Battle Through the Heavens Chapter 271-275

Chapter 271: Resolving The Hidden Danger Before Leaving

The sudden explosion resounded throughout the training ground. The thunderous blast caused everyone to involuntarily cover their ears. A long while later, they finally looked at each other with some palpitations remaining in their hearts before shifting their gazes to the training ground where dust blocked their view.

Within the training ground, Xiao Yan slowly calmed his rapid breath. His face was somewhat pale. The imitation of the ‘Angry Buddha Lotus Flame’ earlier had a Dou Qi and Spiritual Strength requirement that should not be underestimated even though it required less this time and was not as terrifying as last time.

“With this amount of Dou Qi being required, it is likely that I can only use it three times before the Dou Qi in my body is completely exhausted.” Xiao Yan muttered softly as he sensed the Dou Qi and Spiritual Strength in his body had sharply dropped. He immediately lifted his head and watched the opposite side which was shrouded by dust. As he waved his sleeves, a gentle breeze appeared and surged out, blowing away the suffused yellow dust.

As the dust cloud settled, an eye-piercing enormous and deep pit immediately appeared within everyone’s sight. Instantly, the corner of everyone’s eyes in the training ground could not help but twitch.

The deep pit was around four to five meters deep. Its area was also quite large. Numerous thick and deep crack lines repeatedly spread out like a spiderweb and nearly covering half of the open area.

“Where’s he?” Xiao Yan swept his gaze at the surroundings. However, he did not see Luo Bu’s figure. At that moment, he blinked his eyes and said in a stunned manner.

“*Cough*, *cough*…” Just as Xiao Yan was feeling stunned, an intense coughing was suddenly emitted from the deep pit. Immediately, a hand began slowly rising from the pit and supported itself on the ground. Finally, a human figure that was charred black climbed out with great difficulty. Seeing his size, it appeared to be Luo Bu from before.

Currently, in addition to Luo Bu’s body being charred, numerous thumb size crack lines also covered the tough Dou Qi armor that he had summoned on his body. His body trembled slightly. The Dou Qi armor on him had already reached its limit, and finally emitted a muffled cracking sound. The seemingly mighty Dou Qi armor immediately began to slowly detach from Luo Bu’s body, revealing the pale-white and terrified face under it.

Eyeing the human figure which appeared to have just rolled over black charcoal, Xiao Yan probed, “Mister Luo Bu? Are you alright?”

Hearing Xiao Yan’s inquiry, Luo Bu slowly lifted his head. He glanced at the delicate and handsome face of the young man and his body could not help but shiver. An extremely ugly smile appeared on his pale-white face. “Company Leader Xiao Yan. If that attack was a little closer, the current me would likely not even be left with a corpse at this very moment.”

Xiao Yan eyed Luo Bu, whose Dou Qi around him had plunged to its lowest point. He understood clearly in his heart that Luo Bu knew that the defense of his Dou Qi armor was not enough to withstand the blast, however he did not choose to dodge. Instead, he simply stood on the spot like a wooden pillar, allowing the lotus flame to shoot over and finally explode in front of him. This action which appeared somewhat foolish would undoubtedly make him have to endure an extremely great explosive force. Therefore, even though Xiao Yan’s strength was merely that of a six star Dou Shi, Luo Bu, who was a four star Da Dou Shi, still ended up with a serious injury that caused him to lose his ability to continue fighting from the explosion.

Looking from the corner of his eyes, Xiao Yan saw bright red fresh blood was flowing down from Luo Bu’s hand. Xiao Yan’s eyes gradually became slightly gentler without him realizing. He slowly stepped forward and patted Luo Bu’s shoulders as he said with a smile, “I’m sorry. This is the first time I had modified this thing so I was unable to control its strength.”

“Haha, never mind. It should be fine after resting for a few days.”

After being a mercenary company leader for more than ten years, Luo Bu was extremely sensitive as he felt the gentleness that Xiao Yan had displayed. Immediately, some joy and excitement faintly appeared in his heart. He knew in his heart that ever since the ‘Sand Mercenary Company’ had nearly destroyed the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’ the last time, within the heart of this young man who appeared friendly, there had always been some enmity and even… killing intent toward him.

At the same time, Luo Bu’s heart also knew that if Xiao Yan wanted to expand the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’ strength in a short time, it was difficult for the ‘Sand Mercenary Company’ to escape the fate of being destroyed. Luo Bu, who had witnessed Xiao Yan turn a living person into an ice sculpture without any expression, did not doubt that this young man whose age was still quite young, possessed a ruthless heart.

Although the ‘Sand Mercenary Company’ had currently been merged into the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’, Luo Bu was able to sense that the doubt and the guard that Xiao Yan held toward him had not reduced. Regarding this, Luo Bu could only laugh bitterly. During this one month that he had been in the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’, he had obtained an even clearer understanding of Xiao Yan’s ability. Under pressure from Xiao Yan’s almost terrifying strength, the somewhat rebellious thoughts that he originally held in his heart had completely been extinguished. It could be said that the current Luo Bu had already began to gradually think of himself as a member of the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’ in his heart instead of the Company Leader of the ‘Sand Mercenary Company’…

However, even though Luo Bu’s heart thought in this manner, Xiao Yan had remained on his guard against him. This caused Luo Bu to feel a helpless bitterness in his heart. Naturally, he also clearly knew that this was human nature and he could not blame anyone.

Just as he thought that this kind of prejudice from Xiao Yan would persist on, however, Xiao Yan’s gaze, which suddenly became gentle, caused Luo Bu to be surprised. At the same time, he was somewhat excited to realize that his action of being willing to risk his life to be a target had actually accidentally resulted in a great reduction in the guard Xiao Yan held against him.

“This injury was worth it…” Luo Bu muttered in his heart. A somewhat excited redness appeared on his pale-white face.

Xiao Yan patted Luo Bu’s shoulders, took out a high-grade healing medicine from within the storage ring and passed it to him. He said with a smile, “Treat your injuries first. Once your injuries have been healed, you will be the true core in the upper echelon of the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’. With your strength, the responsibilities that you have to take won’t be small. The ‘Desert Metal Company’ is currently at an expansion period. In the future, you may have to toil harder.”

These words of Xiao Yan undoubtedly meant that he had really started to trust Luo Bu.

Therefore, when Luo Bu heard these words, even the hand which he used to receive the healing medicine trembled. He might not have overly cared about the trust of other people but the trust of a strong person, especially the extremely strong people like Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong, was sufficient enough to cause Luo Bu to feel excited and honored.

“Company Leader, you can be rest assured that I will ensure that the brothers from the ‘Sand Mercenary Company’ will truly become members of the ‘Desert Metal Company’.” Luo Bu held the jade bottle tightly. His body bowed slightly toward Xiao Yan as he said somewhat excitedly.

“As long as you can place your thoughts on the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’, trust me, the benefits that you receive in the future will be something you will find hard to believe.” Eyeing Luo Bu who was excitedly expressing his loyalty, Xiao Yan smiled and spoke in a profound manner.

Hearing the joking and somewhat mysterious words, Luo Bu was momentarily stunned before he immediately responded politely.

“Haha, you should quickly heal your injuries. Tomorrow, Old Hai and I will be leaving the Rock Desert City. Your strength is the strongest in the ‘Desert Metal Company’, therefore, during this period of time that I am away, I may need you to take more care of the ‘Desert Metal Company’.” Xiao Yan said softly.

“Leave?” Hearing this, Luo Bu asked in a somewhat strange voice.

“I am going to the capital. There are some things over there that are waiting for me to settle.” Xiao Yan carelessly smiled and once again patted Luo Bu’s shoulders. Immediately, he turned around and slowly walked out of the training ground.

Watching the steady back of the black clothed young man, Luo Bu let out a few coughs. He calmed his excited heart before nodding heavily.

At the edge of the open ground, where numerous respectful gazes were watching him, Xiao Yan came to Xiao Ding’s and Xiao Li’s side. He faced the two of them, both still wore amazement filled faces and he smiled then asked, “Aren’t you going to return to yourselves?”

