Chapter 98: A Teacher's Example!
The next morning!
In front of the Mittel Family Auction House, a luxurious carriage, protected by numerous black-armored guards, came to a stop.
The carriage was pulled by four tall, pure white horses with no Variegated fur. On the golden yellow curtains surrounding the carriage, a strange beast with blue flames rising from its body was depicted.
This beast was not small in size, and its overall appearance was quite ferocious, seemingly possessing a deterrent effect. This seemingly ferocious beast emblem was extremely famous in the Jia Ma Empire, as it was a symbol of the imperial family, and only important members of the imperial family were allowed to wear it.
From within the carriage curtains, a slender hand, white as jade, extended out, and Yao Ye was the first to emerge.
She did not immediately alight but instead turned to help Jia Xingtian descend with her.
"Jia Xingtian, I didn't expect even you to come?" A surprised voice suddenly came from behind. Grandmaster Fa Ma, alone, hurried over, his eyes scanning Jia Xingtian with some surprise. Seeing his increasingly aged face, he immediately understood.
"Heh heh, if I didn't come, this old bag of bones of mine would probably really give out!" Jia Xingtian let out a self-deprecating bitter laugh, his tone somewhat regretful.
Frowning as he looked at him, Fa Ma sighed, "Your injuries are easy to treat, but there is still a very overbearing Dou Qi (Battle Energy) remaining in your body. This Dou Qi (Battle Energy) contains a very peculiar attribute, capable of devouring all substances within the human body. In my opinion, only an Heavenly Flame has the ability to expel it."
"Unfortunately, there has been no news of an Heavenly Flame in the Jia Ma Empire for a long time!"
"Alas—" Hearing Fa Ma's words, Jia Xingtian smiled bitterly in his heart. How could he not know that Fa Ma's statement was consistent with what his own Alchemist had said.
But an Heavenly Flame! How could it be so easy to obtain?
"Now I can only try my luck!" Looking at the Mittel Family, Jia Xingtian's eyes were filled with expectation.
"Grand-uncle, Grandmaster Fa Ma, let's go in!" At this moment, Yao Ye, supporting Jia Xingtian, said to Fa Ma.
"Then..."
Jia Xingtian smiled and nodded, about to step forward. The next moment, as if sensing something, he turned his head to look into the distance, simultaneously breaking free from Yao Ye's support. His body instantly straightened, and his complexion brightened considerably, no longer looking sickly.
Fa Ma also sensed something. Seeing the difference in Jia Xingtian's demeanor before and after, he secretly shook his head and waited alongside him.
Before long, at the end of the road, several more luxurious carriages appeared.
The carriages stopped not far away, and several figures emerged. Leading them was a noblewoman with a graceful temperament. Her serene and beautiful face, in a plain dress, could not hide her elegance and nobility.
Beside her was a middle-aged man with sharp features and a mature demeanor.
These individuals were Yun Yun, the Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect, Pill King Gu He, and Nalan Yanran was also among them.
The group met, each understanding the other without words. Before long, Ya Fei, dressed in a red cloak and a long red palace gown, came over.
"Distinguished guests, I apologize for the delay. Hai Bodong is already waiting in the hall!"
With Ya Fei's arrival, for a time, Yao Ye, Yun Yun, Nalan Yanran, and four women, each with their unique charm, competed for attention, causing most people to be momentarily dazed.
"Then let's go see that old fellow!" Jia Xingtian nodded and was the first to step inside.
Yun Yun and the others followed silently!
Led by Ya Fei, the group arrived at the pavilion from yesterday. Hai Bodong and Mitchel Tengshan were already waiting there again.
"Old fellow, I think..."
As soon as he saw Hai Bodong, Jia Xingtian eagerly spoke up, unable to wait.
"No need to say anything!" Before he could speak, Hai Bodong quickly raised a hand to interrupt him, saying firmly, "Old monster, it's not that I'm being unfeeling, but Grandmaster Jiang likes peace and quiet. You will naturally see him after the Heaven-tier auction begins."
Hearing Hai Bodong say this, everyone immediately showed disappointment, but at the same time, a hint of joy arose. Since Hai Bodong said this, it meant that there really was a Grandmaster Alchemist who had come to the Jia Ma Empire.
"Really not?" Even though he knew the answer, Jia Xingtian was still unwilling.
"Listen to my advice, do not provoke Grandmaster Jiang!" Hai Bodong advised with a serious expression.
Don't let Jiang Yun's current easy-going demeanor fool you; the first time they met, he left a profound impression on Hai Bodong, who still felt a little apprehensive around him.
He was certain that the other party was definitely a ruthless individual!
"Alright!" Seeing Hai Bodong's repeated warnings, Jia Xingtian could only give up.
