Inside a VIP room at the Mittel Auction House, wisps of sandalwood incense drifted lazily through the air like gauzy silk, their faint scent lingering at the tip of the nose and calming the mind. Ya Fei glided over to Xiao Zhan and personally poured fragrant tea into the cup before him, her slender jade-white fingers wrapped around the teapot. Her fingertips brushed lightly along the rim of the cup, like nimble notes dancing across strings, carrying a hint of teasing allure that tugged at the heartstrings.
"Clan Chief Xiao, you've honored us with your presence today. Surely you didn't come just to admire the furnishings of our auction house?" Ya Fei parted her red lips like a flower in bloom, her voice soft and melting. Her beautiful eyes shimmered as they roamed over him like stars in the night sky, bright with worldly cleverness and seductive charm, blending the two to perfection.
Xiao Zhan remained composed as he accepted the cup. His fingertips brushed Ya Fei's by chance, and a trace of cool softness passed through him, like a spring breeze. His expression unchanged, he lowered his head and took a small sip. The tea's fragrance blossomed on his tongue, leaving a long, pleasant aftertaste. After a moment, he finally replied, "Miss Ya Fei is as perceptive as ever, with eyes sharp enough to see through anything. I have indeed come to discuss an important business opportunity with the Mittel Auction House."
"Oh?" A keen interest flashed in Ya Fei's eyes, like a lamp suddenly lit in the dark. She tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I've heard a little about the Xiao Family's recent situation in Wutan City. Forgive my bluntness, but things do not look promising. What sort of business did you have in mind?"
A confident, mysterious smile tugged at Xiao Zhan's lips. He slowly took an exquisite jade box from his Storage Ring. The box was translucent and glowed with a warm luster, like a priceless work of art. He gently pushed it toward Ya Fei. "Why not open it first, Miss Ya Fei? You'll see."
Ya Fei's long eyebrows lifted slightly, like willow leaves trembling in the breeze. She reached out with a hand as smooth as jade and slowly opened the box. The moment she saw what lay inside, her alluring eyes flew wide, like fireworks bursting in the night sky, filled with shock and delight. Her red lips parted as if she meant to gasp, but for a moment she could not find her voice. Rare astonishment showed plainly on her face.
"Th-this... is this a Fifth-grade Pill?" Ya Fei's voice trembled with disbelief. As the chief auctioneer of the Mittel Auction House, she had seen countless rare treasures and possessed a discerning eye. Three pills the size of longans lay inside the box. Strange dragon patterns marked their surfaces, as if slumbering dragons were coiled upon them. Their refreshing medicinal fragrance filled the air, leaving anyone who breathed it feeling clear-headed and invigorated.
"These are Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pills, Seventh-grade Pills." Xiao Zhan's expression was calm, his voice utterly unruffled, as if he were discussing some common trinket. "After taking one, a strand of dragon qi will quietly gather within the body. Ordinarily, it will lie dormant and nourish itself like a hidden dragon. When danger strikes, it can burst forth like a flood dragon rising from the sea, unleashing tremendous power. It can even raise someone by an entire realm for a short time, allowing them to find a way to survive when all seems lost."
Ya Fei's delicate body trembled, and her slender, jade-white hands shook despite her efforts to control them. She nearly dropped the box. A Seventh-grade Pill! Such things were as rare as phoenix feathers throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire. Even if one searched the whole empire, one might not find more than a few. Yet the Xiao Family's clan chief had produced three as casually as tossing out ordinary stones. How could she not be stunned?
"C-Clan Chief Xiao, this... this is far too precious..." Ya Fei took a deep breath, trying to calm the surging waves in her heart, but the shock in her eyes still glittered like stars in the night sky.
Xiao Zhan's lips curved into a gentle, confident smile. "There's no need to be so nervous, Miss Ya Fei. I'd like the Mittel Auction House to auction these three pills on my behalf. As for the commission, we can discuss the details. I certainly won't let your house take a loss."
