An old man sat in front of Yu Lan's painting, carefully inspecting it. "You're highly skilled at painting, but you erred by depicting something beyond your comprehension. It's something a non-cultivator shouldn't perceive at all. Be more cautious next time. It's remarkable that you can sense my Cauldron. It's likely due to your pregnancy. Your child has strong cultivation potential, which will gonna influence you in the worst possible way."
Yu Lan stared at the old man, tears streaming down her face. Despair clouded her expression as she struggled to understand who he was and what he meant. "I didn't intend to draw the…"
"It's alright. I should have stopped you sooner. This Cauldron is an artifact from an ancient era, long predating this city. Even if you tried to resist its allure, you had no chance, especially as a non-cultivator. Most cultivators can't even perceive my Cauldron, but you're an exception. You fell asleep in my auction house, which harmed my reputation, so I brought you here," he said, his hoarse voice muffled by a mask. His gaze remained fixed on Yu Lan's painting, unwavering.
Yu Lan couldn't tell if his words were true, but she felt indebted for his help. "I'm sorry for causing trouble. I have a few spirit stones to…"
"Enough!" he interrupted sharply. "Do you think spirit stones can compensate for my losses? They mean nothing to me. But tarnishing my reputation as the city's premier auction house? That I won't forgive!"
"I-I didn't know," Yu Lan stammered, shocked that her falling asleep could have such consequences. "I've never been to an auction house before, and I didn't expect to feel so strange upon entering."
"Hahaha!" The old man laughed. "Are you really from the Green Zone? You act like someone who's never done business or grasped how things work here." He ceased examining the painting, having gleaned what he needed.
Yu Lan felt desperate. How could a stranger see through her so easily? She sat on the bed, watching the old man, who suddenly appeared before her as if he had teleported.
"Who are you, old man?" she asked.
He chuckled beneath his mask. "Call me Smile."
Yu Lan peered at him and, despite the mask, sensed a radiant smile. Uncertain but trusting his forthrightness, she introduced herself. "My name is Yu Lan. I'm currently living at the Wall and will soon move to a house in the Green Zone."
"That's a lovely name. You remind me of someone from the Peng Sect, though I can't place who," he mused.
Yu Lan smiled faintly but then recalled her purpose. Though she had a clear goal, she hesitated to ask about the auction, confident she'd learn more soon.
"You didn't come here aimlessly," Smile said. "Tell me, what do you want to know?"
Yu Lan wavered, debating whether to inquire about the auction. "You can ask me anything. I know much and likely have the answers you seek," he added.
She studied Smile in silence, sensing no malice. Finally, her voice trembled as she spoke. "Is my child healthy?" Yu Lan began unwrapping her robe, expecting an examination, but Smile burst into laughter.
"What are you doing? Trying to sell your body or something?" he teased.
Blushing, Yu Lan quickly covered herself, mortified. She lay down, waiting quietly. Meanwhile, Smile returned to the painting, subtly assessing her condition.
A warm sensation spread through Yu Lan's body without warning. She felt her broken bones and ribs realigning, the pain fading within seconds. Her body felt rejuvenated.
"You and your child are relatively healthy," Smile said. "I've repaired most of your body's issues. The only unresolved matter is your child's cultivation potential, which you lack. This will strain your health during pregnancy. If you don't become a cultivator, your condition will worsen. Also, whoever tried to heal you caused more harm than good, severely damaging your lungs. Don't trust just anyone next time."
"You can stay here until your body adjusts to the changes. It's safe, and no one will disturb you. You can also paint here, with a perfect view of the city's northern district," he offered, tempting Yu Lan, who longed to stay and create more art.
"I can't stay," she replied. "I need to return and tell Mei Lin what I've learned about the auction. I don't know when it's happening, only that there are various auctions at different locations."
"Yes, there are," Smile confirmed. "My auction house will host one featuring mansions and valuable items collected from the city after the attack. Did your friend try to heal you and damage your lungs?"
"No, she meant to help. She didn't know she'd injure me," Yu Lan said.
"Do you know which auctions will be held and where?" Yu Lan asked.
"Yes, but it's wiser to know what you want to buy first, then select the right auction," Smile advised.
"Oh, then I'll ask my sister what she wants to buy." Yu Lan felt relieved, grateful that Smile's guidance had nudged her plan forward, even slightly.
"I need to leave now; my sister must be waiting. May I return another time to finish the painting?" Yu Lan asked, hopeful. She sensed Smile would not only aid her troubles but also guide her through the auction and her recovery. For the first time since meeting him, a heavy burden lifted from her shoulders.
"You'd better not run off," Smile said firmly. "You owe me a substantial sum of spirit stones for what you did and for what I've done for you."
Yu Lan didn't know how to respond. Uncertain of what exactly Smile expected from her, she still felt it was a fair deal. As she prepared to stand, her vision blurred. When she blinked, she found herself back in the chair where she had fallen asleep earlier.