The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 80: My Ex-Wife... Has Arrived

The arrival was none other than the refined gentleman Ye Wangxi, who had previously shared a courtyard with Mo Ran in Peach Blossom Spring.

Draped in a Confucian Wind Sect blue robe embroidered with silver threads depicting cranes, and adorned with a sapphire hair ribbon and a silver sachet bearing a pearl-holding auspicious beast, he seemed to have shed his martial attire. While his demeanor still exuded heroism, there was now an added touch of elegance about him.

The grand manager of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully. "Immortal Ye."

Ye Wangxi nodded and replied, "I have been instructed by my adoptive father to bid for an item. Please lead me upstairs, Manager."

"The Pavilion Master is already aware of your visit, Immortal. The Confucian Wind Sect's private room has long been prepared. This way, please."

Ye Wangxi ascended the stairs accompanied by the dozen or so Confucian Wind Sect disciples, leaving behind a whispering crowd in the hall, veiled beneath their hoods.

"Did the Confucian Wind Sect also send someone today?"

"Who's that Immortal? I've never seen him before..."

Mo Ran mused inwardly that there were reasons why they hadn't met before, even as he couldn't resist the curiosity that led him to watch Ye Wangxi's figure disappear around the corner. Only then did he turn to Chu Wanning and ask, "Shifu, you were once in the Confucian Wind Sect. Do you know this Immortal Ye?"

"I don't recognize him," Chu Wanning frowned slightly. "But he seems familiar somehow…" He paused, closed his eyes to think for a moment, then shook his head. "I can't place him."

Mo Ran scratched his head. "This Immortal Ye previously shared a courtyard with me in Peach Blossom Spring, and he's no pushover. Now he's representing the Confucian Wind Sect at this auction. Surely Master should know him, given his position within the sect?"

"The Confucian Wind Sect has seventy-two cities, and its members are scattered far and wide. I don't like to move around much, nor do I bother with sect affairs, so it's not surprising that I don't know him."

As they spoke, the Confucian Wind Sect's private box on the third floor illuminated with a soft yellow glow, indicating that Ye Wangxi and his party had taken their seats. The top floor of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion was reserved for major sects, but it was rarely used, so everyone looked up in curiosity.

With the Confucian Wind Sect now openly participating, expectations for the auction soared. After a short while, the central white jade lotus platform burst into radiant light. A crimson silk ribbon descended from the pavilion's domed ceiling, and a charming girl, perhaps eleven or twelve years old and dressed in snowy silk, tumbled down from the air, barefoot and holding onto the ribbon. She landed lightly on the cold white jade lotus platform.

"Apologies for the wait, esteemed Immortals. I am the Second Pavilion Lord of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion," the delightful young girl giggled. "Thank you for your presence from all corners of the world. In keeping with tradition, we will offer exquisite treasures in return."

Mo Ran's hearing was keen, and he overheard someone below murmuring, "The Second Pavilion Lord of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion is actually a young girl who hasn't even lost her baby teeth?"

"Oh my, brother, you really don't get out much. Do you have any idea how old this 'little girl' is?"

"Ten? Fifteen? She can't be older than twenty, surely."

"Haha, well, you're in for a shock. She's over a hundred years old. You'd better call her Grandma, not little girl."

"Wait, what?! Brother Liu, are you joking? How can this tiny creature be a hundred years old?!"

"In Solitary Moon Night, home to the world-renowned Medicine Sect, anything is possible. It's merely a matter of concocting an elixir for eternal youth."

"Woah—"

The low gasp came from someone who seemed to be a first-time visitor. Excitement visibly stirred them as they stretched their neck and fidgeted with their purse, eager to see what magical herbs and treasures the Xuan Yuan Pavilion would offer for sale.

The Second Pavilion Master didn't disappoint. With a snap of her fingers, a fissure opened in the stone lotus, revealing a petal-shaped platform that rose slowly. On it sat five palm-sized velvet boxes, each openly displaying its contents – pills shimmering with a mother-of-pearl glow.

