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Chapter 100 - Invitation
🕑 Added 2024-08-22 07:00:10 +0000 UTCThe Grand Stadium, a colossal structure located behind the Alchemy Association Headquarters, was ablaze with vibrant lights and bustling with activity. Its grandeur was a testament to the wealth of the Alchemy Association, capable of accommodating nearly a million eager spectators.
The air was thick with anticipation, and the atmosphere was lively as cultivators from all over the South Region gathered, their eyes gleaming, some with excitement and some with ambition.
The Leyan family, excited to see what the special market could offer, made their way through the bustling crowds, each member dressed in their better attire, well, at least better than their usual country bumpkin attire, especially Leyvi and Lilian. However, they were still incomparable to the attire of other rich and powerful that were present.
Leyvi's eyes swept over the bustling stalls and street performers with keen interest, noticing that many were selling unique stuff he had never seen before. The aroma of exotic spices and the chatter of merchants from distant lands filled the air. Leyvi also noticed some stalls were selling foods he had never tried before, making him intrigued.
Anda, with her discerning eye, quickly spotted a stall that sold rare herbs. It was one of the ingredients she needed for the ancient alchemy product. She grabbed Lilian's hand and dragged her along, whispering excitedly about something to her. Lilian, ever the silent companion, nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with shared enthusiasm. They disappeared into the crowd of the special market, accompanied by Valenia, leaving the rest behind.
Leyvi turned and said to them, "Alright, today is just the special market but there are so many different stuff being sold here so everyone can separate, explore, buy what you want, and enjoy your day."
The kids and the maids cheered as they separated into a few groups and went to explore the special market. Tal, Tasya, and Bana walked toward a direction together, Hana with Sayu and Fifi moved together with Nikita. Only Nala and Layla were left with Leyvi.
Nala obviously wouldn't waste this chance to be closer to Leyvi as she hugged Leyvi's left arm and had skin contact with her bare side boob. She decided to accompany Leyvi all day. Meanwhile, Layla walked on Leyvi's right side in her more elegant secretary outfit. It has more frills than usual.
As they strolled through the market, Nala pointed out various stalls that caught her eye, mostly the ones selling spirit weapons and armor. Because she was always broke, she never got the chance to buy one. Now that Anda was generous enough to give everyone bonus money to spend, she was tempted.
After all spirit weapons, armor and artifacts were extremely expensive, especially the ones crafted with an integrated special array. It was like having a martial skill without the need to learn and practice it. Just supply the Qi and a special attack will be produced.
"You already have the Beast Tamer Qi-Sharing Pair Ring, no need to waste money for now," Leyvi said. Even though he only had some normal spirit armor, he didn't use them anymore due to his strong body.
A lot of tier-1 spirit artifacts and spirit armor he bought, that could save his life in the past couldn't be used anymore because they became obsolete since his cultivation progressed much faster.
If he wanted to buy any of them right now, it must be at least tier-3 equipment. Tier 2 wouldn't be good since he might become a Core Formation cultivator in just a few years.
"Ah, you are right. I forgot about that ring. I used it once to try to make Reddie evolve but after that failed I forgot about it. I kept thinking about you all day after all." Nala said. Her Reddie was a high-level demonic beast now equivalent to her realm so she wouldn't have to fight alone anymore.
Leyvi rolled his eyes. The spirit artifact that she won was way better than the things sold here and she forgot about it. Also, stop thinking about him all day.
But before they could proceed, a commotion caught their attention.
"You cheating bastard! This is a fake!" A burly man roared, holding up a shimmering sword that was clearly not living up to its exorbitant price tag.
Leyvi turned his gaze to the source of the commotion. A stall vendor was desperately trying to convince a group of angry customers that his goods were genuine, but his sweat-soaked brow and shaky voice told a different story.
The man with the sword was flanked by two others, one holding a cracked shield that was supposed to be tier-2 armor and another with a quiver of arrows.
The tension grew as the vendor's pleas turned to curses, and it was clear that things were about to turn violent. Before the situation could escalate further, a squad of the city's guards, clad in their crimson and gold uniforms, waded through the crowd.
They were swift and decisive, their authority unmistakable as they apprehended the dishonest vendor. The fakes were confiscated, and the trio's money was returned. One example was enough to deter other people from causing trouble.
"You see that Nala? There are scammers around. If you don't know how to appraise things, you might get scammed." Leyvi said. He felt that things like spirit weapons and artifacts were better bought at a renowned place like the Treasure Pavilion since their reputation was high and scams were unlikely to happen.
"You don't have to worry about me, I'm not that naive. But, thanks for the reminder, I will offer my body for you tonight." Nala stuck her tongue out playfully at him.
Leyvi ignored her sexual remark as always.
"Layla, how long does the special market last?" Leyvi asked.
"Four days. Starting tomorrow, there will be seminars, exhibitions, and auctions held at the headquarters building. Except for the auction, the other events might not interest us because they were related to alchemists. The competition for young alchemists will start on day 5th." Layla explained.
"Are we allowed to go to the auction?" Leyvi inquired. He wanted to participate in an auction because he was curious.
"No, only powerful families or organizations with an invitation can attend the auction. It's where the most valuable and rare items are traded, and it's quite exclusive. You need to have deep pockets and a good reputation to even get a foot in the door." Layla's voice was filled with a hint of envy.
"Hahaha! Don't worry, one day our family will receive invitations too. At that time you will be our representative." He wasn't particularly upset that they couldn't attend the auction. Their money wouldn't be enough anyway.
As they walked away from the spirit weapon section, Selene Goldstone suddenly appeared from the crowd, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She made her way through the throngs of people, the light pink feathers on her coat fluttering in the breeze.
"Leyvi Leyan!" Selene called out, her voice cutting through the din of the special market.
Leyvi turned around, surprised to see Selene approaching with a beaming smile. "Young Lady Selene Goldstone," he greeted her politely, then looked around to see if her father was nearby.
Selene's eyes darted to Nala, who was still clinging to his arm. Selene was feeling a twinge of jealousy at the sight of Nala so intimately attached to Leyvi. The young lady's gaze lingered on them for a moment before shifting away, her smile never faltering. She then glanced at Leyvi's empty right arm, the thought of hugging that arm crossed her mind but she quickly shooed that thought away.
Sexual appeal wasn't her strong suit. Since there was already a woman using her sexual appeal to attract Leyvi, she would use another method. Yes, she would win over Leyvi's affection with something she had plenty of, wealth and family influence.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," Selene said, her voice as sweet as honey. "I wanted to apologize for my previous visit. My father was rude."
Leyvi chuckled, waving off her apology with a charming smile. "No harm done. I can see why he did that."
After their visit that day, Anda had instructed him to entertain Selene if she approached him again. Sensing that his wife had a new evil scheme again, he protested at first, but she insisted that it was for the benefit of the family. So, he could only agree. After all, his wife was the one who ran the family, and he was only a freeloader.
Selene was lovestruck after she received a charming smile directed at her. She felt her heart fluttering, stunning her for some time.
"Ah, this is for you," Selene said as she handed a small, intricately decorated card to him. It was an invitation to the upcoming auction. "My father has connections and he managed to get me an extra invitation. I was hoping that maybe, you could join me?"
Leyvi's eyes widened in surprise. This was a rare opportunity indeed. Did Anda predict this? His panda wife's evil scheme knows no bounds. This made him feel like a villain taking advantage of a maiden who had a feeling for him.
Oh Leyvi, when did you become such a lady charmer? Leyvi thought to himself.
