Naked Sword Art-Chapter 366: Interrogation

"Wake up, we have some questions for you."

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Unable to break free from his restraints, Chu Piao could only sit in silence, waiting for his captors to release him. No matter how they tried to torture or provoke him, he showed no pain, no weakness—he was a Divine Sword cultivator, after all. There was a reason Chaos Sect members never took prisoners.

The fact that he was still alive told him everything he needed to know: these people were definitely not from the Chaos Sect.

"Forget it, just throw him in a cell and let him starve," the elder who had captured him said.

"You people… who are you?" Chu Piao finally spoke, his voice calm despite his condition.

"We're not your enemies. We just want to know what connection you have to the Black Paradise Sect," the elder replied.

"Black Paradise Sect? So this must be QiGon Province," Chu Piao muttered, mostly to himself. Then, more clearly, he said, "I have no ties to that sect. I was only traveling to Jadepeak City. I have business there."

A man sitting nearby, forming a peculiar hand seal, gave the elder a small nod—his gesture confirming that Chu Piao was telling the truth.

"What about your injuries? Where did you get those?" the elder asked next.

"My grandfather. What I did was... in a way, considered betrayal to the Divine Sword Sect. I barely escaped with my life."

The elder glanced again at the man with the hand seal, who gave another confirming nod. A devilish grin spread across the elder's face.

"I see. That makes things easier for us. Like I said, we're not your enemies. Do us a small favor, and we'll gladly return your freedom."

Chu Piao looked the elder in the eye and asked coolly, "What do you want me to do?"

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[ JadePeak City ]

The city came alive at night—especially on festival nights like this. Lights twinkled like stars, music echoed through the streets, and laughter mingled with the scent of roasted meats and sweets. Women and children ran about, candy and toys clutched in their hands.

"Fang, this one too!" Xiao Hei exclaimed, darting from stall to stall, entranced by every flashy trinket and treat she saw.

By the time they arrived at the auction house, she looked like a walking lantern—wrapped in glowing trinkets and stuffed with so much candy she could barely carry it all.

Xiao Fang flashed the jade badge given to him by the clerk, and one of the guards opened a separate entrance just for him.

"Please, follow the corridor until you reach Room 87," the guard said respectfully.

As soon as the doors closed behind them, the festive noise of the city vanished. Inside, the atmosphere shifted—the lights dim, the carpet a rich crimson, and the air scented with sweet incense.

"Are we almost there yet?" Xiao Hei mumbled, her mouth full of licorice and candy apples.

"You heard the man. Room 87," Xiao Fang replied.

When they arrived, they found two maids standing at attention. Behind them, the entire back wall was a massive pane of glass overlooking the grand stage below.

"Is this your first time here?" one of the maids asked softly.

"It is." Xiao Fang replied.

"When you're ready to place a bid," she explained, gesturing to a small ornate box, "simply place your offer into this casket and press this jade slab to lock it in. Once sealed, your bid cannot be withdrawn or increased—unless someone places a higher bid, in which case the box will open and you'll have a chance to withdraw your money or make a higher bid."

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She smiled politely before continuing, "As for us, we'll remain here to answer any questions and provide food or refreshments at your request."

"I understand," Xiao Fang said plainly.

"Would you like us to start you off with any refreshments?" the other maid asked politely.

"Yes, get me more of whatever these are," Xiao Hei declared with sticky hands while waving around a piece of licorice.

"You've had enough," Xiao Fang said to her, placing a hand on Xiao Hei's head. Then to the maids, "Your service won't be necessary. Please give us some privacy."

"As you wish," they replied with a graceful bow before quietly exiting the room.

The moment they were gone, Xiao Fang removed his blindfold and began surveying his surroundings. Stepping up to the glass wall, he gazed down at the grand auction hall below. It resembled a vast auditorium, and his private booth sat like a balcony seat—elevated, enclosed, and offering an unobstructed view of the stage. All around the upper level were other booths similar to his, though each was sealed with tinted glass, concealing the identities of those within.

Out of curiosity, Xiao Fang tapped the glass. To his surprise, he could hear everything happening in the auction hall below—clear as day—yet he couldn't hear a single sound from the other booths. It was as if the rooms were designed to let sound in, but not let any out. He assumed it was the work of sophisticated formation inscriptions.

'How interesting,' Xiao Fang mused as he finally took a seat.

The auction was about to begin.

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Meanwhile, outside the auction hall, Yu Luixian arrived with Bai Fan and Zhao Pan.

"Instructor Yu, you've been taking us to so many fancy places lately... I doubt Long Wang could even afford to be in one of them," Bai Fan remarked, half-joking.

"If we run into him, then it's fate. If not, then it simply wasn't meant to be," Yu Luixian said with a cryptic smile. Still, both Bai Fan and Zhao Pan couldn't shake the feeling that she was deliberately avoiding him.

"I think I'll go for a walk," Bai Fan said, already turning away.

As the group began to drift apart, Zhao Pan stood still, glancing back and forth between them while slowly chewing on a piece of beef jerky.

"Zhao Pan, aren't you coming?" Yu Luixian asked, pausing mid-step.

Zhao Pan clasped a fist to her chest respectfully and replied, "Forgive me, Instructor, but I believe Bai Fan will be safer if I accompany her."

Yu Luixian scoffed under her breath. "Safe, my butt… This is the safest city in the country."

"Suit yourself. If you miss the show, I'll see you both back home," she added, waving them off casually.

Zhao Pan gave a slight bow, then turned to follow Bai Fan into the bustling city streets.

"Do you have any idea where he might be?" Zhao Pan asked.

"No, but my grandmother is on her way with his clone. They'll lead us to him," Bai Fan replied.