Chapter 102. Conclusion!

The crowd was left in shock at Zi Yan's method. With such ease and swift action, she nailed down a Dou Wang. Coupled with her terrifying control over spatial force, everyone's gaze towards the booth where Jiang Yun was seated was filled with fear.

"The aura of a magical beast, such skilled use of spatial force, and that dragon's roar just now... Could it be?"

Inside Xiao Yan's ring, Yao Chen was also shocked by Zi Yan's methods. However, with his experienced eyes, he immediately deduced that the astonishing spatial force she displayed was definitely beyond the Dou Huang stage.

Adding to that fleeting dragon roar, Yao Chen instantly thought of the supreme beings of the magical beast realm. He immediately suppressed his aura to the lowest level, fearing to draw any attention from those entities.

In his heart, he was cursing non-stop. This Jia Ma Empire seemed to be haunted. Normally unheard of and extremely rare major forces were appearing one after another!

First, the Soul Palace mysteriously found him, which later led to the more terrifying Soul Clan and Ancient Clan, almost shattering the Jia Ma Empire.

Now, even the historically mysterious Taixu Ancient Dragon has emerged. In Yao Chen's eyes, Jiang Yun was definitely related to or a part of the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan. Otherwise, why would the ancient dragon clan, which had been silent for millennia, suddenly appear in this northwest continent?

Zi Yan's display quelled any restlessly motivated people present. Jiang Yun's gaze slowly swept over the auction floor. Although there wasn't any overt display of aura, his calm eyes seemed like hidden terrifying abysses. Wherever his gaze landed, the riotous hall calmed down rapidly, like boiling water cooled by ice cubes.

Particularly in a few obscure corners, Jiang Yun spoke indifferently, "Everyone knows the auction rules. The bidding for the Advancement Pill starts now!"

Following Jiang Yun's words, an unusual silence settled in the massive auction hall.

Those without the qualifications to bid below, now turned their gazes upwards. They knew that they stood no chance at obtaining this pill; only a few powerful individuals and established forces above had the means to compete.

Witnessing such a high-level confrontation firsthand made this trip worthwhile for many!

Inside the booths, a peculiar silence reigned among everyone. Even some major forces who had been active earlier didn't rush to speak. Instead, they leaned back and tapped their fingers lightly on their chair backs, saying nothing.

Seven-tier pills were something many had never competed over before, unsure of what an appropriate price even was.

Jiang Yun wasn't in a hurry, patiently stroking the emerald green orb in his hand, the Bodhi Seed he acquired.

The Bodhi Seed's surface was somewhat rough, yet held within a vigorous life force, making one's body feel comfortable.

Jiang Yun enjoyed holding it. This item could sense the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Though reaching Dou Sheng seemed distant now, if he encountered the tree before then, Jiang Yun wouldn't hesitate to claim it.

"Five volumes of high-grade Profound-rank Dou Techniques, one volume of low-grade Earth-rank Dou Technique, plus three sixth-tier magic cores!"

After a period of silence, Jia Xing Tian couldn't bear it anymore. Having reached the peak of Dou Huang and suffering serious injuries that hadn't healed, using the Advancement Pill could be a way to rebuild his strength, albeit a risky gamble. Given his current condition, failure meant likely death, success only meant extending his life a bit longer.

Moreover, these items represented the maximum offering the royal family could produce!

"Three volumes of six-tier pill recipes, plus two volumes of Earth-rank Dou Techniques!" It was Fa Ma again. Even he looked pained, as each alchemist lineage kept its own unique recipes. Giving away four volumes of their exclusive recipes had already emptied his reserves. If others outbid him, he had no more cards to play.

"Three sixth-tier magic cores, one Reviving Grass, and... one copy of the Three Beast Wild Barbarian Technique!" A frantic voice sounded, with the eldest of the Mu Lan Three Elders looking madly at Jiang Yun.

Hearing this bid shocked everyone. Disregarding the sixth-tier magic cores, the Reviving Grass alone, used to refine seven-tier soul pills, was an incredibly enticing item for alchemists!

To top it off, offering the Mu Lan Valley's ultimate skill, the Three Beast Wild Barbarian Technique, was beyond extreme.

"Damn it!"

Hearing the Mu Lan Three Elders' bid, Yan Luotian cursed inwardly. Though he, a Dou Zong, didn't need the Advancement Pill, such pills were invaluable to a sect and never too many. Despite his frustration, he had to try his luck.

"Five sixth-tier magic cores, one copy of the Sky Falcon Nine Stride Wings!"

Yan Luotian's bid caused another stir. Everyone with knowledge knew the lofty status of the Sky Falcon Nine Stride Wings in the Golden Falcon Sect's hierarchy, though only a copy, look-once-permission made it extraordinarily precious!

Subsequently, those interested bid one after another, though none surpassed the previous high offers.

"One seventh-tier magic core, one volume of mid-grade Earth-rank Dou Technique!" A calm voice sounded, stirring the crowd once more.

"Yun Lan Sect!"

Seeing the bidder, no one could believe it. After failing to bid for Huang Ji Pill, they didn't expect such deep reserves.

"Not too bad, for a Dou Zun legacy, it's understandable to have some family treasures!" Jiang Yun withdrew his gaze, speaking indifferently.

"So, which one will you pick, Xiao Yun?" Zi Yan's eyes sparkled, everything seemed attractive to her, but she ultimately turned to Jiang Yun.

Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian watched curiously too, pondering Jiang Yun's choice.

As the bidding concluded, everyone looked anxiously at Jiang Yun, awaiting his pick.

Jiang Yun slowly stood. As he did, the auction hall fell silent, curiosity and anxiety fixating on him.

