Sheng Yuli stood up abruptly from his seat, his eyes beneath the mask fixed on the gold cage on the auction stage, anger nearly burning through the mask.

Inside the gold cage, his sister, the little princess of the Sheng Family, was wearing revealing clothes, exposed to the eyes of all.

Even though she was wearing a ghost face mask at the moment, he could still recognize her at a glance.

"What is it, guest?" The White Ghost Mask naturally noticed Sheng Yuli’s unusual reaction.

"Young Master!" The person next to Sheng Yuli gently tugged at his sleeve.

Sheng Yuli struggled to control a certain anger, forcing himself to sit down.

The White Ghost Mask glanced at him and then looked away.

Mu Qingge stared at his back, lost in thought.

From Sheng Yuli’s reaction, she could basically confirm that the woman in the gold cage was the missing lady of the Sheng Family. But why was she wearing a mask? Did the people of this black market deliberately do so knowing her identity? Wouldn’t that be a direct provocation to the Sheng Family?

Before Mu Qingge could speak, someone voiced the question on her mind.

"Since she’s already on stage, what’s the point of the mask? Take the mask off." Someone shouted discontentedly.

Upon hearing the voice, Sheng Susu in the cage struggled, and only then did people notice her hands were chained behind her, and even her ankles were shackled.

This scene further provoked Sheng Yuli, and if not for a sliver of reason, he probably would have erupted on the spot.

Seeing the crowd’s surprise, the White Ghost Mask explained, "This woman’s character is very fierce; when entering the cage, she even injured a Ghost Servant. To prevent incidents, we had to do this. As for the mask... consider it a novelty. I can assure you, the appearance beneath the mask will not disappoint everyone!"

The White Ghost Mask’s words caused whispers among the crowd.

Mu Qingge could feel Sheng Yuli’s aura starting to become somewhat violent.

"In that case, we also trust your credibility. Let’s start the auction." Soon, someone from the buyer’s section shouted.

The White Ghost Mask said, "Starting bid, twenty low-grade Spirit Stones. Each bid must be no less than five low-grade Spirit Stones."

"Twenty? That’s so expensive!" Someone exclaimed.

Indeed, compared to the previous starting prices, this was exceedingly high.

Crack!

Mu Qingge heard the sound of something shattering come from where Sheng Yuli was sitting.

She glanced over and saw that the corner of the long table had been crushed by him.

"Rest assured, everyone, when someone buys her and removes the mask, you’ll find this price is not expensive at all!" the White Ghost Mask continued to entice.

"Interesting? Then I’ll start, twenty-five low-grade Spirit Stones." The one who previously bid on the twin girls spoke again.

As soon as his words fell, Sheng Yuli’s fierce gaze shot towards him.

"Fifty low-grade Spirit Stones," Sheng Yuli shouted loudly.

Mu Qingge raised an eyebrow at him, sighing inwardly, ’Is Sheng Yuli eager to save his sister, or does he have no auction experience? Such a shout will only drive the price higher.’

Generally speaking, at auctions, the organizers would arrange one or two shills hidden among the guests to occasionally raise bids and stimulate competitive bidding.

Sure enough, after Sheng Yuli’s words fell, a hoarse voice immediately came from a corner, "Fifty-five low-grade Spirit Stones."

With someone raising the bid, Sheng Yuli panicked and immediately shouted, "Eighty low-grade Spirit Stones!"

"Mmm mmm..." On stage, in the gold cage, whenever Sheng Yuli’s voice appeared, the girl in the cage would struggle slightly. Only, she was bound too tightly, and even with all her might, the movement was small and unnoticeable without intentional observation.

"Eighty-five low-grade Spirit Stones," another voice joined the bidding.

"Ninety Spirit Stones!" As the price rose, finally other guests joined in.

"Ninety-five low-grade Spirit Stones."

"One hundred low-grade Spirit Stones."

"One hundred and five low-grade Spirit Stones."

Calls for bids began to rise and fall around, and the initial two voices subsided.

