Chapter 21: In Complete Disarray

After three days of recuperation, Lu Qingyun had fully recovered his strength, and the grandest auction in Bixiao City was set to begin as scheduled.

During those three days, the system had not caused any trouble, and despite Lu Qingyun’s attempts to communicate with it, there was no response.

Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the auction house. Today, it seemed that countless talented and extraordinary individuals had gathered there. Many people from surrounding cities had also arrived; even those in disguise could not hide their aristocratic aura.

As the chief disciple of the Tianling Sect, Xu Feng was naturally well-connected, and many people greeted him with enthusiasm. Amidst the crowd, Lu Qingyun quickly spotted the members of the Zhao family.

Zhao Tuo, of course, also saw Lu Qingyun and his companions, his eyes filled with suspicion. However, he was surrounded by people fawning over him and engaging in small talk, so he could not break away.

Given his past personality, Lu Qingyun would never have acted rashly or courted trouble. But this time, he had to choose to be high-profile; only then could he lure out the other key.

Lu Qingyun led Xu Feng and the others toward them. Seeing them approach, Zhao Tuo’s eyes were filled with confusion. Based on what had happened a few days ago, Lu Qingyun should not have been looking for him. Choosing to seek revenge at such a time was an extremely irrational move.

Feeling a sense of panic, Zhao Tuo immediately whispered to the great elder beside him, "Keep an eye on that guy. If he dares to make a move against me, kill him on the spot!"

The great elder nodded slowly, his cold gaze fixed on the approaching Lu Qingyun. Xu Feng and the others did not know what Lu Qingyun was planning, but they chose to trust him, deciding to follow his lead no matter what.

Once Lu Qingyun reached him, he said coldly, "What’s wrong? Why is there a hint of panic in your eyes? Are you afraid of something? Do you think I would attack you?"

"With so many people here fawning over you, how could I possibly dare to strike?"

Zhao Tuo felt as if he were being toyed with. He glared at Lu Qingyun with fury, gritting his teeth as he said, "I let you escape last time, and I thought the City Lord would have taken your life. I am truly surprised to see you still alive."

"If you dare to provoke me again, no matter who you are working for now, I can still take your life. If you don't believe me, feel free to try."

A smile played on Lu Qingyun's lips; he found the man's words laughable. Their interaction attracted the attention of many, who were curious about how this young man, who had been taken away by the City Lord a few days ago, had managed to survive. What was his motive for doing this now?

Lu Qingyun sneered. "Heh, I came over to thank you. If it weren't for you, I would never have had the opportunity to work for the City Lord..."

Everyone was astonished. They had never imagined that Lu Qingyun was qualified to work for the City Lord. The City Lord had countless subordinates, and every faction under him was formidable. Why would he choose this young man? In terms of cultivation and experience, those present seemed far superior to him. Although filled with speculation, they were puzzled by the City Lord's actions, yet they believed there must be a reason for it.

Those familiar with Bixiao City began to whisper to each other.

"What is the City Lord thinking? Why choose this young man who just arrived?"

"I don't know, it's unclear. The City Lord must have his reasons, right?"

"Zhao Tuo is at odds with this kid, and the relationship between the Zhao family and the City Lord is so delicate. I suspect there's a good show to be seen..."

The discussions grew louder, showing no regard for Lu Qingyun's feelings. It was indeed a situation that no one could fully explain. Nobody knew why the City Lord had made such a decision; they only knew that the current situation was quite interesting. Those who came to the auction loved a spectacle. Very few people here actually had the power to purchase the items; just being here to witness the event was enough.

Hearing this, Zhao Tuo scoffed with disdain. "Heh, do you think I'll be afraid just because you said that? The City Lord may have assigned you tasks, but what can a guy like you actually do? Aside from causing trouble, you seem capable of nothing else."

Zhao Tuo was incredibly arrogant, and deep down, he despised Lu Qingyun. After all, he was a man without a sect or a powerful family backing him—how could he be anything but contemptible? However, the fact that Lu Qingyun could refine the Yangtian Pill had shocked the entire Zhao family, making them feel an endless sense of threat.

***

Xu Feng could not speak easily. He personally had no fear, but he had the entire Tianling Sect behind him. If he caused trouble, the entire sect would suffer the consequences.

At this moment, Lu Qingyun took out the golden key. Under the sunlight, it shimmered brilliantly. He announced loudly, "The City Lord did not kill me precisely so I could attend this auction and find the other key. Whoever can assist me will be handsomely rewarded by the City Lord!"

Seeing this, Xu Feng was shocked, fearing that such a move would alert the enemy. The City Lord had kept this golden key a secret for years; almost no one knew of its existence. Even those present were bewildered by the sight of the key.

Zhao Tuo, however, squinted at the golden key in Lu Qingyun’s hand, frowning as he asked, "Is this the key to the secret of the Wind and Cloud Gorge?"

As he spoke, everyone’s eyes lit up with strange gleams. There was no one on the entire continent who didn't know about the Wind and Cloud Gorge. The palace there was a place where countless people dreamed of finding treasure. If one could uncover its secrets, they might just reach the pinnacle of the continent.

They stared fixedly at the key in Lu Qingyun's hand. Lu Qingyun did not shy away, stating, "Since everyone knows, I see no need to hide it. Concealment is meaningless. I am here to find the other key!"

