“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary,” Feng Qingran replied politely, her tone distant.
“Hahaha… I merely thought that a girl with such peerless beauty, and all alone, might be susceptible to bullying, which is why I invited you. It seems I was being presumptuous.” Sheng Shike’s laughter sounded genuine, as if she truly cared for Feng Qingran.
The more she acted this way, the more vigilant Feng Qingran became.
The original Sheng Shike from the story was no pushover; she was arrogant, domineering, and took pleasure in bullying Feng Qingran.
Even if this Sheng Shike wasn’t as malicious as the book described, she certainly wouldn’t be nice to Feng Qingran without a reason.
“Thank you for your kindness,” Feng Qingran said with a slight nod.
The crowd’s eyes shifted between the two.
Ever since Miss Sheng broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage two years ago, it was as if she had gained enlightenment.
In just two years, her cultivation had reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.
But something strange had also happened: Miss Sheng, who used to be jealous of beautiful women, had started actively seeking their friendship instead.
They sized up Feng Qingran. She wore a long dress, her waist as slender as a bundled silk ribbon, with a radiant, lotus-like grace and an ethereal, gentle disposition.
But her facial features were quite ordinary, at best resembling a pretty girl from a small family.
Could Miss Sheng’s eyesight be failing?
Noticing the crowd’s puzzled expressions, Sheng Shike said with a smile, “No need to doubt my judgment. This young lady is hundreds of times more beautiful than I am. It’s just that she’s wearing a Concealing Talisman, so you can’t see her true appearance.”
Feng Qingran’s face instantly turned cold. She finally understood what was so off about Sheng Shike.
Sheng Shike’s speech and behavior weren’t like a young girl’s at all; her every move was more akin to a grown man.
However, she employed a girlish naivety so skillfully that it masked this fact, making people think she was just unconventionally straightforward.
A stir ran through the crowd, everyone staring at Feng Qingran with curiosity.
“Miss Sheng, your beauty is already peerless! Who could possibly compare?” the steward flattered from the side, thinking Sheng Shike was just being modest.
“You don’t believe me? Then I’ll open your eyes. Let you see what truly peerless beauty looks like.” Sheng Shike’s red lips curved into a slight smile, her bright eyes gaining a hint of darkness.
She raised her hand and reached towards Feng Qingran.
Feng Qingran narrowed her almond-shaped eyes, wanting to dodge, but found her legs felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Her whole body was stiff, unable to move an inch.
Her expression chilled, a wave of cold rising from the soles of her feet.
She had never felt this kind of coldness, not even under the pressure of Li Niang’s Virtual God aura. How did Sheng Shike do this?
Just as Sheng Shike’s hand was about to touch Feng Qingran’s Concealing Talisman, Zhuo Yan lowered its head and pecked the back of Sheng Shike’s hand.
“Ah!”—
Sheng Shike let out a sharp cry of pain, snatching her hand back and hiding it in her sleeve, her arm trembling slightly.
She looked towards Feng Qingran’s shoulder, her pupils contracting slightly, a look of terror flashing across her face. Why was Zhuo Yan in this minor world?
“Miss Sheng, are you alright?” the steward stepped forward, concerned.
He then turned to Feng Qingran and barked sternly, “How dare you! You actually injured Miss Sheng! Guards, seize this person and take her to Miss Sheng’s private room!”
Several black-clad figures rushed out, multiple streams of spiritual power shooting towards Feng Qingran.
Smack!—
Sheng Shike slapped the steward across the face. “Tell them to stop!”
The steward was stunned by the slap, staring blankly at Sheng Shike.
Meanwhile, facing the attacks from several Golden Core cultivators, Feng Qingran remained expressionless.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator couldn’t defeat Golden Core cultivators. Feng Qingran chose to simply give up without a fight.
Anyway, with the Twin Spirit Bracelets, these attacks couldn’t harm her.
Zhuo Yan, who had been about to act, sensed an even more powerful force emanating from Feng Qingran—a force that didn’t belong to its master!
The onlookers, however, all thought Feng Qingran was doomed, their faces showing pity.
Boom!—
Crash!—
Two loud sounds echoed. The black-clad figures who had attacked Feng Qingran were sent flying far away, then fell to the ground, vomiting blood.
In contrast, Feng Qingran was completely unharmed, her breathing steady.
Someone exclaimed, “Holy cow! Wang Lao-San, hit me! I must be dreaming and haven’t woken up yet…”
“Ah! How is this possible? Golden Core cultivators attack a Qi Refining cultivator, the Qi Refining cultivator is fine, but the Golden Core cultivators are severely injured…”
“The difference between Golden Core and Qi Refining is like an elephant and an ant! Can someone tell me why a Qi Refining cultivator can neutralize a Golden Core attack?”
“What else could it be? Must be a magical artifact on her. Didn’t you hear she has a Concealing Talisman?”
“Ah! This girl is probably finished. Even if she has a life-saving artifact, injuring the Shu Mo Auction House’s people will lead to a terrible outcome!”
“You have a point. The fact that she’s stuck waiting in line outside probably means her status is average…”
…
Some whispered amongst themselves, while others discussed loudly.
The steward flew into a rage. “Fine! A little girl dares to cause trouble right at the auction house’s doorstep? She’s asking for death! Guards, kill her! I don’t believe she has another life-saving artifact!”
The steward was furious and humiliated. If it weren’t for this little girl, why would he have been slapped for no reason?
He couldn’t take it out on Sheng Shike, so he could only settle the score with Feng Qingran.
As for Sheng Shike wanting to protect Feng Qingran? Impossible. Feng Qingran had injured the auction house’s staff; she had to pay the price.
As soon as the steward finished speaking, several more black-clad figures flew out. This time, their cultivation was at the Nascent Soul stage.
They drew their swords and thrust towards Feng Qingran.
The crowd quickly moved away from Feng Qingran, forming an empty circle around her.
Only Sheng Shike and the steward remained standing not far from Feng Qingran.
