As the days passed during Xiao Yan’s seclusion, vials of completed elixirs began to steadily flow into Xiao Lie’s hands. With such a rich source of elixirs, Xiao Lie was delighted but also began to cease selling the elixirs individually. Having spent two or three years in the Black Corner Region, he knew very well that to maximize the value of the elixirs, an auction was the most perfect method! Now that Maple City was thoroughly under the control of the Xiao Sect, with their strength, they were capable of hosting a grand and impressive elixir auction. After a few days of preparation, Xiao Lie finally sent out the news of the upcoming auction through various channels.
In the Black Corner Region, auctions of all sizes were common, but a single-purpose elixir auction was quite rare. When Xiao Lie sent out the news, he naturally also circulated the information about the high-grade elixirs that would be up for auction. As a result, in just two short days, the elixir auction in Maple City attracted considerable attention.
Of course, holding an auction in the Black Corner Region required immense strength as a prerequisite. Otherwise, once the auction began, those driven mad by greed would do outrageously insane things, such as forcibly seizing the auction items. Such occurrences, while shocking in the outside world, were quite common in the Black Corner Region.
If the previous “Xiao Sect” had tried to host such an auction, it would have certainly drawn much ridicule. A mere second-rate power, how could it possibly host such an event? However, after the leaders of the Tian Yin Sect and two other major powers, along with their troops, stormed into Maple City and publicly announced that “Xiao Sect” remained the city’s master, any mockery evaporated. Observers could see that this joint operation into Maple City had met with formidable resistance, resistance that even they were wary of.
At this point, forces large and small in the Black Corner Region had to reevaluate this suddenly emerging new force. The union of the three major powers, even the old “Black Alliance” would not easily provoke, yet now, this so-called “Xiao Sect” had humbled them. This was enough to set many imaginations running wild.
The temperaments of the three major power’s leaders were well-known in the Black Corner Region; they were ruthless, brutal, and capricious. Yet, after returning from Maple City, they unanimously kept silent and did not mention anything about “Xiao Sect.” Even when they dispatched troops to Maple City a few days later, they chose a location far from the city’s central magnificent mansion.
All these actions clearly demonstrated that the three major powers were wary, even fearful, of this so-called “Xiao Sect”!
At this point, anyone who still thought that this so-called “Xiao Sect” was merely a second-rate power with a single Dou Wang expert was likely suffering from brain damage. Thus, when the news of the “Xiao Sect’s” elixir auction spread through the Black Corner Region, people prudently kept their mouths shut, avoiding any ridicule or commentary. Soon after, when the three major powers announced they would send troops to assist in maintaining order in Maple City, other factions were relieved by their own silence—this “Xiao Sect” indeed hid a frightening strength that even the three major powers feared!
Of course, regardless of the thoughts of other factions, Xiao Lie’s efforts ensured that almost the entire Black Corner Region knew about the grand elixir auction in Maple City. As the auction date approached, more and more people flocked to Maple City from all over the region. Everyone was incredibly interested in elixirs, and this specialized elixir auction was a first for the Black Corner Region, naturally attracting many.
On the day before the auction, the crowd in Maple City reached a terrifying number, even surpassing the peak times of the “Black Alliance.” This clearly showed how successful Xiao Lie’s idea of a dedicated elixir auction was.
For such a significant event, Xiao Lie naturally informed Xiao Yan. Understanding that a powerful figure must oversee the auction, Xiao Yan paused his tedious alchemical work the day before the auction and secretly discussed at length with Queen Medusa, finally feeling at ease.
As time passed, the grand elixir auction in Maple City gradually opened amidst the anticipation of countless people. On the opening day, the dense bloody aura emanating from the statuesque figures of the black-clad individuals standing outside the auction house cast a profound sense of suppression and fear over everyone.
In a position overlooking the spacious grounds below, Xiao Yan gazed at the surging sea of people and nodded slightly. “Third Brother, I have finally managed to find and reserve all the herbs you need, though it will take a considerable sum to acquire them. If the auction goes well, not only will we obtain those herbs, but the ‘Xiao Sect’ will also gain a large amount of funds.”
Xiao Yan let out a slight sigh of relief, smiling. The Black Corner Region was indeed filled with talented individuals. The herbs he requested were extremely rare and unusual, yet they were all successfully acquired.
“However, there are some troubles today,” Xiao Lie suddenly frowned, speaking in a low voice.
“What?” Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, asking calmly.
“The commotion I’ve caused has attracted many forces in the Black Corner Region, including some former members of the Black Alliance. It’s said that even the Old Man Gold and Old Man Silver will attend,” Xiao Lie said helplessly.
“Do you fear they’ll cause trouble?” Xiao Yan asked with a smile.
“Yes, those guys are no pushovers, especially Old Man Gold and Old Man Silver. Though they may fear the Gan Nan Academy, they have no qualms about us,” Xiao Lie nodded.
“Don’t worry, those two old codgers are nothing to worry about. You just run the auction, and I’ll handle everything else.”
“This… okay.” Xiao Lie hesitated for a moment before nodding. He had complete faith in Xiao Yan, especially since he could subdue someone as fierce as Queen Medusa.
As they spoke, the vast auction hall began to fill with a massive crowd. The black heads of the people, stretching as far as the eye could see, created a cacophony of sound that threatened to break through the ceiling.
In the front rows of the auction, where the view was excellent, were the key figures and leaders of the Black Corner Region’s various factions. These leaders occasionally exchanged glances, their eyes scanning around, their thoughts unknown.
In the front row on the northwest side, a cluster of prominent figures from the Black Corner Region congregated. At the very front were the familiar Old Man Gold and Old Man Silver. Behind them were some well-known Black Corner Region experts, most of whom were former Black Alliance members, naturally gathering together.
These people continuously whispered among themselves, while Old Man Gold and Old Man Silver closed their eyes, making their thoughts unknowable.
**Ding!**
A crisp bell rang, and the commotion in the auction house gradually subsided. All eyes slowly focused on the auction stage. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Xiao Lie stepped out from behind the stage and, without a hint of nervousness, stood there, clasping his hands towards the four cardinal directions. A smile appeared on his stern face as he loudly announced, “I am Xiao Lie, the manager of the ‘Xiao Sect’. Today is our first auction. If there are any shortcomings, I hope you will bear with us.”
The entire hall fell silent, all eyes fixed on Xiao Lie. As the recently emerging most powerful faction in the Black Corner Region, many speculated about who had the capability to make the three major powers wary. Could he be the leader of the ‘Xiao Sect’?
After a moment of quiet, whispers broke out. Among the strong attendees, some quickly deduced Xiao Lie’s strength. He was at most Dou Wang level; how could he possibly suppress the three major powers?
Amidst the whispers, Old Man Gold and Old Man Silver, who had their eyes closed, slowly opened them. They looked at Xiao Lie on the stage with mocking gazes. After a while, they laughed coldly, “Boy, bring out the true leader. If you are truly the leader of the ‘Xiao Sect,’ then there’s no need for this auction today. Han Xue, despite his death at Xiao Yan’s hands, deserves better than being replaced by a punk like you.”
As the strongest in the Black Corner Region, their words drew many nods of agreement. In the Black Corner Region, kicking someone while they’re down is a common occurrence.
Xiao Lie’s face soured as he looked at the smirking Old Man Gold and Old Man Silver. Just as he was about to speak, a soft, calm voice echoed throughout the auction hall.
“Heh, since Han Xue died by my hand, is it not right for me to claim my spoils?”
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