But Ji Yiyuan waited and waited, a full hour passed with no sign of Ji Yihang and the others, and he finally ran out of patience.
"Dad, is Ji Yihang not coming?" Beside him, Ji Yundong glanced at the time, "We have to go now. Professor Yan has already gone to the door; we can’t keep the people from the Main House waiting any longer."
Entering the Ancient Martial World required a passage permit, which they didn’t possess; only someone from the Main House could lead them in.
"Let him come if he will," sneered Ji Yiyuan, "After all, it’s not my father-in-law who’s dying. When the old man kicks the bucket, we’ll just spread the word through the Ji Family."
"Claiming he’s so preoccupied with his career that he doesn’t even care about his father-in-law’s death, you’ll see. Once his reputation is tarnished in the Ji Family, he’s doomed sooner or later."
That was Ji Yiyuan’s second move.
Because such things had happened in the past.
To suppress unsavory rumors, the Inner Court would sometimes execute family members.
"Dad, I must say, that’s a brilliant move on your part," Ji Yundong chuckled, "After this incident, Ji Yihang and his wife will surely grow apart. They totally deserve it."
"They brought it upon themselves," Ji Yiyuan snorted coldly again, "Let’s go."
Since Ji Yihang was so ungrateful, he could just wait for his tragic end.
**
Five o’clock in the afternoon.
Ji Yihang and his wife, Ji Li, and Wen Fengmian visited the Ancient Martial World for the first time.
Ji Li looked around curiously, "It’s even more realistic than those ancient dramas on TV. I thought I had traveled back in time."
"Yes," said Ying Zijin as she walked and simultaneously explained, "The history of the Ancient Martial World is very long; it’s like a heritage site from ancient times."
The auction was held in the central grand restaurant of Judicial City.
The architectural style of the restaurant was still quaint and ancient, with the Guard Squad of the Judicial Hall outfitted in armor, surrounding the restaurant.
They were guarding it tightly.
After all, there were always some ancient martial artists who were too audacious, attempting to sneak in and steal auction items during each event.
Madam Ji marveled, "So this is what the Ancient Martial World is like; it feels like we’re on the set of a period drama."
"Ugh, I suddenly don’t like the Ancient Martial World," Ji Li lifted her phone, looking dejected, "There’s no signal on my phone."
Ying Zijin pressed her forehead.
She had forgotten that the Ancient Martial World repelled modern high-tech from the outside.
There were WIFI and signal transmitters, but they were not accessible everywhere.
At least not here at the restaurant.
Phones and computers were indeed pretty useless in the Ancient Martial World.
"Xiao Li, cut down on your phone use," Madam Ji disapproved, "It’s bad for your eyes."
"But I’m working on the data for God Ying."
"Then keep playing."
"..."
Just then, Wen Fengmian’s stride paused abruptly.
He turned his head, his gaze landing on a nearby figure, and his expression subtly changed.
Wen Fengmian rarely displayed emotions like this, so Ying Zijin noticed right away, "Dad?"
She followed Wen Fengmian’s gaze.
There was a gorgeously dressed woman wearing high heels, her qipao complemented by a shawl around her shoulders.
She was in her forties but appeared to be in her early thirties thanks to proper care.
She was indeed very beautiful.
However, that extraordinary beauty somehow accentuated her rather vulgar demeanor.
The woman also noticed them, displaying a moment of astonishment and disbelief.
But Wen Fengmian had already looked away, "Let’s go."
Ying Zijin narrowed her phoenix-eyes, having figured it out, and acknowledged with a sound of agreement.
The five of them entered the restaurant.
The first floor held individual seats whereas the second floor housed private rooms.
To receive an invitation to the second floor meant you either held power or wealth.
Although the staff checking invitations had never seen Ying Zijin and the others before, they showed them a great deal of respect.
"Your ’Eternal Longing’ private room is over here, Uncle. Dad and I will be in ’Qingping Yue’, right across," Ying Zijin pointed to the sign for the private room, "If you need anything, come find me."
"Sure," responded Ji Yihang, "Later, I’ll ask your Second Aunt to cook you gourd chicken. I swear, I won’t be eyeing the chicken legs this time."
"..."
**
Yan Ruoxue and Ji Yiyuan could only wait in the lobby on the first floor for the auction.
Since Yan Ruoxue was not a member of the Ji Family, only Ji Yiyuan followed the Ji Family’s Guard Squad up to the second floor to meet with the head of the Main House.
Ji Yiyuan was surprised: "Sir, what’s the difference between the second floor and the first?"
The number of guards on the second floor was twice that of the first.
They were all ancient martial artists with profound cultivation, unlike the martial apprentices around him.
These ancient martial artists had not released their Inner Strength, but the naturally formed aura of lethality was almost suffocating him.
"There’s a big difference. This is the private room, signifying a dignified status. The Ji Family has only one," the guard glanced at Ji Yiyuan, "The head of the Main House and the Matriarch are here, as well as several elders. You just need to pay your respects and that’s it. Do you also wish to stay here?"
Ji Yiyuan shuddered with fear, then asked: "May I ask, sir, how long will this auction last?"
"If it’s quick, it could end today," the guard answered this question, "If slow, it may last for three days and nights, but whether you can endure it, I’m not sure."
Ji Yiyuan wiped away sweat.
For ancient martial artists, not eating, drinking, or sleeping for several days or a month is truly nothing remarkable.
But he, an ordinary person, would not last long.
However, it didn’t matter; at least he could witness the auction. What about Ji Yihang?
Ji Yihang would only be able to cry at his father-in-law’s grave later on.
Served him right.
A sneer crossed Ji Yiyuan’s mind as he followed the guard towards the private room where the Ji Family’s Main House was located.
At the same time, he was looking at the names of these private rooms, feeling nostalgic.
Indeed, the Ancient Martial World still carried on the ancient styles of Hua Country.
As Ji Yiyuan and the guard proceeded, a door to a private room opened.
The guard immediately stopped Ji Yiyuan, coldly: "We must show respect to the people in the private room, make way first."
Ji Yiyuan nodded, just glancing casually, and saw the name of the private room—Eternal Longing.
He knew that those who could enter these private rooms were of much higher status than him.
They were all ancient martial artists, not to be trifled with.
The door opened, and Ji Yiyuan looked over.
Ji Yihang and Ji Li walked out from inside.
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