Chapter 101: Conclusion!
Everyone present was shocked by Zi Yan's methods. To pin a Dou Wang to death so cleanly and decisively, coupled with that terrifying application of spatial power—at this moment, everyone looked at the box where Jiang Yun was, their eyes filled with fear.
"The aura of a Magical Beast... such a proficient application of spatial power, combined with that dragon roar just now... could it be..."
Within Xiao Yan's ring, Yao Chen was also shocked by Zi Yan's methods. But the seasoned old man immediately judged that her inconceivable spatial power was not something a Dou Huang could possess at all.
Coupled with that fleeting dragon roar, Yao Chen instantly thought of the supreme sovereign of the Magical Beast world. He immediately suppressed his aura to the absolute minimum, afraid of being noticed by some existence.
At the same time, he couldn't stop cursing inwardly. This Jia Ma Empire was damn well haunted!
Great powers that normally only existed in legends, rarely seen, were appearing one after another!
First, the Soul Hall inexplicably found him, then led to the even more terrifying Hun clan and Gu clan, nearly sinking the Jia Ma Empire in the process.
And now, even the mysterious Taixu Ancient Dragons had appeared. Indeed, in Yao Chen's eyes, Jiang Yun was a member of the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan, or at least had a considerable relationship with them.
Otherwise, why would the Ancient Dragon clan, without news for ten thousand years, suddenly appear in this northwest continent?
Zi Yan's move intimidated everyone present who harbored restless intentions. Jiang Yun's gaze slowly swept across the auction hall. Although no discernible aura was revealed, those calm eyes seemed to hide a terrifying abyss. As his gaze swept past, the restless great hall rapidly quieted, like boiling water suddenly infused with ice.
Especially toward a few locations with concealed auras, Jiang Yun spoke indifferently: "Everyone knows the rules of the auction. The auction for this Sect-Advancing Pill now begins."
As Jiang Yun's voice fell, within the enormous auction hall, an unusual, complete silence fell.
In the seats below, those not qualified to bid now shifted their gazes one after another toward the boxes above. They all knew they absolutely had no right to touch this pill. Only a few experts above and the long-established powers had the foundation to compete.
To witness this top-tier confrontation could also be considered a trip not made in vain!
Within the boxes, at this moment, an unusual, tacit silence also reigned. Even some major powers that had been itching to move earlier did not open their mouths in a fiery rush now. Instead, they leaned lightly against their chair backs, fingers gently tapping the armrests, also refraining from speaking.
A seventh-tier pill—honestly, quite a few among them had never competed for one before. Thus, for a time, they were unsure what price would be appropriate.
Jiang Yun, at this moment, was not in a hurry. He unhurriedly rubbed the emerald-green bead in his hand. This item was precisely the Bodhi seed he had obtained.
The surface of the Bodhi seed was somewhat rough, but held in his palm, he could feel the vigorous vitality within it, making his body feel comfortable all over.
Jiang Yun very much enjoyed holding it. This item could sense the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Although the Dou Sheng level was still somewhat distant now, if he encountered the tree before then, Jiang Yun would not pass it up either.
"Five Mysterious Class high-level Dou Techniques, one Earth Class low-level Dou Technique, plus three rank six magic cores!"
After a period of silence, Jia Xingtian was the first who could no longer hold back. He had already reached the peak of Dou Huang, and moreover, was severely injured, without yet finding a method for a proper cure.
If he used the Sect-Breaking Pill, breaking through and then recovering could also be a way. It was just that in doing so, he would be gambling with his life.
Given his condition, if he failed, perishing on the spot wouldn't be surprising. Even if he succeeded, he'd at best hold on for a while longer.
Furthermore, these items were already the highest price the Imperial Family could offer!
"Three sixth-tier pill formulas, two Earth Class Dou Techniques!" This was still Fa Ma. At this moment, even he wore an expression of utter agony. One had to know, every alchemist had their own master's legacy.
And master's legacy often meant pill formulas. Today, Fa Ma had already brought out four pill formulas, all unique formulas of his lineage. If they were those relatively common ones on the continent that Jiang Yun already possessed, he wouldn't have been able to exchange for Emperor Pills with them.
However, these four sixth-tier pill formulas had already hollowed out his accumulated foundation. If anyone else bid now, he would be helpless.
"Three rank six magic cores, one Soul-Luring Grass, and... plus one copy of the Three Beast Savage Art!" At this moment, a somewhat crazed voice rang out. The eldest of the Mu Lan Three Elders looked at Jiang Yun with a wild expression.
Hearing this bid, everyone was utterly shocked. Putting aside the rank six magic cores for the moment, the Soul-Luring Grass could be used to refine a seventh-tier pill—and one targeting the soul at that.
To an alchemist, this was an immense temptation!
Let alone that they had even brought out the Mu Lan Valley's ultimate technique, the Three Beast Savage Art. One couldn't say they weren't crazy.
"Damn bastards!"
Sure enough, hearing the Mu Lan Three Elders' bid, Yan Luo Tian cursed inwardly. These price-inflating scoundrels! Although he was already a Dou Zong and didn't need the Sect-Advancing Pill himself, pills of this category were never too many for a sect.
