"Sister, where are we being taken?" Sheng Susu whispered to Qin Yiyao.

After being removed from the dungeon, they were shut inside an airtight spiritual beast car. Inside the car, there were only a few tiny holes to prevent them from suffocating.

In the car, it was just the two of them, which made it convenient for their conversation.

Qin Yiyao surveyed the carriage and looked at those small holes that let in some light. Suddenly, she moved gently closer, pressing her eye against one of the holes, trying hard to look outside.

The hole was very small, and the car walls were very thick.

In the swaying carriage, staring like this made her vision blurry.

However, after persisting for a while, the world outside the hole gradually became clear, reflecting the outside world through the round hole beneath her pupils.

After observing for a while, Qin Yiyao pulled back and said to Sheng Susu, "Look through these round holes and see if the scenery outside is familiar, if we’re within the range of your markings."

Sheng Susu nodded, switched positions with Qin Yiyao, and mimicked her previous posture, leaning against the car wall and aiming her eye at the small hole, trying hard to peer outside.

At first glance, the small space of the round hole made her eyes strain and tear up. But she persisted and saw the outside scenery.

After watching for a while, she turned her gaze to Qin Yiyao and said, "I recognize the place we just passed—it’s about dozens of kilometers north outside Yu Shui City."

Qin Yiyao’s eyes lit up and she immediately asked, "Are you sure?" If they were still near Yu Shui City, then Sheng Susu’s marks would still be useful.

Sheng Susu nodded repeatedly, "I recognize that wordless broken monument. Not long ago, my brother and I went hunting in the north suburb, rested there, and he told me the story about the monument. He said that the monument seems to harbor a sword intent that attracted countless people to come and meditate in front of it many years back, hoping to comprehend the sword intent. However, no one succeeded until a swordsman came. He sat in front of the monument for three years and on one day, he suddenly laughed madly, repeatedly chanting ’So that’s it, so that’s it,’ and finally slashed the monument with one sword before turning away. Some said he comprehended the sword intent, while others said there wasn’t any sword intent at all, that the swordsman discovered the lie within and left in anger after slashing the monument."

"Can you send your mark out? Ensuring not to alert the people outside?" Qin Yiyao was uninterested in the anecdote Sheng Susu mentioned, only concentrating on how to escape.

The experiences along the way had imprinted one clear understanding deep into her.

Many opportunities are fleeting; if missed, they might never appear again.

Mentioning the serious issue, Sheng Susu’s small face fell, shaking her head, "This small hole is too tiny; I can’t send anything out."

The result was disappointing.

Qin Yiyao frowned slightly, pressing her lips, "Don’t be discouraged. You’re from Yu Shui City, you should be familiar with the surroundings of Yu Shui City. Carefully observe where we pass by, and see whether we’re heading back towards Yu Shui City or moving away from it."

Sheng Susu looked at her with wide eyes and nodded.

Soon, she came to a conclusion.

The spiritual beast car is taking them back to Yu Shui City. This news was undoubtedly good!

As long as they returned to Yu Shui City, Sheng Susu’s identity as the lady of the Sheng family would be of utmost value!

"Miss Sheng, listen to me." Qin Yiyao said seriously to Sheng Susu.

But Sheng Susu interrupted her, "Oh, Sister. Just call me Susu. By the way, I don’t even know your name yet."

Qin Yiyao was taken aback, looking at Sheng Susu.

Recalling her various experiences in the Middle Ancient Realm, among people with identities, it seemed that only Sheng Susu in front of her was concerned about what she was called.

"My name is Qin Yiyao." When she uttered this name, Qin Yiyao felt somewhat unfamiliar.

This name encapsulated all her past, the joyful and the painful, like a valve to memories opening.

Her eyes inadvertently revealed a hint of reminiscence.

"Qin Yiyao? Sister’s name sounds beautiful, I’ll call you Sister Yiyao then." Sheng Susu said. After being locked up for a long time, she was no longer afraid or nervous like before.

Sister Yiyao...

Qin Yiyao’s eyes were somewhat dazed. In her memories, it seemed long ago, there was also a young girl with the same kind of innocent charm as Sheng Susu, who called her like that.

And that young girl was someone she envied, even jealous of. Yet she could never bring herself to hate her.

"Sister Yiyao, what’s wrong?" Noticing Qin Yiyao’s distraction, Sheng Susu quickly asked.

