The presence of an unknown Dou Wang was more than enough to terrify the guards — all of whom were merely at the Dou Shi level.
Whatever this man's intentions, he was far beyond their ability to handle.
Their only choice was to quickly inform someone with real authority.
Moments later, hurried footsteps echoed from the inner corridor as an elderly man with a solemn expression strode in.
"Respected Dou Wang expert," he greeted with a respectful bow, "I am unsure of your purpose here at our Eight Gates Sect, but please allow me to receive you first. Our Sect Master will arrive shortly."
The elder's aura only reached the Dou Ling level. Seeing Liu Xi's youthful face, he was momentarily shocked, yet his manners remained impeccable.
"I'm here to purchase a cultivation technique — one of at least Xuan Class or higher. Preferably, something with a poison attribute."
Liu Xi's tone was calm, his gaze steady as he stated his purpose.
A sharp gleam flickered in the elder's eyes. His solemn face soon bloomed with a smile as he said, "So that's it. I am Lu Cheng, the manager of the Black Seal Auction House, under the Eight Gates Sect. Please, my lord, follow me. I'll fetch the registry and check for suitable techniques at once."
"Mm."
He led Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian into an opulently decorated guest hall. The seats were wrapped in soft beast hide; servants entered gracefully with tea, pastries, and fruit.
Each movement of the maidservants was full of charm — slender waists swaying, eyes shy yet alluring.
Liu Xi, well-traveled and composed, remained entirely unmoved. His first impression of the Eight Gates Sect, however, was one word: decadent.
Lu Cheng, noting Liu Xi's calm, unwavering gaze, was secretly startled. 'Such composure at his age… terrifying!'
"What attribute does the young master's desired technique focus on?" Lu Cheng asked politely.
"Poison."
The single word struck with weight.
Lu Cheng's brows furrowed slightly. Poison-type techniques were exceedingly rare — much rarer than elemental ones.
"Please wait a moment, my lord."
He issued a quick order, and soon a maid returned with a large record scroll. Lu Cheng flipped through it carefully.
After a long silence, he finally looked up, his face showing mild embarrassment. "My lord, I'm afraid that among this year's auction items, there are only two techniques — one lightning-type High Xuan Class and another water-type Low Xuan Class. As for poison techniques… none."
"This year's auction items?" Liu Xi frowned lightly, setting down his teacup. "Then what about your sect's private collection?"
Lu Cheng gave a wry smile. "My lord, I only serve as an elder overseeing the auction's operations. Access to the sect's secret treasury is well beyond my authority."
"I see." Liu Xi nodded. "Then when will your Sect Master arrive?"
"Very soon."
Lu Cheng could sense the young man's growing impatience, and irritation flared briefly in his chest — though his face revealed none of it.
Still, he couldn't help but feel surprised. The Sect Master of the Eight Gates was a Dou Huang powerhouse, yet this youth waited with utter calm — unflinching, even arrogant. 'He truly has no fear…'
---
A few moments later, the atmosphere in the hall shifted.
A figure appeared silently — a middle-aged man radiating quiet authority, his gaze sharp and assessing.
"Master!" Lu Cheng quickly stood and bowed deeply.
The man ignored him, fixing his eyes on Liu Xi instead. "Young man," he said evenly, "to reach the Dou Wang realm at such an age… truly remarkable. May I know your name, and which sect you hail from?"
Liu Xi rose, cupping his fists with respectful composure. "Greetings, Sect Master Yuan. I am Liu Xi, from Jia Nan Academy. I've come seeking a poison-attribute cultivation technique of Xuan Class or higher. I wonder if your Eight Gates Sect possesses such a scroll."
"Jia Nan Academy?"
Sect Master Yuan's brows arched slightly. He was dissatisfied with the young man's direct tone but intrigued by his background. "Our sect's secret vault does indeed hold a poison-attribute Xuan Class High technique — the Poison Mastery Technique."
Liu Xi's eyes lit up. Exchanging a glance with Xiao Yixian, both revealed a hint of joy. "I'll take it," Liu Xi said. "Name your price, Sect Master Yuan."
A smile crept across the man's face. "For a promising young brother like you, I can gift it… on one condition."
"Oh?" Liu Xi's tone cooled slightly.
Yuan Yi continued smoothly, "Join the Eight Gates Sect. Become one of us, and the Poison Mastery Technique will be yours — free of charge."
Liu Xi chuckled lightly. "I'm afraid that won't happen. Sect Master Yuan, state your price."
The Sect Master's eyes gleamed with cold light. The room's pressure thickened; killing intent locked onto Liu Xi like invisible chains. "You refuse my goodwill? Are you sure you'll leave here alive? Even with your Dou Wang cultivation — even with your Jia Nan Academy background — if I decide to kill you today, neither will save you."
Liu Xi's muscles tensed, his mind already prepared for combat. Yet his voice remained composed. "If I dared to come, I dared to leave. But if you act today, Sect Master, I promise that as a 6th Tier Alchemist, my connections will see your Eight Gates Sect erased within a month."
Yuan Yi's expression froze. "A 6th Tier Alchemist? How do I know you're not lying?"
In response, a flicker of azure flame danced in Liu Xi's palm — the unmistakable aura of an Heavenly Flame.
Yuan Yi's eyes widened. "That… that's a Heavenly Flame!"
His Dou Qi fluctuated erratically, the pressure rising and falling as he wavered internally.
At last, he drew back his power, bowing with visible restraint.
"My apologies, Young Master Liu. I was… reckless."
'Even a mere Dou Wang, protected by a Heavenly Flame, would be difficult to kill outright. And if he truly is a 6th Tier Alchemist… the consequences would be catastrophic.'
As the oppressive aura faded, Liu Xi exhaled slowly. "It seems Sect Master Yuan has reconsidered. Now then — what's your price for the Poison Mastery Technique?"
Yuan Yi thought for a moment, then said tentatively, "I'll exchange it, along with two million gold coins, for one 6th Tier pill."
Liu Xi immediately saw through the ploy but didn't mind. "Fine. I'll refine two Dou Ling Pills. I assume your sect can gather the materials easily. Don't make me wait long."
"Of course! Absolutely!" Yuan said eagerly.
---
Before long, the ingredients for two Dou Ling Pills were prepared and delivered. Liu Xi dismissed everyone except Xiao Yixian and began refining on the spot.
One day later, the entire Eight Gates Sect — including its master — stood outside the chamber, gazing in awe as a column of radiant energy pierced the sky.
"Heavenly phenomenon… truly a 6th Tier Pill!" Yuan Yi murmured, trembling with relief. "Thank the heavens I didn't act rashly… or the Eight Gates Sect would already be ashes."
(End of Chapter)
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