Chapter 96: Acquaintances!
The Holy City of Jia Ma, the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire, located in the northern part of the empire, was the most magnificent large-scale city in the entire empire.
Overlooking it from the sky, it was actually far larger than Jia Nan City, where the Jia Nan Academy was located, exuding an ancient and grand aura.
Turning his gaze to the northern part of the Holy City of Jia Ma, there lay a vast mountain range that could be called magnificent, crouching on the earth like a coiling giant dragon, faintly radiating sky-piercing spiritual energy.
That place was the colossal entity of the Jia Ma Empire—the location of the Yun Lan Sect!
"Eh—"
"This aura? Yun Shan has already made contact with the Soul Hall? This unstable aura should be Yun Shan who has just broken through to Dou Zong, right?"
On the back of the Blue Eagle, Jiang Yun's powerful soul power silently swept across the area of the Holy City of Jia Ma. Finally, Jiang Yun's gaze fell upon the Yun Lan Sect, murmuring softly.
"Xiao Yun, what did you say?"
In his arms, Zi Yan was happily munching on an unknown medicinal ingredient. Judging by her expression, it wasn't hard to tell that the ingredient tasted quite good. Her keen hearing caught his faint, barely audible murmur, and she tilted her head up to look at Jiang Yun with some confusion.
At their sides, Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin also cast their gazes over, their eyes carrying a trace of curiosity!
"Since we've come to the Holy City of Jia Ma, we have to mention the Yun Lan Sect. Do you all know the origin of the Yun Lan Sect?" Facing the gazes cast by the three, Jiang Yun chuckled lightly and pointed toward the majestic mountain range in the distance.
Faced with Jiang Yun's question, Zi Yan shook her head as always, still content to play the slacker. A mere Yun Lan Sect, without even a Dou Zong—how could it deserve her attention?
Usually, whenever she didn't understand something, she would just directly ask Jiang Yun, thoroughly embodying her 'bad student' persona.
However, if you truly thought Zi Yan was a bad student and tried to fool her, you'd be courting death. Putting aside the Taixu Ancient Dragon's innate sense for heavenly treasures, the knowledge within Zi Yan's inherited bloodline was gradually being absorbed by her as her strength increased.
Calling her a humanoid Magical Beast encyclopedia would not be an exaggeration!
It was just that, toward things not worthy of being recorded in her inheritance, she simply didn't care!
"Rumor has it that the Yun Lan Sect was originally founded by a prodigy of the continent, Yun Po Tian. Yun Po Tian was once a Dou Zun expert. In that sense, this Yun Lan Sect is still a Dou Zun legacy!"
In the end, it was Xiao Yi Xian who tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and spoke in a soft, gentle voice. The Yun Lan Sect, which she once had to look up to, now when spoken from her mouth again, could no longer stir any ripples in her heart.
She had already seen higher peaks, and her thinking had already leaped beyond this Jia Ma Empire!
"Then Brother Jiang Yun, if the Yun Lan Sect's legacy is so strong, why don't they have a single Dou Zong?" Qing Lin now also voiced her own question.
Jiang Yun found himself momentarily at a loss for words, and in the end could only say teasingly, "Perhaps their Sect Leaders just have poor judgment in picking disciples!"
On a hill in the distance from the Holy City of Jia Ma, they bid farewell to Xiao Lan, who had carried them the entire way. Although Xiao Yi Xian was somewhat reluctant to part, Jiang Yun felt that this Blue Eagle was actually a bit impatient to leave.
Glancing at Zi Yan, who stood by as if nothing were amiss, Jiang Yun felt he had already guessed the reason.
Noticing Jiang Yun's gaze land on her, Zi Yan looked back and paused, then in the very next second, immediately broke into a wide grin.
The clowning Zi Yan instantly diluted the melancholy of parting. Jiang Yun led the three toward the Holy City of Jia Ma, passing through the ancient, heavily guarded, towering city walls.
The four finally entered the city. Because the appearances of Zi Yan and the other two were far too stunning, Jiang Yun, to avoid trouble, ultimately once again took out his alchemist's long robe and donned it.
Under the awed and respectful gazes of the surrounding people, he led the three on a leisurely stroll, properly taking in the human cultural atmosphere!
After wandering for a while, Jiang Yun said, "Let's go take a look at the auction house. There are quite a few rare treasures there; there should be some interesting things!"
The three girls nodded upon hearing this. Toward Jiang Yun's suggestion, they naturally had no objections.
And an auction house—even for Zi Yan, this was a novel experience.
The Mite'er family's territory within the Holy City of Jia Ma was extremely vast. As one of the three great families of the empire, their properties in the imperial capital were second only to the imperial family.
Very soon, the four arrived at the headquarters of the Mite'er Trading Company. The enormous building made one marvel at the extent of their power and influence in the imperial capital. Inside the main hall, fully armed guards could be seen everywhere, all wearing the Mite'er family emblem on their chests. These people were the direct forces of the Mite'er family.
Jiang Yun's gaze swept casually over them and found that most were at the Dou Shi level of cultivation, showing the Mite'er family's deep foundation.
