Intercepting the Suction Palm, Heading to the Miter Auction House

With the Martial Dao Space, cultivating battle techniques was no longer a problem.

The urgent task was to thoroughly master the three battle techniques Yao Lao had given him, then find a chance to pry the Flame Splitting Flowing Wave Ruler out of Yao Lao—he was very curious what reward that Earth Tier battle technique could bring from the system.

At that thought, Xiao Yan suddenly sat upright.

Was there still an opportunity that belonged to him in Wutan City?

He searched through his memories at lightning speed and soon locked onto a target—the Suction Palm, a Low Mystic Tier battle technique.

This battle technique had not appeared often in the original work and could not be considered first-rate, but it was still Mystic Tier.

For one thing, he could claim an interception reward from the system. For another, selling it to the Mittel Auction House would fetch at least tens of thousands of gold coins. Either way, he would not lose out.

Xiao Yan could not be bothered soaking in the hot spring any longer. He rose from the water, changed into a dry robe, and hurried toward the Xiao Clan Marketplace.

It was dusk. The last streak of sunset painted the streets a warm orange. Vendors were packing up their stalls, wooden boards clattering amid cries of hawking and haggling, filling the air with the bustle of everyday life.

"Good thing I made it."

Xiao Yan slowed down, his gaze casually sweeping over one stall after another. His eyes stopped at a rather shabby stand—a black iron plate lay amid a pile of odds and ends, ancient and darkened with age, its surface covered in mottled rust. Its corners still bore traces of unwashed yellow mud, as though it had just been dug from the ground.

That was it.

He approached without betraying anything, glanced over the stall, and finally settled his gaze on a green Magic Core.

"Young master, looking for something?"

The stall owner was a mercenary-looking man with shifty eyes. One glance at Xiao Yan's clothing and bearing told him that this was a young master from a major clan, and he immediately tossed aside all thoughts of closing up. "I've got all sorts of things here. Every single one is a top-quality treasure!"

"How much for this Magic Core?" Xiao Yan pointed at the green Magic Core, showing a hint of interest.

"Hehe, young master, you've got a good eye!"

The mercenary perked up, leaned closer, and lowered his voice as though revealing some great secret. "This is the crystal core of a First-Order magical beast, a Swallowwood Fox. Among First-Order crystal cores, this one is top-grade!

To get this crystal core, our Fang Mercenary Group kept watch for three whole days. We killed five Swallowwood Foxes before finally getting this one..."

He paused, piling an eager smile onto his face. "If young master wants it, five hundred gold coins will do. Hehe, several of our brothers were badly injured hunting those Swallowwood Foxes..."

"Five hundred gold coins is too expensive."

Xiao Yan spoke unhurriedly. "An ordinary First-Order crystal core only costs around four hundred to four hundred and fifty."

The mercenary was slightly stunned. This young master was dressed extravagantly and clearly looked like someone who had never lifted a finger in his life. He actually knew how to haggle?

"How about this?" Xiao Yan abruptly changed tack. "Five hundred gold coins is fine, but I want these few things as freebies."

He casually pointed out several small items around the Magic Core—a common ore, a damaged jade slip, a used writing brush, and that black iron plate smeared with yellow mud.

As his finger swept past them, the black iron plate happened to be included among the items, making everything seem perfectly casual.

The mercenary glanced at the things Xiao Yan had pointed out and immediately relaxed.

They were all worthless junk.

The ore was the most common iron ore on the market. The jade slip was scrap he had bought from a secondhand dealer. The brush was something he had casually brought from home to pad out the stall.

As for the black iron plate, he had accidentally dug it up while excavating an herb in the wilderness. After studying it for half a day without figuring anything out, he had tossed it onto the stall as a throw-in. It was covered in rust, and even selling it as scrap iron would barely be worth the transport cost.

"Deal. As long as young master likes them!" The mercenary beamed.

