```
She had been suspecting all along that there was something off about Qin Xiao.
After all, Qin Xiao had never stopped moving forward on this journey, not seeming to meander randomly but rather heading straight for a destination.
"Haha, is it that obvious?"
Having been exposed, Qin Xiao didn't feel embarrassed, instead bursting into hearty laughter.
Meng Hongchen nodded like a bobblehead doll in agreement.
"Well, now that you've guessed, there's no point in hiding it. To be honest, I am indeed here for a specific purpose."
Meng Hongchen asked puzzledly, "Is there something here that you've been keeping an eye on, Uncle-Master?"
"Not really, I just want to see if there's a suitable Carving Knife to buy, the one I'm currently using is a bit unwieldy."
"Oh, is that so..." Meng Hongchen nodded, "Let's go in now, then."
As she spoke, she pulled Qin Xiao toward the auction house's entrance.
A Soul Master without a Carving Knife is like the West without Jerusalem, how can this be acceptable?
However, what she didn't know was that the Carving Knife Qin Xiao wanted was not for use, but for refining.
After the two of them left, Xiao Hongchen also arrived outside the auction house.
"So he came here?"
"If nothing goes wrong, he is probably planning to buy something for my younger sister, right?"
"Hmmph, he sure knows how to make my little sister happy, but what hasn't my little sister seen in this world?"
After a cold laugh, Xiao Hongchen took the lead back to the hotel.
...
From the outside, the auction house didn't look very large.
But in reality, it was another world entirely.
Upon entering the auction site, a red carpet stretched forth, leading visitors directly underground.
"Two distinguished guests... may I ask if there's anything I can help you with?"
After more than twenty meters, they reached the registration area, where a hostess in a red dress greeted Qin Xiao and Meng Hongchen with a smile.
"We would like to purchase a Carving Knife, do you have any here?"
Meng Hongchen asked the lady directly.
"A Carving Knife?"
The hostess was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly responded, "Of course, we have them, but Carving Knives are extremely valuable items... Also, do the two of you have any proof of identity?"
Her implication was simple.
Precious items aren't necessarily affordable for everyone.
And to enter the auction house, one must have sufficient credentials.
Proof of identity? Qin Xiao smiled slightly.
He remembered that the original text indeed mentioned that to enter this auction house, one needed proof of assets and undergo an assessment. If one went through the normal channels, it would take at least half a month of screening before possibly gaining entry.
However...
The purpose of this condition was merely to filter out the differences between commoners and nobles...
When Qin Xiao took out a Black Card beginning with a one followed by all zeros, the hostess's expression changed instantly.
"A Black Card with a face value of one million..."
The hostess's pupils contracted sharply, her heart trembling with astonishment.
When Qin Xiao took out a Black Card with a million face value, she really didn't know how to react.
While the card was not an identity proof, it was more useful than any identity document.
Having one million Gold Soul Coins in one's pocket certainly classified him as a premium client.
"Now, may we enter?"
Qin Xiao asked with a smile.
He didn't have many of these Black Cards, just about a dozen or so.
Jing Hongchen had personally handed them to Qin Xiao before he set out.
It is worth mentioning that this money was not some dirty deal by Jing Hongchen to win over Qin Xiao... it was acquired through official channels.
It was a reward for Qin Xiao providing the Sun-Moon Empire with several powerful soul tools.
"Certainly, of course."
The hostess nodded like a pecking hen.
If such a big spender couldn't enter the auction house, there would likely be no one inside.
As for the rules...
Heh, to hell with rules...
Money talks, as they say.
"Respected sir, beautiful miss, please follow me."
The hostess said, making a welcoming gesture with her hand and leading the way for Qin Xiao and Meng Hongchen.
Even Qin Xiao felt that the woman seemed to deliberately stride wider, her voluptuous body almost bursting the tight red dress she wore.
Passing through the quaint wooden door.
Qin Xiao was struck by the sudden expanse that opened up before him.