“Little Fellow, I had originally thought that you had randomly chose Luo Bu to become your target. It’s really unexpected that you would actually use this action to appropriately settle this greatest potential threat within the mercenary company.” Xiao Ding swept his gaze at Luo Bu who was in the training ground and spoke softly to Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan smiled slightly, but remained noncommittal about his own intentions. Raising his head to eye Hai Bo Dong who was slowly descending from the sky, Xiao Yan softly said,“I have no choice. Tomorrow, Old Hai and I will have to leave the Rock Desert City. If I don’t think of some methods to remove some potential threats, I would not be able to leave with peace of mind.”

“You are going to leave tomorrow? So soon?” Hearing this, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were at a loss as they pressed their eyebrows together and asked.

“That’s right. Originally, I had prepared to leave for the capital a month ago. However, because of my injuries, I ended up dragging my stay for so long. Now, I cannot continue to delay.” Xiao Yan smiled and said.

“Do you really intend to go to the Misty Cloud Sect a month later?” Seeing Xiao Yan’s smiling face, Xiao Ding’s voice suddenly became low and soft as he asked.

“Yes. I must go there!” Xiao Yan pursed up his lips and nodded slightly. His voice was slow but firm, without the slightest uncertainty.

“The Misty Cloud Sect is a really big being. It won’t be easy to deal with them… Moreover, the First Elder of the Mo clan, Mo Cheng died in your hands. Although you have hidden your identity, it may have been seen through if you were to appear at the Misty Cloud Sect again. When that time comes, even if you successfully manage to defeat Nalan Yanran, I’m afraid that those old fools of the Misty Cloud Sect would not easily let you leave the mountain without any injuries.” Xiao Ding said with worry.

“If they really intend to act like this when the time comes, then they should prepare to have a life and death struggle…” Xiao Yan laughed faintly. He raised his head and eyed Hai Bo Dong who had descended on a huge rock beside them. He shrugged and laughed, “Old Hai, do you agree?”

“Your elder brother is right. The Misty Cloud Sect isn’t so easy to deal with…” Seeing Xiao Yan looking over, Hai Bo Dong smiled bitterly, “Hah, whatever you want. Who asked me to be held by you. One year of being a bodyguard, ah, from the looks of it now, it appears that you have started scheming against me long ago.”

“Haha, a Dou Huang that had been delivered to my doorstep. If I just allowed Old Hai to easily leave, would it not be a huge waste?” Eyeing Hai Bo Dong’s helpless face, Xiao Yan joked.

Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong could only smile bitterly and shook his head.

Xiao Yan extended his head into the tree branches at the side to pluck a leaf. He then placed it in his mouth and chewed slightly, allowing the faint bitterness to spread in his mouth as he turned his head to eye the distant north. In that direction sat an enormous being of the Jia Ma Empire, the Misty Cloud Sect.

“Let’s see the situation when that time comes. If they really give us no way out, then even if I have to push myself until I am seriously injured, I will throw a real ‘Angry Buddha Lotus Flame’ at the Misty Cloud Sect.”

The calm muttering voice of the young man caused a helplessness to surface on Hai Bo Dong’s face. He smiled bitterly, shook his head and sighed, “What a lunatic… the Misty Cloud Sect would have a hard time bearing the consequences by provoking you, even with its strength.”

Chapter 272: Arriving At The Capital

The darkness of night arrived and covered the land. A silver moon hung high in the sky. Its faint moonlight shone down weakly, slowly expelling some of the darkness.

In the quiet courtyard, three brothers were lying on comfortable, soft chairs, raising their heads to watch the stars that filled the sky. Occasionally, they would lift the winecup beside them and pour wine for each other and drink together.

Drinking all the wine in his winecup in one gulp, Xiao Yan turned around and eyed his two elder brothers who were faintly tipsy. He slowly stood up, took out two scrolls whose covers were extremely old, and gently placed them on a small table beside Xiao Ding and Xiao Li. Seeing their questioning gazes, he said with a smile, “These are two Xuan Class High Level Qi Methods. One is a wood affinity and the other is a lightning affinity. Their affinities exactly match the two of you. Within each Qi Method, there is also a Xuan Class High Level Dou Technique that matches the method. With coordination between the two, their strengths cannot be underestimated.”

Hearing this, Xiao Ding’s and Xiao Li’s somewhat tipsy eyes suddenly brightened. Just a Xuan Class High Level Qi Method alone was viewed as a treasure in the Jia Ma Empire where one would not find it in the market even if one had the money. Moreover, this Qi Method still had a Dou Technique that formed a complete set with it. If one were to count, the value of this Qi Method was undoubtedly even more valuable than the other Qi Methods of a similar class.

Under the temptation of such a rare item, even Xiao Ding, with his cool-headedness, had some desire surface on his face. Xiao Li beside him, grabbed that silver colored scroll the instant that Xiao Yan spoke. After which, he played with it in his hand, loving it too much to willingly put it down.

“If these two things were to be auctioned, it would be diminishing their status if they did not demand a high price of at least three million gold coins.” Xiao Ding received the green colored scroll and gently rubbed it. Its extremely comfortable and flexible feeling allowed Xiao Ding, who had frequently come into contact with Magic Beasts, to know that the scroll was made with the pelt of a rank four Magic Beast. At that moment, he could not help but speak with amazement.

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. He had taken out two Xuan Class High Level Qi Methods, each forming a set with a corresponding Dou Techniques. There was likely no more than ten strengths or people within the Jia Ma Empire who were able to spend in such a style. Were it not for the extremely large warehouse of Yao Lao, Xiao Yan would not not have the ability to take them out either.

“I had planned to give these Qi Methods to you last time. However, I had forgotten about them because I was leaving in a hurry.” Xiao Yan smiled and said. Before he had left for the snake-people race territory, Xiao Yan had taken these two Qi Methods from Yao Lao. However, due to their itinerary being stretched until it was very tight, it was only now that Xiao Yan had the time to recall this matter..

“Although these Qi Methods are extremely rare, we will not do any of those hypocritical refusals since it is you who has taken them out. Otherwise, it might offend you and make you unhappy.” Xiao Ding, who was clear of Xiao Yan’s character, mused for a while. In the end, he did not reject Xiao Yan’s somewhat generous gifts. Instead, he smiled and nodded before carefully placing the scroll into his chest area without saying any courteous words.

After Xiao Ding and Xiao Li had stored their Qi Methods properly, Xiao Yan let out a slight smile. He lifted his head to eye the star filled sky and softly said, “Everything has already been arranged appropriately. Tomorrow, I can leave with a peaceful mind.”

Xiao Ding nodded his head lightly and said with a smile to Xiao Yan beside him, “Little Fellow. Big Brother and Second Brother will wait here for the day that your name shakes the entire Jia Ma Empire in a month’s time. Cheers!”

Eyeing Xiao Ding who had suddenly become bold, a warmth surged up within Xiao Yan’s heart. He received the winecup and emptied it in one go. He clearly understood the meaning in Xiao Ding’s words. If he could really defeat Nalan Yanran and successfully leave the Misty Cloud Sect, then Xiao Yan’s name would become an overnight sensation throughout the Jia Ma Empire.

“Of course…, Xiao-Yan-Zi, if you fail to leave the Misty Cloud Sect, your Big Brother and I will not immediately take revenge for you. We will tolerate it secretly, clenching our teeth and forcefully tolerate it… We will wait until the time when we can leave a wound on the Misty Cloud Sect that would cause it to feel a pain deep in its core before we violently bite at it. We will bite until we break its bones!” Xiao Li patted Xiao Yan’s shoulders. However, a ghastliness that would send chills into people’s hearts was faintly seeping out of his smiling face.

In the desert, the fierce beasts that bear their fangs and brandish their claws were not frightening. The ones that were frightening were those poisonous snakes that quietly conceal themselves under the yellow sand. They would not easily display their fangs. However, once the opportunity arrived, a lethal strike would instantly shoot out of the yellow sand…

Among the three brothers of the Xiao clan, Xiao Ding was calm, wise and farsighted, Xiao Li was sinister and vicious, while Xiao Yan was mysterious and unpredictable. The three of them had different characters but they were able to cause their opponents to feel uneasy and turn their hearts cold.

Eyeing the dark and severe Xiao Li, a warmth flowed in Xiao Yan’s heart. He nodded slightly and once again drank a full cup of potent wine that burned his throat. The three of them looked at each other and laughed loudly.

