With the first light of the next morning, Lily, Liora, and Ignisa — their faces covered so that only their eyes were visible — arrived at the auction hall with Snehwal.
Snehwal, whose face was uncovered, walked confidently between the three graceful women. Every merchant and practitioner present turned to look at them — the beauty of those three made many lose their composure.
The auction was being held inside a grand palace-like structure, supported by tall pillars and shaped like a vast chamber. Merchants sat comfortably on cushioned seats, while the floor below was covered in red carpets.
Ignisa greeted a few familiar traders with a polite nod, her expression calm and pleasant. Some of the merchants whispered among themselves,
"That young man is truly lucky — walking with such beautiful women at his side!"
Snehwal's sharp eyes moved slowly across the crowd, observing everyone.
Just then, a servant approached and said respectfully,
"You four are our special guests. Please, this way — to the upper seating area."
They followed him up the stairs. The servant led them to a balcony with four elegant chairs arranged in a row. After gesturing for them to sit, he bowed and left.
The four took their seats — Lily and Snehwal in the middle, Ignisa sitting beside Lily, and Liora beside Snehwal.
At that moment, the Shon Yakshini entered the grand hall of the palace.
Her green garments were mesmerizing — like the glow of a rare gem that drew every gaze toward her.
Her eyes held a strange depth, as if weaving a web of mystery.
Her face was covered with a light green veil, yet her very presence stirred the entire atmosphere.
Beside her walked her host, Surya — filled with arrogance and pride, moving with a sense of superiority.
Behind them were Arjun and Lela, both calm yet alert.
As they stepped inside, Surya grabbed a merchant by the neck, threw him aside, and growled,
"Can't you see? Do you even know who stands before you?"
The terrified merchant quickly backed away.
For a moment, the entire hall fell silent.
Just then, from the upper balcony, Lily's gaze shifted downward —
her eyes met those of Shon Yakshini.
An invisible spark flashed between them —
anger, envy, and challenge shimmered in the air.
It felt as if, in that very instant, both were ready to tear each other apart.
Snehwal rose abruptly from his chair.
His fists clenched tight, and a faint spiritual aura spread around him — the air itself seemed to grow heavy.
Surya's eyes locked with Snehwal's.
For a few tense moments, an intense wave of energy rippled between them.
Then Lily quickly grasped his hand and said in a calm but firm tone,
"Stay calm… sit down."
Snehwal looked at her, took a deep breath, and slowly sat back down —
but the fire in his eyes still burned just as fiercely.
At that moment, the same servant came running and respectfully guided Shon Yakshini and her group to the balcony opposite Snehwal and his companions.
Lily noticed this and smiled faintly.
Then, an old man appeared — dressed in pure white robes, with long silver hair shining under the light.
Everyone's eyes turned toward him.
In a deep, commanding voice, he said,
"Welcome, everyone! We are truly honored by your presence here today."
"Today, we will present two rare treasures before you — the first one is…"
He raised his hand, and a box appeared in mid-air, glowing with waves of spiritual energy.
When he opened it, a soft green stone gleamed inside — a level-seven Spiritual Stone — something most people could only dream of owning.
The entire hall fell silent in amazement.
Everyone's eyes widened in awe.
Then, one man stood up and said,
"I will pay one hundred thousand gold coins for it!"
The old man smiled and said sternly,
"Patience, young man. The bidding will begin at one million gold coins."
The man immediately went silent, his face turning red with embarrassment.
Everyone in the hall burst into laughter.
Then the cultivators standing below began to place their bids —
"Hundred Spirit Stones of level five!" one shouted.
Another immediately raised the offer, "One hundred and five!"
Moments later, a deeper voice called out, "One hundred and fifty!"
Everyone's gaze turned toward the source of that voice.
A figure stood there, cloaked completely in black.
No one had noticed when he had arrived, and his face was completely hidden from view.
Sensing the rising tension, the old man leading the auction waved his hand.
At once, several guards entered the hall, tightening security around the palace.
The old man spoke loudly, "One hundred and fifty… once!"
Suddenly, Shon Yakshini's calm yet commanding voice echoed through the chamber —
"Five hundred Spirit Stones of level five!"
The entire hall gasped in shock.
Even seasoned merchants and cultivators exchanged stunned looks.
Lily simply smiled.
Surya stood up from his seat, turned toward Lily, and gave a confident smirk.