"Nothing." Qin Yiyao slowly shook her head, pulling back her drifting thoughts. She composed herself and looked seriously at Sheng Susu, saying to her, "Susu, us being taken back to Yu Shui City is good news. Once the car stops, I will cover for you, then you wait for an opportunity to send out a mark, so your family can come find us. Be very careful in your actions so as not to be discovered. As long as we hold out until your family arrives, we will be safe."

This was the safest method Qin Yiyao could think of!

Even though Sheng Susu was at Gray Realm First Layer cultivation, her cultivation was sealed now, turning her into a vulnerable target in the eyes of others like herself.

Therefore, they could only wait patiently. If their intention to escape was discovered, what awaited them would likely be a more tragic fate.

Sheng Susu nodded heavily, grasping the gravity of the situation.

The people outside were not from the Sheng family; this wasn’t the Sheng family. Nobody would play a benevolent prank on her here; if they truly angered the people outside, they would likely perish here.

"Sister Yiyao, how about I tell them I’m the Sheng family’s daughter, and have them send us back home, alright?" Sheng Susu said, her voice tinged with fear.

After all, she was merely a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girl, younger than Qin Yiyao by three or four years.

Her experiences were as pure as a blank sheet of paper.

"No way!" Qin Yiyao instantly interrupted her fantasy.

She looked seriously at Sheng Susu and said, "We don’t know what their background is, nor what they plan to do with us after taking us. If you rashly reveal your identity, it might cause them to change their intentions. Now, they are taking us back to Yu Shui City, but if they learn your identity, they might change course, sending us to another city far from Yu Shui City to prevent the Sheng family’s retribution. By then, the Sheng family would no longer pose a threat to them, and we would lose our only chance to escape."

"I can assure them that as long as they send us back, the Sheng family won’t trouble them." Sheng Susu still said naively.

Qin Yiyao shook her head and sighed, asking rhetorically, "Do you think they would believe you, risk everything based on your promise?"

These two questions left Sheng Susu speechless.

Qin Yiyao said to her, "Susu, if you still want to go home properly, listen to me. Abandon all those unrealistic fantasies."

Sheng Susu pursed her lips and nodded.

Tears welled up in her eyes, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness from having never experienced anything like this before, she could only rely on the Qin Yiyao standing before her.

At this moment, her greatest regret was not sneaking away from her family.

But...

She glanced at Qin Yiyao, thinking.

She was just a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl compared to Qin Yiyao, who was three to four years older.

Her experiences were as pure as a blank sheet of paper.

"If only I hadn’t hidden from my family and come out on my own," she mused regretfully.

"Maybe I should tell them that I am the Sheng family’s daughter and ask them to take us back home, what do you think?" Sheng Susu repeated cautiously, still scared.

She might be brave, but she’s still young, after all.

The realization of the situation hit her hard, that the people outside were not of the Sheng family.

"No!" Qin Yiyao quickly interrupted her wishful thinking.

"In the Muyue World, those of noble status like Sheng Susu are the only ones who have cared about my identity." Qin Yiyao thought back on her various past experiences in the Middle Ancient Realm and realized this truth.

"They might even take you hostage once they find out who you are, completely destroying our chance of returning to Yu Shui City," Qin Yiyao explained seriously.

"Got it, Yiyao Jie." Sheng Susu nodded and pouted her lips.

After a bumpy ride, Sheng Susu peered out the peephole again and discovered the same place as before.

The spirit beast car was taking them toward Yu Shui City. This news was undoubtedly good!

As long as they returned to Yu Shui City, Sheng Susu, the lady of the Sheng family, could be put to the best use!

"Miss Sheng, listen to me." Qin Yiyao looked seriously at Sheng Susu and said.

But Sheng Susu interrupted her, "Oh, Sister. Just call me Susu. By the way, I don’t even know your name yet."

Qin Yiyao was stunned and looked at Sheng Susu.

As she recalled her various experiences in the Middle Ancient Realm, among the people of status, only the girl in front of her seemed to care about what she was called.

"My name is Qin Yiyao." Saying her name out loud, it felt slightly unfamiliar to her.

This name was loaded with all her past, the happy and the unhappy experiences, like a valve unlocking memories.

Her eyes unintentionally took on a gaze of longing memories.

-πάντα-

"""

After speaking, he said to Qin Yiyao and Sheng Susu, "You two, follow her. As long as you behave, the days ahead will definitely be much better than the ones you’ve had before."