Ya Fei took another deep breath and carefully closed the jade box, as gently as if she were shutting away a precious dream. Some of her usual sharpness and businesslike composure returned to her eyes. After a moment's thought, she said, "Clan Chief Xiao, forgive my bluntness. If a treasure as rare as a Seventh-grade Pill were auctioned in a place like Wutan City, I'm afraid it couldn't fetch its proper price. It would be like casting a pearl before swine. What a shame. Perhaps..."
"Perhaps we should send them to the Imperial Capital branch for auction?" Xiao Zhan swiftly picked up her thought, a subtle smile flashing in his eyes as if everything were already within his grasp. "Miss Ya Fei truly is a professional. You saw the key at once. But I have one condition."
"Please, Clan Chief Xiao." Ya Fei leaned forward slightly, her posture graceful and alluring. A glimpse of snowy white showed at her chest, like a pure yet captivating lotus blooming in spring.
Xiao Zhan's gaze lingered for an instant on the lustrous, snow-white skin, then shifted away naturally, as if he had only glanced at it by chance. He continued calmly, "I'd like you to personally oversee the auction of these pills, Miss Ya Fei. You'll handle everything, from the preparations and negotiations with prospective buyers to arranging their safe transport to the Imperial Capital."
Surprise flashed across Ya Fei's eyes, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky. It vanished in an instant, but Xiao Zhan caught it all the same. "You trust me this much, Clan Chief Xiao? Aren't you afraid I might let something slip?"
"Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you distrust." Xiao Zhan smiled calmly, like a warm spring breeze. "Besides, I believe you understand the value of these pills better than anyone. I'm sure you'll do everything in your power to bring out their full worth."
Ya Fei fell silent for a moment, apparently weighing her thoughts. Then she broke into a radiant smile, like a hundred flowers bursting into bloom beneath the spring sun. It seemed to light up the whole room. "Clan Chief Xiao, you certainly have nerve. Since you trust me so much, I'll give this everything I have. All right, I accept. However..."
She shifted the conversation, her eyes glimmering with curiosity and expectation. "I'm quite curious, Clan Chief Xiao. Where did you get such precious pills? As far as I know, fewer than three alchemists in the entire Jia Ma Empire can refine Seventh-grade Pills."
Xiao Zhan had prepared for the question. He smiled mysteriously, as if a veil had been drawn across his face. "It was simply a fortunate coincidence. If you're interested, Miss Ya Fei, I'll be happy to tell you more another time. For now, why don't we discuss the details of our partnership?"
Ya Fei was clever enough to understand at once that Xiao Zhan did not wish to say more. She tactfully changed the subject, a gentle smile lifting her lips. "How would you like to work together, Clan Chief Xiao? I'm all ears."
"Two of the three pills will be auctioned to draw in the various factions and have them compete for the prize, bringing out the full value of the pills. The other will be Miss Ya Fei's compensation for her hard work, as a token of my gratitude and trust." Xiao Zhan's words struck like a boulder dropped into a tranquil lake, sending ripples across its surface.
"What?!" Ya Fei's delicate body trembled as shock swept over her again. Her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief. A Seventh-grade Pill as payment? Such generosity was like a boulder thrown into a still lake, raising a storm in her heart. It was simply too generous, too shocking!
Xiao Zhan remained unhurried and composed, as though everything were within his control. He continued, "Besides that, I'd like the Mittel Auction House to establish a long-term, stable partnership with the Xiao Family. The Xiao Family will supply rare medicinal ingredients and precious Magic Cores, treasures that everyone on the Dou Qi Continent covets. The auction house will handle sales through its powerful network and influence. We'll split the profits fifty-fifty. What do you think, Miss Ya Fei?"
Ya Fei quickly recovered from her shock. Her shrewd business mind began whirring like a rapidly turning cog as she considered the pros and cons. "Clan Chief Xiao, forgive my bluntness, but resources on the outskirts of the Magical Beast Mountain Range near Wutan City are limited. Rare medicinal ingredients and high-level Magic Cores are hard to come by. If we rely on this area alone, I'm afraid it won't be enough to sustain a long-term partnership..."