A Swallowwood Fox Magic Core only sold for around four hundred and ten or four hundred and twenty gold coins. Selling it for five hundred meant a net profit of seventy or eighty gold coins. The junk was not even worth one gold coin put together. This deal was a bargain.

Xiao Yan paid and put away the Magic Core along with the freebies.

When the black iron plate landed in his hand, his fingertips brushed across the rust, and the corner of his mouth lifted imperceptibly.

After leaving the marketplace, he headed toward the Miter Auction House while sending his spiritual power into the black iron plate.

The instant his Soul Power touched the core of the iron plate, a stream of information flooded into his mind—the circulation route, exertion techniques, and activation principles of the Suction Palm were clearly engraved into his memories.

In less than a moment, he had completely mastered this Low Mystic Tier battle technique.

The cold mechanical voice arrived right on cue.

[Ding. Detected that the host has intercepted one of Xiao Yan's opportunities: Low Mystic Tier battle technique—Suction Palm.]

[Reward obtained: Intermediate Mystic Tier battle technique—Flame Burst Fist.]

Information flooded in: Flame Burst Fist, an Intermediate Mystic Tier battle technique. Fire-attributed Dou Qi condensed around the fist. When a punch was thrown, blazing force surged forth with an explosive impact. Anyone struck would feel as though they had been blasted by flaming lightning.

Its fist force could scatter an enemy's condensed Dou Qi and was especially effective against defensive battle techniques. Once mastered, flames condensed into substance wherever the fist wind passed, and a single punch could shatter a three-foot iron shield.

Xiao Yan's expression did not change, but inwardly, he was delighted.

Intermediate Mystic Tier, specialized in breaking defensive battle techniques—this was simply perfect for catching people off guard.

He quickened his pace toward the massive venue at the end of the street.

The Miter Auction House stood at the end of Wutan City's busiest street. It covered a vast area, and its grand architecture alone reflected the auction house's immense wealth.

In the Jia Ma Empire, when it came to wealth, the Miter Clan stood second to none.

This clan had developed within the empire for centuries, with an intricate web of connections. According to rumors, this obscenely wealthy clan also had countless ties to the Jia Ma Royal Family.

The Miter Clan, Nalan Clan, and Intel Clan were known as the Jia Ma Empire's three great powers. They had influence throughout the commercial and military worlds. Their strength was so great that ordinary factions did not even dare entertain thoughts of coveting the auction house's profits.

Xiao Yan did not enter directly. Instead, he turned into a secluded alley and took out a black cloak from his Storage Ring.

The loose robe completely concealed his figure, making the youth's slender frame look bloated. Even if Xun'er stood before him, she would have struggled to recognize him.

After arranging the black robe, he headed toward the auction venue. Several heavily armed guards at the entrance cast wary looks his way, but Xiao Yan did not slow down. He walked straight past them and entered through the main doors.

The moment he entered, the oppressive heat vanished.

Cool air flowed in from all directions, forming a sharp contrast with the stifling heat outside and making it feel like two entirely different worlds.

The splendid hall was broad and bright. Xiao Yan swept his gaze around and fixed it on a room whose door bore three gilded words: Appraisal Room.

He pushed open the door and entered.

The room was simply furnished. A middle-aged man sat in a chair beside a table, looking thoroughly bored. Business was clearly slow.

Hearing the door open, he lifted his head. When he saw the figure completely wrapped in black robes, his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Professionalism made him quickly put on a smile. His tone was attentive without being fawning. "Sir, are you here to have an item appraised?"

"Indeed."

From beneath the black robe came an old, dry voice—it was Yao Lao's voice.

Xiao Yan used his Soul Power to communicate with Yao Lao inside the Bone Flame Ring, borrowing his voice and manner of speaking.

With a wave of his hand, a black iron plate appeared on the tabletop.

The middle-aged man's gaze fell upon the iron plate, and he froze slightly. He took out a pair of white gloves, put them on, then cautiously picked up the plate for inspection.

The iron plate was covered in mottled rust, with unwashed yellow mud clinging to its corners. No matter how he looked at it, it did not resemble a treasure. It looked more like scrap iron freshly dug from the ground.

