The bustling marketplace was alive with the vibrant hum of voices, the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet lotus cakes filling the air as merchants called out their wares.

Lanterns swayed gently above the crowd, their golden glow reflecting off polished stone pathways.

Chi Chi walked confidently beside her youngest elder brother, Chi Ren, her eyes alight.

At twelve, she had finally earned the freedom to come and go from the Tengbang Sect, something her parents had allowed only after years of strict training.

Though she couldn’t yet harness spiritual energy like other children her age, her father had ensured she could protect herself through pure martial arts.

Dressed in a deep blue robe embroidered with silver clouds, she looked no different from a wealthy merchant’s daughter.

Chi Ren, dressed in dark green, walked leisurely beside her, hands tucked into his sleeves, his silver eyes scanning the street with practiced ease.

“Oooh, candied haws!” Chi Chi tugged on his sleeve, already moving toward a stall.

Chi Ren sighed, pulling out a silver tael before she could even ask. “How do you always spot food first?”

Chi Chi grinned, accepting the skewer with a bright "Thank you, Ren-ge!" before taking a bite. The sweet, tangy flavor melted on her tongue as they continued down the street.

The scent of sizzling skewers and freshly baked pastries drifted through the lively streets, weaving between the chatter of merchants and customers alike. The market was as bustling as ever, overflowing with colors and movement, a place where people from all walks of life converged. It was a familiar sight to Chi Chi, yet there was something subtly different about today.

She walked beside her older brother, Chi Ren, who strolled at a leisurely pace, hands tucked into the sleeves of his outer robe. At twenty-nine, he carried an air of relaxed confidence, though Chi Chi knew that beneath his easygoing demeanor lay the sharp mind of a master blacksmith. He had crafted some of the finest weapons in the cultivation world, yet today, he was simply her brother, indulging her curiosity as they wandered through the market.

Though Chi Chi had often left the sect with her family, today was different. For the first time, she had not needed to ask permission. At twelve, her parents finally trusted her to come and go as she pleased. It wasn’t a grand revelation nor a life-changing shift, but there was a quiet sort of satisfaction in knowing that she had reached this milestone.

“You’re smiling to yourself,” Ren noted, side-eyeing her with a smirk. “Feeling important now?”

Chi Chi scoffed, nudging his arm. “I’ve always been important.”

“Right, right. The great and mighty Chi Chi, ruler of the marketplace.”

She huffed but couldn’t suppress the small grin tugging at her lips. “More like the ruler of your wallet. Since you’re paying for everything today.”

Ren let out a dramatic sigh. “A true tyrant. What have I done to deserve this fate?”

Before Chi Chi could retort, a vendor’s voice cut through the noise. “Freshly steamed dumplings! Only the finest meat and seasonings!”

Ren’s stomach rumbled audibly. He gave her a pointed look. “You heard that, right?”

Chi Chi rolled her eyes. “You’re worse than me.”

But she didn’t protest when he led her to the stall. The vendor, a round-faced man with a perpetual smile, greeted them with familiarity. “Ah, young master Chi Ren! And little lady Chi! Your usual?”

Ren tapped the wooden counter. “You know it.”

A few silver coins exchanged hands, and moments later, they each had a steaming dumpling in their grasp. Chi Chi bit into hers, savoring the rich, flavorful broth that burst onto her tongue. It was, as always, delicious.

They continued through the market, stopping here and there to browse. Ren lingered at a blacksmith’s stall, idly inspecting the craftsmanship of the displayed swords, while Chi Chi found herself drawn to a vendor selling trinkets and accessories. Her eyes landed on a silver hairpin, shaped like a crescent moon, adorned with tiny blue gemstones that shimmered under the sunlight.

“You want it?” Ren’s voice came from beside her.

Chi Chi hesitated, fingers brushing over the delicate metal. “It’s nice,” she admitted. “But I don’t need it.”

Ren snorted. “That’s never stopped you before.” Before she could argue, he handed over the payment, picking up the hairpin and sliding it into her hair. He stepped back, nodding in approval. “Looks good.”

She reached up, touching it lightly. “You really didn’t have to.”

As they passed through the heart of the shopping district, a sudden commotion drew their attention.

A large crowd had gathered around an enormous, multi-tiered building with golden banners hanging from its entrance. The intricate characters on the banners gleamed under the afternoon sun: Lianhua Pavilion – Grand Auction House.

Snippets of conversation drifted through the air.

"Did you hear? Today's auction has rare treasures even high-ranking sects might fight over!"

"I heard the Tengbang Merchant Guild is hosting it. Lady Chi Lianhua’s influence is terrifying—who knows what kind of treasures she's gathered?"

