Chapter 306: Ya Fei?
Inside the Heavenly Court city, in the auction house.
Since Yao Yan handed over the management of the Black-Corner Region's Heavenly Court to the Mittel family, it entered a period of rapid development. It must be said that the Mittel family excels at developing powers; they are highly skilled in business, and in just over a decade, they turned this place into the transportation hub of the Black-Corner Region.
The spatial wormholes in the floating mountains link directly to the Central Plains, the Northwestern Continent, and the Alchemist Guild, with terrifying daily traffic and a massive influx of resources.
Among the most notable of all is the auction house, which is also the Mittel family's primary business.
Due to its geographical location, the auction house is enormous, and the items up for auction are incredibly precious and rare. Even eighth-grade pills have been auctioned off, attracting Gu monsters from the Central Plains, making the reputation of this auction house reach all the way to the Central Plains.
The crystal chandelier, towering a hundred feet high, shone down on the dark crowd below. The fiery atmosphere never waned, and the reason wasn't just the auction items but also the presence of someone.
A captivating woman, dressed in a red cheongsam, walked gracefully, her tight-fitting cheongsam accentuating her voluptuous, mature curves. Her fair and charming face, with every frown and smile, displayed the elegance of a mature woman. Her eyes, flowing with seduction, teased the heartstrings of every man.
She was a mesmerizing beauty, capable of making any man lose control and act impulsively.
"Next up for auction is a high-level Earth-tier Lightning Attribute Dou Technique, called 'Nine Thunder Strikes.' According to the records, when cultivated to completion, it can summon nine types of lightning to strike the enemy. As for the nine types of lightning... you've likely heard of the Nine-Color Pill Thunder triggered by an eighth-grade pill. This Dou Technique shouldn't be much weaker than that."
The woman in the red cheongsam took elegant steps, her enchanting eyes pointing to a deep blue scroll inside an energy shield. With a captivating smile, she spoke in a soft voice, "It is said that this Dou Technique was created by a Dou Zun who is about to break through to Dou Saint, and its full power is comparable to a Celestial-tier Dou Technique!"
As her words ended, the gazes of many below became fiery. It was hard to tell if it was the woman or the Dou Technique that attracted them, or perhaps it was both.
"The highest bidder wins. Starting bid is 300 million, or exchange for goods. Gentlemen, let the bidding begin~"
Her gaze swept across the room, her long white arms subtly extended, exuding maturity and sensuality, her posture both graceful and seductive.
...
Indeed, women need to be nurtured... Yao Yan sat in the VIP seat high on the stage, watching the confident and beautiful woman in the red cheongsam on the stage. He sighed inwardly. He had only given Ya Fei a new stage, and yet she displayed a different charm from the original. Even her strength had reached the level of a three-star Dou Huang.
This level of strength was still barely acceptable in the Black-Corner Region.
As for her temperament and appearance, they had also changed slightly, which was clearly related to her strength and status.
"So, how do you like it?" Hai Bo Dong chuckled lightly, his words carrying a hint of man-to-man insinuation.
"Her strength is a bit weak," Yao Yan replied honestly. He didn't mind having a brief romance with her. With Ya Fei's looks, temperament, and figure, very few men could resist her. However, her strength was too weak, and he feared she wouldn't be able to handle it.
Dou Huang is still too weak...
Hai Bo Dong sighed in his heart, looking at the mature young man in front of him. He was no longer the teenager from more than a decade ago. He couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia: "Time flies. Though I always knew you were extraordinary, I didn't expect you to grow this much in such a short time."
Looking back at the past decade, it felt somewhat dreamlike. He had never imagined that the Mittel family would develop to this extent, and this young man in front of him had grown to such a terrifying level. According to news from the Northwestern Continent, he had already reached the level of Dou Saint.
Dou Saint... it feels like a dream.
Hai Bo Dong felt a bit sentimental, suddenly recalling the first time he met Yao Yan. If he hadn't met him back then, perhaps he would still be wandering around as a mercenary, unsure of the meaning of life.
"You're not bad yourself. Dou Zun is within reach," Yao Yan chuckled.
Hai Bo Dong smiled and shook his head. He didn't have much confidence in breaking through to Dou Zun. That level couldn't be reached with resources alone; some opportunities were needed. He looked at Yao Yan and asked, "You probably won't stay here for too long, right?"
Given Yao Yan's current strength, it was clear the Black-Corner Region couldn't hold him, not even the Northwestern Continent.
His stage was in the Central Plains!
"At least a few days, at most half a month," Yao Yan nodded.
Hai Bo Dong sighed in his heart. With his current strength, he really couldn't keep up with Yao Yan anymore. But in his life, making a friend like a Dou Saint was already a huge stroke of luck. Even now, it still seemed a bit unbelievable.
He pondered for a moment before asking, "What are your plans for the Heavenly Court in the Black-Corner Region?"
"Keep things as they are. Don't continue expanding. If there are any assets in the Central Plains, withdraw them quickly... the future of the Central Plains won't be peaceful," Yao Yan thought for a moment before replying slowly.
Hai Bo Dong didn't ask further, simply nodding in agreement.
