"Brother Liang, you've finally arrived!" Dong Tian Shu's voice broke through the crisp air as he spotted the figure materializing before him.
Liang responded with a warm smile that lit up his face, "I appreciate your patience in waiting for ."
"It's nothing," Dong Tian Zi replied, his tone asured and calm. "This mission requires the three of us."
Liang nodded, his expression focused. "Then let's leave."
The other two nodded in agreent, and in an instant, the trio vanished as if they were never there.
Monts later, they reappeared in front of a towering pagoda that stretched toward the sky, a marvel of architecture and craftsmanship— the grand main branch of the All Things Pavilion.
"What a majestic building!" Dong Tian Zi exclaid, his eyes wide with wonder as he took in the sight. The pagoda seed to pierce the sky, its ornate spires reaching towards the heavens.
Liang and Tian Shu exchanged glances, their expressions calm and collected, as if they had walked this path countless tis before.
Without wasting ti, the trio began their ascent along the mountain path, Soon, they arrived at the golden gate of the pagoda, The gates sparkled like a treasure amid the surrounding greenery.
As they approached, two elegant won stood poised by the entrance, their flowing robes shimring in the sun.
"Welco, esteed guests," one of the won said, her voice lodic as she bowed gracefully. "We kindly ask for your identification cards."
Dong Tian Zi frowned slightly, feeling inwardly displeased, yet he waved his hand. and a token engraved with word "Dong," appeared effortlessly in his palm.
The won's eyes widened as they took in the token, their expressions shifting from polite expectancy to shock.
"Please accept our sincerest apologies for any oversight," they said in unison, suddenly kneeling before the trio, their deanor now filled with respect.
They looked both humbled and remorseful, casting a stark contrast to their earlier poise.
"It doesn't matter," Dong Tian Shu said with a light-hearted chuckle, waving his hand and effortlessly lifting the two won off the ground.
"We are here as guests; it's your duty to verify our identities."
"Please follow us; we will escort you to your accommodations." The won exchanged relieved glances, appreciative of the shift in tone.
Soon, they arrived at a grand palace, its soaring roof emblazoned with the character for 'Dong'. The structure exuded an air of elegance, with intricate carvings framing the entrance and richly colored banners fluttering gently in the breeze.
Dong Tian Zi smiled warmly at the sight. "The All Things Pavilion is quite thoughtful," he remarked, taking in the polished stone and beautifully landscaped gardens.
"Indeed," Dong Tian Shu nodded, his gaze sweeping over the impressive architecture. "This palace bears a striking resemblance to our own."
As the trio took in their surroundings, the two won exchanged glances, a sense of relief washing over them.
"Well then, esteed guests, we shall take our leave," one of the won said, her voice laced with formality as they turned to go.
"What about the auction?" Liang suddenly interjected.
The won paused, exchanging a quick look before one replied, "When the ti cos, an elder will co to notify you."
Dong Tian Zi raised an eyebrow at this unexpected response, but before he could inquire further, the two won departed briskly, their footsteps echoing down the corridor.
"Strange," Dong Tian Shu mused, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Sothing feels off here."
"I share your sentint," Liang replied gravely; they had expected a direct escort to the auction stage, not a guest house.
"This auction is monuntal—the largest in history, if I'm not mistaken. They must still be making preparations," Dong Tian Zi suggested.
"Indeed, such an event requires ticulous planning," Dong Tian Shu agreed, a thoughtful expression on his face.
anwhile, Liang remained silent, his eyes shimring with a peculiar intensity.
In fact, the ti of the auction wasn't a concern for him. He had nothing else to occupy his mind, yet the situation felt undeniably strange.
"We will find out soon enough. Let's enter," Liang said calmly, stepping into the expansive palace.
***
"Lady Xia, we've found him!" An anxious voice echoed through the vast white hall as a striking woman strode forward.
She was one of the two guides who had escorted Liang and his companions to their residence.
"Where is he?" Xia asked, her heart racing as she fixated on the woman.
Xia looked much the sa as she had in the Spiritdrift World: a young woman with cascading pink hair and captivating pink eyes that seed to shimr with emotion.
The woman hesitated, her expression shifting nervously. "He's with the Dong Clan."
Xia's gaze sharpened. "What do you an by 'with'?"
After a mont of contemplation, the woman continued, "He is one of the Dong Clan representatives."
Xia's eyes widened in surprise. The thought of Liang being associated with the powerful Dong Clan was unexpected—far beyond what she had imagined.
She quickly retrieved a talisman from her robe and activated it. "Senior, the person I spoke of is here."
"Bring him then." An aged voice crackled through the talisman, resonating as if it ca from all corners of the hall.
Xia's brow furrowed. "For reasons I can't explain, he is now a representative of the Dong Clan."
A silence enveloped the room before the voice returned, laced with a note of resignation. "It doesn't matter; we have no other choice. Don't waste any more ti."
Xia tucked the talisman away, lost in thought.
"For Liang to be aligned with the Dong Clan like this ans he has achieved his goals—and perhaps even more." A playful smile danced on her lips as mories of their first encounter flooded her mind, "I just hope he rembers ."
***
"What do you think, Brother Liang?" Dong Tian Shu asked, taking a leisurely sip from his wine glass while regarding Liang with calm curiosity.
Liang's brow furrowed as his gaze swept over the extensive list of materials the Dong Clan aid to acquire at the upcoming auction.
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