Sheng Yuli, anxious and angry, attempted to call out bids several times, only to be interrupted. His eyes beneath the mask were tense and furious, staring at those bidding and occasionally looking at the gold cage on the auction stage.

That was his sister!

’Fortunately, Susu’s face is covered by the mask. If people knew the woman in the cage was actually the Sheng Family’s lady, what would become of her reputation in the future?’ Sheng Yuli hated the ones who abducted Sheng Susu to his core.

"Two intermediate Spirit Stones!" Suddenly, Sheng Yuli shouted loudly.

Two Intermediate Spirit Stones, that equals two hundred Low-Level Spirit Stones!

Suddenly raising the price so high, the auction hall was taken aback.

Moreover, there is still a difference between two Intermediate Spirit Stones and two hundred Low-Level Spirit Stones. This equivalence is merely the numeric value. In reality, Intermediate Spirit Stones are more precious than Low-Level Spirit Stones.

In ten Spirit Stone Mines, there might not even be one Intermediate Spirit Stone Mine Vein.

The auction hall suddenly quieted down.

This delighted Sheng Yuli, thinking the crowd was intimidated by his price. If he won in the end, he could quietly take Susu away. Once he returned to the Sheng Family and found out everything from Susu, he would harshly punish those who dared to provoke the Sheng Family.

A hint of cold glint flashed in Sheng Yuli’s eyes filled with joy.

"Two Intermediate Spirit Stones, is there anyone higher?" White Ghost Mask spoke indifferently.

Asked once, no one responded. He then said, "Two Intermediate Spirit Stones, second call."

"Truly interesting, I, Young Master, just love to snatch women from others! I bid two hundred and five Low-Level Spirit Stones." The person who previously bought the twin sisters spoke again.

Upon hearing someone bid, Sheng Yuli immediately stood up, looking at him. His eyes almost shot fire, and his gaze was filled with warning.

Yet the person disdainfully said, "What, fair competition, if you’re upset just name a price. Looking at me like that, do you want to kill me?"

White Ghost Mask also coldly said, "Guest, please sit down. There are rules in the auction hall, and if anyone makes trouble here, they will be blacklisted and banned from participating in the auction for life."

Under the mask, Sheng Yuli’s face turned pale with anger.

He had no interest in such auctions, but now he could not leave or watch his sister be bought by these men.

He took a few deep breaths, sat down again, and said, "Two hundred and ten Low-Level Spirit Stones."

At this point, Sheng Yuli seemed to have understood some auction rules, no longer calling out high prices, but incrementally raising the bid.

"Two hundred and fifteen." That person seemed to be at odds with him, increasing the bid immediately before his words faded.

"Two hundred and twenty," Sheng Yuli said through gritted teeth.

"Two hundred and twenty-five," the person said.

"Two hundred and thirty!"

"Two hundred and thirty-five!"

"Two hundred and forty!"

Gradually, the ever-increasing prices drove others out of the bidding. The scene turned into a duel between Sheng Yuli and the other man.

Face, and women.

The two things men care about most, the auction had them both, just depends on how you vie, how you snatch.

White Ghost Mask stood silently on the auction stage like a statue, letting the two bid against each other.

Soon, the price rose to two hundred and ninety-five.

Two hundred and ninety-five Low-Level Spirit Stones, if converted to gold and silver, the amount would be... 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

What does it mean to throw money around, Mu Qingge felt she finally witnessed it today. The prices here could easily crush those men competing for the Oiran in the Linchuan Realm.

"Three hundred Low-Level Spirit Stones," the man who bought the twin sisters said leisurely.

Bang!

Sheng Yuli slammed the table in anger, glaring at him and said hatefully, "Jiang Tianyi, are you deliberately going against me today?" He actually directly called out the other person’s name.

Mu Qingge raised her eyebrows, she hadn’t expected the person opposite to be Jiang Tianyi. He had just gone through an assassination, the culprit still not found, yet he dared to appear in such a place, truly a lustful ghost.

Since the person opposite was confirmed to be from the Jiang Family, the other three places Sheng Yuli looked at before must have been the Wan Family, Le Family, and Tan Family.

