Accompanied by the falling pearl-like veil, came the sound of wind brushing through the grass.
No one spoke. Hundreds of people remained completely silent.
It was such a perfect face, like a ray of rosy light suddenly brightening the night sky. She was an otherworldly beauty, different from men, representing the most exquisite and delicate charm of a woman.
That fair, translucent skin, the deep and mysterious eyes, the tempting lips ready to be kissed, and the gently fluttering dark hair, everything about her was indescribable.
Aenwyn looked up, and everyone felt as if their hearts were suddenly seized, thumping wildly. She was like a man-eating flower swaying in the mysterious night, the seductive Medusa who lured with passion, radiating a deadly charm that made people want to throw themselves at her and be lost.
No one noticed that Indigo had already left the private seat. From afar, he looked deeply at her once, then rode away with his men.
He left so quietly that no one paid attention.
Who would care about a man leaving anyway? Even Haozhou didn't notice.
No one knew how much time had passed.
A sharp "zzzt" sound tore through the air as someone leapt into the air, lunging toward Aenwyn on stage. The man's eyes still held excitement, but before he could reach the platform, someone beside him cut him down with a single slash.
In this martial world, how could anyone truly be unarmed? Many had weapons hidden on them.
It was like a signal. Everyone suddenly came to their senses and surged forward like madmen, forgetting about the auction altogether.
"Snatch her! Whoever gets her, she's theirs!"
Everything descended into chaos. The crazed men saw everyone as enemies. Many were killed or trampled to death.
The smell of blood surged, driving people to become even more violent.
Madam Rong hurriedly shielded Aenwyn with people around her. Aenwyn's face looked awful. She had only shown her face.
Haozhou let out a sharp whistle. The guards in charge of protecting the area immediately turned their spears, "Anyone who dares compete with me today dies!"
"Follow the young master's order!"
Someone tried to stop him, but he kicked aside a few half-dead bodies on the ground and leapt onto the stage.
Aenwyn: Someone stop this lunatic!
"Young Master Hao, you can't do this," Madam Rong tried to stop him, but he shoved her aside.
"Ten thousand gold or death." His hoarse voice was cold and firm. He reached out to grab Aenwyn.
Aenwyn stepped back to avoid his hand. The man wasn't angry, just let out a chilling laugh. "Such a delicate and gorgeous beauty."
"Come with me. What do you say?" His eyes were full of dark desire.
Ugh, look at you, like a mangy stray.
Aenwyn muttered to herself, her eyes filled with disgust and resistance. This mad dog had chased her like a maniac yesterday. If it weren't for him, she would've escaped far away already.
Some people snapped out of the frenzy, now sober after the earlier bloodshed. The area reeked of heavy blood.
Haozhou held military power, but no one was willing to hand over such a beauty.
"Young Master Hao, the highest bidder wins. This isn't honorable."
"Yes, just because your mother is the magistrate doesn't mean you can do whatever you want."
"I offer twenty thousand in gold." An old man licked his lips while eyeing Aenwyn. He had status and didn't believe Haozhou would dare touch him.
But lunatics don't think like normal people.
Haozhou pulled a big sword from a nearby guard and slashed the old man without hesitation. He laughed maniacally. "Anyone else?"
Just then, urgent footsteps echoed.
"Master Hao, your son is truly bold."
Aenwyn looked up and met his eyes. He was dressed in bright clothes, riding a fine horse, a noble and naive-looking young man.
She saw deep astonishment in his eyes.
Yexiang hadn't expected that this backwater place would produce such a stunning woman. He had come with Ning to handle business, curious about the sickly Indigo who lived nearby.
He hadn't expected to stumble upon such a breathtaking woman.
There were many beauties in the capital, but none had ever stunned him at first glance like this.
The magistrate never imagined his son would be killing people here. He rushed over with a smiling face to greet Yexiang while glaring fiercely at Haozhou.
"What's this nonsense?" the magistrate scolded.
"Father! Are you losing your mind? She's a woman!"
The magistrate's forehead throbbed. A woman? He suspected this was all because of some seductive pretty boy again. Once his rank was higher, he could have all the pretty boys or women he wanted. All this struggle was to secure a future for their family.
He looked up at the woman standing gracefully.
A woman?? The magistrate was shocked. But being shrewd, he quickly concealed his surprise.
Lately, he had been busy pleasing the noble guests from the capital. He had no idea such a beauty had appeared in his district.
If he had known earlier, the auction might not have even happened. Regret briefly flashed across his plain-looking face.
"Take the young master away," he ordered coldly. "If anyone else dares make trouble, don't blame me for being harsh."
Things moved so fast that Aenwyn hadn't expected she'd find a buyer so soon. Under the threat of strong military power, she ended up falling into the hands of an unknown nobleman.
