Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 55

Chapter 55: Chapter 55

The quiet serenity of the morning was interrupted when a soft rustle in Feng Jiao Xue’s courtyard caught her attention. She put down the cup of coffee she was enjoying and look at where the "ssshhhhsssszzzzz~’ sound came from.

Her sharp gaze landed on a sleek black snake slithering gracefully across the stone path. It’s beautiful sclaes shimmers faintly under the golden rays of the morning sun as if encrusted with obsidian jewels.

Feng Jiao Xue narrowed her eyes before noticing something amiss...

The snake was cutely trying to keep her fangs from piercing through something, its eyes scrunched in consentration and for a minute, Feng Jiao Xue was strangely reminded of a child trying to do their chores for the first time perfectly to make their parents proud.

With a hand supporting her head by the window sill, Feng Jiao Xue watched the slithering repile, between his, her.. its fangs was a rolled-up parchment sealed with the insignia of the Adventurer’s Guild.

"A messenger serpent," Feng Jiao Xue murmured, her voice as calm as still water. ’Of course, if birds can be literal messengers here, why cant serpents?’ She thought as she extended a hand and the snake, seemingly trained, approached her without hesitation.

Carefully, she took the letter from the serpent’s mouth. The snake gave a low hiss, almost as if bidding farewell, waving its tiny tail at her with a friendly smile before disappearing into the nearby hedges, leaving a faint trail in the fine gravel.

Feng Jiao Xue broke the seal and unfolded the letter her eyes scanning the elegant script. The strokes were fluid yet precise, speaking of the writer’s refined hand. ’Smart’ She thought. It was the long-awaited information regarding the auction. ’They kept the auction’s time prolonged upon hearing the battle’ She muses, eyes glinting in understanding. ’After all, this would give them fresh, filled up sheeps with gold coins to spare desperate for any advantage in the fights’

This is clearly targeting the Feng Clan’s pocket but Feng Jiao Xue didn’t care. It’s not like they can’t afford it. Though she would have prefered not to spend more than necessary. ’And with the remaining contestants having felt the pressure, they would surely be more willing to pay...’

Feng Jiao Xue laughed lightly at that. ’shrewed merchants’ Not only did the letter include the information but a coveted entrance ticket, courtesy of Lan Yue, making Feng Jiao Xue raise a brow before she looks more closely at the ticket.

Looks like the auction is being hosted by the guild for protection... ’no wonder they have extra ticket to spare’ It also a detailed list of the auctioned items.

The ink glistened faintly under the sunlight as her gaze lingered on several entries, her lips curling slightly as she read the descriptions

The Petal’s Blades

A famed battle fan said to house a spirit guardian, capable of summoning a tempest of petals sharp enough to slice steel and perfect for female cultivators and...

Feng Jiao Xue’s eyes widened a fraction as she looks at the last line.

...suitable for being a conduit for magic...

It’s like the fan is made for her!

Heaven’sEmberBow

An artifact forged by a fire spirit, its arrows never miss their target and leave a trail of golden embers.

Phoenix Tear Elixir

A rare potion rumored to heal mortal wounds and extend life by decades.

VerdantSoulPearl

A precious gem that enhances cultivation speed exponentially when meditated upon.

TempestRing

A silver ring imbued with wind magic, granting its wearer unparalleled speed and agility.

ShadowfangDagger

A black blade that absorbs the life force of its victims, empowering its wielder with every strike.

CrimsonDragonScale

A fragment of a legendary dragon’s hide, highly coveted for forging top-tier armor or weapons

Tucking the ticket and letter into her robes, feng Jiao Xue wasted no time. She carefully selected an outfit that would allow her to blend into the crowd while maintaining an air of quiet dignity.

Her chosen robes were deep violet, embroidered with faint silver threads that shimmered subtly under the light of her lantern. The fabric flowed like water, draping gracefully as she moved.

Her hair, usually tied back in practicality, was braided into a sleek twist, secured by a single silver pin shaped like a crescent moon.

She didn’t add more ornaments, knowing that simplicity often carried its own form of elegance plus in this type of things, it ussually invites those that share the same hoppy as her... theft.

The faint scent of lotus oil lingered in the air as she finished her preparations. Stepping out of her quarters, she adjusted the hem of her robe, her movements precise and deliberate.

For now, she decided to go alone.