As things stood, he could only give it a try!
"Five rank six magic cores, one duplicate copy of the Sky Goose Nine Flight Wings!"
Along with Yan Luo Tian's bid came yet another wave of commotion. Anyone with some knowledge knew what the Sky Goose Nine Flight Wings was. The Golden Goose Sect's current status relied precisely on the Sky Goose Nine Flight Wings.
Though it was only a duplicate copy, viewable only once, it was still exceptionally precious!
Afterwards, those with intentions bid in succession, but overall, none exceeded the previous few top bidders.
"One rank seven magic core, one Earth Class mid-level cultivation method!" At that moment, a calm voice rang out, setting off yet another tremor of shock.
"The Yun Lan Sect!"
Looking at the bidder, everyone felt somewhat incredulous. After all, they had just failed in bidding for the Emperor Pills. Who would have thought they still possessed such deep resources?
"So-so, I suppose. After all, it's the legacy of a Dou Zun. Having a bit of a foundation is understandable!" Jiang Yun at this moment retracted his gaze and said impassively.
"Then Xiao Yun, which one do you pick?" Zi Yan now seemed utterly dazzled. She wanted this, yet was unwilling to give up that. But in the end, she still looked to Jiang Yun and asked.
At their sides, Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian also cast curious glances. They too were curious about Jiang Yun's choice.
Now, as the bidding ended, everyone watched Jiang Yun nervously, awaiting his selection.
Jiang Yun slowly rose. With his movement, the auction hall instantly fell silent. All gazes, carrying a mix of curiosity and nervousness, locked tightly onto Jiang Yun.
"President Fa Ma, congratulations!" Amidst the attention of the entire hall, Jiang Yun smiled and gestured with his hand. Instantly, the jade bottle slowly drifted toward Fa Ma.
"Many thanks to the Grandmaster!" Fa Ma was momentarily stunned upon hearing it was himself, but quickly recovered. Putting away the pill, he simultaneously handed the items to Jiang Yun and clasped his hands in salute.
Honestly, after the Yun Lan Sect brought out goods like that, Fa Ma had already ceased to hold any hope. Who could have guessed that Jiang Yun would still choose him in the end?
This sudden, unexpected surprise was truly exciting!
"A fair trade!" Jiang Yun waved his hand amiably, then spoke to the crowd: "Everyone, since the pill has now found its owner, I shall take my leave first!"
Watching Jiang Yun leave so quickly, everyone was taken aback. But in the end, no one dared to stop him. As long as Jiang Yun remained in the imperial capital, they could pay him a visit at his door later.
As Jiang Yun departed, the people in the auction also rose one after another to leave. Those who had gained something were naturally beaming with joy. And those who hadn't acquired anything, having witnessed a visual feast, could still count it as having broadened their horizons.
"Yun'er, give me a little more time. I will certainly refine Emperor Pills and Sect-Breaking Pills for you."
Seeing Yun Yun looking somewhat dejected after the results came out, Gu He hurriedly spoke to comfort her.
"Elder Gu He, please address me as Sect Leader Yun!" However, Yun Yun clearly didn't seem to appreciate the other's intimate form of address and corrected him icily.
"Very well, Sect Leader!" Seeing Yun Yun's reaction, Gu He found it hard to hide his disappointment and said dejectedly, yet respectfully.
"Let's go. The imperial capital is currently surging with undercurrents. After we return, I need to first see my teacher, then make further decisions."
With this auction, people from nearby had been drawn over. If some unexpected change occurred, her strength as a three-star Dou Huang was evidently somewhat insufficient to handle it.
Thus, she thought of Yun Shan, who was currently in secluded cultivation!
At the same time, Jia Xingtian and the others also dispersed respectively. It was believed that as long as Jiang Yun remained in the Jia Ma Empire for a single day, they would employ every means possible, stepping over the Mite'er family's threshold, to pay Jiang Yun a visit.
However, all this was a matter for later. For now, Jiang Yun had once again been conscripted by Zi Yan. With so many medicinal ingredients in hand, Zi Yan had long been unable to wait.
After refining yet another ringful of pill pellets for Zi Yan and glancing at Hai Bo Dong waiting outside, Jiang Yun raised his hand. One medicinal ingredient after another immediately poured into the cauldron.
The pure white flame reignited, and Jiang Yun began manipulating the flames within the cauldron with practiced ease.
This refining session lasted until the dawn of the second day. After a bout of intense energy fluctuations, under Hai Bo Dong's shaken gaze, Jiang Yun raised his hand and collected the freshly-baked pill into a jade bottle.
"Here. Your Mite'er family also contributed during this auction. Take this as a recompense!"
Beckoning Hai Bo Dong over, under the other's apprehensive gaze, Jiang Yun placed the jade bottle in his hand into the other's palm.
Feeling the pill within the jade bottle, still carrying residual heat, a flash of excitement passed through Hai Bo Dong's eyes. This was an Emperor Pill!