A street merchant waved at them enthusiastically. "Young master, young miss! You’ll need an entry ticket for the auction! I can sell you one at a bargain price—"

Chi Ren raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "Oh? And what makes you think we need one?"

The merchant took one good look at Ren’s robes, the insignia embroidered onto them, and paled. "Ah—of course, honored guests—my mistake! Enjoy the auction!" He quickly scurried away.

Chi Chi chuckled. "People are really making money off anything, huh?"

Her grip tightened around the half-eaten skewer. “I’ve never seen an auction before! Can we go in?”

Chi Ren raised a brow. “You do realize auctions are for bidding, right? Do you have money?”

Chi Chi huffed, puffing out her chest. “I have five silver taels and a copper one.”

Chi Ren laughed. “That’ll barely buy you a hairpin.”

Chi Chi pouted. “Then I’ll just watch!”

He sighed, but there was amusement in his gaze. “Fine, let’s go.”

Stepping inside the grand auction house, Chi Chi felt as though she had entered another world.

The air carried a subtle scent of sandalwood and expensive parchment, and the soft murmur of nobles and merchants filled the vast hall.

The floors were polished to a mirror shine, reflecting the warm glow of hanging lanterns, and luxurious drapes cascaded from the ceiling, embroidered with golden threads that shimmered under the light.

Despite the lively atmosphere, there was an air of quiet restraint—this was a place of wealth, power, and prestige.

She observed the nobles around her. Some were poised, exuding quiet arrogance. Others hunched over their auction lists, whispering in hushed voices.

“This time, the Azure Flame Sect is participating,” one man murmured. “If they want something, no one else will dare challenge them.”

“Tch. Lady Lianhua’s reputation is fearsome, but let’s see if she can keep these treasures under control.”

Chi Chi’s curiosity piqued. Just how influential was her sister in this world?

Chi Ren, dressed in simple yet elegant robes, wore a weimao—a veiled hat that obscured his face, ensuring that no one recognized him.

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By his side, Chi Chi had taken her own precautions.

She wore a delicate half-mask that covered the upper half of her face, decorated with intricate golden patterns. It was stylish, blending seamlessly with her refined attire, but more importantly, it kept her identity hidden.

Though her family name carried immense weight, today, she was just another wealthy girl, here to enjoy the auction.

An attendant in rich blue robes approached, bowing respectfully. “Honored guests, do you have a reserved seat, or would you prefer general seating?”

Before Chi Chi could answer, Chi Ren flicked his sleeve, revealing a small jade token. The attendant’s eyes widened slightly, and he bowed even deeper. “This way, please.”

He led them to a private booth on the second floor, overlooking the auction stage. The seats were cushioned with embroidered silk, and a table was already set with delicate porcelain cups filled with fragrant tea.

Chi Chi sat down eagerly. “Ren-ge, this is amazing!”

Chi Ren only poured himself a cup of tea, unconcerned. “Just enjoy the show.”

The auctioneer, a well-dressed man with sharp eyes, stepped onto the stage and clapped his hands.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Lianhua Pavilion’s grand auction! Tonight, we have gathered treasures beyond imagination. Without further ado, let us begin!”

The first item was carefully brought forward, displayed on a velvet cushion under a glass case.

“Behold! The Phoenix Tear Pendant!”

A collective murmur spread through the hall as a deep crimson gemstone was unveiled. It pulsed faintly, as if alive, its fiery glow shifting with the light.

“This rare pendant is said to hold the sorrow of an ancient phoenix, bringing both fortune and longing to its owner. The opening bid starts at 500 gold taels!”

Excited voices rose immediately.

“Six hundred!”

“Eight hundred!”

“A thousand!”

Chi Chi leaned forward. “That’s a lot of money for a sad rock.”

Chi Ren smirked. “It’s rare. People love things with tragic stories.”

The bidding war continued until the pendant was finally sold for two thousand gold taels.

The next item was carried in by two attendants, draped over a polished stand.

“The Moonlight Veil Silk!”

Gasps filled the air as the fabric was unfurled. It shimmered like liquid light, shifting between silver and pale blue as it caught the glow of the lanterns.

“This silk is so light that it is said to float in the air, woven only for legendary wedding robes. A true masterpiece! The bidding starts at 700 gold taels.”

Chi Chi sighed dreamily. “It’s so pretty…”

Chi Ren chuckled. “Want it for your future wedding?”

Chi Chi nearly choked on her tea. “Wha—! No!”

The silk was eventually claimed for 4,500 gold taels by a noblewoman dressed in extravagant robes.

