Chapter Fifty-Eight: The God Fox Appears, Chaos is About to Unfold

Although I couldn’t see the girl’s expression, just feeling the faint astonishment and slightly stiff posture emanating from her petite form, the Oracle couldn’t help but smile as he stroked his beard.

“It seems Miss Xī indeed recognizes this item; it was granted by the revered deity, the God Fox, to the Lingyin Clan. Such a marvel can traverse space instantly, allowing people like Ming Lan to cross the Eastern Sea freely between realms. Of course, this treasure is precious, and even within the Merchant Association, few possess it, reserved only for the higher-ups, so Miss Xī shouldn’t worry about it being seen by outsiders.”

However, the old man was unaware that his words served as the trigger for certain speculations bubbling within the girl’s heart.

“Hehe… how interesting ~ Given by the God Fox, really… this is just too fascinating. Coming to the Lingyin Merchant Association today truly wasn’t in vain ~”

“Guh!”

The girl with the white fox mask lifted her head slightly. Despite her tone remaining frivolous, even accompanied by a hint of amusement, the fearsome pressure erupting from her emotional fluctuation was enough to chill the hearts of any mere mortal. Even the Oracle, accustomed to powerful beings and incredible phenomena, instinctively took a step back, leaking a quiet, instinctual whimper of embarrassment.

“Oh, sorry, I seem to have lost my composure.”

Noticing the shift in the person beside her, that terrifying aura reminiscent of an ancient, monstrous beast withdrew once more, retreating into the girl’s form as if everything prior were merely an illusion of the old man.

Miss White Fox turned around, gently nodding.

“Alright, let’s hurry inside. To be honest, I’m actually looking forward to this so-called auction now.”

With that, as if she had done this countless times before, the girl stepped confidently through the silver door, quickly vanishing within the embrace of the light.

Only after she had transmitted away did the president of the Lingyin Merchant Association, the aptly named Oracle, let out a sigh of relief, pulling a handkerchief from his sleeve to wipe the cold sweat that had soaked his blindfold.

“Such an overwhelming presence in just a fleeting thought… Truly, no wonder she is recognized as the strongest among the Lingyin Clan, a Spiritual Fox Priestess who commands respect across the Eastern Sea, provoking fear in countless foes… It seems there is hardly anyone in the world who could match her other than the elusive true deities.”

“Sigh, but with the God Fox appearing, chaos will surely ensue. The Spiritual Fox Priestess, who hasn’t been seen for a millennium, appearing again… means our days of peace are likely numbered…”

……

Through the invisible space portal of unknown origin, after a brief familiar and indistinguishable spatial shift, Vilyric soon found herself in another secluded chamber.

Clearly, this couldn’t be the actual auction venue, but as the Oracle suggested, the “Invisible Space Portal” was an advanced tool surpassing the current spatial technology of this world by generations; its intrinsic value was beyond monetary measurement and should not be seen by too many outsiders.

After waiting a short while in the room, the president of the Lingyin Merchant Association, the Oracle, arrived through the portal as well. Without needing to say much, he dismissed the door and left with Vilyric.

The Lingyin Merchant Association wasn’t a secret underground force that needed to conjure an air of mystery; thus, there was no necessity to set the auction location underground. If Vilyric guessed correctly, they were still within Mingguang City, inside an elegant and charmingly spacious ancient castle.

Such architectural styles were not uncommon in the Holy Empire. Many long-lived beings seemingly particularly favored these classical abodes, as the wealth amassed over their long lives easily supported such lavishness. After all, it wasn’t theft or robbery; as long as one didn’t openly violate the Church’s prohibitions, the temples wouldn’t meddle with others’ living standards.

Perhaps due to the exclusive passage, Vilyric didn’t see anyone else except for herself and the Oracle along the way. They chatted as they walked until they entered a particularly vast hall on the second floor, where the surrounding environment finally grew lively.

“Is this the place?”

“Indeed, please, have a seat, Miss Xī.”

Compared to below, the area on the second floor wasn’t large. There was only a row of luxurious sofas. The Oracle guided the white fox girl to sit in the central seat, which was empty, and instead of leaving, he chose to take a seat beside Vilyric, laying an ancient abacus on his lap, for which its purpose remained a mystery.

Soon, a maid arrived with a tray bearing exquisite desserts and drinks. The Priestess didn’t hold back and accepted everything without hesitation.

The Mask of the God Fox was no ordinary mask; as a semi-artifact, its grade was not inferior to the three sacred ornaments Vilyric usually used. Although its overall value might be slightly less than the set when considered as a single item, at least it wouldn’t pose the fundamental problem of being unable to eat while wearing it.

While stuffing the delicately made desserts into her mouth beneath the mask, Vilyric kept an eye on her surroundings.

This place was likely a hall within the castle’s mid-level. Although it was night, the bright yet non-dazzling magical lights illuminated the interior as if it were daytime, and the overall structure of the hall was indeed a semi-circular design akin to a performance theater.

The platform directly in front was clearly where the auction items would soon be presented, while the second-floor platforms occupied by Vilyric and the Oracle were situated in a blind spot of the first floor, allowing them to observe the entire venue while remaining extraordinarily discreet. It was evidently an area reserved for distinguished guests.

“Looking at this, even in the Holy Empire, which venerates light and equality, class divisions are still undeniably present. How ironic! I wonder how that Light Goddess would feel if she saw this?”

Hearing the white fox girl’s subtly pointed remark, the elderly man understood her meaning and smiled slightly.

“Miss Xī, absolute equality is impossible to achieve; even within the same race and family, there exists inherent differences in abilities and talents at birth. Anyone wishing to earn respect and favor must display the corresponding qualifications.”

“Hmm? From what I gather, it seems Mr. Oracle has some reservations about the doctrines of the Church. Hehe, in this holy country’s western capital, one must tread carefully with such words ~”

Not seeming to care about Vilyric’s teasing banter, the elderly man simply smiled in silence. Meanwhile, the main auction house below gradually filled with people, the noise increasing as various races began to appear, and Vilyric even spotted one or two vaguely familiar figures among them.

However, she didn’t pay much attention to the crowd below. Instead, she looked around and turned her gaze towards the elderly man beside her who resembled a strange hermit from the deep mountains rather than the president of the Merchant Association, displaying a hint of confusion.

“By the way, why is nobody else on our level? There should at least be ten or twenty seats; are we the only two here?”

“Ah ~ Originally, there were indeed reservations made for a full house, but since Miss Xī graciously honored us with her presence, this old man sent them all down to the lower level to avoid disturbing your tranquility.”

“……Huh?”

Hearing the Oracle speak with an expression as calm as if he were casually suggesting, “How about beef noodle soup for dinner tonight?” even though Vilyric had anticipated the immense power contained within the Lingyin Merchant Association, she couldn’t help but be astonished.

Goodness, that’s really throwing those distinguished guests under the bus; one could say it was completely fearlessness.

But it didn’t matter much; in fact, it was quite convenient for her to avoid meaningless socializing, and Miss Vilyric was more than happy to dodge when possible.

Just then, the Oracle continued with a smile.

“Of course, to say it’s just the two of us wouldn’t be entirely accurate; a distinguished guest will also be joining us shortly. After all, she is an important partner of our Lingyin Merchant Association, and it wouldn’t do to treat her rudely. I hope Miss Xī won’t mind, hehe ~”

   

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