Stepping out from the Thousand Medicine Pavilion, Xiao Yan gazed at the bustling crowd flowing through the streets. He softly exhaled, then tilted his head and smiled toward the Little Healer Immortal beside him, “It seems today wasn’t in vain after all. Little did I expect to really hear news of the Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva here.”
The Little Healer Immortal smiled gently, a flicker of excitement rising in her heart. There were three requirements for controlling her Poison Body; among them, the Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva was the hardest to find. Now, after gaining word of it, if they could win the piece at this auction, it would mean she was very close to complete control.
“However, to attain the Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva at this auction won’t be so easy,” The Little Healer Immortal mused, lightly knitting her eyebrows as she looked toward Xiao Yan, sighing lightly. Although the Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva on its own likely wouldn’t tempt many experts or great sects, the mysterious Bodhi Heart that might follow would be cause for madness among almost anyone. Thus, obtaining the Saliva among such formidable competition at this auction would definitely not be simple.
“We’ll try our best. And if that doesn’t work, I suppose illegal measures are another possibility,” Xiao Yan shrugged, offering half a smile. Not long ago to acquire part of the map hinting at the Celestial Flame, he had taken the life of the young heir of Crimson Gate under cover, in a manner no different—eliminating the opponent and seizing treasure—entirely common within the Black Horn Domain. Xiao Yan knew full well that within Hei Huang City there must have been more than a few harboring the same ambitions about seizing this Saliva for themselves. Hence, whoever would manage to truly outbid others for it might struggle greatly to leave the city with it in possession.
When Xiao Yan said that, the Little Healer’s lips twitched with subtle shock, while Zi Yan, on the other hand, wore pure excitement as her usual expression, seemingly delighted with such undertakings.
“Haha but of course, that’s a last-ditch choice. For now, let’s follow formal procedures first. Once we find accommodations, though, I will prepare some high-class medicinal pills—our currency in the auction battle. Otherwise, how else might we stand in the competition? My intuition says Hei Huang Sect plans to auction this so-called Bodhi Body Transformation Saliva for trading goods instead of coinage. Items as valuable as such truly transcend prices; no ordinary money may ever suffice to determine their worth,” Xiao Yan smiled and mused.
“Hmm,” the Little Healer gently nodded, lowering her voice slightly then as she spoke, “Thanks.” Deep down, she understood that Xiao Yan’s efforts were all aimed at controlling her own lethal Poison Body. The young man’s selfless endeavor truly filled her heart deeply with gratitude. “Why talk with pleasantries now? I told you before I’d help, and help I shall,” Xiao Yan chuckled. Startled momentarily, the Little Healer softly gripped her lower lip and silently whispered in her mind, *I shall cherish this act of goodwill… someday… give back my very existence should need require it.” Pressing thoughts deep inside, the Little Healer’s smile returned as she lightly directed, glancing down along the street, “Where do you plan to next?”
“To the so-called Hei Huang Pavilion first. At present, this city overflows with newcomers. First find proper quarters, and thereafter commence medicinal pill creation,” Xiao Yan suggested after pondering thoughtfully.
“Return to Hei Huang Pavilion? Weren’t those elders connected to the Hei Huang Sect previously? Isn’t visiting their domain slightly reckless?” The suggestion caught slight hesitation.
“Don’t overworry,” Xiao Yan waved a hand dismissively, a smirk barely concealing his arrogance. “Judging by our cultivation strength, as long as the Sect Chief of Hei Huang Sect lacks mental affliction that leads to recklessness, certainly even a fool wouldn’t provoke such small disputes without cause.”
Satisfied yet firm about his suggestion, eventually the Healer acquiesced with nonchalance. Merely offering precaution, she bore minimal fear of that self-proclaimed mighty Hei Huang Sect. Being a Battle Sect-level expert, she’d traversed countless formidable sectors across Toudi Mainland, and the idea that a mere sect such as Hei Huang might truly instill fright in her—no such chance presented itself.
Upon the unobjectionable reply regarding visitation, Xiao Yan casually solicited directional assistance from a bystander then proceeded down street toward Hei Huang Guild with two companions leisurely following in trail.
Hei Huang Pavilion, a locale specially established in Hei Hwang City to host famed experts dwelling the Black-Horn Territory. The elite accommodates within; all possessing great reputation and power to warrant entry privileges.
In proximity to a hundred meters’ stretch around this building, Hei Huang Sect patrolled with rigid caution; ordinary folk approaching unauthorized would be banished immediately.
Xiao Yan and crew made gradual arrival. Despite the expected crowding and congestion at the entrance itself—his group discerned, with their own refined perception, among the clusters of gathered visitors there dwelt only strong entities—each of considerable power.
“Not unwarranted acclaim—the guests here are anything but ordinary indeed”. Xiao Yan inwardly acknowledged with a solemn tone, scanning with his peripheral eyes over fleeting figures passing by. Within a brief span of one-hundred-meter distance alone he discerned at least two Battle Emperor-tier adepts and about nearly a dozen Dou Wang experts, not to account further for those perhaps belonging simply as followers, retainers in service for these grander faction leaders visiting elsewhere.
