The Storm Over Three Pills

In the VIP room of the Miteer Auction House, wisps of faint sandalwood curled through the air like light gauze, lingering at the tip of the nose and instantly calming the mind. Ya Fei moved with lotus-like steps, personally approaching Xiao Zhan. Her slender, jade-like fingers held the teapot firmly, slowly pouring clear, fragrant tea into the cup before him. Her fingers were fair and delicate, brushing against the rim of the cup as if they were nimble notes dancing upon strings, carrying a subtle, lingering hint of provocation that tugged at the heartstrings.

"Patriarch Xiao, your grand arrival today surely isn't just to admire the decor of our auction house, is it?" Ya Fei's red lips parted like a blooming flower, her voice soft and bone-melting. Her beautiful eyes rippled with light, like stars flickering in the night sky, containing both a shrewd, worldly glint and a charming, alluring air, perfectly blending sophistication with seduction.

Xiao Zhan remained composed. He reached out to take the cup, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against hers, feeling a cool, soft sensation travel up his finger like a gentle spring breeze. His expression did not change; he lowered his head slightly and took a sip of the fragrant tea, the aroma spreading in his mouth with a long-lasting aftertaste. After a moment, he spoke slowly: "Miss Ya Fei is indeed exceptionally clever, with eyes like torches. This Xiao has come today for a rather important business matter, and I wish to join hands with the Miteer Auction House."

"Oh?" A flash of intense interest sparked in Ya Fei's eyes, like a lamp suddenly lit in the darkness. She tilted her head slightly, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on her lips, and said softly: "I have heard of the Xiao Family's recent situation in Wutan City, and if I may be blunt, it is indeed not optimistic. I wonder, what kind of business does Patriarch Xiao wish to collaborate on with us?"

Xiao Zhan's lips curled into a confident and mysterious smile. He slowly retrieved an exquisite jade box from his storage ring. The box was crystal clear, emitting a warm, moist luster like a rare work of art. He gently pushed the box toward Ya Fei and said softly: "Miss Ya Fei might as well open this box and see for yourself."

Ya Fei's slender eyebrows arched slightly, like two light willow leaves trembling in the wind. She reached out with her jade-like hand and slowly opened the box. When she saw the contents, her originally charming eyes widened instantly, like fireworks blooming in the night sky, filled with shock and surprise. Her red lips parted slightly as if she wanted to gasp, but she was momentarily speechless, revealing a rare look of astonishment.

"This... is this a Tier 5 medicinal pill?" Ya Fei's voice trembled with disbelief. As the chief auctioneer of the Miteer Auction House, she had seen countless rare treasures, and her judgment was naturally extraordinary. At this moment, three pills the size of dragon eyes lay quietly in the box, their surfaces marked with peculiar dragon patterns as if dormant dragons were sleeping within, emitting a refreshing medicinal fragrance that filled the air and instantly cleared the mind.

"This is the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pill, a Tier 7 medicinal pill." Xiao Zhan's expression was calm, his tone unruffled as if he were discussing a trivial, insignificant object. "After consuming this pill, one can quietly condense a strand of dragon energy within the body. In daily life, it remains like a dormant dragon, quietly nourishing the body; but in times of crisis, it can erupt like a dragon emerging from the sea, unleashing astonishing power, even allowing one to break through a realm in a short time and find a path to survival in a desperate situation."

Upon hearing this, Ya Fei's delicate body trembled slightly, and her fair, slender hands shook uncontrollably, nearly dropping the jade box. A Tier 7 pill! In the entire Jia Ma Empire, such things were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns; one could likely search the entire empire and not find even a few. Yet, the Patriarch of the Xiao Family before her had tossed them out as if they were mere pebbles. How could she not be shocked by such a display of wealth?

"Patriarch... Patriarch Xiao, this... this is too precious..." Ya Fei tried to take a deep breath, attempting to calm her surging emotions, but the shock in her eyes remained like stars in the night sky, impossible to fully conceal.

Xiao Zhan's lips curled upward into a gentle, confident smile: "Miss Ya Fei need not be so nervous. I wish to entrust the Miteer Auction House to auction these three pills. As for the commission, everything is negotiable; I certainly won't let your house suffer a loss."

