The Invincible Auction House

Improved Chapter 7: The Road to Rydale

The sun hung low in the sky, bathing the dirt path in hues of orange and crimson. Shadows stretched long across the open road as Adam walked with an unhurried stride, his figure exuding calm authority. Behind him, Ren and two other former bandits trudged along, their weapons concealed beneath travel-worn cloaks. Each step carried them closer to Rydale City—a place where fortunes were made and shattered.

The journey had been long, the dense forests of Greyridge slowly giving way to rolling plains dotted with farms. Travelers passed them occasionally, giving wary glances to Adam's group. Some moved quicker, their eyes betraying both caution and curiosity.

Ren broke the silence, his voice a low murmur, unsure if he should speak. "Master Adam, do you think the people of Rydale will accept us?"

Adam didn't break his stride, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon where the city loomed. "People accept what they need, Ren. Fear and desperation are powerful motivators." He paused briefly, the faintest of smirks playing on his lips. "And if that doesn't work, greed always will."

Ren fell silent, though the weight of his unease was still evident. The memory of their past sins lingered heavily, like a stain that refused to be scrubbed clean. Adam, however, was unfazed, his eyes gleaming with a singular focus on the opportunities ahead.

As they crested the final hill, Rydale City appeared before them in all its glory. Towering walls of stone and iron surrounded the bustling metropolis, its gates reinforced with thick wood and steel plating. Beyond the walls, spires of cultivation sects and merchant guild headquarters pierced the skyline, their ornate architecture testaments to power and ambition. The sounds of the city—the clatter of carts, the shouting of traders, the distant hum of spiritual energy—reached them even from afar.

Adam paused to take in the sight, his eyes glinting with anticipation. "Rydale," he said, almost to himself. "A city built on ambition and opportunity. It's perfect."

Ren and the others exchanged glances, unsure whether to share his confidence or fear what lay ahead.

The group joined the line of travelers at the gates, blending into the flow of merchants, farmers, and wandering cultivators. The guards at the entrance stood tall in polished armor, their sharp gazes sweeping over every face. It was clear they missed nothing.

When it was their turn, a grizzled guard stepped forward, his spear tapping the ground as he eyed them warily. "State your business in Rydale."

Adam stepped ahead of the others, his posture calm but commanding. "We're merchants seeking to establish trade. Nothing more."

The guard raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident as he looked over their unpolished clothes and travel-stained boots. "Merchants, you say? You don't look the part."

Adam smiled faintly, unshaken. "Appearances can be deceiving. We deal in rare and valuable goods, the kind that could bring significant profit to your city."

The guard's gaze narrowed slightly. He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Rare goods, huh? The kind that makes men desperate?"

Adam tilted his head, the faintest edge of amusement dancing in his expression. "That depends on the man."

The guard hesitated, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one was listening. His suspicion was palpable, but greed flickered in his eyes like a flame. "I've heard of traders dealing in forbidden treasures—things the Ironclad Sect and Merchant Guild don't approve of. If you're one of those—"

Adam took a deliberate step forward, his voice dropping to a cool, deliberate tone. "Let's be clear. I'm not peddling scraps. I offer opportunity—true opportunity—to those who can afford it. If you have questions," he added, his voice softening, "come find me. Off-duty, of course."

The guard blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Adam's confidence. After a tense pause, he stepped back, muttering, "Fine. Just don't cause trouble. The city's got enough of that already." He waved them through with a begrudging nod.

As they passed through the gates, Ren whispered urgently, "Was that wise? Making him curious?"

Adam smirked, his gaze fixed ahead. "Curiosity is the first step to desperation. He'll come to us soon enough."

Inside the city, Rydale was a tempest of activity. The streets were a maze of colorful stalls, where merchants shouted about their wares—silks, spirit herbs, enchanted tools—all promising power and fortune. Cultivators in ornate robes moved in disciplined groups, their auras flickering with controlled energy, while beggars and pickpockets loitered in the shadows, eyes sharp for opportunity.

Adam navigated the chaos with precision, his gaze sweeping over every detail. Where others saw noise and chaos, Adam saw opportunity. Every merchant, sect, or faction was another piece to move on the board.

They stopped at a modest inn on the edge of the market square. The wooden sign above the door creaked in the wind, its faded lettering barely legible. Inside, the air smelled faintly of stew and smoke. The innkeeper, a rotund man with sharp eyes, greeted them with the guarded politeness of someone used to trouble.

Adam dropped a small pouch of spirit stones onto the counter, the sound of coins clinking drawing the innkeeper's immediate attention. "Two rooms. And information."

The innkeeper looked up sharply. "Information?"

Adam's smile was smooth and deliberate. "The city's key players. Merchants. Sects. Anyone with influence. Who holds the strings, and who wants them cut?"

The innkeeper blinked, clearly taken aback by the request. But as his fingers closed around the pouch, his expression shifted. "I... I can ask around. For the right price."

Adam nodded. "Good. Consider this the down payment."

Later that evening, Adam sat by the window in his room, watching the city come alive with lantern lights. The glow flickered in the distance, each light representing someone with ambition, desperation, or greed—pieces waiting to be played. The system's text materialized before him, its glow illuminating the dark room.

Adam leaned back in his chair, his smile sharp and satisfied. "Unknown, for now. But not for long."

In the adjacent room, Ren and the other bandits huddled together, their voices low.

"Do you think he can really pull this off?" one of them muttered.

Ren, leaning against the wall, stared at the ceiling thoughtfully. "If anyone can, it's him. He's... different. And I'd rather be on his side than against him."

The others murmured their agreement, uneasy but growing more certain in their loyalty.

As the night deepened and the city quieted, Adam remained by the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Rydale was vast, filled with dangers and opportunities alike. To carve out a place for himself here would not be easy, but Adam had no doubts.

"This city will learn my name," he whispered to himself, his voice steady and confident. "One way or another."

The road to power was long, and Adam intended to walk it to its very end.