Plotting Against Han Feng! Heading to the Auction!

"Before we came, Teacher mentioned that Venerable Yao's disappearance all these years might have been caused by Han Feng betraying Venerable Yao Chen."

"What?"

Ye Lin's expression turned grave upon hearing Ye Yan's words.

Given Han Feng's strength, a mere betrayal could not possibly have made Venerable Yao vanish without a trace.

The only explanation was that Han Feng had colluded with others.

But Venerable Yao had Sacred Pill City backing him. What force could have possibly attacked him in secret?

The only one with both the ability and motive was likely Soul Hall, Pill Tower's rival.

"According to Teacher's estimate, Soul Hall was probably the one that acted."

Ye Yan attributed everything that was difficult for him to explain at present to Xuan Yi.

Given Xuan Yi's relationship with Ye Yan, Ye Lin would not be overly suspicious of these claims.

He would only follow these matters and continue thinking further.

"Is this also why you insisted on coming to the Northwest Region?"

Ye Lin asked in a deep voice.

If Han Feng was connected to Soul Hall, he would have to reassess Han Feng's strength.

He would even need to remain alert for Soul Hall members who could appear at any moment.

Ye Yan simply followed Ye Lin's line of thought.

"This is only one of the reasons. Another is that Han Feng possesses a Heavenly Flame, as well as some pill formulas that the Ye Family does not have."

"I even suspect Han Feng does not dare return to the Central Plains now. Venerable Yao is most likely still alive. Otherwise, he would have long since returned to the Central Plains in grand fashion to take over Venerable Yao's connections and benefits."

A flash of insight crossed Ye Lin's mind. "You mean that if we find a way to deal with Han Feng, then when Venerable Yao, who possesses a Heavenly Flame, appears, he will owe the Ye Family a favor?"

"At that time, the Ye Family will truly have a Battle Sovereign expert protecting us!"

Ye Yan nodded, then shook his head.

"With Teacher looking after the Ye Family, there is already enough support for me until I grow stronger. Relying on heaven and earth is inferior to relying on oneself."

"What I want is to obtain pill formulas that we do not possess from Yao Chen. That is the most important thing."

As always, every pill formula had been developed by an alchemist through countless selections and experiments.

For example, Ye Yan needed an Earth Spirit Pill to refine the Falling Heart Flame.

But the Ye Family did not have the Earth Spirit Pill, and even Teacher Xuan Yi did not possess it.

If he had not obtained the Burning Art, he might have needed to acquire the Heaven-Burning Furnace Fire Art from him in this manner.

But since he already had a superior cultivation method, there was naturally no need to choose the Burning Art.

A sharp glint flashed through Ye Lin's eyes.

He clearly understood just how much this would benefit the Ye Family if it succeeded.

Leaving aside the pill formulas, if the person before him refined and absorbed that Heavenly Flame alone, the Ye Family would definitely produce a Pill Tower giant in the future.

When that time came, it would be the moment the Ye Family rose from decline to prosperity.

Such an opportunity absolutely could not be given up lightly.

However, acting against Han Feng required utmost caution and thorough preparations!

Otherwise, if it drew Soul Hall members here, he alone would likely find it difficult to handle them.

When information had previously been gathered through the Ye Family Secret Guards, Ye Yan's information had all been concealed by him.

But by his estimate, it probably could not be hidden for much longer.

Whether Ye Yan's appearance would be exposed was uncertain, but his name would definitely leak out.

After all, it was far too difficult for the Ye Family to resist infiltration from all sides and protect Ye Yan's information.

Black Seal City, Eight Fan Gate headquarters!

"Gate Master, what happened to the Blood Sect?"

A Dou Wang expert asked curiously.

He had seen Yuan Yi hurry away, only to rush back just as quickly.

"The Blood Sect is gone. Fan Lao is dead as well. The culprit is suspected to be an alchemist who is a high-level Dou Emperor."

Yuan Yi's expression was somewhat anxious as well.

"Wang Cheng, have your men secretly search for anyone who might be an alchemist during this period. Remember, no matter what rank he is, you must not be negligent."

"If we can establish a connection with that expert, Black Seal City will no longer need to play both sides in the Black Corner Region."

Wang Cheng's expression turned serious. He cupped his hands and said, "This subordinate obeys."

"Oh, right!"

Yuan Yi suddenly recalled something and called Wang Cheng back.

"Isn't there an auction in half a month? Move it up. Hold it tomorrow—no, the day after tomorrow!"

"Gate Master, if we do that, we will need to choose the auction items again. There may not be enough time."

Yuan Yi pondered for a moment before decisively saying,

"Forget that. The independent cultivators in Black Seal City have quite a few good items. Go spread the news throughout the city at once."

"Also select several good items from the treasury as the finale lots!"

"Of course, the most important thing is to attract those people who have just entered the city lord's residence to the auction, whether to sell or buy items."

"Gate Master, you mean..."

Yuan Yi nodded. "Black Seal City is the closest city to the Blood Sect's stronghold, and it also has the largest auction house nearby."

"If we hold the auction in time, perhaps we can make that expert stay in Black Seal City for a while."

"Good! This subordinate will certainly do everything in his power."

Wang Cheng's eyes lit up. He hurriedly replied before leaving.

The day after tomorrow.

At the entrance of the Black Seal Auction House.

Ye Yan found that this auction house was much smaller than even those in Sacred Pill City or Ye City. The only difference was its architectural style, brimming with the atmosphere of the Black Corner Region.

Dozens of stern-faced men in black fitted outfits stood before the entrance with weapons at their waists. Their sharp, hawk-like gazes continuously swept over the crowd.

Ye Yan wore a loose black robe as he walked beside Ye Lin toward the auction hall.

Along the way.

Ye Yan heard many people discussing why this auction had been moved up by half a month and publicized so extravagantly.

The two exchanged a glance, clearly already knowing the answer.

After entering, they saw countless auction items scrolling across the screens in the auction house.

Ye Yan did not inspect them too closely. With the treasures he possessed, these items could not catch his eye.

His gaze swept over the surroundings before finally stopping on the doorway of a Treasure Appraisal Room. He then slowly walked inside.

The entire Treasure Appraisal Room was neatly divided into no fewer than a hundred private chambers.

Just as Ye Yan and Ye Lin entered, a curvaceous maid approached them. Her sweet, alluring voice carried a seductive charm.

"Sir, are you here to appraise treasures, or to have them evaluated for auction?"

"Evaluation," Ye Lin answered.

"Please follow me!" The maid gave a seductive smile and bowed slightly, revealing the fair cleavage before Ye Yan.

Before turning around, she even shot Ye Yan a flirtatious glance.

For some reason, this young man with above-average looks gave her a strange feeling.

As she walked away, her willow-like waist swayed in enticing curves, enough to stir wicked heat in one's lower abdomen after watching for too long.

Ye Lin looked at Ye Yan, curious about his reaction.

Unfortunately for him, Ye Yan disappointed him greatly. Having spent a year around Xuan Yi and having long been surrounded by all kinds of women in the family, he truly had no interest in such cheap beauty.

When they arrived before a private chamber, the maid slowed her speech, her watery gaze drifting over Ye Yan's body.

Unfortunately, Ye Yan had no interest whatsoever in such flirtatious looks.

Besides, though he looked like a youth, he was still only ten years old!