Ya Fei took another deep breath and slowly closed the jade box, her movements gentle and cautious as if she were closing a precious dream. By now, her eyes had regained some of their usual shrewdness and capability. After a moment of thought, she said: "Patriarch Xiao, forgive my bluntness. Such a rare treasure as a Tier 7 pill would likely not fetch its true value if auctioned in a place like Wutan City. It would be like casting pearls before swine; it would be a pity. Perhaps..."

"Perhaps it should be sent to the Imperial Capital headquarters for auction?" Xiao Zhan's gaze was sharp, and he immediately took over, a trace of imperceptible amusement in his eyes as if everything were under his control. "Miss Ya Fei is indeed professional; you saw the key point at a glance. However, I have a condition."

"Please speak, Patriarch Xiao." Ya Fei leaned forward slightly, her posture elegant and alluring, inadvertently revealing a patch of snow-white skin at her chest, pure and moving like a snow lotus blooming in spring.

Xiao Zhan's gaze lingered for a fleeting moment on that snow-white, lustrous skin before he naturally and nonchalantly shifted it away, as if it were merely a casual glance. He then said calmly: "I hope that Miss Ya Fei will personally oversee the auction of this batch of pills—from the preliminary preparations and communication with various buyers to the escorting of the goods to the Imperial Capital, I want you to have full control."

A flash of surprise crossed Ya Fei's eyes, as fleeting as a shooting star in the night sky, yet it was captured by him: "Patriarch Xiao trusts me so much—are you not afraid that I might make a mistake?"

"If you suspect someone, don't use them; if you use them, don't suspect them." Xiao Zhan smiled indifferently, a smile like the warm breeze of spring, steady and calm. "Besides, I believe Miss Ya Fei knows the precious value of these pills better than anyone and will certainly do your utmost to maximize their worth."

Ya Fei fell silent for a moment, as if contemplating something. Suddenly, she beamed, her smile like a hundred flowers blooming in spring, brilliant and enchanting, as if the entire room were lit up by her radiance: "Patriarch Xiao has great spirit. Since you trust me so, I shall naturally give it my all. Very well, I accept this business. However..."

Her tone shifted, and her eyes sparkled with an inquisitive light, like stars in the night sky, carrying a hint of curiosity and anticipation: "I am very curious, Patriarch Xiao, where did you obtain such precious pills? To my knowledge, the number of alchemists in the entire Jia Ma Empire capable of refining Tier 7 pills can be counted on one hand—no more than three."

Xiao Zhan was prepared and smiled mysteriously, a smile veiled in a thin mist, making him unfathomable: "It was merely a stroke of luck. If Miss Ya Fei is interested, I shall certainly discuss it with you in detail when the opportunity arises. For now, shall we discuss the specific details of our cooperation?"

Ya Fei was incredibly sharp; she immediately understood Xiao Zhan's desire not to elaborate and tactfully changed the subject, her lips curling into a gentle smile: "How does Patriarch Xiao wish to cooperate? I am all ears."

"Of the three pills, two will be auctioned to attract various factions to compete, ensuring the value of these pills is fully realized. The third will serve as your commission, Miss Ya Fei, to express my gratitude and trust in you." Xiao Zhan's words were astonishing, like a massive boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up layers of ripples.

"What?!" Ya Fei's body trembled, once again engulfed by shock. Her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief. A Tier 7 pill as a reward? Such a gesture was like a boulder crashing into a calm lake, stirring up a storm in her heart. It was simply too generous, too shocking!

Xiao Zhan, however, remained unhurried, his expression calm and composed as if everything were within his grasp. He continued slowly: "Furthermore, I hope the Miteer Auction House can establish a long-term, stable cooperative relationship with the Xiao Family. The Xiao Family will be responsible for providing rare medicinal herbs and precious magical beast cores—treasures that everyone on the Dou Qi Continent fights over—while the auction house, with its powerful channels and influence, will handle the sales. We shall split the profits fifty-fifty. What do you think of such a win-win arrangement, Miss Ya Fei?"

Ya Fei quickly recovered from her shock. Her sharp business mind began to spin like high-speed gears, weighing the pros and cons: "Patriarch Xiao, forgive me, but the resources in the outer regions of the Magical Beast Mountain Range near Wutan City are limited. Rare herbs and high-level cores are not easily found. If we rely solely on this area, I fear it will be difficult to meet the demands of a long-term partnership..."

