Word Count: 2,527 Words
******
Some people who had been determined to win instantly deflated when they heard Xiao Yan offer a tier 7 medicinal pill, especially one that could temporarily boost a Dou Ancestor's strength.
"Emperor Strength Purple Pill!!" An uproar erupted as everyone turned their gaze toward him.
Even some powerful experts and leaders of major factions in the Black-Corner Region were shocked. This was a tier 7 medicinal pill! Some people might never encounter such a high-grade pill in their entire lives.
Though extremely precious, the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva was ultimately just a peak tier 7 heavenly treasure, merely leftover material from the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree.
Generally speaking, a tier 7 medicinal pill could be exchanged for tier 8 medicinal ingredients, heavenly treasures, or even Intermediate Di Class Qi Methods.
But that was only in theory. In reality, such exchanges were unlikely unless an alchemist truly needed the tier 8 main ingredient you offered. However, tier 7 medicinal pills could be exchanged for anything at any time, unless you demanded a two-for-one deal or asked for an exorbitant price.
For example, offering a high-grade tier 6 medicinal pill in exchange for a high-grade tier 7 Body Transformation Grass would attract many willing traders. Even if you weren't an alchemist, you could approach the Alchemist Association and they would make the exchange while treating you like a fool ripe for the picking.
But if you wanted to trade Body Transformation Grass for any high-grade tier 6 medicinal pill, then sorry, no one would be willing even if it matched the market value. Unless, perhaps, you offered two stalks of Body Transformation Grass for one high-grade tier 6 medicinal pill.
Therefore, the market price of the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva should equate to a peak tier 6 medicinal pill such as the Zong Breaking Pill, which was also Ya Fei's initial estimate.
However, if one considered the possibility that the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva contained clues related to the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, its price could be slightly higher, though definitely not too high. After all, everyone knew this was likely just fabrication.
All eyes were on Xiao Yan, thinking he was beyond crazy. You're willing to pay such a premium just to avoid wasting time! Is there anything more insane and extravagant than this?!
Those who had prepared multiple Mighty Huang Pills or even Intermediate Di Class Qi Methods and Secret Techniques fell silent, deflated. They knew that unless Mo Tianxing was a fool, he would accept the Emperor Strength Purple Pill.
And indeed, the delighted expression on Mo Tianxing's face said it all; he was thoroughly satisfied with the Emperor Strength Purple Pill.
Of course, if he knew that Xiao Yan had once given a free Emperor Strength Purple Pill to Ling Ying, who knows how he'd feel.
"Are any of you going to bid?" Xiao Yan lazily scanned the other VIPs in the surrounding boxes. The faces of some peak Dou Emperors and Dou Ancestors turned exceptionally grim.
Although they might be able to produce a tier 7 medicinal pill if they exhausted all their resources, spending so much for the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva, a body-tempering treasure, was clearly not worth it.
"Alright, if there are no higher bids, let's conclude the deal," Xiao Yan reclined on the long sofa, sounding utterly unconcerned.
Ya Fei smiled softly, closed the brocade box, and sat down gracefully.
Xiao Yan's domineering attitude left many feeling helpless. While numerous alchemists present coveted the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva, acquiring it with a tier 7 medicinal pill or an even higher price was simply too outrageous!
Not worth it!
Mo Tianxing was beaming, but before he could speak to end the auction, an aged voice rang out, "Young man, don't be so arrogant. This old man is determined to obtain this Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva."
"This old man too possesses a tier 7 medicinal pill."
A gray-haired old man with an eagle nose slowly stood up from a VIP seat opposite Xiao Yan, taking out a jade box as well.
Xiao Yan glanced over. Ya Fei had informed him about this person, a reclusive Dou Ancestor expert from the Black-Corner Region known as Old Ying Shan, who had just acquired an Intermediate Di Class Yin-attribute Qi Method during the auction.
He slowly opened the jade box, and a rich, colorful medicinal fragrance wafted out. A round medicinal pill appeared before everyone.
"This is a Life Returning Pill, suitable for Dou Ancestors below the 5-star stage. It can save a life; as long as one's head hasn't been severed or heart shattered, survival is possible." Old Ying Shan's eyes showed a hint of reluctance; this pill was a life-saving treasure even for him.
"No, no, no," Xiao Yan chuckled lightly. "You need to understand, the medicinal pills I refine aren't like those made by just any random alchemist. My tier 7 medicinal pills are refined using Heavenly Flames, and their quality reaches perfection. If you're offering an ordinary-quality pill, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
Indeed, not all pills were equal upon refinement; quality mattered greatly.