However, Mu Qingge noticed these three families didn’t bid much, perhaps these women didn’t interest them, or they thought spending Spirit Stones on women was not worth it.

With Jiang Tianyi’s name revealed, he simply tore off the mask on his face, tossed it on the table, and looked at Sheng Yuli with a sinister smile: "Recognizing me, which family do you belong to?"

In fact, Sheng Yuli regretted naming Jiang Tianyi the moment he did.

It would be best to conceal his identity and take Sheng Susu away. Once the identity is exposed, Sheng Susu’s matter today would sooner or later be uncovered.

Sheng Yuli blamed himself for being unable to hold back his anger and revealing Jiang Tianyi’s name.

Now he could only stiffen his neck and say coldly, "None of your business."

"Oh? None of my business? I think you’re just too scared to show your face." Jiang Tianyi put his feet up on the long table in front of him, looking teasingly at Sheng Yuli’s direction, his eyes full of provocation.

Mu Qingge was very familiar with this feeling; Jiang Tianyi was a complete wastrel.

At this moment, the White Ghost Mask suddenly said, "During the auction process, whether or not buyers reveal their faces is not restricted. However, if you reveal your face and expose your identity, after leaving here, we are not responsible for anything that happens."

These words carried both a warning and a reminder.

Jiang Tianyi’s face slightly changed, and his gaze turned dark.

Being hurt by a courtesan was simply the biggest humiliation of his life. Blame it on that woman’s beauty; she enchanted him to the point of losing his senses, and he fell for it without realizing it.

No matter what she became, he could recognize her. When he captured her, he would surely teach her a harsh lesson to make her regret appearing in front of him!

"Three hundred low-level spirit stones, anyone willing to bid higher?"

"Three hundred and five." A strange voice suddenly interjected.

Sheng Yuli abruptly turned his head to look at the person sitting behind him.

But he met a pair of clear, calm eyes under the ghost mask. Under that gaze, his restless mood slowly calmed down.

The sudden third party in the competition drew Sheng Yuli’s eyes and also caught Jiang Tianyi’s attention.

He looked at Mu Qingge but found her very unfamiliar. "Who are you?" he arrogantly shouted.

However, Mu Qingge paid him no mind.

"During the auction, we don’t ask for buyers’ identities or names," the White Ghost Mask reminded.

Jiang Tianyi’s expression turned even uglier as he mocked Mu Qingge, "In this auction, you pay on the spot. Do you have that many spirit stones? Don’t just put on airs; the consequences are not something you can bear." After saying this, he looked at the auctioneer on the stage, the White Ghost Mask.

The White Ghost Mask immediately said, "Indeed. If you bid here, you must be able to pay. Our auction does not accept credit; if you haven’t brought enough spirit stones, you’d better not bid carelessly to avoid disputes."

However, Mu Qingge remained unaffected, only addressing the White Ghost Mask, "Auctioneer, is there no one else willing to increase the bid?"

A simple sentence steered the conversation back on track.

Sheng Yuli, hearing this, was about to speak but felt those clear eyes silently shake their head at him.

He was somewhat puzzled.

He felt that this person seemed to have guessed his identity, and not only that, also discovered the identity of the woman in the golden silk cage on the auction platform.

And the sudden bid seemed to be to assist him!

This speculation shocked Sheng Yuli’s heart.

The red-clothed man before him was a stranger; why would he help him and Susu?

However, those eyes somehow made him feel this person was trustworthy, calming his urge to continue bidding.

"Three hundred and five spirit stones once," the White Ghost Mask announced.

"Three hundred and five spirit stones twice."

"Three hundred and fifty!" Jiang Tianyi, after a moment’s silence, suddenly raised his hand and shouted.

He abruptly increased the price by forty-five spirit stones. This drew everyone’s attention, and he seemed to thoroughly enjoy this captivating moment, a smug grin spreading across his frivolous face.

Having money means having your way!

Seeing his inexplicable pride, everyone had this thought.

Mu Qingge, however, calmly said, "Three hundred and fifty-five spirit stones."

She only raised the bid by the minimum amount more than Jiang Tianyi, as if it was a deliberate taunt.

