C9 Underground Black Market

The following morning, Bai Jiuyan slipped out of the house at the crack of dawn. The Demonic Pill might no longer aid her cultivation, but it clearly had other uses. Weaving through the city's streets and alleys, she made her way to the bustling heart of downtown Erostey.

Sigh... I wonder if my husband is awake yet...

As Bai Jiuyan was lost in thought, the very husband she pondered was trailing her, quietly observing her every move. Just how many secrets was his seemingly naive wife keeping from him? No matter. With her being watched, it was all the more reason for him to stay close and protect her.

Bai Jiuyan glanced around before confidently striding into Erostey's largest commercial building. Deep within, a seldom-used elevator, opulent in its decor, awaited. With practiced ease, she retrieved a card from her bag, swiped it over the sensor, and the elevator doors thundered open, whisking her downwards.

Through the dim passage, the scenery gradually transformed into splendor.

Mo Fann, shadowing Bai Jiuyan, raised an eyebrow in curiosity. He was astounded to discover such grandeur beneath the city. The area was aglow with lights and bustling with the elite—a playground for the wealthy.

As the elevator doors burst open, Bai Jiuyan flicked her hair back and stepped out with an air of authority, shedding her usual demure image for one of sheer command.

The attendants guarding the elevator hurriedly bowed and greeted her, "Hello, boss!"

Bai Jiuyan slightly furrowed her brow and gestured for them to tone it down. They immediately fell silent, scarcely daring to breathe too loudly.

With an imposing air, Bai Jiuyan continued deeper into the grand establishment, leaving Mo Fann speechless. His wife was not only the enigmatic Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox but also a wealthy magnate?

He scrutinized the surroundings and eventually spotted the words at the entrance: Nine Hu Auction House. An auction house, of all things!

Suppressing his inner astonishment, he shadowed Bai Jiuyan as she navigated the corridors and finally rapped on the mahogany door of an office. Without waiting for a response, she entered.

Several venerable elders with silvery hair rose to greet her. "We weren't expecting Miss Bai. Please forgive our lack of preparation."

Bai Jiuyan paid little mind to the pleasantries. She stepped forward and produced the Demonic Pill, presenting it with a smile to the elders. "An Earth Level Demonic Beast's Demonic Pill. I'd like an appraisal, gentlemen."

The sight of the pill sent a ripple of excitement through the elders. They steadied their glasses with shaking hands and eagerly took the pill from her.

"This... this! It's been years since I've seen such a treasure!" They lost all pretense of academia, buzzing excitedly around her.

"Miss Bai is correct! This Demonic Pill is indeed from an Earth Level Demonic Beast!" They marveled at the pill.

"And look at this sheen—it must have been extracted from the beast not long ago. It still holds the creature's spiritual energy. If this goes to auction, it will fetch an astronomical price, no doubt!"

Bai Jiuyan's smile lit up the room, a radiant glow filling the space.

"You truly are the most seasoned and erudite appraisers in Erostey. I was fortunate to acquire this piece. Should it fetch a handsome sum, I'm certain someone will be overjoyed."

"Someone?"

The elders exchanged looks, opting not to delve into Miss Bai's personal affairs. With her extraordinary insight, Miss Bai was not someone whose secrets could be easily uncovered by mere mortals like themselves.

Yet, Mo Fann, concealed behind Bai Jiuyan, instinctively knew whom she was alluding to.

His heart swelled with emotion.

Bai Jiuyan was here for him.

It seemed his wedding night vow had touched her, prompting her to auction the Demonic Pill to improve his livelihood.

...

At that moment, the elders were fervently debating the Demonic Pill's valuation.

"Miss Bai, do you plan to auction this item today, or will it be listed later?"

"In my opinion, with the right presentation, this Demonic Pill could take Erostey by storm."

Bai Jiuyan's eyes twinkled mischievously before she replied.

"Let's aim for tomorrow. Tomorrow evening, host an auction centered around the Demonic Pill. I'll be there, discreetly observing from the crowd."

She was intent on surprising Mo Fann.

He had always strived to provide for her, so why not reciprocate by investing the proceeds back into his life?

The elders eagerly concurred.

"Absolutely! Rest assured, Miss Bai, we won't disappoint with the task you've entrusted to us! Come tomorrow night, and we guarantee a price that will set records!"

Bai Jiuyan nodded in approval.

She had established this underground auction house and knew the caliber of these scholars well. That's why she had made the effort to present the Demonic Pill to them personally.

Once the Demonic Pill was in the elders' hands, Bai Jiuyan departed from the Nine Hu Auction House.

She navigated the familiar sea of greetings and bows with her usual poise and made her way back to the elevator.

Minutes ticked by.

As the elevator doors were about to open, Bai Jiuyan vanished and reappeared at her home. Straightening her attire at the doorstep, she reverted to her typically adorable and vivacious demeanor.

Mo Fann materialized alongside Bai Jiuyan at their home.

Inside and out, the couple shared a comically perfect understanding.

Bai Jiuyan inhaled softly, then used her key to unlock the door. Peering inside, she found the house empty and realized Mo Fann was still asleep. She let out a sigh of relief and tiptoed to the bedroom.

There, she found Mo Fann still dozing and chuckled affectionately.

'Silly husband, still not awake.'

At that moment, Mo Fann's eyes fluttered open.

"Huh, honey, all dressed up? Are you going somewhere?"

Bai Jiuyan beamed, hands on her hips.

"Yesterday, you treated me to breakfast. Today, it's my turn to fetch breakfast for you. Isn't that thoughtful?"

In her hands, she carried a bag of crispy dough sticks and a warm bowl of soy milk and rice porridge, the epitome of homely charm.

Mo Fan found himself moved once more.