For instance, the Life Returning Pill could heal injuries, but higher-ranked individuals required more potent medicinal strength for recovery. A heavily injured 9-star Dou Ancestor couldn't be restored with the same efficacy as a 1-star Dou Ancestor.
The higher the quality of the medicinal pill, the faster and stronger the recovery. A Life Returning Pill refined by Xiao Yan could heal Dou Ancestors below the 7-star stage. For a 1-star Dou Ancestor, even shattered internal organs could likely be healed.
When Xiao Yan broke through to the 7th tier, he had refined Life Returning Pills himself. With a single glance, he could tell that Old Ying Shan's Life Returning Pill was only of average quality. It did not reach the top grade.
Many people felt that Xiao Yan had a point. After all, the Pill Lightning attracted by tier 7 medicinal pills varied in strength.
Mo Tianxing looked at Old Ying Shan, his eyes seeming to ask: Will you raise your bid?
He naturally hoped for more competition. The fiercer, the better.
But before Old Ying Shan could even speak, Xiao Yan let out a sigh and said leisurely, "I can't be bothered to haggle with you. A Life Returning Pill, is it? I'll add another Life Returning Pill."
"It's just a tier 7 medicinal pill. Is there a need to treat it like a treasure?"
Xiao Yan sat there leisurely, calm and unhurried, making it hard to believe such astronomical figures were coming from his mouth.
Who raises their own bid?!
He took out another brocade box from his storage ring and handed it to Ya Fei, who couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. She had painstakingly saved a bit of money, and with one 'I can't be bothered to haggle with you,' he'd squandered it all!
Still, Ya Fei said nothing. She slowly opened the brocade box and revealed a pill that was identical to Old Ying Shan's Life Returning Pill, yet it was superior in both shape and medicinal fragrance.
Old Ying Shan was so furious he could spit blood. He had obtained a Life Returning Pill with great difficulty and couldn't even bear to use it himself!
Now, a moneybags had appeared out of nowhere, and even more infuriating, he had doubled his own offer!
"This... this is too crazy, right?!" Everyone was dumbfounded. Countless people gasped. Such a price was simply insane. It could be said that it was not worth it at all!
"'What if you're a 7th-tier alchemist?' Well... it seems like it's a really big deal."
Many laughed bitterly. Alchemists truly were the most esteemed profession on the Dou Qi Continent.
At this moment, all the buyers, whether the big shots in private boxes or the reclusive experts hidden in the shadows, were watching Xiao Yan. Even if they didn't know he was a 7th-tier alchemist, they understood that anyone who could casually produce two tier 7 medicinal pills was definitely not simple.
"Hmph, you're certainly generous when buying things for Sister Fairy Doctor, but when you refine pills for me, you still charge me for the ingredients!" Zi Yan muttered softly beside him, feeling a bit sour. What kind of person was he? He'd been stingy with her ingredients, yet now he effortlessly produced two tier 7 medicinal pills.
Little Fairy Doctor's cheeks flushed as she glanced at Xiao Yan. She couldn't deny that he looked quite dashing at this moment.
Xiao Yan coughed lightly after exchanging glances with Little Fairy Doctor. "Zi Yan, you ungrateful girl. I gave you several high-grade tier 7 medicinal pills. One high-grade pill is worth over a dozen low-grade ones."
Old Ying Shan's expression turned extremely ugly. He gritted his teeth but remained helpless. Even if he emptied everything he currently possessed, it wouldn't be enough. He slumped back into his chair.
He had no choice but to abandon the bidding. This price was simply beyond what he could bear. What else could he do but watch Xiao Yan claim the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva?
Mo Tianxing realized without further inquiry that no one else would bid higher. This had far exceeded his expectations.
But at this moment, he wasn't as happy as one might expect. Doubt flickered in his eyes. Others present also began harboring suspicions.
Xiao Yan's extremely high bid instantly aroused their wariness.
Why was Xiao Yan willing to pay such a hefty price for the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva?
"Father, could it be that he knows something about this Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva that we don't?" Mo Tianxing and Mo Ya stood backstage, eyeing the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva before them. They hadn't completed the transaction with Xiao Yan yet.
"I'm not sure. It's also possible that he simply has deep pockets; after all, he himself is a 7th-tier alchemist," Mo Tianxing couldn't be certain. Some alchemists were indeed very generous spenders.
However, this also made him suspicious. The Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva wasn't just any body-tempering material.