Jiang Tianyi frowned with displeasure, "Three hundred and eighty."

"Three hundred and eighty-five." This time, it was Mo Yang who made the bid.

He naturally did so under Mu Qingge’s instructions.

Mu Qingge herself picked up a cup from the table and took a sip through her mask.

He was even using a servant to bid against him!

Jiang Tianyi’s expression was clouded, and through gritted teeth, he spat out, "Four hundred low-level spirit stones!"

"Four hundred and five," Mo Yang followed up without hesitation.

Sss—!

This time, the bid jumped to an unprecedented four hundred low-level spirit stones. Compared to the previous rare twin sisters, it was a whole double the price!

"Four hundred and twenty!" Jiang Tianyi put down his feet from the table, glaring at Mu Qingge’s direction.

"Four hundred and twenty-five." As expected, Mo Yang once again immediately followed.

It seemed they weren’t even considering whether they could afford it or if it was worthwhile; as long as Jiang Tianyi bid, they would bid a bit higher.

Those experienced with auctions knew this kind of bidding was the most dangerous.

Because you couldn’t determine the other party’s bidding intentions.

The other party could casually bid higher or whimsically stop. Continuing the competition, if the price reached a height and they suddenly pulled out, the one at a disadvantage would be Jiang Tianyi! At that time, even if he won the beauty, it wouldn’t change becoming a joke.

Jiang Tianyi’s eyes flickered, and he asked the White Ghost Mask, "Are they your people, trying to extort me?"

The White Ghost Mask calmly explained, "Worry not, guest, this noble has nothing to do with our auction."

Reassured by the auctioneer, Jiang Tianyi turned his gaze back to Mu Qingge, grinding his teeth as he asked, "Are you setting a trap for me?"

Mu Qingge replied with a teasing smile, "Yes, are you brave enough to jump in?"

This exchange left Jiang Tianyi speechless.

He viciously stared in Mu Qingge’s direction, torn internally.

To jump meant admitting in front of everyone that he was a fool, being played. Not jumping would imply cowardice, wouldn’t it?

The corners of Mu Qingge’s mouth lifted beneath her mask, her expression mocking.

After pretending for such a long time, how could she not understand a wastrel’s mentality?

Competing in wealth with Jiang Tianyi was the most unwise choice; the real competition was in scheming and courage!

She made it clear she was setting a trap for him; what could he do about it?

Mu Qingge’s words froze Jiang Tianyi, making Sheng Yuli cast a curious glance her way. At this moment, he was almost certain that the other party was helping him.

However, he couldn’t fathom the reason.

And naturally, Mu Qingge wasn’t about to tell him, "Hmm, I’m helping you because I need to deal with the Le Family and require allies. And your Sheng Family just so happened to present me with a cooperative opportunity; it would be unwise to pass it up."

Approaching with an agenda never compares to offering timely help without any expectations.

Human relations, human relations, you must learn how to manage them to maximize the benefits.

"Sigh, maneuvering hearts is really tiring," Mu Qingge silently sighed in her mind.

"Are you provoking me?" Jiang Tianyi asked angrily.

Mu Qingge ignored him and instead addressed the White Ghost Mask on the auction platform, "Isn’t this an auction?"

The White Ghost Mask immediately understood, his expression becoming serious before he announced, "Four hundred and twenty-five going once!"

The White Ghost Mask’s words disrupted Jiang Tianyi’s pace.

He hadn’t yet decided whether to continue when he was forced to this point.

Originally, he wanted to stall for time to think, but he didn’t expect the other party to see through his plan.

"Four hundred and twenty-five going twice," the White Ghost Mask announced again.

What to do? To bid or not to bid?

"Four hundred and twenty-five going three times! Sold!" As Jiang Tianyi hesitated, the ’caged bird’ in the golden silk enclosure had already been claimed.

The dust settled, giving Jiang Tianyi a sense of relief, yet he still felt unsatisfied.

Sheng Susu was brought out of the golden cage, but the shackles on her hands and feet were not removed.

