Surrounding the central exhibition platform were tiers of elevated VIP boxes.
These private suites were constructed from one-way Soul Tool glass. From the outside, they appeared completely dark, exuding an air of mystery and prestige.
The suites on the highest level were especially spacious, offering the best views. One could even vaguely make out the furnishings within.
"This is the Sky Vault."
Lin Xia introduced it calmly.
"It is the Blacksmith Association's auction hall."
"An auction is held once every week for specially invited guests. Every item offered is a treasure on the same level as those displayed in the Hall of Essence on the second floor, or an exclusive Soul Tool produced in extremely limited quantities, possessing special historical significance or strategic value. Some are even one-of-a-kind."
At that moment, the central platform lit up.
An ancient yet imposing dark-gold armguard, enveloped in a gentle white glow, slowly rotated into view.
The auctioneer's passionate voice echoed throughout the entire hall through an amplification Soul Tool.
"The next auction item comes directly from the City Lord's Research Institute, the Titan Bastion Heavy Soul Tool Armguard!"
"It is forged from Deep Sea Heavy Silver, Starlight Gold, and a trace amount of Divine Meteor Iron! At its core is an energy amplifier crafted from a ten-thousand-year Earth King Soul Bone!"
"Its physical defense has surpassed conventional limits and comes with the area-control Soul Skill, Gravity Domain! The starting bid is eight million Gold Soul Coins! Each increase must be no less than five hundred thousand!"
Before the auctioneer had even finished speaking, over a dozen bidding lights lit up simultaneously from both the seats below and the VIP suites.
Offers rose one after another.
The price skyrocketed almost instantly.
Standing in the shadows near the entrance, Lou Gao watched the magnificent spectacle where wealth and desire intertwined.
His gaze drifted toward the indistinct figures behind the glass of the VIP suites.
He could easily imagine who sat within.
Perhaps a prince of the Star Luo Empire.
A Platinum Bishop of the Spirit Hall.
A representative of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Or perhaps the leaders of some hidden ancient clans.
An overwhelming sense of power washed over him.
Through these irreplaceable treasures, Gengxin City firmly controlled both the attention and the wealth of the continent's greatest powers.
"Those suites..."
"The three VIP suites with the best view on the top level belong to the Blacksmith Association Headquarters, the City Lord's Mansion, and our most important strategic partners."
Lin Xia explained calmly.
"The remaining suites require both extraordinary status and proof of immense wealth before they can be reserved."
Lou Gao was left speechless.
His heart was filled with mixed emotions.
The Blacksmith Association's status had long since surpassed even the furthest limits of his imagination.
After silently watching the fierce bidding for a while, he finally spoke.
"Let's go."
"It's too noisy here."
They stepped onto the floating staircase once more.
Passing through a much heavier energy gate engraved with defensive Soul Tool formations, all the noise and extravagance vanished in an instant.
What greeted Lou Gao next finally soothed both his tense nerves and his overwhelmed heart for the first time.
This was no longer a cold, majestic fortress of steel overflowing with overwhelming power.
Instead, it was an aerial garden and residential district filled with the warmth of everyday life.
The lighting was bright yet gentle, resembling the soft glow of natural morning sunlight.
Beneath their feet stretched soft grassy pathways carrying the faint fragrance of fresh plants.
Beautiful flowerbeds surrounded them, filled with countless exotic flowers and rare plants that ordinarily could never survive in a desert environment, clearly sustained by sophisticated Soul Tool climate-control and irrigation systems.
Clear streams flowed gently over carefully arranged ornamental rocks before collecting in crystal-clear ponds.
Several detached residences of varying architectural styles were scattered harmoniously throughout the lush greenery.
Some featured enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and scenic balconies.
Others emphasized privacy and quiet elegance.
The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the peaceful warmth that could only be described as home.
"The upper three floors serve as the Association's core operational areas."
Lin Xia's voice softened noticeably, carrying a hint of relaxation.
"And this is our home within the Steel Fortress."
