After Zhang Qianfeng left, Yinxih asked Hu Meng, "So, what conclusion did you come to?"
Hu Meng shook his feather fan and said, "Firstly, it's certain that we can still obtain high-quality Extending Limbs Pills, maybe even the top-grade ones."
Yinxih impatiently replied, "That goes without saying. Say something useful." They had already discussed this earlier; there was no need for this fox to repeat it.
Hu Meng continued to smile, "Secondly, this pill is likely related to that renowned mysterious alchemist. The special individual Zhang Qianfeng encountered before and after reaching the Nascent Soul stage must be that alchemist. If we want to inquire about Master Fengyin Hua, it should be that alchemist, Yao. So when Zhang Qianfeng said that finding Fengyin Hua would lead us to what we desire, he meant it."
Yinxih acted as if she suddenly understood, "Then why go through all this trouble? Why don't we just directly find this Alchemist Yao?"
Hu Meng shrugged, "That would require knowing where he is. It's better if we make preparations from both sides and each of us search for them."
Soon, the auction organized by the Merchant Union officially began. Due to effective publicity, cultivators from all over gathered at the Merchant Union. Even major sects such as the Tai Luo Sect and Changxian Sect sent representatives to participate. The list of items up for auction also enticed them, with even rare Nascent Soul cultivators making an appearance.
The various major businesses that joined the Merchant Union were also filled with excitement. This grand scene could be recorded in the annals of history. Prior to the Merchant Union, no business had the power to host such a grand auction because they couldn't control so many Nascent Soul cultivators.
Golden Core cultivators who came here could be rampant in other places, but here they stayed low-profile, fearing accidentally offending a Nascent Soul cultivator and being easily wiped out. Behind even a Golden Core or Foundation Establishment cultivator, there could be an Elder in the Nascent Soul stage.
The auction lasted for ten days, featuring resources and items used by cultivators ranging from Golden Core and above. Items used by Foundation Establishment cultivators didn't qualify for this type of auction.
After the auction ended, many cultivators were still discussing the grandeur of the auction and the various treasures that were sold.
A few Golden Core cultivators were discussing in a high-class restaurant, feeling envious of the items that only Nascent Soul cultivators could use, but they were eagerly eyeing various items suitable for the Golden Core stage.
"There were so many top-grade pills auctioned this time. It must have been Alchemist Yao who provided them. Alchemist Yao must have some collaboration with Qianfeng Pavilion."
Because the information was not difficult to gather, these top-grade pills were provided by Qianfeng Pavilion. Although the Merchant Union was an alliance of major businesses, each business had substantial autonomy; otherwise, it wouldn't have attracted the participation of various businesses.
"I've also heard that many Nascent Soul cultivators are inquiring about the whereabouts of Alchemist Yao. When he was in Jiangyun City, he had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage. How long has it been since then that he can already refine high-grade top-grade pills? Once he can refine sixth-grade top-grade pills, I'm guessing those great Nascent Soul cultivators will want to recruit him."
Some Nascent Soul cultivators wanted to lend a helping hand at this moment, as it would make it easier to request his pill refinement in the future. After all, sixth-grade alchemists were not easy to find. Most sixth-grade alchemists were supported by major sects, so independent Nascent Soul cultivators were even more eager for the services of a sixth-grade alchemist.
"It's truly enviable. By the way, there are even top-grade Qingchen Pills auctioned this time, and even Nascent Soul cultivators participated in bidding. It seems that some of the previous rumors are true. These Qingchen Pills, including the previous Cui Ling Pills, are most likely created by Alchemist Yao. I didn't expect both Changxian Sect and Li Qi..."
Speaking so shamelessly, one of the cultivators swallowed the last few words to prevent others from overhearing.
Lou Huaijing and Ying Muqing, sitting in the next table, looked at each other. Ever since the auction ended, these kinds of discussions have been brought up by countless people, and the doubts about Changxian Sect have been growing. They felt ashamed as disciples of Changxian Sect.
Li Qi's reputation has also become notorious. Is it so easy for people to take what isn't theirs? Now it seems he will reap what he sows.
Ying Muye wiped his face and said, "Senior Brother, who do you think has been chasing us all this way?"
The journey has been filled with dangers, and Ying Muqing felt that he could survive thanks to the protection of Senior Brother Lou. Senior Brother Lou possessed a life-saving item given by his Nascent Soul Elder, which ensured his survival against attacks from Nascent Soul cultivators.
Of course, there were some thoughts that Ying Muqing could only keep to himself. He believed that the person chasing them was actually targeting Senior Brother Lou. He was the unfortunate one caught in the crossfire. However, there were also benefits to following Senior Brother Lou, so Ying Muqing couldn't only focus on the negative side. Lou Huaijing coldly said, "Besides that scoundrel, Huo Ming, who else would hate me so much that they want me dead? I have already informed the Elder, and he said he would handle it."
Ying Muqing sighed in his heart. If he were to return to the sect now, he would likely be targeted by Huo Ming. Unable to deal with Lou Huaijing, Huo Ming would most likely take his anger out on Ying Muqing. So it would be better for him to stay outside and wander around honestly.
Lou Huaijing dropped the spirit stones and said, "Let's go, we'll take on a mission."
At this time, many forces were leaving the location of the Merchant Union. For the sake of a safe journey back, they often hired additional cultivators to increase their protective strength. The two of them took on a mission, not for the sake of earning spirit stones, but to travel with these groups.
Outside, the two of them did not expose their identities as disciples of Changxian Sect. Instead, they traveled as independent cultivators.