"What if I told you the Xiao Family had a way to obtain precious resources from deep within the Magical Beast Mountain Range?" A meaningful smile tugged at Xiao Zhan's lips, as if it concealed countless secrets.
Ya Fei's pupils constricted. A storm rose in her heart. The depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range were full of danger and the unknown. Even Dou Wang experts did not dare venture there lightly. Savage beasts roamed, poisonous mists choked the air, and the slightest misstep could mean death. How could the Xiao Family possibly manage it?
A thought suddenly struck her. The way she looked at Xiao Zhan grew more reverent, as if she were gazing at a mountain peak beyond her reach. "Clan Chief Xiao... could it be that you have a powerful backer?"
Xiao Zhan neither confirmed nor denied it. He merely smiled, mysterious and unfathomable as the stars in the night sky. "You're a clever woman, Miss Ya Fei. You understand the stakes. So, what do you say? Are we doing business or not?"
Ya Fei gently bit her cherry-red lip, then suddenly smiled. She was as lovely as a flower blooming in spring. "We're doing business! Of course we are! Why would I turn down such a profitable deal? But I do have one small request..."
"Go ahead." Xiao Zhan's expression was warm, and his gaze held a hint of encouragement.
"I hope you'll let me visit the Xiao Family from time to time, Clan Chief Xiao. That way, we can discuss our business promptly and make sure the partnership runs smoothly." A sly glint shone in Ya Fei's eyes, like that of a clever little fox.
Xiao Zhan quietly laughed to himself. This was exactly what he wanted, precisely the situation he had hoped for. "I'd be delighted. The Xiao Family's doors will always be open to you, Miss Ya Fei. We'll look forward to your visits."
They smiled at one another, each harboring thoughts the other could not know. Ya Fei planned to use this partnership to get close to Xiao Zhan and slowly uncover the secrets he was hiding, like a treasure hunter groping through darkness for the path to a buried trove. As for Xiao Zhan, he was considering how to bring this alluring, captivating beauty into his grand More Children More Blessings plan, like a master strategist arranging the pieces on a board.
When Xiao Zhan left the auction house, his Storage Ring held a signed contract, its neat, forceful writing seemingly heralding a partnership about to begin, as well as a Purple Gold Card with a hundred thousand gold coins deposited as an advance. The hefty sum represented the sincerity of the deal and the promise of wealth to come. Ya Fei carefully put away the jade box containing the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pills. In her hands, it was like a priceless treasure. Her eyes shone with excitement and anticipation as she imagined the waves these pills would stir at auction.
On the way back to the Xiao Family, Xiao Zhan walked with steady, unhurried steps. Yet his keen Dou Zong senses caught a few faint voices from several streets away. A handful of people were whispering, their words like ghosts in the night, giving away a hint of danger.
"...Rest assured, Clan Chief Jia Lie. The Wolf Head Mercenary Group is fully prepared, and we're just waiting for the right moment... We'll strike the next time the Xiao Family's caravan goes out..."
"...If we can capture Xiao Zhan's two eldest sons, we'll make a fortune... We'll force them to reveal the secret behind their sudden surge in strength. Then the Jia Lie Family will soar to the heavens..."
A glint of coldness flashed in Xiao Zhan's eyes, sharp and icy as a blade in winter. Jialie Bi truly couldn't stand still; he had secretly joined forces with the Wolf Head Mercenary Group and meant to attack the Xiao Family. Its leader, Mu She, was a Two-Star Great Dou Master, with several Dou Shi under his command. Even around Wutan City, they were a force not to be underestimated, like predators lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on their prey.
Since you're so bent on dying, don't blame me for showing no mercy. Xiao Zhan sneered inwardly, as if passing judgment from the depths of hell. But his face betrayed nothing. He continued toward the Xiao Family with steady steps, as if everything were under control—or as if this were merely the calm before a storm, brewing toward a fierce and bloody clash.
