I Became the Alchemy Master by Picking Up Trash-Chapter 77 - 76: Auction House (Part 1)
Chu Family.
The long dining table was draped with deep red velvet, covered with exquisite and delicious food, as three people were dining.
Sitting far apart from each other, with no one conversing, only the sound of knives scraping on plates, and the whispering footsteps of servants walking back and forth while pouring wine, accompanied by the light clinking of cups.
After the meal, the servants cleared the plates and replaced them with hot tea. The man sitting at the head of the table spoke in a leisurely tone: "Yun Yi, how are your injuries?"
Chu Yunyi took a sip of tea and replied, "Better."
Chu Yu intertwined her fingers, placing them on her lap, and looked at the son who bore a striking resemblance to herself, saying: "Hmm, you’ve been resting for so long; if you weren’t better, there must be something wrong."
Chu Yunyi lowered his head in silence.
"Since you’re better now, starting tomorrow, you should mingle with the heirs of the various families to build some connections. They are your future networks and allies, not to be neglected. Most importantly, during your time recovering, rumors have spread outside saying that your cultivation level has fallen, your spiritual power is exhausted, and you can no longer be a talisman master."
"The more you stay out of sight, the more rampant the rumors become, affecting even the Chu Family’s business and stock prices, causing significant losses to the Chu Group. The quickest and best way to turn the situation around is for you to make a public appearance, and the rumors will unfoundedly dissipate."
Chu Yunyi kept his eyes lowered, his face revealing no emotion.
"Brother! Look at Yun Yi’s complexion, does he look like he’s okay? He needs rest now, not to socialize with juniors, much less perform in public!"
Chu Ying slammed the table heavily, making the teacups jump. She really couldn’t understand why her brother always prioritized the family’s interests over his own son!
"What do you know! He is a member of the Chu Family; since he enjoys the family’s offerings, he must pay the price for the family interests, even if it’s his life!"
"Chu Family, Chu Family, all you think about is the Chu Family. Have you ever considered that he’s your son, not a servant, not a tool!"
"Shut up!" Chu Yu was furious: "Without the Chu Family, would you be able to hold the position of Commander of the First Corps?"
"I..."
Chu Ying was struck dumb; she wanted to retort, but it was an undeniable fact.
The expenses of the Four Great Corps are enormous, needing funding for military supplies, weapons, provisions, and equipment, which cannot be covered by government funds alone. Behind each corps lurks the financial backing of a noble family. This is the open secret of Qianyuan Continent.
Commanders of the Four Great Corps require not only formidable military qualities and strategic vision but also must come from a family with substantial economic power that can afford the corps’ expenses.
Chu Ying admitted that her aptitude wasn’t the best in the military. Without the Chu Family’s financial prowess, she wouldn’t necessarily be in the position of Commander of the First Corps.
"Father, Aunt, you’re both rare visitors home, let’s not argue and hurt the family harmony."
Chu Yunyi advised.
"Father, I wanted to discuss this with you. Jiang Yuesheng invited me to the Red Hall auction, and I’ve accepted."
"Hmm. That’s good." Chu Yu’s face softened slightly and he nevertheless reminded, "If you come across something beneficial to you, by all means, purchase it."
"Thank you, Father."
Chu Yu rose to leave, and as he was departing, he threw out a remark:
"Chu Ying, I know why you’re back this time. That brat publicly rejected you and even insulted the Chu Family with scornful words. Even if you were willing to stick yourself on him, I would absolutely not agree to you being with him. Behave with some decorum, do not drag the Chu Family into disrepute with you!"
Watching Chu Yu’s retreating figure, Chu Ying let out a cold snort and fiercely glared at her brother.
"Aunt, Father is thinking of your well-being. Forced relationships lead to no joy. He and Mother are living examples. I truly hope you don’t follow in their footsteps."
"I know what’s in my heart."
Chu Yunyi bowed his head, his eyes filled with helplessness. Every member of the Chu Family was the type to stubbornly continue even when they hit a dead end, making persuasion a waste of words. Hopefully, she would come to her senses sooner.
"Yun Yi, the military academy competition is about to start. Will you participate this year?"
Chu Yunyi smiled faintly: "Do you think Father would allow me to miss it?"
Chu Ying’s eyebrows shot up instantly: "Why do you follow your dad’s words so strictly? Whatever he says goes, are his words commandments of the immortals?"
Chu Ying just couldn’t comprehend it. If she were as excellent as Chu Yunyi at his age, she’d be downright arrogant. But her nephew’s personality was soft like dough, easy for anyone to shape.
Both her brother and sister-in-law were known for their obstinate nature, not tolerating any compromise. She wondered whom Yunyi got his temperament from.
"This is my last year at the Preparatory Military Academy. Even if Father hadn’t mentioned it, I’d still want to conclude my academy life on a high note. Claiming the championship in the military academy competition would undoubtedly be the best conclusion."
Chu Ying sighed: "Alright, take your time to rest and adjust properly during this period. Don’t push yourself too hard. If you don’t feel well, don’t strain yourself. You have a long road ahead, and the championship of this competition is just one of the less significant honors you’ll accumulate in your lifetime. I don’t want to see you hastily chasing minor glory at the cost of your future prospects by leaving behind injuries."
"Understood." Chu Yunyi displayed an extremely faint smile.
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Today was the weekend. Li Xing planned to spend all day in the Alchemy Room, but unexpectedly, Cui Tianxiao and the others coerced her into joining them to broaden her horizons.
The Red Hall is the largest auction venue across the Qianyuan Continent, with branches in every middle and higher city. Today, they were heading to the main hall located in Tianyi City.
From the outside, the Red Hall appeared like an ordinary teahouse, but inside it was an entirely different world.
The dome simulated real-time weather conditions. While inside, one could enjoy frost, rain, and sunshine without actually being touched by wind or rain.
The interior was lavishly decorated, and all the attendants were handsome men and women, all with decent potential in the Primordial Spirit realm.
A young attendant respectfully presented four cloaks. Ye Qingting took the initiative to enlighten Li Xing: "To ensure the safety and privacy of guests, the Red Hall provides each entering guest with a Concealing Cloak that hides their appearance and face."
Li Xing nodded, draping the cloak over herself. Even though Cui Tianxiao, Ye Qingting, and Qi Ming were nearby, she found it impossible to see their faces clearly.
They rode a small transport vehicle from the entrance to the auction venue, taking five minutes. The walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings, all masterpieces from famous artists of the Qianyuan Continent, each worth no less than a million star coins. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚
Along the way, Li Xing sensed the pulse of an array on the walls, realizing that the entire interior structure was built on a large spatial array, marveling at the Red Hall’s extravagance.
The attendant led the four into a VIP booth on the second floor and bowed before exiting.
Each booth was equipped with an anti-snoop talisman array; those inside could clearly see outside, but outsiders couldn’t see in.
Cui Tianxiao pulled back his hood, sprawled out on the sofa, and tapped a few times on the screen, immediately summoning three glasses of champagne and one cup of berry milk to the table.
"Li Xing, so, how do you find the surroundings?"
As far as Cui Tianxiao knew, there was no auction hall in Datang, so Li Xing definitely hadn’t seen such a scene. Seizing an opportunity to grab an invitation from his third brother for the Red Hall auction, he brought his friends to join the commotion.
