The Wraithflesh burned into a pile of black ash, and the Daoist had already vanished without a trace.
Evan Lin searched all over Clear Creek Street but didn’t find anything useful.
Summer Mu stayed close to Evan, his face looking rather grim.
“Why’d you come to River City? Isn’t it almost time for finals?” Summer Mu asked, glancing curiously at Evan.
“Here for a competition.”
Summer Mu nodded at Evan’s answer and didn’t press further.
“So what’s the deal with that auction you mentioned?”
It was still early. Evan glanced at Summer Mu’s worried face—he looked different from how he’d been back at White Dragon Mountain.
“It’s an auction hosted by Jared Qian International Group in River City. Supposedly they got some good stuff from a few tomb-raiders.” Summer Mu saw Evan’s puzzled look and explained, “Jared Qian International Group specializes in auctions. This one’s kind of shady.”
“Tomb-raiders? Grave robbers?” Evan blinked in surprise.
Yeah, but it might just be a rumor.
Jinjiang Garden Estate, River City.
Inside a standalone villa.
A BMW X7 parked outside the villa. Rachel Liu got out and walked straight toward the house.
She opened the door and saw two people in the living room.
One was a sixteen-year-old girl with bright eyes and white teeth, sporting short hair. The other was a boy around fifteen or sixteen, wearing a black Nike t-shirt and a backwards baseball cap, his handsome face almost girlish.
Hearing the door open, the girl turned her head, saw Rachel Liu, and her eyes lit up: "Wow! Sis! You’re finally back!"
Megan Liu jumped up from the sofa, barefoot, and rushed over to Rachel Liu, arms outstretched, crashing into her for a hug.
Wow! Sis!
The boy’s eyes lit up when he saw Rachel Liu, and he rushed over just like Megan, excitedly stretching out his arms for a hug.
Keaton Wang! Shameless!
Before Rachel could say anything, Megan Liu glared at Keaton Wang in disgust, raised her foot, and kicked at him.
Ouch!
Keaton Wang cried out, tumbling backward and rolling on the floor before looking up in mock outrage: "Megan, you’re trying to murder your future husband!"
Future husband, my foot! Keaton Wang, you shameless idiot, I’d never go for you!
Megan Liu looked furious. Rachel Liu watched and felt a headache coming on, sighing quietly.
The boy from the Wang family—Keaton Wang.
He was the young master of the Wang family in River City, notorious for his mischief, and loved provoking Megan Liu, the Liu family’s second daughter.
He’d fought dogs in the street, cursed at his mom at home, stood at 1.6 meters tall, and had a wild personality.
That was Keaton Wang’s reputation.
You don’t like me? That’s fine. As long as I like you, right, Rachel?" Keaton Wang grinned, trying to win Rachel Liu’s support.
Just then, two elegantly dressed women came down from the second floor.
Rachel, you’re back." One of them was Rachel Liu’s mother.
She saw Rachel Liu come in and continued, “There’s an auction at Jared Qian tonight. Come with me and get ready.”
Okay." Rachel Liu nodded, greeted Keaton Wang’s mother, and headed upstairs.
The Jared Qian auction was held in a manor on the outskirts of River City.
Everyone attending was either rich or powerful. Without an invitation, you couldn’t get in.
Five o’clock in the afternoon.
Summer Mu and Evan Lin arrived by taxi.
As one of River City’s top families, the Summers naturally had invitations.
After getting out, they saw all sorts of luxury cars parked in the manor—BMWs and Audis worth at least 800,000, plus plenty of Lexuses, Porsches, and even a Rolls-Royce, one of only fifty made worldwide.
Evan followed Summer Mu inside.
The manor’s courtyard had a central fountain, with unique landscaping that felt more refined than gaudy.
Jared Qian wasn’t considered a top company in River City, but thanks to its business model, its network was huge." Summer Mu was still wearing his Armani tracksuit from earlier.
It wasn’t formalwear, but didn’t attract much attention.
After all, a few thousand for an outfit isn’t exactly shabby.
But Evan’s clothes looked way cheaper, earning him a few disdainful glances.
Since the auction hadn’t started yet, the courtyard was full of well-dressed elites chatting. The men wore suits, the women wore gowns, and laughter filled the air.
Kids Evan’s age mostly had their own little cliques.
A few glanced over, curious and a bit disdainful when they saw Evan.
Showing up dressed in cheap clothes at an event like this was definitely out of place.
Summer Mu!
Just as Summer Mu was about to introduce Evan to the scene, someone called out.
Evan looked over and saw a group of young heirs heading their way, flanked by pretty girls in evening dresses.
They walked with swagger, drawing glances from the other cliques.
I thought I’d mistaken you, but it’s really you! When did you come back to River City? I thought you were still stuck in Brightsea." The lead guy smiled at Summer Mu.
He was smiling, but Evan could clearly sense the hostility in his eyes.
Summer Mu frowned slightly. “Just got back.”
Oh, that explains it! No wonder I haven’t seen you in ages, haha." The lead guy laughed, acting chummy with Summer Mu.
Young Master Chuan, who’s this?" A girl beside Calvin Zhou looked at Summer Mu, then Evan, and asked curiously.
This is the Summer family’s third young master. You’ve always wondered who the third one was besides Jack and Claire? It’s him." Calvin Zhou pointed at Summer Mu. "And now the Summer family’s third young master controls the White Dragon Mountain Resort."
White Dragon Mountain Resort!
The others were stunned. The White Dragon Mountain Resort was worth hundreds of millions, and their eyes widened at the news.
Calvin Zhou smiled, but his eyes were cold.