Haiyue Immortal City, one of the sixteen immortal cities in the Heavenly Domain, was undeniably prosperous.
As far as the eye could see, magnificent palace-like structures dominated the landscape, though not all were resplendent with gold and jade; some were unique and stylishly designed.
In the sky above, cultivators zipped into the city like shooting stars, some on their swords, and even massive airships descended.
Ye Yun found himself growing intrigued. If he bought an airship and bestowed it upon his disciples, would he receive a starship in return?
As they walked through the vast streets, the women couldn't help but reveal their awe.
"Wow, as expected of the Heavenly Domain, what a spectacular city!"
For Lin Xueyan and the others, this was their first glimpse of a Heavenly Domain city, and they were filled with wonder.
"That golden tower over there, it's so beautiful!"
"And those big ships flying by, I want one too!"
"This place really feels… more powerful than our continent."
The difference compared to the cities of the Profound Heaven Continent was that in the Heavenly Domain, almost everyone could fly.
Thus, the entire city was built with a greater sense of verticality and grandeur.
Standing amidst it, they felt as insignificant as ants.
Ye Yun, seeing their reactions, sighed with helplessness.
"Hey, you all… look if you want, but can you stop clinging to your Master's clothes?"
He looked at the women, who were clinging to him from all sides, front, back, left, and right.
Ever since they entered the city, while admiring its beauty, they had been incredibly attached to him, as if wanting to fuse with him.
Chen Lingyi, who was holding the back of his collar, stuck out her tongue.
"Since it's a date, we have to stick together!"
Her words were immediately met with agreement from Lin Xueyan and Bai Xiaoxiao.
"Yeah, yeah! Dates are meant to be spent together!"
With that, they held onto Ye Yun even tighter.
Ye Yun felt like he was dragging four accessories.
Helpless, he looked at Fang Zhiwei, who was walking alone, and almost shed tears of relief.
"Can't you guys learn from Junior Sister Zhiwei? Look how good and obedient she is!"
However, as soon as he spoke, Fang Zhiwei tilted her head and replied,
"No, it's just that there's no space! Besides, later on, you'll definitely compensate me by going on a date with me alone, right?"
"..."
Her eyes shone with innocence and anticipation.
Ye Yun's eyes reflected despair, and then more despair.
It was over. Had Zhiwei also been corrupted by Xueyan and the others?
"Oh, heavens… can you find someone else to inflict this torment upon?"
Their peculiar appearance, Ye Yun and his disciples, even drew furtive glances from many passersby.
Their looks seemed to say, "Look, there's a pervert here…"
Many female cultivators subtly distanced themselves from Ye Yun, as if afraid of falling victim to him.
"Alas, perhaps this is my fate…"
Ye Yun finally gave up struggling and allowed them to pull him along, heading towards the largest merchant guild in the city.
Hengfeng Merchant Guild, Reception Room.
The guild manager scrutinized Ye Yun and the lovely young women beside him before handing back a piece of paper.
"Esteemed guest, I apologize, but the treasures you've listed on this paper are simply not something our Hengfeng Merchant Guild can produce."
Ye Yun frowned.
Earlier, he had mentioned that he was descending the mountain to purchase high-quality heavenly treasures that could help him break through or enhance Lin Xueyan and the others.
He had expected that money would be all that was needed, but this outcome left him disappointed.
He couldn't help but retort, "I say, even though these heavenly treasures are indeed precious, surely your vast merchant guild wouldn't be entirely without them?"
Seeing Ye Yun's displeasure, the guild manager sighed.
"It's not just the guests who are unhappy, we are also in a difficult position."
"Ever since the Heavenly Dao Palace began to interfere with the trade of high-quality heavenly treasures some years ago, most of them have ended up in their hands."
"As for us merchant guilds, we can only sell common items used in cultivation these days."
Ye Yun felt utterly dejected, thinking that given this situation, it would be faster to just raid the Heavenly Dao Palace.
Of course, if he were to do that, he would surely be the first to die.
"Alas, are there truly no other channels to acquire these items?"
"That's not entirely true. Channels do exist; it just depends on whether you have the financial means."
"Hmm? What channels?"
"That, well…"
As he spoke, the guild manager smiled meaningfully at Ye Yun.
Ye Yun, being direct, casually tossed a high-grade Profound Crystal over.
The manager's eyes lit up, and he quickly pocketed it.
Then, he glanced towards the door, confirmed no one was around, and leaned in to whisper.
"I presume you are unaware, esteemed guest? Tonight, within Moon Spirit Mountain outside Haiyue Immortal City, there will be a private, clandestine auction."
"This auction is jointly organized by the City Lord of Haiyue City and the Canghai Soul Sect, and it always attracts a large number of high-grade goods."
"As long as you have enough Profound Crystals, you can buy almost anything you desire there!"
"Whether it's all sorts of heavenly treasures, or even relics of immortals strictly controlled by the Palace, you can acquire them!"
Ye Yun raised an eyebrow.
"There's such a thing… interesting…"
Ye Yun was increasingly feeling that the Heavenly Dao Palace was deeply unpopular in the Heavenly Domain, always acting one way openly and another way behind closed doors.
At this moment, the merchant guild manager smiled at him.
"This auction is indeed quite interesting, but participation requires a pass. And we happen to have one, so, esteemed guest, what do you say about the price…"
He smiled again, and Ye Yun, without further ado, tossed another top-grade Profound Crystal.
"Is this enough?"
"Enough, enough, enough! More than enough! Esteemed immortal, you are generous!"
Upon seeing the top-grade Profound Crystal, the manager's eyes sparkled.
He quickly snatched it up, as if afraid Ye Yun would change his mind.
After all, a single top-grade Profound Crystal was equivalent to his salary for many years.
He then presented a golden envelope and a small booklet to Ye Yun, with a fawning smile.
"Esteemed immortal, this is your pass. I've also included a catalog of auction items for you. I wish you a successful auction!"
Ye Yun nodded, took the items casually, and was about to leave.
As he departed, the guild manager glanced at the women behind him and smiled enigmatically.
"Oh, right, esteemed immortal. If you plan to attend the auction, you might want to pay attention to one of the featured items."
"I heard it's an exotic maiden captured from the Void Abyss. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but her cultivation physique is also excellent, making her a perfect cultivation furnace!"
"It seems many powerful figures and factions are vying for her, and even a Holy Son from Red Dust Mountain will be attending. She's perfect for cultivators with your particular interests!"
Ye Yun, not immediately comprehending, asked in confusion,
"My particular interests? What interests?"
However, the guild manager looked at him, then at the women beside him, and gave a knowing smile that all men would understand.
"Esteemed immortal, we're all men, I understand."
"No, you've misunderstood…"
"No need to explain, esteemed immortal, no explanation is necessary!"
The guild manager grinned, "It's just that having so many peerless maidens around you is truly enviable."
"However, you should still exercise some restraint in your daily life, lest you harm your cultivation foundation. That would be a grave loss…"