```
In their field of vision, a wide corridor glowed with golden splendor. Its luxury far surpassed the Star Emperor Hotel where they were staying.
Walking on the jade-paved floor, Meng Hongchen couldn't help but mutter softly, "This place is just slightly less impressive than the auction house in Ming City."
Before long, Qin Xiao and Meng Hongchen passed by a number of halls, each with a sign hanging in front.
At this point, the female greeter warmly explained, "Honored guests, this is the auction hall.
However, I'm not sure if the Carving Knife you're looking for is being auctioned today. Please follow me to the VIP room to wait for a while, I will go and check for you," she said.
Qin Xiao nodded, "That sounds reasonable."
As for Meng Hongchen, he was basically Qin Xiao's little sidekick and naturally had nothing to say.
After arranging Qin Xiao and Meng Hongchen in the luxurious VIP reception room, the female greeter left.
Shortly after.
The door was knocked, and upon receiving Qin Xiao's permission, a woman dressed in a purple long dress entered.
She appeared to be in her thirties, with a dignified and beautiful face and a faint smile that seemed almost non-existent. As she moved, her graceful movements and the well-tailored long dress perfectly outlined her fully matured figure.
"Good evening, honored guests. I am Qing Ya, a purple-ranked auctioneer of the Starlight Auction House. There are no auctions for me to host tonight, so I will be at your service," she introduced herself with ease.
Meng Hongchen looked at the woman, then at himself.
He suddenly felt his sisters were really letting him down.
Qin Xiao smiled slightly, "I believe your staff have already informed you of our intentions, right?
Let's not beat around the bush, then, please show us your good faith."
At these words, a hint of surprise flashed in Qing Ya's eyes.
She hadn't expected this young man to be so forthright in his dealings.
But upon reflection, she understood.
Could someone carrying a Black Card with One Million Gold Soul Coins be an ordinary individual?
Even if he was a teenager, he must be taken seriously.
"I have checked today's auction catalog, and didn't find any Carving Knives being auctioned.
However, upon learning of your requirements, I applied to the management and brought a few knives here that can be sold to you at the starting price.
How does that sound?" Qing Ya inquired.
She did not hurry to bring out the knives but presented the conditions first.
In this way, unnecessary trouble could also be reduced.
To this.
Qin Xiao had no objections.
"Okay, let's see what kind of knives you have before deciding whether or not to buy them."
With a slight smile, Qing Ya took out a wooden box from her Spatial Soul Guidance Device.
Upon opening it, a black Carving Knife was revealed.
Qin Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing that the knife was indeed not bad.
It was worth at least tens of thousands of soul coins.
Unfortunately.
It was not what he wanted.
"Don't rush, honored guest. I have other preparations," Qing Ya said, keeping an eye on Qin Xiao's expression throughout.
However.
She saw not satisfaction in Qin Xiao's face but disappointment. She immediately realized that this customer was not so easily pleased.
She quickly took out another Carving Knife from the Spatial Soul Guidance Device.
The entire knife was silver, with a blade that gleamed with a cold light.
"Honored guest, this Carving Knife is of high quality, made by a master craftsman, and is very close to making the list of top knives. If used to craft a soul tool, it will certainly save much effort," Qing Ya added.
"This is better than the previous one... but still not what I'm looking for," Qin Xiao casually remarked.
Qing Ya was taken aback. Was this still not satisfying?
But.
No matter, she had other items ready.
However.
Right then, Qin Xiao spoke indifferently, "If all you have are knives of this quality, no need to take them out anymore, let's save each other's time."
After speaking, he had already stood up, ready to leave with clear disappointment.
Meng Hongchen disdainfully commented, "This is the best Xingluo City has to offer? Seems mediocre at best."
In Ming City's auction house, they would have already brought out a knife making the list.
"Honored guests, I urge you to remain calm," Qing Ya urged quickly, pressing her lips together before continuing, "In our auction, there is another knife of superior quality, ranked ninety-ninth in the Carving Knife rankings!"