"Fine, I will represent the Xiao Clan at this large-scale auction held by the Mittel Clan."
After reading the invitation handed over by Clan Leader Xiao Dongcheng, along with the attached list of auction items, a sharp glint flickered in Xiao Lin's eyes.
This kind of treatment—receiving both a formal invitation and a detailed itemized list—was something the previous Xiao Clan never had the qualification to enjoy. This was undoubtedly a benefit brought to the Xiao Clan after Xiao Lin became a Dou Wang.
In the past, whenever the Mittel Clan held a large auction, the Xiao Clan members could only spend money on temporary tickets to enter.
Furthermore, they were confined to the main auction hall. But this time, the invitation sent by the Mittel Clan included a VIP Card!
This meant that when Xiao Lin led the Xiao Clan members to the auction, they would have a private box exclusive to their clan. They wouldn't have to squeeze into the main hall with everyone else like before.
Compared to the time before Xiao Lin broke through to Dou Wang, this treatment was like the difference between heaven and earth!
The ability to view the auction list in advance, in particular, provided the Xiao Clan with immense convenience. Xiao Lin had just skimmed the list and already found several items that piqued his interest.
This was the primary reason he was willing to represent the clan at this event.
He believed that throughout the Jia Ma Empire, the factions capable of receiving such treatment could be counted on one's fingers. Aside from them, likely only the Jia Ma Imperial Family, the Yun Lan Sect, and the Nalan and Mu Clans held such status.
Factions without even a Dou Wang were likely treated exactly as the Xiao Clan used to be. Everything depended on oneself; before the auction started, one wouldn't even know what was for sale and could only gamble!
By comparison, being able to know the items in advance was far more comfortable. After all, you could prepare sufficient funds for whatever you had your eye on. Regarding this Mittel auction, Xiao Lin had decided to purchase several items the moment he saw them.
It wasn't for his own use, but rather to build a foundation for his son, Xiao Zhan. Additionally, there were items that other members of the Xiao Clan could use. As for things Xiao Lin himself was interested in, there was indeed one such item.
"Good! Since you are willing to go, Xiao Lin, just buy whatever you like. You have full authority to choose and distribute the resources owned by our Xiao Clan!"
Once Xiao Lin agreed to attend, Xiao Dongcheng, as the Clan Leader, waved his hand and granted him total authority!
In other words, whatever Xiao Lin wanted to buy did not require the consent of others; he could decide for himself. It could be said that although Xiao Lin was not yet the Clan Leader, his power and influence could surpass Xiao Dongcheng's if he wished!
One must not forget that the Xiao Clan's current status in the Jia Ma Empire was entirely due to Xiao Lin breaking through to Dou Wang. Therefore, no one in the Xiao Clan would be foolish enough to stand up and oppose his decisions.
"Then I thank the Clan Leader."
As Xiao Lin's voice fell, the matter was settled.
Three days later, the large-scale auction hosted by the Mittel Clan began.
On this day, countless factions flooded into the capital of the Jia Ma Empire.
These groups included rulers of other cities, Sect Leaders and Elders of smaller sects, and even some mercenaries.
Without exception, those qualified to enter the Mittel auction were either led by clan seniors or possessed a cultivation of at least Da Dou Shi. Furthermore, on the way to the Mittel Auction House, Xiao Lin even saw several rogue cultivators with Dou Wang level cultivation!
It was clear that everyone was looking forward to this event.
Xiao Lin didn't bring many people—only four clan members. Aside from one elder from the older generation, the remaining three were from the younger generation. If nothing unexpected happened, these three would likely be the backbone of Xiao Lin's generation.
In the future, as Xiao Lin became the Clan Leader, they would most likely become Elders. All three currently possessed the cultivation of a mid-stage Da Dou Shi. If they worked hard in the future, it wasn't impossible for them to achieve the realm of Dou Ling.
"Young Clan Leader, so many people have come to the capital today!" one of the clansmen couldn't help but exclaim.
"Xiao Ze, stay composed. You're embarrassing us!" Seeing his younger cousin looking like he'd never seen the world, another Xiao member, Xiao Zhen, covered his forehead.
"You're lecturing Xiao Ze, but aren't you the same, Xiao Zhen?" the third clansman, Xiao Yi, chimed in.
"That's enough. Xiao Ze, Xiao Zhen, Xiao Yi—we are about to arrive at the Mittel Auction House. Your current behavior will only bring shame to the clan!"
As an Elder of the Xiao Clan, his words carried authority. As his voice fell, the three of them shut their mouths and stopped talking.
Xiao Lin, however, showed no reaction from beginning to end. With his current status, he didn't need to say anything. Although he was of the same generation as Xiao Ze and the others, there was a vast gap in their status.
It was no exaggeration to say that because of Xiao Lin's existence, the other clan members of his generation were completely overshadowed. Consequently, his status as the Young Clan Leader faced no challenges whatsoever!
After all, when the gap between people is small, others might feel jealousy or harbor petty thoughts. But when the gap is so large that it is impossible to bridge, others are left with nothing but a sense of looking up in awe.
Xiao Lin's current status among the Xiao Clan's youth was exactly like that.
Soon, the group arrived at the entrance of the Mittel Auction House.
The arrival of the Xiao Clan naturally attracted the attention of many people nearby.
The Xiao Clan was the "rising star" of the capital; every time a member went out, they drew looks of either jealousy or envy. This was even truer now that Xiao Lin, the man who brought the Xiao Clan to its current height, had made an appearance!
However, unlike the others, Xiao Lin remained calm and composed, showing no emotion. In contrast to Xiao Lin's steadiness, the other four clan members, including the Elder, appeared somewhat stiff.
This was evident from their tense expressions.
"Everyone, relax. This isn't a march to a battlefield," Xiao Lin whispered a reminder, feeling somewhat speechless at their behavior.
After hearing Xiao Lin's words, their expressions softened slightly, though their nerves remained somewhat taut. Xiao Lin could only shake his head helplessly. It was likely their first time, so he didn't say much more.
Soon, Xiao Lin reached the reception desk at the entrance of the Mittel Auction House and handed over his invitation. The receptionist arranged by the Mittel Clan had actually seen them approaching long ago.
Now that Xiao Lin had presented the VIP invitation issued by the family, the receptionist naturally showed a look of deep respect.
"Honored guests of the Xiao Clan, please follow me. Our Mittel Clan has already prepared a VIP box for you."
The Mittel attendant made a "please" gesture toward Xiao Lin and his group.