Word Count: 2,775 Words
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"Sister Ya Fei, I'll leave these medicinal pills for you to auction." Xiao Yan took out several jade bottles filled to the brim with pills.
Su Mei, who had come to escort Ya Fei, felt her eyelids twitch uncontrollably. The bottles were packed like candy jars, filled with medicinal pills all above tier 5, some even reaching tier 6!
Although they weren't pills like the Mighty Huang Pill, and were mostly Dragon Strength Pills, Dou King Pills, and low-grade tier 6 healing pills, these were precisely the most needed medicinal pills in the Black-Corner Region. After all, not everyone could afford a Mighty Huang Pill.
Xiao Yan then took out several brocade boxes. Even without opening them, it was clear that items requiring separate sealed storage were undoubtedly treasures.
Among them were even some Zong Breaking Pills that he had refined in excess previously. Since they hadn't been traded, they would naturally serve to build the Miteer Auction House's reputation, sending a clear message to the Black-Corner Region that the auction house operated under his, Xiao Yan's, protection!
Ya Fei looked at these medicinal pills capable of making the entire Black-Corner Region tremble, but she just smiled lightly and stored them in her storage ring.
She glanced at Little Fairy Doctor, pondered for half a second, then stepped forward. She gently rose onto her tiptoes in her red high heels and placed a light kiss on Xiao Yan's cheek.
Xiao Yan's eyes widened slightly. His fingers instinctively touched the spot where those red lips had been. From the corner of his eye, he caught Little Fairy Doctor's intense stare. She quickly averted her eyes, pretending to examine her sleeve with sudden interest.
"Wish you victory upon victory," Ya Fei said. She knew when to advance and when to retreat. Aware of Little Fairy Doctor's presence, she kept her gesture modest, just a light kiss that left only the faintest lip print on his cheek.
She understood that her own strength was very limited, whereas Little Fairy Doctor, with her Woeful Poison Body, could provide Xiao Yan with far more assistance. Knowing her position, she wouldn't hold him back. She knew he was destined to go much further.
Without lingering, she departed with Su Mei along a different path, leaving a fragrant breeze in her wake. Before turning the corner, she cast one last meaningful glance at Little Fairy Doctor.
Ya Fei was a gentle haven, not a hero's tomb.
Zi Yan covered her mouth, giggling as she looked at Xiao Yan. He rolled his eyes at her, then turned to Little Fairy Doctor and said, "Let's go. If those people are a bit smarter, we should reach Jia Nan Academy today."
"We'll refine the Poison Pill once we're back at Jia Nan Academy."
Little Fairy Doctor nodded gently. Refining the Poison Pill was not only difficult due to gathering the medicinal ingredients, it was also a test for the alchemist. Xiao Yan didn't dare to be overconfident. He needed an absolutely safe and secluded place, and the Inner Academy of Jia Nan Academy had just such an ideal location.
The Book Collection Hall!
The Book Collection Hall was not only guarded by Elders Qian and Bai but also had a Space Lock arranged by the elusive Headmaster. It was the best place to refine the Poison Pill.
Subsequently, Xiao Yan, Little Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan, and the two Lion Kings swaggered out through the main entrance of the inn.
The moment Xiao Yan led Little Fairy Doctor and the others out of the inn, the entire Black Emperor City seemed to awaken. Countless eyes instantly focused on them from all directions.
"He finally decided to leave the city."
"Let's go, follow him. The entertainment of a major auction in the Black-Corner Region doesn't end when you leave the venue."
Many still remembered when the Eight Gates held an auction that ultimately led to the annihilation of the Blood Sect. Naturally, it attracted quite a few onlookers eager for excitement.
…
At the same time, in the council hall of the Black Emperor Sect, the alchemist Qi Shan furrowed his brow and said hesitantly, "Sect Leader, I think something's off with this Xiao Yan. He's leaving the city so openly, even though he should know numerous experts are waiting for him inside and outside the city."
Mo Tianxing frowned and asked, "What about the tracking imprint?"
"Reporting to the Sect Leader, we've confirmed that the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva is still on Xiao Yan," Qi Shan replied.
"Father, could it be that Xiao Yan has already discovered the imprint?" Mo Ya asked worriedly beside him.
"Young Sect Leader, rest assured. This special secret technique imprint is extremely covert. Even a 7th-tier alchemist wouldn't be able to detect it," Qi Shan said confidently.
"Sigh, if not for the fact that our Black Emperor Sect researched for so long yet still failed to obtain any clues about the Bodhisattva Heart or the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, we wouldn't have put this item up for auction." Mo Tianxing gazed far beyond Black Emperor City, his brows slightly furrowed as he spoke coldly.
"What about the people from the other factions?"
"They are all prepared."
"Good. Kekeke, the influence of a 7th-tier alchemist is indeed formidable, but what can you do against the entire Black-Corner Region!"
Qi Shan and Mo Ya exchanged glances before echoing with laughter.
