2021, China, Mingshui Province, Panshan City.

In a progressively modernizing society, the ancient industry of auctioneering was already becoming increasingly scarce. Nonetheless, Mingshui Province had an ancient auction house and all of it was crafted from wood. At the top was a mottled room with the three words of Golden Dipper Hall inscribed, yet this place had towered in the city’s heart for over a century.

It was night, already twelve o’clock, but the inside was still bright with lantern light. Several late-comers walked in, somewhat drunk, yet all they saw was an old man wearing a dragon-phoenix Tang suit, who was working an abacus. After they shot a few looks at the man in rapt interest, they discovered everything was covered with a layer of gauze and left in discontent.

Chink… An abacus bead was pushed forward, and the fifty-year-old man raised his head. Aided by his circular glasses, he looked at all the workers who were sweeping and suppressing their excitement, his voice hoarse, “Be careful! There’s still ten minutes! All of you will be seeing people that you would’ve never met! If any one of you slips up, you can all get lost!” 

No one spoke, but looking carefully at every one of them, each person’s face carried an abnormal flush. Although they were sweeping the floor, their gazes never left the entrance!

Sizzle… At this time, a white misty qi halo twinkled in the sky above the Golden Dipper Hall. Comparable to fog...