The morning of the next day, Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong did not alert anyone as they left the ‘Desert Metal Mercenary Company’. It was as though every time he would leave silently…

In the blue sky, two flowing lights suddenly moved closer from a far distance, carrying a violent wind behind them. A moment later, they appeared at the edge of the sky before finally leaving behind numerous envy filled faces of passersby on the ground.

“Xiao Yan, won’t we save a lot of trouble if we were to fly directly to the capital? Why do you still want to go to Tange City to use the flying beast? Their speed is much slower than our flying speed.” Hai Bo Dong flapped his pair of cold icy wings on his back, glancing at the scenery that was swiftly moving past under him before turning around. His Dou Qi was mixed with a thread of his voice, which was somewhat dissatisfied, as it was transmitted into Xiao Yan’s ear.

Upon hearing these words from Hai Bo Dong, Xiao Yan, who was using all his might to hurry along their journey, could not help but laugh bitterly in his heart and shook his head. He quietly thought, “From here to the capital is a journey that is a few thousand kilometers. In the past, if I had the support of Yao Lao’s strength, I could endure through it. However, Yao Lao is currently in a slumber. With just my six star Dou Shi’s strength, how could I endure it without stopping to rest? When that time comes, others might see through my facade should I be careless.”

Although he thought in such a manner in his heart, Xiao Yan would naturally not reply in this manner. The Purple Cloud Wings on Xiao Yan’s back flapped and his speed was slightly reduced. He said with a smile, “Ke ke, it is just that I want to use the time traveling on the flying beast to study the ‘Heavenly Flame’. Moreover, aren’t you planning to search for the medicinal ingredients for the ‘Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill’? We can stop at some of the big cities. The chances of us finding them there are a little higher.”

Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong’s expression finally became more relaxed. He helplessly nodded. Remembering the rare medicinal ingredients with names that he had not even heard of, he could not continue to oppose the decision of taking the flying beasts.

Seeing that Hai Bo Dong did not continue to insist, Xiao Yan quietly sighed in relief within his heart. The Purple Cloud Wings on his back suddenly flapped and his flying speed immediately soared. His figure turned into a flowing light and disappeared into the horizon.

Since morning, they had been travelling quickly. Only when it was the afternoon did Tager City’s outline faintly appear in the sight of the two of them. They landed outside the city before once again leaping toward the city as though they were blown by the wind.

The current Xiao Yan had already once again put on the tier two alchemist occupational robe. Although the huge black ruler on his back, which was almost to his height, gave him a somewhat strange appearance, the soldiers guarding the city did not have the courage to stop an alchemist for interrogation. Therefore, the two of them successfully entered the city which seemed quite big without any obstruction.

After entering the city, Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong first went to those medicinal shops that appeared fairly large and searched them one at a time. Naturally, Hai Bo Dong’s intention was to find those medicinal ingredients needed to refine the ‘Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill’. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, was secretly observing if there were any medicinal ingredients that possessed the unique properties of swiftly recovering Spiritual Strength.

Despite there being quite a number of medicinal shops in Tager City, the medicinal ingredients that Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong needed belonged to the extremely rare class. Therefore, the two of them would enter with high hopes, but leave with disappointment.

After coming out of the last medicinal shop in the city, the two of them who were unwilling to give up took a turn and went to the auction house in the city. Unfortunately, they still found nothing.

Standing on the street, the two of them faced each other and helplessly sighed. They could only give up their search and hurry to the Flying Transportation Company at the center of the city.

With Xiao Yan’s status as an alchemist, the two of them expectedly and successfully boarded a luxurious flying Magic Beast dedicated to alchemists. After which, they began to spend a good few days travelling through the endless skies. Xiao Yan crossed his legs and began entering his training mode, slowly and quietly waiting reach his destination.

During the period of the flight, Xiao Yan did not deal with some of the alchemist travelling along with him. However, when they occasionally saw each other, Xiao Yan would have a strange feeling in his heart. This was because of the fact that, after looking at their appearances, that some of these alchemist who were hurrying to the capital were actually not citizens of the Jia Ma Empire.

Of course, when Xiao Yan was feeling surprised at these alchemist from other countries, those alchemists also had stunned faces when they saw his appearance and the alchemist tier badge on his chest. Clearly, Xiao Yan’s age and his alchemist tier had given them quite a significant blow.

With the unhappy experience from the last time he took such a flight, Xiao Yan discriminated against communicating with people on the flying beast. Therefore, even when he saw the rich atmosphere when those alchemists were conversing with one another, he did not go forward and converse with them.

However, on one occasion, Xiao Yan heard the words ‘Grand Meeting’. After being at a temporarily loss, Xiao Yan finally and suddenly remembered the invitation from the branch vice-chairman of an Alchemist Association Branch, Ao Tuo, back in the Black Rock City.

“It seems that all of these alchemist are hurrying to participate in the Alchemist Grand Meeting…” Xiao Yan nodded his head. Only at this moment did he understand why so many alchemists from other countries had appeared on such a scale within the Jia Ma Empire territory.

“Since it is the Alchemist Grand Meeting…, then I think that there should be many rare natural treasures in the hands of these alchemists.” Xiao Yan’s heart muttered in this manner. His eyes gradually brightened. If he could find a unique treasure to recover Spiritual Strength before heading up to the Misty Cloud Sect and wake Yao Lao up, Xiao Yan would really rest assured about this journey to the Misty Cloud Sect.

With this thought,the rest of Xiao Yan’s thoughts became a little urgent. As he waited, the flying beast that had flew for nearly seven days finally and gradually arrived at its destination, the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, Jia Ma Sacred City!

Standing on the back of the flying beast, Xiao Yan lowered his head to eye the magnificent city which had appeared under the clouds. He slowly exhaled a breath. Three years of time, three years of tough training, he finally arrived here…

Following the slow descent of the flying beast, Xiao Yan’s gaze suddenly turned toward the north of the capital. There, a huge mountain that was definitely very grand, prostrated like a huge dragon, faintly emitted an aura that soared to the sky.

Located at that place was the huge power of the Jia Ma Empire, the Misty Cloud Sect!

“Misty Cloud Sect… Nalan Yanran, this useless person back then has come according to our agreement!”

Xiao Yan’s eyes stared intently at the majestic mountain peak that was hidden in the faint fog. At this moment, his body trembled intensely…

Chapter 273: Primer Auction House, An Old Friend

“Dammit. In the future, I won’t sit on this broken thing. This slow speed really causes people to feel unbearable.” After walking out of the crowded Flying Transportation Company, Hai Bo Dong deeply inhaled a few breaths of fresh air as he cursed softly.

Seeing the ugly expression on Hai Bo Dong’s face, Xiao Yan smiled and raised his head. His gaze swept across this magnificent capital and could not help but sigh with praise. With such a large size, this Jia Ma Sacred City was definitely ranked first in terms of size among all the cities that Xiao Yan had seen.

“It really deserves to be called the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, being so domineering and peerless.” Xiao Yan said with a smile as he clicked his tongue and let out a sound of admiration.

Hai Bo Dong was not interested in watching these boring buildings. His gaze swept across his surroundings before he suddenly asked, “When are you heading to the Misty Cloud Sect?”

“Half a month from now.” Xiao Yan mused and calculated the time to the Three Year Agreement before replying.

“There’s still so much more time? Then where do we go now?” Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong frowned and he immediately asked annoyed.

“Ok! Let’s first go to the auction house in the capital to take a look. That is the largest place in the Jia Ma Empire to conduct business transactions. It should have some of the things that we need. After which, we will make a trip to the Alchemist Association headquarters.” Xiao Yan fondled with his chin and answered while smiling, “This session of the Alchemist Grand Meeting will be conducted there. I am thinking of going to take a look. Moreover, alchemists love to collect all kinds of different precious medicinal ingredients. It may be possible that we will be able to find the medicinal ingredients needed for the ‘Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill’ there.”

“Hee hee, it’s just as well. This Alchemist Grand Meeting is a rare and great event in the Jia Ma Empire. It would be a pity to miss it…” Hai Bo Dong did not oppose Xiao Yan’s plan. He fondled his white beard, smiled and said with some interest, “But it is really worthwhile for you to take a look at this Alchemist Grand Meeting. For an alchemist, not only does allow you to interact with those in the same occupation, but it also has a somewhat extraordinary significance at the same time. As long as one is able to to reveal one’s brilliance there, one’s future will really be immeasurable!”

