SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS

As dawn's first light broke over the horizon, Peak Master Porus handed a pouch of mana stones to the inn manager, his movements swift and practiced. The manager nodded appreciatively, pocketing the payment with a bow.

Porus turned, his robes flowing behind him as he stepped out of the inn, followed closely by his two disciples, Kent and Fatty.

The streets were still, a quiet contrast to the hustle that would soon follow. The trio made their way towards the Nine Cauldron Summit, where the teleportation gate awaited.

As they ascended, the path gradually became more crowded, and by the time they reached the summit, a serpentine line of people stretched from the top to the bottom. The teleportation gate, a majestic archway shimmering with runic inscriptions, was specifically open to those visiting the inheritance ground today.

Disciples, elders, family members, and various support groups stood in line, eager to take advantage of the free teleportation. The air buzzed with anticipation and the soft murmur of conversations.

Fatty's eyes widened as he took in the long queue. "Master, it seems we should have come a little earlier," he muttered, his voice tinged with regret as he stared at the seemingly endless line of people.

Kent chuckled, unable to hide his amusement at Fatty's dejected expression. "You're the one who slept soundly until sunrise," he teased, nudging Fatty playfully.

Fatty opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by the sight of the top four sect disciples and elders at the front of the line. Their sect robes shimmered under the early morning sun, radiating an aura of power and prestige.

Kent's gaze was drawn to the new faces and the dignified bearing of the big families who didn't even attend the auction.

Just as Kent was absorbing the scene, a cheerful voice broke through the din. "Big brother, you came too late. I've been waiting for you so long!" Tata Lan called out, her voice bright and her smile even brighter as she approached Kent, her steps quick and eager.

Kent sighed, shaking his head slightly. "You should have gone first. There's no need to wait for us."

Tata Lan pouted, a playful glint in her eyes.

"I tried to say the same thing, but she insisted on going along with you," came a deep voice from behind Kent. Master Lan, Tata's father, stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate respect. Clad in luxurious clothes that marked his status, he exuded an aura of authority.

Master Lan nodded to Kent, his expression warm yet firm. "Good to see you, young man. Tata has always been stubborn to go with you. I hope she won't be a big burden for you"

Kent inclined his head respectfully. "Master Lan, I appreciate Tata's company. Don't worry, I will keep an eye on her."

A wide smile appeared on Master Lan's face after hearing Kent's promising words. "Thank you… thank you, young man. I hope you will earn great rewards and return safely." Master Lan uttered with a smiling face.

As Kent and Master Lan conversed, the crowd behind them parted almost instinctively, making way for a tall, elegant woman who exuded an aura of both power and grace.

She was clad in a stunning black dress adorned with a golden dragon, its intricate pattern coiling from the toes to her shoulder, where the dragon's head seemed to come alive, its mouth open in a silent roar. Her hair was impeccably styled, held in place by an ornate golden hairpin that looked like hand fan.

That hair pin is in the shape of a dragon wing and many people don't know that the hair pin is a powerful weapon.

The murmurs among the crowd grew as everyone recognized her. Jia, the renowned auctioneer known for her impeccable beauty and formidable presence, had arrived.

Fatty's jaw dropped, his eyes wide as he openly gawked at her. Jia stopped beside Kent, giving a respectful nod to Peak Master Porus.

"Elder, come with me. I will take you directly to the teleportation gate," she said, her voice smooth yet commanding. Her eyes flicked briefly to Kent, a subtle but unmistakable look that didn't go unnoticed.

Porus tried to politely decline Jia's offer. "Miss Jia, we wouldn't want to impose. We can wait our turn."

Jia's expression hardened, her voice brooking no argument. "Elder, don't waste precious hours standing in this line. Your disciple can use this time to explore the desolate lands and prepare." Her seriousness left no room for refusal.

Porus hesitated for a moment, then nodded, yielding to her persistence. "Very well. Thank you, Miss Jia."

With a gesture, Porus signaled Kent and the others to follow. Jia led the way, her movements graceful yet purposeful, and the group fell in line behind her. As they walked, she suddenly stopped and turned, her gaze landing on Tata Lan with an intense stare.

"Who is she?" Jia demanded, her tone sharp and scrutinizing.

"She is a friend of mine. Is there a problem?" Kent replied, meeting Jia's gaze with a steady look of his own.

Jia stared back into Kent's eyes for a long moment, as if weighing his words. Then, without another word, she turned and continued walking. Tata Lan, who had been holding her breath, exhaled softly and shot Kent a grateful glance.

The presence of Jia commanded respect, and the big sect disciples and family members could only watch in silence as the group bypassed the lengthy line. Their faces were a mix of envy and resentment, but none dared to voice their displeasure with Jia leading the way.

The ladies of autumn wind sect were staring at Kent with grim faces. But presence of Jia in the front provided a smooth passage to the top.

In one uninterrupted march, they reached the teleportation gate. The shimmering archway stood before them, a portal which can take to many distance places in a snap.

The guardian wizards greeted Jia and prepared for her transportation.

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Thank you @Arktear @Tom_Szubart @Daoist92VPav for sticking so long with the book. Thank you.