"Does this young master not have an invitation?" Just as Li Xuan was in shock, a graceful figure approached from behind him and spoke.
Li Xuan snapped back to attention at the sound and, upon looking, was momentarily stunned by the beauty of the woman before him. Her appearance was exceptional, and the four attending maidservants by her side were also each striking in their own way. What surprised Li Xuan, however, was his inability to sense the woman's aura.
Clearly, this woman possessed a spiritual treasure that concealed her aura.
"An invitation? It seems I really don't," Li Xuan replied with a wry smile.
"Would you like to accompany me inside, young master?" the woman asked with a smile upon hearing his words.
Li Xuan pondered for a moment before nodding. "That would be most appreciated, Miss."
The woman smiled and said, "My name is Cai Cha Xiang. May I know your esteemed name?"
Li Xuan clasped his hands in greeting. "I am Li Xuan. Greetings, Miss Cai."
"You are too kind, young master. Please, follow me," Cai Cha Xiang replied with a slight nod of her head before gesturing for him to proceed.
Soon, Li Xuan and Cai Cha Xiang arrived at the entrance of the Xingyao Auction House. As Cai Cha Xiang presented a token, the four guards immediately stepped aside.
"Please, young master," Cai Cha Xiang said, looking at Li Xuan.
"Alright," Li Xuan nodded and walked inside.
To Li Xuan's surprise, after Cai Cha Xiang entered, her four maidservants remained outside. Furthermore, the four guards looked at Cai Cha Xiang with a hint of reverence in their eyes.
"Cai Cha Xiang's background must be quite significant," Li Xuan mused. Though he didn't understand Cai Cha Xiang's warmth towards him, he was grateful for her assistance in entering so easily. Even if she had ulterior motives, that was a matter for later.
For now, all Li Xuan wanted to know was the relationship between the Xingyao Auction House and the Xingyao Trading Company.
Shortly after, a maidservant led Li Xuan and Cai Cha Xiang further inside. Upon reaching a private room, the maidservant opened the door, and Cai Cha Xiang entered first.
Li Xuan followed suit, finding two seats inside. A tea table was set with an array of spiritual fruits and teas.
"Young Master Li Xuan, this is a private room. Later, we can observe the auction in the main hall through this screen. If you wish to bid, you can do so through the attendant," Cai Cha Xiang explained to Li Xuan, appearing to be very familiar with the Xingyao Auction House.
"Very well," Li Xuan nodded and took a seat on the left.
"Miss, would you mind excusing yourself?" Li Xuan asked, glancing at the maidservant standing nearby.
"If you require anything, young master, you may press the service bell on the table," the maidservant replied with a slight bow before turning and leaving the room.
"Does the young master have something he wishes to inquire about?" Cai Cha Xiang asked with a smile after the maidservant had departed.
Li Xuan nodded somewhat awkwardly and said, "Miss Cai, I will be direct. We have never met, yet you took the initiative to bring me into this auction house. To be honest, I am a little perplexed."
Cai Cha Xiang smiled, as if she had anticipated his question. "It is good that you can ask directly, young master. It shows you are a forthright person. To be frank, your esteemed master specifically instructed me to do so when I left home today."
Li Xuan frowned slightly. Did Cai Cha Xiang's words imply that someone had foreseen all this?
Seeing Li Xuan's confusion, Cai Cha Xiang continued, "Before leaving, your esteemed master warned me that if I encountered anyone blocking my path, I must offer assistance. If an acquaintance could be made, it would be even better. All the way here, it was you who stood in my way."
Li Xuan became intrigued by the mention of Cai Cha Xiang's esteemed master. Such a person, if not speaking offhand, must possess true abilities. Someone who could glimpse the secrets of heaven was undoubtedly powerful.
As a Spirit Master, Li Xuan knew well that the ephemeral nature of heavenly secrets was not something anyone could easily comprehend.
"Might I have the opportunity to meet your esteemed master?" Li Xuan asked after some thought.
Cai Cha Xiang smiled and nodded. "Then, after the auction concludes, would you accompany me back?"
"Agreed," Li Xuan nodded, his gaze then shifting to the illuminated screen that had appeared on the wall.
The auction had begun.