Despite the five years that have passed, the relationship between Dugu Yan and Feng Wutong has not become distant. Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan were previously only nodding acquaintances, but with the mediation of Feng Wutong and Dai Yao, the two women have gradually become familiar with each other.
Back in Tiandou City, Dugu Yan had always heard of the reputation of the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, who was highly praised by many powerful figures. She had initially thought that a fierce tiger had entered Dai Yao's harem, and was therefore somewhat wary. But now it seemed that Ning Rongrong was simply a shy little rabbit.
Her face turns bright red at the slightest joke.
This made Dugu Yan want to flirt with Ning Rongrong.
Looking at Ning Rongrong's shy expression, Dugu Yan smiled and said:
"I thought that Rongrong, as the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, would have a very strong personality, but I didn't expect her to be like this after meeting her."
Ning Rongrong, having just recovered from the awkward scene, her blush fading slightly, glanced at Dugu Yan after hearing her words and muttered somewhat discontentedly:
"I never expected that Sister Yan, who has always been regarded as a vicious woman by outsiders, could be so annoying when she's playing tricks on people."
Dugu Yan smiled lightly, not caring about Ning Rongrong's complaints. Since leaving Longxing City, the two had become much more familiar with each other.
In particular, since they both acknowledged each other as Dai Yao's wives and both cared about Dai Yao, there were no conflicts between them. As they spent more time together, they naturally became much closer.
Dugu Yan's emerald green eyes shifted slightly, and she suddenly said to Dai Yao:
"By the way, Yao, you still haven't told us what you're here to do in Gengxin City."
Dai Yao took out a stack of blueprints from his soul tool and said with a smile:
"Look, what is this?"
Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong each took out a drawing. Dugu Yan looked it over for a while, then frowned, her beautiful eyes full of doubt.
The moment Ning Rongrong saw the blueprints, an excited expression involuntarily appeared on her face. She then pulled out a few more sheets to check, and excitedly looked up, saying:
"Dai Yao, isn't this Tang San's hidden weapon blueprints? How did you get them?"
After purchasing the hidden weapons from Tang San, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had always wanted to replicate them, especially the Zhuge Crossbow. However, for some reason, every time they disassembled the Zhuge Crossbow and other hidden weapons, these weapons would automatically break down, making them impossible to replicate.
Therefore, hidden weapons became a major concern for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Ning Rongrong was naturally very worried about this, so as soon as she saw the blueprints, she knew that they were Tang San's hidden weapon blueprints.
Dai Yao smiled and said:
"Naturally, it's because Tang San admires my strength that he gave me these hidden weapon blueprints, hoping I would let him go."
Dugu Yan spat at Dai Yao and laughed as she scolded him:
"How dare you say that? Tang San would rather tear you to pieces than give you a blueprint for a hidden weapon!"
Dai Yao's exaggerated answer made them realize that he didn't want to tell them the truth, so they wisely didn't ask any further questions.
Smelling the increasingly strong smell of rust in the air, Dai Yao continued:
"Gengxin City, also known as the Metal Capital. The famous Blacksmiths' Guild is located here, making it a holy land for renowned blacksmiths."
"To forge hidden weapons, one naturally needs many blacksmiths, especially the three most advanced hidden weapons in the blueprints, which can only be forged by the most skilled blacksmiths."
"Therefore, I came here to recruit the Blacksmiths' Association into the Azure Lotus Sect."
"On the one hand, it can create various hidden weapons to increase the sect's wealth; on the other hand, it can also arm the sect's disciples with hidden weapons, especially the Min clan. After being armed with hidden weapons, their strength will be greatly enhanced."
Dugu Yan said with some worry:
"Yao, will the Blacksmiths' Association join the sect so smoothly?"
Dai Yao chuckled and said, "Don't worry, with these hidden weapon blueprints, I don't believe they won't join. Besides, even if they don't join, I still have a trump card they can't refuse."
Although the two women were very interested in Dai Yao's so-called trump card, they asked him several times, but he refused to tell them, so they simply stopped asking.
Dai Yaodao:
"Don't worry, Rongrong. Once the Blacksmith Association is recruited, I will definitely pass on the technology of hidden weapons to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, so that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will no longer be subject to Tang San's technological control."
Ning Rongrong smiled faintly:
"No, Dai Yao. Don't give my father the secret weapon technique for free because of me. Let him buy the secret weapons from you. Anyway, they have plenty of money. Spend a little more money and save him from going to auctions."
Mentioning the auction, Ning Rongrong seemed to remember something, wrinkled her nose, and said with some dissatisfaction.
Dai Yao chuckled to himself, wondering what Ning Fengzhi would think if he knew about Ning Rongrong's heartless behavior.