…
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor's group strolled along as if on a family outing, admiring the mountains and waters. Xiao Yan occasionally made comments that caused Little Fairy Doctor to roll her eyes repeatedly, yet a subtle smile lingered on her pretty face.
After walking out of the city for an hour, Xiao Yan and the others arrived at a small hill. Standing on high ground, they looked down over the surroundings. This place had clear waters and green mountains, a beautiful spot at first glance.
"Sigh." Xiao Yan sighed. Life wasn't easy.
Shaking his head, he spread his hands as if talking to himself. "Everyone, you've been following us for over an hour. In a moment, I'll be flying straight back to Jia Nan Academy. By then, you won't have a chance anymore. Don't say I didn't give you an opportunity."
"This place has nice scenery and good feng shui. It's quite a blessed plot. Being buried here wouldn't be bad. Don't you agree?" Xiao Yan smiled faintly as his gaze swept across the land.
Even people with weaker Spiritual Strength would have sensed they were being followed, let alone someone like Xiao Yan. Those fiery gazes were not concealed at all.
"Heh, truly worthy of being City Lord Xiao. Such boldness indeed marks a young hero."
"Hahaha, being buried here is indeed fitting for City Lord Xiao's status."
Numerous cultivators rushed out from the shadows of the trees and dense forest. Experts from various factions in the Black-Corner Region emerged in an instant.
These Black-Corner Region experts couldn't help but feel envious! In the past few days, the news of Xiao Yan bidding a high price for the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva had been deliberately spread throughout the entire Black-Corner Region. There were even rumors that he had obtained the specific location of the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree.
As the saying goes, 'Men die for wealth, birds die for food.' Countless fearless experts who lived on the edge in the Black-Corner Region had flocked to Black Emperor City.
Now, these experts soared into the sky one by one, quickly surrounding Xiao Yan's group.
"Hmph!" The Amethyst Winged Lion King, standing beside Xiao Yan like an old servant, let out a cold snort. With a single step forward, he released the might of a Dou Ancestor that crashed down like a huge wave.
Bang!
Some low-star Dou Emperors who had rushed up were instantly sent flying, showcasing his overwhelming strength.
This was a Dou Ancestor! Even a dozen Dou Emperors joining forces wouldn't be a match.
The faces of many cultivators who had rushed over changed dramatically as they sensed the might of the transformed Amethyst Winged Lion King. However, they still couldn't let go of the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva or the two words 'Dou Saint.' They surrounded Xiao Yan and the others from a distance, layer upon layer.
Xiao Yan didn't find this strange. Let alone him being a 7th-tier alchemist, even if he were an 8th-tier alchemist, they would swarm over and eagerly carve him up if given the chance.
These people all fantasized about being protagonists from those biographical novels, imagining themselves seizing a heaven-sent opportunity, becoming saints on the spot, and being fearless warriors undaunted by enemies.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King stepped forward without needing Xiao Yan's words, his Dou Ancestor aura surging. Whoever dared to charge over would first have to pass him! Xiao Yan had given him and his son Body Transformation Pills. Although it was a transaction, such a favor was hard to repay. At this moment, he was willing to block the enemies for Xiao Yan.
Seeing that Xiao Yan had a Dou Ancestor guarding him further convinced the people present that Xiao Yan truly knew the secret of the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva and could locate the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree!
The Bodhisattva Ancient Tree! The Three Bodhisattva Treasures! How could this not make people's eyes red with envy!
However, the experts from various factions couldn't help but gasp as the Amethyst Winged Lion King blocked their path, his Dou Ancestor aura surging like waves. Even peak Dou Emperors and half-step Dou Ancestors didn't dare to rashly approach. Becoming enemies with a Dou Ancestor was seeking death.
Just then, a vast expanse of cyan mist surged forth. Finally, a Dou Ancestor expert appeared.
"Hmph, merely a 1-star Dou Ancestor, yet you're so arrogant." An even stronger Dou Ancestor aura swept in from the horizon. Old Ying Shan stepped through the air, appearing not far away with a single step. His terrifying Dou Ancestor aura shattered the pressure from the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
"Old Ying Shan! He's indeed here."
"Not only Old Ying Shan, look over there."
"That's the Black Emperor Sect! Mo Tianxing! Good grief, this guy plans on playing dirty!"
Mo Tianxing led the experts from the Black Emperor Sect and rushed forward. He smiled faintly upon seeing Xiao Yan, as if meeting an old friend, but a vicious glint shone deep within his eyes.
"What? Everyone wants the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva? Or do you want information about the so-called Bodhisattva Ancient Tree?" Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes and looked at everyone with a beaming smile, showing no fear at all.
Old Ying Shan stepped forward at this moment. His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, fixed on Xiao Yan. In a deep voice, he said, "Hand over the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva and reveal the information about the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree. This old man will leave immediately!"