"What if I told you the Xiao Family has a way to obtain precious resources from the depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range?" Xiao Zhan's lips curled into a meaningful smile, as if he were harboring endless secrets.

Ya Fei's pupils constricted instantly, a storm brewing in her heart. The depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range were a place filled with danger and the unknown, a place even Dou Kings dared not easily tread, where fierce beasts roamed and toxic miasma filled the air. How could the Xiao Family possess such capability?

A flash of insight crossed her mind, and as she looked at Xiao Zhan, her gaze grew filled with a new sense of awe, as if the man before her were a mountain she could not hope to scale: "Patriarch Xiao... could it be that you have the support of a powerful expert?"

Xiao Zhan neither confirmed nor denied it, merely smiling slightly—a mysterious and profound smile like the stars in the night sky, making him impossible to read: "Miss Ya Fei is a smart person; you naturally understand the implications. Well, is this business a go or not?"

Ya Fei bit her cherry-red lips lightly, then suddenly beamed, her smile as bright and moving as a flower in spring: "It is a go! Of course it is! Such a profitable business, how could I refuse? However, I have one small request..."

"Please, speak." Xiao Zhan's expression was gentle, his gaze encouraging.

"I hope Patriarch Xiao will allow me to visit the Xiao Family occasionally. That way, we can communicate about our cooperation in a timely manner and ensure everything proceeds smoothly." A cunning light flickered in Ya Fei's eyes, like a clever little fox.

Xiao Zhan chuckled inwardly; this was exactly what he had hoped for, the very situation he had been aiming for: "I would be delighted. The doors of the Xiao Family are always open to Miss Ya Fei; we await your arrival."

The two smiled at each other, though behind those smiles, each harbored their own hidden agendas. Ya Fei was calculating how to use this opportunity to get close to Xiao Zhan and uncover the secrets hidden behind him, like a treasure hunter groping through the dark for a path to riches. Xiao Zhan, meanwhile, was pondering how to bring this charming, alluring, and enchanting woman into his grand "Many Children, Much Fortune" plan, like a chess player meticulously laying out his board.

When he left the auction house, Xiao Zhan's storage ring already held a contract, the handwriting on it neat and powerful, as if telling the story of a legendary partnership about to begin. There was also a purple-gold card containing a deposit of one hundred thousand gold coins—the heavy figure symbolizing the sincerity of their cooperation and the gathering of wealth. Ya Fei, meanwhile, carefully tucked away the jade box containing the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pill. In her hands, it felt like she was holding a priceless treasure, her eyes filled with excitement and anticipation, as if she could already see the waves this pill would stir at the auction.

Walking back to the Xiao Family, Xiao Zhan's pace was steady and his expression composed. However, the powerful and keen perception of a Dou Zong allowed him to catch a few faint sounds from several streets away—the whispers of a few people, like ghosts in the dark, inadvertently revealing dangerous signals.

"...Patriarch Jialie, rest assured, the Wolf Head Mercenary Group is fully prepared; we only lack the east wind... We will strike as soon as the Xiao Family caravan heads out next..."

"...If we can capture Xiao Zhan's two eldest sons, we will have struck gold... We can force the secret of their sudden surge in strength out of them, and then our Jialie Family will surely soar to the skies..."

A cold light flashed in Xiao Zhan's eyes, as cold and sharp as an ice blade in winter. Jialie Bi was indeed a man who could not stay quiet, actually colluding with the Wolf Head Mercenary Group to plot against the Xiao Family. The leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, Mu She, was a two-star Dou Grandmaster, and with several Dou Masters under his command, they were a force not to be underestimated in the vicinity of Wutan City, like beasts lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on their prey.

"Since you seek death, don't blame me for being ruthless." Xiao Zhan sneered inwardly, the cold laugh like a judgment from hell, icy and decisive. Yet, his face remained impassive as he continued his steady pace toward the Xiao Family, as if everything were under his control, or perhaps like the calm before a storm, brewing a heart-stopping tempest.

Upon returning to the Xiao Family, Xiao Zhan walked briskly to the meeting hall and immediately sent for Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.