“Each Alchemist Grand Meeting attracts the attention of many powerful strengths. Those alchemists who have quite a good refining skill will be like hot buns for these strengths to win over. Tsk tsk. The kind of treatment that these alchemists receives really causes people to be so envious that they have the impulse to murder.”

Hearing Hai Bo Dong’s somewhat exaggerated words, Xiao Yan smiled but shook his head slightly. He said, “An alchemist is a special occupation that many would pay attention and seek out wherever they are. Although being roped in by these huge strengths may allow one to obtain quite a good treatment, it somewhat limits one’s freedom and is not really worthwhile…”

“Not worthwhile? How can it be? You should know who Gu He is right?” Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Hai Bo Dong rolled his eyes, curled his lips and said.

“Pill-King Gu He. There really isn’t anyone in this Jia Ma Empire who doesn’t know him.” Xiao Yan shrugged his shoulders and laughed faintly. Not only did he know of him, they had even fought against each other.

“He was the largest black horse in the Alchemist Grand Meeting two sessions ago. Before that time, not many people knew Gu He’s name. Ever since he revealed his brilliance in the Grand Meeting, he caught the eye of the previous leader of the Misty Cloud Sect. After which, he was invited to become an elder of the Misty Cloud Sect. Back then, Gu He was merely a tier four alchemist. However, during these few years, with the huge wealth of the Misty Cloud Sect behind him, his refining ability has risen by two tiers. In addition, his reputation also changed from not being very well known, into the current Pill-King that everyone respects.” Hai Bo Dong laughed, “Therefore, if it were not because of the Misty Cloud Sect, he would at least need twenty more years before reaching the recognition he has currently achieved.”

Xiao Yan’s eyebrows twitched in a somewhat surprised manner. He did not expect that Gu He actually came about in this manner.

“An alchemist is indeed a rare occupation. However, it is also an occupation that burns a great amount of money. Although one’s refining ability relies heavily on talent, if one does not have a never ending supply of medicinal ingredients to support him, it would be extremely difficult to quickly raise one’s refining ability and tier regardless of how great one’s talent is. However, if behind him there is a huge strength that is able to support him by providing an endless supply of medicinal ingredients, they would be able to stay relaxed and save the time needed to run all over the place to search for medicinal ingredients. Under such concentration, the achievement that one could obtain would naturally be a little richer than those free alchemists. Therefore, there are also many alchemists who want to find financial backers who would allow them to squander money in this Alchemist Grand Meeting.” As the two of them were slowly walking the street where people were coming and going, Hai Bo Dong spoke lazily with his hands inserted into his sleeves.

“Perhaps that is the case. But I am not at all interested in that kind of thing.” Xiao Yan shrugged his shoulders. With Yao Lao, this extremely experienced teacher guiding him by the side, there would undoubtedly be extremely few detours that Xiao Yan would make. Therefore, he was able to become a young tier two alchemist from a young man who had not been acquainted with medicinal plants in just a short three years ago. It was also due to this reason that he was unclear just how difficult it was for ordinary free alchemists to swiftly raise their ability. After all, not everyone was as lucky as him.

“Of course, with your refining skills, no one in the entire Jia Ma Empire, including the Misty Cloud Sect has the qualification to hire you.” Hai Bo Dong shook his head and laughed. Forget about Jia Ma Empire, a high tier alchemist who could refine a tier six medicinal pill would also fare very well even in the Dou Qi continent.

Xiao Yan smiled slightly but did not directly reply. Excluding the Yao Lao’s factor, his own tier was merely that of a tier two alchemist. Of course, after a year of tough training in the desert, the current him which possessed the ‘Green Lotus Core Flame’ had the confidence that his refining ability would not be worse than a tier three alchemist. However, he was also clear that even a true tier three alchemist would still have very little attraction to a Dou Huang like Hai Bo Dong.

The only reason why Hai Bo Dong would continue to stay around Xiao Yan and willingly lower his status to become a bodyguard was because he assumed that Xiao Yan was able to refine a tier six medicinal pill. Therefore, he hardened his heart and agreed to protect Xiao Yan’s safety at the Misty Cloud Sect.

If Hai Bo Dong was to learn about the truth in the future and Yao Lao had yet to wake, it would be a small problem if he were to just storm off angrily. If he takes things too hard, he might forcefully coerce Xiao Yan into returning the mysterious map fragment. After all, their collaboration was usually built upon the prerequisite that both parties had similar strengths. Xiao Yan, as a Dou Shi and a tier two alchemist, obviously did not have the qualification to work together with a Dou Huang.

“Ah, looks like the matter of getting Teacher to wake-up needs to be done quickly. Otherwise, once Hai Bo Dong gathers all the medicinal ingredients, how would I refine that tier five medicinal pill?” Xiao Yan sighed in his heart. He suddenly realized that without Yao Lao by his side, the him in his current fragile state actually faced restrictions everywhere.

After all, the strong people that Xiao Yan came into contact all had strengths that far surpassed what someone of his ability was able to come into contact with. Who would imagine that a Dou Shi would actually be able to muddle along so intrepidly in the plane of Dou Huangs?

If it were someone else instead, attempting to get a stranger Dou Huang to follow him as a bodyguard with only the strength of a Dou Shi was undoubtedly a whimsical thought. However, Xiao Yan who had the help of Yao Lao was able to overcome this disadvantage and take the lead in coming into contact with these extremely strong people. However, it was also because of this reason that Xiao Yan, whose true strength was not very strong, needed to always be very careful when facing these extremely strong people. Moreover, he needed to forcefully act calm as he handled them, not daring to reveal even the slightest thing that would give himself away.

“Ah, strength. As long as I am able to reach the Dou Wang class, I think I should be able to follow in Yao Lao’s footsteps. When that time comes, I don’t need to do things that exploit other people’s strength.” Xiao Yan laughed bitterly and softly muttered in his heart. Hai Bo Dong’s laughing voice, however, suddenly broke Xiao Yan’s musing.

“Hey, we have arrived at the auction house!”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s footsteps slowly came to a stop. He raised his head and eyed the huge building and the special symbol that appeared at the end of the street. Surprise involuntarily surfaced on his face as he shook his head and sighed, “It really deserves to be called the headquarters of the Primer Clan (owner of Primer Auction House). The size of the building is really something that the branch at Wu Tan City cannot compare with.”

“Hee hee, the Primer clan is one of the three large clans of the Jia Ma Empire. It has a long history and a strong foundation. Even the Mo clan from Yan City is undoubtedly just a suddenly rich but uncouth clan when compared to them.” Hai Bo Dong said with a smile. His words held disdain for the Mo clan who had wanted to dominate the north-eastern region of the empire. The strongest person in the clan was merely of the Dou Ling class. With only such a strength, they still wanted to have a vain attempt at dominating? They really overestimated their strength. If it were not for the Misty Cloud Sect backing them, the Mo clan would have long been secretly destroyed by some strong people who disliked them.

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded his head. He eyed the huge building that was like a bottomless pit, swallowing up the unceasing flow of people. His hands gently inserted into his sleeves as he turned his head around and softly said to Hai Bo Dong, “Let’s go in and take a look at this so-called Jia Ma Empire number one auction house and see just how is it amazing. Hopefully, we will be able to find the things that we need.”

Once he said those words, Xiao Yan lead the way as they slowly walked to the end of a spacious street paved by bluestone. Behind him, Hai Bo Dong closely followed.

As they gradually walked into the huge Primer Auction House, the surprise on Xiao Yan’s face also grew increasingly rich. His body was like a swimming fish that followed the press of the human flow as he shuttled past.

Xiao Yan was expressionless as he passed through the crowd. Occasionally, he waved his sleeves. A thin Dou Qi would immediately cover his soft sleeves and it was ruthlessly tossed at the surprise hand among the human crowd which had strangely reached toward the storage ring on his hand.

Each time he waved his sleeve, a blood red color would suddenly appear on the hands of those people.

