Seizing the Initiative

"Xiao Ai, the store can be upgraded in the future, right?" Xiao Han asked thoughtfully.

"Yes, Master." Xiao Ai explained, "The system is currently only Version 1.0, and the store's purchasing permissions are also Level 1. As Master works to upgrade the system version, higher purchasing permissions will be unlocked. The items available for purchase will also become better."

"Oh, then how do I upgrade your version?" Xiao Han asked curiously.

"Master, when you break through the Dou Zhe realm—when your own level reaches Level 20—the system version will automatically upgrade as well. At that time, the Level 2 store will be unlocked. When your level reaches Level 30, the Level 3 store will be unlocked. And so on."

"What? To unlock the Level 2 store, I only need to reach Level 20 and become a Dou Shi?" For Xiao Han, that was simply too easy.

System Xiao Ai was so extraordinarily capable that Xiao Han had assumed the things that could upgrade it would be far from ordinary. Yet he had not expected upgrading the system and unlocking store permissions to be so simple. He merely needed to raise his own level.

"Yes, Master." System Xiao Ai explained, "Xiao Ai is bound to you. When you level up, Xiao Ai can level up at the same time. Naturally, higher permissions can then be unlocked."

Over the next few days, everything passed peacefully.

Xiao Mei seemed to have been pumped full of energy and remained in secluded cultivation. Xiao Ning was the same. Ever since receiving the Foundation Establishment Pill Xiao Han had given him, he practiced diligently every day. As for Xiao Xun'er, her heart was in turmoil, and she was rarely seen outside. She seemed to be avoiding Xiao Yan, and no one saw her walking with Xiao Yan anymore.

As for Xiao Yan, just as the Storyline described, he continued cultivating diligently, relying on the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid to constantly nourish his meridians.

Throughout the Xiao Clan, the younger generation seemed to be making a final sprint before an exam, each of them intensifying their cultivation. They all appeared eager to show their exceptional selves at the coming-of-age ceremony.

Of course, there was one exception: Xiao Han.

Xiao Han was already a Six-star Fighter. Ordinary cultivation was simply too dull and tasteless for him. Aside from refining pills each day, he ate, drank, played, and enjoyed the scenery of Wutan City.

"Judging by the days, tomorrow is when Xiao Yan enters the Mittel Auction House." Though Xiao Han was out enjoying himself, he had not been idle. He had been waiting for the right opportunity.

According to the Storyline, Xiao Yan would have to worry about money to buy medicinal ingredients tomorrow and would be forced to enter the Mittel Auction House to auction off Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid.

If handled properly, this would be an opportunity for Xiao Han to gain Experience Points.

The Mittel Auction House was the largest auction house in Wutan City. At the same time, it belonged to the Mite'er Family, one of the Jia Ma Empire's three great powers. According to reliable rumors, the Mite'er Family even seemed to be connected to the Jia Ma Empire's imperial family through marriage.

With such a powerful family as its backing, it could be said that throughout Wutan City, and even among the forces beyond it, no one dared set their sights on it.

Looking at the grand, imposing auction hall ahead, Xiao Han entered a secluded alley. After confirming that no one was nearby, he took out a black robe he had prepared long ago and put on the Cat Face Mask he had won in a lottery some time ago.

The oversized black robe concealed Xiao Han's entire body, making it impossible to discern his build. With the mask covering his face, even his features could not be recognized. At this moment, even if Xiao Han's parents stood before him, they would never imagine that the masked figure shrouded in a black robe was their son, Xiao Han!

Xiao Han's purpose this time was simple: enter the auction house ahead of time and seize the initiative. If he wanted to disrupt tomorrow's Storyline, only pills would do.

Pills were rare commodities on the Battle Qi Continent. Moreover, Foundation Establishment Pills had exceptionally mild medicinal properties and could rapidly raise one's realm during body tempering. They could quickly nurture the next generation. To any faction, their allure was immense.

If others learned that Xiao Han could refine such rare items, it would be a disaster not only for Xiao Han, but even for the Xiao Clan.

Especially since Xiao Han possessed the Heavenly Flames that Alchemists dreamed of, while he himself was only a Six-star Fighter. If his true identity were discovered, it would bring Xiao Han tremendous trouble.

To avoid all this potential trouble, Xiao Han could only act in secret.

"Sir, take a look! The Mittel Auction House will be holding an auction tomorrow. Rumor has it that there'll be a Xuan Level Fighting Skill!"

Upon entering the Mittel Auction House, Xiao Han saw several beautiful, scantily dressed young women handing out flyers despite the scorching weather.

A Xuan Level Fighting Skill!

Indeed, the Mittel Auction House would auction off a Mysterious Tier Advanced Fighting Skill tomorrow—the Wind Scroll Art!

"It seems Sister Xiao Mei has Wind Attribute Battle Qi!"

Xiao Han paused slightly before entering the club. The coolness inside stood in stark contrast to the blazing heat outside.

Only after entering did Xiao Han witness the wealth of the Mite'er Family.

The Mittel Club was enormous. People streamed in and out without end, and there were quite a few outsiders dressed in strange attire. Therefore, Xiao Han's arrival did not draw any particular attention.

When Xiao Han found the Treasure Appraisal Room, he discovered that its door was shut.

Helpless, Xiao Han could only return to the service counter in the main hall.

"Hello, I need to have a treasure appraised. But your Treasure Appraisal Room is closed?"

Xiao Han's voice was low and hoarse. Without using any special means, merely wearing the Cat Face Mask automatically altered his voice. Even if someone relied on his voice alone, they likely would not imagine that he was Xiao Han.

"The appraiser from the Treasure Appraisal Room has taken leave due to personal matters. Come back tomorrow!" The receptionist frowned slightly. On such a scorching day, wearing such a huge black robe made him strange even among strange people. Still, out of professional instinct, she did not treat Xiao Han rudely.

Come back tomorrow!

That would not do. Tomorrow was the day Xiao Yan would enter the Mittel Auction House. If he came to stir things up then, the timing would be far too rushed.

After a brief pause, Xiao Han asked, "Is Alchemist Guni here? Take me to see Alchemist Guni."

"You know Master Guni?" Upon hearing Xiao Han mention Guni, the receptionist immediately became alert and scrutinized Xiao Han solemnly. Could he be some important figure?

"No." Xiao Han answered honestly.

"Then why do you want to see him?" A trace of disappointment flashed through the receptionist's eyes, and her tone gained a hint of impatience.

"To appraise pills for me," Xiao Han said calmly.

"Appraise pills?" The receptionist smiled and asked curiously, "Are you an Alchemist?"

"Mm." Xiao Han nodded lightly.

"Hehe..." The receptionist laughed, her laughter carrying unconcealed contempt. In her mind, she had already categorized Xiao Han as the sort of person who was either a thief or a swindler.

After all, Alchemists were noble professionals. She had never seen an Alchemist who did not wear an Alchemist's uniform in public.