Chapter 89: The Treasure Pavilion

Since they had already made up their minds, the group saw no reason to linger any longer.

The four of them drove straight to the auction house. The venue wasn’t far, and in just over ten minutes, they arrived at their destination. Though there was still some time before the auction began, a crowd had already gathered at the entrance, with lines of people eagerly waiting to get in.

It was clear the auction’s advertising had been a resounding success.

Lin Xiao frowned. Judging from the scene, even if they queued up, it would probably take a while before their turn came.

Just as the four got out of the car, someone approached and handed Hu Yu the auction admission tickets.

Hu Yu looked a little embarrassed as he glanced at Lin Xiao and smiled apologetically. “Xiao, I’m sorry. Everything was too last minute and the box tickets sold out ages ago. If I’d known you were coming, I’d have secured a private box for us.”

Given the crowd, Hu Yu used Lin Xiao’s preferred form of address as he’d been instructed.

Lin Xiao didn’t mind. With so little time and the event clearly in high demand, it was already quite an achievement for Hu Yu to have procured four tickets.

“It’s fine. The main hall is good enough. This auction seems to be drawing quite a crowd.”

“That’s for sure. It’s hosted by Treasure Loft, the nation’s largest auction house. Every event they organize is wildly popular.”

“Treasure Loft?” Lin Xiao frowned, feeling the name was familiar.

“Yes, that’s right. Treasure Loft. No one knows who the owner is—it’s a well-kept secret. All we know is that their cultivation level is extremely high and their background is formidable.”

At that moment, Lin Xiao suddenly remembered where he’d heard the name. When he’d left the retirement home, the elders had given him many gifts—one of which had been a Supreme VIP card for Treasure Loft.

So many gifts had come his way that it had slipped his mind until now. He wondered if the card would be useful here.

Just then, Lin Xiao noticed several people entering the venue through the VIP passage, which surprised him.

“How did they get in? Isn’t it too early for admission?”

“Xiao, those are Treasure Loft VIPs. They have private boxes and are allowed to enter early. But it’s no easy feat to become a VIP at Treasure Loft. My father is only a Gold Member himself, and if he weren’t away from the capital, I might have managed to borrow his card.”

Lin Xiao was taken aback. A VIP card allowed early entry? Hu Yu was the heir to the Capital Chamber of Commerce and his father its president, yet he was only a Gold Member?

If that was the case, Lin Xiao’s Supreme VIP card must be an even higher tier. That was very good news for him.

Truth be told, Lin Xiao didn’t care whether he attended the auction in the main hall or a private box. It was just that the line outside was endless, and with the official admission time yet to arrive, who knew how long they’d have to wait?

“Come on, let’s not stand around like fools. Let’s use the VIP channel.”

“Xiao, you mean you have a Treasure Loft membership card?”

“Happens I do. Do you think we can all get in together?”

He was genuinely concerned—if only he could go in, he’d rather wait for the others. After all, who would pay his bill if he went in alone?

“No problem. As a member, you’re allowed to bring a certain number of guests.”

“Then it’s settled!”

Hu Yu was surprised that Lin Xiao had a Treasure Loft VIP card, but considering Lin Xiao’s background, it wasn’t all that shocking.

The entrance was packed, but the VIP channel was nearly empty—not everyone could qualify as a Treasure Loft VIP.

Lin Xiao led the others to the VIP passage and, as they walked, he was surprised to spot Ji Boxiao and Liu Ruyan here as well.

These two were truly persistent shadows—no matter where he went, they always seemed to be around.

Ji Boxiao and Liu Ruyan were indeed present. Ji had come to the capital specifically for this auction.

“Ruyan, do you know how hard it was to get tickets for this auction? Even money can’t guarantee a seat. I spent ages securing just two.”

Liu Ruyan pouted inwardly. So what if he’d managed two tickets? Was that really worth boasting about?

She’d also noticed that almost everyone here was either wealthy or influential. Perhaps she could spot a few promising prospects among them.

“You’re amazing, Boxiao. Tell me, is there something at this auction you have your eye on?”

“I’m a Level Two Ability User now. My family has already prepared a Level Two Spirit Pearl for me, but I’m not satisfied with the spiritual technique I have. I’m hoping to find something better here. If not, it’ll just be a learning experience.”

“I see. Boxiao, if I see something I like, can I bid on it?”

“Of course—but only if it’s within reason. As long as you don’t go overboard on the price, it’s fine.”

“I knew you were the best, Boxiao. Wait… isn’t that Lin Xiao over there?”

The commotion caused by Sun Bin and the others had finally drawn Liu Ruyan’s attention.

It wasn’t just her—many others glanced their way, since so few people had the privilege of using the VIP entrance.

She immediately spotted Lin Xiao.

Ji Boxiao looked over and, sure enough, it was Lin Xiao.

“Lin Xiao, what are you doing here? Do you belong in a place like this?”

Lin Xiao was speechless. He knew that running into these two could only mean trouble.

Before he could respond, Hu Yu and the others bristled with indignation.

“Who are you to talk to our Xiao like that?”

Ji Boxiao frowned at the three, unsure of their identities and wary of provoking someone beyond his means. After all, they were using the VIP entrance.

Seeing Ji Boxiao’s hesitation, Lin Xiao gave a scornful snort. He no longer regarded this guy as worth his time.

“Enough, let’s go in. No need to waste time on people like that.”

With Lin Xiao’s word, Sun Bin and the others naturally held back any further protest. As they left, though, all three shot Ji Boxiao a vicious glare.

Liu Ruyan’s gaze, by contrast, lingered on Wen Jingxuan. She instantly recognized that both he and Hu Yu came from extraordinary backgrounds—their clothes were clearly custom-made.

Between the two, she found herself more drawn to the strikingly handsome Wen Jingxuan. Judging by appearances, this was a fish worth keeping an eye on.

The four of them quickly reached the VIP passage for Treasure Loft, where several burly men in suits blocked their way.

“Gentlemen, this is the VIP entrance. If you are indeed VIPs, please show your cards.”

Lin Xiao knew these men were simply doing their jobs and didn’t make things difficult for them. He rummaged through his spatial ring and soon produced the Supreme VIP card.

The security guard’s pupils contracted sharply at the sight.

A Supreme VIP card!