Chapter 13: Auction

The night breeze was slightly cool, brushing across Zhang Jun's face.

"Brother Zhang, the big battle is tomorrow night." The visitor was Liu Quan's eldest son, Liu Lei, who handed over a cup of hot tea, saying, "My father sent me to confirm the final arrangements."

"How are the preparations?" Zhang Jun took the tea cup.

"Following your orders, the hidden sentries are in place all around, and the fake Qingyang Jade is ready." Liu Lei lowered his voice, "Even the troops sent by the Wang Family are under our control."

Zhang Jun nodded, gazing at the brightly lit Liu Manor Hall in the distance: "Have you arranged for people to hide on the second floor and in the basement?"

"Everything is done according to the plan. Father said, tomorrow night everything will be under your command, Brother Zhang."

"Remember, don't act rashly." Zhang Jun downed the tea in one gulp, "Tomorrow night the Wang Family will be the main players; we just need to watch and wait."

After Liu Lei left, Zhang Jun turned and continued gazing at the night sky. This auction was merely a move in his carefully crafted plan, and the Wang Family was just a pawn he used to probe the undercurrents of Jiangbei.

On the day of the auction, guests gathered in crowds.

The Liu Family manor was decked with lights and ribbons, presenting a scene of prosperous grandeur. More than a dozen luxury cars parked outside, forming a beautiful scenery line. Various dignitaries poured in, chatting and exchanging pleasantries.

Zhang Jun changed into a suit, put on a mask and sunglasses, and slipped into the crowd. He looked around with interest, trying to spot any Wang Family members among the guests.

"Please, guests, take your seats; the auction is about to begin."

Following the host's announcement, people streamed into the auction hall. Zhang Jun found an inconspicuous corner, sat down, and waited quietly.

Soon he noticed a group of impeccably dressed, arrogant people entering the hall. Leading them was precisely the middle-aged man staying at the Crown Hotel.

"The Wang Family people have arrived." Zhang Jun silently became alert.

The auction began. First up were some ordinary paintings and antiques; the guests showed little interest, occasionally bidding. After about an hour, the host finally announced the finale item—the Liu family heirloom, the "Qingyang Jade," making its appearance.

A commotion rippled through the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this piece of Qingyang Jade is a treasure passed down through generations of the Liu family; legend says it contains heavenly and earthly spiritual energy, granting spiritual protection to its owner. The opening bid is five million, with each raise no less than one million."

That price caused an uproar throughout the hall. Some muttered it was too expensive, while others were eager to try.

"Five point five million!" a wealthy merchant was the first to bid.

"Six million!" another bidder, not to be outdone.

The price quickly broke past seven million, but the pace began to slow.

Just then, the Wang Family representative stood up and said, "Ten million!"

The hall fell silent at once. This price far exceeded the jade pendant's intrinsic value, clearly indicating a determination to win it at any cost.

Just as the host was about to announce the deal, an unfamiliar voice rang out: "Twelve million."

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw a man in a black trench coat standing in the corner, his expression stern and his aura extraordinary.

"Mr. Huang, are you also interested in this jade pendant?" the host recognized him.

Mr. Huang gave a slight nod, saying nothing.

The Wang Family representative frowned, then raised his bid: "Fifteen million!"

"Twenty million." Mr. Huang did not hesitate.

The two went back and forth, and the price quickly rose to thirty million. The other people in the hall had long since dropped out of the bidding, becoming spectators to this dragon‑tiger duel.

Zhang Jun secretly observed the two. The Wang Family representative grew increasingly impatient, while Mr. Huang remained calm and composed.

"Fifty million!" the Wang Family representative slammed the table, the sound ringing out.

The hall fell dead silent. This price far surpassed anyone's expectations.

Mr. Huang fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: "Fifty million and one hundred thousand."

"You!" the Wang Family representative's face turned ashen with fury.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense to the point of drawing swords, Zhang Jun spoke softly: "One hundred million."

The entire hall was shocked; all eyes turned to him.

The Wang Family representative and Mr. Huang turned their heads simultaneously, their eyes showing surprise and doubt.

"Who is this sir?" the host asked.

Zhang Jun removed his sunglasses and mask, revealing his true face: "I am Zhang Jun, and I am willing to bid one hundred million for this jade pendant."