"Take this spatial jade pendant. Inside, I've created a small world that's linked to the surrounding space. If you encounter any uncontrollable danger, it will take you to the Northwestern Continent automatically," Yao Yan took out a jade pendant from his ring and handed it to Hai Bo Dong.
The future of the Black-Corner Region was destined to be the center of a storm, so it was good to make arrangements in advance to prevent anything from happening to Hai Bo Dong and the others.
"Alright." Hai Bo Dong nodded and accepted the jade pendant.
Having finished explaining these matters, Yao Yan stood up slowly and said, "I still need to go to Canaan Academy. Once I'm done, I'll come back and have a drink with you. You must make some time."
Hai Bo Dong was momentarily taken aback and then laughed, "I'm always free, just afraid that this Dou Saint might not have the time!"
"See you in a few days," Yao Yan smiled, his figure disappearing from the spot. As for Ya Fei, he didn't linger. Perhaps when he was younger, he would have been impulsive for such a beauty, but with age and strength, matters of men and women no longer swayed his mind.
Moreover, even if he was impulsive, Ya Fei might not be able to keep up. As he had said, Dou Huang was too weak... it wouldn't be satisfying.
Hai Bo Dong watched Yao Yan leave, then looked at the enchanting Ya Fei on stage. He felt some regret. He had hoped something would happen between her and Yao Yan, which would further bind the Mittel family with Yao Yan.
But unfortunately, the gap was growing wider.
That little thought naturally dissipated with it.
...
...
Yao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian appeared inside Canaan Academy's inner courtyard. Though more than a decade had passed, the inner courtyard hadn't changed much. The same simple and humble buildings remained. The only special feature was a nearly sunken black tower, and it was the purpose of Yao Yan's visit.
To thoroughly solve Xiao Yi Xian's Curse Poison Body with poison pills, aside from the necessary conditions, a place to suppress her constitution was also crucial.
After all, the final step depended entirely on Xiao Yi Xian herself.
"Young Master, is this Canaan Academy?" Xiao Yi Xian blinked, looking down at the inner courtyard, her moist lips slightly parted, curiosity in her voice as she asked.
She had heard of it while in the Gama Empire, but at that time, she hadn't qualified to study here. Neither her age nor talent had been up to standard, and by the time she learned of Canaan Academy, she was already 17 or 18 years old, too old to be selected.
She had once regretted this, but now, her feelings were different.
"Yes, I stayed here for some time. I even taught here," Yao Yan said with a hint of nostalgia, his voice soft. Returning to an old place certainly felt different.
"??" Xiao Yi Xian looked at Yao Yan in surprise, clearly not expecting him to have such a past.
"Back then, I had to scheme a bit to obtain the Fallen Heart Flame here," Yao Yan chuckled, then led Xiao Yi Xian toward Elder Su Qian's courtyard. He had already sensed the old man's aura.
But over the ten years, this old man was still only a four-star Dou Zong. His progress had been disappointingly slow, even Hai Bo Dong was ahead of him.
In the courtyard.
Su Qian was organizing some student files. As the head elder of the inner courtyard, he had plenty to handle, which was why his cultivation had progressed slowly. However, he wasn't too concerned, as his former teacher had also gone through this.
Canaan Academy needed people like him who would contribute more. If everyone were like the founder of Canaan Academy, the academy would have long since disappeared from the Black-Corner Region.
"Hmm?!" He looked at some student files, suddenly sensing something. His eyes narrowed, and he looked out the window. He saw two figures standing by the window, seemingly having been there for quite some time.
"Elder, you're so busy~" Yao Yan said with a light laugh as he saw the old man's expression turn fierce.
"Yao... Yao Yan?!" Su Qian's aura, about to erupt, suddenly froze. He stared at Yao Yan in disbelief, his elderly eyes blinking rapidly, unsure if the person in front of him was really the one he knew.
"It's me~ I'm back to check on you," Yao Yan nodded, chuckling as he entered the house with Xiao Yi Xian. He looked around at the unchanged room and said, "You're still living so simply. It hasn't changed at all in nearly ten years."
"Why are you back?!" Su Qian asked, still in disbelief.
"I've made progress in my cultivation, so I came back," Yao Yan replied, glancing at Su Qian and offering a convincing explanation.
"Made progress?" Su Qian sized up Yao Yan curiously and said, "What's your cultivation level now? I can't see through you anymore. Have you reached Dou Zun?"
He couldn't believe it. After all, Dou Zun was a big deal!
But based on Yao Yan's monstrous talent and what he had just said, the only explanation was that he had reached Dou Zun. If he was still a Dou Zong, Yao Yan wouldn't be acting so casually.
For others, Dou Zong might be a huge achievement, but for Yao Yan, Dou Zong was nothing!
"No," Yao Yan shook his head.
"Not Dou Zun? Then what 'progress' are you talking about?" Su Qian frowned and, with a slight frown, scolded, "With your talent, you shouldn't be boasting about being a Dou Zong. You are from those families, so how can you be proud just for being a Dou Zong? You're wasting your talent!"
He was somewhat disappointed. Given Yao Yan's displayed talent back then, he should have reached much higher levels by now!
