Chapter 209: Auction Hall Begins

An hour passed in an instant.

The Auction Hall was held in the top‑floor lobby of the convention center, and the entire lobby was arranged in extreme luxury.

In front of the venue stood a High Platform, and beneath it were rows of soft Armchairs, divided into zones by rank, with the seats nearest the platform reserved for top‑tier VIPs.

Guards from Yitian Pavilion stood in every corner of the venue.

Their aura was restrained, their eyes vigilant, watching every move inside the hall.

Even the ceiling was fitted with surveillance to ensure the Auction Hall proceeded smoothly.

At that moment, two figures slowly entered the venue: Jiangnan Wang and Si Jiannan.

Jiangnan Wang wore a deep‑blue brocade robe today, with a faint smile on his face.

Si Jiannan trailed half a step behind him, still dressed in a black butler uniform.

Like Jiangnan Wang's shadow, he scanned the surroundings with caution.

The moment they entered, they attracted many eyes.

After all, Jiangnan Wang is an Imperial Clan member of the Jiangnan Territory, his status evident.

Yet Jiangnan Wang seemed oblivious to the gazes, his steps unceasing as he whispered low to Si Jiannan while walking.

"Our people, have they arrived?"

Si Jiannan nodded slightly, his voice pressed extremely low.

"Prince, rest assured, we have obtained the number tag; we are seated in the third row of the left rear, identity verified, no one will suspect us."

Jiangnan Wang nodded with satisfaction, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"This individual is a top‑level magnate from Jingzhong, publicly the associate of the worthless Huai Wang, with a spotless background. Even if something goes awry later, the schemers will only think Huai Wang is pulling strings; even if Marquis Xiao Po Zhan seeks trouble, it will be Huai Wang's trouble, bearing no relation to our Jiangnan Wangfu."

Huai Wang and Jiangnan Wang are both Imperial Clan members, yet they have long been at odds, battling openly and covertly for several years.

Jiangnan Wang had long sought a chance to trap Huai Wang, and this auction of the Tiger Talisman provided the perfect opportunity to pin the black pot firmly on Huai Wang's head; he felt no pressure at all.

Si Jiannan quickly echoed,

"Prince, your foresight is thorough; this way, even if the matter is exposed, it won't implicate the Prince's Residence."

Jiangnan Wang was about to say more when a sudden chill ran down his nape, as if a fierce beast were eyeing him.

A strong sense of danger surged in his heart. Instinctively, he halted his steps and turned his head.

He saw Marquis Xiao Po Zhan approaching, his face wearing a forced grin that didn't reach his eyes.

Marquis Xiao Po Zhan walked a few steps to Jiangnan Wang, his tone tinged with teasing.

"I didn't expect Jiangnan Wang to have the refined hobby of attending this auction; I thought you were too busy handling myriad affairs to bother with such trivialities."

Jiangnan Wang felt a thud in his chest, yet his face remained composed, his smile widening a few more degrees.

"Marquis, you jest. Auctioning the Southern Frontier Tiger Talisman is a top‑level imperial matter, concerning the safety of tens of thousands of elite troops in Nanjiang. As an Imperial Clan member, I naturally join the excitement, contributing a modest effort."

He paused, then deliberately adopted a look of righteous indignation, feigning to defend Marquis Xiao Po Zhan.

"Speaking of it, Yitian Pavilion is truly clueless! Knowing the Tiger Talisman belongs to the Marquis's residence and is a national treasure of the empire, yet they didn't return it voluntarily, instead putting it up for public auction—utterly lawless, showing no regard for the empire! They should really discuss this with the Support King; his subordinates are far too unruly!"

Support King is the chief among the princes, the foremost war god of the Imperial Clan.

Thus Jiangnan Wang's words were merely talk.

If he truly dared to trouble the Support King, Yitian Pavilion wouldn't even have the chance to put the Tiger Talisman up for auction.

But who is Marquis Xiao Po Zhan?

He saw through Jiangnan Wang's pretense at a glance, raising an eyebrow with a half‑smile.

"Who made this Marquis careless enough to lose the Tiger Talisman? Since it fell onto another's turf, we must follow their rules; there's nothing to discuss."

He shifted tone, patting a bundle at his waist.

"In short, I have brought the centuries‑old wealth of Nanjiang; today, regardless, I will acquire the Tiger Talisman, to atone to the empire and the people of Nanjiang."

At these words, many nearby inhaled a sharp gasp.

Nanjiang's century‑long accumulation is an astronomical fortune; Marquis Xiao Po Zhan has indeed poured blood money for the Tiger Talisman!

But it's understandable; imperial rule places Tiger Talisman authority above all.

Even if the Southern Frontier Tiger Talisman fell into a commoner's hands, it could mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops.

If Marquis Xiao Po Zhan has a chance to retrieve the Tiger Talisman, he will spare no cost.

Jiangnan Wang's heart tightened further; in his mind he cursed Ling Zhaixing over a dozen times.

Although Marquis Xiao Po Zhan's residence isn't wealthy, its century‑long foundation cannot be underestimated; it seems he will bleed heavily today to secure the Tiger Talisman.

Nevertheless, he said with a smiling face.

"Of course! Marquis, rest assured, I, the King, am here just for the excitement; if luck allows me to win the Tiger Talisman, I will promptly return it to the Marquis, never keeping it for myself!"

"Then, Marquis, I thank you, Prince…"

At that moment, two figures hurried toward this side: Lu Xiao and Lei Zhen of the Dragon Group.

Lu Xiao wore obvious remorse, approached Marquis Xiao Po Zhan, first bowing respectfully, then speaking.

"Marquis, the Dragon Group's handling was inadequate, failing to retrieve the Tiger Talisman in time, allowing it to drift to the auction and cause you such trouble. Today the Dragon Leader has issued orders; the Dragon Group will fully assist you in acquiring the Tiger Talisman, ensuring it never falls into malicious hands."

Lei Zhen also nodded in agreement beside him.

"Marquis, rest assured, the Dragon Group has prepared ample funds; today we will certainly lend you a hand."

Marquis Xiao Po Zhan looked at the two, the chill on his face fading slightly.

"Thank you both for your effort; also, I thank the Dragon Leader on my behalf for his concern."

Although he was disappointed with the Dragon Group's performance on this matter, he was still satisfied with their current attitude.

Jiangnan Wang watched the scene, silently cursing the Dragon Group for meddling, yet showing no sign on his face.

He merely maintained a courteous smile, pretending it didn't concern him.

At that moment, a warm, mellow voice suddenly rose from the High Platform, breaking the hall's silence.

The crowd looked up and saw Yitian Pavilion Pavilion Master Duanmu Ya gracefully walking onto the high platform.

She wore delicate makeup today, had an elegant bearing, held a microphone in her hand, and slightly bowed toward the entire audience.

"Esteemed guests, thank you all for gracing us with your presence to attend this special auction of Yitian Pavilion. I now announce that the auction will begin shortly; please take your seats in an orderly manner and prepare for bidding!"

As her words fell, the people who had been standing and chatting in the hall hurried toward their seats.

Lu Xiao, having just taken his seat, saw that the front row's first seats were occupied by two people, who looked somewhat familiar.

"Jiang Feng? How did this guy also come? And he can sit in the first row?"