Chapter 90: So It Was Little Black Who Did It!

"Qingqiu, just speak boldly. Even if Xiaotian is really that small, we won't hold it against him." Lin Qinghan spoke with heartfelt sincerity, placing her hand gently on Wei Qingqiu’s shoulder, her eyes shining with encouragement.

The cunning Third Sister seemed to relish this topic, unwilling to let the matter rest until she uncovered the truth. Hearing this, Wei Qingqiu blushed deeply. How was she supposed to answer such a question?

"Third Sister, please stop teasing me!"

"By the way, didn't you want to learn the Nine Tai Chi Needles? Actually, besides that, I know many other acupuncture techniques—I can teach you all of them."

Chu Tian inwardly lamented, his face pleading for mercy. He knew Third Sister was passionate about medical arts; if he offered acupuncture techniques as a bargaining chip, it would surely divert her attention. But Lin Qinghan was not so easily appeased this time.

"Xiaotian, it’s not just me who wants to know now. All the other sisters are curious too—you can’t escape!"

Lin Qinghan stifled a mischievous smile, thoroughly enjoying herself. Hearing her words, the other women nodded in earnest, all eyes turning expectantly to Wei Qingqiu, eager for her answer.

"I..."

Chu Tian was at a loss, his gaze also landing on Wei Qingqiu. With so many eyes fixed on her, Wei Qingqiu grew increasingly nervous. She opened her mouth, ready to respond.

But just then, a faint sound came from beneath Chu Tian’s bed, and a flurry of colorful bras suddenly flew out, landing squarely in front of everyone.

"Is... is this mine?"

"This one’s mine."

"How did mine end up under Xiaotian’s bed?"

The women stared at the colorful intimate apparel, their cries of surprise echoing through the room.

Was someone under the bed? A thief?

At that moment, a small black dog crawled out from beneath the bed, a piece of lace dangling from its mouth as it trotted back and forth, playing with its prize.

"Little Black?"

"What’s it doing here?"

Chu Tian was baffled to see his dog appear at Yunhe Villa.

"Last night, you suddenly left the Lakeside Villa, and since I didn’t stay overnight either, Aunt found out you were living elsewhere and asked me to bring Little Black over."

"After all, Little Black really misses his young master!"

Wei Qingqiu chuckled softly, quickly steering the conversation away to avoid the sisters’ renewed inquiries.

"Are all these things Little Black took?"

Qin Shiya crouched down, stroking the fur atop Little Black’s head before gently retrieving the lace from its mouth.

Little Black obediently released it, letting Qin Shiya take it away. Sure enough, the lace already bore a hole—proof of what had happened.

"Woof?"

Little Black tilted its head, gazing at Chu Tian with innocent eyes, as if pleading its case.

"So... the hole in mine was chewed by Little Black, too?"

Zhao Ling’er seemed to catch on, her finger lightly scratching her temple to mask her embarrassment.

"Who else could it be but Little Black?"

Chu Tian’s expression grew stern, finally able to clear his name. He had never expected the 'thief' to be Little Black—it was truly unexpected.

"Seventh Sister, you really misunderstood Xiaotian. I told you long ago he wasn’t that kind of person."

Liu Qingxue sighed, as if chastising Zhao Ling’er.

"Big Sister, didn’t you just misunderstand him as well? Who would’ve thought it was Little Black’s doing?"

Zhao Ling’er stuck out her tongue, quietly turning to slip out of the room as the women’s attention wavered.

"Trying to run?"

Ye Binglan moved swiftly, grabbing Zhao Ling’er’s collar in one deft motion.

She hoisted Zhao Ling’er up like an eagle snatching a chick.

"Enough, everyone. Let’s stop fooling around and go have breakfast."

Gao Haiting spoke with helpless resignation, stepping in to smooth things over. Only then did Ye Binglan stop her playful antics.

From beginning to end, Chu Tian had not told his sisters about the events that took place on Tai Chi Mountain. After all, Wu Xingyan had already put them under tremendous pressure, leaving them anxious day and night. Chu Tian did not wish to burden them further with worry or fear.

...

The next morning, a business car stopped outside Yunhe Villa.

"Master, I’m here to pick you up."

Wang Jiulong stood in front of the car, bowing respectfully.

"Let’s not waste time. Get in."

Chu Tian waved his hand and took a seat in the back.

They boarded the car and headed toward the auction house in the outskirts.

...

Along the way, Chu Tian learned about the situation.

There would not be many participants at this auction; it was a small, privately organized affair. Yet every guest who attended was a titan of the business world.

Although the auction was held on the outskirts of Tianmen City, all the prominent tycoons of Jiangnan had received invitations—business moguls from every city would attend.

In other words, this would be a fiercely competitive auction. Without substantial financial resources, it would be difficult to acquire any desired treasures.

Fortunately, Chu Tian commanded assets worth trillions. When it came to competing with money, he feared no one.

According to Wang Jiulong’s estimate, the total value of the auction items exceeded ten billion.

Ten billion was merely the starting price; the auction would surely drive prices higher. The final price at which treasures would be sold remained a mystery.

The Wan family was hosting this auction, and rumor had it they had prepared a grand finale item—a medium-grade spiritual artifact of extraordinary power.

"A medium-grade spiritual artifact?"

Chu Tian frowned, finding it somewhat unbelievable.

Even if the hosts behind the auction were members of a cultivation sect, it seemed improbable they would covet mundane wealth enough to sell such an item.

Moreover, the value of a medium-grade spiritual artifact was far more than ten billion. Even spending hundreds of billions would not guarantee finding one; it was a treasure beyond compare!

Could there truly be a medium-grade spiritual artifact at this auction in the outskirts of Tianmen City?

Until he saw the item with his own eyes, Chu Tian remained skeptical.

If the auction truly offered a medium-grade spiritual artifact, he would do whatever it took to obtain it.

After all, for a cultivator, money was but a worldly possession.

In today’s mundane world, finding even a low-grade spiritual artifact was rare.

To possess a medium-grade spiritual artifact was to hold something priceless.

Two hours later, Chu Tian arrived at the clubhouse on Tianmen City’s outskirts.

It was a private venue, and today’s auction would be held inside.

Wang Jiulong presented their invitation, and Chu Tian was ushered into the inner chamber.

The first floor was a hall where ordinary guests were confined.

Those with invitations, however, could enter private boxes on the second floor.

When Chu Tian entered his box, he found it already filled with people.

They were dressed in luxurious attire, clearly of distinguished status.

As soon as he appeared, a mocking voice sounded in the room.

“Hmph, I thought we were waiting for someone important, but it turns out we’re only waiting for an ordinary young boy!”