“Old Man Ying Shan…” Xiao Yan whispered softly, drawing a deep breath. The fist hidden in his sleeve tightened abruptly. He hadn’t expected that even with the Breakthrough Pill, he still couldn’t catch the Black Emperor Sect’s interest.
“Looks like the item that person bid is even more precious than your Breakthrough Pill,” murmured Little Healer Immortal, somewhat surprised. She didn’t expect that the unassuming old man could produce an item of such caliber.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. His gaze beneath the black robe slowly turned to the old man with a hawk nose, his eyes faintly gleaming with joy. Frowning, Old Man Ying Shan? Was this the name by which he was known in the Black Corner Region? It must be some sort of elder powerhouse; otherwise, Xiao Yan would have never heard of him.
The silence in the hall finally broke into a roar. Countless shocked gazes looked toward the gray-haired, hawk-nosed old man seated in the corner. Surprised exclamations echoed throughout the auction house.
“Old Man Ying Shan? Is he the same Old Man Ying Shan who once ranked in the top three on the Black List? He’s still alive?”
“He never died but simply went into hiding for seclusion. Never would I think we would encounter such an elder powerhouse who once dominated the Black Corner Region. This trip truly wasn’t in vain.”
“Back then, he was already a Peak Battle Emperor. With so many years passing, he must have broken through to the Battle Sect level, right?”
Compared to the clamor in the hall, there was a strange tension that enveloped the VIP seats. Gaze after cold and sinister gaze converged on the figure of Old Man Ying Shan. Although the latter was not weak in the Black Corner Region, under the temptation of the Bodhi Transformation Saliva, any opponent would be ignored.
Unfazed by the ominous gazes, Old Man Ying Shan leaned back against his chair, his wrinkled face expressionless. There was a hint of viciousness in his eyes. In a place like the Black Corner Region, there was no room for mercy. He had become one of the top three powerhouses on the Black List because of the number of foes he had killed. Though he had been in seclusion for many years, and his ferocity had mellowed somewhat, anyone who dared to see him as a soft target now would pay a blood price.
On the auction stage, Mo Tianxing remained smiling. Apparently unbothered by the eerie atmosphere, he said happily, “Now that the Bodhi Transformation Saliva has found its owner, our Black Emperor Sect’s auction may be considered complete. In the following few days, the Black Emperor Sect will host a grand banquet. If you’re all interested, you can stay and enjoy yourselves. As for the distinguished guests who won items, please come to the Black Emperor Sect within the next two days. We will deliver their winnings intact.”
No sooner had Mo Tianxing spoken than Old Man Ying Shan rose slowly to his feet and, ignoring the staring crowd, walked calmly toward the exit.
With Old Man Ying Shan’s departure, other guests started to get up and leave, too. With his keen spiritual perception, Xiao Yan sensed at least half the people radiating a killing intent.
“The real show has just begun. The coming days are sure to be bloody and chaotic,” Xiao Yan chuckled, got to his feet, and walked to the exit. Behind him, the Little Healer Immortal and Zi Yan followed closely.
“Ha ha, friend,” a laugh sounded from behind as Xiao Yan was about to walk out.
Pausing, Xiao Yan turned his black-robed head slightly, looking at the approaching Demon Flame Valley group. A slightly hoarse voice spoke, “Can I help you with something?”
“Ha ha, I am Fang Yan, the Great Elder of Demon Flame Valley. May I know your name?” Fang Yan smiled widely, bowed, and greeted Xiao Yan cordially.
“My surname is Yan. Is the Great Elder in need of something?”
“Ha ha, Mr. Yan, I believe your alchemy skills are unparalleled in the Black Corner Region, am I right? I came here not for anything else, but to ask if Mr. Yan is also interested in the Bodhi Transformation Saliva?” With a smile, Fang Yan asked, his tone suddenly turning chilly.
