Exiting the auction house simultaneously with the two other clans, the three clan leaders exchanged laughter that was anything but genuine. Once they looked away, cold smirks and hostility surfaced on their faces. The three groups of people walked confidently through the hall, causing others to quickly make way. In Wu Tan City, no other force dared to provoke the three major clans.
After a few more insincere exchanges with Aubba Pa, Xiao Zhan’s gaze suddenly froze, and his steps halted. Following his gaze, everyone else also shifted their attention, and there was a subtle tremor. The expressions on Galley Bi and Aubba Pa’s faces also changed slightly.
From another entrance in the hall, three figures slowly emerged. Leading them was the chief auctioneer of the Miteer Auction House, Yaphira. As frequent guests, Xiao Zhan and the others knew very well that although this woman always had a smile on her face, she was actually very proud. Once, when Aubba Pa tried to invite her for a meal, she politely but firmly refused. This showed that she was not as approachable as she appeared.
Yet, today, this proud woman was leading the way with such respect, which indeed surprised Xiao Zhan and the others. Blinking, they shifted their gaze further back, and their expressions continued to change. At the rear, Master Gu Ni was smiling and whispering something to the mysterious person in the black cloak. His face, full of smiles, even held a hint of flattery.
If Yaphira’s respect was surprising, then the behavior of Master Gu Ni was truly shocking. As the highest-ranking alchemist in Wu Tan City, he was usually shown great respect by even the three clan leaders. Master Gu Ni, a second-grade alchemist, always maintained a sense of superiority, and his aloof manner made others even more respectful. Yet, such a figure was now showing such respect and even smiling ingratiatingly. Who, then, was the person he was trying to please?
With a look of shock, their gazes finally settled on the figure entirely shrouded in a large black cloak. Glancing at the stout figure, Xiao Zhan’s thoughts raced: “Who is this? Why would the two main figures of the Miteer Auction House personally escort him? What business does such a person have in Wu Tan City?”
Licking his dry lips, Xiao Zhan looked around and saw that Galley Bi and Aubba Pa were also curious and shocked. As the three approached, Xiao Zhan forced a smile and stepped forward, saying, “Miss Yaphira, Master Gu Ni, it’s rare to see you both together.”
Yaphira and Gu Ni had already noticed them. Seeing Xiao Zhan speak, they slowed down but shifted their gaze to the black-cloaked figure. They only relaxed when the black-cloaked figure also stopped.
“Heh, just seeing off an honored guest,” Yaphira smiled.
“Oh, heh…” Galley Bi also approached with a smile, looking at the black-cloaked figure behind Yaphira and casually asked, “Heh, is this gentleman from Wu Tan City? Heh, I don’t seem to recognize him.”
“Cough… Clan Leader Galley, the old gentleman is an honored guest of the Miteer Auction House…” Master Gu Ni frowned and coughed, reminding Galley Bi not to ask too many questions.
Hearing the reminder, Galley Bi’s expression changed slightly, muttering inwardly, “Even Gu Ni is so wary? Who is this man?”
Seeing Galley Bi get a soft rebuff, Xiao Zhan swallowed his words. Given Gu Ni’s wary attitude, the black-cloaked figure was clearly not of the same level. He could only laugh along and prepare to retreat gracefully.
“Are you Xiao Zhan of the Xiao family?” Just as Xiao Zhan was about to step back, the silent black-cloaked figure suddenly asked in a calm voice.
Hearing the old voice, Xiao Zhan was slightly stunned and hesitantly nodded.
“I heard that your young master advanced several levels of Dou Qi within a year with the Foundation Spirit Liquid. Heh, that’s quite surprising,” the black-cloaked figure said with a faint smile.
Pleased by the polite treatment, Xiao Zhan smiled and said, “My son just got lucky.”
Waving his hand dismissively, the black-cloaked figure laughed, “Luck is also a skill. If there’s a chance, I’d like to meet him. Maybe he can become an alchemist one day.”
Surprised by the remark, Xiao Zhan seemed not to fully understand. “If there’s a chance, I’ll seek cooperation with the Xiao family.” The black-cloaked figure smiled and turned to Yaphira and Gu Ni, “No need to see me off, I still have some business to attend to.” Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the auction house.
Touching his face in confusion, Xiao Zhan turned to see Yaphira and Gu Ni staring at him with envy. “What’s going on, you two?”
“Clan Leader Xiao, do you know the old gentleman?” Yaphira asked tentatively.
“First time meeting him,” Xiao Zhan replied with a bitter smile, noticing the strange expressions on Yaphira and Gu Ni’s faces. “Who is he?”
“Ah, the Xiao family is in luck,” Gu Ni shook his head lightly, glancing at the Foundation Spirit Liquid that Galley Bi was holding like a treasure. “Those things are his work.”
Upon hearing this, the three of them were shocked. After a moment, Xiao Zhan’s face lit up with joy. He hadn’t expected the black-cloaked old man to be an alchemist, and given Gu Ni’s earlier attitude, clearly one of a higher grade!
A second-grade alchemist already warranted their respect, what about a third or fourth-grade alchemist? Goodness, a person of that level was beyond their reach.
“This is a big break…” Recalling the black-cloaked figure’s offer to cooperate, Xiao Zhan’s eyes brightened, and he muttered in delight. Meanwhile, Galley Bi and Aubba Pa, having recovered from their shock, looked enviously, their eyes as wide as rabbits.
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