Zhou Xiang was very excited, but still held the posture of a nobleman from the capital. After paying Madam Rong thirty thousand taels of gold, he finally got the person he wanted.
"Big brother will take you home." He carefully held Aenwyn's hand, eyes filled with impatient desire.
Aenwyn's long lashes fluttered. She didn't speak when she heard that, but she didn't resist either. She had a feeling that things wouldn't end so quickly.
She kept thinking about Indigo's sudden departure earlier.
"Young master, take care. Sorry for the lack of hospitality." Daren smiled as he sent the group off.
Aenwyn was led outside. People around refused to leave. Many hadn't seen clearly from a distance, but now that she was near, they were stunned.
"How can such beauty exist in this world?"
"Too beautiful." Someone even lost control, reacting in an inappropriate way.
Zhou Xiang frowned in displeasure. He took off his own robe and wrapped Aenwyn from head to toe, then carried her in his arms.
Aenwyn let out a small sound. What was wrong with these people? She could walk by herself.
Haozhou had his mouth gagged and could only glare as Zhou Xiang's group left.
Once they were gone, he broke free and roared, "Father, what are you doing?"
Daren slapped him right away. "Idiot. He's a noble guest from the capital. What were you trying to do in front of everyone?"
That slap knocked the madness out of Haozhou. He covered his face and stared at his father with hatred.
Daren stepped forward to tidy Haozhou's clothes and calmly said, "Zhou'er, the capital is far away. Whether that noble brat can return alive is still uncertain. Why rush now?"
This stunning beauty was destined to belong to their family.
While they were scheming on that side, Zhou Xiang's group had just walked about a hundred meters and passed a narrow alley. Suddenly, an arrow shot past Aenwyn's hair and struck the man behind her.
With a dull grunt, Zhou Xiang collapsed, still trying to shield the person in his arms. Aenwyn pulled off the robe covering her face and saw dozens of black-clad figures rushing in.
The battle started immediately, weapons clashing.
"It's poisoned!" someone cried out. The attackers had coated their weapons in poison.
Realizing Zhou Xiang was wounded, someone shouted, "Protect the young master!"
More arrows flew. None missed. All of Zhou Xiang's guards were dead in seconds.
A figure dressed in black with a covered face leaped from the rooftop, elegant and deadly, stepping on others like a hawk hunting a rabbit. Aenwyn was the rabbit.
That move was familiar. She flipped and tried to escape. If not now, then when? She had silver and her ID tag.
Madam Rong had given her high-value notes before she left.
But someone dragged her back. "Don't go." Zhou Xiang coughed blood and grabbed her.
"Let go of me." Aenwyn snapped and kicked him away. Don't blame her for being rough. The guy had been groping her while carrying her.
Zhou Xiang was badly injured. He only managed to grab a few strands of her hair.
A tall black-clad attacker blocked a few who were chasing Aenwyn. He didn't bother stopping her, instead advanced toward Zhou Xiang with deadly precision.
Just as he was about to deliver the killing blow, another man in black stopped him.
Under the mask were narrow, bloodshot eyes. As Zhou Xiang thought he might survive, the man kicked him in the chest.
Blood spurted out and he passed out. Whether he lived or died depended on fate.
Target eliminated, the assassins came quickly and left just as fast.
Aenwyn ran with all her might. She had only been here a few days and had already lost count of how many times she had to flee for her life. But this time, she was closest to freedom.
Just as she thought she had finally escaped, someone scooped her up.
The speed was so fast that the person carrying her had to spin a few times to land steadily.
"Where do you think you're going, hmm?" A soft magnetic voice with the clarity of a young man spoke. Aenwyn's face was pressed against his chest. She was surrounded by the smell of blood.
"Indigo, let me go." She struggled. She already knew it was him.
Indigo had a faint smile on his face, but his eyes were full of pleasure. "Let you go?" he said while tightening his grip on her waist. "Definitely not possible."
With a few leaps, he brought her to a courtyard. It was large, with pavilions and towers, exquisitely built and well-hidden.
Surrounded by common homes, it had the feel of a hidden gem in the city.
But now wasn't the time to admire the place. After landing, she pushed him away with a pale face. "Indigo, I'm very grateful to you, but I really can't be with you."
For the first time, she didn't want to make excuses. He had saved her life. That meant something to her. She wanted to talk to him properly.
Indigo's face turned cold after being pushed. "What, don't want to be with me? Want to run into another man's arms? Was it that guy just now, or Haozhou?"
He spoke as jealousy and rage surged. He grabbed her chin and kissed her wildly. Unlike the first time, this kiss was deep, forceful, and full of desire.
The intense kiss left Aenwyn completely passive.
Jealousy burned. Desire took over. His lips left hers and trailed downward.