While Tang Xi was still rec from her emotions, her father spoke to her.—"My daughter, tonight you will apao the Au at the Treasure Pavilion, and you ot refuse," — said Tang Wei with a serious toill processing her father's words, Tang Xi looked at Tang Wei with a mix of affe and respect. His serious tone was rare and indicated that the matter was of utmost importanevertheless, she knew her father well and uood the real reason behind the invitation. It was not merely an attempt to involve her in the event, but also an effort to help her, even if ily.
She had heard rumors about the item to be aued that night — the Amber Natal Milk, a substance as rare as it was unusual. It was not sidered valuable by great cultivators, but for someone in her situation, it was an invaluable resource. The ability to smoothly advance a spiritual or bodily level without side effects was a distant dream for many. For Tang Xi, it portunity to finally break through the barrier that kept her trapped in the Mortal Realm.
Despite knowing her father always supported her, even i, Xi could not suppress the wave of warmth that surged in her chest. "He never gave up on me," she thought, holding back the tears that threateo emerge.—"Yes, Father. I will apany you, then," — Xi replied, bowing slightly.
Tang Wei let out a sigh of relief, a brief smile crossing his tired face.—"That is good. Now, finish eating and go prepare yourself. I want us ready before su."
They fihe meal in f silence, an exge of feelings that required no words. Tang Xi khat, to her father, she was more important than any treasure. Ohey were done, she excused herself, bowed to him respectfully, a.
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Outside the Main Hall
Outside the main hall, An Tao waited patiently, her eyes sharp and posture alert. As soon as she saw Xi exit, the young maid rushed to her enthusiastically, her face brightened by a smile.—"Miss! You took so long. Was everything all right with Lord Tang?" Xi smiled at An Tao's tagious energy.—"All is well, yes. But I need your help. I must prepare for the au tonight at the Treasure Pavilion."
An Tao's eyes sparkled with motivation.—"An au? That's so exg! I knew you would be busy today. e on, miss, we must piething perfect for the occasion!"
Ba her quarters, Tang Xi critically observed her clothes. The attire of a Tang family member o be appropriate for the occasion but also practical enough for anything that might happen at such a petitive event. The reputation of the Treasure Pavilion's au was not only about its items but also about the potential frontations that could occur outside, whether from provocations or resource disputes.
—"An Tao, what do you suggest?" — Xi asked as she ran her fingers over silk fabrid embroidered designs.
An Tao, ever eager to help, begahusiastically rummaging through the wardrobe.—"Something elegant but uated. We don't want to attrawatention, but we also 't present ourselves too simply. Something that shows your strength, miss."
After several suggestions, they decided on a set of dark blue robes, with subtle gold flower embroidery and a belt adorned with simple spirit stones. Xi looked at the mirror as An Tao adjusted the folds of the fabric.—"Miss, you look beautiful. No one will dare uimate you tonight, even if they try," — said An Tao with determination.
Xi gave a small smile.—"Appearance doesn't matter that much, An Tao. What matters is how I act. Tonight, I will not be just the 'waste' of the Tang family."
Shortly before suang Xi met her father at the mairance of the family plex. Tang Wei wore formal yet practical robes, refleg his role as the family leader. When he saw his daughter, he nodded approvingly.—" Are you ready?" — Tang Wei asked.—" Yes, Father. Let's go."
They departed in a luxurious carriage, apanied by two trusted guards. The trip to the Treasure Pavilion was retively short, but the atmosphere within the carriage was charged with anticipation. Xi looked at the jade bracelet on her wrist, a gift from her father that m, and couldn't help but feel a slight nervousness.
The Treasure Pavilion was an imposing building iy ter, illuminated by spiritual nterns that shone like stars. Upon arrival, the otion was intense. Nobles, cultivators, and merts jostled for space, each with their own objectives.
Tang Wei and Xi were greeted by a host, who guided them to a private box on one of the upper balies, where they had a privileged view of the main stage. Xi observed the enviro attentively. As she looked around, she noticed that representatives of the Shang, Li, and Xing families were already present, which she found strange for such a small-scale au. But none of that mattered. Even if she was suspicious of their iions, the most important thing tonight was seg the Amber Natal Milk.
The au would soon begin, and though she tried not to be nervous, she couldn't help it. After all her previous failed attempts, she would not give up as long as there was a ce.
Her father, notig her focused expression, pced a reassuring hand on her shoulder.—"Remember, Xi, no matter what they are after, our purpose and theirs are different. We must not py bids tonight; someone else will do it for us."
With those words, Xi reflected on the underlying meaning, quickly realizing that her father reparing for none of their oppos to know they were after this resource. That way, unnecessary petition would be avoided, and they wouldn't end up paying far more for something with a lower price.
