After speaking, Ya Fei bent down gracefully and retrieved a jade bottle from beneath the auction stage, placing it on a jade plate.
"Next up for auction is a second-grade medicinal pill — the Marrow Cleansing Pill. This pill can raise a person's aptitude all the way to the Great Dou Master realm. As long as sufficient resources are provided, one can reach One-Star Great Dou Master. However, it has one side effect: the consumer can never break through beyond One-Star Great Dou Master in this lifetime."
"This pill has been personally authenticated by Master Gu Ni of our auction house. There are no issues with its quality. Everyone may bid with confidence. The starting price is seven thousand gold coins."
"Eight thousand!"
"Ten thousand!"
"…"
In less than ten minutes, the price had skyrocketed to thirty-five thousand gold coins.
The Marrow Cleansing Pill was extremely attractive — especially to those who had no hope of reaching Great Dou Master in their lifetime, as well as wealthy merchants and smaller families. Since the highest combat power in Wu Tan City was only at the Great Dou Master level, and most were affiliated with the three major families, obtaining this pill meant gaining an extra Great Dou Master for one's clan. It could tip the balance in the competition for resources.
"Forty thousand!" Ao Ba, who had been resting with closed eyes, suddenly spoke.
"Forty-five thousand!" Jia Lie Bi immediately followed, shooting Ao Ba a provocative glance.
Ao Ba gave him a cold look. "Fifty thousand!"
The two clan leaders quickly became locked in a fierce bidding war. With Xiao Zhan joining in, the price continued to climb rapidly.
In the end, the Marrow Cleansing Pill was won by Clan Leader Ao Ba for ninety thousand gold coins.
Ya Fei gently tapped her small hammer. "Congratulations to Clan Leader Ao Ba. Next up is another item just received by our auction house — also a second-grade medicinal pill: Foundation Building Spirit Liquid…"
Upon hearing the name, Xiao Tian subtly scanned the hall and glanced at the black-robed figure sitting quietly in the corner before shifting his gaze away.
After another round of intense bidding, the Foundation Building Spirit Liquid was finally acquired by Xiao Zhan for forty thousand gold coins.
"This is the grand finale item of today's auction — a Profound-rank High-grade cultivation technique: Wind Scroll Art."
Ya Fei's voice echoed through the hall, instantly silencing the venue. All eyes turned to the green scroll in her hands.
After a fierce competition between the three major families, a weapon magnate, and several medicine merchants, the Wind Scroll Art was ultimately won by Jia Lie Bi for five hundred and fifty thousand gold coins.
Once the auction ended, Xiao Zhan led Xiao Tian toward the payment hall.
There, a figure in a striking red cheongsam emerged. The high slit on the dress revealed flashes of her long, fair legs with every step, stirring the hearts of those who saw her.
"Presumably, this is the widely rumored young genius of the Xiao Family — Young Master Xiao Tian," Ya Fei said with a charming smile.
"I'm flattered," Xiao Tian replied with a polite nod.
"Clan Leader Xiao Zhan, this is the Foundation Building Spirit Liquid you won." Ya Fei handed over the jade bottle.
Xiao Zhan was about to take out his gold storage card when Xiao Tian moved faster, handing over his own card. "Deduct from this."
Ya Fei reached for the card, but her gaze suddenly froze on Xiao Tian's hand. A familiar feeling surged in her heart.
Xiao Tian noticed her dazed expression and said calmly, "Miss Ya Fei, is there something wrong with me, or do you not intend to settle the bill?"
"I apologize. I must have been tired and lost focus for a moment," Ya Fei quickly regained her composure, her professional smile returning. She took the card, completed the transaction, and handed it back. "Thank you for your continued support of our auction house."
"Then we shall take our leave," Xiao Zhan said. He led Xiao Tian and the others out of the payment hall.
Ya Fei stared at Xiao Tian's retreating figure, her eyes filled with deep thought.
Leaving the auction house, Xiao Zhan looked like he wanted to speak. Xiao Tian beat him to it:
"Father, I know you bought the Foundation Building Spirit Liquid for Xiao Yan Zi. Consider this my contribution to him. If you use family funds, the three elders will definitely use it to pressure you. As for where this money came from… Father, please don't ask."
Xiao Zhan gave both Xiao Tian and Xiao Xun'er a meaningful look, then smiled. "I'm heading back first. I won't disturb you two young people on your date. Go and enjoy yourselves."
Watching his father leave, Xiao Tian turned and gently took Xun'er's hand. "Let's go. I'll take you for a stroll around the city."
The two spent the afternoon happily wandering through Wu Tan City's bustling streets. Only when dusk fell did they reluctantly part ways.
After watching Xun'er return to her courtyard, Xiao Tian did not head back to his own. Instead, he left the Xiao Family grounds and made his way toward the Mitel Auction House once more.
Along the way, he donned the black hooded robe and mask he had prepared earlier.
Guided by a maid, he was led into a private room. Ya Fei was already seated at the table, waiting.
"You're finally here," she said with a soft smile.
"Something came up and delayed me a bit," Xiao Tian replied with an indifferent smile.
Ya Fei chuckled lightly and pushed a green jade card toward him. "The Ding Yan Dan was directly purchased by our auction house, so we won't deduct any handling fee. Including the payment for the Marrow Cleansing Pill after commission, the total is one hundred and fifty-eight thousand two hundred gold coins, all on this card."
Just as Xiao Tian reached for the jade card, Ya Fei's voice suddenly rang out again:
"Should I call you 'Sir'… or Young Master Xiao Tian?"
Xiao Tian's hand paused mid-air. He looked at the charming woman in front of him and smiled faintly. "You truly are a clever woman. It seems you noticed something this morning. As expected of the chief auctioneer of the Mitel Auction House."
Ya Fei let out a charming laugh. "I truly never imagined that Young Master Xiao Tian is not only a cultivation genius, but also possesses such outstanding talent in alchemy. To be a second-grade alchemist at such a young age… this humble girl is truly envious."
"Have you ever heard the saying, 'The more you know, the faster you die'?" A hint of coldness flashed in Xiao Tian's eyes.
"Then… are you planning to kill me to silence me?" Ya Fei asked timidly, but a trace of amusement sparkled in her beautiful eyes.
Xiao Tian walked over, placed his fingers under her chin, and gently lifted her face, scrutinizing her closely. "You truly are a beautiful enchantress. It's a pity you're about to perish. How should I deal with you?"
Ya Fei reached up and pushed his hand away with a light laugh. "At such a young age, you're not learning good things — only these sorts of things."
Since his identity was already exposed, Xiao Tian removed his hood and mask, stretched lazily, and sat back down. His gaze continued to scrutinize the alluring woman before him.
He knew from the original story that this charming Ya Fei, whose every move could stir a man's heart, was extremely intelligent. Although her own strength was ordinary and her cultivation talent lacking, her shrewdness and understanding of human nature were truly remarkable.
Ya Fei rested one hand on the table and propped her chin on the other, looking at him with a teasing smile.
"Little fellow, you keep staring at older sister like that… Do you have some improper thoughts about me?"