"Father, you summoned us—is there something important?" Xiao Ding asked, bowing respectfully, his voice steady and humble. Since obtaining the new cultivation techniques and Dou skills, he and Xiao Li had been practicing day and night, their strength rising like bamboo shoots after spring rain. They were in absolute awe of their father's far-sighted arrangements and unfathomable strength.

Xiao Zhan's expression was grave as he slowly retrieved two jade slips emitting a warm luster from his storage ring and handed them to the two men: "These slips record a devastating combined Dou skill—the Wind-Thunder Kill. You two brothers, one as nimble and elegant as the wind, the other as fierce and domineering as thunder, are perfectly suited to practice this skill together. From today on, you must add two hours of extra training daily; do not slack off."

Xiao Ding took the slips with both hands, feeling a mysterious power travel through his fingertips. His spirit was instantly lifted, and his eyes shone with excitement as he bowed in thanks: "Thank you, Father, for bestowing such a precious Dou skill!"

"Furthermore," Xiao Zhan's tone suddenly turned stern, like the biting north wind of winter, "the Jialie Family may have some movements recently. They are ambitious, and we must be on guard. When you go out, be sure to be extra careful. Especially when heading to the Magical Beast Mountain Range for training—that place is fraught with danger; you must travel in groups of at least three. Never take risks alone."

A hint of ferocity flashed in Xiao Li's eyes, like cold light in the dark, and he gritted his teeth: "Father, if those clowns from the Jialie Family dare to attack, I will make sure they never return and pay a painful price!"

Xiao Zhan shook his head slowly, his gaze deep and steady like an bottomless ancient well: "Do not act impulsively. You must know that when one's own strength is not yet sufficient, forbearance is a rare form of wisdom. A temporary retreat is not cowardice, but a way to accumulate strength while waiting for the moment to soar."

After dismissing his two sons, Xiao Zhan walked with a steady gait to the backyard training grounds. He saw Xiao Yan fully focused under the careful guidance of Yao Lao, practicing a peculiar palm technique. He moved like lightning, and with every palm strike, there was a faint sound of thunder, as if thunder from the nine heavens had descended to the mortal world, with a majestic and imposing aura.

"Yan'er, you've made great progress." Xiao Zhan approached with a smile, his eyes filled with gratification and approval.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan stopped his movements and wiped the sweat rolling down his forehead like beans, his face beaming with excitement as if he had obtained a rare treasure: "Father! The Thunder-Gallop Palm that Teacher taught me is truly incredible! I feel that the current me could easily defeat three of my former selves; it's as if my whole body is filled with infinite power!"

Yao Lao's ethereal figure drifted leisurely to the side, his face brimming with smug satisfaction. He stroked his non-existent beard and praised, "This lad's talent is truly exceptional; he understands everything at a single hint. He is indeed a talent worth molding."

Xiao Zhan nodded slightly, his gaze filled with warmth and expectation, before slowly withdrawing a dark red scroll from his storage ring. The scroll emanated a mysterious and archaic aura, as if it carried endless secrets: "Yan'er, this is a Di-tier Dou Technique, Flame Splitting Devouring Wave Ruler, which I obtained by chance. Its power is extraordinary, and it is perfectly suited for your cultivation."

"A Di-tier Dou Technique?!" Xiao Yan's eyes widened instantly, sparkling like stars in the night sky, filled with incredulous joy. Even Yao Lao was drawn by the news, his spectral figure drifting closer to examine the scroll together.

"Eh? This technique..." Yao Lao carefully sensed the aura radiating from the scroll, a look of surprise crossing his face. "It is indeed a Di-tier technique, and it is remarkably well-preserved—a true rarity. Clan Head Xiao, your fortune is truly significant."

Xiao Yan gingerly took the scroll, his hands trembling slightly with excitement, as if he were holding the most precious treasure in the world: "Father, this... this is too valuable. I really cannot accept it..."

"Silly child, what talk of value is there between father and son?" Xiao Zhan gently patted his son's shoulder, the gesture filled with warmth and strength. "Cultivate well. Three years from now, give that Nalan Yanran a big 'surprise' and let her know the prowess of the men of the Xiao Family."

Xiao Yan nodded heavily, a fierce fighting spirit igniting in his eyes like a raging fire: "Rest assured, Father, I will not let you down. I will certainly cultivate diligently and live up to your expectations!"

