Alert! The Dragon Lord has emerged from seclusion!

"Hmm, it must be a spy from the Zhao family." Lin Chen walked to her side. "It seems they've confirmed that something has changed here."

"The period leading up to the auction will likely be anything but peaceful."

He picked up his dedicated phone and quickly sent a message: "The Qin residence was being monitored by a drone, which has been driven away. The other party may be increasing surveillance."

"According to Plan B, the guard team will disperse and infiltrate the area around the convention center to stand by, while the intelligence team will focus on monitoring the communication frequencies of the Zhao family and known Youming Sect strongholds."

Su Qingxue on the other end replied almost instantly:

"receive."

"It has been confirmed that security for the auction will be handled by 'Blackwater Security,' a company under the Zhao family, for part of the inner area. Our people will enter as anonymous buyers."

"By the way, what identity do you plan to use to enter?"

Lin Chen looked at Qin Yurou, having already made up his mind: "The Qin family is a family of scholars and collectors, so it is perfectly legitimate for them to attend this kind of auction."

"At that time, I will accompany Miss Qin as her specially invited 'ancient medicine consultant'."

Su Qingxue felt a slight pang of jealousy upon receiving the message, but she quickly suppressed it.

The plan still requires the full support of the Qin family, so we had to tell Old Master Gu.

When Qin Huaigu learned of the plan, although he was worried about his granddaughter's safety, he also understood that it was a necessary move to lure the enemy out and gain the initiative.

He finally nodded in agreement.

He immediately used his connections to obtain two invitations to the auction's inner hall for Lin Chen and Qin Yurou.

On the eve of the auction, Lin Chen made final preparations in the quiet room prepared for him by the Qin family.

In front of him were the architectural structure diagrams, ventilation duct diagrams, and security personnel deployment diagrams of the convention center, all provided by Tianji Pavilion.

On the table next to them were several pieces of "modern equipment" sent by the Su family:

A pair of miniature earplugs with bone conduction communication capabilities;

A high-voltage stun gun disguised as a pen;

A set of clothing with a special fiber lining that is lightweight yet effectively resistant to the cutting of sharp blades;

And—two miniature explosive devices, each the size of a cigarette box, with strong magnetic attraction (non-lethal, shock-type).

Although Lin Chen is exceptionally strong, he is not blindly arrogant.

Instead, he carefully examined each item.

My mind raced through all the possible scenarios—a legitimate auction, forced robbery, creating chaos, sniping and assassination…

Even if he is confident in his abilities, he must consider all possibilities.

Finally, his gaze fell on his own hands.

The Nine Yang True Qi flowed slowly through the meridians, much gentler than before.

However, the cooling sensation of the Ice Heart Pendant is diminishing, and the luster on the surface of the jade pendant has also dimmed.

Time is really running out.

"I must get that jade pendant. It might buy me some more time, and it could even be the key to breaking the 'Seven Yin Convergence' technique."

Lin Chen was secretly plotting something.

……

The following evening.

As dusk settles, the city lights begin to twinkle.

Outside the Jiangcheng International Convention and Exhibition Center, luxury cars gathered, and elegantly dressed people strolled by.

A high-end antique auction, bringing together renowned collectors from Jiangnan and even across the country, is about to be held here.

Qin Yurou wore a modified cheongsam in moon white embroidered with light blue orchids, with a cashmere shawl over it. Her long hair was loosely tied up, and her face was lightly powdered to conceal her sickly appearance, making her look even more gentle and beautiful.

She took Lin Chen's arm.

Lin Chen, dressed in a well-fitting dark gray suit and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, exuded a refined and composed demeanor—perfect for playing the role of "ancient medical consultant."

After showing their invitations and undergoing strict security checks, the two entered the venue.

Lin Chen's special equipment was cleverly concealed from inspection by him using a secret technique.

The venue was luxuriously decorated with soft lighting.

In front was the auction stage, below which were nearly a hundred comfortable seats, many of which were already occupied. There were also private boxes in the back and on the second floor.

Lin Chen's gaze swept across the entire scene like that of a hawk, quickly identifying several key figures:

Zhao Shichang, sitting in the center of the front row, was chatting and laughing with someone.

The curtains in a private room on the second floor fluttered slightly, and a faint, chilly aura emanated from it; it must be Master Youquan.

Among the security personnel moving around the venue, at least five had steady steps, sharp eyes, and bulging pouches at their waists; they were the elite of the Zhao family.

In addition, he also saw the Su family guards scattered in different locations, and their eyes met briefly to confirm each other's presence.

Qin Yurou sensed that the atmosphere was somewhat tense, and her fingers tightened slightly.

Lin Chen gently patted the back of her hand and whispered, "Relax, just like you would at any other auction. I'm here."

His voice was calm and powerful, which calmed Qin Yurou down considerably.

The auction proceeded smoothly, with porcelain, calligraphy and paintings, and jade artifacts being presented one by one, creating a lively bidding atmosphere.

Lin Chen and Qin Yurou occasionally raised their signs to snap up two unremarkable little items, perfectly blending into the atmosphere.

After more than a dozen rounds, the auctioneer's voice rose, filled with excitement: "Distinguished guests, next up is tonight's grand finale—a Warring States period jade pendant with a yin-yang dragon design!"

The lights in the room were dimmed slightly, and a spotlight shone on the auction stage.

The hostess, wearing white gloves, carefully carried a tray covered with black velvet.

In the center of the tray, a jade pendant lay quietly.

The jade pendant is round, about the size of a palm, with a smooth and lustrous texture. Half of it is warm white, and the other half is dark blue, with a natural transition in the middle, just like the yin and yang symbol.

Both sides are decorated with intricate and ancient dragon patterns in relief, which shimmer with a faint halo under the light.

A sense of righteousness and peace subtly emanated from it.

Extremely mysterious.

Even from a distance, Lin Chen could feel the Ice Heart Pendant in his arms getting slightly warm.

The previously restless Nine Yang True Qi within his body actually calmed down slightly.

"It really is a good product!" he thought to himself.

The auctioneer began his introduction: "This jade pendant is believed to have been used in sacrificial rites during the Warring States period, and it is said to have the remarkable effects of harmonizing yin and yang, calming the mind, and stabilizing the spirit."

"Due to its perfect condition, the starting bid is fifty million!"

"Sixty million!" someone immediately made a bid.

"Seventy million!"

The price soared, soon exceeding 100 million.

The bidders were mostly wealthy people who believed in its health benefits.

Zhao Shichang remained calm and composed until the price approached 150 million and the number of bidders began to decrease. Only then did he slowly raise his paddle: "180 million."

The sudden increase of 30 million showed an attitude of being determined to win.

Lin Chen knew it was time to make a move.

He held up the Qin family's sign: "Two hundred million."

All eyes in the room immediately turned to him.

Zhao Shichang also turned around and saw Qin Yurou and the unfamiliar young man beside her. A shadow crossed his eyes, but he still smiled.

"Is Qin's niece also interested in this jade pendant? Two hundred and ten million."

"Two hundred and fifty million." Lin Chen said expressionlessly, raising the price again.

Even the auctioneer was excited.

Zhao Shichang's expression darkened slightly as he looked towards the private rooms on the second floor.

A moment later, he raised his sign again: "Three hundred million!"

This price far exceeded the actual market value of the jade pendant, causing an uproar in the room.

Just as Lin Chen was about to raise his placard again, the tiny bone conduction earpiece in his ear suddenly emitted a hurried warning from a member of the Su family guard: "Mr. Lin, be careful!"