He turned it over repeatedly for quite some time, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper. A thought even surfaced in his mind: Was this guy here to make a fool of him?

His superb professional discipline suppressed the thought.

He raised his head. His smile remained proper, though his tone carried a hint of probing. "Sir, please forgive my poor eyesight. What exactly does this item... do?"

"This iron plate contains a Low Mystic Tier battle technique."

Yao Lao's aged voice came from beneath the black robe, carrying a faintly condescending air. "With your abilities, it is only natural that you cannot see it. Have someone with strong Soul Power probe it with their soul, and they will understand."

The middle-aged man's expression changed.

A Low Mystic Tier battle technique—that was worth more than ten thousand gold coins!

He did not dare delay. He immediately turned and rushed toward the inner hall, his hurried footsteps vanishing down the corridor.

Xiao Yan sat down leisurely and waited in silence.

Yao Lao's voice sounded in Xiao Yan's mind, carrying a trace of approval. "Not bad. I did not expect you to discover the secret within that black iron plate."

"Just luck." Xiao Yan's tone was calm. "I had intended to buy a few Magic Cores. I sensed a soul fluctuation from the iron plate and bought it while I was at it."

Yao Lao chuckled softly and said no more.

A moment later, the middle-aged man returned.

This time, an elderly man in blue followed behind him. His hair was grizzled, his complexion ruddy, and a trace of undisguised pride hung on his aged face—the hallmark of every Alchemist.

His blue robes appeared ordinary, yet a faint glow flowed across them, clearly indicating that they had been reinforced with some kind of Magic Core protection.

Xiao Yan's gaze lingered briefly on the old man's chest. There were no golden stars there. Instead, there was an emblem resembling a medicine cauldron, with two silver ripples gleaming nobly across its surface.

A Second-Rank Alchemist.

"Sir, this is Master Gu Ni of our auction house. He is a Three-Star Great Dou Master and also a Second-Rank Alchemist," the middle-aged man introduced respectfully.

Xiao Yan examined Gu Ni, while Gu Ni also appraised him without making it obvious.

A Low Mystic Tier battle technique might be nothing to the major powers of the Central Plains, but in the Jia Ma Empire—especially in a small place like Wutan City—it was exceptionally valuable.

This black-robed person was casually putting a Mystic Tier battle technique up for sale. He was either a descendant of a major clan or an unfathomably powerful senior.

Either identity was not to be taken lightly.

Gu Ni silently speculated about Xiao Yan's identity, but his face revealed nothing.

The middle-aged man handed over the black iron plate.

Gu Ni accepted it and followed the method the middle-aged man had relayed. He sent his Soul Power into it, and a stream of information flooded into his mind. His eyes widened sharply.

There was no doubt—it truly was a Low Mystic Tier battle technique.

A flash of shock appeared in Gu Ni's eyes. When he looked at Xiao Yan again, the arrogance on his aged face had diminished considerably, replaced by a measure of respect.

He turned to the middle-aged man and said, "There is indeed a Low Mystic Tier battle technique inside. It is called the Suction Palm."

The middle-aged man let out a huge sigh of relief. When he turned back to Xiao Yan, his smile was several times warmer than before. "Sir, do you intend to auction it here, or sell it directly?"

"Sell it directly. I am in a hurry."

Xiao Yan's voice remained ancient and calm, as though he were discussing something utterly insignificant.

The middle-aged man smiled even more broadly. "Our auction house can offer fifty thousand gold coins for this Low Mystic Tier battle technique. What do you think?"

"Fine." Yao Lao's voice took over. "Exchange those fifty thousand gold coins for six Second-Order Magic Cores, regardless of quality. Use the remainder to purchase the medicinal ingredients listed on this prescription. They must be of the finest quality."

Xiao Yan extended a hand and passed a prescription to the middle-aged man.