Back at the Xiao Family, Xiao Zhan hurried straight to the assembly hall and immediately sent for Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
"Father, did you call for us because something is the matter?" Xiao Ding asked respectfully, bowing slightly. His voice was steady and modest. Ever since receiving new cultivation techniques and Dou Techniques, he and Xiao Li had trained day and night, their strength rising like spring bamboo. They admired their father all the more for his farsighted arrangements and unfathomable power.
Xiao Zhan's expression turned grave. He slowly took two jade slips glowing with a warm luster from his Storage Ring and solemnly handed one to each of them. "These slips contain a mighty combined Dou Technique called Wind-Thunder Kill. One of you is as nimble and free as the wind, while the other is as fierce and domineering as thunder. It's perfect for the two of you to practice together. Starting today, put in an extra two hours every day. Don't slack off."
Xiao Ding accepted the jade slip with both hands. A mysterious power seemed to flow from it through his fingertips, instantly lifting his spirits. Excitement shone in his eyes as he bowed to thank his father. "Thank you, Father, for bestowing such a precious Dou Technique on us!"
"Also," Xiao Zhan continued, his tone turning stern as the biting north wind of winter, "the Jia Lie Family may make a move soon. Their ambitions are as plain as a wolf's, and we can't afford to let our guard down. Be especially careful whenever you go out. In particular, when you venture into the Magical Beast Mountain Range to train, go in groups of at least three. Don't take risks alone."
A ruthless glint flashed in Xiao Li's eyes, cold as a gleam of steel in the darkness. He gritted his teeth. "Father, if those clowns from the Jia Lie Family dare to attack us, I'll make sure they never return and pay dearly for it!"
Xiao Zhan slowly shook his head, his gaze deep and steady as an unfathomable ancient well. "Don't act rashly. Remember, when your strength isn't yet enough, patience is a rare kind of wisdom. Yielding for now isn't cowardice; it's a way to gather strength and wait for the moment to soar."
After sending his two sons away, Xiao Zhan strode to the training ground in the back courtyard. There, Xiao Yan was practicing a strange palm technique under Yao Lao's careful guidance. He moved like lightning. Every palm strike carried a faint rumble of thunder, as if heavenly bolts had descended into the mortal world, magnificent and awe-inspiring.
"Yan'er, you've made quite a bit of progress." Xiao Zhan approached with a smile, his eyes full of pride and approval.
At the sound of his voice, Xiao Yan quickly stopped and wiped the sweat rolling down his forehead like beads. His face shone with excitement, as if he had found a priceless treasure. "Father! The Thunder-Gallop Palm Teacher taught me is incredible! I feel like I could easily beat three versions of my old self now. It's as if I'm filled with boundless strength!"
Yao Lao's illusory figure drifted nearby, looking pleased with himself. He stroked a beard that did not exist and praised Xiao Yan. "This boy really is gifted. He understands everything at a touch. He's a fine prospect."
Xiao Zhan nodded, his gaze filled with affection and hope. He then slowly took a dark red scroll from his Storage Ring. It gave off a mysterious, ancient aura, as if it carried endless secrets. "Yan'er, I happened upon this Earth-tier Dou Technique, Flame Splitting Devouring Wave Ruler. Its power is extraordinary, and it's just right for you."
"An Earth-tier Dou Technique?!" Xiao Yan's eyes flew wide, sparkling like stars in the night sky with astonished delight. Even Yao Lao was drawn in by the news. His illusory form drifted over to examine the scroll with them.
"Hmm? This Dou Technique..." Yao Lao carefully sensed the aura radiating from the scroll, surprise showing on his face. "It's definitely Earth-tier, and it's been preserved remarkably well. That's truly rare. Clan Chief Xiao, you've had quite a bit of luck."
Xiao Yan carefully accepted the scroll, his hands trembling with excitement as if he had just received the world's most precious treasure. "Father, this... this is far too precious. I can't accept it..."
"Silly boy, what's so precious about giving it to you?" Xiao Zhan gently patted his son on the shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring. "Train hard. Three years from now, give Nalan Yanran a big 'surprise' and show her what a son of the Xiao Family can do."
Xiao Yan nodded firmly, determination blazing in his eyes like fire. "Don't worry, Father. I won't let you down. I'll train hard and live up to your expectations!"