Next came a piece of jade, its surface smooth and polished, yet it seemed to hum faintly, almost like a heartbeat.

“The Sealed Spirit Jade!”

“This rare jade contains traces of a great cultivator’s soul. Perhaps it holds wisdom… or even hidden secrets. The opening bid starts at 1,200 gold taels!”

Chi Chi shivered. “A piece of a dead person? No, thank you.”

Chi Ren smirked. “Some people pay fortunes for remnants of power.”

The jade was sold to an elderly scholar for 3,800 gold taels.

Following that was an exquisite fan, its silver feathers catching the light as if kissed by frost.

“The Silver Feather Fan! Said to be crafted from the mythical silver-winged bird, it produces a cooling breeze no matter the season!”

Chi Chi’s eyes sparkled. “That would be nice in summer…”

Bidding for the fan was fierce, ending at 2,300 gold taels.

Then came the final rare treasure before the weaponry. A small glass case was carefully placed on the podium, inside which sat a delicate, crystalline snowflake.

“The Unmelting Snowflake! A marvel of nature, this ice crystal has never melted, no matter the heat. A true collector’s gem! The bidding starts at 500 gold taels.”

The price quickly soared, and Chi Chi watched in fascination.

Finally, the last item of the night arrived—a sword.

The auctioneer’s voice carried a sense of reverence.

“And now, for our grand finale! The Azure Sky Fang, a legendary blade said to have been forged from the bones of a celestial beast!”

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. The sword was displayed under a protective barrier, its dark, gleaming blade exuding a powerful aura.

Chi Chi leaned closer, watching as bids flew into the air.

The auctioneer called out, “Starting bid—100,000 gold taels!”

“500,000 gold!”

“600,000!”

“800,000!”

The numbers skyrocketed. Chi Chi turned to her brother, expecting to see at least some level of interest in his eyes. Instead, Ren barely even glanced at the sword before sighing.

“…Pathetic.”

Chi Chi was surprised. “Huh?”

Chi Ren sipped his tea. “That sword’s a fake.”

Chi Chi’s eyes widened.

Chi Ren leaned forward lazily. “The real Azure Sky Fang was forged in divine fire. Even without spiritual energy, I can tell—its balance is off, the engravings are decorative, and that blue sheen? Just an alchemist’s trick.”

Chi Ren stood.

Chi Ren descended the stairs. His weimao still obscured his face.

As the bidding reached a fever pitch, he spoke, voice calm but sharp.

“This sword is a fake.”

Silence swept through the hall.

Chi Ren lifted the sword effortlessly. With a flick of his wrist, the blade vibrated unnaturally, revealing nearly invisible cracks along its surface.

“A true Azure Sky Fang would never have imperfections like this,” he remarked lazily. “This is just a well-made imitation.”

Murmurs turned into gasps. The highest bidders hesitated, their expressions shifting from greed to doubt. Some in the crowd turned toward the merchant who had supplied the item.

The merchant took a step back, sweat forming on his brow. “T-This… That’s nonsense! I paid a fortune to acquire this treasure!”

Ren’s gaze was steady, unyielding. “Then you were swindled.”

The seller, a rich merchant, scoffed. “And who are you to make such claims?”

Chi Ren finally removed his weimao, revealing his face. The moment his silver eyes met the crowd, gasps echoed throughout the auction house.

“It’s… Chi Ren of the Tengbang Sect!”

Whispers followed.

“He’s Chi Lianhua’s younger brother—the owner’s brother!”

Chi Chi, still masked, stifled a giggle. This was too much fun. She decided to make it even more interesting. She leaned closer to a nearby bidder and whispered dramatically, "I heard Master Chi Ren once destroyed a whole black market ring for selling fakes. Broke every last sword they had."

The man paled and nearly dropped his bidding paddle. More whispers surged through the auction house.

The merchant paled.

Chi Ren smirked. “Still want to argue?”

The merchant dropped to his knees, trembling.

The auctioneer, realizing the situation, cleared his throat. “The Tengbang Merchant Guild will investigate this matter immediately. We thank Young Master Ren for his keen eye.”

Chi Ren waved a hand. “Just do better next time.”

With that, he turned, walking back to Chi Chi.

Thanks to her mask, her identity remained hidden, and no one realized who she was.

Chi Chi grinned. "Aw, but I was just about to bid on one of your swords."

He shot her a flat look, then reached out and flicked her forehead lightly. "Don’t even think about it."

As they left, whispers followed them.

“The Sect Leader’s son…!”

“He exposed the scam with a single glance!”

“No wonder—he deserves to be the younger brother of the auction’s owner!”

