Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist Chapter 975: Auction Hall

The spirit boat descended through the cloud layers, the turbulence shaking the hull slightly before smoothing out as they entered the localized atmospheric array of Azure Cloud City.

The sight that greeted them was nothing short of magnificent. Azure Cloud City was not merely a settlement; it was a testament to the defiance of gravity and the pinnacle of formation arts in the Myriad Reefs Sea Domain. A colossal landmass, easily fifty miles across, floated suspended three thousand feet above the churning ocean. Massive chains of spirit-iron, each link the size of a house, anchored the floating island to the seabed miles below, though the true work was done by the humming anti-gravity arrays embedded in the city’s bedrock.

Waterfalls cascaded from the edges of the island, tumbling down into the void and turning into mist long before they hit the ocean surface, creating a perpetual ring of rainbows that crowned the city in multicolored light. Above, the sky was filled with traffic. Cultivators standing on flying swords zipped past like silver streaks, while massive, lumbering sky-whales pulled heavy cargo barges laden with ores and beast parts.

On the deck of their modest spirit boat, Wang Jian stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his face adorned with a mask of polite, scholarly curiosity. He wore pristine white robes, a folding fan in his hand, radiating the aura of a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment elder—respectable, but not threatening.

A step ahead of him stood Hua Yimei. She had resumed her persona as the Sect Leader. Her heavy purple and gold ceremonial robes were fastened tight, hiding the lewd tattoos and piercings beneath layers of defensive silk. Her expression was imperious, her posture rigid with authority. To the outside world, she was the master, and Wang Jian was the servant.

"The docks are ahead," Hua Yimei murmured, not turning her head. "Prepare yourself, Elder Wang."

"Lead the way, Sect Leader," Wang Jian replied, a small, amused smile playing on his lips.

As they approached the designated docking bay for private vessels, a squad of aerial guards intercepted them. They rode on Gryphon-Beasts, majestic creatures with the heads of eagles and the bodies of lions, their feathers gleaming like steel. The captain of the guard, a burly man at the peak of Foundation Establishment, raised a spear.

"Halt!" the captain shouted, his voice amplified by Qi. "This is a restricted airspace. State your business and identity, and prepare the entrance fee of five hundred spirit stones!"

Wang Jian lowered his head deferentially, playing his part. He didn’t speak.

Hua Yimei stepped forward to the prow. She didn’t shout. She didn’t argue. She simply narrowed her eyes and released a fraction of her true power.

BOOM.

An invisible pressure wave rolled off the boat. It wasn’t just the pressure of a Middle-Stage Core Formation expert; it was infused with the scorching, noble heat of the Golden Phoenix Flame she had recently cultivated. The air around the boat instantly distorted, the temperature spiking by thirty degrees in a split second.

The Gryphons squawked in terror, flapping their wings frantically to retreat from the sudden heat. The captain’s mount bucked, nearly unseating him.

The captain’s face went pale as he stabilized his beast. He looked at the woman in purple robes, feeling the crushing weight on his soul.

"A... A Core Formation Senior!" he stammered, hurriedly lowering his spear and bowing in mid-air.

"I am Sect Leader Hua Yimei of the Fragrance Melody Sect," Hua Yimei announced, her voice cool and regal, carrying effortlessly over the wind. "I am here for the Golden-Scale Auction."

The captain broke into a cold sweat. In Azure Cloud City, while Core Formation experts weren’t unheard of, they were still royalty. To offend one was to invite death.

"Forgive my rudeness, Senior Hua!" the captain shouted, bowing so low his head touched his mount’s neck. "I did not recognize your esteemed presence! The entrance fee is naturally waived for a cultivator of your status. Please, proceed to the VIP docks on the upper tier. My men will escort you."

"Lead on," Hua Yimei commanded dismissively.

Wang Jian watched the interaction from behind her shoulder, fanning himself gently. ’Power really is the only currency that matters,’ he thought, enjoying the show. ’Yimei plays the imperious queen well. It makes breaking her in private all the sweeter.’

Guided by the guards, they docked at a private pier reserved for high-level guests. The walkway was paved with white jade, and the air was scented with artificial floral arrays.

Upon disembarking the vessel, the vibrant clamor of Azure Cloud City engulfed them, a veritable assault on the senses. The thoroughfares teemed with merchants hawking wares ranging from rudimentary talismans to exotic sea-beast cores, while the populace comprised a motley assortment of wandering cultivators, diligent sect disciples, and bustling mortal traders.

Wang Jian maintained a position of deference one pace behind Hua Yimei, his gaze meticulously dissecting the crowd with the keenness of a seasoned hunter. Numerous women caught his eye – some possessing striking beauty, others demonstrating competent cultivation – yet none stirred his deeper interest. They were but sparrows in his perception; his true quarry lay among the phoenixes and swans.

