.
The small chamber was bright and softly lit. Xiao Ling walked calmly into the room, and an elderly man with slightly graying hair immediately cast a searching gaze at him.
However, Xiao Ling's entire form was completely concealed by his wide black robe, so the old man naturally didn't notice.
Seeing the appraiser's expectant gaze, Xiao Ling calmly removed an exquisite jade bottle from his ring and placed it steadily on the table in front of the appraiser.
His expression was as calm as water, and he spoke to the appraiser in a cold tone, "This is an Imperial Pill. Don't waste my time. Call out the person in charge here."
Since entering the auction room, Xiao Ling had keenly detected a Dou Huang aura within, comparable in strength to Yun Yun, whom he had previously encountered. This, if nothing unexpected, must be Yuan Yi, the leader of the Eight Gates.
Hearing Xiao Ling's urging, the appraiser's previously listless and weary expression suddenly became focused and intense. He hurriedly grasped the jade bottle, carefully grasped it, and quickly uncorked it, eagerly gazing inside.
Within the jade bottle, a magnificent elixir rested quietly. The elixir was incredibly round and smooth, its brilliance dazzling, like a pearl, radiating a soft and mysterious luster that captivated the senses. Gently opening the jade bottle, a delicate, pleasant, and refreshing fragrance instantly emanated like a tide. Its surface was flawless, practically flawless.
Drawing on his years of experience, the appraiser instantly recognized the elixir as an Imperial Pill of exceptional quality, undeniably the pinnacle of Imperial Pills.
Upon learning that the mysterious man had indeed produced the Imperial Pill, the appraiser's face was filled with astonishment. He quickly bowed deeply to Xiao Ling, his gaze instantly transformed into one of deep respect.
"Sir, I'm truly sorry. I was blind to the true value of this pill. I didn't expect you to produce such a precious elixir." The appraiser's voice was filled with deep awe, and beads of sweat quickly formed on his forehead.
Sixth-grade elixirs were practically impossible to refine in the Black Horn Region except for Han Feng, the "Medicine Emperor" and the Lord of Maple City. This mysterious individual, who could produce a sixth-grade Imperial Pill, might also be a sixth-grade alchemist. Such a powerful figure was something he absolutely could not afford to offend.
Xiao Ling narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression as cold as ice as ice. "Since you've determined the value of this pill, why don't you quickly call your steward?"
The appraiser nodded repeatedly, his voice filled with trepidation and fear. "Sir, wait a moment. I'll go get our sect leader. With his vast experience, he'll definitely give you a fair price for this pill."
With that, he quickly turned and hurriedly ran towards the inner hall.
A moment later, an elderly man dressed in luxurious attire and possessing a distinguished demeanor approached swiftly, led by an appraiser.
He exuded the powerful aura of a two-star Dou Huang. It was none other than Yuan Yi, the leader of the Eight Gates.
Yuan Yi's gaze quickly swept over the elixir, a sharp glint in his eyes. He then bowed to Xiao Ling and said, "My friend, I am Yuan Yi, the leader of the Eight Gates. This elixir is of exceptional quality and extremely rare. Was it personally refined by you? We are willing to pay a high price for it. What do you think?"
Yuan Yi maintained a seemingly sincere smile, but within, he was deeply shocked. His keen perception informed him of the unfathomable cultivation level of this mysterious individual, giving him a sense of extreme danger.
This individual was undoubtedly above the Dou Huang level, and being able to produce a sixth-grade Huangji Pill meant he might be a sixth-grade alchemist.
Xiao Ling's lips curled slightly as he responded calmly and leisurely, "This sixth-grade Imperial Pill was indeed personally refined by me. As for whether we can trade it, that depends on your sincerity."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Yi's thoughts immediately perked up.
A sixth-grade alchemist capable of refining the Imperial Pill might also be capable of refining the Sect Breaking Pill.
If such a figure could be recruited into the Eight Sects, it would undoubtedly rapidly increase the power of their faction.
In the Black Horn Territory, the influence of a sixth-grade alchemist was not something to be taken lightly.
Even if he couldn't be recruited into the Eight Sects, befriending such a figure would be beneficial, allowing him to seek assistance in future elixirs.