"Zhang Jun?!" the crowd erupted, "Wasn't he said to be dead?"

The Wang Family representative's face changed dramatically. He never imagined that Zhang Jun was not only alive but had appeared here.

"One hundred ten million!" the Wang Family representative gritted his teeth.

"One hundred fifty million." Mr. Huang would not yield.

"Two hundred million." Zhang Jun spoke calmly.

The situation spiraled completely out of control. The three‑way struggle raged like fire, and the price shot up to an absurd height.

Suddenly, the Wang Family representative pushed through the crowd and ran straight to the display platform: "Stop the act! Today I will have this jade pendant at any cost!"

He shoved the security guard aside and reached out to grab the jade pendant.

Bang!

A gunshot rang out, and the hall erupted into chaos.

"Protect the jade!" Zhang Jun shouted, simultaneously charging toward the display platform.

The Wang Family representative had already seized the jade pendant and was turning to flee. Zhang Jun leapt up, kicked his wrist, and with a "crack" the jade flew from his hand, tracing an arc through the air.

Mr. Huang suddenly lunged from the side and caught the jade pendant in mid‑air.

"You think you can get away?" Zhang Jun sneered, flashed sideways, and blocked Mr. Huang's path.

"Brother Zhang, sorry for the offense." Mr. Huang suddenly struck, sending a palm toward Zhang Jun's chest.

Zhang Jun sidestepped to avoid it, then with a backhand seized Mr. Huang's wrist: "Nice palm technique—who are you, sir?"

In the chaos, the Wang Family representative took the opportunity to summon his men; a dozen or so black‑clad figures poured into the hall, firing everywhere, and the scene descended into utter chaos.

"Liu Family guards, move out!" Liu Lei gave the order, and the Liu Family guards hidden all around rushed out, engaging the Wang Family troops in fierce combat.

The auction site instantly turned into a battlefield, with gunshots and shouts rising and falling. Guests scattered in all directions, and the scene was utter chaos.

Zhang Jun and Mr. Huang fought, trading blows, with neither gaining the upper hand.

"You didn't come for the Azure Yang Jade; your target is the Wang Family!" Zhang Jun suddenly said.

Mr. Huang blinked, then gave a wry smile: "Indeed, I can't hide it from you."

"Who sent you?" Zhang Jun seized the moment and threw a punch at Mr. Huang's chest.

Mr. Huang dodged the punch and whispered, "Dragon King Hall."

Zhang Jun's heart jolted at the words. Dragon King Hall, another mysterious power in Jiangbei, had longstanding grudges with the Wang Family.

The two exchanged a glance, then tacitly ceased fighting and each turned toward the Wang Family forces.

"Dragon King Hall business—clear out, outsiders!" Mr. Huang shouted, drawing a short blade from his bosom.

The Wang Family representative's face changed drastically: "Dragon King Hall? You dare!"

In the melee, Liu Quan suddenly appeared, wielding an ancient longsword: "Wang Family dogs, today is your day of death!"

Zhang Jun saw this and thought, "Uh-oh." Liu Quan's move had gone beyond the original plan; the situation was out of control.

He leapt to Liu Quan's side: "Old Liu, stay calm!"

In that split second, the Wang Family representative seized the chance, drew a pistol, and pulled the trigger aimed at Liu Quan.

"Watch out!" Zhang Jun shoved Liu Quan aside; the bullet grazed past, leaving a bloody streak.

"Brother Zhang!" Liu Quan exclaimed.

Zhang Jun endured the pain and charged at the Wang Family representative. Moving like lightning, he was before them in an instant and struck their chest with a palm.

The Wang Family representative, caught off guard, was struck by the palm, spat out a mouthful of blood, and staggered back.

"Wang Family people, listen!" Zhang Jun looked around, his voice like a great bell: "Today's business ends here; otherwise, I won't let a single one of you leave this door!"

His shout shocked the whole crowd. The Wang Family members stared at one another, daring not to act rashly.

Mr. Huang took the opportunity to pick up a jade pendant, nodded at Zhang Jun, and then slipped out the door in the chaos.

"Chase!" the Wang Family representative shouted, leading the remaining forces in pursuit.

Thus, the carefully planned auction ended in a melee. Zhang Jun leaned against the wall, wiping sweat from his forehead; his plan was only half fulfilled.

"What comes next is the real show."