The Ghost Servant approached Mu Qingge with a tray, and she waved her hand, causing four intermediate spirit stones and twenty-five low-level spirit stones to appear on the tray.

This grand gesture immediately stirred speculation about her identity among the crowd.

Seeing Mu Qingge could indeed take out so many spirit stones, and among them, four were intermediate spirit stones, Jiang Tianyi’s eyes were almost ablaze with jealousy.

He felt as if his face was being trampled under her foot!

The Ghost Servant collected the spirit stones, and Sheng Susu was brought to Mu Qingge’s side.

As she passed by Sheng Yuli, Mu Qingge sharply caught a trace of excitement from her.

The corners of her mouth raised slightly under the mask, as she suddenly exclaimed, "Wait."

The Ghost Servant holding Sheng Susu’s shackles stopped, puzzled, and looked at her.

Mu Qingge said, "I’ll give this beauty to this gentleman."

Sheng Yuli’s body stiffened, taken aback. Even Sheng Susu looked at her in surprise.

The Ghost Servant looked suspiciously at the White Ghost Mask standing on the stage.

Mu Qingge chuckled, "What? The person is already mine; do I need to seek anyone’s opinion about who I want to give them to?"

"Of course not," replied the White Ghost Mask. "The auction won’t interfere with the guests’ personal decisions. It’s just, I’m very surprised, the guest spent so many spirit stones to buy her and gave her away without even a glance?"

Mu Qingge lazily leaned against the chair back, placing her feet on the long table, mimicking Jiang Tianyi’s previous posture, and said lazily, "I have plenty of spirit stones, and I don’t care about people. I just can’t stand some despicable people becoming smug."

Poof!

Someone couldn’t help but laugh.

After all, it seemed like this was merely a conflict between two playboys.

Others inwardly chuckled, thinking, ’This Jiang Family’s playboy young master has finally met his match.’

"You!" Jiang Tianyi’s face changed, standing up from his seat, almost rushing to tear off Mu Qingge’s mask.

But Mu Qingge cast a provocative glance at him.

Sheng Yuli felt puzzled; clearly, this person was helping him, but why deliberately distance himself now?

Mu Qingge looked at the bewildered Ghost Servant, her voice colder, "Why aren’t you sending her over to the lord, what are you waiting for?"

The Ghost Servant came to his senses, immediately leading Sheng Susu to Sheng Yuli’s side.

After removing the shackles, the Ghost Servant handed the bracelet controlling the collar around Sheng Susu’s neck to Sheng Yuli.

Sheng Yuli’s fingers trembled slightly as he took it, gripping the crucial bracelet tightly.

After handing over the person, the Ghost Servant bowed and retreated.

Sheng Susu knelt by Sheng Yuli’s side, equally excited.

"Susu," Sheng Yuli called softly.

Under the long table, Sheng Susu excitedly grasped her brother’s hand. The siblings held hands tightly, feeling a sense of survival bubbling from the depths of their hearts.

With his sister back at his side, Sheng Yuli’s anxious heart finally settled.

He couldn’t reveal his face here; he could only wait until the auction ended and take Sheng Susu away before discussing anything further.

Sheng Yuli turned his gaze to Mu Qingge, nodding slightly to express gratitude. Regardless of the reason she helped, she was a great benefactor to the Sheng Family.

If not, perhaps today his sister would have been bought by that playboy Jiang Tianyi.

Mu Qingge returned the nod; though no words were exchanged, both reached a tacit understanding. It was a good signal to move forward.

"Alright, next is the last auction item. This item is one in ten thousand; everyone should cherish this opportunity!" The White Ghost Mask announced loudly.

Upon hearing this, Mu Qingge’s gaze sharpened.

Sheng Susu didn’t say anything, just held her brother’s hand, quickly writing the words ’save her’ in his palm.

Sheng Yuli looked puzzled, gazing into his sister’s eyes.

Even with a mask concealing him, he saw the urgency and worry in his sister’s eyes.

He frowned slightly, guessing inwardly: "Could the person being auctioned next be closely related to his sister?"

Faced with her brother’s doubt, Sheng Susu couldn’t explain and could only keep nodding intensely.

