Chapter 89: The Auction

“What? You mean the Heavenly Dragon Pavilion hasn’t taken action?”
Tu Lu’s heart jolted with shock.
This was not what he had expected.
In his eyes, the existence of Gongsun Yan and Xiao Cai had already shaken the very foundations of the Heavenly Dragon Pavilion. Inciting a beast tide was tantamount to openly challenging them; surely the Pavilion would do everything in its power to suppress the threat!
If even the Heavenly Dragon Pavilion could not quell this uprising, what good would it do for the Azure Profundity Prefecture to seek aid?
“I didn’t expect you to know of such things, Brother Tu.”
Zhang Cheng gave Tu Lu a look of genuine surprise, then shook his head. “The Heavenly Dragon Pavilion’s involvement in this war is top secret—even within the Azure Profundity Prefecture, only a handful know the details, and in the Supreme Void Prefecture, even fewer are aware.”
“However, rumor has it that the Pavilion did indeed dispatch their reclusive patriarchs, but they failed to subdue the demon lord. Instead, their actions provoked several legendary fiendish overlords from the Thunder Demon Mountain Range. Their battle raged into the heavens and remains unresolved to this day.
Meanwhile, the conflict between ordinary spirit beasts and the Azure Profundity Prefecture continues to escalate. Without reinforcements, I fear the Azure Profundity Prefecture may fall before the struggle between the Pavilion patriarchs and the mountain fiends comes to an end.”
“So that’s how it is. No wonder the Azure Profundity Prefecture is seeking aid everywhere.”
Sudden realization dawned on Tu Lu.
Several prefectures lay between the Supreme Void and Azure Profundity. If aid had come even from here, one could well imagine the chaos in the other prefectures.
“What of the Supreme Void Prefecture’s stance?”
He asked the question almost instinctively, but as soon as the words left his lips, he realized his indiscretion and quickly added, “Forgive me if it’s not something you can say. To be honest, I’ve come from the Azure Profundity Prefecture myself—hence my agitation.”
“It’s no trouble.”
Zhang Cheng waved a hand dismissively. “Concern breeds confusion, I can understand. But as for this matter, no decision has been made at the top, and the specifics are classified. I know little myself, I’m afraid. Please forgive me.”
Tu Lu burst out laughing.

Three more days passed.

His preparations were now complete. The Water Lotus incarnation was lounging at the Moonlit Inn, drinking and analyzing intelligence.
Suddenly, a message arrived, causing him to spring to his feet.
The auction was about to begin!
“So soon?!”
“It’s likely due to the situation in the Azure Profundity Prefecture. The Heavenly Dragon Pavilion has moved the auction up by a few days.”
Wu Hao pushed open the door and came in.
“Brother Wu!”
“Haha, forgive my uninvited visit, Brother Tu—you don’t mind, do you?”
For a moment, Tu Lu was taken aback, then hurriedly waved his hand.
“Not at all. I was just surprised it was you, Brother Wu.”
Tu Lu shook his head. “What brings you here, Brother Wu?”
“Oh, these past days, I kept having that lad Zhang Cheng contact you on my behalf—it left me a little jealous, so I decided to come myself. Hmph, now only Brother Xu is left out.”
“Er…”
Tu Lu’s expression stiffened.
Wu Hao laughed heartily. “Just joking, just joking.”
“In truth, there may be some changes to this auction, but I lack concrete intelligence. I’ve come to accompany you just in case—if anything unexpected happens, I’ll be there to respond.”
“I see.”

Tu Lu understood, then shook his head. “But it won’t be this incarnation attending the auction—it will be my true self.”
“What!”
“A master of inscriptions who remains indifferent after being branded with a soul contract—wouldn’t that look suspicious?”
“So you’re putting on a show for that man with the surname Zi?” Wu Hao understood at once.
Tu Lu nodded.
Wu Hao pondered for a moment. “That makes sense. Still, in that case, let this incarnation come along with me as well, in case of surprises.”
“All right!”

“Young Master Wu, your private box is ready. And this is…?”
As the two were about to enter, a guard barred the Water Lotus incarnation’s way.
Wu Hao was just about to speak when Tu Lu interjected, “This is my young master’s servant. He accompanies him here.”
Wu Hao hesitated briefly, then nodded.
The guards exchanged glances, then allowed both of them to pass.
“Just now, you claimed to be my servant to avoid attention, didn’t you?” Wu Hao asked as they made their way inside.
“That’s right. Why?” Tu Lu was momentarily confused.
“It’s nothing.” Wu Hao shook his head.