The moment the auction officially ended—
the excitement within the Merchant Organization did not fade.
Instead—
it became even more dangerous.
Many cultivators began leaving the auction hall.
Sect elders.
Clan leaders.
Merchants.
Wandering experts.
Countless figures moved through the enormous building.
Some left satisfied.
Some left disappointed.
Some left with treasures.
And some left with greed burning inside their hearts.
Inside the Dragon Pendant—
Tian Wuchen's voice suddenly echoed.
"Lin Shuan."
Lin Shuan immediately became serious.
"What is it, Master?"
Tian Wuchen remained silent for several breaths.
Then he spoke slowly.
"You should be careful now."
"The auction may have ended..."
"But the real danger has only begun."
Lin Shuan's eyes narrowed.
Tian Wuchen continued.
"Several people have already set their eyes on you."
"Although that mysterious black-robed man possesses treasures even more attractive than yours..."
"Your value is far greater."
"The herbs."
"The techniques."
"The resources."
"And most importantly..."
"The secrets behind them."
Lin Shuan quietly nodded.
"I know, Master."
His expression remained calm.
But inwardly—
he understood perfectly.
The auction had revealed too much.
Far too much.
A youth capable of casually producing five-thousand-year-old treasures...
Ninety-thousand-year-old herbs...
Golden Spirit Fruits...
Such a person naturally attracted attention.
Dangerous attention.
Without another word—
Lin Shuan stood.
He glanced toward Han Qing Li and the others.
Then spoke through spiritual transmission.
"You all leave first."
The group immediately looked confused.
Han Qing Li frowned.
"Why?"
"There may be some danger here."
"I'll catch up shortly."
Yan Feng Luo blinked.
"Danger?"
Lin Shuan smiled.
"Nothing that can harm you."
"But I'd rather keep everyone away from it."
The group exchanged looks.
Eventually—
they nodded.
Soon—
the nine youths departed first.
Meanwhile—
Lin Shuan quietly entered one of the Merchant Organization's private jade chambers.
The room was luxurious.
Jade walls.
Spirit lamps.
Expensive furniture.
A faint spiritual fragrance filled the air.
Lin Shuan sat quietly.
Waiting.
Several minutes later—
the door opened.
Elder Wu entered first.
Beside him—
walked Yun Ruoshi.
The moment she saw Lin Shuan—
her expression changed slightly.
Previously—
she had only viewed him as a mysterious merchant possessing extraordinary treasures.
A valuable customer.
A respected trader.
But after Elder Wu informed her of his true identity—
everything changed.
This was Shuan Hao.
Champion of the Empire Warriors Tournament.
The genius who had shaken the entire Da Cang Empire.
The atmosphere immediately became more respectful.
Yun Ruoshi smiled warmly.
"Young Friend Shuan Hao."
"You are truly generous."
"Your treasures brought enormous benefits to our Merchant Organization today."
Lin Shuan scratched his cheek.
Then gave a bitter laugh.
"Hehe..."
"It's not really a big deal."
Silence.
Elder Wu blinked.
Yun Ruoshi blinked.
Not a big deal?
Five-thousand-year treasures.
Ninety-thousand-year herbs.
Golden Spirit Fruits.
And he called it not a big deal?
For a moment—
both of them didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Finally—
Lin Shuan changed the topic.
"Can I receive payment now?"
Yun Ruoshi immediately recovered.
"Of course."
She smiled.
Then glanced toward Elder Wu.
"Young Friend Shuan Hao..."
"You spent almost your entire fortune purchasing treasures today."
"However..."
"After deducting our five percent commission..."
"The remaining amount from your sales is approximately five hundred thousand gold coins."
BOOOOM!
Lin Shuan felt as though someone had smashed a hammer into his head.
His face froze.
"Only five hundred thousand?!"
"After selling all those treasures?!"
His voice nearly rose an octave.
Yun Ruoshi couldn't help laughing.
Even Elder Wu smiled.
The young man who casually threw around hundred-million-gold treasures—
was actually depressed over five hundred thousand gold coins.
The contrast was absurd.
Then—
Yun Ruoshi produced two cards.
One purple.
One golden.
She placed them before him.
"Young Friend Shuan Hao."
"Your payment."
Lin Shuan picked them up.
The first card immediately looked familiar.
"Hm?"
"I already have one of these."
He raised the purple card.
Elder Wu chuckled.
Yun Ruoshi explained.
"They are different."
"The one Elder Wu previously gave you represents your status as a Merchant Organization member."
"This one contains your remaining funds."
Lin Shuan nodded.
"Oh."
"So that's how it works."
Then—
his gaze shifted toward the golden card.
The moment he saw it—
he became curious.
"What about this one?"
Yun Ruoshi glanced toward Elder Wu.
The old man nodded.
Then she smiled.
"This is a gift from the Merchant Organization."
Lin Shuan blinked.
"A gift?"
Yun Ruoshi nodded.
"Lifetime privileges."
Lin Shuan immediately sat straighter.
Yun Ruoshi began explaining.
"Priority seating at auctions."
"Advance information regarding rare treasures."
"Reduced transaction fees."
"Assistance from Merchant Organization branches throughout the Da Cang Empire."
"Free accommodations."
"Private auctions."
"Confidential information networks."
"Special protection services."
"And..."
She smiled.
"You will be recognized as a distinguished guest."
Silence.
Lin Shuan stared at the golden card.
Then stared at Yun Ruoshi.
Then stared at the card again.
Just from selling some treasures—
he received all this?
The Merchant Organization truly lived up to its reputation.
Even Elder Wu couldn't suppress a smile.
Few young people could receive such treatment.