Yao Lao watched Xiao Zhan thoughtfully from the side. As a former Dou Zun expert, he had seen much, and the more he observed, the more unfathomable this clan chief seemed. He could casually produce a priceless treasure like an Earth-tier Dou Technique, as well as those mysterious Seventh-grade Pills... Could some powerful faction truly be supporting the Xiao Family behind the scenes?
Night quietly fell, a vast black curtain slowly covering all of Wutan City. Xiao Zhan stood alone atop the Xiao Family's highest tower, his back straight as a pine and as immovable as a mountain. He looked down over the whole city, his gaze deep and far-reaching, as if it could pierce the darkness and see beyond it. He unfurled his powerful, keen Dou Zong senses. The sounds from every corner of the city flowed into his ears like a rising tide, and he listened in silence, catching each faint movement...
At that moment, a secret chamber in the Jia Lie Family was the scene of a clandestine plot, brewing in its shadowy corners. Inside the Mittel Auction House, Ya Fei's slender fingers were writing a confidential letter to the Imperial Capital, its contents shrouded in mystery. Even the secret, illicit dealings inside the City Lord's Mansion were as transparent as glass beneath the keen senses of a Dou Zong expert. Xiao Zhan heard them all, down to the smallest detail.
"System, check the current mission progress," Xiao Zhan silently murmured in his heart.
[Current Missions]:
1. Marry his first wife (in progress, target: Ya Fei, favorability: 35/100)
2. Have his first child (not started)
3. Special Mission: Subdue Queen Medusa (time remaining: 364 days)
Xiao Zhan's gaze moved slowly across the list. When he saw that Ya Fei's favorability had quietly risen to 35, his lips curved up and he nodded with satisfaction. His show of strength through the pills today had worked quite well, like a stone tossed into a tranquil lake, sending ripples across its surface. Next, he only needed to carefully arrange a few more chances to be alone with Ya Fei. Their relationship would surely grow closer, and her favorability would rise before long.
As for Queen Medusa... Xiao Zhan's gaze drifted toward the distance, toward the Tagor Desert. In the night, its boundless sands seemed to conceal countless secrets. Subduing the Snake-People Tribe's queen would be no easy task. It would be like climbing to the peak of a sheer mountain: he needed to make every preparation and could not afford the slightest carelessness.
"First, I'll deal with the Jia Lie Family and the Wolf Head Mercenary Group and secure the Xiao Family's footing in Wutan City. Then I'll focus on developing the Xiao Family's power while pursuing Ya Fei." Xiao Zhan silently laid out his plans, each step carefully considered, like a finely woven net. "Once Yan'er begins venturing out to train and make his way across the Dou Qi Continent, I can start preparing for the trip to the Tagor Desert."
Thinking of Xiao Yan's many strange adventures in Green Mountain Town in the original story, Xiao Zhan's lips lifted in a faint smile, filled with a father's affection and hopes for his son. Of course he would create a better environment for his son to grow up in, so he could flourish on the challenging Dou Qi Continent. But Xiao Yan still needed his share of trials. Only those who endured wind and rain could become true experts.
"Yao Lao should be telling Yan'er about the Green Lotus Core Flame soon..." Xiao Zhan murmured, his voice filled with anticipation. "When that happens, I should set out for the Tagor Desert too, and search for the secrets hidden in its depths."
Just as Xiao Zhan was lost in thought, a system notification rang out like the clear chime of a bell:
"Ding! The host is about to face a crisis threatening his family. Side mission triggered: Counterattack against the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. Mission reward: Advanced Earth-tier alchemy mastery."
A gleam flashed in Xiao Zhan's eyes, like lightning in the night sky illuminating his face. "Alchemy? That's an unexpected bonus. Once I've dealt with the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, I'll have a perfectly good reason to show off my 'alchemy skills' and pave the way for getting closer to Ya Fei and Pill King Gu He."
He slowly looked in the direction of the Jia Lie Family. A cold smile appeared on his face, as chilling as a winter wind.
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