"Young Master, it's time to wake up."
Early the next morning, Xiao Yixian entered the room carrying a basin of warm water. Her delicate face looked gently toward Lin Ran, who was leaning against the bed, and she softly called out.
Lin Ran slowly opened his eyes. A trace of deep fatigue flashed across his gaze, but he still sat up. Under Xiao Yixian's soft, white hands, he dressed himself calmly.
Ordinary Dou Sect experts didn't require sleep at all, but Lin Ran was different.
His body was extremely deficient in blood essence.
Although his physical strength was no less than a typical Dou Sect expert, due to that deficiency, he needed to balance the pure Yang Dou Qi in his body with intermittent rest to stabilize his Yin-Yang energy. As a result, his mental state fatigued more easily, and proper rest was necessary.
"Young Master, I know I shouldn't have disturbed your rest… but today is the monthly Grand Auction in Black Rock City. Representatives from all the major chambers of commerce will be presenting their treasures."
Xiao Yixian gently fastened Lin Ran's robes, then moved behind him, allowing him to lean against her slim waist. Her pale, slender hands began to massage his temples with practiced grace.
"I heard there might even be high-tier Monster Cores up for bidding today… That's why I came to wake you."
"Hmm."
Leaning into her massage, Lin Ran gave a soft response. Resting against her, he could clearly sense her subtle fragrance and the gentle softness of her body.
It was early morning—the time when a man's Yang energy was at its peak. As someone with a Pure Yang Physique, Lin Ran's internal balance had only recently stabilized thanks to Yun Yun. But with Xiao Yixian behind him now, a different kind of temptation was growing.
Eyes closed, Lin Ran's hand had, without realizing it, come to rest on her lithe waist.
Her delicate body shivered from the touch, but she didn't retreat. Instead, she continued massaging his temples, letting his hand wander freely.
About half an hour later, Lin Ran inhaled deeply, collecting himself, and finally pulled his hand back, opening his eyes.
The girl who had just eased his fatigue was now thoroughly flushed—her cheeks, her ears, even the slender line of her neck were painted in crimson.
Lin Ran gently pinched her burning cheek and smiled. "Going to Qing Mountain Town really was the best decision I ever made."
Hearing this, Xiao Yixian's heart melted with sweetness. Over the past few days, she and Lin Ran had grown closer. Their relationship far surpassed that of mere master and servant.
"If Young Master wishes it… then Xiao Yixian… Xiao Yixian is willing…!"
She clutched her sleeves tightly as she stammered, face burning.
On the Dou Qi Continent, it was entirely natural—and legal—for servants to offer themselves to their masters in both body and heart.
What's more, after these days of traveling together, Xiao Yixian had long lost any resistance toward Lin Ran. After all, who could refuse the ray of light that cuts through your darkest hour?
To her, Lin Ran was more than just light—he was the rising sun, illuminating every part of her existence.
"So eager to devote yourself already?"
Lin Ran rubbed her head with a chuckle. "Next time, then. Don't back out when the time comes."
Xiao Yixian's eyes showed a hint of disappointment, but she nodded quietly and replied, "Xiao Yixian won't back down."
"Hahaha, good. But today, we've got an auction to attend."
Laughing, Lin Ran walked toward the door. Quick to react, Xiao Yixian dashed ahead, opened the door gracefully, and gave Lin Ran a bright smile before following him out.
Their residence was close to the auction venue. Within a short walk, they arrived at the Black Rock Auction House.
The auction building was magnificent—aptly named, as the entire structure was constructed with the same dark-gray rock as the city's massive outer walls.
Because today was a special auction day, the crowd coming and going was immense. Lin Ran and Xiao Yixian moved through the crowd like fish swimming upstream.
Lin Ran walked calmly, cloaked in a thin layer of Dou Qi. Anyone who brushed against him was gently repelled. For those who intentionally got too close, his Dou Qi became sharp as needles.
Any hand that reached for his spatial ring would be met with a sting like a blade—piercing and agonizing.
Compared to Lin Ran, Xiao Yixian was even more merciless. Anyone bold enough to think inappropriate thoughts toward her would find their limbs going cold, Dou Qi freezing up, and lips turning blue.
Lin Ran didn't bother with these pests. He simply led Xiao Yixian through the crowd, unbothered by the predatory stares from guards stationed at the gates. They passed smoothly inside.
Once they entered the auction house, warm lights cast a gentle glow, and the noise from outside seemed completely sealed away. Just a few steps, yet it felt like they had crossed into an entirely different world.
Xiao Yixian peeked around curiously, mouth slightly agape as she stared in awe at the extravagantly decorated lobby.
The hall was vast, filled with guests still arriving. Armored guards stood around the perimeter, their expressions cold and stern.
At the center hung a massive screen, scrolling through lists of items available for bidding. Lin Ran only glanced briefly—most of the items were quite ordinary.
As expected. If there really was something I needed, it wouldn't be broadcasted so openly. It'd be kept as the final surprise to maintain suspense.
"So luxurious..."
Back in Qing Mountain Town, there was no such thing as an auction—let alone a place this fancy. Xiao Yixian felt like a country girl stepping into a palace, but Lin Ran remained utterly indifferent.
Not surprising. Though the Black Rock Auction House looked grand, it couldn't compare to the Mittel Auction House in the Imperial Capital—let alone the true auction houses in the Central Plains.
What's a firefly to the full moon? It wasn't worth his attention.
Lin Ran's gaze swept across the hall until it landed on the entrance to an appraisal chamber.
Without hesitation, he walked over. As he stepped inside, a flirtatiously dressed maid walked up with a sultry voice, "Good sir, are you here to appraise an item or to price something for auction?"
"Aucti—"
"We're here to auction too!"
Before Lin Ran could speak, a small, delicate figure hurried up beside him. The girl was holding a rosewood box and speaking with excitement.
"Linfey, you cut in line again!"
A cold, slightly irritated voice came from behind Lin Ran.
In the next moment, a tall woman in a form-fitting silver dress stepped up beside them.
(End of Chapter)