“Why?” Xiao Yan’s gaze narrowed slightly behind his black robe, his voice calm.
“If you’re interested in the Bodhi Transformation Saliva, perhaps we can cooperate. Old Man Ying Shan is a powerful senior in the Black Corner Region. Even with the young lady by your side, it might be hard to take the Bodhi Transformation Saliva from him,” Fang Yan suggested quietly.
Hearing this, a mocking smile flickered across Xiao Yan’s lips before he shook his head slightly. “I’m not interested in Elder Fang Yan’s proposal. Sorry.”
Turning, Xiao Yan sent a quick, sharp glance at the mysterious gray-robed figure standing behind Fang Yan, then left.
Seeing Xiao Yan reject his offer, a flash of coldness appeared in Fang Yan’s eyes.
“This guy is really arrogant. Does he think having a Battle Sect-level companion means he can single-handedly defeat Old Man Ying Shan?” The elders of Demon Flame Valley muttered angrily. Given their sect’s reputation in the Black Corner Region, they rarely received such treatment.
Fang Yan’s face turned grim, and he turned to the mysterious gray-robed figure. “Sir, what should we do now?”
“In this situation, everyone is after the Bodhi Transformation Saliva, so don’t hope for anyone to trust you and form an alliance. You can only rely on yourself. Old Man Ying Shan is strong, but not invincible. Get someone to follow him closely. Once he leaves the Black Emperor City, move immediately!”
The gray robe fluttered, exuding a faint, illusory, and emotionless aura.
Fang Yan nodded slightly, glancing at the Xiao Li and Elder Su Qian. “What about the members of the Xiao Sect and the Jia Nan Academy?”
“Leave them for now. The Bodhi Transformation Saliva is the priority,” the gray-robed figure said indifferently.
“Understood…”
Waving his hand, Fang Yan led the group away from the bustling auction house.
The successful end of the auction made the atmosphere in Black Emperor City joyous. The festive spirit of the grand banquet hosted by the Black Emperor Sect shrouded the entire city, but acute observers could sense an impending storm beneath the celebration.
After the auction, some forces stayed in Black Emperor City, seemingly enjoying the banquets hosted by the sect. However, in secret, their eyes were trained on one target: Old Man Ying Shan’s residence.
Amidst this tense atmosphere, Xiao Yan and the others remained unruffled. They were determined to obtain the Bodhi Transformation Saliva, and they weren’t worried that Old Man Ying Shan would slip away. Under such close surveillance, even a Battle Sect wouldn’t escape unnoticed.
Waiting for the developments, Xiao Yan, along with Little Healer Immortal and Zi Yan, visited the Black Emperor Sect the next day.
Mo Tianxing welcomed them with utmost enthusiasm, receiving them with the highest honors. The warmth made Xiao Yan feel a bit uneasy.
After some conversation, Mo Tianxing noticed Xiao Yan’s impatience and stopped chatting. He clapped his hands, and the items Xiao Yan had bought, including the beast corpse, were brought in.
“Ha ha, Mr. Yan, here are all the items you purchased. You can check them personally,” Mo Tianxing said with a smile.
Xiao Yan nodded, carefully inspecting each item, especially spending considerable time on the beast corpse. Satisfied, he nodded, retrieving the gold coins and pills from his ring and placing them on the table.
“Lord Mo, please check these items.”
Mo Tianxing glanced and waved his hand, saying, “No need. I trust Mr. Yan.”
Xiao Yan smiled and said, “If that’s the case, I shall take my leave.”
As he turned to go, Mo Tianxing hurried forward, forcing a laugh, “Mr. Yan, please wait a moment.”
“How can I help you?”
“Ha ha…” Mo Tianxing chuckled nervously, rubbing his hands. “Mr. Yan, would you consider exchanging your Breakthrough Pill with me?”
A cold smile played on Xiao Yan’s lips. As expected, the old man wanted to get his hands on the Breakthrough Pill.
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