The great hall was filled with countless crystal counters, and beside these counters, streams of people flowed endlessly. The crystal counters displayed countless varieties of exotic and curious items. Figures bustled all around, and the sound of conversation was ceaseless.
"Go see if there's anything you like!" Jiang Yun gestured to the three. Unfortunately, apart from medicinal ingredients and things that could increase strength, Zi Yan wasn't interested in these glittering objects at all.
Xiao Yi Xian also shook her head elegantly. Qing Lin went without saying—if Zi Yan and Xiao Yi Xian weren't going, she was even less likely to go off on her own.
Jiang Yun shook his head. Could he really not even manage to spend money?
Just at that moment, Jiang Yun's gaze suddenly shifted toward a corner of the great hall.
Over there was a place where the internal high-level personnel of the Mite'er Auction House entered and exited. Just moments ago, it had still been calm and quiet. Looking at the sudden commotion now, it seemed as if some high-status individual was coming out from there.
"It's him!" Sensing the cold aura transmitted through his soul, Jiang Yun's lips suddenly curled into a mischievous smirk.
Not long after, the recovered Hai Bo Dong walked out, accompanied by several figures.
"Hai Lao, the Imperial Family's urging has become increasingly urgent these past few days. And the Mu and Nalan families too. I don't know what's happened, but during this period, they've all been jointly requesting that we procure healing medicinal ingredients. Could it be..."
Mite'er Tengshan, dressed in splendid attire, looked at Hai Bo Dong's back ahead and said quietly, his brow furrowed with unshakable worry.
Originally, the Mite'er family, as one of the three great families of the Jia Ma Empire, after Hai Bo Dong's return as a Dou Huang, was more than enough to leap into becoming the third largest power in the Jia Ma Empire.
This should have been a joyous and congratulatory matter. But for some unknown reason, during this period, the Imperial Family, the Mu family, and the Nalan family had all jointly requested the Mite'er family to procure medicinal ingredients—most of which were for healing injuries.
This made the keen-nosed Mite'er Tengshan detect something unusual. He already faintly had an answer in his heart, but that answer was one he dared not imagine too deeply.
"Jia Xingtian, that old fellow, is about to kick the bucket!" Compared to Mite'er Tengshan, Hai Bo Dong had far fewer reservations. The corner of his mouth revealed a disdainful smile, but deep within his eyes lay deeply hidden worry.
His relationship with Jia Xingtian couldn't be called good, but it wasn't bad either. He had just returned, and now news came that an old fellow of the same era was about to pass. How could this not stir his emotions?
"Hai Lao..." Looking at the blunt Hai Bo Dong, Mite'er Tengshan felt somewhat helpless.
"Ah!" Compared to Mite'er Tengshan, a woman in the crowd who exuded allure and charm from head to toe, dressed in a bright, tight red brocade robe with a graceful and enchanting figure, was massively shaken inwardly and couldn't help but let out a startled gasp.
Fortunately, she covered her lips in time, and thus didn't draw attention.
This was Mite'er Ya Fei. Originally, she had been managing the branch in Wu Tan City. But after what happened in Wu Tan City, the family immediately transferred her back.
The other powers in the imperial capital did the same, completely pulling back their forces from Wu Tan City. For a time, Wu Tan City seemed to have been completely forgotten.
After returning to the imperial capital, Ya Fei luckily gained Hai Bo Dong's favor and became the chief auctioneer of the imperial capital's auction house. Only then did she secure her footing within the Mite'er family.
Sweeping a glance at Mite'er Tengshan, Hai Bo Dong said, "What's there to fear? They dared to do it; won't they even let this old man speak of it?"
He glared at Mite'er Tengshan. This old friend of his was good in every way, but lacked a certain boldness and was far too cautious.
Shaking his head, Hai Bo Dong's gaze shifted. Suddenly, his entire body quaked. That body of a Dou Huang, capable of shearing through metal and stone, actually began to tremble, as if he had seen something terrifying.
"Hai Lao, what's wrong with you?" Hai Bo Dong's unusual behavior naturally drew the attention of the few. Mite'er Tengshan followed the other's line of sight, and a flash of amazement passed through his eyes.
They were a few young people with an extraordinary bearing. But beyond that, there was nothing more. This left him feeling somewhat puzzled.
"Fool!" Mite'er Tengshan's words snapped Hai Bo Dong back to his senses. Turning his head, he roared furiously, spraying the other's face with spittle.
Then, under the other's shocked gaze, he hurriedly rushed to the side of that young man, his tone carrying a deference that Mite'er Tengshan had never witnessed in his entire life.
"Gra— Young Master, last time it was Hai Bo Dong who failed to recognize a good person. Many thanks to the Young Master for not holding a grudge and helping Hai Bo Dong break his seal. To be able to meet the Young Master again today is truly a blessing of three lifetimes!"
Jiang Yun looked at Hai Bo Dong, who was excessively deferential before him, with a teasing air. A mischievous glint flashed deep in his eyes as he said, "This humble one rather preferred the sight of Lord Ice Emperor looking so untamed and rebellious!"
