Xie Jian's body trembled; the arrogance from earlier drained away, replaced with fear of this unknown man.
Who is he? I can't even sense his cultivation. How does he know something only my father and brother know? Is he a Lou family spy? Damn it, I told Father not to trust those alchemists—they're all backstabbers.
The room stayed silent while Xie Jian panicked inside.
Ji Zong set Rou Yan down and vanished like the wind.
In the next instant, he appeared in front of Xie Jian.
Xie Jian's eyes widened as he found the figure standing so close.
Ji Zong put a hand on his shoulder and leaned close to his ear.
"Listen. You're not part of my plan, and you're useless to me, so I don't care that you're from the Xie clan. I only kill when I have a reason, and killing without one is pointless. That's the only reason you're still alive."
Xie Jian's eyes shook, his legs weakening under him.
Ji Zong's tone stayed cold.
"You may be called wicked by Rou Yan or others, but to me you're just a coward who talks big but never follows through. That's fine. But if you ever dare look at Rou Yan and think she's yours, then I'll have a reason—and you'll be finished. She's my golden hen."
Xie Jian's face drained of blood.
His soul felt crushed, his whole body trembling as the words poisoned his mind.
Ji Zong pulled back slightly, his dark eyes locked onto Xie Jian's terrified ones.
A cold smile curved on his lips.
"Now get out of here."
Xie Jian didn't wait.
He nodded frantically, stumbled backward, then turned and fled—not like a young master, but like a whipped dog, choking on fear and shame.
The maids and guards, who had been sweating under the tension, froze as they watched Xie Jian—who had entered with such pride—run away like a beaten cur.
Rou Yan wasn't frozen or sweating.
She laughed.
She snapped open a hand fan, walked beside Ji Zong, and put a hand on his shoulder.
She looked at everyone in the room. "This man is my husband and your new lord; his name is Ji Zong."
The maids and guards instantly dropped to one knee.
"Greetings, Young Lord."
Ji Zong tapped Rou Yan's shoulder, ignoring the greetings.
"Hey, aren't we getting late for the auction?"
Rou Yan blinked, then smacked her forehead lightly.
"Ohh, right, let's go."
They left together.
Walking through the city, Ji Zong noticed the peaceful streets.
People wore rich clothes, there were no food stalls, and no kids running around—only adults, nobles moving about.
He inquired, "Why is this place so different?"
Rou Yan ignored the question and eyed him instead.
"How did you crush someone a realm above you? I thought you'd only humiliate him, but you made it his worst moment. If tomorrow we hear he killed himself, I wouldn't be surprised."
Ji Zong yawned lazily.
"He was stronger than me, but mentally he was broken. Imagine living under the shadow of a genius brother. It eats at you. His aura was unstable; his eyes were already dead."
Rou Yan laughed.
"You have very keen eyes and senses, but where did you learn that footstep skill?"
Ji Zong cut her off as the auction house gates came into view.
"Is this the auction house?"
She nodded and stepped inside.
At the reception, a woman bowed deeply.
"Greetings, young lady Yan."
Rou Yan took out a pass and handed it over.
The woman checked it. "Your VIP room is five, miss."
She led them down the hall.
Inside, a maid bowed. "Miss, sir, if you have questions, ask me. I know everything."
She bowed again and closed the door and stood near the door.
The room had a large glass window at the front, two grand seats, and a table with drinks.
Rou Yan sat down and looked at the maid. "How much of the auction is left?"
The maid folded her hands.
"Half the auction has finished, but the important items are starting now."
Ji Zong leaned forward and looked through the window.
On stage stood a man in his fifties with a white beard, glasses, and five covered tables in front of him.
"Who is that?" Ji Zong asked.
The maid answered, "Lou Zhen. He's the manager here."
Lou Zhen clapped his hands.
"The next item will be better than the last."
He pulled away a cloth, revealing a large egg.
The crowd roared.
Lou Zhen raised a hand, calming them.
"This is an egg of an unknown beast. We couldn't identify it, but it is over 500 years old. It won't hatch, but it can be used as a relic."
Ji Zong's eyes narrowed, voice low.
"This… can't be. First the Eternal Yin Body, now this. How can this planet have so many immortal-grade things?"
Rou Yan noticed his reaction. "Do you want to buy it?"
Ji Zong nodded.
She tilted her head.
"Then you'll owe me one."