Someone laughed and called out, "Isn't this Love Obsession Pill? What's so special about it?"

"Indeed, even if the first item isn't a rare treasure, using Love Obsession Pills as filler wouldn't cut it."

The Second Pavilion Master, undisturbed by the chatter, smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling. She declared loudly, "You all have sharp eyes. This indeed is the Love Obsession Pill. However, as we all know, though difficult to refine, it's not an exceptionally rare item. The Xuan Yuan Pavilion would never entertain our guests with ordinary goods."

As she spoke, she picked up one of the boxes, holding it gently in her hand before clicking it shut with a soft click.

Though the audience was seated at varying distances, each had a spirit mirror before them, allowing them to examine the treasures in meticulous detail. Only then did they notice the snake emblem etched on the lid of the box.

"Cold Scale Sacred Hand?!" someone gasped in astonishment.

The Second Pavilion Master chuckled and said, "Indeed, these five boxes of Enchanted Love Pills were all produced in the alchemy furnace of our sect's Elder, Cold Scale Saint Hand. Although ordinary Enchanted Love Pills can bewitch one's heart, making the user irrevocably infatuated with themselves, their effects only last for half a year and can be easily countered with an antidote. But these five..." She delicately lifted the brocaded box with her slender fingers, speaking with great solemnity, "can last for a full decade, and there is no known antidote."

"What?"

"Good heavens, how is this possible..."

"The Cold Scale Sacred Hand is truly terrifying..."

Second Master waited until the clamor below had somewhat subsided before smiling once more and saying, "To distinguish it from ordinary infatuation pills, the Coldscale Saintly Hand has named these five elixirs 'Devotion Pills.' Merely purchase one, dissolve it in water, and persuade someone to drink it; within a decade, it will ensure their unwavering devotion to you, with no possibility of wavering."

A female cultivator called out from below, "If I consume this, is there truly no antidote to reverse its effects? What if I don't end up liking him within ten years? Would I still be bound to endure his persistent advances?"

The crowd chuckled. The Second Pavilion Master also politely smiled and said, "Miss has a valid point. Hence, Xuan Yuan Pavilion would like to remind everyone that there is no antidote in this world for the Love Devotion Pill. It can only be broken by the expiration of its ten-year term, or, alas, by death. If your affection is unrequited and you suffer in silence, it's best not to use such a potion on the other party."

With the introduction concluded, the bidding began. Mo Ran looked at the crowd below, where voices rose and fell as they called out their bids, mostly from female cultivators. He couldn't help but be taken aback.

"It's truly terrifying."

"Not bad. Emotions gained this way are indeed tedious."

Upon hearing Chu Wanning's response, Mo Ran turned his head and looked at him twice before smiling. "Master, be careful. You're so good-looking that there might be female cultivators from the Summit of Life and Death who'd buy these and secretly slip them into your water to make you fall in love with them. But you're already married, so you can't be involved with anyone else."

"..."

Wanting to get angry at this person's teasing, Chu Wanning couldn't bring himself to after hearing Mo Ran praise his looks for the first time in his life. He pressed his lips together into a cold line and turned his face away, too indifferent to bother responding.

"But if they really like someone, how could they bear to drug them like that?" Mo Ran muttered, watching as the five boxes of pills were quickly bought up. He sighed and shook his head. "How pitiful."

Staring at the white wall for a moment, Chu Wanning then said calmly, "If one truly likes the other party, they wouldn't have the heart to drug them. You're still young, and there are things you don't understand yet."

Still young?

Mo Ran turned his head, his dimples showing as he laughed. "If I don't understand, does that mean Master does? Are you planning to talk to me about your wife again?"

"Get lost."

"Hahahaha."

Amidst laughter and jests, the second item was placed on display.

"Nightshade Ink Fragrance," the Second Pavilion Master introduced with a clear voice, "Again, crafted by the masterful hands of Cold Scale, this is the latest elixir produced in his alchemy furnace. The disciples of Solitary Moon Night's generation have all tried it and found it incredibly effective."