Before Hei Huang Gateway, stationed within their formation a defensive wall from Hei Huang guards patrolled vigilantly, leaving a cleared path where an elderly figure cloaked in blue robes stood waiting serenely ahead with a warm welcome smile. Observably possessing high rank, numerous strong entities passing saluted casually before slipping forward.
Among the following crowd, Xiao Yan’s trio moved steadily. When they approached the gap separating inside versus the entrance itself, the kindly elderly man wearing blue robes approached directly now.
He scanned a gaze toward all three briefly, addressing politely: “Sirs! Ladies, this premise caters primarily as exclusive lodging for VIP patrons of Hei Huang—permission is prerequisite upon entry for accommodations within. Do any one among yourselves hold such a certificate?”
Xiao Yan gave him a quick once-over, noticing instantly he was no less than a Battle Emperor tier being too—rank no less than six or seven stars—truly formidable in strength even within Black Horn Territory’s standards, capable alone of being regarded a powerful name.
Xiao Yan responded accordingly with a customary bow while simultaneously presenting his credential issued by the entrance guard back earlier to that blue-robed gatekeeper.
Observing the certificate presented, the Elder’s smile expanded. He studied again the young adult’s appearance and finally offered words warmly, “I am Elder Che Chen at Hei Huang Sect. Three appear vaguely new upon our premises—may I inquire names?”
“A mere traveler known only as Yan Xiao, not much of renown really. Recently just arrived within the Black Horn Domain and having learned recently of Hei Huang hosting grand auction events, hence our decision to simply drop visits while opportunity remains.”
Perceiving a subtly probing quality within the Elder’s gaze probing deeper for truths, Xiao Yan casually smiled.
“Heh hehhe! Whomever possesses Hei Huang’s certificate certainly isn’t ‘unnoticed’. Yan Xiao, please, we won’t be easily deceived young one!”
The blue-haired patriarch chuckled, obviously unyielding towards Xiao Yan’s humble self-labeling. From his sensing, that youth in appearance alone was undeniably within realm of Battle Emperor class. Moreover his accompanying pair behind—one tall one small female—he couldn’t even estimate accurately, their depth hidden well.
“Respectfully so,” Xiao Yan offered, then continued as the flow carried him toward formalities with ease, while politely reminding: “Elder Che… Might we now access premises? We would avoid further delay.”
“Certainly! Entry into Hei Huang’s quarters shall be properly guided to personal housing by appointed stewards,” Elders nodded warmly while taking one lateral step to grant passage.
A courteous nod toward the older official before turning forward once more, Xiao Yan stepped inside with steady footfalls. The Little Healer and Zi Yan followed behind.
Just as the trio managed full entry into premises, a loud announcement boomed unexpectedly from without:
“Arrival of Great elder Yanfang of Flame Devouring Valley!”
Such declaration immediately paused numerous wanderings, eyes turning toward origin curiously.
Approaching now—a grand array marching forward—leading being in red-haired elder figure strides powerfully across terrain like lion or tiger. Behind him in orderly line followed a mass of people. Many whispers began at observing such entrance.
“Unexpected to discover Yanfang, the Flame Devouring great master present in personal charge!”
“Heh he! Guessing this visit centers around Bodhi transformation Saliva then. Other reason would struggle to justify his travel across such distance for a being teetering Battle Sect boundary.”
“These happenings promise a spectacle worth viewing within Hei Hwang now! With elite clans gathering and various formidable martial adepts competing for Bodhi body-transforming saliva, who’ll fall and who endure—guessing heavy casualties await before finality!”
Eavesdropping the discussions among crowd, Xiao Yan and companions observed similarly murmuring observers, eyes fixed firmly toward the red man.
“That’s a Devourer of Flames Sect figure then?”
“No question regarding such reputation, competing already with Ga Nan Academy! Clearly strength remains undeniably substantial,” murmured Xiao Yan upon seeing the imposing lineup.
“Especially the rear figure robed gray, seems… oddly unsettling,” softly whispered the healer, leaning closer to Xiao Yan while murmuring with suspicion in tone.
Upon that comment he hesitated slightly, repositioning observation to examine the hooded being trailing the group’s end. Initially unnoticed, he previously swept sight past only briefly before discarding, given how faintly concealed the gray-ghost’s presence felt. Only upon the alerting insight from the Little Healer’s caution did he suddenly realize an eerie sensation from that silhouette—as if somewhat disturbing yet bizarrely vaguely familiar.
Such strange feeling prompted Xiao Yan’s brows to furrow tighter.
Reflecting momentarily yielded no conclusions—thus giving up while shrugging helplessly before continuing inwards.
A final lingering glance was given to Elder Yanfang currently engaged mid-chuckle with Elder Che, before cold shadowy determination flicked momentarily within those eyes, yet again, Xiao Yan simply turned his gaze forward resuming steps forward.
As his back faced away toward inner gateway, the distant robed gray man trailing Flame Devourer Valley’s crowd suddenly raised face ever-so-slightly, seemingly reacting in sudden realization at their passing by, locking sight with Xiao Yan’s retreating form.
Eyes hidden, peering with a gaze brimming sinister intent, a faint trace of curious perplexity reflected amidst the madness swirling deep—before resuming their usual posture once again.
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