"Senior Brothers Silong, Sidi, Sikai, and Siyu all live here, along with Zhuqing and myself. After everyone finishes their research and work, this is where we come to rest and unwind."
"Teacher, your residence has already been prepared as well."
He raised a hand and pointed toward a noticeably larger courtyard in the distance.
It commanded a broader view and incorporated numerous classical forging elements into its design.
Standing upon the grassy pathway, Lou Gao slowly looked around.
On one side lay Gengxin City beneath them, its brilliant lights and dazzling neon illuminating the Future City that symbolized limitless power and unimaginable wealth.
On the other side was this peaceful sanctuary in the sky, filled with flowers, birdsong, and the comforting atmosphere of home.
Ultimate strength and ultimate gentleness.
Perfectly united atop this unbelievable structure.
He remained silent for a long time.
So long that Lin Xia began to think he simply needed time to absorb everything.
Finally, Lou Gao slowly drew in a deep breath scented with flowers before turning around.
His molten-gold eyes churned with emotions unlike anything he had ever displayed before.
There was lingering astonishment.
The bewilderment of witnessing a miracle.
Pride in his disciple's accomplishments.
Emotion over the tremendous changes of the era.
And even a trace of disbelief, as though he were still trapped inside a dream.
He raised a large hand and vigorously rubbed his youthful yet battle-hardened face, which had been tempered by the Divine Flame.
His voice was low and slow, carrying a rare exhaustion born entirely from overwhelming shock.
Looking at Lin Xia, he spoke softly.
"Xia you brat..."
He paused, searching for the most appropriate words.
In the end, all that emerged was a long sigh.
"The shock you've given me is simply too great."
"Far too great..."
Lou Gao smiled bitterly.
That smile was filled with countless emotions.
"So great that even your teacher is starting to question his entire life."
He lifted his head toward the vast night sky, where countless ancient stars glittered overhead, as though hoping to find some familiar point of reference among the eternal heavens.
"I only went into seclusion once..."
"It feels like I merely took a nap."
"And when I woke up, the world was no longer the world I knew."
"Blacksmiths, the Association, homenall of this."
He looked at Lin Xia, his gaze indescribably complicated.
"Everything you've accomplished is like bringing myths into reality."
Seeing the once-unyielding King of Blacksmiths, whose iron will had feared nothing, reveal such genuine bewilderment and vulnerability, a warm feeling welled up within Lin Xia's heart.
He offered no explanation.
Nor did he boast.
He simply responded with a calm, warm smile.
That smile held understanding, respect, and heartfelt joy at his teacher's return.
He knew that any words spoken at this moment would seem pale and meaningless.
His teacher simply needed time to adjust to this miraculous city that Lin Xia had built with his own hands.
However, the peaceful moment did not last long.
Just as Lou Gao was still immersed in the overwhelming impact on his heart, the door of a nearby courtyard was suddenly flung open!
"Junior Brother! Is that Junior Brother back?"
"I knew it! There was such a huge commotion downstairs just now."
"Wait! That red-haired man is.?!"
Accompanied by several cries of surprise and excitement, a few familiar figures rushed out like a whirlwind.
Leading them was none other than Senior Brother Silong.
Close behind him were Sidi, Sikai, and Siyu.
They had apparently only come out after hearing the disturbance below.
But the moment their gazes moved past Lin Xia and landed on the tall, broad-shouldered figure standing beside him, with his crimson hair, molten-gold eyes, and an aura that was both familiar and strangely unfamiliar.
They all froze in place as though struck by a petrification technique.
The faintly glowing Soul Tool metal ingot in Silong's hand slipped free.
Clang!
It landed on the soft grass with a dull thud, but he didn't notice in the slightest.
Sidi's mouth fell wide open, large enough to fit an egg.
The usually composed Sikai's eyes widened into perfect circles, and even the hand gripping his tool began to tremble slightly.
As for the most lively among them, Siyu instinctively covered her mouth before letting out an incredulous cry tinged with sobs.
"M... Master?!"
"Is it really Master?!!"
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