It had been a week since Xiao Feng introduced Zi Yan to everyone.
After that, life in the Inner Academy gradually returned to its usual rhythm.
However, once news spread that Xiao Feng had completed his closed-door cultivation, many students and elders who desired the Dou Spirit Pill began seeking him out again.
Just like before—
Xiao Feng set the same rules.
"Three sets of medicinal ingredients for one pill," he said calmly.
"A beast fire of 4th or 5th rank and if you don't have them… you can replace it with a 6th-grade medicinal ingredient."
Most people accepted these conditions without hesitation.
After all—
They had already witnessed the effects of his pills.
Every day, Xiao Feng would head to the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, cultivating while also refining pills for many elders.
Because of this—
Several elders saw noticeable improvements in their strength.
At the same time, Xiao Feng publicly released one of his own creations—
The Tranquility Pill.
"This pill can be dissolved in water or consumed directly," he explained.
"It helps heal the body, calm the mind… and is especially effective for those below the Dou Spirit level."
Originally a peak 1st-grade pill—
Through his continuous refinement and improvement, Xiao Feng had successfully advanced it into a 2nd-grade pill.
Its effects quickly spread throughout the academy.
Students who used it found their condition improving rapidly—
Fatigue reduced, injuries healed faster, and even their cultivation became more stable.
Seeing this contribution—
Many elders, along with Dean Su Qian, personally rewarded Xiao Feng.
"Take these fire energy points," one elder said.
"You've earned them."
It didn't take long before the news reached the students.
Soon—
Those who benefited from the Tranquility Pill began coming to the Fire Faction courtyard.
One after another—
They voluntarily donated their fire energy points.
"We don't have much," one student said, placing his points token down,
"But this is our gratitude."
Xiao Feng didn't refuse.
Over time—
The amount of fire energy points he accumulated became enormous.
So much so that—
Even if he cultivated in the tower every single day for an entire year—
He wouldn't run out.
Gradually, Xiao Feng's daily routine became fixed.
Cultivation in the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower.
Refining pills.
Combat training—
Mostly under the pressure of Zi Yan and the Snow Demon Ape.
Days passed like flowing water.
In the blink of an eye—
Two months went by.
During this time—
Xiao Feng's strength steadily increased.
He had now reached the 8-star Dou Spirit level.
He was already on the verge of breaking through at any moment.
But Xiao Feng didn't rush.
"I don't want any hidden bottlenecks," he muttered to himself during cultivation.
Instead of forcing a breakthrough—
He chose to suppress it.
He continued refining his Dou Qi, strengthening his foundation—
Pushing himself to the absolute limit.
Only after reaching true perfection—
Would he take the next step.
After following the same intense routine for two whole months—
Cultivating, refining pills, and training without pause—
Even Xiao Feng felt the need to slow down a little.
One evening, after returning from the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, he gathered everyone together and said,
"We've been pushing too hard lately… I think it's time we take a short break."
Zi Yan, who was lazily lying on a chair, immediately raised her hand.
"Yes! Finally something fun!"
Lin Xiuya nodded slightly.
"A short rest won't hurt. In fact, it might help stabilize our recent progress."
Han Yue agreed as well.
"We've all improved a lot recently. Taking a break now is reasonable."
Bai Cheng stretched his arms and laughed.
"I was just about to say the same thing. My bones are starting to protest."
Only Jia Yun sighed lightly.
"I still feel like I need more time…"
Xiao Feng looked at him and said calmly,
"You've improved too. Don't push yourself too hard—there's no need to rush."
Hearing this, Jia Yun nodded slowly.
At this point—
The materials needed for the Earth Core Body Tempering Pill had not fully arrived yet.
"They should be here within a few days," Xiao Feng said.
"Once they arrive, I'll start refining immediately."
In terms of strength—
Everyone had made significant progress.
Except for Jia Yun—
The others had all reached the 3-star Dou Spirit level with the help of Xiao Feng's pills.
Even Xiao Yi Xian had successfully stepped into the 1-star Dou Grandmaster realm.
With their current strength—
They were no longer easy targets.
Xiao Feng looked at everyone and smiled slightly.
"Since that's the case…"
"Let's go out."
Zi Yan instantly jumped up.
"Where?!"
Xiao Feng's eyes gleamed faintly as he replied,
"To the Black Seal City Auction."
Hearing this—
Everyone's expressions changed slightly.
Lin Xiuya spoke first, "The Black Seal City… that place is in the Black-Corner Region."
Han Yue frowned slightly.
"That place is chaotic. Strong people gather there… and killing is common."
Bai Cheng, however, grinned.
"Sounds exciting."
Zi Yan tilted her head.
"Are there treasures there?"
Xiao Feng smiled.
"There will be plenty."
He continued calmly,
"The auction will be held in a few days. By then, the materials should also arrive."
"We'll go there, relax a bit… and see if we can pick up anything useful."
After a brief silence—
Everyone nodded.
"In about few days , the Black Seal City Auction will officially begin," Xiao Feng said as he looked at everyone.
"This time… one of the highlighted items is a batch of eggs from a 5th-rank Magical Beast — the Fire Feather Crow."
Zi Yan's ears perked up instantly.
"Eggs? Can we eat them?"
Xiao Feng flicked her forehead lightly.
"Not for eating. For raising."
He continued calmly,
"Although Fire Feather Crows aren't as stable as the academy's flying beasts when it comes to long-distance heavy transport…"
"They are extremely fast. Carrying eight to ten people is not a problem."
Lin Xiuya nodded thoughtfully.
"That could be useful… especially for quick movement."
Xiao Feng added,
"They hatch at the 2nd rank, and with proper cultivation, they can reach the 4th rank fairly quickly… making them usable in a short time."