"Don't they say the owner is super strong? I wonder how strong he is!"

"I wonder who is the girl beside him? Is it his girlfriend!?"

Hearing the last murmur made Chi Chi stumbled.

Chi Ren held back his giggle.

With the weight of his identity revealed, no one dared to speak further.

From the audience, an elder murmured in awe, “If he’s this sharp with a glance, I’d hate to face him in a forge.”

Chi Chi grinned. That was her brother, after all.

Chi Ren led Chi Chi out, the murmurs lingering behind them.

The streets were quieter now, the golden glow of lanterns softening the bustle of the evening market. After the auction, Chi Chi was still giddy with excitement, her fingers idly brushing over the silver hairpin Ren had bought her.

But now, her attention had shifted to something just as important—her preparations for joining the sect officially.

She turned to her brother, eyes bright. “Ren-ge, we still haven’t finished my school shopping.”

Chi Ren sighed, stretching lazily as they walked. “You’re really excited about training, huh?”

“Of course!” Chi Chi puffed out her chest. “I may not have spiritual energy yet, but I still have to be the best!”

He smirked. “Ambitious. What do you still need?”

Chi Chi tapped her chin, thinking. “Hmm… training robes, a proper weapon—”

“You’re not using a sword yet,” Chi Ren interrupted.

“I know,” she huffed. “But I still need throwing daggers, maybe some weighted armguards for training, and—oh! A spatial pouch!”

Ren raised a brow. “A spatial pouch? What do you even plan to carry?”

“Snacks,” Chi Chi answered without hesitation.

He stared at her before chuckling. “Of course.”

They made their way toward a well-known cultivation supply shop, its entrance marked by a massive jade plaque engraved with glowing golden characters: Cloud-Forged Armory.

The moment they stepped inside, a faint hum of spiritual energy brushed against their skin. The walls were lined with rows of weapons, each sealed in protective talismans, glowing faintly with stored power. Mannequins dressed in reinforced robes stood in the corners, enchanted fabrics shimmering under the soft lantern light.

A shop attendant, an older man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, approached them. “Welcome, esteemed guests. How may I assist you?”

Chi Chi stepped forward. “I need training robes, a set of throwing daggers, and a spatial pouch.”

The attendant nodded and gestured toward the training gear section. “Our training robes are crafted from reinforced silk and layered with protective enchantments. Would you prefer flexibility or defense?”

Chi Chi glanced at Ren.

“Flexibility,” he answered before she could. “She doesn’t need heavy protection—she needs to move fast.”

The attendant nodded and brought out a set of navy-blue robes embroidered with faint silver talismans. “These are lightweight yet durable. They won’t hinder movement and provide basic resistance against strikes.”

Chi Chi ran her fingers over the fabric, appreciating the smoothness. “I’ll take them.”

Next, they moved to the weapons section. The walls were lined with swords, spears, and hidden weapons. Chi Chi’s eyes landed on a set of sleek throwing daggers, their hilts wrapped in black silk.

“These,” she said, picking one up. The weight was perfect—not too heavy, not too light. “I like them.”

Ren inspected one with a glance, then nodded in approval. “Good choice.”

Finally, they reached the accessories section, where various spatial pouches were displayed in glass cases. Some were plain, while others were embroidered with elaborate symbols.

Chi Chi pressed her face against the glass. “Ren-ge, look at this one! It has a kitten embroidered on it!”

Ren flicked her forehead. “You’re picking a storage item based on embroidery?”

Chi Chi rubbed her forehead, pouting. “Fine. Which one do you recommend?”

Ren picked up a simple black pouch with a silver clasp. “This one. It’s durable and has a stable space inside—no risk of it tearing if you overfill it with, say, snacks.”

Chi Chi grinned, taking it eagerly. “Perfect.”

With everything gathered, they made their way to the counter. Ren paid without hesitation, despite Chi Chi’s insistence that she could cover at least some of it.

As they stepped back out into the street, Chi Chi spun around, the new robes tucked neatly under her arm and her pouch fastened at her waist. “Now I’m really ready!”

Ren shook his head with amusement. “Don’t slack off. Even without spiritual energy, the training won’t be easy.”

She grinned up at him. “I know. But I’ll still be the best.”

He smirked, ruffling her hair. “You better be. Otherwise, I’ll make you forge your own weapons next time.”

Chi Chi’s eyes widened in horror. “Noooo! I don’t want to hammer metal all day!”

Ren laughed. “Then train hard.”

With that, the two made their way back toward the sect, the weight of Chi Chi’s preparations sitting comfortably at her side.

Tomorrow, her training would begin.