Nine Yang Alchemy Emperor

After confirming there was no danger, she finally dared to open her eyes and examine her surroundings.

It had been a while since the two entered, yet they didn't see anyone coming to greet or guide them. Chu Feng remembered that last time when he entered, Ah-Jiu called out loudly for Manager Ye, and only then did that exceptionally graceful and dignified woman emerge from within.

Last time, he didn't have the chance to closely observe the surroundings.

This time, with no one leading the way, Chu Feng could only find his way by himself.

"Master, there's a direction sign ahead!" Li Shishi, sharp-eyed, noticed a fork in the path not far ahead.

Two direction signs stood there, with arrows indicating directions.

Auction Hall!

Appraisal Hall!

Pointing to two different places.

It seemed that to participate in the auction, one must proceed to the Auction Hall. To auction off treasures, one had to first go to the Appraisal Hall.

Without delay, Chu Feng took Li Shishi and flew towards the Appraisal Hall.

He wondered why, each time he entered the Penglai Auction Secret Realm, he felt a faint sense of oppression. He guessed there were two possibilities.

Either a super strong figure was overseeing this place, or a particularly formidable array was set up.

Either way, it acted as a deterrent to those with ill intentions.

Each time they auctioned treasures, they were of terrifying value; without some means to intimidate the masses, they would have been plundered and bankrupt long ago.

Chu Feng, with Li Shishi, continued along a scenic and quiet path, eventually arriving before an imposing grand hall.

Treasure Appraisal Hall!

Robust and powerful ancient characters carved on the door plaque.

The entire plaque was jet black, as if inked, enduring countless years yet remaining pristine. The characters seemed not the handiwork of someone from this era.

At first glance, those three words formed an invisible psychological pressure.

Making anyone who saw it feel particularly insignificant. No matter how precious the brought treasure, there was little confidence.

A faint Treasure Light swirled around the plaque.

"This plaque is a priceless treasure! The words above contain the will of a strong figure. The person who carved these three words must be immensely wealthy, unrivaled in looking down upon others. As for the material of the plaque, if my eyes didn't deceive me, it is likely Black Gold Stone."

"Legend has it that the Treasure Vase of the ancient miracle man Shen Wanshan was made of Black Gold Stone. This stone is like the hidden emperor among metals, precious yet inconspicuous, silently attracting wealth and treasures."

Chu Feng was well-learned, with sharp discernment.

He unexpectedly recognized the origin of the door plaque at a glance.

Clap clap clap!

The sound of applause came from ahead.

Chu Feng looked up to see a young, handsome nobleman stepping out from inside the hall. He wore a black long robe, looking about twenty-something, with a roguish grin on his face.

The first impression he gave was like that of a street thug, a small-time criminal mixed in markets.

The common folks have a refined name for such people, "Chang Erliu."

"Brother, you've got a good eye! And great insight! To be able to recognize the Black Gold Plaque of the Treasure Appraisal Hall. My name is Chang Erliu, and meeting you feels like an old acquaintance. Today, shamelessly, I wish to befriend you."

The rogue youth truly has thick skin.

Upon first meeting Chu Feng, without even asking whether Chu Feng agreed or not, he right away proposed a friendship.

Such 'friendship' is probably unreliable.

"So, it's Brother Erliu, I've long heard of you! As the saying goes, smiling without reason, either treacherous or deceitful. Offering kindness without cause, either a thief or a cheat. We are not acquainted, even if there is fate, I fear I cannot afford to be your friend."

Chu Feng had no favorable impression of this man and directly refused.

What a joke, Chu Feng was no wide-eyed youth. He had been alive for thousands of years, a monstrous being.

This young man who claimed to be Chang Erliu surely had ulterior motives.

Better to keep a respectful distance.

"Why look down on people, brother? The more friends, the better!" Chang Erliu didn't give up due to Chu Feng's refusal, still pestering with a playful smile. "Look at that couplet, 'Judge the world's treasures, Make friends across the world!'"

Chang Erliu pointed at the couplet by the door, still hoping Chu Feng would give him another chance.

His eyes roamed not just over Chu Feng, frequently glancing at the storage ring on Chu Feng's hand, and shamelessly sizing up Li Shishi.

From her pretty face to her figure, he looked more than once.

Just short of drooling.

Clearly a greedy and lecherous sort.

"Speaking of couplets, I'll give you two lines. Keep your guard up against people, harbor no ill intentions. Please move aside, I'm in a hurry to appraise treasures." Chu Feng's expression turned cold, though he couldn't discern this guy's cultivation, by estimation at most a Three Tribulations Supreme Sword God.

If it came to a fight, Chu Feng could easily kill him.

"Ah, brother, you don't trust me! With time, you'll eventually wish to be my friend." Chang Erliu sighed as if not befriending Chu Feng was a great loss.

If he intended to plot against Chu Feng's wealth, indeed it would be a significant loss.

A fat sheep got away.

"Young lady, beautiful as a flower, with a graceful figure, I admire greatly. Remember, I am Chang Erliu. If your man ever abandons you, my Ten Thousand Women Cave will be open for you."

Seeing Chu Feng not fall for his tricks, giving him no face at all.

Chang Erliu switched targets, setting his sights on Li Shishi.

Li Shishi's pretty face turned frosty, glaring at him in disgust, saying nothing.

She was sensible and knew those who could enter the Penglai Auction were no simple characters.

If she spoke harshly to this black-clad youth, it might easily spell trouble for her master. So she merely glared as a warning.

"Oh, oh, such a charming look almost enchanted my soul. Young lady, are you secretly sending affections, giving me flirtatious glances?"

Far from backing down, Chang Erliu seemed energized.

"A word of advice, best not be foul-mouthed." Chu Feng openly released a wisp of Killing Aura. This Chang Erliu was ignoring his existence, flirting with Li Shishi right before his eyes.

He deserved to die.

"Just a joke, really, I know she's taken. Rest assured, though I like to gather beauties worldwide, I never snatch love with force, and would never force any woman. In my Ten Thousand Women Cave, all women willingly attend to me."

Chang Erliu surprisingly became serious for once.

"Heh, heh, every woman has a different flavor. Some are shy, some open and passionate, some deeply devoted..." Chang Erliu had barely become earnest before rambling on nonsensically again.

Chu Feng was no longer willing to pay any attention to this guy, taking Li Shishi into the Treasure Appraisal Hall.

"Are you here to appraise treasures, sir?" A youth dressed in Penglai Auction staff attire came forward.

"Indeed!" Chu Feng noticed the Treasure Appraisal Hall had many seating areas for guest relaxation. There were even screen-separated compartments, presumably to protect guests' privacy.

After all, many guests don't wish to be in the spotlight when appraising treasures here.