"..." Hai Bo Dong immediately froze, then smiled bitterly and said, "Why must the Young Master mock this old man so?"
"Eh— You're that old man who sold maps!" At that moment, Zi Yan also recognized Hai Bo Dong. Clapping her hands together, she said with sudden realization, "You're not dead yet!"
She swept her gaze freely over Hai Bo Dong and asked a strange question.
"This... I must still thank the Young Master for showing mercy back then, which allowed Hai Bo Dong to live to see this day!" Choked by Zi Yan's words for a moment, but Hai Bo Dong dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction. This girl, he had also met back then.
A Dou Huang!
Now, having restored his strength, looking at her still sent chills down to his very core. At the same time, he secretly rejoiced at how lucky he had been back then.
Zi Yan turned her head back to look at Jiang Yun. Seeing him nod and confirm it was true, she stopped paying attention.
Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin had by now long become immune to Dou Huangs. Encountering such a scene, at most, they only sighed inwardly with some feeling, and had no other emotions.
Don't forget—there was still a Dou Huang coiled right now around Qing Lin's wrist, having its Dou Qi absorbed!
But in the distance, the members of the Mite'er family were utterly and profoundly shocked. When had they ever seen Hai Bo Dong grovel like this?!
Even Jia Xingtian of the Imperial Family couldn't make Hai Bo Dong lower his head!
The shrewd Mite'er Tengshan immediately realized this was a 'super golden thigh' to latch onto. He swept a glance at the three peerless beauties beside the other, then turned his head back to look at his own descendant. His eyes rolled, and he immediately stepped forward with a grin.
"Hai Lao, since you and this Young Master are old acquaintances, let us move to the inner hall and properly entertain our guests!"
"This... Young Master, what do you think?" Hai Bo Dong glared at the presumptuous Mite'er Tengshan. Although he, Hai Bo Dong, was very grateful to Jiang Yun for breaking his seal, at the same time, facing an existence that could control his very life, his heart was filled with dread. He'd be more than happy if the other left this place as soon as possible.
But now that Mite'er Tengshan had said this, he could only brace himself and look at Jiang Yun.
"Very well. It just so happens I have some matters where I might need to borrow the Mite'er family's strength!" Jiang Yun took in the two's little silent exchange, his thoughts racing, and instantly had an idea.
Rather than going door to door himself, it was better to let them deliver their precious items right to his doorstep.
Hearing Jiang Yun agree, Hai Bo Dong's heart stirred with excitement. From Jiang Yun's attitude, he sensed the aura of a protective thigh to cling to.
Mite'er Tengshan was even more excited. Turning around, he said eagerly, "Ya Fei, quickly lead our esteemed guests!"
Ya Fei was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. But seeing the glowing face of Mite'er Tengshan, she immediately reacted. Looking at Jiang Yun, she smiled winningly and said, "Young Master, please follow Ya Fei!"
Looking at this enchanting, alluring beauty before him, Jiang Yun gave Mite'er Tengshan a glance that was a smile yet not quite a smile. This old fellow was truly thick-skinned, wearing a beaming smile, without the slightest hint of anything unusual visible.
"Sorry for the trouble!" Responding to Ya Fei, Jiang Yun led Zi Yan and the other two as they followed Ya Fei toward the upper floors.
Her voluptuous figure, wrapped in the tight brocade robe, appeared well-rounded and pert. Every step she took was a visual assault.
This woman, in terms of sheer attraction to men, among the women Jiang Yun had seen, only Medusa could surpass her by a margin.
Passing through several staircases, they arrived at the VIP room on the sixth floor.
The five floors below were all auction houses or shopping centers. The sixth and seventh floors were areas belonging to the Mite'er family personnel, as well as the family warehouses.
After everyone was seated and several cups of precious tea and fresh, delicious fruits were served, Jiang Yun took the lead in speaking: "The Mite'er Auction House, as the largest auction house in the Jia Ma Empire—I wonder what the conditions are for opening a Heaven-tier auction?"
Hearing Jiang Yun's inquiry, everyone was momentarily stunned!
The tiers of the Mite'er Auction House, much like cultivation method tiers, were strictly divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Huang. Among them, Heaven-tier was the highest and was very difficult to open even once in one or two years.
Earth-tier was opened occasionally. Mysterious-tier was relatively common. Huang-tier was open all day.
Thus, upon hearing Jiang Yun mention a Heaven-tier auction right from the start, the few were somewhat taken aback for a moment.
Ultimately, it was Hai Bo Dong who first came back to his senses. He opened his mouth to explain: "As long as a sixth-tier pill, an Earth Class cultivation method or Dou Technique, or a treasure of the sixth tier and the like appears, a Heaven-tier auction can be opened."
"Of course, if the Young Master has something he wishes to auction, the Mite'er Auction House can also open a Heaven-tier auction!"
Watching Hai Bo Dong extending goodwill, Jiang Yun knew that even if he now took out a Huang Class cultivation method, the other would probably still dig into his own pockets and bring out the Mite'er family's hidden treasures to convene this Heaven-tier auction.
Of course, Jiang Yun wouldn't be so lacking in class!