Very few.
At that moment—
another knock sounded.
The door opened.
A beautiful maid entered.
She carried a silver tray covered by red silk.
Respectfully—
she placed it before Lin Shuan.
Yun Ruoshi spoke.
"Your Heaven Rank Third-Class Technique."
"And the Dragon Blood."
Lin Shuan immediately uncovered the tray.
The jade scroll appeared first.
Without hesitation—
he stored it away.
Then—
his gaze landed upon the crimson droplet.
The moment he picked it up—
a faint dragon pressure spread through the room.
Inside the Dragon Pendant—
Tian Wuchen immediately spoke.
"Azure Dragon Bloodline."
Lin Shuan's eyes brightened.
Tian Wuchen continued.
"The dragon was only Rank Seven before death."
"But even so..."
"It will greatly strengthen your bloodline."
"And help improve your control over the Frost Divine Heart."
Lin Shuan slowly exhaled.
That was excellent news.
Carefully—
he stored the blood droplet away.
Everything was finally settled.
Soon—
he stood.
Then respectfully cupped his fists toward Elder Wu and Yun Ruoshi.
"Thank you."
Elder Wu smiled.
Yun Ruoshi smiled as well.
Then—
both personally escorted him toward the gate.
As he reached the doorway—
Yun Ruoshi suddenly spoke.
"Young Friend Shuan Hao."
Lin Shuan turned.
"Yes?"
A sincere smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you."
"And you are always welcome at our auctions."
Lin Shuan smiled.
"I'll remember that."
Soon—
he stepped outside.
But the moment he emerged—
his footsteps stopped.
A familiar figure was approaching.
Black robes.
Hidden face.
Calm steps.
The mysterious man from the auction.
The same individual who had purchased the Golden Spirit Fruits.
The same individual who had shaken the entire hall.
The mysterious man stopped before Lin Shuan.
Then—
he spoke.
"So..."
"You are Lin Shuan."
Lin Shuan's pupils instantly contracted.
A chill ran through his body.
How?
His mask remained on.
His identity was hidden.
Almost nobody knew his real name.
Yet this man had immediately identified him.
The black-robed figure looked completely certain.
As though there wasn't the slightest possibility of being mistaken.
Then he spoke again.
"Lin Shuan."
"You can hide for now."
"But sooner or later..."
"Yu Long Sect will find you."
"And when they do..."
"You will die."
Lin Shuan's heart shook violently.
Yu Long Sect.
The name instantly ignited countless emotions.
Hatred.
Pain.
Anger.
Revenge.
His eyes became ice cold.
White lightning-like lines appeared within his pupils.
The surrounding air instantly dropped in temperature.
"Yu Long Sect..."
Lin Shuan's voice became hoarse.
"So you're from Yu Long Sect...?"
The killing intent within him surged.
For a brief moment—
he nearly attacked.
But then—
Tian Wuchen's voice exploded inside his mind.
"LIN SHUAN!"
"Now is not the time!"
"You'll attract countless hidden experts!"
"And that man is stronger than you."
Much stronger.
Lin Shuan's fists clenched.
His nails dug into his palms.
Eventually—
he forced himself to calm down.
The mysterious man simply laughed.
A calm laugh.
Then—
without another word—
he walked past Lin Shuan.
Straight into the jade chamber.
As though nothing had happened.
As though the threat he had just delivered was meaningless.
Lin Shuan remained standing there.
Silent.
Until a familiar voice pulled him back.
"Shuan Hao!"
Yan Feng Luo rushed forward.
The others quickly followed.
However—
the moment Yan Feng Luo saw Lin Shuan's expression—
he froze.
"Is everything alright?"
Lin Shuan stared at him.
Then suddenly laughed.
"Haha."
"Everything's fine."
The tension instantly disappeared.
The group relaxed.
Soon—
everyone began walking together.
Yan Feng Luo stretched dramatically.
"Brother Shuan."
"We need food."
"I'm starving."
"My stomach is already cultivating its own beast army."
Everyone laughed.
Lin Shuan looked around.
Only now did he notice.
Almost everyone appeared exhausted.
Even Han Qing Li looked somewhat tired.
Thus—
the group headed toward a nearby restaurant.
Unfortunately—
their luck wasn't good.
The owner immediately shook his head.
"My apologies."
"Today's food supplies are already gone."
"And the third watch of the night has already begun."
"You'll need to try elsewhere."
Yan Feng Luo looked as though his soul had left his body.
"No..."
"My food..."
He nearly collapsed.
The group quickly dragged him away.
Eventually—
they arrived at another restaurant.
This one was far more luxurious.
Several stories tall.
Bright lanterns illuminated every level.
From the ceiling to the ground floor—
tables filled the establishment.
Many customers were still eating.
Some were auction participants.
Others belonged to nearby sects.
The atmosphere was lively.
The moment they entered—
a servant approached respectfully.
"This way, honored guests."
Soon—
he guided them toward an empty table beside a large window.
The location was excellent.
One could easily view the city's night scenery from there.
Everyone sat down.
Lin Shuan.
Han Qing Li.
Lei Yun Hua.
Xue Mei Yun.
Xue Han Yue.
Han Xue Long.
Lei Hao Tian.
Yan Feng Luo.
Han Lei Jun.
Lei Zhan Yu.
Tai Gu Chen.
For the first time since the auction—
everyone finally relaxed.
Outside—
the night wind gently drifted through the window.
Inside—
the restaurant buzzed with conversation.
Meanwhile—
far beyond the city lights—
unseen shadows had already begun moving.
And many eyes—
were slowly turning toward one particular young man.
Lin Shuan.