Qin Yiyao took Sheng Susu’s hand and followed the old woman away.

On the road, the old woman kept cursing incessantly in front, with Qin Yiyao and Sheng Susu walking in the middle, and four burly men with strong arms following behind them.

Their aura was not weak, and their spiritual power cultivation seemed not low.

At least, stronger than Qin Yiyao and Sheng Susu at the moment!

On the road, Qin Yiyao cautiously observed the people in front and behind, exchanging glances with Sheng Susu.

Suddenly, Qin Yiyao leaned her body, directly pouncing at the old woman in front.

The old woman was caught off guard, directly knocked to the ground by Qin Yiyao, letting out a painful ’ouch’.

"You despicable brat, what are you doing!" The old woman, pinned to the ground by Qin Yiyao, angrily shouted.

Qin Yiyao pressed on her, with a flustered expression, said, "I...I twisted my ankle." Saying this, she seemed to try to get up but stumbled clumsily, unable to get up, pressing the old woman to cry out incessantly.

This sudden chaos caused the four strong men to bypass Sheng Susu and come to the front, attempting to pull Qin Yiyao off the old woman.

Qin Yiyao took the opportunity to give Sheng Susu a look, the latter understood immediately, took out her family’s signal, and cast it into the sky.

A not very obvious white light shot from her hand into the sky, then silently exploded.

In the midst of the pulling, Qin Yiyao saw that silently blooming white lotus in the sky. Even if just for an instant, it filled her with hope.

Sheng Susu completed her task, and Qin Yiyao was also pulled up.

The old woman climbed up embarrassedly from the ground, slapped Qin Yiyao in return, swelling her cheek directly. "You wretched girl, spit!"

"Sister!" Sheng Susu was startled, immediately came to Qin Yiyao’s side, supported her, glaring at the old woman like an angry little beast.

Qin Yiyao covered her cheek, slowly shook her head at Sheng Susu, indicating she was fine.

"Florist Madam, you hurt her face, it will be difficult for us to manage." One of the burly men frowned upon seeing Qin Yiyao’s swollen cheek.

The old woman disdainfully glanced at him, tugged her messy clothes, and said, "Spare me the talk! Get some ointment later to apply on it."

Saying this, she gave Qin Yiyao a vicious glare before turning around to continue leading the way.

The man who spoke looked at Qin Yiyao with a cold gaze, warning her, "Watch your step."

Qin Yiyao pressed her lips, nodded without any resistance.

She clung closely with Sheng Susu, following the old woman into a room.

As the old woman left, she said, "Wash the grime off yourselves, someone will come to groom and dress you. If there’s any mischief, I have ways to deal with you."

Only Qin Yiyao and Sheng Susu were left in the room, the only exit was locked by someone, and the four burly men who came with them guarded the door.

Qin Yiyao pulled Sheng Susu inside, asked in a low voice, "Was it successful?" Although she saw it, she still needed to ask verbally to be at ease.

Sheng Susu nodded, "Only people from the Sheng family understand our signal, others won’t notice even if they see it."

Qin Yiyao nodded in agreement.

Indeed, in just that instant, for those not paying attention to the sky, it was almost imperceptible.

"That’s good." Qin Yiyao sighed with relief.

Sheng Susu said to Qin Yiyao, "If we are in Yu Shui City, my brother and the others should arrive soon. Sister Yiyao, what shall we do next?"

Qin Yiyao thought for a moment, it was still uncertain whether the Sheng family could arrive in time, to avoid alarming the enemy, they could only continue cooperating.

"We’ll follow their instructions first, clean up, and wait for your family to arrive." Qin Yiyao said to Sheng Susu.

What if the Sheng family doesn’t arrive in time?

This thought flashed through Qin Yiyao’s mind, relying on others always made people uneasy. In this world, only one person could make her wholly trust and depend on.

However, that person couldn’t possibly appear here!

"Sister Yiyao, what’s wrong?" Noticing Qin Yiyao’s distraction again, Sheng Susu asked concernedly.

"It’s nothing." Qin Yiyao shook her head. Those memories hidden in her heart, she really didn’t want to share with anyone. After leaving Qin Country, she encountered a lot, and fell into numerous crises. Every time, when she was in despair, she would recall that person descending from the sky, taking her from the borders of Tu Country.

That...might be the happiest moment of her life.

The person in her heart waged war with a nation for her! Yet, before she could awaken from happiness, he cruelly told her that her mother and brother died at his hands.