Xiao Yan indifferently glanced at those people who hugged their hands and painfully inhaled a breath of cold air. A cold smile was lifted at the corner of his mouth. This kind of trick was a common sight for him back when he was managing the marketplace of his clan in Wu Tan City.

Paying little attention to these houseflies, Xiao Yan shook his body slightly and finally passed through the tightly packed door. Under the inspection of the sinister eagle like gazes of the guards at the main entrance, he calmly walked in.

Once he entered the auction house, a gentle light was poured over him. The noisiness outside seemed to have become isolated at this moment. It was only a distance of a few meters, but it was as though they were two worlds apart.

Xiao Yan slowly stopped his footsteps. His gaze swept everywhere. Immediately, his mouth widened as he eyed the enormous hall, which was like a crystal city, with a shock filled face.

In the interior of the hall, full armed expressionless guards could be seen everywhere. On the chest of these guards, they wore the Primer clan badge. Clearly, they were the force directly under the Primer clan.

The moment when Xiao Yan entered the hall, he could sense at least twenty sharp gazes sweeping across every part of his body before the sharp and sinister gazes were slowly withdrawn.

“It really lives up to being one of the three large clans of the Jia Ma Empire. This manner of lavishness is really not cheap…” Xiao Yan sighed emotionally. He turned his head back slightly and eyed Hai Bo Dong who had closely followed him like a ghost before slowly walking to the center of the hall.

There were countless crystal counters placed in the large hall. On one side of the counter, there was an unceasing flow of people. A countless number of rare items were placed on these counters. Under these items there were tags that stated their prices. However, all the prices of these items were at least thirty thousand gold coins. These expensive prices were sufficient to cause many people to be discouraged.

“These are the outer sales counters. The things that are sold here are not considered too valuable… At the headquarters of the Primer clan, the auction area is also strictly divided into Tian, Di, Xuan and Huang classes just like the Qi Methods. Among them, the Tian class is the highest. However, the Tian class auction area very rarely opens and sometimes only opens once every few years. However, when it opens, it represents that the thing that the Primer auction house is about to auction is definitely of a very high-grade. When that time comes, almost half of the strong people and leaders of the different strengths within the Jia Ma Empire would swarm over… Ah, I remembered having attended once back then. That time, the thing that the Primer Auction House was auctioning seemed to be an egg of a rank six ‘Fire Scale Crocodile’.”

“According to rumors, it was said that if that ‘Fire Scale Crocodile’ was successfully hatched, it would be a natural-born Dou Wang. Moreover, if one were to raise it properly, it would sooner or later be able to enter the Dou Huang class…”

Hearing this, surprise flashed across Xiao Yan’s face. Once the crocodile hatched, it would have the strength of a Dou Wang! How terrifying. Wouldn’t the person who managed to obtain it be able to acquire a new contender with the Ten Strong of the Jia Ma Empire in a short time?

“The Di class auction area is also rarely opened. The Xuan class one is more common. As for the Huang class, it is opened everyday.” Seeing Xiao Yan’s slightly shocked expression, Hai Bo Dong smiled and continued introducing. He was clearly a frequent customer of this place in the past. Therefore, he was able to clearly and logically explain the rules here.

“It is somewhat interesting…” This kind of class division caused Xiao Yan to smile and said with some interest.

“If you want to enter the Tian, Di and Xuan class auction area, you would need to have some identification of your worth. Other than some exceptional circumstances, if you want to enter the Xuan class auction area, you would at least need to be worth a million gold coins. Ugh, that’s right, do you have that much money with you?” Appearing to have remembered something, Hai Bo Dong suddenly asked.

“Hmm, I seem to only have two to three hundred thousand.” Xiao Yan rubbed his face and smiled awkwardly.

“…It seems that you only have the qualification to enter the Huang class auction area.” Hai Bo Dong rolled his eyes. He had expected an alchemist of Xiao Yan’s tier should at least need to bring millions along with him.

Regarding Hai Bo Dong’s words, Xiao Yan could only helplessly shrug his shoulders. He was about to say something when his gaze suddenly turned toward a corner of the hall.

That place was a doorway for the upper echelons of the Primer Auction House. A moment ago, that place was still quiet. Seeing this sudden commotion, it appeared that there was a big shot who had quite a high status walking out from there.

Eyeing the disturbance of the crowd there, Xiao Yan uncertainly blinked his eyes. He tilted his head slightly and his gaze passed through those excited men who seemed like male wolves suddenly becoming passionate. After which, he faintly glance at a somewhat red colored and blurry lovely tender figure.

Lowering his gaze, Xiao Yan saw a pair of red colored long boots. The heel of the long boots was slightly sharp as it released waves of clear and sweet sounding ‘click-clack’, ‘click-clack’ sounds on the clear and shiny bluestone ground surface, like a beautiful musical note. His gaze drifted a little higher. A pair of long snow white pretty legs that were a little eye-piercing appeared in his sight.

“The legs are not bad…” Xiao Yan evaluated them in his heart. However, with his mental strength, he was naturally a little better than some men surrounding the large hall whose faces were filled with longing. His face still maintained a calm smile, his gaze carried some admiration. Gradually lifting it slightly, his gaze finally seeped through the gap and saw an enchanting and moving face. Immediately, shock slowly climbed onto his face as he softly muttered, “Why is she here?”

As the clear sound of footsteps moved closer, the beautiful lady who was surrounded by the crowd finally slowly walked out of it.

The lady was wearing a bright red colored tight dress. The elegant dress was gorgeously and meticulously made, precisely and perfectly outlining the beautiful curves of the lady. Under the dress were her snow white dazzling long legs, causing people to feel a fiery impulse in their hearts. At the extremely narrow waist that could be hugged with one arm, there was a bundle of silver colored belts that highlighted the narrow waist more vividly.

This lady was emitting a delightful enchantment from all over her body. Under the gaze of those long peach blossom eyes, one would unconsciously take the initiative to pull out all the gold coins in one’s pocket to buy some high priced item that one did not need.

For many men, she was a stunning creature. This female cat which was filled with a temptation all over her that hooked many men’s hearts.

In the human crowd, the lady wearing a red colored gorgeous dress walked toward the hall with elegant footsteps. Her somewhat shallow smile and pretty face contained an unknown meaning behind it. Her voluminous and matured lovely body was like those overripe honey peaches where the water seeped out, causing the lower part of some of the men in the hall to faintly have the trend of being lifted. Immediately, there were some embarrassed faced people in the hall to carefully pull back their abdomen.

The enchanting beauty appeared to have quite a great popularity. Since she had walked out until now, there had been people repeatedly smiling and greeting her. Perhaps some of these greetings were targeted at her beauty, but most of which were clearly because of their reverence to her status.

The gorgeously dressed lady elegantly and calmly handled the surrounding customers. Her superficial shallow smile severed those bored people who wanted to forcefully hit on her. A pair of peach blossom eyes that appeared to have been brewed by the spring water randomly swept across the hall. After anyone came into contact with this pair of eyes that seemingly contained a fascinating enticement, their throats would involuntarily roll slightly. A hot flame would combust and rise in the deep region of their eyes. From the looks of it, after these people returned home, they would imagine their wives or female servants at home to be this enchanting lady that was filled with temptation.

The enchanting peach blossom pretty eyes slowly swept across the hall. At the moment when it was about to be withdrawn, the gaze abruptly stiffened. The walking footsteps also suddenly paused. Her gaze was blankly paused at the side of a crystal counter not far away on the body of a black clothed young man carrying a huge black ruler on his back. Immediately, some disbelief surfaced in those pretty eyes.

Being the focus of attention in the large hall, the action of the gorgeous dressed lady undoubtedly caused everyone to shift their gaze over. However, when they saw that delicate and handsome black clothed young man, they similarly felt somewhat in a daze. When they eyed the extremely rare and strange emotion of the gorgeous dressed lady, some envy toward the young man rose in their hearts without them realizing it.

Ignoring those sharp knife like gazes from his surroundings, Xiao Yan smiled at the gorgeous dressed lady who was staring at him blankly. His smile was gentle and the dark pupils were as crystal clear as they had been one and a half year ago.

Seeing the same clear smile as before, the lady finally believed that this new Xiao Yan, who seemed somewhat mature, was really the same as the kid pretending to be mysterious.