"It is said that the key is in this auction house. It will be presented to everyone today. I hope you will all show the City Lord some respect and not compete with me!"

Everyone thought he was being far too high-profile. To reveal such a significant matter so casually seemed completely irrational. Lu Qingyun wore a smirk, looking at the crowd, then raised an eyebrow at Zhao Tuo with a provocative gaze.

"Young Master Zhao, you still owe me an apology. Once the auction is over, I hope you show some sense. I am, after all, someone working for the City Lord!"

Lu Qingyun was not petty; he was deliberately emphasizing his current status. Everyone looked on with confusion. By common sense, such a matter should be handled discreetly. Lu Qingyun acted like a flamboyant fraud, yet no one dared to doubt him. Everyone knew he had been taken away by the military commander a few days ago, and the fact that he was alive and well was proof enough.

To everyone's surprise, Zhao Tuo did not refute him, seemingly deep in thought about something important.

Lu Qingyun sneered, "Don't forget, I am giving you a chance!"

With that, Lu Qingyun walked in with a high-profile air. No one dared to stop him, only watching him with intense curiosity.

Once they reached a private lounge, Fatty Wang wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked, "What is going on? Didn't the City Lord tell us to be low-key? Why are you being so ostentatious?"

Han Man looked equally confused. "Exactly. You haven't explained your plan to us all these days. By doing this, haven't we made ourselves targets? Don't you understand the danger of harboring a treasure?"

Although Xu Feng did not speak, he watched Lu Qingyun intently. Lu Qingyun let out a sigh and said, "I didn't want to do this either, but we had no choice. We were targeted the moment we arrived."

Everyone was even more confused. Lu Qingyun took the time to explain patiently, "The City Lord didn't let us out for the past few days, and others might not recognize us, but they recognize Brother Xu. Those who came to greet us were clearly testing the waters."

"The Tianling Sect is in chaos after recent events, and yet the chief disciple is missing. Do you think they wouldn't be suspicious? The Zhao family made such a scene that day, and we all left the City Lord's mansion together. Do you really think no one saw?"

Everyone had a sudden realization. Lu Qingyun figured that if he let them guess, they would eventually stumble upon the truth, so he might as well tell them directly. This way, everyone would know his status; while others wouldn't dare approach them easily, they would certainly keep them under surveillance. By showing the golden key and making Zhao Tuo acknowledge its significance, he had guaranteed a chaotic situation.

Lu Qingyun said, "If I am not mistaken, it must be chaotic outside by now. If we go out now, we will certainly be in danger."

Fatty Wang sat down, looking dejected. "Sigh... we ate and drank well for three days and lived in the City Lord's mansion, enjoying the ultimate life. That's fine; I won't regret dying now."

Han Man patted him gently, his expression grim.

Lu Qingyun, however, chuckled. "Don't worry. As long as we are in the city, the City Lord won't let us die. If he can't even protect his own people, wouldn't he be criticized? That man is arrogant to the core; he would never allow anyone to say a word against him..."

The three companions were shocked. They never expected Lu Qingyun to possess such depth. Lu Qingyun hadn't wanted it to be this way, but having experienced the cold reality of life before crossing over to this continent, he had a wealth of knowledge that he finally had the chance to apply. Since he had already died once, he didn't care about the risks.

Xu Feng sighed repeatedly, "Deep... truly deep..." He found himself at a loss for words.

They were in a prestigious private space, having been given ample spirit jades by the City Lord for the purpose of winning the silver key. Lu Qingyun laughed, "Gentlemen, once the auction starts, buy whatever you like. Then, I will find a way for us to get out of here!"

If anyone else had said this, they would have been skeptical, but they trusted Lu Qingyun completely. Plus, with the abundance of spirit jades provided by the City Lord, they were already dreaming of the treasures they would bid on.

Just then, the door to their room was tapped gently.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A soft, feminine voice followed, "Senior Brother Xu, may I come in? I have something important to discuss with you!"

They didn't know Lu Qingyun, but they were familiar with Xu Feng. Xu Feng looked at Lu Qingyun, who shook his head. Xu Feng spoke decisively, "It is not convenient right now. Let's talk about it later."

But the woman at the door did not give up. "Senior Brother Xu, I know your current situation. I am not here for the key; I have other business!"

Lu Qingyun lowered his voice and asked Xu Feng, "Do you know her?"

Xu Feng shook his head. "She seems somewhat familiar..."

Seeing the woman's persistence, Lu Qingyun had Fatty Wang open the door. When the door opened, Lu Qingyun was stunned. He hadn't met many people, but he recognized this woman—she was the one who had been playing the zither in the center of the lake. She was still carrying the zither on her back, staring at Lu Qingyun with burning intensity.

She got straight to the point. "Where is the item my father gave you that day? Why did you kill him?"

Everyone present was filled with doubt. Although Lu Qingyun could be calculating, he was not the type to kill for profit. Lu Qingyun asked slowly, "Your father was killed?"

The woman suddenly drew a long sword and lunged at Lu Qingyun, her eyes full of murderous intent. "My father died after meeting you that day. He died a miserable death. Who else could it be but you?"

Lu Qingyun quickly retreated. This was clearly a misunderstanding, and he said firmly, "I did not kill your father!"

"Are you sure it was me? Do you have proof?"