Bai Cheng's eyes lit up.
"So we can raise our own flying beasts?"
Xiao Feng smiled faintly.
"With my methods… raising them won't be difficult."
He tapped his storage ring lightly.
"Even their growth speed can be forcefully increased using medicinal pills."
Han Yue, however, frowned slightly.
"The Black-Corner Region… is not a safe place."
Xiao Yi Xian nodded in agreement.
"People there… aren't trustworthy."
She continued seriously,
"Auctions there are often just a trap—sell the item first… then kill the buyer and take it back."
Hearing this, Bai Cheng's expression stiffened.
"…That ruthless?"
Xiao Feng replied calmly,
"The ruler of Black Seal City is a Dou Huang-level expert. That's why things don't descend into complete chaos—at least not openly."
He paused slightly.
"But in the shadows… it's a different story."
Zi Yan crossed her arms.
"Hmph, if they try anything, I'll smash them!"
Xiao Feng chuckled.
"We won't go unprepared."
He looked at everyone seriously.
"We'll move carefully… and only act when necessary."
A few days later—
The group finally arrived at Black Seal City.
Even though it was located in the chaotic Black-Corner Region—
The presence of powerful factions made the surface appear somewhat orderly.
At the entrance of the auction—
A long line had already formed.
Suddenly—
A loud voice broke the atmosphere.
"Move aside! Make way for us, the Black Tiger Four!"
The four men continued pushing forward arrogantly, completely ignoring the glares directed at them.
"Big Brother, don't you think what I said is right?" one of them said with a smug grin, his tone filled with shameless confidence.
"Hmph… Second Brother speaks wisely," the leader replied lazily, nodding as if such behavior was only natural.
As they spoke, they casually cut ahead of several more people in line, their actions blatant and unrestrained. Yet strangely, no one stepped forward to stop them. Some clenched their fists in anger, while others simply turned their heads away—because in a place like this, strength dictated everything.
In that moment, many couldn't help but think—
Compared to these four, they themselves seemed almost righteous.
Fortunately, this small disturbance did not affect the overall flow of events.
The so-called "Four Tigers" soon quieted down after receiving their number plates and took their seats among the crowd. Even they understood one simple truth—
No matter how arrogant one was outside…
Inside this auction house, they had to behave.
Because here, a true expert was watching.
And offending such a person meant death.
The auction hall gradually dimmed, conversations lowering into murmurs—
Until suddenly—
A bright beam of light illuminated the central stage.
An elderly man slowly walked forward.
His hair was grey, yet his attire was neat and refined, carrying the bearing of a seasoned professional. His calm gaze swept across the crowd before he spoke in a steady voice:
"Everyone… welcome to this year's Black Seal Auction."
"I won't waste time—let us begin."
With a simple wave of his hand—
A graceful maid stepped onto the stage, carrying a jade tray.
On that tray—
Were two black eggs, each about the size of a fist.
Strange fiery patterns covered their surface, resembling burning feathers, faintly glowing under the light.
The old man smiled slightly as he introduced them:
"I believe many of you have already recognized these…"
"These are eggs of a fifth-rank magical beast — the Fire Feather Crow."
A small stir passed through the audience.
The old man continued, his tone slightly rising:
"And not just ordinary eggs…"
"They are alive."
"This means—once successfully nurtured, you will obtain two flying fifth-rank magical beasts."
"They can carry eight to ten people with ease and possess exceptional speed."
For a moment—
The hall fell silent.
Such an item should have caused a bidding frenzy…
But strangely—
No one spoke.
Time passed.
One breath… two breaths…
Still no bids.
From the crowd, one of the Four Tigers suddenly slammed his seat and shouted:
"What's wrong with all of you?!"
"These are fifth-rank beast eggs!"
"If you don't want them, we'll take them!"
He raised his voice boldly:
"One hundred and fifty thousand gold coins!"
The old man's expression remained calm, though a trace of helplessness flashed in his eyes.
"Guest number thirty-five bids one hundred and fifty thousand…"
"Going once…"
"Going twice…"
"Going thrice…"
"Sold."
A faint ripple of suppressed laughter spread across parts of the hall.
One of the brothers leaned over and whispered:
"Fourth Brother… I think you got tricked."
"Didn't you notice? No one else wanted those."
Another chuckled:
"Buying two eggs for that price?"
"You really made a 'great deal.'"
Laughter quietly echoed.
But before it could spread—
A terrifying aura suddenly descended upon the hall.
Silence.
Instant silence.
The atmosphere froze.
Even the Four Tigers immediately shut their mouths, their faces stiff.
They knew—
The true power behind this place had spoken without words.
The old man, as if nothing had happened, calmly continued:
"Next item…"
"A Profound Rank Advanced Technique…"
"—Indestructible Diamond Body."
Yet beneath the calm surface, many understood the truth about the earlier item.
The Fire Feather Crow—
Though powerful—
Was infamous.
It was one of the most vengeful and difficult magical beasts to tame.
They lived in groups.
They protected their own kind fiercely.
And worst of all—
No one knew the proper method to hatch their eggs.
Even if someone succeeded…
Even if they raised it…
The moment that beast encountered its own flock—
It would abandon its master without hesitation.
That was why—
No one dared to bid.
And that was also why—
The auction house was eager to get rid of them.
After all—
Who would willingly keep something…
That could betray them at any moment?
"Master, you should have a way to solve this problem, right?"
"What do you think?"
The Black Tiger Mountain Four Tigers exchanged whispers, their expressions turning somewhat grim.
The surrounding crowd noticed this scene and couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction; these few annoying pests had been played for fools, and it was truly heartening!