Yao Yan was left stunned by the scolding but laughed awkwardly and said, "What are you saying? If I were only a Dou Zong, I wouldn't be talking about progress. I've actually entered the Dou Saint realm, currently at the peak of one-star Dou Saint, and not far from two-star Dou Saint."
Su Qian went silent for a moment. Looking at the young man in front of him, he pinched his palm hidden in his sleeve, confirming that it hurt. Only then did he swallow and look at Yao Yan with a somewhat numb expression, saying in disbelief, "Really?!"
Yao Yan nodded, smiling and asking, "Do you think I would joke about this?"
"...This is beyond what I imagined." Su Qian rubbed his temples, trying to calm down. His heart was racing—this was a Dou Saint!
Ten years ago, what was Yao Yan's strength? Even with monstrous talent, he couldn't have reached this level so fast!
The two old guys in Canaan Academy had been in closed-door cultivation for ten years, and still hadn't broken through to Dou Zun!
Yet Yao Yan had silently stepped into the Dou Saint realm and was even on the verge of breaking into two-star Dou Saint. It sounded too unreal.
He even felt dizzy and his limbs were numb.
Xiao Yi Xian, standing at the side, saw this and couldn't help but laugh, though she understood Su Qian's feelings. Anyone in his position would find it hard to stay calm. After all, this was a Dou Saint!
"You should drink some water to calm down," Yao Yan playfully said, picking up a teacup and handing it to Su Qian.
Su Qian didn't refuse, taking the teacup and draining it in one go. After slowly exhaling, he gave Yao Yan a complex look and said slowly, "You're really a freak!"
He almost said it as an insult. Yao Yan's achievements were just too shocking, completely unheard of.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Yao Yan laughed.
"Do you have confidence in breaking through to Dou Emperor?" Su Qian suddenly changed the subject, his voice filled with some expectation. After all, Yao Yan had broken through to Dou Saint at such a young age. He surely had the potential to break through the Dou Emperor bottleneck, and if he succeeded, Canaan Academy would have produced a Dou Emperor!
"I'll try." Yao Yan looked at the eager elder and said helplessly.
"It's not just 'try', you need to go all out! The Dou Qi Continent hasn't had a Dou Emperor in ten thousand years! Since you have this talent, don't waste it!" Su Qian said sincerely, placing high hopes on Yao Yan. He wanted Yao Yan to become the new Dou Emperor and break the thousand-year drought of no Emperor!
"You have more faith in me than I do," Yao Yan said, laughing.
"If I had your talent, I'd have no doubt at all! You're still young—if you don't fight for it now, will you wait until I'm your age to fight?" Su Qian huffed, slightly displeased.
He suddenly felt that Yao Yan's calmness wasn't necessarily a good thing. If it had been any other young person, they would have been proud of such achievements, even calling themselves the Young Dou Emperor. But Yao Yan was still as composed as before.
For the first time, he felt that being too calm might not be a good thing.
"Don't worry, Elder. I will definitely go for it, and I won't miss any opportunity," Yao Yan said, his expression serious.
"Don't think I'm nagging... I just don't want you to waste your talent. A talent like yours, I've never seen anything like it. I only hope you can go further and create a true legend!" Su Qian said seriously, looking at Yao Yan.
Yao Yan nodded. He understood Su Qian's meaning.
Su Qian calmed himself, then looked at Xiao Yi Xian and teasingly asked, "Is this your little girlfriend? She looks quite good... Her strength seems good too!"
Xiao Yi Xian bit her lip, shyly looking away, but didn't object. She stood quietly beside Yao Yan, secretly glancing at his expression, curious about how he would answer. She secretly hoped their relationship would go further, but she was shy and didn't know how to make the first move.
"Do you still like to play matchmaker, Elder?" Yao Yan smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
"Don't bully her and not take responsibility," Su Qian said, stroking his white beard, giving Yao Yan a meaningful look. With his sharp eyes, he couldn't see through Yao Yan, but it was clear that Xiao Yi Xian's feelings for him were obvious.
After a pause, he continued, "By the way, how is Zi Yan?"
The little girl he had picked up all those years ago, he had always treated her like a granddaughter. But this granddaughter hadn't been raised properly—after only a short time with Yao Yan, she left with him. It had nearly driven him mad at the time.
"She's from the Gu Sky Dragon clan. After she went to the Central Plains, I personally sent her back to her family. The last time I saw her, she was undergoing her family's bloodline trial. She should have completed it by now. Once I return to the Central Plains, I'll go see her," Yao Yan explained, smiling. "If you miss her, I can bring her to see you next time."
"Gu Sky Dragon... That's fine. I just need to know she's safe," Su Qian shook his head and then looked at Yao Yan. "So, what brings you to Canaan Academy this time? I don't believe you're just here to visit me!"
After regaining his composure, Su Qian immediately guessed that Yao Yan had come with some request. This kid had always had a purpose when visiting.
But now, with Yao Yan's Dou Saint level, what could Canaan Academy possibly offer him?
"It's not a big deal. I just want to use the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower," Yao Yan said softly.
(END CHAPTER)
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