us and offended you. However, losing the token is our mistake. Here are 5 billion high-quality spirit stones. Please take them, Senior.”
As Jiang Xuan discreetly pocketed the storage ring, he changed his tone:
“Hmm, it seems you’re being genuine. Looks like I misunderstood.
Alright, let’s drop it. Hopefully, your auction house wasn’t involved either. Otherwise, I won’t be so lenient. Also, keep two spots open; I decided to stay for tonight’s auction.”
“Oh… it’s an honor that you’d grace us with your presence. Right this way… I’ll take you to our most luxurious private box.”
Only after leading Jiang Xuan and Nangong Xinwan to the box did the old lady breathe a sigh of relief.
She originally thought they were just dealing with some minor thug trying to bluff his way through.
So, she sent two subordinates with the rank of Martial King to k*ll them and recover the spirit stones.
Inconveniently enough, she received tokens instead and now had the person back—and with a maid of higher rank too, and using ‘this Saint’?
A Saint-level expert was incredibly rare, even in the vast Divine Martial Empire. No wonder the old woman couldn’t read Jiang Xuan’s aura properly.
Only now did she realize she had hit the proverbial iron plate.
Luckily, she didn’t question Jiang Xuan’s identity. Otherwise, even with a Half-step Martial Master guardian, the auction house would be completely helpless.
—
Meanwhile, in the number one box…
Jiang Xuan handed over his storage ring to Nangong Xinwan without asking:
“I made 5 billion high-quality spirit stones just by saying three sentences. Not bad, huh?
Hey… Xinwan, can you spare me some of those spirit stones in the ring?”
“Niiiiii-chan! Your methods of making spirit stones surprised me. If you used your true face, I bet you’d make even more!
Want the stones, Jiang Xuan? First, take off that mask so I can admire your handsome mug.”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
“Maybe we should skip this… My looks attract trouble. For Xinwan’s safety, I’ll keep the mask on.
Also, beneath this mask is a disguise anyway, so taking it off doesn’t change anything.”
Nangong Xinwan laughed, “Is that so? But I really want to see your true face. Xuan-ge, do you fancy your black dagger back? Show me your real face, and it’s yours.”
Jiang Xuan: “…”
Reluctantly, Jiang Xuan removed his mask, since he figured she had seen his face before anyway. Plus, being inside an auction house, he felt safe for now.
Seeing his true face again, Nangong Xinwan pinched Jiang Xuan’s cheek, saying:
“That’s quite the face that charms everyone. Xuan-ge, regarding the secret mission we did together in the Saint-level realm, we need to discuss the aftermath.
Oh, and judging from what you just said, you’ve got more than 50 billion spirit stones, right? Like the teleportation charm, which could fetch at least 100 billion high-quality ones. So, those stones are mine. Hand ‘em over!”
Jiang Xuan: “???????”
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan quickly denied it:
“What hundreds of billions? I don’t have such things! I gave you all the spirit stones I had.”
Internally, Jiang Xuan sighed:
“Lucky for me…the storage ring with the 120 billion spirit stones was safely stored.”
Elsewhere, Nangong Xinwan grinned wickedly.
“Oh? Is it that you don’t have it or won’t give it?” she pondered aloud, “Since you’re reluctant, how about I check you over for myself?”
Jiang Xuan: “??????”
