The gates of Azure City rose tall and imposing under the midday sun. Tall stone walls carved with phoenix motifs guarded the bustling hub of the Eastern Azure Continent. Merchants, cultivators, and nobles streamed in and out like a living river.
Walter and his four companions passed through without trouble. His new inner disciple token from the sect plus the tournament win made the guards respectful.
"Azure City," Walter said, looking around with sharp eyes. "Bigger than I expected. Perfect place to grow stronger."
Sylvara walked beside him, her icy aura keeping curious stares away. "Markets, auction houses, and hidden experts everywhere. We need information on the next secret realm."
Vespera stayed close, her gentle healing presence calming the group. "And a safe inn first. Everyone's qi is still adjusting from the new bond."
Thalira grinned, hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "And maybe a good fight. I'm itching for real action after that small sect."
Calyria adjusted her luxurious robes, emerald eyes scanning the crowd like a merchant appraising goods. "There's a major auction house here tonight. The Azure Pavilion. Rare pills, weapons, and spirit herbs will be sold. We should attend."
The system chimed softly.
[Main Mission Update: Enter Azure City – Completed]
[New Mission: Acquire a Treasure from the Azure Pavilion Auction]
[Bonus: Impress or claim a new high-value target during the event]
The goddess purred in Walter's mind. "The fifth flower is close, Walter. Keep your eyes open. She will be… wild."
They checked into a high-class inn near the auction house. After a quick meal and a short group cultivation session to stabilize their bonds, the group headed out.
The Azure Pavilion was grand — three stories of polished jade and glowing arrays. Rich cultivators filled the hall. Walter's group took seats in the middle section, drawing attention.
Whispers spread quickly.
"Is that the new champion from Azure Phoenix Sect?"
"He has four beautiful women with him… lucky bastard."
A loud voice cut through the murmurs. A tall young man in expensive golden robes stepped forward with his entourage. His face was arrogant, eyes full of disdain.
"You're Walter Cooper?" the young master sneered. "The trash who somehow won a small sect tournament? Pathetic. I am Jin Kai from the Golden Flame Clan. This auction is for real elites, not country bumpkins with their little harem pets."
Thalira's eyes flashed with fire. Sylvara's aura chilled the air. Calyria narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed at being called a "pet."
Walter stayed calm, a dangerous smile forming. "Jin Kai. Big words for someone whose clan is only mid-tier. If you want trouble, we can settle it after the auction. Or are you all talk?"
Jin Kai laughed. "After the auction? Fine. I'll buy the best item here and show you what real power looks like."
The auction began. Items flew by — spirit swords, rare herbs, low-grade pills. Walter bid strategically using the resources he won from the tournament.
Then the main item appeared: a glowing Dual Cultivation Jade Slip containing an ancient technique. Perfect for harem growth.
Bidding grew fierce. Jin Kai raised the price aggressively.
Walter countered calmly, his voice steady. "One thousand high-grade spirit stones."
The crowd gasped. Jin Kai glared. "One thousand five hundred!"
Walter smiled. "Two thousand."
Jin Kai slammed his hand on the table. "You dare—"
Before he could finish, a new voice cut in from the VIP balcony.
"Three thousand."
Everyone turned. A stunning woman with long obsidian-black hair streaked with crimson and sharp violet-red eyes leaned over the railing. Demonic energy faintly swirled around her — subtle but unmistakable. She wore dark red robes that hugged her dangerous curves, exuding both seduction and threat.
Nyxara Shadowveil.
The system exploded with alerts.
[High Potential Target Detected: Nyxara Shadowveil]
[Bloodline: Half-Demon Phoenix (Rare and Powerful)]
[Special Physique: Yandere Crimson Flame Body]
[Bonding Reward Projection: Massive offensive power boost + possessive loyalty once claimed]
The goddess laughed seductively. "There she is. Wild, possessive, and very strong. She will be intense… in every way."
Nyxara's violet-red eyes locked directly onto Walter. A slow, dangerous smile curved her lips. She ignored Jin Kai completely and stared only at him — and the four women beside him.
"Interesting," she murmured, loud enough for the hall to hear. "A man who travels with four beauties and still has the qi to bid so confidently. I like bold ones."
Jin Kai looked furious but didn't dare challenge her. Nyxara's aura felt stronger than most Core Formation experts in the room.
Walter met her gaze boldly and nodded once. "The jade slip would be useful… but perhaps we can discuss better ways to share power after the auction."
Nyxara's smile widened, a hint of yandere intensity flashing in her eyes. "I'll hold you to that, Walter Cooper."
The auction continued, but the tension in the hall had shifted. Jin Kai shot Walter a murderous look before storming out.
Walter's group won a few smaller items, but Nyxara secured the Dual Cultivation Jade Slip.
As the event ended, Nyxara descended from the VIP area and walked straight toward them. Her presence made the crowd part.
"Four women already," she said, stopping in front of Walter. Her voice was low and teasing. "Yet I sense you still have room for one more. Care to prove how bold you really are?"
Sylvara, Vespera, Thalira, and Calyria tensed, but none moved to stop her. They could feel the system's pull through their bonds.
Walter stepped forward, meeting Nyxara's intense gaze. "Tonight. My inn. We can… discuss the jade slip and other things."
Nyxara's crimson-streaked hair swayed as she leaned closer, lips brushing his ear. "I don't share easily. But for you… I might make an exception. Don't keep me waiting."
She turned and walked away, hips swaying with dangerous grace.
The fifth target had appeared.
The real game in Azure City had just begun.