Pulling back the curtains, Dai Yao saw people selling ore on the street. Remembering the scene in the original novel where Ning Rongrong harvested ore, he couldn't help but suggest:
"Why don't we go down and take a look around? We can visit Gengxin City, which is one of the main cities of the Star Luo Empire. While we're at it, we can also buy some ores; maybe we can find some materials to forge top-tier hidden weapons."
Although Ning Rongrong in the original novel was able to buy the Cold Heart Iron Essence and the Deep Sea Sinking Silver Essence, which were used to forge the Buddha's Wrath Tang Lotus and the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle, because of her treasure-hunting talent with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the time and place were different, so she might not have been able to buy the treasures that appeared in the original novel.
But it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.
"Perfect timing, I'd also like to see this metal capital."
Dugu Yan said excitedly, and Ning Rongrong beside her was also somewhat thrilled.
Dai Yao stopped the carriage, and after he got off, he reached out to help Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong down one by one. The moment the two women appeared, Dai Yao could clearly feel the surrounding noisy atmosphere immediately quiet down, and countless fiery eyes were fixed on Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong.
Only Feng Wutong, dressed entirely in black robes, was spared from being spied on.
Dai Yao led the three women a few steps, naturally attracting everyone's attention. Looking back at the two women who were observing their surroundings with great interest, Dai Yao smiled wryly:
"Why don't you wear your veils? Otherwise, if we keep walking like this, the street will be blocked."
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at him, but did not refute Dai Yao.
More and more people gathered on the street, and almost all eyes were on the two women. She knew very well that Dai Yao was right. She frowned, disliking the blatant stares. She took out two green veils from her soul tool, put them on her face, covering most of her face except for her eyes.
The other veil was put on Ning Rongrong.
Looking at Feng Wutong within the black robe, Dugu Yan couldn't help but sigh:
"It seems that Sister Wutong is farsighted and knows how to hide herself."
Feng Wutong said in a low voice, "I just don't like the way those people look at me."
······
Dai Yao and his group strolled around the streets for a while. Amidst the disdainful glances of many passersby, Ning Rongrong bought a lot of ores that seemed worthless to outsiders. However, Dai Yao was secretly pleased, because those ores perfectly matched the descriptions in the original novel.
Perhaps he really did manage to buy the raw materials to forge those top-tier hidden weapons.
Since Dai Yao was not familiar with the Blacksmiths' Guild and had no introduction from Titan, he was not in a hurry to find Lou Gao.
Therefore, he came to the auction in Gengxin City.
The auction attendant initially intended to lead them to the regular auction area, but when Ning Rongrong took out the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's token, the attendant immediately changed his attitude and led them to the VIP area.
The people of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School are always wealthy and powerful, and are VIPs at every auction!
"Oh, finally I can rest."
Dai Yao plopped down on the sofa, looking quite comfortable.
Even with his robust physique, he felt completely exhausted after shopping with the three women.
Seeing this, Dugu Yan glanced at him and said irritably:
"Virtue~"
Ning Rongrong walked behind Dai Yao with some concern and gently massaged his shoulders.
Dugu Yan said with dissatisfaction:
"Rongrong, don't spoil him. What's wrong with him coming shopping with us? I've been guarding that pond for him for five whole years and I haven't said a word."
Ning Rongrong just smiled and didn't say anything.
Hearing Dugu Yan's complaints, Dai Yao knew that he had indeed acted dishonestly during those five years. However, he simply couldn't spare the time; he was completely dominated by Bibi Dong. He said with some guilt:
"I'm sorry, Yan Yan."
Dugu Yan realized she had gone too far and said somewhat anxiously:
That's not what I meant, it's just...
Five years of unrequited love had almost turned her into a resentful woman. For five whole years, Dai Yao hadn't seen her even once. And when she saw Dai Yao again after five years, he didn't spend much time with her before leaving again.
Ning Rongrong also thought about the five years of arduous waiting, but in the end, the result was good. Looking at Dai Yao, her eyes were full of tenderness, and she smiled as she comforted him:
"Alright, alright, we've finally gotten together, there's no need to argue about this. By the way, Dai Yao, how are we going to recruit for the Blacksmiths' Association? Should we do it through the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
Dai Yao stood up, looked towards the center of the auction hall, and explained:
"No need. The reason we came to the Metal Capital discreetly is precisely to conceal our whereabouts. We'll naturally meet the Blacksmiths' Guild members later."
It wasn't that he was unwilling to talk about it, but rather that many things came from his precognitive understanding of the original work, so he could only pretend to be mysterious.
And just then, the auction began.
Suddenly the lights came on, and several beams of light converged in the center of the stage. An elderly man, nearly fifty years old, slowly walked onto the stage and began his opening remarks.
The old man's name was Si Di, and he was a disciple of Lou Gao, a master blacksmith from the Blacksmith Association.
