Tier-7 Pill, Life Devouring Pill!

Upon hearing this, those in the know confirmed their suspicions. Mittel Tengshan, that sly old fox, had sent Ya Fei to join Heaven Ascending Pavilion, riding on its reputation to deter those who opposed the Mittel family.

Indeed, his reputation was well-deserved!

Tengshan was truly a shrewd businessman!

"Please take a moment to rest and prepare for the auction," Ya Fei said with an elegant bow before gracefully exiting the stage.

Jia Xingtian, processing this information, began to calculate his next steps. Tengshan had kept this alliance under wraps, clearly intending to keep the advantages for himself.

Fa Ma, the president of the Alchemist Association, stroked his beard with a smile. "You can never fully grasp the intentions of these people. Even the Misty Cloud Sect has been unusually quiet this time."

Jia Xingtian glanced disdainfully at the elders behind Yun Yun. In the entire Jia Ma Empire, only Yun Shan warranted his respect. If Yun Shan were to perish, Jia Xingtian would be unrivaled among the top ten powerhouses!

"Sect Master, the power of Heaven Ascending Pavilion's leader is indeed terrifying. The one that just died could walk through the air. This person's strength might be at least at Dou Ancestor's realm."

Yun Yun nodded with a complex expression on her beautiful face. If this were true, why would Li Xiao, the pavilion master, conceal his identity?

The clear sound of a bell resonated through the venue, signaling the official start of the auction. Everyone stopped what they were doing and focused their attention on the auction stage, eagerly anticipating the proceedings.

Ya Fei appeared under the spotlight, brimming with confidence. Despite the formidable Dou Kings and Dou Emperors in the audience, this was her domain. Her upbringing had prepared her for this role, and her stunning beauty and commanding presence captivated the crowd of lecherous men.

With a gentle clap of her hands, she announced, "I declare the Heaven Ascending Pavilion auction officially begin!"

The auction commenced.

The first item was brought forward—a set of five blood-red, Tier-7 pills.

The rich aroma of the pills drew intense stares from the alchemists present.

"These are Tier-7 pills... the Life Devouring Pills..." murmured someone in the crowd.

Medicine Emperor Han Feng also immediately recognized the identity of those pills.

The Life Devouring Pill was a renowned top-grade Tier-7 pill. The pill's effects were as powerful as it was dangerous. It could promote a Dou Grandmaster into Dou King in a short time, but the user would be left with only three years to live.

The pill had obvious advantages and severe drawbacks. It was suitable only for the desperate or the ruthless; if combined with a longevity-extending pill, one could break through to Dou Emperor during those three years and negate its side effects. This made the pill valuable for rapidly bolstering a faction's strength.

"I never imagined it would truly be the Life Devouring Pill. I thought this pill had disappeared from existence," someone exclaimed in astonishment.

The Life Devouring Pill was extremely dangerous. A single misstep could lead to one's death unless they could break through to the Dou Emperor level. However, achieving such a breakthrough was easier said than done.

After Ya Fei finished introducing the Life Devouring Pill, those below the Dou King level were left speechless. They couldn't believe such a rare and potent item existed. However, no one dared to bid initially, as they understood the steep price tag that these five Life Devouring Pills would carry. More importantly, they had no intention of bidding. A brief rise to the Dou King level with only three years to live was not appealing unless one harbored deep-seated hatred or was desperate for power.

"The starting bid is 100,000 gold coins. Please feel free to begin," Ya Fei announced.

While many lamented the waste of such a strong top-grade Tier-7 pill, others like the Blood Sect's master, Fan Lao, saw their potential uses. His sect's members were not afraid of sacrificing their lives. By creating a group of Dou Kings that were fearless even in the face of death, they could eliminate their hidden enemies without leaving a trace.

"110,000 gold coins," Fan Lao raised his paddle. Since no one else seemed interested, he was confident these five Life Devouring Pills would belong to his sect.

However, there were always those who enjoyed stirring up trouble.

"130,000 gold coins."

"140,000 gold coins."

"180,000 gold coins!"

As the bids started to rise, many expressed interest in the Life Devouring Pills, although not all intended to participate in the bidding.

Han Feng suddenly remarked, "Fan Lao, are you really interested in these Life Devouring Pills?"

Fan Lao smiled, "It isn't that serious, Medicine Emperor. I merely find these pills intriguing. If they are as legendary as claimed, cultivating a few Dou Kings for my Blood Sect wouldn't be out of the question. It's a pity that my men would only have three years to live."

"Very well, if you like them, feel free to bid." 

Hearing Han Feng's reply, Fan Lao sighed in relief. However, Han Feng's next words caused Fan Lao's expression to change dramatically.

"If you manage to win the bid, Fan Lao, I hope you can spare me two pills for research."

Such blatant ambition! Only someone as shameless as Han Feng could make such a request.

Fan Lao gritted his teeth in frustration but had no choice. Given that Han Feng was the Medicine Emperor and had provided him with support, refusing him was not an option.

"I understand," Fan Lao replied reluctantly.

"Thank you," Han Feng nodded with a slight smile. Knowing the general trend was key to survival; those who cooperated could request any pill they desired. Disobedience, however, would not be tolerated.

"200,000 gold coins!" Fan Lao gritted his teeth and continued bidding. Han Feng had made it clear that Fan Lao must bid aggressively for these pills, or else face severe consequences.

"Fan Lao bids 200,000 gold coins. Any higher offers?" Ya Fei asked.

"400,000 gold coins," Protector Wu suddenly raised the bid. The death of the Dou Venerate had to be compensated somehow, and winning at the auction seemed like a way to start making amends.

Fan Lao's eyes narrowed, "It's that Dou Venerate. Should we continue?"

Han Feng, observing Protector Wu, smacked his lips, "If he wants it, let him have it. Angering a Dou Venerate is a foolish errand."

Fan Lao felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth, realizing just how much of a hypocrite could Han Feng be. Moments ago, Han Feng was hellbent on obtaining the Life Devouring Pills. Now that Protector Wu joined the fray, he quickly abandoned the pursuit.

"Such ruthlessness!"