"Locate an inn for us," Wang Jian's mental projection seamlessly conveyed his command to Hua Yimei, his lips remaining still. "Ensure it is the finest available. I have no desire to endure squalid accommodations."

Hua Yimei offered a subtle nod in acknowledgment. She then halted a nearby attendant. "Pray tell, where might one find the most distinguished establishment for lodging?"

"The Cloud-Ascending Pavilion, esteemed Senior," the attendant replied with palpable eagerness. "It is situated proximate to the central plaza, majestically suspended above the city proper upon its own miniature isle."

"We shall proceed there," she declared her decision.

Navigating the city's labyrinthine streets, they eventually arrived at the Cloud-Ascending Pavilion. It was an edifice of undeniable grandeur, a colossal pagoda structure seemingly afloat on a sizable rock fragment, tethered to the mainland city by ornate golden chains.

Approaching the reception counter, Hua Yimei was met by the manager, who, upon sensing her cultivation base, hurried forth with utmost deference.

"We require your most exquisite suite," Hua Yimei stated imperiously. "Absolute privacy is our primary concern."

"Rest assured, honored Sect Leader," the manager bowed deeply. "The Celestial Courtyard, located on the uppermost floor, is at your disposal. It boasts its own independent defensive array and a spirit-gathering formation comparable to that of a sect's central sanctuary."

"We accept it."

Hua Yimei completed the transaction using a pouch brimming with high-grade spirit stones – a considerable fortune that, while technically belonging to the sect, was now effectively at Wang Jian's disposal.

They were ushered to their accommodations. The suite was nothing short of breathtaking, featuring a private open-air garden, a thermal spring pool replenished with pure spiritual water, and a bedchamber of such vast dimensions that it could comfortably house a small regiment.

The instant the chamber door sealed shut and the attendants departed, the atmosphere within the room underwent a dramatic and immediate transformation.

"Chen Ying," Wang Jian commanded, his voice shedding its prior veneer of courtesy. "Secure the immediate vicinity. Activate the isolation arrays. I do not wish for a single sound to escape these walls."

"Yes, Master," Chen Ying responded with immediate compliance. She proceeded to the designated array nodes scattered throughout the room, inserting her own spirit stones and meticulously adjusting the frequencies to erect a formidable barrier capable of nullifying all spiritual sense and acoustic penetration.

As the resonant hum of the activated barrier stabilized, Wang Jian sauntered towards the primary armchair positioned at the heart of the sitting area. He sank into it, spreading his legs wide and leaning back with a contented sigh.

"This facade weighs heavily," he murmured aloud.

Hua Yimei needed no further instruction. She approached him, her movements now betraying a newfound fluidity, shedding the rigid demeanor of the Sect Leader. Kneeling beside his chair, she began to carefully unfasten his boots.

"Chen Ying," Wang Jian ordered without shifting his gaze. "Proceed outside. Ascertain the auction's schedule. Obtain the precise timing, details regarding VIP arrangements, and identify any other notable figures who have recently arrived in the city. I require a comprehensive roster of all major powers currently present."

"I shall return within the hour, Master," Chen Ying affirmed. After a respectful bow, she discreetly exited the room, her presence melting into the surrounding shadows.

Wang Jian found himself alone with Hua Yimei.

"Yimei," he murmured softly.

"Yes, Master?" She tilted her head upwards from his feet, her gaze imbued with a profound submissiveness.

"I am feeling rather tense," he admitted. "The journey was exceedingly tedious."

Hua Yimei rose gracefully. Moving behind his chair, she commenced massaging his shoulders. Her hands, possessing a strength honed by cultivation yet exuding a gentle touch, expertly worked the knotted muscles of his neck.

"Does this offer some relief, Master?" she inquired in a hushed tone.

"It is a beginning," Wang Jian replied. He reached up, gently grasping her hand and drawing her towards him. "However, I find myself desiring a different form of solace."

He pulled her onto his lap, and Hua Yimei settled against him, her back resting comfortably against his chest. Wang Jian's arms encircled her waist, his hands immediately migrating upwards to cup her generous breasts through the thick, ceremonial fabric of her attire.

"This formidable armor you wear," Wang Jian grumbled, his fingers probing the luxurious silk. "It serves only to conceal your most alluring features."

"I… I can remove it, Master," Hua Yimei offered, her breath coming in short gasps, her head lolling back onto his shoulder.

"Nay," Wang Jian smirked, his eyes glinting. "Not yet. I find myself quite captivated by the stark contrast. The esteemed Sect Leader outwardly presenting herself..."

