Chapter 83: What Are You?
Wu Tan City, one of the smallest ranked cities in the Jia Ma Empire, might barely qualify as a "major city." In the grander scheme of the Dou Qi Continent, it was no more than a speck of dust in an ocean.
Yet, in an alternate timeline, this unremarkable place birthed a legendary tale:
Thirty years to the east, thirty years to the west. Never underestimate a young man in hardship.
To ensure that no unforeseen variable from this city might interfere with the Xiao Clan's millennia long plans, Xiao Yan's first objective upon arrival was clear: investigate whether any remnants of the Soul Clan resided here.
Searching for Answers
"Who are the most powerful factions in Wu Tan City right now? And is there a Soul Clan family among them?" Xiao Yan asked a shifty eyed man in the bustling marketplace.
Wherever there were people, there was intrigue. Whether it was the Xiao Clan, Holy Pill City, or this small Wu Tan City, there were always those who thrived on selling information.
The man hesitated before answering, his earlier disdain for the young boy replaced by a fawning smile after sensing a sliver of Xiao Yan's aura.
"Master, Wu Tan City currently has three dominant families: the Zhang Clan, the Aoba Clan, and the Jia Lie Clan. There are a few smaller factions, but none can rival these three families."
"As for the Soul surname, I've never heard of a Soul Clan with significant power here. The strongest person I know of with the Soul surname is just a five star Dou Zhe (Battle Practitioner)."
Xiao Yan nodded thoughtfully.
"It seems that even without the Xiao family, Wu Tan City has its fair share of Zhangs and Lius stepping in to fill the void."
He turned back to the informant.
"Where can I find these three clan leaders right now?"
"Master, you've arrived at the perfect time. All three are currently meeting with Lady Yafei at the Mittel Auction House to discuss business. If you go now, you should catch them together."
"The Mittel Auction House… and Yafei?" Xiao Yan's lips curved into a small smile.
"How convenient."
Tossing a small jade bottle to the informant, Xiao Yan said, "Here's your reward."
After Xiao Yan left, the man wiped the sweat from his brow and inspected the jade bottle, his eyes narrowing in shock.
"Beast Strength Pill? A fourth tier pill!"
"A young master from a prestigious clan!" he murmured, staring in the direction Xiao Yan had gone.
The Mittel Auction House
Located in Wu Tan City's busiest district, the Mittel Auction House was a hub of commerce and luxury, a place where the city's wealthiest residents gathered to trade high end goods. It was, without exaggeration, the CBD of Wu Tan City.
In one of its opulent VIP rooms sat a stunning woman, her beauty both seductive and poised.
Yafei, a member of the powerful Mittel family from the empire's capital, was known as the most enchanting flower of Wu Tan City.
Opposite her were the three clan leaders of Wu Tan City, each trying to outmaneuver the others in negotiations over a prized batch of medicinal herbs.
"Lady Yafei, why don't you make a decision today? Who will get these herbs?" one of the clan leaders asked, his tone pressing.
The other two nodded in agreement, their eyes fixed on her enchanting face.
Yafei leaned back lazily in her crystal chair, her curvaceous figure making the clan leaders' gazes flicker uncomfortably.
"Gentlemen," she said with a faint smile, her soft yet commanding tone exuding confidence, "I value my relationships with all of you. However, I am but a businesswoman. This batch of herbs will go to the highest bidder, as always."
Before the clan leaders could respond, a knock interrupted the conversation.
"Who is it?" Yafei's brows furrowed slightly. Interruptions during negotiations were rarely welcome.
"It's me, Lady Yafei," came the voice of an older man outside the door.
Her expression softened.
"Ah, Uncle Gu Ni. Please, come in."
The door opened, revealing a middle aged man accompanied by a black robed youth.
"Uncle Gu Ni, who is this?" Yafei's eyes briefly flickered with confusion as she noticed the respectful demeanor Gu Ni displayed toward the youth.
Before Gu Ni could answer, the boy stepped forward with a confident smile.
"Lady Yafei, allow me to introduce myself. I am Xiao Yan Xiao as in '萧', Yan as in '炎'."
Xiao Yan's gaze swept over Yafei's alluring figure before resting on her exquisite, bewitching face.
"Not bad. Very refined."
Unlike the youthful innocence of Xiao Yi Xian or the fiery charm of Cao Ying, Yafei exuded the mature allure of a ripe peach, ready to be savored. Xiao Yan's heart stirred as his resolve to spread his love across the continent grew even stronger.
Yafei ignored the bold look in his eyes. She was used to men's attention, but she couldn't help raising an eyebrow at the boy's audacious and direct gaze.
"Nice to meet you, Young Master Xiao," she said politely.
After exchanging greetings with Yafei, Xiao Yan turned his attention to the three clan leaders.
"You must be the leaders of Wu Tan City's three major clans," he said with a smile.
"I have a favor to ask of you."
The clan leaders frowned.
"And why should we help you?" asked Zhang Clan's leader, his tone dismissive.
"Indeed," added the Aoba Clan's leader, barely lifting his gaze. "We're busy. If it's not important, kindly leave."
"You misunderstand." Xiao Yan's smile widened. "This favor isn't optional."
Jia Lie Bi, the leader of the Jia Lie Clan, scowled.
"How dare you! What kind of nobody dares speak to us this way?"
He had been in a foul mood all day. His plans to dominate Wu Tan City's medicinal market had been thwarted by the other two clans undercutting him. Now, a presumptuous boy dared challenge him.
"You? What are you even supposed to be?" Jia Lie Bi sneered.
The smile on Xiao Yan's face didn't waver, but a terrifying aura burst forth from his body.
The oppressive presence of a Dou Huang filled the VIP room, suffocating the clan leaders.
"A Dou… Wang?" one of them stammered, his face pale.
The other two were equally dumbfounded. In Wu Tan City, where even a Da Dou Shi (Battle Master) was considered a top expert, the appearance of a Dou Wang level fighter was nothing short of a calamity.
Xiao Yan, standing before them with an air of calm authority, didn't seem like an ordinary young man at all.
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