Yet it was precisely Aipu's request that changed everything that followed, altering Mo Han's decision and preventing him from living with lifelong regret. As for why, that would become clear soon enough; in a way, Mo Han even had Aipu to thank for the suggestion.

After making his demand, Aipu was filled with unease, wondering if the Prince would agree. If the Prince became displeased, Aipu would be in serious trouble.

Fortunately, the Prince seemed unwilling to offend too many nobles, and a voice slowly drifted from the private box: "Very well, but be quick about it. I have urgent matters to attend to back in Fire Cloud City."

Hearing the Prince grant his request, the anxiety in Aipu's heart finally eased. He quickly and respectfully addressed the box, saying, "This humble one understands and dares not waste the Prince's time. Just a glimpse for everyone is all I ask."

Having said that, Aipu slowly approached the motionless woman in white, while everyone present focused intently on his movements.

They waited to see the exquisite appearance of this treasure valued at three million gold coins.

The entire venue fell silent. Even Mo Han couldn't help but watch Aipu, eager to see the features of the woman in white.

Aipu slowly reached out and lifted the mysterious woman's veil. Instantly, a face of incomparable, perfect beauty appeared before the eyes of everyone present, eliciting a wave of gasps. Clearly, everyone was stunned by the woman before them.

Her eyebrows were like kingfisher feathers, her delicate nose was high-bridged, and her teeth resembled polished shells.

The skin on her face shone with a brilliant luster, like fresh snow, compelling admiration for the Creator's power—how such a stunning woman could exist. The only flaw was that her eyes were tightly shut, as if she were sleeping, making it impossible to see their color.

It was certain that if her eyes opened, they would be a mesmerizing spectacle, like rippling clear water, stirring the imagination.

But even in her current state, she was enough to make every man present lose his heart. They were all transfixed, including Mo Han and his companions. Even the two female mages disguised as men couldn't help but envy the appearance of the woman in white and stood frozen in place.

Mo Han, who had been sitting still.

Stared at the woman in white on the stage as if struck by lightning, completely unmoving.

An expression of intense emotion surfaced on Mo Han's face, and even his body trembled slightly. His mouth hung slightly ajar, as if struggling to speak, yet no sound emerged.

The female mage in blue sitting next to Mo Han noticed his reaction. Recalling Mo Han’s previous coldness towards her, she couldn't resist mocking him, "What's wrong? Are you regretting not buying this beauty who has captured your heart? She's the Second Prince's favorite now, so you have no hope left. Stop dreaming..." The female mage in white beside her secretly tugged at her companion several times. She still needed favors from this mysterious young noble and didn't want to anger him now, lest they suffer the consequences later. Thus, she hastily stopped the mage in blue from continuing.

However, Mo Han seemed not to have heard the blue-robed mage, fixing his gaze rigidly on the woman on stage. Seeing this, the blue-robed mage let out a disdainful snort and ignored Mo Han.

The mage in white breathed a secret sigh of relief, assuming Mo Han was too stunned by the woman on stage to notice her companion's words.

The chubby Aipu nodded in satisfaction after observing everyone's expressions. Then, he watched as two staff members came forward with a black cloth to cover the woman in white's face again, preparing to carry her backstage.

Seeing this, the nobles couldn't help but hiss in disappointment, snapping back to reality. Though unwilling, they had no recourse; she was the Second Prince’s woman now. To challenge a Prince for a woman was courting death.

But someone who apparently craved a swift end indeed appeared. Just then, a clear voice rang out from a corner on the first floor: "Wait, you cannot take this woman away."

At those words, everyone's face changed drastically, including Aipu's. They couldn't fathom which fool dared utter such a statement. Did he truly not wish to live? To avoid being implicated, the nobles around the source of the voice immediately distanced themselves, fearing they might be mistaken for his accomplice—a mess that would be impossible to explain.

As a result, the location of the speaker was instantly and clearly revealed.

It was the mysterious young noble who had previously contended with Mo Sang over the little girl. No one expected him to be so bold. He had already offended Count Mo Sang of the Fire Cloud Empire, and now he dared to provoke an Imperial Prince? Thinking this, everyone looked at Mo Han with pity, as if his tragic end was already predictable in their eyes.

The mercenaries seated with Mo Han stared at him in astonishment, unable to understand why he would suddenly speak up. The blue-robed mage was even more surprised. Had this fool actually been spurred on by her taunts and gone to fight the Imperial Prince for a woman? Wasn't this suicide? When Aipu saw that the speaker was Mo Han, recalling the Purple-Gold Card Mo Han had displayed earlier, he suppressed his anger and spoke calmly, "Esteemed guest, according to the auction house rules, the item has already been sold and cannot be changed. This is the long-standing regulation of our auction hall. Are you unaware of this? Given your youth, I shall overlook it this once. As for the little girl you purchased, our Qiyun Hall staff will contact you later. I hope you will cease speaking nonsense here."

Seeing Mo Han's attire and the Purple-Gold Card he presented, Aipu surmised Mo Han's background must be significant. Purple-Gold Cards were not easily issued, suggesting Mo Han might be the scion of a major noble house on the continent. If he died here, those great houses might not dare seek revenge on the Fire Cloud Prince, but causing trouble for his Qiyun Hall would be inevitable. This is why Aipu offered a kindly warning, trying to create an excuse for Mo Han and save his life. For anyone else, Aipu wouldn't have bothered about their fate.

Yet Mo Han seemed not to appreciate Aipu’s consideration, speaking apologetically, "Indeed, I am aware of the rules. I did not bid earlier because I had not yet seen this woman's appearance. However, today, I must take her away, regardless of the cost. I can only ask the proprietor for your understanding."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, the mercenaries at his table turned even paler. Did Mo Han truly wish to die? To speak like that—even an immortal could not save him now. They watched Mo Han with worry, not wanting to see him perish here.

As expected, Aipu's face turned ashen upon hearing Mo Han’s words, which amounted to open defiance, before he could speak. A cold snort echoed from the private box on the second floor: "I should like to see who is tired of living enough to try and show off in front of this Prince."

Footsteps followed, and soon several figures in yellow robes appeared on the railing of the second floor. The young man in the center, whose attire bore an embroidered golden dragon, glared down at Mo Han with fury. Standing beside him were four sturdy men in yellow, their eyes sharp, clearly men of considerable skill.

The other two figures were a small, pale young man in a thin grey robe, and an elderly man in golden mage robes, both observing Mo Han with curiosity. After observing him for a few moments, the old man’s gaze became puzzled, though he made no comment.

Seeing the Prince appear, everyone quieted down. Those near Mo Han retreated even further, terrified of being implicated. A large space suddenly opened around Mo Han, leaving only the mercenaries at his table.

Everyone waited to see how the Prince intended to deal with Mo Han, watching him with sympathy.

At that moment, Mo Han turned to the mercenaries at his table and spoke with a smile, "Gentlemen, you do not know me. There is no need for you to be implicated here. You should leave quickly."