Xiao Zhan stepped onto the stairs of Tianxiang Tower, his heart heavy.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the dignity of a Clan Chief, and adopted a humble posture.
However, as soon as he entered the main door, he was stunned by the sight before him.
The spacious first-floor hall was now lined with a long queue.
The people in line were all impeccably dressed and exuded a steady aura, clearly prominent figures in Wutan City.
Members of the Jia Lie Family and Oba Family were prominently among them, their faces filled with anxiety and anticipation.
A maid in a Mittel Auction House uniform stopped him, a professional smile on her face, but her tone brooked no argument.
"Sir, please register over here."
Xiao Zhan was taken aback, looking in the direction the maid pointed, only to see several maids busily recording something behind a long table.
"Register?"
"Yes," the maid explained, "Master Xuan is of noble status, and his time is precious; not everyone can meet him."
"All seekers must first register information about the 'rare items' or 'exotic flowers and plants' they can offer. We will compile this and present it to Master Xuan for review."
"If the Great Master is interested in your item, he will send someone to notify you to come for an audience."
Upon hearing this, the slight displeasure in Xiao Zhan's heart instantly vanished.
It was reasonable.
It would be strange if a Great Master capable of refining sixth-grade pills could be disturbed by just anyone.
He walked to the long table, watching as the people in front of him reported their Family's treasured collections, feeling increasingly uneasy.
When it was his turn, he hesitated for a long time, finally lowering his voice.
"Xiao Family, Xiao Zhan. I wish to see the Great Master with an ancestral tuoshe ancient emperor's jade."
The maid looked up at him, asked no further questions, and simply recorded it quickly.
"Alright, Clan Chief Xiao, you may return. If there is any message, we will send someone to notify you."
Xiao Zhan opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but looking at the other people also waiting, he finally let out a sigh and turned to leave.
All he could do was wait... In the backyard of the Xiao Family, the bamboo forest was quiet.
Ling Ying's figure reappeared silently.
"Young Miss."
"How is it?" Xiao Xun'er didn't turn around, her voice cold.
"Tianxiang Tower has been reserved by the Mittel Auction House. All seekers must register first, and Xuan Jin will screen them," Ling Ying recounted everything he had seen and heard in detail.
"A mere Sixth-Grade Alchemist, quite the airs he puts on."
Xiao Xun'er scoffed softly, her tone playful,
"However, in this Northwest Continent, a Sixth-Grade Alchemist indeed has the right to put on such airs."
Of course, this was only because Xiao Xun'er didn't know Xuan Jin's age; otherwise, she wouldn't have said that.
After all, neither Xiao Xun'er nor Ling Ying were certain that this person was the Disciple of Xuan Yi from Central Continent.
Xiao Xun'er stood up and paced in the courtyard.
What items could Uncle Xiao Zhan have? If they couldn't attract Xuan Jin's attention, wouldn't Brother Xiao Yan lose this opportunity?
Xiao Xun'er's thoughts raced.
A moment later, she made up her mind.
A scroll emitting a faint glow appeared in her hand.
"Elder Ling."
"This old servant is here."
"Take this." Xiao Xun'er handed the scroll to Ling Ying. "This is an Earth Rank low-grade Dou Technique, 'Thousand Illusory Phoenix Flame Finger'."
Ling Ying took the scroll, his body trembling violently.
An Earth Rank Dou Technique!
The Young Miss actually parted with such a treasure!
"If Uncle Xiao Zhan cannot impress that Xuan Jin, then you must find a way to reveal the information about this Dou Technique to him."
Xiao Xun'er's voice became solemn,
"I don't believe a Sixth-Grade Alchemist can resist the temptation of an Earth Rank Dou Technique."
"This old servant understands!" Ling Ying nodded heavily, his figure vanishing once more.
In the bamboo forest, only Xiao Xun'er remained.
She gazed in the direction of Tianxiang Tower, muttering, "Brother Xiao Yan, for you, everything is worth it."
At the same time, on the top floor of Tianxiang Tower.
Xuan Jin stood by the window, everything downstairs in full view.
He saw Ya Fei's arrangements and did not stop her.
Since he chose to act with a high profile, he naturally had to maintain a high-profile appearance; doing everything personally would be a step down.
His Soul Power, like an invisible tide, enveloped the entire Wutan City.
Just now, he had detected a hidden aura moving back and forth between the Xiao Family's back mountain and Tianxiang Tower.
The aura was extremely well-concealed; ordinary Dou Zongs would likely find it difficult to detect.
Unfortunately, before his Great Perfection Soul Power, it was like a firefly in the dark night.
Peak Dou Huang, skilled in concealment.
It must be Ling Ying.
Xuan Jin understood.
It seems Xiao Xun'er had already noticed him.
That's good, it saved him a lot of effort.
His goal in coming to Wutan City and high-profilely announcing his ability to refine sixth-grade pills was not just the Xiao Family.
The tuoshe ancient emperor's jade was in the Xiao Family's hands.
Burning Art was in Yao Chen's hands, and Yao Chen resided within the bone flame ring.
As for Xiao Xun'er, she had come with the mission to find the tuoshe ancient emperor's jade.
Now, the chess pieces had begun to move on their own; he only needed to watch quietly and make his move at the most opportune moment.
Xuan Jin withdrew his gaze and sat down cross-legged.
The 'Soul Guiding Art' that Teacher Xuan Yi had given him slowly circulated, and wisps of cool energy began to nourish his Soul.
From Mortal Realm to Spirit Realm was an insurmountable chasm.
He needed an opportunity... The next morning.
A tempting fragrant breeze knocked on Xuan Jin's door.
Ya Fei gracefully entered.
Today, she was clearly meticulously dressed.
A moon-white tight-fitting long dress accentuated her already curvaceous figure, making her even more breathtaking, and her fair, slender legs were faintly visible beneath the high slit of the skirt.
She wore delicate light makeup on her face, and her usually charming eyes now held a perfectly measured deference and docility.
She carried a silver tray, on which lay a neatly organized dossier and a cup of fragrant tea.
"Young Master Xuan, you're awake."
Ya Fei's voice was soft and sweet, making one's bones go half-numb.
"This is our Mittel Auction House's unique Spirit Calming Flower Tea, which has the effect of calming the mind and soothing the spirit."
Xuan Jin took the teacup, took a sip, and a cool sensation went straight to his mind; it was indeed a good thing.
"You're thoughtful." He glanced at Ya Fei, nodding inwardly.
This woman was a natural enchantress; every frown and smile could stir a man's heart.
Even rarer was that she knew how to use her advantages without seeming vulgar, handling the situation with great skill.
"Steward Ya Fei's business acumen is indeed brilliant." Xuan Jin put down the teacup, his meaning clear.
Booking Tianxiang Tower and setting a threshold both elevated his status and created a strong momentum for the Mittel Auction House, killing two birds with one stone.
Upon hearing the praise, Ya Fei's smile deepened, blooming like a hundred flowers.
"It is Ya Fei's honor to serve Young Master Xuan."
However, she felt a little helpless; this man seemed completely immune to her charm, and his praise was merely factual, without any ulterior thoughts.
This made her feel frustrated, but at the same time, it ignited an even stronger desire for conquest.