She must let her brother rescue Qin Yiyao, otherwise, how could she repay her persistent support?

Originally, her identity wouldn’t have been exposed.

But when she was locked in the cage by these people, she inadvertently spilled it during her struggle. The Sheng Family’s daughter going missing wasn’t a secret among certain forces in Yu Shui City; coupled with her accidental revelation, her identity was basically confirmed.

Those people originally intended to either move or kill her.

Yet, Qin Yiyao stepped forward, suggesting they auction her with her face masked, pretending not to know Sheng Susu’s identity while preserving her reputation.

Anyway, whether the Sheng Family bought her back or others purchased her, it would have nothing to do with the black market.

It was safer than relocating or killing her, as the Sheng Family was likely aware of where Sheng Susu was.

Sheng Susu didn’t know how Qin Yiyao convinced those people in the end; she only knew she wasn’t taken away but was confined to a cage.

After they shackled her, Qin Yiyao whispered in her ear, "As long as you stay in Yu Shui City, there’s still a chance. Your family must have come to take you back. This way, no one will know about your ordeal, and the Sheng Family’s daughter simply snuck out to play briefly and then returned."

Finally, she said the words ’I beg you.’

This made Sheng Susu instantly understand that Qin Yiyao was telling her to rescue her after she escaped from captivity.

Therefore, Sheng Susu resolutely told her brother that no matter what, they must buy the last auction item!

Now, she couldn’t speak but could only hold her brother’s hand tightly to convey her inner emotions.

The last golden cage was covered with a rich red silk, and it was carried up and gently placed in front of the White Ghost Mask.

Everyone was filled with anticipation for the final auction item.

Generally, the final item is always the best!

The White Ghost Mask walked next to the golden cage, placed his hands on top of it, looked around, and said in a deep voice, "This auction item is of unparalleled beauty and is very rare. The starting price is one Low-Level Spirit Stone, but each bid must start at ten Low-Level Spirit Stones."

Before everyone could marvel at the low starting price, they were shocked by the bid increment mentioned by the White Ghost Mask.

Each bid would mean ten Low-Level Spirit Stones? Even though the starting price is low, the price would quickly rise.

Privately, people were apprehensive, but their anticipation for the woman inside the golden cage under the red silk increased.

"Is everyone ready?" the White Ghost Mask shouted.

He teased the crowd’s appetite, making even the inattentive buyers suddenly become spirited.

Amidst the anticipation of the crowd, the red silk was finally lifted. The red silk floating into the air drifted slowly down from above, revealing the unparalleled elegance inside the golden cage.

Hiss—!

The sound of drawing breath came from all around.

Upon seeing the woman inside the golden cage, many couldn’t help but hold their breath.

What is called ice skin jade bone? What is called enchanting and emotional? What is called a natural beauty? The one in the cage is just that!

The light blue gauze outlined her graceful figure, her ink-black hair hanging down without any adornment. She leaned in the golden cage, her facial features faintly visible under her hair, but even this was enough to captivate souls.

Barefoot was exposed beyond the gauze, so exquisite that it made one want to hold it in their hand for close appreciation.

Top Grade! A rare Top Grade!

Most people here were used to seeing countless women, yet they couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement at the sight of the one in the cage.

They even wondered in their hearts... could such a woman appear in a poor family? The noble aura she exuded was clearly not something that could be cultivated in an ordinary environment.

However, those who came here also wouldn’t care about the background of the women in the cage.

They only sought the thrill that moved their hearts and stirred their desires!

Sheng Yuli was somewhat dazed, his eyes filled with amazement, forgetting everything else. It seemed, at this moment, that only he and the woman in the cage were left here.

Even the excited shaking of his hand by Sheng Susu beside him did not bring back his wandering divine soul.

However, when the person in the cage appeared, Mu Qingge’s eyes completely darkened.

After not seeing her for a long time, she did not expect that when they met again, she would be in such a sorry state.

In others’ eyes, Qin Yiyao was like a seductive snow lotus growing in the crevice of the Snow Peak Cliff, swaying with the wind, cold yet charming. But in her eyes, Qin Yiyao seemed like fish and meat to be slaughtered at will, nothing but pitiable.

