The moon hung low over the sprawling metropolis of Azure Cloud City, casting silver light on its skyscrapers and spirit towers. Li Wei, hidden beneath a black cloak, slipped through the back alleys toward the Black Lotus Auction House—a place rumored to sell everything from ancient treasures to forbidden cultivation techniques.
His mind buzzed with anticipation.
> System Notification:
Quest Activated: Black Lotus Auction House Intrigue
Objective: Infiltrate the Auction House, locate hidden treasures, and secure a powerful artifact.
Optional Objective: Seduce a key female figure to unlock a secret vault.
Rewards: Legendary Item, Yin-Yang Resonance Skill Upgrade, Spirit Stones x20,000,000.
Li Wei smirked. "Time to make some investments."
He reached the back entrance—a heavy iron door guarded by two Qi Condensation cultivators. Their eyes flicked to him suspiciously.
"Invitation?" one growled, his hand drifting toward his sword.
Li Wei's lips curled into a sly smile. "Of course."
With a flick of his wrist, he produced a forged invitation embedded with the Azure Cloud Sect's emblem—thanks to Elder Liu Yueru's subtle assistance. The guards' eyes widened.
"Ah, apologies, honored guest. Please, proceed," the other guard stammered, bowing deeply.
Li Wei stepped inside, the air thick with incense and the low hum of cultivators bartering for treasures.
Silken curtains divided private rooms from the main auction floor. His eyes scanned the crowd—merchants, rogue cultivators, and even a few sect elders, their presence hidden beneath veils and illusions.
But it was her who caught his eye:
Lady Su Qinglan, the Auction House's enigmatic appraiser, stood on a raised dais, her curves accentuated by a tight-fitting qipao of midnight silk. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes—sharp as a blade yet warm as moonlight—met his with a curious glint.
> System Notification:
Target Detected: Lady Su Qinglan (Qi Condensation—Peak Stage).
Optional Objective: Seduce her to unlock secret vault access.
Bonus Reward: Hidden Artifact.
Li Wei approached, his voice low and confident. "Lady Su, I've heard you're the best at identifying hidden treasures. Perhaps you could… help me find one worth my time?"
Su Qinglan arched an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. "That depends on the price you're willing to pay, honored guest."
He leaned closer, letting his Qi brush against hers, a subtle seduction. "I always pay generously… especially for a woman of your caliber."
She gasped softly at the intimate contact of their energies. "You're bold," she whispered, voice trembling with a mixture of curiosity and desire.
> System Notification:
Seduction Skill Activated!
Charm increased to Level 6.
Lady Su Qinglan's Resistance: 45% ➔ 20%.
Her fingers trailed along the edge of his cloak, her breath hot against his cheek. "Follow me," she murmured, leading him to a private room hidden behind a tapestry of black lotus petals.
The moment the door closed, she pressed her body against his, her lips finding his in a hungry kiss. Her qipao slipped from her shoulders, revealing soft, pale skin and curves that made his head spin.
> System Notification:
Yin-Yang Resonance Initiated!
Absorbing Qi from Lady Su Qinglan.
Progress: 10% ➔ 40%.
Seduction Skill increased to Level 7.
Hidden Artifact Location Unlocked.
Her moans filled the room as Li Wei's hands roamed every inch of her, his lips tracing a fiery path along her neck. Their cultivation energies mingled in a dance of pleasure and power.
> System Notification:
Quest Progress:
Seduce Lady Su Qinglan: Complete.
Unlock Secret Vault: Location Unlocked—beneath the Auction House's main stage.
Legendary Item: Awaiting retrieval.
When their passion subsided, Su Qinglan collapsed against him, breathless and sated. "The vault… is hidden beneath the auction stage," she whispered, her voice husky. "Only a master key can open it."
Li Wei's grin widened. "Then I'll need your help one more time."
---
Narrative Interlude: Auction House Intrigue
In the shadows above the main auction stage, a figure watched Li Wei's every move.
Zhao Tianlei, heir to the Heavenly Sword Sect, clenched his fists. "That upstart from the Azure Cloud Sect thinks he can waltz in here and steal our prize?" His voice dripped with venom. "I'll crush him and take everything he's gained."
Beside him, his shadowy companions nodded. Sect politics ran deep in Azure Cloud City, and the Black Lotus Auction House was no exception.
---
End of Chapter 4