Fu Ran and Tian Han had left the children behind so that they may get some sleep. It would be safe enough for them to rest in the locked hotel room for only a few hours.

Right past the Twin Summit was a large round shopping district, and this seemed to be the destination. The two men made their way to the central most area of Jinan, and Tian Han did well to serve as a guide. He made sure Fu Ran didn’t run into more unsavory individuals.

“This is the Guang Blind Alley,” Tian Han introduced it like he was showing off something profound. He raised his arms and stretched them to the sides. This gathered some attention, and of course, made Fu Ran feel some second-hand embarrassment, because it didn’t seem like the tyrant could.

The fountain at the center of the circular stone area was a true work of art. It was made of pure white stone, carefully carved to depict a beautiful lotus blossom. A steady stream of water cascaded out from the petals of the flower, creating a soothing and pleasing sound as it hit the basin below. A swarm of colorful koi fish could be seen swimming and darting about gracefully in the water, occasionally revealing glimpses of their golden scales. Several red leaves floated on the surface, their vibrant hue adding a touch of autumnal charm to the scene and bringing remnants of the maple trees into the center of town.

Fu Ran leaned over the fountain and stared at the scaled animals. He cooed at them, as they swam around aimlessly searching for food or things of interest. One looked just like his little Fan Fan back home, because they shared the same off colored mark, right between the eyes, reminiscent of a grain of rice.

Fu Ran was overcome with the want to throw them some food or snacks, but alas, he didn't come prepared to do any feeding.

Tian Han sat on the stone wall of the fountain and gazed into the water alongside him. At first he sat about a foot away, but slowly inched closer until the fabric of his black robes touched Fu Ran’s. The two men’s reflections joined together in ripples, side by side.

“I like these too,” Tian Han said. “Maybe we should bring some food for them next time.” It was weird that he always knew Fu Ran’s thoughts, but he didn’t disagree or make any motions to deny it. That suggestion was one of the best that the tyrant had made, yet. Tian Han dipped his finger into the water and some of the fish swam closer to investigate. Nibbling at the barely moving finger, their expressions were so cute and silly.

“Cute.” Even Fu Ran was tempted to do the same and stick his finger into the water, but he hesitated at the edge of the water.

I can’t get too wrapped up in personal wishes or wants when we need to find Wan Yu, Fu Ran thought. Tian Han is far too lax about this.

Fu Ran pulled his gaze away from the water to look elsewhere. Shops lined the streets, much fancier than the storefronts near the entrance, and there were many alleys branching off in every direction. It seemed like every road would lead to this main path, no matter which alley you chose to walk. Like a giant web, meeting at the center, the Blind Alley seemed to be the intersection point of all routes.

What stood out the most to Fu Ran, was a large building that took up the entire northern walkway of the Blind Alley. He remembered this building being here in the past, but he never did get to see the inside. There was a wide staircase leading up, and it led to the fancy front doors of the highest building in The Faceless City. While it wasn’t bigger than Twin Summits, with the sloping city it sat higher.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The words above the doors read plainly. “Treasures of Life, Auction House,” Fu Ran read aloud. It was the main reason for tourism, as people from all over the nation wanted to go inside.

Tian Han replied quickly, “It’s our goal location, and one of the most important buildings in Jinan.” Tian Han stood and began to walk towards the stairs. Only a few steps were taken when he turned back to offer a hand.

“There’s a lot of people around,” Fu Ran said, ignoring the waiting hand. Fu Ran couldn't help but gape at the sight before him, taking in the bustling crowd of people lining the steps. The variety of belongings scattered throughout the place seemed almost surreal, with items of such unique craftsmanship and design. But what really caught his attention was the sheer amount of money changing hands with such casual ease. He thought his Shixiong had already bestowed him with generous spending money, but the amount of wealth on display here was truly beyond his imagination.

Fu Ran gulped and nervously asked, “Just how much money does the average purchaser bring with them?”

“Some people are planning to drop obscene amounts of coins. The Auction house sells a lot of different types of wares. You might even see some you like, should you visit on a different day. Probably not today though,” Tian Han said sadly, like he already knew the list of items on today’s list. Fu Ran thought the most interesting part of an auction house was being surprised by the wares on stage. So, how would the tyrant know?

The entire city felt too fantastical, and the way Tian Han explained it made the city sound even more amazing, but even this amount of Jinan was overwhelming to Fu Ran. Regardless of what Tian Han warned him of, Fu Ran was prepared to look for some unique items to take home. His lips slowly slipped into a grin, and he giggled happily at the thought. Fu Ran was overjoyed that he brought enough money with him. Perhaps he should thank his Shixiong for that.

Zhi Lao was adamant that he take even more than planned, and had even given some of his personal spending money as a gift. And Shesui Lang shoved more into his travel funds than he had requested.

A simple thought almost threatened to lower his smile; But is it wrong of me to be spending sect money at an auction house? Then again, it is just Yi Yang’s money in the end. He never has had a problem buying me things before.

Following Tian Han up about three dozen steps, Fu Ran and the other cultivator had stepped into the building. The entrance was small and really only had two pathways to go. The main path opened into a large auditorium. Looking towards the stage and seats into the room, his eyesight was met with a fabric partition. It was incredibly sheer and mostly seen through.

A hand held out to stop Fu Ran from walking any further. A guard dressed in pure white robes held out his covered hand. Not an inch of skin was visible on this man, and even his face was completely white, with a mask covering his features. The detailing was still there: eyes, nose, a mouth, the shape of the facial curves was still readable, but there were, however, no cutouts.

Fu Ran couldn't quite make out what Tian Han handed to the guard, but he caught a glimpse of a thin, elegantly designed object, likely a card of some sort, with golden leaf writing on it. Before he could get a closer look or even try to decipher any of the characters on it, the guard took the card and hastily waved Tian Han through. The incident left Fu Ran curious and intrigued, but he didn't have the chance to dwell on it further.

The most strangeness came from how the guard gawked at the card, before handing it back in a hurry. "What is that...?" Fu Ran asked.

Infuriatingly, Tian Han only smiled.

"Right this way, cherished guest," the guard said with the wave of a hand. Fu Ran did not receive an answer, and, while angry, he had grown used to this treatment from the tyrant. The guard guided them down the second path, rather than through the sheer partition.

Tian Han looked back to Fu Ran and said, "Follow close behind."