His rescue wasn’t because of love either.

’She is my woman!’ These words once set her heart racing uncontrollably.

Yet, in the end, that was just a mere jest!

Seeing Qin Yiyao’s demeanor, feeling the loss emanating from her, Sheng Susu asked with concern, "Sister Yiyao, why have I never seen you smile?"

Qin Yiyao’s lips trembled slightly.

Smile? She had long forgotten how to smile.

...

As night fell, Mo Yang entered Mu Qingge’s room holding an invitation card.

"Not bad." Seeing the invitation card in his hand, Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow, generously praising him.

Mo Yang respectfully handed the invitation card to Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge took it, opening to read its content.

Mo Yang explained beside her, "These invitations are sold at a high price on the black market, spending a bit more spirit stones can get one. However, Young Master, this invitation only allows five people to enter."

"Five people, that’s enough." Mu Qingge gently closed the invitation, said to Mo Yang.

Sometimes, fewer people make things easier to accomplish.

She was attending the black market auction this time to trace back the stolen spirit beast car and find Qin Yiyao’s whereabouts, not to wipe out a clan, why bring so many people?

Moreover, Yin Chen and Bai Xi could emerge from the space at any time.

"Let me accompany you." Mo Yang volunteered.

Mu Qingge glanced at him and nodded. She knew Mo Yang was still blaming himself for losing track of Qin Yiyao. This blame was not because the other party was Qin Yiyao, but because he did not perfectly complete the task Mu Qingge assigned.

Quickly, Mu Qingge finalized the list of people going with her.

Besides herself and Mo Yang, she took Xie Ya, along with two Dragon Tooth Guards who had seen Qin Yiyao.

Taking Xie Ya, completely because she was a formidable combat force. Moreover, she seemed to see through some truths and falsehoods, possibly playing a pivotal role.

The rest of the people with tasks continued their tasks, those without were to remain at the temporary residence.

Jing Hai, who had just begun cultivation, was to continue training following the Dragon Tooth Guards’ daily regimen.

When the night fully descended, Mu Qingge led the group out of the door.

At the location specified on the invitation, she discovered, surprisingly, it was an apparently dilapidated, seemingly abandoned old courtyard. Although located in Yu Shui City, it was desolate, with no one around.

Outside the courtyard with white walls, a black lantern was hung, apparently a symbol of the black market.

A man wearing a fearsome ghost mask stood outside the door, presumably the reception personnel. He stood at the door, blocking the path of Mu Qingge’s five people.

Mu Qingge handed over the invitation, and after he took it, he meticulously checked it, only stepping aside once he confirmed it was genuine.

Mu Qingge led her people inside.

Inside was a vestibule, with many different fearsome ghost masks hanging on the walls, some people were already selecting among them.

It seems that everyone attending the black market auction must wear a mask to enter.

Is this to disguise the identities of buyers and sellers? To prevent being traced afterward?

Mu Qingge scanned the masks but paid more attention to the people selecting them.

There weren’t many people in the foyer; besides their group of five, there were only five others gathered to choose masks. Those five already inside didn’t show much interest in their entrance.

Mo Yang quietly approached Mu Qingge and whispered so only they could hear, "Young Lord, the man in the white brocade robe over there is Sheng Family’s Young Master, Sheng Yuli."

Sheng Family’s Young Master?

Mu Qingge slightly raised an eyebrow and glanced at Sheng Yuli through the corner of her eye.

With just a glance, she quietly looked away.

In her hand, she seemed to be carefully selecting a ghost mask, but in reality, she was somewhat puzzled. ’Sheng Family’s little princess is missing, yet their Young Master has the leisure to attend a black market auction? Could it be...’

Mu Qingge’s eyes flickered with a subtle darkness, and the vague thought she had when she first heard of the Sheng Family’s little princess’s disappearance became increasingly clear.

A bold conjecture popped into her mind!

Could it be that the Sheng Family’s little princess was also captured? Did the Sheng Family track her here too?

Mu Qingge’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Initially, when she learned the timing of the Sheng Family’s little princess’ disappearance coincided closely with Qin Yiyao’s disappearance, she had a vague feeling the two were connected.

However, at the time, her focus wasn’t on this, so she didn’t dig deeper.

The appearance of Sheng Yuli made her speculation seem possible.

The Sheng Family had already chosen their masks, put them on, and left the foyer. Mu Qingge also casually picked a ghost mask and donned it, as did the rest of her group.

