Chapter 24: Addicted to Showing Off

In the Northwest Territory, at the Linghan Sect.

"Everyone! I have summoned you here today to discuss a matter of great importance."

"The deadline for returning the betrothal gifts is fast approaching, yet we are still short by ten million spirit stones. I hope we can all work together to help the Hanling Sect weather this crisis."

Chu Zhongtian sat at the head of the table, his brows furrowed. In just over ten days, a significant amount of white hair had appeared on his head. To make up the outstanding betrothal gifts, he had sold almost everything that could be liquidated. However, when he finished speaking, the great hall fell into a deathly silence. Whether they were the elders seated there or the core disciples present, everyone hung their heads low.

For a sect, ten million spirit stones was not an astronomical sum, but it was certainly not small either. In their prime, the Linghan Sect could have easily produced it. But after experiencing various setbacks, this amount had become an insurmountable problem for them.

Just then, the Great Elder of the Hanling Sect spoke up: "Sect Master, as the saying goes, 'whoever tied the bell must untie it.' I believe this matter should be resolved by Lin Yi."

"If it weren't for him, Ye Fan would not have had a falling out with Ling'er, and we would not be facing such compensation."

Hearing this, the other elders chimed in one after another.

"The Great Elder is absolutely right. Since Lin Yi caused the trouble, he must be the one to solve it!"

"Indeed. If he is a man, he should take responsibility. If this matter is successfully resolved, Lin Yi, you will prove yourself a man of true iron-willed integrity!"

Seeing everyone turning their aggression toward Lin Yi, Chu Ling'er became anxious. "What are you doing? How can you blame Senior Brother Lin Yi for all of this? Is Ye Fan not at fault as well?"

Seeing Chu Ling'er so protective of Lin Yi, Chu Zhongtian felt helpless. He immediately signaled: "Ling'er, enough with the rudeness. The elders are acting for the sake of the Hanling Sect." He added, "Besides, they are not wrong."

Chu Zhongtian turned his gaze to Lin Yi. "Lin Yi, it is not that I or the elders are targeting you. The fact remains that you caused this trouble; it is an undeniable truth. But since the mistake is made, there is no use in regretting it. I am willing to give you a chance to redeem yourself. You shall be responsible for gathering the final ten million spirit stones."

"If you can raise the amount, your previous transgressions will be wiped clean, and I will betroth Ling'er to you. I can tell that you truly love her."

No one expected Chu Zhongtian to make such a promise to Lin Yi.

Even Chu Ling'er was somewhat surprised, though she was secretly overjoyed. In fact, on their way back, she had handed over the spirit stones she had obtained at the auction to Lin Yi for safekeeping. The items had fetched a total of eight million spirit stones. In other words, Lin Yi only needed to raise another two million to meet the condition. Of course, only she and Lin Yi knew this.

"Rest assured, Sect Master! Lin Yi will not fail your expectations!" Lin Yi agreed readily and boldly. He could manage to scrape together two million spirit stones with some effort. If he were to marry Chu Ling'er, he would eventually have the opportunity to inherit the Hanling Sect. For someone without a background like him, this was a significant temptation. Even though the Hanling Sect was currently in decline, it was still a sect. He had originally thought Chu Ling'er had lost her utility, but it seemed she still held some value.

Seeing Lin Yi agree so easily, Chu Zhongtian was somewhat surprised. Perhaps this was just a stalling tactic, a way for Lin Yi to avoid his wrath. But regardless, matters had reached this point; he had no choice but to treat a dead horse as if it were alive. He had already made up his mind: if Lin Yi failed to deliver, he would personally tie him up and take him to offer a formal apology!

...

In Luo City, at the Bacha Hall.

Having made his promise, Lin Yi arrived once more. Over the years at the Hanling Sect, he had saved up some wealth, and three years ago, he had not turned in everything he found in the Qishan Secret Realm, keeping a portion for himself. Once he sold these items, he should be able to raise nearly two million spirit stones.

The auction was set to begin in about half an hour. Cultivators who had come to participate were waiting in the square outside the auction house. Lin Yi mingled among them, daydreaming about his future after inheriting the Linghan Sect. Once that happened, he would be the sect master, enjoying the offerings of thousands and possessing endless cultivation resources.

Just as he was lost in these fantasies, someone tapped him lightly on the shoulder. Lin Yi turned around and saw a woman with unparalleled beauty looking at him with an enchanting expression. At that moment, his heart began to pound violently.

He swore that this was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life, bar none. Lin Yi reacted quickly; he immediately adopted the air of a wealthy young master and asked with great gentlemanly grace: "May I ask what you need, fair maiden?"

The woman parted her lips, her voice as sweet as an oriole: "Forgive the intrusion, young master. To be honest, this is my first time at this auction house, and I wish to understand the rules. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me?"

With every smile and glance, her ethereal charm kept Lin Yi's eyes transfixed. Realizing he might be acting inappropriately, Lin Yi gave a few light coughs.

"Ahem..."

"I see! Well, you have asked the right person. I am a regular here. Once the auction begins, just stay by my side."

"Since we have just met, it must be fate. How about this: if you see anything you like, I shall bid for it on your behalf as a small token of our meeting!"

Lin Yi had completely forgotten the purpose of his visit today; he had become addicted to playing the role of the wealthy young master.

"Oh, that wouldn't do! How could I accept your gifts, young master?" The woman feigned refusal, but her demeanor only made Lin Yi's heart itch with desire.

He immediately waved his hand dismissively. "Money is merely a worldly possession; it cannot compare to the fortune of meeting you."

Seeing that Lin Yi had taken the bait, the woman said, "Actually, there is indeed one item I have my eyes on."

Before she could finish, Lin Yi immediately declared: "Excellent! Then I shall win it for you!"

The woman looked a bit embarrassed. "But... but that item is expected to cost five million spirit stones."

Upon hearing the figure of five million, the corners of Lin Yi's mouth twitched, and he began to feel a sense of dread. But having made such a grand statement, he knew that if he backed out now, he would be a laughingstock to everyone around him.

Stuck in this predicament, he could only force a smile and act nonchalant. "Haha! You truly underestimate me, my lady."

"Forget a mere five million spirit stones; even ten times that amount would be nothing but a flick of the hand for me."

"But I have yet to learn your name?"

The woman did not hold back and replied: "I am Yanran, from the Central Province!"