Gazing at Xiao Yan, who was slowly tapping the table, seemingly in deep thought, Yaphira felt a bit tense. As the helmsman of the Nalan family, Nalan Jie had maintained a good relationship with the Mitter family during his tenure. If he were to pass away, all the cooperative affairs between the Nalan and Mitter families would likely come to a halt. Such a loss would be significant.
Of course, Yaphira didn’t expect Xiao Yan to have the ability to expel the toxins from Nalan Jie’s body. Although Xiao Yan had grown immensely through his trials, she still doubted that he possessed something as legendary as the Heavenly Fire. Her primary concern was to elicit a response from the mysterious teacher hidden behind Xiao Yan. Having witnessed the terrifying power displayed by this mysterious figure in Wutan City, Yaphira could feel his unfathomable and enigmatic nature even more. In such a situation, if this person were willing to help, Nalan Jie might still have a chance to recover…
“Although I’ve never tried it, just hearing Gu He’s method, I can tell it must be very dangerous. Entering someone’s body with an unusual fire, if the wielder has even a hint of malice or makes a slight mistake, Nalan Jie might turn into ashes instantly… Given this, do you still suggest I try? You should know that I’m not sure if I can fully control my emotions with Nalan Yanran around.”
After a long silence, Xiao Yan finally spoke slowly.
Yaphira nodded bitterly, “It is indeed a very dangerous matter, but the Nalan family has no other choice. If they don’t take this risk, Nalan Jie might truly be finished.”
“Are you thinking of trying?” Yaphira’s eyes lit up slightly as she stared at Xiao Yan. If Xiao Yan agreed, the mysterious teacher hidden behind him would at least give some secret guidance, increasing the chances of curing Nalan Jie significantly.
“I need to get that ‘Seven Illusions Qingling Saliva.’ It’s a must!” Xiao Yan pressed his lips together and, after a moment, furrowed his brows and said softly, “But do you have any special tools that can change one’s appearance? You know about my feud with the Nalan family. If they recognize me, they certainly won’t let me do something so dangerous for Nalan Jie… Sigh, what a hassle.”
Seeing Xiao Yan frowning impatiently, Yaphira quickly thought for a moment and then nodded, smiling, “Tools that can change one’s appearance are rare, but we do have one in our auction house…”
She waved to call a maid and whispered instructions to her. The maid nodded respectfully and quickly left. A few minutes later, she returned with an exquisite wooden box, which she placed gently on the table.
Xiao Yan took the box and opened it slowly, revealing a thin, skin-like mask. With a slight curiosity, he carefully picked it up, feeling its icy coolness and lightness like a cicada’s wing.
“This is made from the ice silk of the snow silkworm, crafted by skilled artisans. It already has the shape of a face on it. Covering it over your face will hide your original appearance,” Yaphira explained with a smile. “This ice silk mask is a high-grade item in our Mitter Auction House. If sold, it would fetch at least three hundred thousand gold coins. This time, consider it a gift… Don’t refuse; if you can cure Nalan Jie, the potential benefits for our Mitter Auction House will far exceed this amount. Think of it as a hidden investment.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded slightly and did not refuse. He held the ice silk mask in his hand and gently placed it on his face. Instantly, a cool sensation spread across his face, and he could even feel his features shifting slightly.
Standing aside, Yaphira watched his face become more ordinary and handed him a crystal mirror, smiling, “The effect is quite good, isn’t it?”
Opening his eyes, Xiao Yan looked at his reflection and was surprised to see a face that was nearly unrecognizable. He nodded, satisfied and somewhat amazed.
“Though strong practitioners rely on sensing each other’s aura, you rarely interact with the Nalan family. After three years, Nalan Yanran wouldn’t recognize your aura… With this ice silk mask, as long as you aren’t scrutinized too closely, it should be hard for them to discover your disguise,” Yaphira said with a smile.
Xiao Yan nodded and gently stroked the masked face. After a while, he said lazily, “I’ll give it a try. I’ll do my best to remove the toxins, but as I said, it’s extremely dangerous. If I accidentally burn the old man to ashes, I won’t take responsibility.”
Hearing this, Yaphira shook her head helplessly, “I’ll write a recommendation letter for you. When you go to the Nalan family, it should reduce the scrutiny.”
“Okay, thanks.” Xiao Yan smiled and nodded.
Turning to the desk, Yaphira took a beautifully crafted piece of paper and wrote carefully. After a while, she handed the folded letter to Xiao Yan, smiling, “Xiao Yan, don’t let me down. This is my first time recommending someone.”
“Let’s hope so,” Xiao Yan said ambiguously, taking the letter. “Thanks, I’ll handle the rest.”
Smiling, Yaphira said, “To keep your identity secret, I won’t accompany you out. If you need help, come to the Mitter Auction House. I’ll do my best to assist you.”
Nodding with a smile, Xiao Yan turned to Hai Bo Dong and gestured, then walked towards the door.
“Little girl, if Mitter Tengshan asks about me, tell him I’ll visit when I have time. Don’t let him go crazy looking for me,” Hai Bo Dong said lazily, standing up and glancing at Yaphira.
“Uh… Yes, sir,” Yaphira nodded, though she was uncertain.
As the two figures disappeared, Yaphira thought for a moment and left through another door. A Battle Emperor appearing at the Mitter Auction House was significant news that needed to be reported to the family. Of course, along with the report, she would have to address the complaints of the Leo grandfather and grandson…
At the Mitter Auction House entrance, Xiao Yan stood at the fork in the street, watching the bustling crowd. He took a deep breath and looked towards the center of the city, where the Nalan family, one of the three major families of the Gama Empire, was located.
“Let’s go…” Xiao Yan said, putting his hands in his sleeves, and calmly walked towards the family that once could have been his home.
In the border region between the Gama Empire and the neighboring two empires, the ancient and renowned Canaan Academy stood quietly, exuding a sense of age and antiquity. Though it didn’t look particularly imposing, its immense reputation and formidable strength made even the three great empires treat it with utmost respect.
Inside the ancient academy, students from all over gathered. Many of them were top talents in their hometowns, but here, such talent was commonplace. During the opening ceremony, the old, seemingly half-asleep elder said only a few words: “No matter who you were before, here, you are simply students of Canaan Academy. Your identities are the same. Fights and duels are allowed as long as no one dies. But if anyone dares to use family power for revenge, Canaan Academy will deal with it.”
The old man’s overwhelming aura left these words deeply imprinted in the hearts of all the students. “Here, dragons must coil, and tigers must lie low!”
On a remote peak of the ancient academy, a young woman in a pale green dress stood elegantly by the cliff. The gentle breeze blew her long, flowing hair, revealing her perfect silhouette. She gazed silently at the eastern sky, a serene lotus untouched by the dust of the world.
After a long silence, the young woman spoke, her ethereal voice cleansing the heart. “Come out…”
With her words, a green shadow separated strangely from a large tree behind her, kneeling on one knee, “Miss.”
The young woman turned, revealing a flawless side profile. It was none other than Xuner, who had entered Canaan Academy.
“Miss, Young Master Xiao Yan has arrived in the Gama Imperial Capital!”
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