Chapter Thirty: Overlord?

Bai Jingyan stepped into Beilong City and was immediately enveloped by the bustling atmosphere within. Shops lined both sides of the street, vendors calling out in succession, and a steady flow of pedestrians made the city appear extremely prosperous. Yet, his thoughts were not on the lively scene but rather caught by the words of a passerby just moments ago.

“Brother, looks like you’re interested in the auction held by the Wild Dragon Sect, huh?” a passerby approached with a playful grin.

Bai Jingyan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Auction? What auction?”

Seeing his interest, the man brightened. “This auction isn’t ordinary. It’s hosted by the third-rate Wild Dragon Sect! Word is, there are many rare treasures up for bidding, even some long-lost martial arts manuals might appear.”

Bai Jingyan was slightly taken aback and pondered quietly: “Wild Dragon Sect? I didn’t expect them to hold an auction here. Perhaps this is a good chance to gather information.”

He was about to ask more when the man continued on his own: “But the auction’s entry barrier is high—no invitation, no entry. Brother, if you’re interested, you better hurry and get yourself an invite.”

Bai Jingyan nodded, already forming a plan. Taking advantage of the man’s distraction, he slipped away into the crowd in a flash.

“As for getting that invitation, I do have some connections.”

“Hey? Where did he go?”

...

Bai Jingyan made his way to an inn in the city, intending to find a place to rest. However, just as he entered, he heard the innkeeper’s helpless voice: “Sir, I’m terribly sorry, but the inn is fully booked.”

The innkeeper was a stout man in his forties. Upon seeing Bai Jingyan, his round face immediately lit up with a broad smile.

Bai Jingyan frowned slightly and quietly asked, “Innkeeper, are there any other inns in the city?”

The innkeeper shook his head, smiling wryly. “Sir, you may not know, but these days because of the Wild Dragon Sect’s auction, all the inns in the city are packed. Not just our small inn—even the grand ones are full.”

Rubbing his palms, he expressed sincere regret.

Hearing this, Bai Jingyan gave a bitter smile, filled with helplessness.

If even rooms in Beilong City were unavailable, where was he to stay? Could it be that he would have to sleep on the streets?

He sighed inwardly, just as he was about to turn away, a familiar voice came from behind: “Hey, isn’t this the top disciple of Xingyu Sect? How come you can’t even find a place to stay?”

He turned and saw Yun Xiyue, whom he had met earlier on the mountain path. She was still dressed in red, her features striking, but there was a hint of mockery in her eyes.

Bai Jingyan smiled faintly, his tone calm: “So it’s Miss Yun, what a coincidence.”

Yun Xiyue curled her lips with disdain. “What coincidence? I think you’re deliberately following us.”

Bai Jingyan shook his head, speaking calmly: “Miss Yun, you misunderstand. I’m just passing through and looking for a place to stay.”

Yun Xiyue snorted coldly, clearly unconvinced: “Cut the act! A Level Seven Martial Disciple like you, appearing alone in a place like this, surely you have ill intentions.”

Just then, Lin Xuan emerged from the inn. Seeing Bai Jingyan, surprise flashed in his eyes. “Brother Bai? What are you doing here?”

Bai Jingyan cupped his hands in greeting. “Brother Lin, what a coincidence. I wanted to rest at an inn, but it turns out the city is full.”

Lin Xuan nodded, apologetic. “These days with the Wild Dragon Sect’s auction, the city is indeed packed. Brother Bai, if you don’t mind, you can share a room with us. We still have vacancies.”

Upon hearing this, Yun Xiyue immediately protested, “Senior Brother! How can you let a stranger stay with us? What if he’s a spy for the Wild Dragon Sect?”

Lin Xuan frowned, mildly reproaching: “Yue’er, don’t be rude. Brother Bai is a disciple of Xingyu Sect—how could he be from the Wild Dragon Sect?”

Yun Xiyue curled her lips again, silent but still full of contempt in her gaze toward Bai Jingyan.

The young man pinched her nose playfully and said, “Yue’er, remember, when you’re out, you rely on friends. Everyone gets into trouble sometimes. Besides, it’s just one room, not worth much. On the contrary, helping someone and making a new friend is more valuable than money.”

Yun Xiyue responded with a soft ‘oh’ and crossed her arms, tilting her head aside.

Behind them followed five or six burly men, like bodyguards, each radiating a steady and powerful aura—obviously seasoned fighters.

The innkeeper smiled and said to Bai Jingyan, “Brother, you’re lucky! Didn’t expect you’d make friends with people from the Azure Cloud Sect. This time, you’ve struck it big!”

His eyes were filled with envy.

“Azure Cloud Sect? Lin Xuan?” Bai Jingyan smiled and asked the innkeeper, “Why would making friends with Lin Xuan mean I’ve struck it big?”

The innkeeper winked and grinned: “Brother, since there’s no one else here, don’t try to dodge my question.”

Dodge? Bai Jingyan was briefly stunned, then chuckled, “Innkeeper, why would I dodge you?”

“Hey, don’t tell me you don’t know what those three words ‘Azure Cloud Sect’ mean,” the innkeeper teased.

However...

Seeing Bai Jingyan’s serious expression and then slowly shaking his head right in front of him, the innkeeper’s face stiffened. His mouth twitched as he said, “You... you can’t really be unaware of what the Azure Cloud Sect is, can you?”

“I really don’t know,” Bai Jingyan sighed helplessly. “Innkeeper, just tell me. Don’t keep me in suspense.”

Hearing this, the innkeeper was momentarily at a loss.

He couldn’t believe that someone coming to Beilong City didn’t know about the Azure Cloud Sect.

“Do you know what place this is?” The innkeeper tapped the table obscurely, pointing down.

“The Wuhou Kingdom?” Bai Jingyan considered briefly and replied.

“Correct,” the innkeeper nodded. “Then do you know who the overlord of the Wuhou Kingdom is?”

Overlord?

Bai Jingyan was slightly stunned, then said, “The overlord of the Wuhou Kingdom must be the royal court itself!”

“If you think that, you’re dead wrong,” the innkeeper chuckled. “In my view, the royal court isn’t the strongest force in the Wuhou Kingdom. The strongest are the sects within the kingdom!”

“Though the court is the official overlord, everyone knows it’s uncertain who truly rules this country!”