Sovereign Supreme

The streets of Jingyu City came alive at night. Lanterns hung from wooden beams, casting a warm golden glow. Street vendors called out, selling roasted meat, fragrant buns, and exotic wines. The air was filled with laughter, the clatter of horse carriages, and the distant sound of music from teahouses.

Among the lively crowd, two figures walked toward the Crimson Moon Pavilion one in a plain attractive robe, the other disguised as an old man.

Wu Jian sighed "Master, is it really necessary to disguise as an old man?"

He glanced at himself "And why am I dressed like the master while you wear servant clothes? This looks ridiculous. People will think I'm the young master and you're my attendant"

Wang Jie replied "That's what we call a disguise"

Wu Jian stared at him, speechless.

The Crimson Moon Pavilion stood tall at the heart of Jingyu City's nightlife. Its grand entrance was lined with red lanterns, their soft glow making the golden carvings on the pillars shine. Silk curtains swayed in the evening breeze, revealing glimpses of beautifully dressed women welcoming guests.

Inside, the air was rich with the scent of incense and expensive wine. The hall was wide, its polished wooden floor reflecting the warm candlelight. Elegant tables filled with noblemen, merchants, and cultivators enjoying fine food, laughter, and whispered deals. A stage stood at the center, where a veiled dancer moved gracefully, her every step drawing eager eyes.

As Wang Jie and Wu Jian entered, a stunning woman approached them.

She had long, silky black hair falling over her shoulders, deep red lips, and a tight-fitting red silk dress that hugged her curves. Her Twin peaks pressed against the fabric, showing off her shapely figure. The dress flowed down to her smooth, silken thighs, making every movement look graceful and tempting. Her every movement exuded confidence and charm.

"Welcome, honored guests" she said with a smile that could make men weak

"I am Mei Ling, an attendant here at the Crimson Moon Pavilion. How may I serve you tonight?"

Mei Ling's voice was smooth like silk, her red eyes gleaming under the soft lantern light.

Wang Jie met her gaze with a polite nod.

Wu Jian, standing beside him, cleared his throat quickly before this could go sideways. "We're here for some techniques being auctioned tonight," he said.

Mei Ling's lips curved into a slow, knowing smile "Oh? Techniques?"

She let her fingers trace the edge of her silk sleeve, her voice carrying a teasing "Many guests come here seeking… special techniques. Are you looking to enhance endurance? Control? Or perhaps… power?" She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping just enough to suggest something more intimate.

Wang Jie, entirely missing the implication, nodded like a sage contemplating the secrets of the universe stroking his little beard

"Yes… The stronger the body, the better! Even the heavens favor those with unbreakable physiques!"

Mei Ling blinked before a delighted giggle escaped her lips. "Oh my, such enthusiasm! You must be quite the… dedicated practitioner."

"Of course!" Wang Jie said proudly "A well-trained body is the key to success. One must be firm, unyielding, and able to last through intense strain!"

Wu Jian coughed violently. Mei Ling raised a perfectly shaped brow, visibly enjoying this far more than she should.

"How admirable," she murmured, tilting her head. "I assume you're interested in specialized methods to enhance your… endurance?"

"Yes! Endurance is everything!" Wang Jie said, completely serious.

Wu Jian turned away, covering his face

Mei Ling laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I see. In that case, the auction will begin shortly. Please, follow me, esteemed guests. I'll make sure you have the best seats… right in front"

Something about the way she said it made Wu Jian's stomach drop. Wang Jie, still oblivious, simply smiled.

She turned gracefully, leading them through the pavilion. As they followed her, Wu Jian leaned close to Wang Jie and whispered "Master… I think there's a misunderstanding do really want that technique"

Wang Jie waved a hand "Nonsense! I know exactly what I'm doing"

Wu Jian sighed 

"…"

Wang Jie and Wu Jian followed her into a grand hall. Rows of cushioned seats surrounded a raised platform, where a well-dressed auctioneer stood. Golden chandeliers lit up the space, casting a warm glow over the excited crowd.

Guests murmured among themselves, their eyes filled with anticipation. Some were noblemen, others were wealthy merchants, and a few were powerful cultivators.

With a clap, the auctioneer's voice rang out

"Welcome, esteemed guests! Tonight, we have rare treasures and powerful techniques up for bidding!"

The crowd cheered. Wang Jie adjusted his disguise, sitting with arms crossed like a wise elder. Wu Jian, beside him, tried not to look nervous.

The auctioneer began listing items—rare herbs, spirit weapons, and cultivation manuals.

Finally, after several rounds, he lifted a jade scroll.

"Our next item is one of the profound techniques—Heavenly Dragon Yin Harmony!"@@novelbin@@

"This rare and powerful method fortifies the body, sharpens endurance, and enhances resilience beyond ordinary limits. It is renowned for its unique harmonization effect, allowing the practitioner to sustain energy effortlessly over long periods. Unlike common methods, its benefits extend beyond the user alone, making it a truly extraordinary find"

"A treasure of this caliber is not easily obtained. Let's start the bidding!"

Wang Jie's eyes lit up "This must be it!"

"but it also has some unique harmonization effect.. what's that"

Before he could think, another voice cut in

"I'll take it! 500 gold coins!"

Wang Jie turned to see a young nobleman dressed in fine silk robes. He looked arrogant, a fan in one hand, a smug grin on his face. 

Wang Jie scoffed "600 gold!"

The nobleman sneered "700!"

"800!"

The crowd chuckled.

"Why is an old man bidding for that technique?" someone whispered.

"Doesn't he need a pill at that age instead?" another joked

Laughter spread through the hall. Wang Jie frowned "What's so funny?"

The noble smirked "Old man, why do you need this technique? At your age, it's useless!"

Wu Jian coughed, looking away.

Wang Jie, still unaware, snapped, "Mind your business, brat! 1000 gold!"

The crowd burst into laughter again

The nobleman glared "1100!"

Wang Jie slammed his hand down "1200!"

The noble hesitated. The price was getting too high. After a moment, he gritted his teeth and sat down.

The auctioneer smiled "Sold! To the esteemed… elder"

The crowd chuckled as Wang Jie proudly received his prize, still clueless about the joke at his expense. Wu Jian sighed deeply.

Stepping out of the Crimson Moon Pavilion, Wang Jie stretched his arms, feeling victorious. The cool night air brushed against his face, but his excitement burned hotter than ever. He looked at system screen.

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[Technique Acquired: Heavenly Dragon Yin Harmony]
Effects: ???

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Wang Jie's eyes gleamed. "Finally! You're mine, baby… Hahahaha!" His deep, villainous laugh echoed through the street, earning a few strange looks from passersby.

As they walked, Wang Jie spread his arms dramatically and declared to the heavens—

"With this method, my body will become invincible!"
"My strength will soar to unimaginable heights!"
"Beautiful women will throw themselves at me!"
"Money, power, beauties—everything shall belong to me!"

His voice boomed with unshakable confidence, his fists clenched as if he were already grasping his future. His lips curled into a wicked smirk as his mind drifted further into certain… indulgent fantasies.

Meanwhile, beside him, Wu Jian walked silently, his face blank.

After all these years, he had long accepted that trying to understand Wang Jie's thoughts was a battle not worth fighting.

…