The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 45: Master Bai And The House of the Chaotic Storm

Master Bai And The House of the Chaotic Storm . . .

The bid of one million and 250 thousand had indeed caused many bidders to step back, but it had also unveiled the presence of exceedingly wealthy participants in the auction.

Mu Zi-He's face darkened like a stormy sea. "One million and 300 thousand!" he declared, his voice laced with suppressed anger.

He could barely contain his frustration. Memories of losing the Crystal Lotus at the last moment still haunted him. Now, he faced another potential challenger in the race for the supreme dan bead. He was determined not to be bullied so easily, especially as an elder of the Mu Clan, one of the esteemed eight noble clans.

Even the most patient among us have their limits, and Mu Zi-He had reached his.

However, the girl in white, Xiu Er, remained unfazed as she calmly countered, "One million and 350 thousand."

Mu Zi-He shot her a dark look, his eyes practically emitting a warning. Through clenched teeth, he raised his bid once more. "One million and 400 thousand!"

Xiu Er, however, showed no signs of yielding as she calmly stated, "One and a half million!"

The entire auction hall erupted in astonishment. The price had now soared to one and a half million, surpassing the final bid for the first three supreme dan beads.

Even Cha-Eun Xiao, seated in the upper floor, couldn't hide his surprise at the girl's immense wealth. He had not anticipated that Xiu Er possessed such financial power.

It appeared that the Mu Clan was about to face another formidable adversary.

Cha-Eun Xiao glanced around, observing the tense atmosphere. Mu Zi-He, consumed by fury, rose from his seat and shouted, "This woman! This challenge...! Are you deliberately attempting to disgrace the Mu Clan?"

His recent humiliation at the hands of Feng Zhi-Ling still stung, and now, his identity as the owner of the supreme dan beads had been exposed. Mu Zi-He had been suppressing his seething desire for revenge, but now, his pent-up anger was directed at Xiu Er due to her unreasonably high bid.

Xiu Er, her voice soft but unwavering, responded, "The Mu Clan? We are in an auction, bidding for items. It's a fair competition—highest bidder wins. I fail to see how this relates to losing face..."

Many thought she might back down after these words, but her tone shifted abruptly, her voice turning cold. "However, if this member of the Mu Clan believes I am intentionally humiliating him... Let's just say that might have been my intention."

Her words sent shockwaves through the audience. They found her attitude utterly enigmatic.

Who was this girl in white, and what was her true background? Was she merely boasting, or did she indeed hail from a formidable lineage?

From the upper floor, Cha-Eun Xiao saw an opportunity and chimed in, "Allow me to advise the lady to exercise caution. The Mu Clan is one of the eight noble clans. Before making any hasty decisions, it's wise to consider the consequences. Sometimes, taking a step back might be the best course of action, given the Mu Clan's prestige..."

His words seemed well-meaning, even suggesting a boost to the Mu Clan's image. Despite his prior clash with Mu Zi-He, the latter nodded in appreciation for the advice.

However, Xiu Er responded softly, "Don't worry, Brother Feng. I know what I'm doing."

Cha-Eun Xiao continued, concern evident in his voice, "But... Lady, do you truly underestimate the Mu Clan to such an extent? This is... the Mu Clan wields significant power. I fear that underestimating them could lead to unforeseen consequences..."

As he spoke, the audience turned their questioning gazes toward him. It seemed rather conspicuous that he was sowing discord.

Sure enough, Xiu Er smiled faintly and retorted, "Rest assured, Brother Feng. The prestige of the Mu Clan holds no value in my eyes."

Cha-Eun Xiao rubbed his nose awkwardly, resumed his seat, and chose not to speak further.

"Wow, this situation is really heating up, isn't it?" Cha-Eun Xiao remarked with a mischievous grin, watching the tense exchange unfold before her. She leaned back in her chair, sipping on her tea as she continued, "If even such words can't incite a fight and create mutual hatred, I might just have to resort to knocking my head against the wall! It's almost like these Mu Clan folks are testing my patience."

Cha-Eun Xiao, a name that carried an air of elegance, glanced at the agitated Mu Clan members and couldn't help but shake her head. "These Mu Clan members are really being unreasonable, aren't they? Purposely messing with me, of all people! Well, if that's the game they want to play, then I'm more than willing to create some trouble for them."

The girl in white, who had been watching the situation unfold, decided to add fuel to the fire. She couldn't resist the temptation to join in the drama. "Hmm," she pondered with a playful smile, "this guy is clearly against the Mu Clan, and he wants me to pull the trigger. Well then, since you're the owner of the supreme dan beads, I suppose I should show you some respect and go along with your schemes."

She paused for a moment, her expression turning mischievous. "Besides," she continued, "this Mu Zi-He dared to rebuke me in front of the public. I really should teach him a lesson." She chuckled softly, musing about the enigmatic nature of girls.

Mu Zi-He, consumed by anger, couldn't hold back any longer and erupted, "Bitch! How dare you look down upon the Mu Clan! I swear I will..."

But before he could finish his sentence, Guan Wan-Shan, who knew the girl's status, realized he needed to intervene. He hurriedly interjected, "Brother Mu..."

Mu Zi-He, still seething with rage, snapped back at him, "Guan Wan-Shan, you're just a servant in a salesroom. What makes you think you can call me brother! You're unqualified to open your mouth at the moment!" His anger had transformed him into a raging, uncontrollable force.