It wasn't that he hadn't made a move at the auction; he just hadn't outbid those three. He never imagined his wish would be fulfilled so soon after!
"I wouldn't dare. It was entirely relying on the Grandmaster's reputation that this auction could achieve such perfect success. Instead, it was the Mite'er family that basked in the Grandmaster's reflected glory," Hai Bo Dong said in a low, flattering tone.
"Very well then. Since there's no merit, I'll take the pill back."
Watching the hand extend before his eyes, Hai Bo Dong's expression stiffened slightly, at a loss.
"Grandmaster... you, I..."
"Enough, just a joke. Keep the pill!" Seeing Hai Bo Dong's utterly flustered state, Jiang Yun chuckled lightly and waved his hand.
"Phew—" Hearing Jiang Yun's words, Hai Bo Dong let out a long breath. He hastily stowed the pill away securely, afraid Jiang Yun might cause some other unexpected trouble. After putting away the pill, he finally set his mind at ease. Suddenly, he recalled the purpose of his visit. Bowing, he reminded:
"Grandmaster Jiang, the Mu Lan Three Elders, Yan Luo Tian, Jia Xingtian, and a group of others outside have once again sent visiting cards. They wish to have an audience with the Grandmaster!"
As he spoke, Hai Bo Dong carefully glanced at Jiang Yun. "Your intentions...?"
"I won't be seeing them. Go and send them off," Jiang Yun currently had no mind to meet these people one by one. He could guess their purposes.
It was nothing more than begging for pills. But the recent wave had already harvested most of the medicinal ingredients across several great empires. As for the Dou Techniques and cultivation methods they offered—aside from a few suitable for Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin—Jiang Yun had no interest in the rest.
Thus, he had not the slightest interest in their visits!
"This..." Hai Bo Dong hesitated for a moment, but seeing the calm indifference in Jiang Yun's eyes, he instinctively shivered. He immediately reacted: the person before him was also a ruthless killer who didn't bat an eyelid. He mustn't be deceived by the image of these past few days.
No longer dawdling, Hai Bo Dong immediately bowed and took his leave!
After Hai Bo Dong left, Jiang Yun raised his head and looked at the distant sky. That was the direction of the Yun Lan Sect. Jiang Yun's gaze was deep and profound; no one knew what he was thinking.
"Hai old man..."
In a great hall, several figures were seated at this moment. Originally hostile to each other, they now sat together harmoniously. One had to admit the charm of an alchemist was just this terrifying.
Amidst their anxious waiting, the instant Hai Bo Dong appeared, Jia Xingtian immediately stood up excitedly and asked urgently.
At this moment, everyone's gazes fell upon Hai Bo Dong, expecting him to bring good news.
"Grandmaster Jiang has gone into seclusion. He is not seeing guests!" Meeting the crowd's expectant gazes, Hai Bo Dong shook his head and said.
"How can this be..."
Hearing Hai Bo Dong's words, the crowd first looked utterly disbelieving. Some, unwilling to give up, even wanted to ask more. But seeing Hai Bo Dong's resolute expression, they all extinguished that thought.
"Sigh— It seems we were ultimately fated not to meet Grandmaster Jiang in person. In that case, Fa Ma takes his leave first!"
Fa Ma was the first to speak, sighing with regret. He had originally wished to discuss some alchemy skills with Jiang Yun. It now seemed he lacked that good fortune.
"Heh— In that case, this seat won't linger either. Jia Xingtian, I hope next time, I can still see you, old friend!"
With a light snort, Yan Luo Tian looked at Jia Xingtian, a teasing smirk curling the corner of his mouth. Under the other's ugly expression, he flapped his wings and left.
The Mu Lan Three Elders also glanced at Jia Xingtian with a cold sneer!
Although the other hid it well, they could still see his physical condition was not good—his entire demeanor drenched in twilight gloom. To them, this was excellent news!
As long as the right moment arrived, they could dispatch troops to the Jia Ma Empire and divide up this land equally amongst themselves.
Only after everyone had left did Jia Xingtian turn his head to look at Hai Bo Dong. The latter merely shook his head with regret. Seeing this, Jia Xingtian could only walk outward with a dejected expression.
Stepping out of the Mite'er family, looking at the setting sun in the distance, Jia Xingtian felt it resembled himself at this moment immensely.
"You seem to require assistance," Just at that moment, a somewhat hoarse voice came from behind.
The sudden voice snapped Jia Xingtian abruptly back to his senses. Even severely injured as he was now, he wasn't someone anyone could just approach. His sharp gaze turned back to see a black-robed figure, standing silently not far away, calmly watching him.
"Skulking in the shadows, who are you?" Sweeping a disdainful glance over the other, Jia Xingtian's entire body surged with Dou Qi as he sneered with contempt. But inwardly, he was secretly on full alert. In any case, to approach behind him so silently—this opponent was clearly no simple character.
"This should be able to help you!"
A pitch-black scroll was tossed over. Jia Xingtian frowned and unfurled it. Instantly, his entire body jolted. He abruptly raised his head and stared at the black-robed figure with a face full of shocked delight!