Emitting clear footstep sounds, the gorgeous dressed lady slowly walked toward Xiao Yan. A moment later, she stopped in front of him. Being in such close contact, she realized that boy who had only reached her chest level was already able to look at her at an equal level.

“Xiao Yan di-di, after having not seen you for three years, it appears that you have really changed. You have actually reached a point where I nearly could not recognize you.” As she smiled and eyed the delicate and handsome young man, the gorgeous lady gently inhaled a breath of air. Her voluminous chest under the cover of her gorgeous dress appeared to protrude because of its roundness and was extremely alluring. She lifted her pretty face and greeted him with another smile.

“Ya Fei-jie is also becoming more enchanting and moving. It is a pity that by leaving Wu Tan City, you have hurt the hearts of who knows how many young men.” Xiao Yan gently smelled the faint alluring body scent transmitting from in front of him. His mind suddenly recalled the sordid matter of him seeing a group of people seated at the last row and secretly staring at her when he first entered the auction house back then. With a soft laughter, he teased.

TL: di-di means younger brother, jie means older sister

The beautiful gorgeous dressed lady in front of him was shockingly the Top Auctioneer of the Primer Auction House branch in Wu Tan City, Ya Fei.

“I have completed the mission that my clan had me undergo. Naturally, I would need to return to take over some things. However, it is really thanks to you that I am able to return. These years you had never returned, so I did not have a chance to express my thanks. Since we have met today, your elder sister will say thanks here.” Ya Fei eyed the pair of dark black eyes that were as crystal clear as they were three years ago. Having been used to usually seeing eyes that hid desire and possession, she realized that she had a great liking for this pair of clear eyes. She pursed up her red sleek lips, placed her hands behind her and leaned her body slightly forward as she faced Xiao Yan and spoke with a light smile.

With the angle between the two of them, this courteous action of gratitude by Ya Fei, which caused the gorgeous dress to be lowered slightly, immediately resulted in a deep cleavage and glaring snow whiteness, which would cause many to go insane, appeared in Xiao Yan’s eyesight. Instantly, someone’s face gradually became somewhat rosy.

Chapter 274: Vicious

When Ya Fei raised her head, she coincidentally saw Xiao Yan’s face appearing somewhat red. At that moment, amusement and shock flashed across her exquisite and pretty face. She then covered her mouth immediately and laughed in a tender voice, “Xiao Yan di-di, after not seeing you for three years, not only have you become mature, you have also become much more shy.”

“I have always been very shy.” Xiao Yan nodded his head and said seriously.

“You weren’t like this three years ago. Has Xiao Yan di-di forgotten? Back then when I recognized your identity you were extremely boorish.” A smile flashed across Ya Fei’s beautiful peach blossom eyes as she said.

Eyeing Ya Fei who was emitting an enchanting temptation between her smile and frown, Xiao Yan felt somewhat helpless. After three years of training, this matured woman appeared to have become increasingly enchanting. Perhaps it was because of her different status now, but when she spoke to him, she did not have the cautiousness back then. Instead, having met as old friends, their relationship became somewhat more affectionate.

“Your intention for coming to the Jia Ma Sacred City… should be due to that agreement, right?” The smile on Ya Fei’s smile was slowly withdrawn as she stared at Xiao Yan in front of her and inquired softly.

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded slightly. He said, “Who asked the blood to rush to my brain back then, resulting in me making that agreement. These three years, I have endured quite a lot of hardships because of that agreement.”

Ya Fei eyed Xiao Yan’s face, which had less sentimentality and innocence. Instead, it held more maturity and seriousness compared to three years ago. She sighed. Although Xiao Yan did not tell her about his experiences during these three years in detail, she clearly knew in her heart that he must have endured hardships that others would have difficulty even imagining.

“Xiao Yan di-di, after three years of training, I think that you should have a clear picture of the strength that the Misty Cloud Sect has in the Jia Ma Empire.” Ya Fei frowned and said softly.

“I am clear. It is a really big being which would only require one finger to destroy our Xiao clan.” Xiao Yan calmly said with a smile.

“Ah.” Eyeing that calm face which had no ripple, Ya Fei helplessly shook her head and said, “It has been three years, yet you still have such a stubborn character. However, you can rest assured that with the Misty Cloud Sect’s position and status, they would not hurt the Xiao clan even if they had a deep and terrible annoyance with you. The arrogant old fellows of the Misty Cloud Sect won’t throw their face away.”

“If they dare to touch the Xiao clan… I will dare to go missing for ten years and then come out to kill everyone in the Misty Cloud Sect.” Xiao Yan smiled slightly. His smile was noticeably thick and cold.

Being pierced by the dark and cold killing intent that had suddenly swarmed into Xiao Yan’s eyes, Ya Fei felt her body become somewhat numb. Her hands involuntarily crossed in front of her chest. This sudden action of hers, however, caused the surrounding ‘animals’ to have an impulse of hugging her into their chest and caress her with care.

“I’m sorry, I forgot that you don’t really like to train.” Recovering himself, Xiao Yan eyed the fragile looking manner of Ya Fei. He was briefly at a loss before he spoke apologetically.

“Who said that I don’t like to train? I am also a Dou Zhe, alright? It is just that your killing aura has become heavier after three years of training. It can even be compared to someone in our clan who had climbed out from a pile of corpses on the battlefield.” Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, Ya Fei immediately threw a look of disdain at Xiao Yan and said with dissatisfaction.

“Huh? These clothes of yours… you have actually become a tier two alchemist?” Ya Fei’s shifting gaze suddenly paused at the chest of Xiao Yan’s long alchemist robe. When she saw the occupational tier badge, she could not help but let out an involuntary cry of shock.

“Ke ke, I was merely lucky.” Xiao Yan carelessly laughed.

“Lucky? Ah, for an ordinary person, advancing from a beginner into a tier two alchemist is impossible without at least five to six years of time. Yet, you have reached this step in three years. I’m afraid that is not mere luck.” Eyeing the young man who revealed something shocking at every instance, Ya Fei sighed helplessly.

Xiao Yan shook his head and smiled. He did not continue to pursue this question. Instead, his gaze swept across the hall, realizing that he and Ya Fei had already become the center of attention. Immediately, he whispered, “Are you currently in charge of this auction house?”

“These words of yours really gives me a blow…” Hearing this, Ya Fei sighed, feeling a little depressed. She smiled bitterly and replied, “The authority for this auction house headquarters is completely in the hands of those old fellows in the clan. This is their lifeblood. How is it possible that they would let me manage it? Currently, I am only the Supervising Acting Elder here.”

As she glanced at Xiao Yan, Ya Fei quickly smiled and said, “Although I am not in charge of this place, but at the very least, I also have a portion of the rights that come with my position. I don’t think that your purpose for coming here was to look for me, right? What do you need?”

“Can we find a quiet place to talk?” Xiao Yan scanned the large crowd around him who had their ears lifted vertically and helplessly said.

“Of course, follow me.” Ya Fei smiled and nodded her head. She had just turned around when her gaze suddenly drifted to Hai Bo Dong, who was behind Xiao yan and leaning against a crystal counter while watching the items in boredom. After hesitating for a moment, she asked, “Is this Old Sir together with you?”

“Huh? Do you want to converse alone and leave my old self aside? Is it going to be something shady?” Although Ya Fei’s voice was soft, Hai Bo Dong still managed to catch her words. He turned around and laughed.

Being teased by Hai Bo Dong in such a manner, a faint redness swarmed onto Ya Fei’s exquisite face. However, it was fortunate that she was extremely good at handling issues with human relations. She gave an immediate sweet smile and said, “What is old sir saying, there’s no reason for our auction house to leave people aside when doing business.”

“Little girl’s mouth is really eloquent. However, I am not those fools who only think about women every day. I’m poor and cannot afford to take out the money to buy the things here.” Hai Bo Dong laughed.

Hearing this, shock flashed across Ya Fei’s eyes. However, the expression on her face continued to maintain a smile. Although her strength was lousy, it did not mean that her eyes were poor. She really could not see through Hai Bo Dong’s strength but she was able to vaguely tell that the old man in front of her was not an ordinary old person. That was sufficient.

“We have spent a long time hurrying on our journey here. He’s just bored, you can simply ignore him.” Xiao Yan smiled at Ya Fei.

