The shockwaves stirred by the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade auction had not yet faded, but another piece of news ignited the Northwest even more violently.
The Sacrificial Shop publicly announced that it had begun surveying locations for new branch stores.
Compared to the distant, unattainable legend of a Dou Di inheritance, this news struck far closer to home.
The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's cave was a myth—something only the absolute apex forces dared to touch.
But a Sacrificial Shop branch?
That was real, tangible, and profitable beyond imagination.
For two full months, the entire Northwest resembled a pack of starving wolves.
Xiao Yan followed Mo Jiao across vast territories, personally witnessing what it meant to stand at the center of power.
Wherever he went, Dou Zong experts arrived first.
Not to threaten.
Not to negotiate.
But to greet, escort, and please.
A casual question could cause a Sect to panic overnight.
When Xiao Yan once asked—purely out of curiosity—about an Earth-tier cultivation technique belonging to the Golden Goose Sect, the Sect Master stayed awake the entire night.
By dawn, a carefully copied manuscript had been delivered to Xiao Yan with trembling hands.
Xiao Yan was so startled that he repeatedly insisted he had no intention of seizing it.
The Sect Master nearly wept with gratitude.
Within just two months, Xiao Yan felt something terrifying happening to him.
His vigilance dulled.
His humility eroded.
The iron will he had forged through three years of blood and humiliation began to soften under endless flattery.
That frightened him.
Deeply.
He immediately resigned from the scouting team, citing the approaching auction as his reason.
Mo Jiao did not stop him.
He only nodded, his gaze thoughtful.
When Xiao Yan finally left, looking back at the sea of smiling faces and bowed figures, a chill ran down his spine.
If not for his teacher's repeated warnings—cultivate the heart before cultivating strength—he might already have drowned in this golden mire.
When Xiao Yan rushed back to the Black-Corner Region, Sacrifice City was already overflowing.
Before even entering the city, his gaze froze.
A group of black-robed figures moved swiftly near the outer gates.
And between them—
Xiao Zhan.
"Father…"
Xiao Yan's vision went red.
His fists clenched so tightly that bone popped against bone, blood seeping from his palms.
Kill.
The thought roared like a beast.
But reason crushed it.
Not now. Not here.
Rushing out would only get his father killed on the spot.
Xiao Yan lowered his head, swallowed the murderous intent, and merged silently into the incoming crowd.
He followed.
Inside a reserved inn, Soul Extinction sat at the head seat, eyes half-closed.
"How is it?" he asked indifferently.
Vice Hall Master Soul Erosion Heaven stepped forward.
"The Gu Clan sent Gu Nanhai. He has already exchanged a massive quantity of refining blueprints and knowledge at the Sacrificial Shop."
Soul Extinction sneered faintly.
"Confident we won't gather all eight keys, are they?"
He turned his gaze toward the General Manager's Mansion.
"Confirmed. It's Yao Chen?"
"Yes. He appears to have reached Dou Sheng, but this city… we cannot probe deeply."
Soul Extinction frowned briefly, then waved his hand.
"Cease all actions against Yao Chen. The clan does not wish to provoke the Sacrificial Shop at this stage."
He removed a black ring and tossed it over.
"Exchange everything in this ring for sacrificial coins."
Then his eyes fell on Xiao Zhan.
"Hand him over to the Mission Hall."
"A favor to Yao Chen."
When the restraints vanished, Xiao Zhan staggered slightly.
Then—
"Father!"
Xiao Yan broke through the crowd.
Xiao Zhan froze, then his eyes widened.
"Yan'er?! Why are you here?!"
Xiao Yan could no longer speak properly.
Only action.
Hands trembling, checking injuries, checking breathing.
"I'm fine… I'm fine…" Xiao Zhan said hoarsely, gripping his son's shoulder. "Being alive is enough."
Soul Hall left without a backward glance.
Xiao Yan watched them go, hatred burning quietly.
Not yet.
Soon.
Wanbao Pavilion was packed to suffocation.
When Ning Fengzhi raised the ancient jade, the air itself tightened.
"Starting bid—4.5 billion sacrificial coins."
Silence.
Then—
"4.6 billion."
"5 billion."
"5.5 billion."
"6 billion!"
Soul Extinction's voice crushed all resistance.
Gu Nanhai paused.
Shikaku shook his head.
Too dangerous.
The hammer fell.
"Sold!"
The jade rested in Soul Extinction's palm.
He smiled thinly.
"What my Soul Clan wants," he murmured, "never escapes."