His eyes bore into Xiao Yan. From the beginning, his goal had been the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva; it was just that Xiao Yan was too wealthy, and he couldn't win the bid.
"But this Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva was won by me at the auction. Why should I hand it over to you?" Xiao Yan said with a smile, still calm and composed, not displaying any anger.
"Keke, City Lord Xiao, we've discovered that the pills you provided were fake. Your auction bid doesn't count," Mo Tianxing chuckled beside him, his voice resonant like a great bell. "Since the pills you provided are fake, then this Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva naturally must be re-auctioned and should be returned to my Black Emperor Sect."
"Yeah, that's right. Since the Sect Leader of the Black Emperor Sect has said so, the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva should be handed over," some experts from the Black-Corner Region present chimed in, inciting the crowd.
Who wouldn't covet the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva? In fact, everyone knew Mo Tianxing was lying. Even if the medicinal pills were really fake, it would still be a case of 'no returns once the goods leave the premises.'
But at this moment, everyone was eager to find any excuse to take action and seize the item.
"Kid, although you're a 7th-tier alchemist, a dead 7th-tier alchemist is nothing. Hand over the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva if you know what's good for you. Provide my Black Emperor Sect with a Zong Breaking Pill as compensation, and we can protect you. Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll die without a burial place!" Mo Ya said coldly.
Not only Mo Ya, but everyone present wished they could strip Xiao Yan clean and seize all the medicinal pills on him.
Many factions had already secretly reached an agreement. The Black Emperor Sect and Old Ying Shan would take the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva, while the others would divide up the medicinal pills on Xiao Yan. As for the information about the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree, it would be shared among everyone.
They were all snakes in the same nest!
Xiao Yan looked at these red-eyed experts from the Black-Corner Region and spoke calmly, "So, according to you, me paying a high price with two tier 7 medicinal pills to win the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva has become the original sin."
"Sigh, the world is truly going downhill."
Venerable Yan sighed, lamenting the darkness of this world.
"Pah!" Zi Yan scoffed disdainfully. "If you're going to rob someone, then just rob directly. Do you have to be so roundabout, acting like a bunch of women!"
The faces of Mo Tianxing and the others alternated between shades of red and green after being told off by a little girl like Zi Yan. Still, he let out a cold snort, remaining arrogant.
Xiao Yan spread his hands and said slowly, "I can't blame you. This is the Black-Corner Region after all. 'When entering a village, follow its customs.' Robbing is just robbing. Who hasn't robbed others before? I've even robbed the Sky Serpent Mansion."
"However, having so many people try to rob my things... well, that's a first."
"My patience is limited. Quickly hand over the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva and the information about the Bodhisattva Ancient Tree. Otherwise, bear the consequences," Old Ying Shan said menacingly, already losing patience.
Xiao Yan remained at ease facing the encirclement of nearly all the experts from the Black-Corner Region and said, "I'm the type who doesn't like to hide my strength. Honestly, all of you here are just nobodies, not even worth looking at."
"I'm being merciful by giving you a chance to escape. Leave now, and I won't pursue the matter."
"Otherwise, there will be no mercy!"
Xiao Yan's eyes suddenly turned cold, and a terrifying aura erupted from his body. The Flame Mantra had already reached the Tian Class. His 8-star Dou Emperor Dou Qi was in no way inferior to an ordinary Dou Ancestor's. That scorching aura instantly raised the air temperature by several degrees.
"Hahaha, what big words from a young man. No wonder you dared to kill so many disciples of my Demon Flame Valley." Loud laughter rang out from afar at this moment. The thunderous voice echoed mightily, with lingering reverberations like a Buddhist chant that shook people's hearts.
In just a moment, a large group of black dots appeared in everyone's field of vision. After a few blinks, they transformed into a group of figures exuding a fierce aura, descending from the sky.
Xiao Yan's gaze slowly swept over this group of about twenty people before finally stopping on the person in the center.
It was an old man with blood-red hair, clad in a yellow robe adorned with skulls. His face was gaunt, almost skin and bones, resembling a skull at first glance. His deeply sunken eyes emitted a ghostly glow, like will-o'-the-wisps, exuding an eerie and sinister aura.
The founder of Demon Flame Valley, Old Ground Demon Ghost, a 7-star Dou Ancestor!
Xiao Yan, far from panicking after seeing the appearance of Old Ground Demon Ghost, actually smiled faintly.
"A 7-star Dou Ancestor. Looks like Mo Tianxing is sending me a big gift. I suppose I'll reluctantly accept it."
Now that all the players had arrived, it was Xiao Yan who felt a bit impatient!
"Since none of you will listen, then don't blame me. You brought this upon yourselves!" Xiao Yan's voice suddenly became incomparably icy as he said, "Kill them all!"
BOOM!
Little Fairy Doctor, who had been standing quietly beside him, suddenly erupted with a terrifying aura. The pressure of a 9-star Dou Ancestor enveloped the area.
"9-star Dou Ancestor!!"