Mu Zi-He's frustration had been building for a while. The Mu Clan had suffered a series of setbacks in the capital, including failed revenge attempts and the loss of eight expert cultivators. Their anger had been simmering beneath the surface, exacerbated by their powerlessness in the face of the three major sects and the humiliation they had endured.

As if that wasn't enough, Mu Zi-He's bad mood had intensified when he arrived at the auction. His son's embarrassing stumble had damaged the clan's reputation further. Then, to top it off, the owner of the supreme dan beads had publicly humiliated them and snatched up all the medicines. The oppression from the three major sects had only added to their frustration. Mu Zi-He didn't even dare to consider bidding for the first three dan beads.

Now, being scorned by a seemingly insignificant girl was the last straw. Mu Zi-He couldn't contain his rage and erupted in a fit of fury, stomping the ground in a display of sheer anger.

Guan Wan-Shan, on the other hand, found himself at a loss for words. He had initially wanted to offer some well-intentioned advice to the Mu Clan, but he certainly hadn't expected to be verbally attacked in return. It was like getting hit with a massive warm fart right in the face – an insult he couldn't have predicted.

His face turned purple as he contemplated the situation. "Mu Zi-He," he thought to himself, "you're going to regret this. You have no idea who this girl is and who's supporting her."

As expected, Mu Zi-He's body trembled with anger as he fixed a menacing glare on the girl in white. "Bitch. Who are you? Give me your name! Tell me who your backer is. Do you dare?"

The girl, not one to back down, couldn't help but retort with a raised eyebrow, "Again with the 'bitch'? What's gotten into you?"

She leaned in closer, her voice laced with defiance. "I didn't see you making any threats when those guys competed for the beads earlier." The tension in the room seemed ready to boil over as the confrontation escalated.

"Isn't this getting quite interesting?" Cha-Eun Xiao mused, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she observed the escalating drama in the auction hall. She leaned back in her seat, savoring the tension in the air, and took a sip of her tea. "So, if you want the supreme dan bead, does that mean no one else can even think about bidding? Are you trying to claim it all for yourself?" She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the unfolding situation.

Cha-Eun Xiao had always carried herself with grace and composure, but even she couldn't suppress the flames of anger that were now burning in her heart. "Do these people think I'm an easy target just because I'm a woman?" she wondered aloud, her voice tinged with a hint of irritation.

As the confrontation continued, Xiu Er couldn't help but express her displeasure. She spoke with a stern tone, addressing Mu Zi-He directly, "Mu Zi-He, are you speaking on behalf of the Mu Clan with those words?"

Those who were aware of Xiu Er's status couldn't help but sigh quietly. "How could the Mu Clan send someone so impulsive here?" they thought to themselves.

Mu Zi-He's response, laced with insults, left no room for doubt about his intentions. "Are you scared, bitch? With things the way they are, what's the point of being afraid?" he retorted, his words dripping with hostility.

"Bitch" seemed to be his word of choice, and it didn't sit well with Xiu Er. Her expression turned as cold as ice as she replied, "Fair enough! Since that's the case, even if the Mu Clan wants to back down, I won't allow it. I'll meet you in the martial world. But for now, the auction for the supreme dan bead is still ongoing. The highest bidder takes it. If you don't have the funds, kindly exit the stage. I don't have time to quarrel with the destitute."

With determination in her gaze, Xiu Er continued, her almond-shaped eyes piercing through the tension in the room. "I am from the House of the Chaotic Storm, backed by Master Bai! I am Xiu Of The Heavens! Mu Clan, I eagerly await your challenge!"

Xiu Of The Heavens, a name that seemed to resonate with divine significance, sent shockwaves through the hall. The audience couldn't help but gasp in astonishment at the weight of her words.

In that moment, Mu Zi-He's anger, which had been burning at its peak, suddenly subsided. His jaw dropped as he processed what he had just heard. His face turned purple, but it was no longer from rage.

The entire auction hall seemed to revel in his distress, casting gloating looks his way. They clearly thought he had made a monumental mistake. "Now you finally realize who you've offended," their expressions seemed to say.

In that instant, Mu Zi-He could think of only one thing: "I am in serious trouble."

"Who have I just provoked?" he mumbled, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"What have I done?" The confusion in his mind was overwhelming as he stood there, dazed and uncertain of how to proceed.

"The House of the Chaotic Storm," he muttered to himself, trying to make sense of the situation. "Across the entire Han-Yang continent, it's a legendary power! Backed by the legendary Master Bai!"

The mere mention of the House of the Chaotic Storm invoked awe and respect from all who heard it. It was as if they were gods among mortals, commanding reverence from entire nations.

"The seas bow to them, empires are but child's play," Mu Zi-He recited, his voice tinged with both reverence and fear. "This is the House of the Chaotic Storm."

And then there was Master Bai, the enigmatic figure who stood at the pinnacle of power. His name alone struck fear into the hearts of all who heard it.

Mu Zi-He realized that he had not only offended Xiu Of The Heavens but had done so in a way that carried grave consequences. His mind was in turmoil as he looked around the room, desperately seeking support. However, those who met his gaze quickly averted their eyes, wanting nothing to do with him.

They treated him as if he were a venomous snake, to be avoided at all costs.

The House of the Chaotic Storm was not to be trifled with. They were a legendary force, shrouded in mystery, and backed by the enigmatic Master Bai. It was said that even the most powerful experts would bow before them, and no one could challenge their authority.

Mu Zi-He's head spun with confusion and dread as he grappled with the realization that the girl he had insulted was none other than Xiu Of The Heavens, one of the two legendary figures by Master Bai's side.