The Nine Treasures Auction House was the largest auction venue in all of Tian Dou City—second only to the Tianxin Auction House, which operated under the direct patronage of the Tian Hun Imperial Family. Run by Nine Treasures Pavilion, it belonged wholly to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Given that the sect's commercial influence spanned both the Douluo and Sun-Moon Continents—and extended across all Four Great Empires—it maintained a strict hierarchical system for its affiliated auction houses and outposts. These were categorized into three tiers: Jiubao (Nine Treasures), Qibao (Seven Treasures), and Liubao (Six Treasures).
- Nine Treasures Auctions and Nine Treasures Pavilions existed only in the capitals of the Four Great Empires and in Shrek City—and were held just once every five years.
- Qibao Auctions and Qibao Pavilions were located in major cities of the Four Empires, occurring once every three years.
- Liubao Auctions and Liubao Pavilions were scattered across smaller towns. These were the sect's standard auctions, held roughly once a year, with no fixed schedule.
…
"Brother Junting, we're here."
Beneath the night sky, a nine-story pagoda of shimmering Glazed Tile—glazed in iridescent hues—rose at the end of the street. Chen Junting and Ning Tian came to a stop before it.
Chen Junting lifted his gaze to the iconic structure, then scanned the steady stream of people flowing toward the entrance.
"That's… impressive."
"Well, Nine Treasures Auctions only happen once every five years," Ning Tian said with a smile. "We're lucky to have arrived just in time."
"Though it's a shame Wu Feng couldn't come."
At that, Chen Junting's mind conjured an image: the two of them strolling through the city, only to have Wu Feng tagging along like a giant, blinking light bulb.
Heh.
The thought made the corner of his mouth twitch—and then he chuckled aloud. "Actually… it's better she didn't come."
Ning Tian didn't understand why he was laughing at Wu Feng, but she shot him a reproachful look and nudged him sharply with her elbow. "Don't laugh! If Wu Feng hadn't seen that we'd both broken through to Level 20 and didn't want to fall behind, she would've come!"
"Alright, alright—I won't laugh," he relented, still grinning.
"Come on," Ning Tian said, tugging his hand. "Let's see just how lively this auction really is."
With that, they joined the crowd and made their way toward the glowing pagoda.
Thanks to their sect-issued tokens, they passed through security effortlessly. Inside, exquisite chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow that bathed the entire hall in warmth—sealing out the clamor of the outside world as if the Glazed Tile pagoda itself were a sanctuary.
True to the sect's aesthetic, the auction hall exuded timeless elegance and refined artistry. Calligraphy scrolls and classical paintings adorned the high walls, each piece reinforcing an atmosphere of cultivated grace.
Scattered throughout the space were disciples of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, clad in crisp white martial robes—every one of them at least a Soul Grandmaster. Their duties included maintaining order and guarding the crystal display cases at the hall's center.
And for good reason: not a single item inside those cases was priced below 30,000 gold soul coins. Even something as rare as the Profound Water Pill—worth 10,000 gold soul coins and nearly impossible to buy—was deemed unworthy of display here.
And this was only the first floor.
Even so, many soul masters hesitated to step inside.
Not long after, Chen Junting and Ning Tian—who had been leisurely browsing the exhibits—suddenly looked up toward the grand staircase.
The entire hall fell silent.
A woman had appeared at the top of the stairs like a stroke of living poetry, instantly drawing every eye. Her poise was effortless—graceful, dignified, composed.
She wore a flowing gown of pale jade green, tailored to perfection, accentuating her lithe figure without a hint of ostentation. Delicate floral embroidery danced across the fabric, adding a touch of youthful charm to her refined aura. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, catching the light with a silken sheen that framed her porcelain skin and luminous eyes—clear as mountain springs, bright with intelligence and kindness.
Yet not a single soul dared act disrespectfully.
Because beyond being the auction house's director, she was also a Title Douluo—Level 92.
"Auntie Qing!"
At the sight of her, Ning Tian immediately let go of Chen Junting's arm and waved excitedly to get her attention.
"You little rascal!" Before anyone could blink, Qing Lan had already crossed the hall and pinched Ning Tian's cheeks playfully. "You and your little sweetheart come to Tian Dou City and don't even visit me first? If Fifth Elder hadn't told me, I'd still be in the dark!"
"Auntie Qing, I'm sorry! I messed up!" Ning Tian pleaded, laughing.
Qing Lan released her and turned her gaze to Chen Junting, who bowed respectfully.
"Elder Qing Lan."
"Ugh—don't call me 'Elder Qing Lan'!" she waved a hand dismissively. "You're making me sound ancient. Since you're here for the auction, follow me."
Chen Junting and Ning Tian exchanged a sheepish glance, then trailed silently behind her as she led them upstairs.
Only after they'd disappeared did the crowd below erupt into hushed whispers.
But by then, it no longer mattered to them.
…
Soon, they reached the ninth floor.
This level held only eight private auction rooms—each reserved exclusively for the most elite powers of the continent. Only eight entities held the privilege to enter: the Four Great Empires, Shrek Academy, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the reclusive Body Sect, and the vanished Hao Tian Sect.
Before a heavy golden nanmu door—engraved with the emblem of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda—Qing Lan placed a hand on the handle and pushed it open slowly.
"This is your suite."
Inside, there were no windows—only a large soul-guided screen. The room was spacious and luminous, bathed in the gentle radiance of an ornate chandelier. Soft, neutral tones adorned the walls, accented with fine tapestries that offered quiet visual delight.
The floor was carpeted with fur from a ten-thousand-year soul beast—so plush it felt like walking on clouds. An array of comfort-oriented soul-guided appliances completed the atmosphere of refined luxury.
On the coffee table beside the sofa, an assortment of rare fruits and delicacies had already been laid out.
Every single item was a rarity.
Even the beverages were extraordinary.
"This fruit is delicious," Chen Junting said, popping a cherry-like morsel into his mouth. His eyes lit up. "What is it?"
"A specialty from the Sun-Moon Empire," Qing Lan explained, seated beside Ning Tian. "I brought it just for you two. It tastes wonderful, but it's nutritionally useless—which is why you've never seen it in the sect."
"Really?"
He plucked another one and gently placed it into Ning Tian's mouth. "Here, Little Tian—try it."
"Mmm!"
Watching their affectionate exchange, Qing Lan let out an exaggerated gasp. "Oh-ho! Look at you two!"
But Chen Junting and Ning Tian ignored her completely—which only made her huff in mock outrage. In a flash, she reached out and yanked both their ears.
Just as the three tussled playfully, the soul-guided screen before them glowed with a soft golden light—drawing their full attention.
"The auction is about to begin," Qing Lan said, her playful demeanor instantly replaced by professional focus.
On the screen, the first lot appeared—carried in by a servant on a velvet-lined tray.
As the red cloth was whisked away…
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