With practiced dexterity, he unfastened the uppermost buttons of her robe, sliding his hand beneath the layers of silk to encounter the warmth of her skin. His fingers soon found her breast, heavy and soft. His touch brushed against the cold metal of the nipple ring he had personally affixed, and he tugged it with a sharp, deliberate motion.

"Ah!" Hua Yimei cried out, a sudden gasp escaping her lips as her hips involuntarily tensed against his lap.

"...and the wanton wench concealed within," Wang Jian finished, his voice laced with cruel amusement.

He then plucked a glistening spiritual grape from a nearby bowl upon a table and held it delicately to her lips. "Eat," he commanded.

Hua Yimei’s lips parted, and she slowly chewed the grape presented to her.

"Feed me," Wang Jian commanded.

She retrieved a grape with her own mouth, then turned her head. Wang Jian leaned forward, accepting the fruit from her lips. His tongue met hers, tasting the sweet juice and her own saliva.

For an entire hour, Wang Jian lounged upon her body, his hands caressing her breasts as she continued to feed him, stripping away the very dignity she had so meticulously maintained on the streets.

"Are you apprehensive about tomorrow?" Wang Jian inquired, his thumb pinching her nipple ring once more.

"Somewhat," Hua Yimei confessed, a shiver passing through her. "So many powerful sects are gathered here. If they happen to recognize these pills... if they begin to question their origin..."

"Let them question," Wang Jian declared with an air of arrogance. His hand slid downwards, beneath her voluminous skirts, his fingers searching for the heat between her legs. "We possess influence. And we hold something they lack entirely: the genuine art of alchemy. They are but crude beings playing with mud; we are presenting them with pure gold."

His fingers found her moisture; she was already slick, a response conditioned by his persistent touch.

"Furthermore," Wang Jian whispered, sliding a finger deep inside her. "Should anyone dare to cause trouble... I shall transform them into mere shadows. Your sole concern should be maintaining your regal demeanor, Sect Leader."

"Yes... Master... ah..."

The following morning, the doors of the Golden-Scale Auction House were thrown open.

The structure itself was a breathtaking marvel of architecture, designed to resemble a colossal golden dragon curled majestically around a towering pagoda. It commanded the central plaza of Azure Cloud City. Cultivators, eager for a seat, formed a line that snaked for blocks, all clamoring for entry.

Neither Wang Jian nor Hua Yimei were subjected to the wait; they proceeded directly to the VIP entrance.

However, before the auction commenced, they had a prior engagement.

They were escorted into a private room designated for appraisals. An elderly man with a neatly trimmed goatee, exuding the palpable aura of an Early Core Formation expert, presided over the room, appearing utterly bored.

"Fragrance Melody Sect," the old man grunted, glancing at their file. "Sect Leader Hua. You wish to add items to the auction at this late hour? Unless it pertains to a spirit herb of 500 years or an artifact of Peak Earth-Grade, do not presume to waste my valuable time."

Hua Yimei stood with unwavering posture, while Wang Jian remained silently behind her, a picture of loyal guardianship.

"I am not here to offer mere scrap, Elder," Hua Yimei stated with cool composure. She gestured, and ten elegant jade bottles materialized on the table.

"These are pills," she announced.

The old man sighed audibly. "Pills? The market is already oversaturated with..."

"Open one," Hua Yimei interjected, cutting him off.

With a frown, the appraiser selected a bottle conspicuously labeled ’Crimson Blood-Tempering Pill’. He deftly removed the cork.

Instantly, a rich, fragrant herbal essence permeated the entire room. It exuded an aura of vibrant life and pure vitality, entirely devoid of the acrid scent of beast cores or any chaotic residual energies.

The old man's eyes widened in astonishment. He carefully tipped the pill onto his palm. It was a perfect sphere of deep crimson, emitting a soft, inner luminescence. Three intricate cloud patterns were visibly swirling across its surface.

"This..." The appraiser's hands began to tremble involuntarily. "Such purity... approaching 98%? How could this possibly be achieved? Pills derived from beast cores rarely surpass 70%!"

"These are not concocted from beast cores," Hua Yimei declared, diligently reciting the fabricated narrative Wang Jian had painstakingly coached her on. "Our sect’s Grand Elder recently succeeded in deciphering an ancient pill formula discovered within a legacy site. These formulations are refined exclusively from high-grade medicinal herbs. They are remarkably gentle, exceptionally potent, and leave absolutely no impurities within the body. They are ideally suited for cultivators in the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment who are endeavoring to achieve a breakthrough to Core Formation."

"Zero impurities..." the appraiser whispered, his voice filled with awe. "That is... that is truly revolutionary."

"We possess fifty pills of this particular type," Hua Yimei elaborated. "Alongside fifty units of the Spirit-Mending Jade Pill, and an additional twenty of the remarkable Core-Stabilizing Golden Pill."