Their claim about its connection to the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree was indeed merely a promotional tactic. In reality, no such link existed; otherwise, he would've sought the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree himself long ago.
But what if there was something they weren't aware of?!
In truth, they were overthinking it. Xiao Yan's interest in the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva had nothing to do with the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree.
Mo Ya's eyes narrowed, revealing a sinister glint. "Father, why don't we... swap out this Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva?" he suggested in a deep voice.
Mo Tianxing pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "Do you think you can deceive a 7th-tier alchemist?"
"If he discovers it later, the Black Emperor Sect cannot bear the wrath of a 7th-tier alchemist."
Mo Ya was dissatisfied. "So we're really going to trade with him just like that?"
About half an hour later, Mo Tianxing, Mo Ya, and several elders of the Black Emperor Sect arrived at Xiao Yan's VIP box.
Mo Tianxing held the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva with both hands and smiled. "Haha, apologies for the delay, City Lord Xiao; we were held up by some matters."
Xiao Yan swept his Spiritual Strength over it and smiled slightly. This was indeed the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva. The Black Emperor Sect hadn't dared to swap or tamper with it.
He nodded to Ya Fei, and the two brocade boxes were handed to Qi Shan, a 6th-tier alchemist of the Black Emperor Sect. After a thorough inspection, Qi Shan confirmed that Xiao Yan's pills were genuine.
After securing the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva, Xiao Yan was about to leave when Mo Tianxing spoke up. "Wait a moment, City Lord Xiao. I wonder if you could refine a Zong Breaking Pill for me? I can provide medicinal ingredients for five attempts. Regardless of the success rate, I only need one pill."
"Not interested." Xiao Yan waved his hand in boredom and left with Little Fairy Doctor and the others without looking back. With such a meager offer, how could he possibly agree to refine pills?
Mo Tianxing's expression darkened. Xiao Yan gave him no face.
"My Black Emperor Sect may not withstand the wrath of a 7th-tier alchemist, but..." Mo Tianxing's face twisted into a meaningful smile.
"Sect Leader, are you suggesting...?" Qi Shan asked in a low voice.
"Let's observe for now. Xiao Yan has several strong experts by his side, especially that white-clothed girl. Though I can't discern her strength, she's definitely not weak."
"With so many eyes on him, perhaps we can wait until they're all worn out before making our move." A cold gleam flashed in Mo Tianxing's eyes. "Since that brat refuses a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit, he can't blame this old man for being ruthless."
Hearing this, Mo Ya finally breathed a sigh of relief. He raised his head, his gaze fixed on the direction where Xiao Yan and his group had disappeared. A hint of malice and jealousy flashed in his eyes.
…
Not long after, Xiao Yan and his companions returned to the inn. He immediately sealed the entire space with his Spiritual Strength.
Ya Fei noticed Xiao Yan's cold smile as he eyed the box containing the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva. Curious, she asked, "Is there a problem with the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva?"
Xiao Yan chuckled and shook his head. "No, the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva is fine. The issue lies with this box."
"The box?"
"Mo Tianxing left a very subtle tracking imprint on it," Xiao Yan sneered. The imprint was indeed very subtle; an ordinary low-grade 7th-tier alchemist might not necessarily discover it.
However, his Spiritual Strength had reached the Soul State!
"Then what should we do? Can it be removed?" Ya Fei inquired.
"Why remove it? Sister Ya Fei, you know I never like to disappoint. Since they believe there's hope, I should benevolently grant it. I shouldn't extinguish their hope." Xiao Yan revealed a profound smile.
If they were smart and didn't come to provoke him, he'd let it pass. But if they treated him like a soft persimmon to squeeze, then Venerable Yan would have to show them the true meaning of cruelty!
Hearing this, Ya Fei couldn't help but roll her eyes at him.
Zi Yan sat on a chair, swinging her feet and munching on medicinal ingredients out of boredom. "So what are we doing now?" she asked.
"Let's be merciful and give them some time to ponder. First, let's deal with that chunk of meat," Xiao Yan said. Noticing Zi Yan's interest, he decided to handle the dried corpse of the Heaven Demon Phoenix first.
Zi Yan heard this and immediately perked up. "Hurry, hurry! I'm curious too."
She naturally hadn't tasted a Heaven Demon Phoenix before; her bloodline only provided vague memories and sensations.
Thud!
Xiao Yan retrieved the massive dried corpse from his storage ring. A pungent, rotten odor instantly filled the room, causing everyone to wrinkle their noses in disgust.
This Heaven Demon Phoenix was truly both ugly and foul-smelling.