The man accepted the prescription and glanced at it, looking somewhat confused. Gu Ni took it from him, his eyes sweeping over the ingredients. His brow lifted slightly as he looked toward the black-robed figure. "Sir, are you also an Alchemist?"

"Indeed." Yao Lao's voice sounded bland. "These ingredients are merely for my disciple to practice with."

Gu Ni's heart jolted.

He lowered his head and scrutinized the prescription again. The ingredients listed were indeed only around First-Order and were not particularly rare.

Yet with the instincts and foundation he had accumulated over many years as a Second-Rank Alchemist, he could tell that the formula's combinations were absolutely not First-Rank—at the very least, it was a Second-Rank prescription or higher.

In other words, this mysterious black-robed man's disciple was at least a Second-Rank Alchemist, on Gu Ni's level.

Then this black-robed man's own rank as an Alchemist...

Fourth-Rank. Perhaps even higher.

Why would an Alchemist of at least the Fourth Rank appear in a tiny place like Wutan City?

Gu Ni suppressed his shock and curiosity. He returned the prescription to the middle-aged man and said solemnly, "Retrieve the ingredients listed on the prescription. Bring the finest quality."

"Yes."

The middle-aged man accepted the prescription and hurried toward the storeroom.

Gu Ni's gaze settled on Xiao Yan again. The reverence in his cloudy old eyes grew deeper.

Before long, the middle-aged man returned to the Appraisal Room with a Storage Ring in hand. He presented it to Xiao Yan with both hands and said respectfully, "Sir, everything you requested is inside."

Xiao Yan accepted it and swept his Soul Power through the ring. Six Second-Order Magic Cores were neatly arranged in a corner. Their quality varied, but every one of them met the Second-Order standard.

The medicinal ingredients from the prescription were sorted into categories. Every plant was plump and fresh, truly of superior quality.

After confirming everything was correct, he waved his hand, transferring all the items from the Storage Ring into the Bone Flame Ring.

He placed the empty Storage Ring back onto the table. Storage Rings were extremely valuable; even the lowest-grade one cost over a hundred thousand gold coins. He was not foolish enough to pocket someone else's Storage Ring as well.

"Everything is in order." Yao Lao's voice sounded calmly. "Farewell."

Xiao Yan nodded and turned toward the exit. His black robe swayed lightly behind him, his pace neither hurried nor slow, and he soon vanished into the dusk beyond the doors.

The Appraisal Room fell silent.

The middle-aged man let out a long breath, as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders, then wiped sweat from his forehead that was not actually there.

A fragrant breeze drifted in from the side door.

The newcomer was a woman in a long crimson dress trailing across the floor. Her slender waist seemed too delicate to grasp, and every glance of her shifting eyes carried a soul-stealing charm. She walked to Gu Ni's side and looked toward the direction Xiao Yan had left, thoughtfulness gleaming in her beautiful eyes.

She was Ya Fei, the Miter Auction House's chief auctioneer.

"Uncle Gu Ni," Ya Fei said, her voice as melodious as pearls falling onto jade, "was he really an Alchemist of Fourth Rank or above?"

"There is a very high chance."

Gu Ni withdrew his gaze, his tone certain. "That prescription used only First-Order ingredients, but the difficulty of its combinations was at least Second-Rank. He said it was for his disciple's practice, so he himself must be at least Fourth-Rank."

Ya Fei's eyes flickered as she looked at Gu Ni. "Does Uncle Gu Ni have confidence in refining the medicine from that prescription?"

Gu Ni shook his head. "No. He disrupted the order of the ingredients, and I do not know the refining method either."

He paused, then added, "Even if he had given me the complete prescription, I might not have been able to refine it with my abilities as a Second-Rank Alchemist."

What normal Alchemist would ever show someone else their own prescription? Would that not be digging their own grave?

Ya Fei did not speak. Her gaze passed through the main doors and fell upon the deepening dusk at the end of the street.

The black-robed man had already disappeared without a trace.

She withdrew her gaze, the corner of her lips curling into a meaningful smile.