Chapter 136: Thank Me

Entering through the massive city gate, Xiao Yan lifted his head to gaze upon the magnificent Jia Ma Sacred City. He couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. The sheer vastness truly befitted an imperial capital; in terms of both area and prosperity, Jia Ma Sacred City was undoubtedly the foremost city in the empire.

"It's been eight years since I last came here." Xiao Yan clicked his tongue in appreciation, feeling a touch of nostalgia.

When he was younger, he would accompany his father to Jia Ma Sacred City every year to visit the Nalan Clan. This continued until eight years ago when Nalan Yanran joined the Misty Cloud Sect and became Yun Yun's direct disciple. Coupled with the annulment of their engagement, he hadn't set foot in Jia Ma Sacred City since then.

Hai Bodong showed little interest in admiring the ordinary buildings. After scanning the surroundings, he suddenly asked, "By the way, when are you planning to visit the Misty Cloud Sect?"

"In about one or two months," Xiao Yan replied after calculating the time remaining until the three-year agreement with Nalan Yanran.

"That's still quite some time away. Let's head to the auction house first and see if we can find the remaining ingredients for the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill," Hai Bodong suggested.

"Sounds good. I've never visited the so-called largest auction house in the empire during my previous trips to Jia Ma Sacred City. Hopefully, there will be some good items," Xiao Yan said, rubbing his chin with a smile.

Soon, while admiring the bustling prosperity of Jia Ma Sacred City, Xiao Yan finally arrived at his destination. His footsteps gradually slowed as he raised his head to look at the massive building and its distinctive emblem at the end of the street.

A look of surprise unconsciously appeared on his face. Xiao Yan sighed, 'Tsk tsk tsk, as expected of the headquarters of the Miteer Auction House. This scale is far beyond what the branch in Wu Tan City could compare to.'

Not only was the décor lavish and extravagant, but the entire building was like a seven-story department store. People flowed endlessly from all directions toward this massive structure.

Entering the auction house, soft daylight poured down from the skylight in the center. The noisy sounds from the outside world seemed to be isolated by some special force. Though separated by just a door, it felt like stepping into a different world.

The moment he stepped inside, Xiao Yan's keen Spiritual Strength sensed more than a dozen gazes sweeping over him from the shadows, some even belonging to Dou Spirit-level experts.

'No wonder it's one of the three major clans of the Jia Ma Empire; such grandeur is truly impressive.'

In the first-floor hall, countless crystal display cases were filled with a dazzling array of items. Beside the cases, people moved in an endless stream.

Various rare items were displayed within the cases, each marked with a price tag. However, the price of each item was at least over thirty thousand gold coins.

Thirty thousand gold coins was an enormous sum for ordinary people, but for someone of Xiao Yan's current wealth, these items were hardly worth a glance.

"This is just the first floor," Hai Bodong proudly introduced. "The first floor of the auction house caters to the general public of Jia Ma Sacred City. They are basically all sorts of miscellaneous goods. The real treasures are on the higher floors."

"Oh?" Xiao Yan's interest was piqued upon hearing this.

"The auction house is strictly divided into four classes: Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang, similar to the grading system for Qi Methods," Hai Bodong explained. "These correspond to the second to fifth floors, with the fifth floor being the highest Tian class auction. However, the Tian class auction rarely opens, sometimes not even once in several years. But when it does, it means the Miteer Auction House is about to auction truly extraordinary items. Almost all the elite experts and faction leaders in the Jia Ma Empire will flock here."

"There was once a Tian class auction where the featured item was an egg of a Rank 6 Fire Scale Crocodile."

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed upon hearing this. A Rank 6 magical beast egg! As long as it hatched and matured, it would definitely possess the strength of a Dou King. If properly nurtured, it might even reach Rank 6! That would be the strength of a Dou Emperor!

"The Di class auction is held once a year during the annual grand auction. The Xuan class auction is held once a month, while the Huang class auction is held daily, mainly auctioning consigned items and things like medicinal ingredients and monster cores obtained by mercenary companies." As Hai Bodong explained, he led Xiao Yan to an area that seemed like the staff's backstage.

Suddenly, a commotion arose not far away. Xiao Yan immediately showed a helpless expression and shook his head, having already sensed who was approaching.

A pair of beautiful legs clad in red short boots came into view, the heels clicking crisply on the floor. As always, the woman loved wearing a cheongsam that perfectly showcased her exquisite curves.

Without a doubt, the commotion was caused by people reacting to such a stunning woman.

It was Ya Fei, the person in charge of the auction house in Wu Tan City.

Her pair of enchanting peach blossom eyes, as if brewed from spring water, casually swept across the hall. When her gaze landed on Xiao Yan, it abruptly froze, and her steps came to an immediate halt.

"Little Brother Xiao Yan?! You've become even more handsome over these three years. You've even made your Elder Sister's heart flutter a little." Ya Fei quickly approached, her eyes twinkling as she looked at the handsome young man in front of her. Her ample bosom, accentuated by the cheongsam, appeared full and perky. Every step she took was a visual delight.

Xiao Yan chuckled softly, "Long time no see, Sister Ya Fei. You've become even more stunningly beautiful."

Glancing at Hai Bodong, who disliked being stared at, Xiao Yan said, "Sister Ya Fei, could we find a quiet place to talk?"

Ya Fei was perceptive and nodded slightly. She led Xiao Yan and Hai Bodong up a back staircase to a higher floor. The two of them chatted as they walked, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

"Heh heh, Ya Fei, this is where our clan conducts official business. Outsiders aren't allowed to enter. Don't you even know this as the acting supervising elder?" Suddenly, a voice from the upper floor interrupted the pleasant mood. A young man looked down at Ya Fei's perfect figure with a lecherous gaze, his breathing becoming somewhat labored.

Xiao Yan's Spiritual Strength swept over the young man. For someone of his age to have just reached the Dou Master realm, his talent was acceptable.

"I will take responsibility for my actions. Now, please step aside," Ya Fei said coldly.

The lecherous young man glanced at Xiao Yan and Hai Bodong behind her and sneered maliciously, "Heh heh heh, I was wondering why you wouldn't accept my advances. Turns out you have a taste for these delicate pretty boys. Oh, or perhaps you fancy that old man behind him?"

Ya Fei's expression darkened, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. However, she didn't argue and instead planned to bypass him and continue upward.

It was evident that this wasn't the first time this person had deliberately caused trouble.

"Idiot, be careful, or you won't even know how you died," Xiao Yan slowly shook his head and said.

"Brat! You're courting death!" Already dissatisfied with Xiao Yan, the young man seized the opportunity upon hearing his remark and lashed out, reaching directly to grab his clothes.

With a muffled 'bang', a faint wave of fire erupted from Xiao Yan's body. Like a ferocious wolf, the green flame engulfed the outstretched hand in an instant. Within moments, the entire right hand turned to black charcoal and disintegrated.

"Ah ah ah!!! My hand!!!!"

Hearing the miserable screams, several guards hurriedly ran over. When they saw the young man lying on the ground wailing in agony, their expressions changed drastically. This was the grandson of a clan elder! Who had dared to burn off his hand?!

Xiao Yan calmly looked at the young man who had tumbled down from the second floor, his eyes sharp as he said, "Thank me. I just saved your life."