’Over the years, what exactly have you been through?’ Mu Qingge looked at Qin Yiyao in the cage and asked herself in her heart.

For Qin Yiyao, everything in the buyers’ seats was dark and blurred. The dazzling light fell on her, allowing her only to see vague silhouettes.

She could feel everyone sizing her up, seemingly calculating in their minds how many Spirit Stones she was worth.

Yet, for the people in the buyers’ seats, everything about her was exposed and clear.

While most people were amazed at her beauty, besides Mu Qingge, another person recognized her—

That was Jiang Tianyi, whom she had personally tried to assassinate three days ago and believed to be dead!

The moment Qin Yiyao appeared, Jiang Tianyi recognized her as the vile woman who, disguised as a courtesan, nearly killed him that day! Yet, even with hatred in his heart, he couldn’t help but be amazed.

Suddenly, his previous thoughts began to change. He wanted to possess this woman, enjoy her, and then torment her harshly once he grew bored!

Suddently, a determined light of possession flashed in Jiang Tianyi’s eyes.

Mu Qingge shifted her gaze to Jiang Tianyi and saw his ’determined-to-win’ expression, his previously clear eyes now turning dark and deep.

Xie Ya and Mo Yang, who were closest to her, both sensed the cold aura emanating from her.

Xie Ya was a little puzzled. Why did the appearance of the woman on stage cause her Young Master’s aura to grow cold, even hinting at a hint of anger?

At this moment, she felt the chilling killing intent emanating from Mu Qingge.

Ever since they had known each other, she seemed to have never felt such intense emotional fluctuations from Mu Qingge. For what reason? Because of the woman in the cage?

Xie Ya’s gaze involuntarily fell on the golden cage.

The woman inside was indeed extraordinary in appearance and demeanor. However, the Young Master was never lacking in beauties; every one of them was exceptional in looks and presence. How could he be so emotionally affected by just one beautiful woman?

Xie Ya was puzzled.

She was unaware of the entanglements, but Mo Yang knew.

When he sensed the killing intent from Mu Qingge, the guilt in his heart deepened, and he turned to face Mu Qingge, saying gravely, "I’m sorry, little Lord. It was my mistake!"

"It’s not your fault," Mu Qingge replied coldly.

The tone was devoid of any emotion.

"Let the auction begin!" shouted the White Ghost Mask, stirring the buyers into a frenzy.

"I bid twenty low-level Spirit Stones!"

"You’re shameless to even offer twenty? I bid fifty!"

"Fifty? I thought you’d be more generous! A hundred low-level Spirit Stones!"

"One hundred and fifty!"

"One hundred and seventy!"

"..."

"Two hundred and twenty!"

"Two hundred and sixty!"

"Three hundred!"

"I bid..."

Almost instantly, the price was pushed to three hundred and twenty.

The excited voices around rose and fell in succession.

Yet, Qin Yiyao inside the cage remained leaning, merely lifting her eyelids slightly before lowering them again. It seemed the surrounding clamor had no effect on her, as if the object of their bidding was not her.

’Brother!’ Sheng Susu couldn’t help but shake her brother’s hand vigorously, hearing the endlessly soaring bids.

Sheng Yuli snapped out of a daze, his face changing upon hearing the bidding beside his ear.

However, before he could speak, Jiang Tianyi’s voice rang out, "I bid five hundred low-level Spirit Stones!"

Hearing Jiang Tianyi’s voice, Qin Yiyao’s eyes suddenly opened, filled with incredulity. She had previously attempted to assassinate Jiang Tianyi, had close contact with him, heard his voice, and was certainly not unfamiliar with it.

Jiang Tianyi was still alive? He hadn’t died!

A complex glint flashed in Qin Yiyao’s eyes.

Assassinating Jiang Tianyi was out of a promise, out of gratitude. She thought that after killing him, she could leave with a clear conscience. Yet, unexpectedly, Jiang Tianyi was not dead and had appeared before her once again!