Cultivator A, well-versed in culture, inquired, "Ink Fragrance?"

Cultivator B, feeling peckish, misheard, "Bread Fragrance?"

Cultivator C, with a lecherous glint in their eye, misinterpreted, "Caressing Fragrance?"

Chu Wanning pondered for a moment, his eyelashes fluttering slightly as he gazed at the five porcelain vials on the platform. "Mòxiāng Lù... a Dream Devouring Tapir, perhaps?"

The Second Pavilion Master had no intention of teasing her audience. Seeing their confusion, she promptly explained with a smile, "It's called Mòxiāng Lù because it contains the claw tip blood of the mythical beast, the Dream Devouring Tapir. A single drop mixed into tea, consumed, can ensure seven consecutive nights of pleasant dreams. This might not be significant for ordinary cultivators, but some immortals, due to their cultivation methods and attainments, suffer from incessant nightmares and struggle to find restful sleep. Over time, this can easily lead them down the path of demonic corruption. Thus, Mòxiāng Lù is an excellent choice."

Upon hearing this, Chu Wanning suddenly recalled the vivid dream he had earlier. Though it wasn't exactly a nightmare, it had still stirred a vague sense of unease within him...

The Second Pavilion Master continued to promote her remedy tirelessly. "Moreover, Mòxiāng Lù also has the function of harmonizing spiritual energy and assisting in cultivation."

Chu Wanning remained deep in thought, unperturbed by her words.

"Moby Dream Fragrance is also excellent for children who practice cultivation at home. Cold Scale Sage Hand considered that there might be mentors purchasing it on behalf of young cultivators, so he specially created these five bottles with different flavors. The red bottle is lychee-flavored, the yellow is orange, the white is lactose, the purple is grape, and the black is mulberry. These flavors are incredibly pure, surpassing ordinary sweets a hundredfold. Moreover, the taste lingers on the lips and teeth for an entire day, making it a delightful experience."

As soon as the voice faded, a silver sign fell from the second floor's private room.

Since the second and third floors were distant, bidding was inconvenient, so they would write their prices on the silver signs and toss them down. These signs were enchanted to float accurately in front of the pavilion owner.

The Second Pavilion Lord caught the descending sign and glanced at it. "............"

Meanwhile, in the private room, Chu Wanning casually set down his used writing brush and leisurely sipped tea. Mo Ran watched from the side, unable to resist quirking his lips.

From downstairs, the Second Pavilion Lord's voice echoed, "The Heavenly Hall private room on the second floor bids five hundred thousand gold. Any higher offers?"

Upon this announcement, the crowd erupted into an uproar.

While Moby Dream Fragrance was indeed excellent, it was clearly not as sought after as the previous Intense Affection Pills. Five boxes of those pills had sold for three hundred thousand gold, while these five bottles of the fragrance were priced at five hundred thousand – a rather inflated price.

"I suppose it's some young master's parents buying it," someone muttered.

"It's definitely for a wealthy young master's cultivation," another agreed.

Among the crowd, some cultivators, who had suffered from the agony of demonic possession, steeled their hearts and said, "I'll take all five bottles for 550,000."

"The Dream Behemoth Fragrance is now priced at 550,000. Is there anyone else who wishes to—"

Before the Second Pavilion Master could finish her sentence, another silver ticket floated down gently from the air, this time from the Heavenly character second floor box. She took a look and couldn't help widening her eyes.

"I apologize to everyone. I misunderstood earlier. Let me correct myself: the guest on the second floor just said that they would pay 500,000 for one bottle, making it a total of 2.5 million for all five..."

No sane person would compete with Chu Wanning for this price. As Mo Ran watched the servants bring in the five bottles of Dream Behemoth Fragrance, he felt as if something was amiss.

2.5 million...

Chu Wanning had bought a dessert...

Feeling Mo Ran's ghostly stare, Chu Wanning asked calmly, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, ha ha, nothing much. I just didn't expect Shifu to like such things."