The cobbled streets outside were alive with activity. The clatter of hooves echoed faintly against the walls as horse-drawn carts passed by, laden with crates of goods. Street vendors called out their wares, their voices blending with the distant hum of the marketplace.

Feng Jiao Xue’s boots clicked lightly against the stone road as she made her way toward the city center.

The weather was warm, the sun’s rays filtering through the trees and creating dappled patches of sunlight on the ground. A gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the scent of fresh bread and the earthiness of the nearby fields.

As she turned a corner, she was suddenly greeted by a familiar voice. "Ah, Jiao Xue!"

Feng Jiao Xue turned and looked for the source of the call.

Liang Feng called with an enthusiastic wave his broad smile lighting up his handsome face. His elegant robe, adorned with a golden phoenix on the back, shimmered like liquid sunlight, catching the light as he stepped forward. His sharp, regal features softened with genuine warmth, and there was a carefree energy in his eyes.

"Heading somewhere important this early?" Liang Feng asked, his voice lighthearted.

Feng Jiao Xue inclined her head slightly. "To the city center," she replied, her voice as steady as ever.

"Is that so?" Liang Feng’s gaze shifted, and his eyes twinkled with mischief. "What’s this you have here?" He pointed to the small slip of paper peeking from her sleeve. Her ticket.

Feng Jiao Xue hesitated for a moment, then handed it to him. His fingers brushed hers, and he took the ticket with a grin, reading the words aloud.

"The Adventurer’s Guild Auction, huh? Just my luck" he beamed showing her two tickets. "Han Qing and I were just about to go and invite you!" Liang Feng’s eyes gleamed. "I thought I’d buy you a proper weapon. I saw that your using an ordinary blade. How about this? Join me at my booth. It’ll be much more comfortable than mingling with the masses, and it’s been far too long since we’ve had the chance to talk properly."

Feng Jiao Xue raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching slightly in amusement. "You have a booth?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Of course I do!" Liang Feng chuckled, his voice light with humor. "As the crown prince, I’ve earned a few privileges. Plus, it’s always better to have familiar faces around when bidding on rare artifacts." He leaned in a little, his voice dropping to a more playful tone. "And besides, I’m sure I’ll need someone with a sharp mind to keep me from getting too caught up in the heat of the moment."

Feng Jiao Xue looked at him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well," she agreed, her voice calm and measured. "Lead the way."

As the two of them walked through the crowded streets, the atmosphere shifted.

The vendors had become fewer, and the scent of spiced tea and roasted meats was replaced by a more refined air, the soft clang of gold and silver clinking from market stalls lining the auction hall’s entrance.

The streets were bustling with an excited energy, each passerby eager to be part of the prestigious event.

Liang Feng was in his usual element, smiling and waving at acquaintances. He was often the center of attention wherever he went, but his charm wasn’t that of a cold distant prince.

He was warm and approachable, his ease with the people a mark of his genuine nature.

"Every year, the competition at this auction gets fiercer," Liang Feng mused as they walked. "Last year, a rare artifact, a simple jade stone, was sold for more than it was worth, all because of a great story behind it. You’d be surprised what people are willing to bid on."

Feng Jiao Xue’s lips twitched upward. "A stone with a story, not its worth," she remarked, her voice dry with amusement.

He laughed. "Exactly! The more outlandish the backstory, the higher the price. It’s a strange world, isn’t it?"

Feng Jiao Xue said nothing, her thoughts elsewhere as they neared the towering, opulent doors of the auction hall.

The structure loomed before them, a symbol of wealth and grandeur, its high, arching pillars decorated with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and swirling patterns.

Guards stood at attention near the entrance, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, and the air was filled with the murmurs of excited bidders.

Liang Feng handed over his own invitation, and with a polite bow, the guards granted them entry.

The doors opened to reveal a vast hall adorned with velvet banners and crystal chandeliers that glittered in the light, casting rainbow reflections across the marble floor.

"I must say, the guild does know how to put on a show," Liang Feng remarked, glancing around. "Let’s find our booth and get settled in before the bidding begins. It looks like it’s going to be quite the event."

As they walked toward the private booths, Feng Jiao Xue couldn’t help but notice the excitement in the air.

The heavy scent of expensive perfumes lingered as people in fine robes milled about, discussing rare treasures, exchanging words with anticipation.

The occasional clink of gold coins and the soft rustling of paper notes filled the air as people began to settle in for the auction of a lifetime.