"I still have one question!" Immediately, Jia Xingtian spoke again, "Is there really a Seventh Grade Pill?"
At these words, everyone present had their attention drawn.
Hai Bodong saw this, nodded, and said, "It's fine to tell you in advance. All the pills this time are provided by Grandmaster Jiang, and Grandmaster Jiang only accepts bartering. If something that interests him appears, a Seventh Grade Pill is not impossible to trade for!"
Everyone became excited by Hai Bodong's words. Really, there really was a Seventh Grade Pill.
"Since that's the case, Yun Yun will take her leave first!" After entering, the usually silent Yun Yun was the first to stand up and bid farewell.
"These are small gifts prepared by the Yunlan Sect. Please give them to the Grandmaster, Elder Hai!" Before leaving, Yun Yun left three brocade boxes. Seeing Gu He's pained expression, it was clear that the contents were valuable.
And it was very likely high-grade medicinal herbs!
Coming in a hurry and leaving in a hurry, the people from the Nalan Family and the Yunlan Sect followed Yun Yun and left first.
"Teacher..." Inside the carriage, Nalan Yanran looked at Yun Yun anxiously.
"Yanran, this matter should not be rushed. Most Alchemists have peculiar tempers. If we anger him because of this, it would be a loss greater than the gain. Everything will depend on the auction the day after tomorrow!" Yun Yun calmly explained.
"Alright!"
Not long after Yun Yun left, Jia Xingtian and Fa Ma also left their gifts and departed.
Looking at the brocade boxes on the table, Hai Bodong felt a twinge in his teeth, experiencing for the first time the allure of a high-level Alchemist.
Putting the gifts into his storage ring, Hai Bodong stood up and walked towards the back.
In the Inner Court of the Mittel Family, Jiang Yun and the others were gathered. Zi Yan was lying on an exquisite lounge chair, eating pills one by one, while Qing Lin was diligently studying the Dou Technique in her hand.
At this moment, Xiao Yi Xian was controlling a pink flame beside a three-mouthed cauldron, receiving guidance from Jiang Yun.
"Lower the temperature a bit more!"
Jiang Yun's voice came from her ear. Xiao Yi Xian carefully controlled the temperature of the flame. In the flame, a Blood Coagulation Herb was tumbling.
The sweat dripping from her forehead indicated that the process was not going smoothly. Under Jiang Yun's guidance, finally, the Blood Coagulation Herb began to gradually shed its skin, and the juice contained within its leaves was roasted into tiny, pale white powder.
The essence of the Blood Coagulation Herb was finally successfully refined by Xiao Yi Xian, the novice.
Squinting his eyes, Jiang Yun watched Xiao Yi Xian successfully refine the Blood Coagulation Herb into white powder again. He smiled and nodded, saying softly, "Alright, now you have successfully refined all the medicinal ingredients for Blood Coagulation Powder. You can proceed to the next step."
"Phew—, alchemy is so tiring!" Hearing this, Xiao Yi Xian's body slumped as if exhausted. She gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and sighed.
However, when her gaze shifted to the dozen or so jade boxes placed in front of the medicinal cauldron, the jade boxes were filled with identical, various colored powders refined from other medicinal ingredients. These were the results of Xiao Yi Xian's hard work earlier.
Seeing these, and thinking of the next steps, Xiao Yi Xian immediately became excited, looking at Jiang Yun expectantly: "Next is the pill fusion, so does that mean I'll be a Grade 1 Alchemist!"
"Pop—"
Gently flicking Xiao Yi Xian's smooth forehead, Jiang Yun said with a chuckle, "You've only just learned to walk and you're already thinking of flying. This is just the lowest grade of pill, not even considered a complete pill. You're only halfway into the ranks of Alchemists!"
"Seriously, can't you encourage me?" Being flicked by Jiang Yun, Xiao Yi Xian covered her slightly red forehead. Noticing the gazes from both sides, her cheeks flushed, and she whispered.
"Besides, technically, I'm your disciple, right? If my alchemy skills are too poor, and it gets out, wouldn't it be an embarrassment to you, my 'teacher,' the future number one Alchemist on the continent!"
Looking at the glib Xiao Yi Xian, Jiang Yun's eyes showed a hint of mischief, "Then call me 'Teacher'?"
"I..." Feeling the mischief in Jiang Yun's eyes, and seemingly remembering something, Xiao Yi Xian's face turned even redder. Realizing she couldn't win against him, Xiao Yi Xian turned her attention to controlling the five-tier beast flame, Peach Blossom Flame, sent by the Mittel Family, and continued refining pills.
Seeing this, Jiang Yun smiled silently and focused on Xiao Yi Xian's first attempt at pill fusion.
Xiao Yi Xian skillfully threw the pure white powder into the medicinal cauldron, then roasted it with a gentle flame for about ten minutes. Once the pure white powder turned slightly reddish, she quickly poured in the poppy flower liquid.