"Young Master, is the lady really here?" a ghost mask beside Sheng Yuli asked uncertainly.

Sheng Yuli replied sternly, "The signal came from this area, and the only possible place here is this one. Tonight is an excellent opportunity, so follow my orders later."

"Yes, Young Master."

The four of Sheng Family responded in unison.

As soon as they left, Mu Qingge and her party also headed out.

Only a single enclosed corridor connected the foyer, where they stood at the entrance, still able to see the backs of the Sheng Family disappearing around the corner.

"Let’s go," Mu Qingge said casually.

The five of them walked down the corridor and, after several turns, reached a new entrance.

At the entrance stood two black-robed ghost mask men, with heavy curtains falling behind them, concealing the view inside. Seeing Mu Qingge’s group of five enter, they immediately drew open the curtains, leaving a space for one person to pass through.

Inside, crisscrossing lights made it neither too bright nor too dim.

Mu Qingge was the first to step in, and a wide-open scene unfolded before her.

Inside was a domed hall, with massive pillars along the edges supporting the dome. Steps layered around the circumference resembled arena stands, allowing buyers a clear view of the central circular auction stage from any seat.

The lighting in the hall mostly focused on the auction stage, making the items on display clear to buyers while obscuring buyers from each other’s view.

When Mu Qingge and her group entered, many seats were already occupied, indicating a substantial clientele for this black market.

Mu Qingge’s gaze subtly passed through her ghost mask towards the Sheng Family’s direction and, seeing that the row behind them still had vacant seats, led her group there.

Sitting behind the Sheng Family didn’t attract their attention.

However, their Young Master, Sheng Yuli, sitting at the main seat, seemed to glance her way, intentionally or not.

Mu Qingge didn’t respond, but instead, Xie Ya looked towards him, and their gazes crossed in mid-air. The fierce ghost mask couldn’t conceal Xie Ya’s bright eyes.

Being stared at by her, Sheng Yuli felt a jolt within as if everything hidden in his heart was laid bare under those eyes.

He was secretly startled, subtly nodded at Xie Ya, and withdrew his gaze.

Once he looked away, Xie Ya quietly said to Mu Qingge, "Young Master, that person seems suspicious of us."

Mu Qingge nonchalantly replied, "It doesn’t matter." She bore no ill will to the Sheng Family, so there was no fear of Sheng Yuli’s scrutinizing gaze.

Seeing Mu Qingge’s response, Xie Ya said nothing further.

In her plain dress and ghost mask, standing to Mu Qingge’s right, she seemed a bit conspicuous. Mo Yang and the three Dragon Tooth Guards wore black robes with purple-patterned light armor, giving them a more intimidating presence with the ghost masks.

Yet Mu Qingge, in scarlet robe and ghost mask, exuded not eerie intimidation but rather a wickedly enchanting aura.

It evoked a mysterious allure to uncover the face beneath her mask.

The long table before them was filled with fine food, wine, and exquisite tableware, free for the guests to enjoy. But honestly, how many who made it here cared about the delicacies laid out before them?

They cared only if tonight’s auction items would satisfy them.

As they waited, more buyers gradually arrived through the entrance.

The identities of these buyers were unknown, but they were certainly people of some standing in Yu Shui City.

’I wonder if anyone from the Le Family will show up among them.’ Mu Qingge suddenly thought.

Tomorrow marks the start of Yu Shui City’s family ranking competition; tonight’s black market auction is likely a form of private contest before the official matches.

Mu Qingge lazily leaned back in her chair, her natural gaze forward just wide enough to keep the Sheng Family in sight. And even if noticed, no one could accuse her of doing so intentionally.

Sure enough, she noticed Sheng Yuli’s expression subtly changed upon seeing certain individuals, even tensing slightly in his shoulders.

All these people wore ghost masks, and as an outsider, Mu Qingge couldn’t distinguish who was who.

However, as the Young Master of the Sheng Family, Sheng Yuli was certainly familiar with members of other families. From their aura or posture, he could tell a thing or two.

Each time he reacted this way, it only indicated that people from families other than the Sheng Family were present.

Wan Family, Tan Family, Le Family, Jiang Family...

Mu Qingge noted that Sheng Yuli’s demeanor changed a total of four times, looking directly ahead, to the right, and to the left.

Seats were staggered around the circular auction stage, so almost every view angle was the same.