Ya Fei smiled. She turned around and slowly walked toward a staircase in one corner of the hall. Her heels stepped on the shiny and clean bluestone ground surface, emitting a ‘click-clack’ sound. Her elegant pace caused people to be unable not fall into a deep longing for her.

After his gaze swept over her alluring back, Xiao Yan swiftly followed her under the observation of numerous heated gazes in the hall.

“Don’t tell me that the old man is your mysterious teacher from back then?” Facing the front, Ya Fei softly asked without anyone noticing as she wore a smile on her face and nodded toward those who had greeted her.

“No.” Xiao Yan smiled and shook his head.

“Oh.” Hearing this, Ya Fei slightly nodded her head. She instantly stopped talking and led the two of them slowly toward a staircase with a few guards present.

Eyeing Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong following behind, the few guards eyed each other. According to the rules, people who were not members of the clan were usually not allowed to enter. However, Ya Fei was currently holding the post of Supervising Acting Elder. Her authority was quite great. At that moment, none of them dared to stop them. Only when the three of them were about to enter did a guard have no choice but to bite the bullet and take a step forward. However, before he spoke, Ya Fei gave him a faint glance, which caused him to swallow the words in his throat. He smiled bitterly and stepped back.

“They are my friends. If something happens, I will take responsibility.” Ya Fei said those words in an indifferent voice before leading Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong up the stairs. However, something at the top of the stairs suddenly caused her eyebrows to inadvertently knit slightly together.

Following the rumbling of footsteps, a few human figures slowly appeared at the bending corner of the stairs. The man who was leading them was around the same age as Ya Fei. His somewhat pale-white face was clearly a result of overindulgence in carnal pleasures. Although the build of this person did not appear strong, he was actually a strong person who had just entered the Dou Shi class not long ago based on the Qi that his body faintly emitted.

The pale-faced young man’s gaze carried some converting and desire as it drifted over the stairs to see Ya Fei below. Observing the lower ground from a higher position, the latter’s curves were coincidentally perfectly highlighted. Instantly, that young man’s breathing became slightly erratic.

Sensing the change in the young man above, Ya Fei’s pretty face became slightly ugly. She lifted her head and coldly glanced at the young man. The spring water like pupils that had originally maintained a smile had a disgust that was difficult to hide at the moment.

“Hee hee, Ya Fei, this place is where our clan conducts official business. Other people are not allowed to enter. Don’t tell me that you, as the Acting Supervising Elder, you don’t even know this?” Watching the disgust of Ya Fei in his eyes, the young man’s face immediately became much gloomier. His training talent could be considered quite good within the Primer clan. However, this qualification which could cause other ladies to adore him greatly, merely provoked a greater disgust from Ya Fei. This caused the haughty him to really feel unbearable.

“I have already said, if something goes wrong, I will take responsibility. Please move aside!” Ya Fei’s cold voice did not give the other party any face. She pulled Xiao Yan’s hand and started climbing the stairs.

Being ignored in such a manner in front of his subordinates, the corner of the mouth of the pale-faced young man twitched. This was especially so when Ya Fei grabbed Xiao Yan’s hand. An unknown jealous flame instantly rose in his eyes. Although Ya Fei was usually full of smiles, appearing very approachable, he knew that this woman’s heart had a certain discrimination against men. It was extremely rare for one to see her taking the initiative to pull a man’s hand.

“Hei, I wondered why she usually treats me so coldly. It seems that you actually like this kind of unripe young man. What good taste. But I wonder if he can satisfy you?” Glancing at Xiao Yan’s calm face, the young man could not help but ridicule him.

Ya Fei was expressionless as she climbed the stairs as though she had not heard the obscene words of the young man. However, Xiao Yan, whose hand was being tightly held by her, could sense that her nails had already viciously clawed into his palm.

Xiao Yan, who had unluckily suffered from the trouble other people’s affairs, helplessly shook his head. He glanced at the pale-faced young man with eyes that were so indifferent, they did not have the slightest emotion.

“Brat, do you want to die?” Seeing Xiao Yan’s eyes which put him in an extremely bad mood, the young man immediately became furious. His voice was dark and cold as he spoke.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s footsteps paused. His arm, however, was pulled. Ya Fei in front of him shook her head slightly, indicating for him to ignore the matter.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan sighed and shook his head. He then nodded and followed.

“Qi, soft… Ya Fei, your standards are really terrible. If you really need a young man, I think you need not find someone like that, no?” Ya Fei’s patience ended up causing the young man to become even more vicious. He opened his mouth and viciously laughed.

Xiao Yan once again paused his walking footsteps. His hand trembled slightly as he shook his hand that was being pulled by Ya Fei free. After which, he eyed the moving outline of Ya Fei’s back, shrugged his shoulders and said indifferently, “You can even endure this?”

Ya Fei’s body stiffened. She did not speak. Her fragile back appeared somewhat weary.

“I’m sorry, I cannot…” Xiao Yan waved his hand, suddenly turning around and staring darkly at the laughing young man.

“Be careful, he’s a one star Dou Shi…”

Seeming to have sensed Xiao Yan’s action, Ya Fei hurriedly turned around. However, before her shout fell, an explosion suddenly rang at the stairs, causing her pretty face to be completely stunned.

“You damn bastard. Do you eat dog’s sh*t in order to grow?” Following the energy explosion, Xiao Yan’s similarly dark, cold and vicious curses rang in the stairway.

Chapter 275: Searching For Medicine

On the somewhat spacious staircase, Xiao Yan’s body had appeared at the side of the young man’s body in almost an instant. He abruptly tightened his fist and, with explosive force, violently smashed his fist into the young man’s face.

Although the body of the pale-faced young man was not very sturdy, his strength was not weak. At the moment when Xiao Yan had suddenly moved, he sensed something and a dark coldness immediately swarmed onto his face. His hands were crossed in front of him and the turbulent Dou Qi in his body gushed out. It formed a Dou Qi cloak on the surface of his body in an instant.

Despite being at a disadvantage from being caught off-guard, the young man was very confident in his strength. Moreover, the Xiao Yan in front of him was really too young. Therefore, he believed that the other party’s attack should have extreme difficulty breaking through his defense.

“Little Bastard. Today, even if Ya Fei wants to protect you, you can forget about smoothly leaving the auction house.” A dense thought flashed across the young man’s mind at the moment he blocked that attack. However, before the thought in his heart fell, the fist which contained a pressurizing force firmly made contact on his arm. A soft ‘crack’ sound was emitted and following which, the expression of the young man changed wildly. A mouthful of fresh blood was involuntarily vomited out from his throat. His body was also thrust by the strong and vicious force, resulting in him being violently shot into the wall. Immediately, he spat out another mouthful of fresh blood. His legs knelt onto the ground while his body was curled up in pain.

Only at the moment when the young man threw up blood did Ya Fei, who was on the stairs, turn around. The cry for Xiao Yan to be careful had only left her mouth when she saw the young man curling up like a dead dog. Her exquisite face was immediately covered by shock and disbelief.

At this moment, the subordinates beside the young man finally recovered from this split second occurrence. When they eyed their master’s miserable appearance and shock first appeared on their faces before they immediately surrounded Xiao Yan angrily.

“I order all of you to withdraw!” Seeing the few guards actions, Ya Fei, who was on the stairs, finally could bear it no longer and exploded. Her almond eyes stared furiously as she cried out loud.

Hearing Ya Fei’s cry, those few guards obviously hesitated for a moment. Their master may have the courage to offend Ya Fei, but it did not mean that they also had such courage.

“If any of you dare to take a step forward, then be ready to get kicked out of the Primer Auction House. Although you are not my subordinates, I think that with my status as the Acting Supervising Elder, removing you few pieces of human scum shouldn’t be something too difficult to do.” When Ya Fei was icy, she had a different and unique majesty.

Eyeing Ya Fei, whose pretty face contained an evilness, a dread finally flashed across the faces of the guards. They looked at each other’s faces and unwillingly pulled back.

“Bring your master and return from where you came from.” Ya Fei coldly ordered with her delicate hand pointed to the staircase.