Yao Lao watched Xiao Zhan thoughtfully from the side. As a former Dou Zun powerhouse, he was well-traveled and experienced, and he now felt more and more that this Clan Head Xiao was unfathomable. To be able to casually produce such a rare treasure as a Di-tier Dou Technique, along with that mysterious seventh-grade medicinal pill... could it be that the Xiao Family truly had some great power supporting them from the shadows?

Night fell quietly, like a massive black curtain slowly shrouding the entire Wutan City. Xiao Zhan stood alone on the highest pavilion of the Xiao residence, his posture as straight as a pine, like an immovable mountain. He overlooked the entire Wutan City, his gaze deep and distant, as if he could pierce through the dark night to see even further. His powerful and keen perception as a Dou Zong unfolded completely; the sounds from every corner of the city poured into his ears like a tide, and he listened quietly, as if capturing every subtle movement...

At this moment, in a hidden chamber within the Jialie Family, a shady conspiracy was quietly brewing in the dark corners. Inside the Miteer Auction House, Ya Fei's slender fingers were lightly writing a secret letter to be sent to the Imperial Capital, its contents mysterious and unfathomable. Even the unspeakable, illicit transactions within the City Lord's Mansion were as clear as glass under the sun to his powerful Dou Zong perception; every detail could not escape his ears.

System, check current mission progress, Xiao Zhan silently recited in his heart, the voice echoing in the depths of his soul.

[Current Missions]:

1. Marry the first wife (In progress, Target: Ya Fei, Favorability 35/100)

2. Father the first heir (Not started)

3. Special Mission: Subdue Queen Medusa (Time remaining: 364 days)

Xiao Zhan's gaze swept slowly over the mission list. When he saw that Ya Fei's favorability had quietly risen to 35 points, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and he nodded with satisfaction. The offensive he launched with the medicinal pill today had been quite effective, like throwing a pebble into a calm lake and stirring up ripples. Next, as long as he cleverly created a few more opportunities to be alone with Ya Fei, he believed he could quickly increase this favorability further and make their relationship more intimate.

As for Queen Medusa... Xiao Zhan's gaze drifted toward the distance, in the direction of the Tagor Desert, where the vast, boundless sands seemed to hide countless secrets in the night. Subduing this Snake-People Tribe queen would be no easy task; it was like climbing to the peak of a steep mountain—it required perfect preparation and allowed for no carelessness.

First, resolve the trouble with the Jialie Family and the Wolf Head Mercenary Group to let the Xiao Family gain a firm foothold in Wutan City, then focus on developing the Xiao Family's influence while pursuing Ya Fei, Xiao Zhan silently formulated his plan, which was like a precise web where every link had been carefully considered. Once Yan'er begins his training and ventures out into the Dou Qi Continent, I can begin preparing for the journey to the Tagor Desert.

Thinking of Xiao Yan's various wondrous encounters in Qingshan Town from the original story, the corners of Xiao Zhan's mouth could not help but lift slightly, his smile carrying a trace of a father's warmth and expectation. As a father, he naturally wanted to create a better environment for his son to grow up in, allowing him to thrive on this challenging Dou Qi Continent, but the necessary trials could not be lacking; after all, only by experiencing the baptism of wind and rain could one become a true powerhouse.

Yao Lao should be telling Yan'er about the Green Lotus Core Flame soon... Xiao Zhan muttered to himself, his voice carrying anticipation for the future. By then, it will be time for me to set off for the Tagor Desert to explore the secrets hidden deep within the sands.

Just as Xiao Zhan was lost in thought, a system notification suddenly rang out like a crisp bell:

"Ding! Detected that the host is about to face a family crisis. Triggering side mission: Counter-kill the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. Mission Reward: Mastery of Xuan-tier Advanced Alchemy."

A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Zhan's eyes, the light like lightning in the night sky, instantly illuminating his face: "Alchemy? This is an unexpected joy. Perfect. Once I resolve the trouble of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, I can rightfully display my 'alchemy talent,' paving the way for approaching Ya Fei and the Pill King Gu He in the future."

He slowly looked toward the direction of the Jialie Family, a cold smile appearing on his face, a smile as chilling as the winter wind.