With a shrewd calculation in mind, Yuan Yi's smile deepened. "My friend, can we discuss this elsewhere? Let's drink tea while we discuss how to exchange this Imperial Pill?"
Raising an eyebrow, Xiao Ling's face flickered with a faint smile. "If so, please lead the way."
Following Yuan Yi's steps, the two arrived at a luxuriously furnished room.
After Yuan Yi and Xiao Ling sat down, a maidservant gently poured tea for them.
Afterward, the maidservants quietly left the room, leaving Yuan Yi and Xiao Ling alone.
Yuan Yi sipped his fragrant tea and cast his gaze across at the figure cloaked in a black robe. "My friend, I imagine you're not from the Black Horn Region before. I, Yuan Yi, have been here for many years and have earned a reputation. If you need any assistance, feel free to come to the Eight Gates and find me."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ling's face flickered with a faint smile, and he replied with interest, "Since Sect Master Yuan is so generous, I do have a favor to offer."
As he spoke, Xiao Ling quietly released a mysterious soul barrier, enveloping the room tightly. No matter what happened next, the guards outside would be completely unaware.
Yuan Yi remained oblivious to this, his eyes brightening as he hurriedly asked, "As long as it's within my power, Yuan Yi will certainly do it! Feel free to ask, my friend."
Yuan Yi pondered this mysterious figure's unfathomable nature. If what he requested offered sufficient benefit, then it was reasonable for him to offer his assistance.
Having weathered many storms in the Black Horn Region, he understood the trade-offs. If this matter could significantly increase the Eight Gates' strength and wealth, then he would certainly give it his all.
However, if the dangers involved were fraught with danger, far exceeding his limits, he would not undertake such a thankless task.
Xiao Ling smiled faintly and slowly began, "Master Yuan, actually, this elixir of mine..." He paused mid-sentence, his eyes wandering, as if lost in thought. This filled Yuan Yi with curiosity, distracting her attention and unconsciously lowering her vigilance.
Seeing Yuan Yi's lowered vigilance, Xiao Ling seized the opportunity, focused his mind, and quickly formed hand seals.
His powerful soul power, having reached the spiritual realm, instantly surged, and faint patterns of light suddenly appeared around him.
Almost instantly, the power of "Phantom Dream Spirit Shadow" erupted, and before Yuan Yi could react, he was easily controlled, plunging into the dazed state of the intermediate stage of "Phantom Dream Spirit Shadow."
Yuan Yi's eyes were vacant, his gaze dull and empty, devoid of his former shrewdness, as if his entire soul had been drained away, leaving only an empty shell.
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Seeing Yuan Yi's state, Xiao Ling smiled faintly. "This 'Illusionary Dream Spirit Shadow' is indeed effective. My training has paid off."
The atmosphere in the room fell into an unusual silence, with only Xiao Ling's steady breathing being audible.
Xiao Ling stared at Yuan Yi and spoke slowly, his voice low and penetrating. "Master Yuan, the Eight Sects have occupied the Black Horn Region for so many years. They must have amassed a considerable collection of treasures. Tell me their specific locations."
Yuan Yi paused at Xiao Ling's words, then slowly walked into the room, activated several mechanisms, and consumed several different storage rings. He then extended his right hand, removed the ring from his left, and presented them to Xiao Ling.
Reaching out to take the rings, Xiao Ling infiltrated them with his spiritual senses and began to examine the various items within.
Seeing the dazzling array of precious materials within, Xiao Ling couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
Although Yuan Yi's strength was only that of a two-star Dou Huang, hardly a top-tier powerhouse in the Black Horn Territory, his status as the leader of the Eight Gates meant he possessed a wealth far beyond that of an ordinary Dou Huang. He possessed countless rare medicinal herbs and numerous scrolls of martial arts and fighting techniques.
"Thousand-year-old Purple Spirit Ginseng, Nine-Yang Ganoderma Lucidum, Exquisite Flower, Earth Core Fire Ganoderma, the low-level Earth-grade martial art 'Starry Soul Control Technique', the low-level Earth-grade fighting technique 'Wind Blade Breaking Sky Slash'..." Xiao Ling couldn't help but smile faintly as he surveyed the treasures within the ring.
He extended his hand and flipped it, and a scroll emanating subtle lightning power materialized in his palm.
