The Temir Auction House, the largest auction venue in Utarn City, is also affiliated with the wealthiest family in the Gamma Empire: the Temir Family. In the Gamma Empire, if one were to speak of wealth, the Temir Family would undoubtedly be at the top. With a history spanning hundreds of years, the Temir Family has developed intricate and complex relationships within the Gamma Empire. According to some rumors, this incredibly wealthy family might even have connections with the imperial royal family. Within the empire, the Temir Family, along with the Nalan and Yan Families, are known as the three giants of Gamma. These families hold significant influence in various sectors, including business and military, and their power is undeniable. Therefore, with the strong backing of the Temir Family, no one dares to covet the profits of the auction house, no matter how tempting they may be. …
Gazing at the grand assembly hall at the end of the street, Xiao Yan turned into a secluded alley and quickly draped the black cloak he had purchased earlier over his body. The large cloak not only concealed his face but also made his somewhat slender figure appear bulky. Now, even if Xuner stood before him, it would be difficult to recognize Xiao Yan at a glance… After disguising himself, Xiao Yan let out a sigh of relief. He couldn’t be blamed for being overly cautious. The Foundation-Laying Spirit Liquid was too attractive to certain family powers. After all, if anyone could mass-produce such a spirit liquid, the younger generation’s strength would rapidly grow, which would be the best catalyst for any family. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Xiao Yan had no choice but to act discreetly…
Feeling the slightly warm and cool sensation of the white jade bottle in his pocket, Xiao Yan slowly walked out of the alley and headed towards the auction hall at the end of the street. Under the watchful eyes of several fully armed guards at the entrance, Xiao Yan walked straight in.
Upon entering the hall, the sweltering heat seemed to be stripped away from his body, replaced by a refreshing coolness, giving him a strange feeling of two different worlds inside and out. His gaze swept across the opulent and spacious hall, and he walked towards a room on the side. On the door, there were golden characters that read “Treasure Appraisal Room” in a radiant glow.
Pushing the door open, he found the room somewhat empty, with only a middle-aged man sitting idly at a table. Hearing the sound of the door, the man looked up and, seeing the figure shrouded in a black robe, frowned slightly before quickly donning a professional smile, “Sir, are you here to appraise a treasure?”
“Hmm.” A somewhat dry and aged voice floated out from beneath the cloak, and it was the voice of the Pharmacist Elder.
Xiao Yan stepped forward, casually retrieving the white jade bottle from his pocket and placing it gently on the table.
“What is this?” The man blinked in puzzlement, carefully picking up the white jade bottle and sniffing it lightly. After a moment, his expression changed, and a hint of reverence appeared in his eyes as he looked back at Xiao Yan, “Is the honorable sir an alchemist?”
“Hmm.” The aged voice responded again.
“May I ask, what kind of medicine is in this bottle? What is its effect?”
Hearing this, the middle-aged man asked respectfully again.
“Foundation-Laying Spirit Liquid. It can increase the speed of Dou Qi cultivation, but it’s only effective for those below the Dou Shi level.”
“Oh? It can increase the speed of Dou Qi cultivation?” The middle-aged man was visibly moved. Dou Qi cultivation had to follow strict rules, which was common knowledge. Moreover, cultivators at this stage have extremely fragile meridians. If the medicinal force is too strong, it could result in the tragic outcome of severed meridians and death…
“This spirit liquid has no side effects. Its medicinal force is extremely mild and will not cause such a result. You can rest assured.”
Seeming to understand the man’s thoughts, the aged voice explained slowly.
His expression changed again, and the middle-aged man carefully placed the white jade bottle back on the table, saying respectfully, “Honorable sir, could you please wait a moment? I need to call our master, Gunny, to appraise the spirit liquid!”
“Hmm, make it quick.”
Waving his hand, Xiao Yan sat down on a nearby chair and closed his eyes to rest. The middle-aged man hurriedly nodded and rushed out of the room.
Sitting in the chair, Xiao Yan remained silent, not speaking to the Pharmacist Elder. This was someone else’s territory, and it was better to be cautious. Who could guarantee that there were no eavesdropping or peeping devices?
After waiting for a while, the middle-aged man returned, this time accompanied by an elderly man in a green robe with slightly gray hair. Glancing at the elder, Xiao Yan’s gaze finally rested on the elder’s chest, where instead of a golden star, there was a design that resembled an alchemical furnace. On the surface of the furnace, two silver waves shimmered with a noble radiance.
“Honorable sir, this is Master Gunny from our auction house. He is a three-star Great Dou Shi and also a second-grade alchemist!” The middle-aged man introduced respectfully.
Hearing the elder’s identity, Xiao Yan’s eyebrows twitched involuntarily under the cloak. This was the first time he had met another alchemist besides the Pharmacist Elder. He couldn’t help but scrutinize the other man closely.
The elder’s face was ruddy, and although his green robe looked ordinary, it had a faint luster, indicating that it had been imbued with magical crystal protection. Despite his plain appearance, there was an unhidden air of pride, a trait common to all alchemists.
As Xiao Yan observed the elder, Gunny was also subtly scrutinizing him. Alchemists were not like Dou Shi; any alchemist appearing would be eagerly courted by all forces. Therefore, while observing, Gunny was also speculating about Xiao Yan’s identity.
The middle-aged man carefully picked up the jade bottle from the table and handed it to Gunny. Taking the bottle, Gunny sniffed its fragrant scent, his old eyes narrowing slightly. Tipping the bottle, a small drop of green liquid rolled out and hovered in the palm of Gunny’s hand.
Staring intently at the green liquid, Gunny held a silver needle between his fingers, and a faint aura of Dou Qi flickered on the needle. He gently stirred the green liquid…
As the needle stirred, Gunny’s expression gradually shifted from calm to serious. After a moment, he put the green liquid back into the bottle. When he looked at Xiao Yan again, his proud face showed a hint of respect. Turning to the middle-aged man, he said in a low voice, “This spirit liquid has reached the level of a second-grade pill. The gentleman’s previous statement is true!”
Relieved, the middle-aged man smiled warmly at Xiao Yan, “Honorable sir, are you planning to auction this spirit liquid?”
“Hmm. Can you arrange the fastest auction time for me?”
“Of course, no problem. Here, take this to the Number One Auction Room. An auction is currently taking place there, and your spirit liquid will be auctioned off shortly!” The middle-aged man handed over a black iron plaque with a smile.
“Hmm.” Taking the plaque, Xiao Yan left the room without delay, under the watchful eyes of the two men.
“Master Gunny, is he an alchemist?” After Xiao Yan left, the middle-aged man asked in a low voice.
“Hmm, indeed, an alchemist. That keen soul perception is unmistakable…” Gunny nodded, then furrowed his brows and mused, “But which faction does this alchemist belong to? I’ve never heard of an alchemist capable of refining a second-grade pill emerging in Utarn City.”
“Should we investigate his background?” The middle-aged man asked softly.
Gunny’s old eyes narrowed, and after a moment of thought, he shook his head, “Not for now. Alchemists have peculiar temperaments. If an investigation draws his attention, it might leave a bad impression of the auction house. Offending a mysterious alchemist of unknown rank is not a wise move.”
Turning to the middle-aged man, Gunny added, “You should know how to make a good impression on him, right?”
“Understood.”
“Remember, even if you cannot befriend him, you must not offend him. Otherwise…”
With these cold words, Gunny departed gracefully.
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