"Haha, better late than never. I didn't expect you all to be up so early, and I've just caught up." As Li Xuan and the others emerged from the pavilion, a hearty laugh rang out. They looked towards the source and saw Meng Tianyun.
"Greetings, Brother Meng," Li Xuan said with a slight smile, cupping his hands.
Though he didn't know Meng Tianyun's standing on Six Domains Island, his casual demeanor suggested he was no ordinary person. Befriending him would at least make things easier here.
"I heard that not long ago, Pavilion Master Li Xuan fought two cultivators of the Years Realm alone and emerged victorious. I am truly impressed. Everyone, the auction is about to begin, allow me to lead you there," Meng Tianyun said with a nod and a smile.
"Thank you, Brother Meng," Li Xuan replied, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. While the change of pavilion masters in the Five Pavilions had drawn observers from various factions within Tianyi Domain, news shouldn't have spread this quickly.
Moreover, Six Domains Island wasn't part of the Six Domains territory. The fact that Meng Tianyun could mention it so casually indicated he had investigated Li Xuan and his group. The speed at which he acquired this information revealed the immense power of his intelligence network.
*Thump, thump, thump.*
As Li Xuan finished speaking, people began to emerge from the eight pavilions not far away. Li Xuan and his group, about to proceed, stopped to observe.
These eight groups were representatives from the other Six Domains and some top-tier forces. Each team comprised an average of about eight people. As Li Xuan's group observed the others, the other Six Domains' teams were also sizing them up.
"As expected of the top forces of the Six Domains. Almost everyone here is a future titan in their own right," Li Xuan sensed immediately, his spiritual soul having solidified. No one present was weak.
In fact, within each team, there were individuals who made Li Xuan feel threatened. As these thoughts crossed his mind, Li Xuan suddenly felt a presence and looked up. His gaze immediately withdrew, as if he had never looked at Li Xuan's group before.
"Wangu Domain, huh? If it comes down to a fight, then so be it," Li Xuan withdrew his gaze after a brief assessment. Despite the deep concealment, he had sensed killing intent in that brief glance.
Upon seeing that it was Wangu Domain, Li Xuan understood. The animosity between Tianyi Domain and Wangu Domain was no secret throughout the Cloud World, so Li Xuan saw no need to hide his reaction.
Furthermore, Li Xuan had not forgotten his purpose in coming to the Cloud World. Besides increasing his strength to resurrect his senior brothers and sisters, he also sought justice from the Great Venerable of Wangu Domain.
He had made sure to remember anyone connected to Wangu Domain. If he could collect some interest now, Li Xuan would not miss the opportunity.
"Since everyone is out, let's head over together," Meng Tianyun said with a smile, glancing at the assembled groups.
Others with seemingly similar identities to Meng Tianyun nodded in agreement and then led the way, turning to depart. Observing these figures, Li Xuan's estimation of Six Domains Island's strength increased significantly.
While Tianyi Pavilion had many cultivators of the Years Realm, the fact that they could dispatch nine Years Realm cultivators as escorts was enough to demonstrate the island's prowess.
"Pavilion Master Li Xuan, have you noticed anything unusual?" As Meng Tianyun led the way, Zhou Qingzi's telepathic message suddenly sounded in Li Xuan's mind.
Li Xuan recalled for a moment and then shook his head slightly, replying telepathically, "Pavilion Master Zhou, have you discovered something?"
"Earlier, I noticed that all our Six Domains teams had an escort and assumed it was merely the hospitality of Six Domains Island. However, as we were leaving, I saw a spark of excitement in their eyes. The way they looked at us was like looking at commodities," Zhou Qingzi transmitted.
"Commodities?" Li Xuan was taken aback. He had been distracted by the killing intent from Wangu Domain's gaze and hadn't paid attention to the other eight escorts like Meng Tianyun.
Zhou Qingzi's message was clearly not without cause.
Although the Six Domains Auction Convention was powerful, it wouldn't dare to plot against the top forces of the Six Domains. After all, those present were virtually the future pillars of the Six Domains, and if word got out, the forces behind the convention would have difficulty calming the situation.
"Heh heh, Pavilion Master Li Xuan, I have been assigned to escort your Tianyi Domain to this Six Domains Auction Convention. I recall that your Tianyi Domain ranked sixth in the previous convention. Do you have confidence in maintaining your ranking this time?"
Before Zhou Qingzi could reply, Meng Tianyun, who had walked to the front of the group, suddenly asked.
Li Xuan looked at Meng Tianyun with some confusion and asked, "Listening to your words, Brother Meng, does this mean other forces besides our Six Domains are participating in this auction convention?"
Since leaving Tianyi Domain, Li Xuan had been curious about the ranking mentioned by Supreme Mulan Xin.
He had initially assumed it was a ranking within the Six Domains, and the fact that Tianyi Domain was ranked sixth was unexpected. Coupled with Supreme Mulan Xin's plea to maintain their ranking, it was clear that other forces besides the Six Domains were involved.
However, he had no idea who these forces were or how many there were.
Meng Tianyun nodded as he walked and said, "I suppose it's understandable that as newly appointed pavilion masters, you might not be fully aware of the details of our Six Domains Auction Convention."
"Every time our Six Domains Island hosts an auction convention, we invite not only the Six Domains but also forces from other realms. Of course, only forces of a certain caliber receive our invitations. This time, in addition to the Six Domains, there are seven other teams."
"Although I don't know their strength, the fact that they received an invitation from above clearly indicates their eligibility."
"Thank you for your explanation, Brother Meng," Li Xuan replied with a nod, his expression becoming serious. All the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fell into place.
The mission for this trip had become clear.
First, it was to maintain Tianyi Domain's current ranking of sixth.
With a total of thirteen teams, this would undoubtedly be a difficult competition on Six Domains Island. Second, there was the bidding instructed by Supreme Mulan Xin.
Although Li Xuan didn't know the consequences of losing ranking, the fact that Supreme Mulan Xin and Meng Tianyun were discussing it suggested it was more important than the bidding.
"I find Pavilion Master Li Xuan to be a person of good character, worthy of friendship, which is why I've shared this. To be honest, the thirteen of us escorts have a vested interest in each of your teams. If you maintain your ranking, we will receive substantial rewards."
"Similarly, if your ranking declines, we will lose our bets. However, the losses for you will be far greater."
"Especially for your Tianyi Domain, if you fall out of the top six, not only will you lose your voice in the Cloud World, but you will likely have to cede some resources."
Meng Tianyun stopped and turned to look at Li Xuan, explaining the reason for his earlier words, which Li Xuan found perplexing.
Li Xuan's expression changed drastically upon hearing this. He had been somewhat oblivious since taking on the mission, but now, everything was clear.
Instantly, Li Xuan felt immense pressure. He gave a wry smile and bowed to Meng Tianyun, saying, "Thank you, Brother Meng, for your guidance. My companions and I will do our utmost!"
"I hope so," Meng Tianyun replied with a smile, then continued forward.