As soon as the liquid entered the medicinal cauldron, it enveloped the pure white powder. After a brief tumbling in the flame, the two gradually merged into a light red viscous liquid.
Xiao Yi Xian's soul perception diligently controlled the temperature of the flame, slowly roasting the light red viscous liquid.
As time passed, under the continuous roasting of the flame, the viscous liquid gradually turned into a dark red paste.
Hesitating for a moment, she raised her hand to add the last medicinal ingredient. At this moment, Jiang Yun's voice came from the side.
"Wait three more breaths!"
Xiao Yi Xian's hand paused slightly, obediently following Jiang Yun's words. After the time was up, she added the last medicinal ingredient, and finally, a light red viscous medicinal liquid slowly formed.
Seeing this, Jiang Yun smiled slightly. With a wave of his hand, the lid of the medicinal cauldron flew off. With a flick of his right hand, a jade bottle flew over, and the medicinal liquid in the cauldron slowly flowed into it.
Looking at Xiao Yi Xian's expectant gaze, Jiang Yun chuckled and said, "Congratulations on successfully refining your first 'pill' in life. You have officially stepped into the threshold of an Alchemist!"
"I'm an Alchemist!" The moment Jiang Yun acknowledged it, even though the fact was right before her eyes, Xiao Yi Xian still felt somewhat dreamy. She had become an Alchemist.
"Xiao Yi Xian sister (Xiao Yi Xian), congratulations!" At this moment, Qing Lin and Zi Yan also came over, each embracing one of her arms, saying happily, genuinely happy for her.
This ill-fated girl had finally achieved her wish!
"Mm!" Hearing everyone's congratulations, Xiao Yi Xian nodded vigorously, tears in her eyes.
After a long while, after the initial excitement, Xiao Yi Xian suddenly felt both her hands enveloped in a soft, warm embrace. The familiar touch made her face stiffen, and her earlier joy abruptly ceased.
Turning her head to look, Xiao Yi Xian gazed at Qing Lin with a sorrowful and indignant expression. Why? Zi Yan was understandable, after all, she was a transformed magical beast, so human standards didn't apply.
But Qing Lin was clearly younger than her, so why had she reached a level that Xiao Yi Xian couldn't?
Oh! Qing Lin had the bloodline of the Snake-People Tribe, so she wasn't a pure human either. Remembering this, Xiao Yi Xian immediately became even more dejected.
This sudden change left everyone utterly confused.
"Grandmaster!"
Fortunately, Hai Bodong's voice came from outside at this moment, and everyone's attention immediately shifted.
"Come in!"
After Hai Bodong entered, smelling the lingering medicinal fragrance in the air, he felt as if he had come at the wrong time. After taking out the jade boxes sent by the major powers, Hai Bodong said,
"Grandmaster, these are gifts from the imperial family, the Alchemist Guild, the Yunlan Sect, the Nalan Family, and the Mu Family! They wish to meet you! But I sent them away!"
Looking at the marked boxes on the table, which even included the Mittel Family, Jiang Yun was too lazy to expose their little schemes.
Sensing the energy fluctuations within, they were clearly good items. Jiang Yun could guess some of their requests. He turned to Hai Bodong and said,
"I know. Let's meet them all at the auction. Thank them for me!"
Having received Jiang Yun's reply, Hai Bodong turned and left.
"Are we really not going to see them?" After Hai Bodong left, Xiao Yi Xian couldn't help but ask. These were all 'great figures' from legends.
"Just a few Dou Huang (Battle Emperors), not even a Dou Zong (Battle Ancestor Master). What's there to see!" Zi Yan, who was already opening the boxes one by one, said carelessly without even lifting her head.
"Zi Yan is right, don't worry about it!" Facing Xiao Yi Xian's bewildered gaze, Jiang Yun nodded, saying with a relaxed expression.
"Oh—, it's actually Purple Orchid Fruit. It's perfect for refining a Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pill. Qing Lin will be able to use it very soon!"
Yes, with the Grade 6 Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor providing Dou Qi (Battle Energy) to Qing Lin, she could grow rapidly until she reached the Dou Huang (Battle Emperor) stage. In Jiang Yun's estimation, in another three months, Qing Lin would be able to break through to Dou Grandmaster.
Time passed quietly.
Soon, it was time for the Mittel Family Heaven-tier Auction.
The Mittel Family Heaven-tier Auction Hall was located on the fifth floor of the Mittel Family Chamber of Commerce in Jia Ma Holy City, with the entire floor serving as the auction venue.
Today's auction, due to its special nature, was destined to attract many people. Even the Mittel Family could not estimate the number of attendees, so they held it in the Mittel Family's largest venue.