"Indeed, tonight is quite lively." Mu Qingge smiled with a hint of amusement in her expression.

Being in such a venue with members from Yu Shui City’s prominent families, Mu Qingge felt tonight was bound to be eventful, and a great spectacle too!

At that moment, a man ascended the auction stage. He too wore a white ghost mask, different from those worn by the guests and attendants. Standing on stage, bathed in light, he spoke slowly, "Folks, the time is almost here."

His words instantly quieted the bustling stands.

Many sat poised, eagerly awaiting the start of the night’s auction.

Yet, the white ghost mask spoke leisurely, "Tomorrow is a grand event for Yu Shui City—Wan, Tan, Jiang, Sheng, and Le Families’ ranking day. Tonight’s auction will serve as a warm-up for you young heroes, wishing you all to leave with the beauty of your dreams!"

His words effectively stoked fires among the younger generation of the Five Great Families.

What do young people compete over? No more than face and women.

With just a few words from the white ghost mask, the auction atmosphere simmered with intense tension before it even began. This amused those beyond the Five Great Families, who found the anticipated fierce competition worth the price of admission regardless of any auction success.

However, beneath Mu Qingge’s mask, her brows knitted in slight displeasure.

If Qin Yiyao is indeed here, her appearance would likely trigger a contest among the Five Great Families, undoubtedly complicating any rescue attempt.

Similar thoughts crossed Sheng Yuli’s mind.

However, his heart brimmed with fury, for he was nearly certain his sister had been caught up here. Their Sheng Family’s little princess, their cherished one, how could she become a commodity for these people to scrutinize? To let them bid at will!

In an instant, he dearly wished to storm in, find his sister, and take her away.

However, the background of this black market is mysterious, and being able to exist among these cities is not something easily dealt with. The black transaction networks involved inside are unknown in number, so he cannot act recklessly and bring disaster to the Sheng Family.

Striving to calm the anger in his heart, Sheng Yuli’s lips beneath the mask pressed into a tight line.

"Alright! The auction officially begins. Now, let’s take a look at the first auction item!" The White Ghost Mask stood under the strong light and shouted loudly.

Immediately, two burly men appeared on the circular auction stage, carrying something on their shoulders, swaying as they walked.

They gently placed the item they were carrying on the stage, then stepped back.

The object was covered with a red silk cloth, and under the light, it appeared dazzling and golden. The White Ghost Mask walked over to it, placed his left hand on it, and with a swift pull, tore off the red silk covering, revealing the scene beneath it.

It was a giant birdcage made of pure gold, exquisitely crafted, shining with golden light.

However, inside it was not a bird but a person!

Mu Qingge’s eyes behind the mask narrowed slightly, and beside her, Xie Ya’s eyes were filled with shock.

People were really being sold as commodities!

Inside the golden cage was a woman. The woman wore a semi-transparent gauze cloth, with a belly band and underpants shielding her modesty. However, such attire was even more alluring to men.

Under the strong light, the woman in the cage was exposed entirely, even the fine hairs on her skin were visible. She cowered in fear in the corner, clutching her shoulders tightly, burying her head between her knees, trembling uncontrollably, with faint sounds of sobbing heard.

Among the buyers here, it seemed Mu Qingge’s group was the only one coming for the first time.

The others, including Sheng Yuli, were already unfazed by the sight.

In White Ghost Mask’s hand appeared a small rod adorned with gems. He inserted the rod into the golden cage, under the woman’s knees, and lifted her chin with it, slowly raising her face for all to see.

A gentle, delicate face, still marked with tears, came into view.

The fear and terror in her eyes were like a startled fawn, evoking a sense of pity.

Mu Qingge noticed that many of the buyers suddenly sat up straighter.

It seemed the girl in the cage successfully piqued quite a lot of interest.

Mu Qingge’s peripheral gaze swept over to the section where the Five Great Families sat, noting their lack of interest, she couldn’t help but inwardly sneer: ’Seems they’ve seen bigger scenes before!’

The current girl was not enough to whet their appetites or ignite their curiosity.

However, with the exception of the Sheng Family.

Mu Qingge surmised that Sheng Yuli’s presence here might be related to the missing young lady of the Sheng Family.

Just wonder, if that young lady of the Sheng Family truly appears in the cage next, what expression Sheng Yuli would have!

The White Ghost Mask gave enough time for everyone around to see the woman’s appearance before retracting the rod. Once the rod was retracted, the woman hastily buried her head back between her knees, her shoulders lightly trembling.