"Congratulations, Chairman Fa Ma!" Smiling, Jiang Yun gestured, and the jade bottle floated towards Fa Ma.

"Thank you, Master!" Fa Ma, initially surprised, quickly collected the pill and handed over the items to Jiang Yun, expressing his gratitude.

Despite Yun Lan Sect's impressive bid, Fa Ma didn't expect to be chosen, making this unexpected joy all the more exhilarating!

"A fair trade," Jiang Yun responded warmly. Then addressing everyone he continued, "Ladies and gentlemen, as the pill now has a rightful owner, I shall take my leave."

Jiang Yun's swift departure left everyone momentarily stunned, but no one dared to stop him. His presence in the imperial capital ensured people would visit him later.

As Jiang Yun left, the auction attendees started to disperse. Those who gained were delighted, while even those who didn't celebrate witnessing a grand spectacle.

Gu He, noticing a somewhat disheartened Yun Yun, quickly sought to console her.

"Elder Gu He, please address me as Sect Leader Yun!" Clearly, Yun Yun disliked familiar addresses, correcting him coldly.

"Yes, Sect Leader!" Disappointed by Yun Yun's reaction, Gu He respectfully responded.

"Let's go. The imperial capital is turbulent. Once back, I must see my master before deciding our course," Yun Yun said.

Due to the auction's significant attraction, potential incidents became a concern, especially considering her three-star Dou Huang status seemed inadequate to handle unexpected challenges. Hence, she thought of Yun Shan, now in seclusion.

Simultaneously, Jia Xing Tian departed too. As long as Jiang Yun stayed in Jia Ma Empire, people would flock to meet him at the Mittel Family residence.

But for now, Jiang Yun was once more pulled into busywork by Zi Yan, eager to utilize the myriad of gathered medicinal herbs.

After refining a ring's worth of medicinal pills for Zi Yan, Jiang Yun glanced at the waiting Hai Bodong, raised his hand, and numerous herbs funneled into the cauldron.

Pure white flames re-ignited; Jiang Yun skillfully began controlling the cauldron's flames.

This refining took until dawn the next day. Amid a fierce surge of energy, Jiang Yun lifted the freshly produced pill from the cauldron under Hai Bodong's amazed gaze.

"Here, since your Mittel Family contributed to the auction event's success, consider this a reward."

Calling Hai Bodong over saw the older man's anxious face breaking into joy as he received a freshly warmed jade bottle.

Touched by the lingering heat, Hai Bodong's eyes sparkled with excitement—this was the Huang Ji Pill!

Though he had bid during the auction, he didn't win. Now, completely unexpectedly, he held the coveted prize!

"I don't dare claim credit. It was solely because of your esteemed reputation that the auction concluded successfully. The Mittel Family merely benefited from your prestige," Hai Bodong humbly praised.

"In that case, if no credit's due, I'll take the pill back," Jiang Yun said, extending his hand.

Hai Bodong froze awkwardly, speechless.

"Maste... you, I..."

"Kidding. Take the pill," Jiang Yun chuckled lightly, waving dismissively.

"Thank you—" Hai Bodong sighed in relief, quickly securing the pill. He recalled his prior mission and respectfully reminded, "Master Jiang, outside, the Mu Lan Three Elders, Yan Luotian, Jia Xing Tian, and others have sent invitation posts, hoping for an audience!"

Cautiously peeking at Jiang Yun, Hai Bodong continued, "What do you think...?"

"Not seeing them. Send them off," Jiang Yun replied. He knew their requests, primarily seeking medicinal pills. After the recent spike in alchemical harvest and obtaining several valuable techniques and manuals, he had limited interest in more common items.

"But..." Hesitating briefly, Hai Bodong shivered on seeing Jiang Yun's serene gaze, quickly realizing the man's formidable nature, never to be deceived by a few days of docility. Without further delay, Hai Bodong bowed and retreated.

As Hai Bodong exited, Jiang Yun gazed into the distance where the Yun Lan Sect resided, contemplating unknown thoughts.

"Hai Bodong."

In a hall, several figures sat. Normally opposed, they now sat together harmoniously, a testament to the alchemist's alluring power. Impatient, Jia Xing Tian immediately leapt up upon seeing Hai Bodong and anxiously inquired.

All eyes fixated on Hai Bodong, anticipating good news.

"Master Jiang is in seclusion, no guests," Hai Bodong shook his head regretfully.

"What...?"

Disbelief washed over the group, some unwilling to accept it even questioned him. But seeing Hai Bodong's resolute expression, they let the matter rest.

"Sigh, seems I'm not fated to meet Master Jiang. With that, I'll take my leave," Fa Ma sighed regretfully, exiting first.

With a light hum, Yan Luotian half-mocked, looking at Jia Xing Tian, "In that case, I won't stay longer. Jia Xing Tian, I hope to see you again, old friend!"

Amidst Jia Xing Tian's grim expression, he spread his wings and left, followed by the mocking looks from the Mu Lan Three Elders. They subtly noticed Jia Xing Tian's deteriorating condition, an excellent sign for them.

Once outside, Jia Xing Tian consulted Hai Bodong's shaking head before dejectedly walking away. Staring at the distant sunset, Jia Xing Tian saw a reflection of his current state.

"You seem to need help!" A hoarse voice suddenly sounded from behind.

Startled, Jia Xing Tian turned, seeing a black-robed figure quietly standing close. Despite his heavy injuries, it wasn't ordinary for anyone to approach him unnoticed. Warily, Jia Xing Tian swept his arrogant gaze towards the figure and spouted, "Who are you, hiding away?"

Seemingly unbothered by the disdain, the figure tossed a black scroll towards him. Unfurling it, Jia Xing Tian's body trembled, eyes filling with surprise upon reading it.

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(End of chapter)