Gently unfolding the scroll, he saw a shimmering blue light, arcs of electricity dancing and flickering, as if three blue figures were moving through it at breakneck speed, accompanied by the faint sound of wind and thunder.
Looking at the scroll, Xiao Ling muttered to himself, "A low-level Earth-level combat technique called 'Three Thousand Thunders.' Shouldn't this technique appear at the Black Seal Auction two years from now? How did it end up in the hands of the Eight Sects now?"
Since it was still early in the future, Xiao Ling hadn't held out much hope for 'Three Thousand Thunders.' He carefully examined the ring but didn't find the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill that Han Feng had refined in the original novel.
Thinking of this, Xiao Ling turned his gaze to Yuan Yi. "When did you acquire this 'Three Thousand Thunders'?"
Yuan Yi paused, then replied in a halting, stammering voice, "This local-level body movement fighting technique... was entrusted to our auction house half a month ago."
"To avoid detection by the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, that person... agreed with us to wait a while before auctioning it. After... after our negotiation, it was decided to be auctioned at the Black Seal Auction in two years."
After hearing Yuan Yi's explanation, Xiao Ling suddenly understood what was going on.
This kind of situation is common in the Black Horn Region. Most of these people auction off treasures from their own factions.
To prevent their factions from discovering the missing treasures and tracing them back to them, they entrust the treasures to reputable auction houses.
This greatly reduces the possibility of discovery by their factions, and even if something goes wrong, the auction house can be blamed.
As for Yuan Yi's failure to personally practice the "Three Thousand Thunders," this largely reflects the auctioneer's considerable power, to the point that Yuan Yi didn't dare risk offending him by privately appropriating the book.
Upon learning the details, Xiao Ling immediately stopped questioning. As long as he could practice smoothly, he was completely satisfied. As for any future troubles Yuan Yi might encounter, they were completely irrelevant to him. After
storing the ring in his robe, Xiao Ling turned his gaze to Yuan Yi and asked coldly, "Do you have any fragments of a map of unknown origin in your auction house?"
Xiao Ling examined the rings but found no trace of the fragmented map of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire mentioned in the original text.
Xiao Ling's primary purpose for this visit was the fragmented map of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire. Compared to that, the treasures he had just obtained pale in comparison.
Upon hearing Xiao Ling's question, Yuan Yi's eyes glazed over. After a pause, he spoke haltingly, "That...that fragment of the painting is...being auctioned off."
Xiao Ling's brow furrowed, and he pressed eagerly, "What's going on? Tell me in detail."
Yuan Yi paused again, struggling to form his words. "This...this fragment of the painting has always been...being auctioned off. But...but, no one wants it. It...it looks too shabby, and...it doesn't seem to be of much value."
Xiao Ling's gaze narrowed, and he spoke sternly, "Then quickly tell your men to fetch the fragment. Also, bring me those medicinal herbs that are being auctioned."
Upon receiving Xiao Ling's order, Yuan Yi left the room and spoke to a guard at the door.
The guard, sensing something was amiss with Yuan Yi, was about to speak when Xiao Ling subtly activated his "Dream Spirit Shadow," slightly altering his perception and dispelling any lingering doubts.
After receiving Yuan Yi's instructions, the guard's doubts were dispelled, but he still felt a bit strange. However, he obeyed and went to the auction house to retrieve the fragmented map and the herbs.
A short time later, the guard hurried back, carrying the fragmented map and herbs, and respectfully brought them to the room.
Xiao Ling first stored the precious herbs in his storage ring, then picked up the fragment of the map.
Confirming that it was indeed the fragment of the Pure Lotus Demon Fire map, Xiao Ling stored it in his system space, a satisfied smile on his face.
Gazing at Yuan Yi's confused eyes, after a moment of hesitation, Xiao Ling decided to spare his life.
After all, although Yuan Yi had some skills and could collect a lot of things, and he might come back to plunder them again in the future, the body and soul of a low-level Dou Huang were of little value to him at this moment.
"You're lucky you didn't break through to the Dou Zong level."
Xiao Ling said this, and his figure flashed like a ghost, disappearing from the auction house in an instant, leaving only silence in the room.
(End of this chapter)