"How could I, an adult, like something meant for children?" Chu Wanning reassured. "It's for Xia Sini."

"..."

Acting.

Mo Ran's eyebrows twitched. Let's see how long you can keep this up.

One by one, the items for sale were presented. Although they were rare spiritual medicines and treasures, they held no value for Mo Ran or Chu Wanning. The two of them sipped their tea while waiting for Divine Martial's "return."

Mo Ran leaned against the window, his black garment accentuating his slender waist and making his shoulders appear broader and his legs longer. He observed the lively scene below before glancing up at the Confucian Wind Sect's box on the upper level.

"Right, Master, how did Father settle the matter with Peach Blossom Spring? You haven't given me the details yet."

"It wasn't really settled. We couldn't let it escalate, as it might alert the enemy. The Lord knew the truth but couldn't reveal it. However, he had a falling out with the Feathered, bringing Shi Mo and Xue Meng back to the Summit of Life and Death. It was quite a commotion, and disciples from several sects witnessed it. Some found Peach Blossom Spring unreliable and have since left. This Ye Wangxi must be one of them." Chu Wanning finished a piece of osmanthus cake and reached for another. "The Lord told the public that you had caused trouble and are now reflecting in seclusion on the Summit of Life and Death. That should buy us some time to hide your whereabouts."

Mo Ran scratched his head. "That sounds troublesome... poor Father must've worked hard on this..."

Just as he was muttering, the head of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion on the lotus platform cleared his throat using an amplification technique. His melodious voice echoed through every corner like the shattering of exquisite jade.

"The next item up for auction is an extraordinary treasure, ranking within the top ten of our pavilion's auction catalog for the past three years."

In the silence that followed, it was as if a spoonful of cold water had been poured into a sizzling hot oil pan, causing a sudden and deafening uproar. Almost everyone's eyes shone with excitement as they whispered to one another.

Ranking within the top ten among the items for sale in Xuan Yuan Pavilion over the past three years – what kind of treasure was this? For many, let alone owning such an item, simply catching a glimpse of it in their lifetime would be a tremendous blessing. The bidders grew increasingly agitated, and the tension in the air was almost tangible.

Down below, the crowd looked up eagerly, while those in the private boxes lifted their eyelids, focusing their attention on the lotus pedestal.

Mo Ran whispered softly, "Is it the Divine Weapon Returning?"

Chu Wanning, however, remained silent.

As the stone platform split open once more, the clear voice of the Second Pavilion Master of Xuan Yuan Pavilion echoed throughout.

"Please welcome the exquisite item, the Butterfly Bone Beauty Seat."

"What?"

Mo Ran was startled, his hand instinctively gripping the window lattice. "It's not the Divine Weapon?!"

Chu Wanning had not anticipated this turn of events either. He abruptly rose to his feet and joined Mo Ran at the balcony, both peering down at the unfolding scene. In the center of the lotus platform, a stone bed ascended slowly, its surface entwined with eight thick iron shackles that bound a struggling creature. The creature was entirely concealed beneath a blanket of felt, making it impossible for anyone to discern its true identity just yet.

Nonetheless, the atmosphere brimmed with excitement.

"The Butterfly Bone Beauty Feast" – its reputation, be it in appearance or demeanor, had long transcended borders.

In the primordial chaos, before the separation of heaven and earth, demons and humans coexisted on the cultivation continent. Among them was a tribe known as the "Butterfly Bone Clan." Though they were not particularly skilled in combat, their bodies contained immense spiritual energy. Consuming their flesh raw or engaging in intimate relations with them could significantly enhance one's cultivation. Those without spiritual roots could instantly form their Foundation, while those with them could potentially ascend to the rank of Grandmaster. Due to these benefits, the Butterfly Bone Clan was tragically eradicated during the early days of the cosmic strife, either captured as pleasure slaves or slaughtered for their blood and flesh.

