NOVEL NEXT Mister Gold and Mister Silver
Jia Xingtian stretched his muscles, realizing that these powerful individuals had arrived early because they sensed the special energy surrounding Heaven Ascending Pavilion. This energy greatly enhanced their cultivation speed, naturally attracting many strong fighters to settle nearby.
Some even attempted to enter the valley, but they were promptly decapitated by the Amethyst Winged Lion King. This act of "killing the chicken to scare the monkey" deterred other strong fighters from rashly entering the pavilion's territory. They had no choice but to find suitable places outside the valley for their cultivation.
The Amethyst Winged Lion King, benefiting from devouring humans with high realm, knew that consuming all intruders could lead to its advancement to a seventh-tier magical beast. Thus, it patrolled the perimeter with its three subordinates, ensuring that anyone trespassing was swiftly executed.
Sitting atop the pavilion, Li Xiao leisurely sipped his wine, watching everything unfold without intervening. The rules were clear: anyone attempting to infiltrate Heaven Ascending Pavilion would face severe consequences. Their survival depended solely on their luck.
Bing Shuang approached and respectfully greeted, "Master, you called for me."
"How many strong cultivators have gathered outside the valley?" Li Xiao asked.
Bing Shuang glanced towards the valley's edge. As a six-stars Dou Venerate, she could easily sense the dispersed auras of the Dou Emperors in the area.
"Master, there are twenty Dou Emperors, forty Dou Kings, and over a hundred Dou Spirits and below gathered outside the valley," Bing Shuang reported.
Li Xiao raised an eyebrow in interest. "So many? Interesting."
"Shall I drive them all away?" Bing Shuang offered. With her strength, she could easily eliminate all the cultivators outside the valley.
Li Xiao shook his head. They had not yet entered the valley, so it did not count as an invasion of Heaven Ascending Pavilion's territory. As long as they did not engage in combat here, it was permissible for them to cultivate nearby. However, anyone who disobeyed the pavilion's rules and resorted to violence would face its wrath.
Moreover, the economic lifeline of Heaven Ascending Pavilion depended on these people. If they were all killed, who would come in the future?
"Go back," Li Xiao instructed.
"Yes, Master," Bing Shuang replied before respectfully leaving.
As more and more experts gathered, the anticipation for the upcoming auction grew. The allure of potentially acquiring another set of rare treasures like the previous auction items, such as the Green Fungus Pill, Heavenly Flame, and Deep Sea Blue Heart, kept the excitement palpable among the gathered powerhouses.
…
Two months passed in a flash.
During this time, the strong fighters outside the valley remained unusually calm and disciplined. They came here for the auction, not to cause havoc. As the opening of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion's auction drew near, these powerful individuals woke from their cultivation and gathered at the valley's entrance, waiting for Niu Meng to announce the event.
Naturally, Medicine Emperor Han Feng also arrived. The items auctioned at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion last time had left him envious, and he would not miss such an opportunity again.
A mass of black mist hovered in the air, attracting disdainful looks from those around. When Han Feng turned and saw the black mist, his expression darkened. He thought to himself, "I didn't expect it to be him. It seems he was at the last auction as well."
The last item, Tier-8 Green Fungus Pill, had been bought by this person. Since then, Han Feng had investigated the identity of the individual, finding that they were someone he could not mess with. Moreover, he had previously cooperated with this person, so it was unwise to break ties now.
"Jie jie jie," the black mist laughed coldly. "Han Feng, you came too."
"Since you're here, how could I miss such a good opportunity?" Han Feng replied with a faint smile.
Those around cast astonished glances. They hadn't expected the renowned Tier-6 alchemist Medicine Emperor Han Feng to be so polite to this black mist figure. Could he be from a powerful faction?
Jia Xingtian's face grew serious. "I sense a terrifying aura from him. He seems to have broken through the Dou Emperor barrier and reached the Dou Ancestor level... We underestimated this person."
"What? A Dou Ancestor has really come!" Fa Ma, the president of the Alchemist Association, exclaimed in shock. He had not expected a Dou Ancestor to actually attend this auction in the northern forests. Having a Dou Ancestor join the auction would be detrimental to any faction.
"If that's the case, their strength surpasses ours. I didn't expect the Heaven Ascending Pavilion to attract so many powerful figures, including those from the Black-Corner Region," Jia Xingtian said.
"Hehe, Han Feng, you're here too."
A pair of twin brothers flew in from the distance. They looked identical, but their clothes were different—one in gold and the other in silver, both at the peak of the Dou Emperor realm.
"Mister Golden, Mister Silver, you're here," Han Feng squinted his eyes.
The newcomers were Mister Golden and Mister Silver, peak Dou Emperors from the Black-Corner Region, known for their seamless teamwork, reputedly capable of fighting a Dou Ancestor together.
"Indeed, we couldn't miss such a good opportunity after hearing the rumor about the Tier-8 Green Fungus Pill being auctioned at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion last time," the twins cackled.
Han Feng inwardly sneered at the two old men who had come to join the fun. It seemed the upcoming auction would be even more fierce.
However, he still wore a welcoming smile. "Hehe, with you two here, it seems no one in this small Jia Ma Empire can match you."
Mister Golden and Mister Silver laughed heartily at this flattering comment. "No need for formalities, Medicine Emperor. If there's something you want, we won't compete with you."
"We might even help you solve some problems."
"Thank you, seniors." Han Feng cupped his hands in gratitude, but he knew their words held little weight. If an item was precious enough to enhance their power, they would likely fight for it.
Fan Lao, the Sect Master of the Blood Sect, licked his lips. "Medicine Emperor, don't forget our agreement. I'm about to break through, and I hope you won't go back on your word."
"Don't worry, Fan Lao. I always keep my promises. But you must assist me with all your might; otherwise..."
"Of course," Fan Lao laughed. He needed a Tier-6 pill to aid his breakthrough and had agreed to help Han Feng at the auction. Regardless of the item and its cost, the Blood Sect would cover thirty percent of the gold coins.
Although it seemed like a losing deal, Han Feng had promised to waive any future herb fees, making it an opportunity Fan Lao could not pass up.
Eight Gate's Sect Master Yuan Yi, Ground Fire Sect's Sect Master, Ban Lao, and others also gathered around Han Feng, waiting for the auction to officially start.