Soon after, the auction officially began.
"Rongrong, I'll have to rely on you later. If any metal appears, get it for me."
Dai Yao looked at Ning Rongrong beside him and smiled.
Ning Rongrong raised her small fist, revealing the emerald green jade bracelet on her fair wrist, and tilted her head with a smile:
"Alright. With my financial resources, I will definitely acquire all those metals!"
A moment later, all the auctioneers looked towards the VIP room in shock. Just now, almost half of the metal ore had been bought by the auctioneers in that VIP room.
In just a short while, the auctioneer had already spent nearly 600,000 gold soul coins. He spent the money as casually as if he were buying something on the street.
This made them wonder whether they were there to cause trouble or if they truly had such substantial financial resources.
"Hmph! How dare you steal my things!"
In a VIP room, Miles slammed his fist on the table in anger, shouting furiously. He abruptly turned to the Spirit Hall members behind him and asked:
"Go, find out who's in that VIP room! I'm the only one who ever messes with the Blacksmiths' Association; nobody else has ever dared to mess with me!"
The several assistant instructors from the Spirit Hall behind him agreed with trepidation.
As he spoke, a wicked plan formed in his mind. Since he was here to cause trouble for the blacksmiths' association anyway, he might as well muddy the waters even further.
Just as the blacksmiths' guild members brought up the next item for auction, Miles announced loudly:
"Wait a moment."
Sisi was taken aback, then her expression turned cold, and she said in a cold voice:
"Bishop Miles, what brings you here? The auction is in progress, please have some self-respect."
Ignoring Siddy's warning, Miles laughed and pointed to the VIP room where Dai Yao was, shouting:
"Master Siddy, VIP number three has purchased dozens of rare ores, spending nearly 600,000 gold coins. I suspect he doesn't actually have that much money and is just making random bids to disrupt the normal proceedings of the auction!"
Immediately, many voices echoed this sentiment.
They had long suspected the people in VIP Room No. 3. Six hundred thousand gold coins—even their entire family didn't have that much money!
The noisy scene was gradually getting out of control. Sisi panicked for a moment and hurriedly ordered her servants to go to VIP room number three to verify the documents.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please be quiet! Our blacksmiths' association will definitely give you an explanation. Please calm down and continue the auction."
"I think we should wait until the other person comes back before making any decisions, to avoid anyone overcharging again."
Miles chuckled sinisterly.
Since he's going to cause trouble anyway, let's just stop the entire auction and delay it for as long as possible.
Backstage, Lou Gao sighed as he watched Si Di, who seemed somewhat lost.
"Miles is being far too aggressive; Stitch doesn't dare to stop him at all."
Silong stared coldly at the taunting Miles, wishing he could kill Miles on the spot!
Lou Gao stroked his long beard and calmly smiled:
"In that case, let's wait and see. I also want to know who this third VIP is. If he really has such strong financial resources, I can go and meet him later."
"yes."
Si Long said respectfully.
A moment later, the waiter finally emerged from VIP room number three, hurried up to the stage, and whispered something in Sisi's ear. Sisi's face suddenly paled with surprise, and she said with a mixture of shock and uncertainty:
Are you sure?
The waiter nodded affirmatively.
Sid took a deep breath, and under the watchful eyes of the many auctioneers, he slowly turned around and smiled:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the association has confirmed that the distinguished guest has no financial difficulties. However, the guest has emphasized that he cannot reveal his identity, therefore, I cannot tell you. I hope you will understand."
The Blacksmiths' Association was quite prestigious, so the auctioneers didn't make things too difficult for Siddy.
But Miles was different. He was already annoyed by the people in VIP room number three, and now they were hiding their true colors. He suddenly stood up and shouted:
"Come on! Let's go see who's in VIP room number three! They dare to steal from me? They're asking for trouble!"
As he stepped out of the VIP room, the blacksmiths' guild's maids quickly stopped him.
"Get out of my way!"
Miles slapped the maid without hesitation, roaring and exuding an aura of tyranny.
The maids fell silent, too terrified to step forward and stop them.
Miles entered VIP room number three, sneered, and kicked the door open. Hearing the loud bang, Dai Yao and the three women, Ning Rongrong and her companion, immediately turned to look at Miles.
In an instant, everything else paled in comparison; in Miles' eyes, there were only those three stunningly beautiful women.
He couldn't help but glance at the man, a surge of intense jealousy welling up inside him. Then, a possessive desire took hold of him; such a beautiful woman should belong to him!
His eyes were bloodshot as he suppressed his inner greed, forcing what he thought was his most benevolent smile, and he said in a high-pitched voice:
"Oh dear, my three maids went missing this morning. Turns out this man hid them here. Guards, take this man away! I need to properly comfort my three maids." (End of Chapter)