Nowadays, no genuine Butterfly Bone Clan members remained. However, amidst the vast sea of humanity, descendants with their bloodline still existed. Most of them carried no extraordinary properties, indistinguishable from ordinary cultivators. Yet, an extremely rare few exhibited a regression to their ancestral traits. While their flesh did not possess the same potency as their ancient forebears, it still offered considerable enhancement to a cultivator's aptitude.

These individuals were referred to as the "Butterfly Bone Beauty Feast," with "feast" carrying two meanings.

A bed for intimacy. Or a banquet table.

They could be used for carnal pleasures between the sheets or consumed alive, depending on the buyer's preference.

Within the cultivation world, those who displayed the regression of the Butterfly Bone Clan were not regarded as "human." Despite resembling ordinary people, they were labeled as "commodities" due to personal desires. Thus, the act of selling the Butterfly Bone Beauty Feast, though horrifying, did not violate any prohibitions.

For a virtuous Grandmaster like Chu Wanning, however, such a spectacle was deeply unsettling.

"The Butterfly Bone Beauty Bed before you does not belong to Solitary Moon Night but was entrusted for sale. Hence, the Xuan Yuan Pavilion will charge a commission of thirty percent of the final price. Please, Honored Immortals, bid with clarity and within your means."

After the Second Pavilion Master finished speaking, she snapped her fingers crisply, and the woolen cloth covering the couch fell away.

In the pavilion, silence fell abruptly.

Everyone's attention was fixed on the chained body lying on the stone couch. In the vast Xuan Yuan Pavilion, even breaths and heartbeats could almost be heard.

It was a young woman with delicate curves and skin as white as snow. Her hair, like silk, cascaded down her shoulders, and she was naked except for a sheer veil that barely covered her. Her plump, lustrous form trembled slightly, akin to freshly fallen snow or a soaked, lustrous jade, exuding a gentle glow under the light.

Eight iron chains bound her tender body, clinking with each struggle, yet effortlessly igniting the primal desires of the men. Even the most seasoned and debauched would admit without hesitation that this woman was a rare gem in the world.

"A supreme masterpiece. A female Butterfly Bone Beauty Bed in her maiden years," the Second Pavilion Master said with a charming smile. She approached and undid one chain. Before the woman could resist, she swiftly seized her wrist, lifting it into the air. "The Cold Scale Sacred Hand's protective sandmark is there for all to see. She is a virgin."

Muffled by a white cloth in her mouth, the girl could only emit pitiful sounds without a word. Large tears rolled down her cheeks, and those golden tears undeniably attested to her Butterfly Bone Clan's ancestral heritage.

Some drew in cold breaths, while others swallowed their saliva hungrily. The atmosphere made the Xuan Yuan Pavilion seem less like a gathering of cultivators and more like a pack of ravenous wolves, drooling and greedily eyeing their prey.

A sharp sound echoed.

Chu Wanning's icy gaze withdrew and landed on Mo Ran.

Mo Ran's face was pale, his nails digging into the wooden lattice, actually breaking off a corner of the windowsill.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing... It's nothing." Mo Ran took a deep breath to regain his composure before shaking his head at Chu Wanning. "I find it... disgusting to buy and sell living people like this."

He wasn't telling the truth.

His peripheral vision stealthily returned to that Butterfly Bone Beauty Couch.

This woman was the first beauty in the cultivation world he had married after ascending to the throne in his previous life—

Song Qiutong!

The author has something to say:

Meat Bun: Ding-dong, Doraemon from the Xuan Yuan Pavilion is here to grant your wishes with a bunch of little pills~

Feeding Fish: But this medicine doesn't prevent one from dreaming.

Meat Bun: The wishing cat of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion, granting your wish for that ancient black gold saber.

Chu Wanning: Where's the saber? I don't see it.

Meat Bun: The wishing cat of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion, granting your wish for an unparalleled beauty.

Mei Hanxue: She's the protagonist's ex-wife. Are you joking with me?

Meat Bun: This auction is now concluded.

Ye Wangxi: Excellent! A bunch of troublemakers disrupting public order. Seal up the Xuan Yuan Pavilion for me... Hey? Chief, you're here too?