If she couldn’t kill him once, she’d do it again!

Her eyes turned icy cold.

She hadn’t considered that Jiang Tianyi might have recognized her; instead, she thought she might as well be bought back by him, seize the opportunity to kill him, and then find a chance to leave.

"I bid six hundred low-level Spirit Stones!" Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice cut into Qin Yiyao’s thoughts.

She had never heard this voice before, but it lacked the naked lust present in others’ voices.

"It’s you again!" Jiang Tianyi looked toward Sheng Yuli’s direction.

The person who had just bid six hundred low-level Spirit Stones was indeed Sheng Yuli. Upon awakening from his heart-pounding state, he heard Jiang Tianyi’s voice and offered this bid without a second thought.

Hearing Jiang Tianyi’s voice, he turned his gaze toward him and said coldly, "What? You don’t approve?"

Jiang Tianyi’s face twisted hideously as he was rebuked.

He was the only one present without a mask, and his expression was openly visible.

The Jiang Family was not a clan to be trifled with.

Many of those who were previously bidding began coming back to their senses upon seeing his expression.

However, not everyone feared the Jiang Family.

"This woman is indeed top-grade; I’m very interested. I bid seven hundred low-level Spirit Stones." Suddenly, yet another voice joined in.

This voice seemed very familiar to Jiang Tianyi, and he immediately turned toward it, speaking in a grim tone, "Tan Si, are you opposing me too?"

Tan?

Mu Qingge’s eyes flashed, glancing over. Indeed, it was one of the families Sheng Yuli had been particularly watching before.

The Tan Family had shown up, leaving only the Wan Family and the Yun Family.

"I’m interested in her too, I bid eight hundred."

"I’m also much interested, I bid nine hundred!"

These two voices emerged one after another from two directions.

The number of Spirit Stones was increasing by the hundreds, and the previous rules of adding at least ten Spirit Stones each time seemed to mean nothing to them.

The voices came from places Sheng Yuli had been eyeing before.

If nothing unexpected happened, these two were likely from the Wan Family and the Le Family.

The Five Great Families of Yu Shui City were all gathering here. Surely, it was the prelude to the ranking competition, and even for a woman, they had to vie for victory or defeat.

"I bid one thousand!" Jiang Tianyi gritted his teeth.

"One thousand one."

"One thousand two."

"One thousand three."

"One thousand four."

"One thousand five!" Sheng Yuli spoke up.

Mu Qingge turned his gaze to him, contemplating for a moment before focusing on Sheng Susu next to him. From her angle, she could see through a gap that the siblings were holding hands.

Sheng Susu’s hand clutched Sheng Yuli tightly, appearing very tense.

Why the tension? Was it because of Qin Yiyao?

Mu Qingge’s eyes shifted, his thoughts racing.

"One thousand six!"

"One thousand seven!"

"One thousand eight!"

"Two thousand!"

Hiss—!

They breached the two thousand mark!

Two thousand low-level Spirit Stones equate to two hundred intermediate Spirit Stones!

The astute in the crowd gradually understood and guessed their identities.

This was a showdown among the Five Great Families, a covert struggle!

The wise quietly withdrew from the bidding; there was no need to clash with the Five Great Families at this time. The original auction had become a battle among them.

"Two thousand one." Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out again.

What the...! Who is this hero with such courage? At this pivotal moment, someone still dares to jump in!

But soon, some recognized the voice as belonging to the red-clad gentleman who had previously bid against Jiang Tianyi.

"No matter who bids last, I’ll outbid them by a hundred." Even more shocking words came from her mouth.

What the... what the...!

So bold? Is your family running a Spirit Stone Mine?

Many turned astonished gazes toward Mu Qingge, shocked by her audacious declaration.

And the individuals from the Five Great Families, including Jiang Tianyi and Sheng Yuli, also turned their gazes to her, though each with a different expression.

The bravado didn’t just shock those in the buyer’s seat.

It also shocked Qin Yiyao in the golden cage.

When Mu Qingge spoke, she recognized the voice, her back stiffening, her face etched with disbelief! ’It’s him! No, it can’t be him!’