"Alright, the starting price for this first item... one low-level spirit stone." The White Ghost Mask extended a finger toward the audience. "Each bid must not be lower than one low-level spirit stone, let the bidding begin now."

One low-level spirit stone to buy a woman back. Mu Qingge suddenly felt that as Qin Country’s number one profligate, she was simply too weak compared to these prodigals in the Middle Ancient Realm.

"I offer two stones." Someone began to bid.

When there’s one, there’s two.

Quickly, this first woman was purchased for five low-level spirit stones.

Perhaps being the first, many people did not place bids and chose to continue observing.

Once a buyer was determined, a Ghost Servant appeared by the buyer’s side with a tray after the payment of five low-level spirit stones. The Ghost Servant bowed and retreated after.

Having received the payment, the White Ghost Mask signaled, and immediately someone came up, used a key to open the golden cage, and dragged the woman out, placing a collar around her neck.

When the collar was fastened, a mysterious rune flashed across it, and the woman’s face turned pale, revealing a hint of pain.

This scene made Mu Qingge slightly frown, not quite understanding.

But as she saw the woman being brought to the buyer, and the Ghost Servant handed the buyer a bracelet, she instantly understood.

The collar should be a means to control the woman, and the bracelet in the buyer’s hand could completely dominate her, leaving her unable to resist his will.

Conversely, the method to remove the collar must also lie within that bracelet.

As for how to use it, it depended on the buyer himself.

"Congratulations to this guest for taking the lead and winning the beauty. Next is the second item..." With that, the White Ghost Mask turned to look behind him.

The previous golden cage had already been taken down, and now the second golden cage was brought onto the stage.

Two golden cages were placed before him, similarly covered with red silk. The White Ghost Mask stood between the two cages, his hands falling downwards, and with anticipation from the crowd, pulled off the red silks.

Inside were two young girls.

However, these two girls looked identical.

They almost mirrored each other’s actions, clutching the cage bars tightly, their jet-black hair cascading down, outlining their graceful curves. Their small faces, palm-sized, bore expressions of panic and fear.

The same exquisite faces, the same fearful expressions, the same actions which ignited a fire in many people’s hearts.

Those scorching gazes all landed on this pair of twin sisters, further deepening their helplessness.

"How much!" Someone couldn’t help but shout.

The voice of the White Ghost Mask remained calm as he said, "These twins are exceptionally rare, their wills can reach an almost synchronous state. The allure of which, I believe, everyone here understands."

At the drop of his words, a few subtle laughs immediately echoed around.

"The two of them can be auctioned separately or together. The price offered is for a single person, but if in the end, you wish to take both, you must pay four times the final price. The starting price is two low-level spirit stones." The White Ghost Mask finished, stepping back a little.

Mu Qingge’s gaze was complex and unreadable.

This White Ghost Mask is quite skilled in setting prices, giving an extremely low and tempting base price to maximize the stimulation of buyer bidding.

"I offer six stones!"

"I offer eight stones!"

"Twelve!"

"Sixteen!"

"Twenty!"

"Fifty!"

Fifty low-level spirit stones, which if wanting both, means two hundred low-level spirit stones. That is equivalent to two intermediate spirit stones, an already high price.

Thus, as soon as this was shouted, the bidding around fell silent.

Mu Qingge looked over, discovering that the bid came from the direction of the Five Great Families, but she couldn’t ascertain exactly which family.

"Fifty spirit stones, are there any more bids?" White Ghost Mask asked three times, and upon hearing no response, he continued, "Does the guest intend to buy one or both?"

This question was somewhat redundant, as the greatest appeal of the twins was them being a pair. If separated, it would feel flavorless.

Indeed, the wealthy buyer straightforwardly said, "Naturally both. Such delightful sisters, splitting them would imply that I don’t know how to cherish beauty."

After paying two hundred low-level spirit stones, the twin girls were brought before the person.

Also handed to him were two bracelets.

He held the two bracelets, knocked them lightly, and the twin sisters immediately clutched their heads and cried out in pain. Meanwhile, he let out a sinister laugh.

"Tonight’s auction only has two more items remaining, those guests who have yet to acquire beauties, better seize the opportunity. Bring them up!" At White Ghost Mask’s command, new golden cages were brought up.

As he tore off the red silk covering, Sheng Yuli, sitting in front of Mu Qingge, shot up from his seat...