“Alright. Ya Fei, you got guts. You actually helped an outsider. Just wait!” The young man’s footsteps staggered somewhat as he was helped onto his feet by his subordinates. He rubbed off the blood stain from the corner of his mouth and angrily stared at Ya Fei. Immediately, his pupils contained a dark coldness and gloominess as he turned toward Xiao Yan by her side. His breathing was hurried as he said with a dark voice, “Good, good. Little bastard. If you have guts, just wait!”

After leaving those vicious words, the young man maliciously slapped the face of the guard by his side and angrily said, “Fool. Go!”

Standing by the stairs, Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the young man slowly walking away under the support of the few guards. The fist under his sleeves was slowly opened and a few green colored flames were writhing at the tips of his fingers.

“When faced with this kind of person, you actually know how to hold yourself back? Why don’t you just kill him directly? Otherwise, he will remember this in the future.” Hai Bo Dong laughed faintly as he leaned against the stairs.

“This is someone else’s territory after all.” Xiao Yan smiled and eyed Ya Fei. He shrugged and said, “I’m sorry, I was a little impulsive. But that fellow’s mouth really stinks.”

Ya Fei shook her head and sighed. She said with a bitter smile: “I feel that it might be better for us to discuss things another day. Once that fellow returns home, he will definitely cry and complain to his grandfather. When that time comes, the old fellow, who is extremely protective of his child will definitely come here to create trouble.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Xiao Yan shook his head and replied with a smile, “We really need some things. Let’s discuss it now. We will take care of those troubles by ourselves…”

“Ah, you stubborn fellow… Forget it, when that time comes I will try my best to protect you. However, that old guy is extremely supercilious. I’m afraid that even I will be reprimanded by him.” Hearing this, Ya Fei could only helplessly nod her head. She turned around and climbed the stairs. As she turned a corner, she left Xiao Yan the sight of her lovely curvy back. Xiao Yan pretended to ignore it and exchanged glances with Hai Bo Dong before following up the stairs.

Xiao Yan followed Ya Fei up a few floors before finally stopping in front of a large door. Seeing that she was extremely familiar with the route, it was clear that this was a place she frequently came to.

There were a few guards standing by the large door. Although their gazes were uncertain as they swept across Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong, the tactful guards did not open their mouth to stop them. Instead, they simply stood to the side like wooden pillars.

The door was pushed open and a spacious room was revealed. Book shelves were neatly erected within the room. There were various different kind of thick books placed on these bookshelves. Ya Fei passed through them and finally came to the front of a work desk. She then turned around and eyed Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong with a smile. Pointing at the chairs at the side, she said, “Have a seat. Now, can you tell me, just what do you need?”

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded. He randomly reached for a chair, pulled it over, and sat down. After musing for a moment, he stared at Ya Fei and said, “Did I create some trouble for you just now? I’m sorry…”

“I know that you have only acted because of me. You don’t need to apologize.” Ya Fei waved her hand. She made a detour around the table and sat behind it. Her lips slightly pouted as she said with a smile, “That guy’s name is Lei Lei. He is also a member of our Mite-er clan. His backing is also quite strong. Usually, I wouldn’t want to offend him so I can only choose to ignore him.”

“However, that fellow seemed to have some disgusting thoughts toward me. Me ignoring him had instead caused him to become angry because of the shame he feels, and thus he has decided to find trouble with me all the time. His grandfather has some importance within the House of Elders in the clan. Therefore, I am very helpless when faced with this extremely thick-faced fellow.” Ya Fei brushed over the black hair of her forehead and said somewhat tiredly. Looks like the young man called Lei Lei had really created big trouble for her.

“You should’ve know that for such a person, the more you do that, the more fierce he will become.” Xiao Yan shook his head and replied.

“Ke ke, this is of course something that I know. However, you should not overestimate the broadness of my mind. How could a little lady like me achieve such a high saint like degree… Indeed, I don’t wish to provoke him now. However, in the future, once I have the chance to take charge, this guy would be among the first garbage that I would expel. When that time comes, my revenge will cause him to feel terrified… You ought to know that women will forever be the creatures that hold the longest grudges. Otherwise, why would there be the saying that ‘a woman’s heart is a most vicious thing’?” Ya Fei laughed faintly. The current her seemed to be unintentionally revealing her ambition and might.

Hearing these words of Ya Fei, astonishment flashed across Xiao Yan’s and Hai Bo Dong’s faces. They did not expect that this lady, who appeared extremely gentle, would actually possess such tolerance and patience.

“Alright, let’s stop talking about him, it ruins my mood.” Ya Fei shook her head and a spring water like gentle smile surfaced on Ya Fei’s exquisite face. She stared at Xiao Yan and said gently, “What things do you need? Tell me. I will help you search for them.”

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded his head. He took out a white paper from the storage ring which had the medicinal ingredients need to refine the ‘Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill’ written on it. After which, he handed it over to Ya Fei in front of Hai Bo Dong and said with a smile, “Do me a favor and take a look and see if you can gather all the medicinal ingredients on here.”

Eyeing Xiao Yan’s action, the smile on Hai Bo Dong’s old face became much denser. When the former had taken out the white paper, the latter had swiftly scanned it with his sharp gaze. Written on it were the same medicinal ingredients names that Xiao Yan had told him. It caused him to feel that Xiao Yan had indeed put this matter in his heart.

“I just knew that you would definitely not come to a place like the auction house if you had nothing to do…” Ya Fei received the white paper and shook her head. Immediately, she lowered her head and roughly glanced at the medicinal ingredient names on it. A shock could not help but flash across her pretty face. She lifted her head, looked at Xiao Yan and said, “These medicinal ingredients are all not ordinary things. Among them, there are some whose name I have only heard the name of and have never seen.”

“Yes.” Xiao Yan nodded slightly and softly asked, “Is it possible to gather all the medicinal ingredients here?”

Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong by the side also anxiously stared at Ya Fei, who was deep in thought. This was a very important thing that affects whether or not he would be able to recover his peak strength.

Ya Fei fondled her chin and thought for a moment before shaking her head. She said apologetically, “I’m afraid that it would be extremely difficult to gather all of them. After all, these medicinal ingredients are really too rare. If they were put on the market, almost each of them would be able to be sold for a high price of at least two hundred thousand gold coins. Moreover, that’s only if the ingredients are being sold, currently, I don’t think anyone is selling them…”

When Ya Fei said these words, Hai Bo Dong immediately became gloomy while Xiao Yan by the side sighed disappointedly on the surface. In his heart, he rejoiced. If they were able to gather all the medicinal ingredients here, it would become a tragedy for him.

“It would be somewhat difficult to gather all of them. However, I think that it should not be a problem gathering half of the medicinal ingredients on it.” Ya Fei voiced her thoughts.

“Half is also good. It is at least better than having nothing.” Xiao Yan nodded and sighed.

Hearing this, a saucy smile suddenly surfaced on Ya Fei’s pretty face. She smiled and said, “According to our record, our Primer Auction House should be able to take out four kinds of medicinal ingredients listed on this paper. The price of each of them is at least over two hundred thousand gold coins. I’m afraid that the total sum required for these four medicinal ingredients would be around a million gold coins. Xiao Yan di-di… are you able to hand over the money?”

“Uh…” Xiao Yan blinked his eyes and shook his head. “It seems that I cannot.”

Once these words of Xiao Yan was said, the smile on Ya Fei’s pretty face grew even greater. Her long fingers were interlocked with one another and said in a somewhat regretful voice, “Xiao Yan di-di, now we are no longer at Wu Tan City. Here, even if elder sister is willing to help you, I don’t possess the authority to do so. Moreover, such a huge sum is already far beyond jurisdiction of what I manage.”

Xiao Yan rubbed the side of his face and said: “Then what should I do?”

“Ah, although one million gold coins is not a small sum, elder sister has great confidence in you. Coincidentally, our Primer clan is recruiting an alchemist during this period. If Xiao Yan di-di is interested, you can use this to settle the bill. A tier two medicinal pill could also be sold for quite a good price. I think, with Xiao Yan di-di’s ability, it should be easy for you to settle these bills…” Ya Fei’s lotus blossom pretty eyes were curved into a shallow angle, enchanting people like a fox spirit.

TL: Fox spirit is used in chinese folklore to depict a seductress / a lady who bewitches a man

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