The appraiser nearly let the bottle slip from his grasp. "Core-Stabilizing pills?! Intended for cultivators already within the Core Formation stage?"

"Indeed."

"Kindly wait here," the old man instructed, his previous boredom completely evaporated. "I must urgently inform Mistress Shangguan. This... this development necessitates a complete revision of the auction order."

He departed with haste.

Mere minutes later, a stunningly beautiful maid entered the room, offering a deep, respectful bow.

"Sect Leader Hua," the maid conveyed respectfully. "Mistress Shangguan Wan’er extends her warmest regards. She has personally conducted a verification of the quality and is both astonished and immensely pleased. She has decreed that your esteemed items shall be presented as the grand finale of the second act. Furthermore, she wishes to bestow upon you a Purple-Gold VIP Card, which entitles you to a thirty percent discount on any acquisitions made throughout the day."

With a flourish, she presented a substantial card crafted from lustrous purple metal.

Wang Jian, observing from the rear, concealed a triumphant smirk behind his fan. 'Hook, line, and sinker,' he thought with satisfaction.

They were escorted to a private box on the second floor. The box was shielded by a one-way visual screen, allowing them to see out but preventing anyone from seeing in. The interior was plush, with velvet couches and spirit fruits served on silver platters.

Below, the main hall was packed with thousands of cultivators. The noise was deafening until a gong sounded.

The auction began.

Items were brought out—rare ores, high-level beast cores, half-broken artifacts. The bidding was fierce.

Wang Jian sat on the couch, sipping wine, seemingly uninterested. Hua Yimei sat beside him, tense.

"Relax," Wang Jian murmured, resting his hand on her knee. "We are the hunters here."

Eventually, the pill recipes came up. Wang Jian ignored them. Mu Lianhua’s legacy was superior to anything these locals had.

Instead, when a jagged chunk of Star-Iron Meteorite appeared—a material crucial for upgrading his flying swords—Wang Jian nudged Yimei.

"Bid," he ordered.

"Five thousand spirit stones!" Hua Yimei called out into the transmission array.

"Six thousand!" came a shout from the floor.

"Ten thousand," Wang Jian commanded casually.

"Ten thousand!" Yimei repeated.

Silence fell. It was an outrageous price. They won the iron.

Next came a set of Five-Element Flood Dragon Formation Flags, a legacy from a dead formation master.

"Buy it," Wang Jian said. "Lingshan will like it."

They spent money like water. The wealth they were about to generate from the pills would cover it ten times over. The other VIP boxes buzzed with whispers, wondering who this "Sect Leader Hua" was and where she found such backing.

But Wang Jian’s attention began to drift. He extended his spiritual sense, carefully threading it through the gaps in the shielding of the other boxes. The Stellar Demonic Meridian Scripture gave his soul a stealthy, shadowy quality that was hard to detect.

He scanned the box directly across from them.

He felt it immediately. A wave of cold. Not just temperature, but an emotional coldness, sharp and pristine like a glacial peak.

"Ice attribute," Wang Jian whispered. "And powerful."

He pushed his senses a little harder, risking detection.

The silk curtain of the opposing box fluttered slightly as a servant entered. Through the gap, Wang Jian caught a glimpse.

A woman sat there. She was dressed in robes of snowy white, embroidered with silver frost patterns. Her hair was the color of moonlight, falling straight to her waist. Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, but it was the beauty of an ice sculpture—flawless, hard, and utterly unapproachable. Her eyes were pale blue, devoid of warmth.

Her aura fluctuated slightly. Middle Stage Core Formation. But dense. Extremely dense.

'Bing Yun,' Wang Jian thought, recalling the intel. 'Elder of the Ice-Heart Palace.'

He felt a stir in his blood that had nothing to do with the auction. It was the thrill of a challenge. This woman looked like she had never smiled in her life. She looked like she would freeze a man’s blood if he touched her.

'I want to see her melt,' Wang Jian decided instantly. 'I want to see those cold eyes roll back in pleasure. I want to see that pristine white robe stained with my mark.'

He formed a seal with his hand under his sleeve. A tiny mote of stellar light detached from his finger. It drifted across the hall, invisible to the naked eye, riding the air currents. It slipped through the gap in the curtain and attached itself to the hem of the silver-haired woman’s robe.

Stellar Tracer.

"I have her," Wang Jian whispered.

"Master?" Hua Yimei asked, leaning in. "Did you see something?"

"I saw my next conquest," Wang Jian grinned. "The auction is boring now. Let’s wait for the end."

Three hours later, the auction concluded. The Fragrance Melody Sect’s pills had sold for an astronomical sum—nearly two million low-grade spirit stones. The entire hall was buzzing with the name of their sect.

As the crowd filed out, Wang Jian stood up.

"Let’s go," he said.