A Considerable Air—Earth-tier Dou Technique

Xiao Zhan climbed the steps of Tianxiang Tower, his heart heavy.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the dignity he carried as Clan Leader and replacing it with a humble demeanor.

Yet the moment he stepped through the doors, the sight before him stunned him.

The spacious first-floor hall had somehow formed into a long queue.

Every person in line was finely dressed and possessed a steady aura. They were clearly prominent figures from Wutan City.

Members of the Jia Lie Family and Ao Ba Family were conspicuously among them, their faces filled with anxiety and anticipation.

A maid dressed in the Miter Auction House uniform stopped him. She wore a professional smile, but her tone allowed no argument.

"Sir, please register over here."

Xiao Zhan froze for a moment and followed the direction of her finger. Behind a long table, several maids were busily recording something.

"Register?"

"Yes," the maid explained. "Master Xuan is of noble status, and his time is precious. Not just anyone may request an audience."

"All those seeking an audience must first register information about any 'rare treasures' or 'exotic flowers and herbs' they can offer. We will compile the information and present it to Master Xuan for his review."

"If the master takes an interest in your item, he will naturally send someone to notify you to come and see him."

After hearing this, the slight displeasure in Xiao Zhan's heart instantly vanished.

Reasonable.

If every stray cat and dog could disturb a master capable of refining sixth-grade pills, that would be strange indeed.

He walked up to the long table and watched as those ahead of him named the treasures their clans had kept in reserve. His unease only grew.

When it was his turn, he hesitated for a long time before finally lowering his voice.

"The Xiao Family. Xiao Zhan. I wish to offer a piece of ancestral Ancient Jade in exchange for an audience with the master."

The maid looked up at him without asking further questions, then swiftly recorded it.

"All right. Clan Leader Xiao may return now. If there is any news, we will send someone to inform you."

Xiao Zhan opened his mouth, wanting to say something more. Yet, seeing all the others around him waiting just like he was, his words ultimately turned into a sigh as he turned and left.

All he could do was wait.

The bamboo grove in the Xiao Family's rear courtyard was tranquil and secluded.

Ling Ying's figure appeared once more without a sound.

"Miss."

"How did it go?" Xiao Xun'er did not turn around, her voice cool.

"Tianxiang Tower has already been reserved by the Miter Auction House. Everyone seeking an audience must register beforehand, after which Xuan Jin will make the selections." Ling Ying recounted everything he had seen and heard in detail.

"A mere Sixth Grade Alchemist, yet he puts on quite the airs."

Xiao Xun'er gave a soft snort, amusement in her voice.

"Still, on this Northwest Continent, a Sixth Grade Alchemist does indeed have the right to put on such airs."

Of course, that was only because Xiao Xun'er did not know Xuan Jin's age. Otherwise, she would not have said such a thing.

After all, neither Xiao Xun'er nor Ling Ying had confirmed that this person was Xuan Yi's disciple from Zhongzhou.

Xiao Xun'er rose to her feet and paced through the courtyard.

What item could Uncle Xiao Zhan possibly possess? If it cannot draw Xuan Jin's attention, would Brother Xiao Yan not lose this opportunity?

Xiao Xun'er's thoughts raced.

A moment later, she made up her mind.

A scroll emitting a faint glow appeared in her hand.

"Elder Ling."

"This old servant is here."

"Take this." Xiao Xun'er handed the scroll to Ling Ying. "This is a low-grade Earth-tier Dou Technique, the Thousand Illusions Phoenix Flame Finger."

Ling Ying received the scroll, and his body suddenly trembled.

An Earth-tier Dou Technique!

Miss was actually willing to take out such a treasure!

"If Uncle Xiao Zhan cannot move Xuan Jin, find a way to reveal the existence of this Dou Technique to him."

Xiao Xun'er's voice became solemn.

"I refuse to believe that a Sixth Grade Alchemist can resist the temptation of an Earth-tier Dou Technique."

"This old servant understands!" Ling Ying nodded heavily before his figure vanished once more.

Only Xiao Xun'er remained in the bamboo grove.

She gazed in Tianxiang Tower's direction and murmured, "Brother Xiao Yan, for you, everything is worth it."

Meanwhile, on the top floor of Tianxiang Tower.

Xuan Jin stood by the window, taking in everything below.

He had seen Ya Fei's arrangements and did not stop her.

Since he had chosen to act conspicuously, he naturally needed to look the part. Doing everything personally would only lower his standing.

His soul power spread like an invisible tide, enveloping all of Wutan City.

Just moments ago, he had sensed a concealed aura moving back and forth between the Xiao Family Back Mountain and Tianxiang Tower.

That aura had been hidden extremely well. Even an ordinary Dou Zong would likely have found it difficult to detect.

Unfortunately, before his Mortal Realm Grand Completion soul power, it was like a firefly in the night.

Peak Dou Emperor, skilled in concealment.

That must be Ling Ying.

Xuan Jin understood at once.

It seemed Xiao Xun'er had already noticed him.

Good. That saved him quite a bit of trouble.

He had come to Wutan City and publicly announced that he could refine sixth-grade pills. His target had never been just the Xiao Family.

The Tou She Ancient God Jade was in the Xiao Family's possession.

The Burning Art was in Yao Chen's hands, while Yao Chen resided within the Bone Flame Ring.

As for Xiao Xun'er, she had come bearing the mission of finding the Tou She Ancient God Jade.

Now, the pieces on the board had begun to move on their own. All he needed to do was watch quietly and place his own piece at the most suitable moment.

Xuan Jin withdrew his gaze and sat down cross-legged.

The Soul Guiding Art his teacher Xuan Yi had given him slowly began to circulate, and strands of cool energy started nourishing his soul.

The gap between the Mortal Realm and the Spirit Realm was like a heavenly chasm.

He needed an opportunity.

The next morning.

An alluring fragrant breeze knocked upon Xuan Jin's door.

Ya Fei entered with graceful steps.

She had clearly dressed up with great care today.

A moon-white, form-fitting gown accentuated her already voluptuous figure to an even more breathtaking degree. Beneath the dress's high slit, her fair, slender legs appeared and disappeared from view.

She wore delicate makeup, and her normally seductive eyes now held a perfectly measured degree of respect and gentleness.

She carried a silver tray containing an organized dossier and a cup of fragrant tea.

"Young Master Xuan, you are awake."

Ya Fei's voice was soft and sweet, enough to make half one's bones go limp.

"This is the Focusing Flower Tea unique to our Miter Auction House. It has calming and soul-soothing effects."

Xuan Jin accepted the teacup and took a sip. A cool sensation flowed directly into his mind. It truly was good stuff.

"You have been thoughtful." He glanced at Ya Fei and silently nodded to himself.

This woman was a born temptress. Every frown and smile of hers could stir a man's heart.

Even rarer was that she understood how to make use of her advantages without seeming vulgar. Her sense of measure was impeccable.

"Manager Ya Fei's business methods are indeed impressive." Xuan Jin set down the teacup, his words carrying deeper meaning.

By reserving Tianxiang Tower and setting up a threshold, she had both elevated his status and built tremendous momentum for the Miter Auction House. It was killing two birds with one stone.

At the praise, Ya Fei's smile grew even brighter, blooming like a hundred flowers.

"It is Ya Fei's honor to be of service to Young Master Xuan."

Yet she felt somewhat helpless inside. This man seemed completely immune to her charm. Even his praise was merely an objective assessment, without the slightest trace of improper thoughts.

While that left her feeling frustrated, it also stirred an even stronger desire to conquer him.