Yinxih and Hu Meng were also preparing to return. Yin Yue Trading Company had also provided some auction items and had spent a large sum of spirit stones to snatch many pills, mainly top-grade pills. The reason being that there was a shortage of pill masters among the demon cultivators, especially those with exceptional alchemy skills. Yinxih had a thought that if she could find Alchemist Yao, she might as well capture him and bring him back to the Silver Wolf Clan, specifically for him to refine pills for her clan members.
"Manager, your idea is too dangerous. From what I know, the Lightning Sword cultivator around Alchemist Yao is extremely formidable." This sword cultivator had astonishing destructive power. If they couldn't eliminate him thoroughly, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't grow into a threat for the Silver Wolf Clan one day. Therefore, Hu Meng earnestly advised against it.
"Enough chatter!" Yinxih flatly uttered two words, leaving Hu Meng dumbfounded.
Who was all of this for anyway? If she wanted to capture someone, then capture them. After all, it would be the Silver Wolf Clan who would suffer in the end, not the Fox Clan. Why should he bother with such matters?
Yinxih turned around and said, "You do make a valid point."
Hu Meng couldn't be bothered to talk to this lunatic any longer. He turned his head and entered the carriage. Being exposed to the elements outside, his skin had deteriorated.
The demon race mostly looked down upon human cultivators with fragile bodies, but they also knew that the number of human cultivators was immensely large, far surpassing that of the demon cultivators. Among this vast number, there would always be a few outstanding individuals, particularly those with exceptional sword skills. Encountering such individuals, demon cultivators preferred not to provoke them if they could avoid it.
Knowing that Yinxih had left, Zhang Qianfeng raised an eyebrow. She had already learned from the Thousand Stone Shop in Fengyan City that Hu Mei, a fox member of Fox Clan, had set her sights on Gu Yao. So when Hu Meng found out that the person he was searching for was actually within the territory of the demon cultivators, she wondered what expression he would have. Unfortunately, she couldn't witness it herself.
Gu Yao was unaware of the relationship between Hu Mei and Hu Meng, but Zhang Qianfeng knew.
Fengyan City.
Gu Yao notified Hu Mei to come and collect the pills. In reality, they had already been refined, but she intentionally delayed giving them. Alchemists could be whimsical like that, and Gu Yao felt no need to be overly diligent.
Hu Mei arrived promptly. This time, the chubby guy had also come out of seclusion and reinforced the Four Beasts Killing Array. He had heard Tian Feirong muttering about this vixen cultivator who actually had the audacity to seduce Chiyao right in front of Chu Changye. So the chubby guy maintained a keen interest in Hu Mei and watched the entire process.
Gu Yao cast a disdainful glance at the two spectators and handed the pills to Hu Mei, while keeping half of them following the usual custom.
Hu Mei examined each of them with delight. "Alchemist Yao is truly exceptional. Alchemist Yao has been holed up and probably had no idea how grand the auction held by the Merchant Union was. Alchemist Yao has gained quite the reputation this time. But in the end, I'm the one who benefits the most. Those cultivators clutching heaps of spirit stones to snatch Alchemist Yao's top-grade pills at the auction, while I only have to take a few steps."
Tian Feirong and the chubby guy twitched their lips. Was Hu Mei deliberately trying to provoke Gu Yao with these words? Shouldn't she be boasting to outsiders instead?
Hu Mei satisfactorily put away the pills and then took out a box, pushing it in front of Gu Yao. "This is a token of appreciation for Alchemist Yao."
Although half of the pill was deducted according to the rules, most of the pills refined by Gu Yao were top-grade pills. It was certain that they couldn't follow the rules of ordinary pill masters. So when this gift was sent over, Gu Yao naturally wouldn't refuse it and accepted it contentedly.
She opened the box on the spot and revealed a pleased expression after seeing the items inside. Finally, she wasn't completely rejecting Hu Mei anymore and said, "Thank you very much. I really like this spiritual herb."
Inside the box was only a single spiritual herb. However, this spiritual herb was very special. It was said to only grow in a secret realm of the Fox Clan and resembled a fox's tail, hence its name Fox Tail Herb. Moreover, it was the main medicinal ingredient for refining Soul-Boosting Pills. Hu Mei chuckled and said, "If Senior Yao likes it, then we can even bring you to our Fox Clan's secret realm if Senior Yao joins us."
Huh! This female Fox cultivator even tries to steal someone else's lover! Tian Fei Rong and the chubby boy widened their eyes and looked over.
Chi Changye coldly glanced at Hu Mei without saying anything. Gu Yao smiled and said, "Friend Hu knows that it's an impossible matter, so there's no need to waste any more words."
Hu Mei's eyes rolled a few times without directly answering that question. She thought to herself that she should find a good-looking male Fox cultivator to come and see Gu Yao. Maybe Gu Yao would change her mind about Chi Changye. That's why she remained unwavering in her charm.
Hu Mei didn't leave after receiving the pill. Instead, she stayed and talked about the matters of the Commercial Alliance and the Auction House. Tian Fei Rong and the chubby boy were quite interested and didn't know much about the news in Fengyan City, so they listened attentively.
After Hu Mei left, Tian Fei Rong and the chubby boy expressed their regret, saying, "It's a pity we couldn't see it in person. Just hearing the description was already very shocking."
Chi Changye glanced lightly at them and said, "Once this kind of auction starts, it won't just happen once. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Shortly after, the shopkeeper of Qian Shi Store arrived and brought a large amount of spiritual stones. He also mentioned the request from the Silver Moon Chamber of Commerce and the countermeasures of the Pavilion Master. Gu Yao expressed her gratitude to the shopkeeper, but then found it amusing.
Once the shopkeeper had left, the chubby boy chuckled, "The Silver Moon Chamber of Commerce really took a big detour. You're right here, Gu Yao, but they went all the way to Baihe City to find someone. However... they probably won't be able to hide it for much longer."
There's a possibility that there might be a second or third demonic cultivator who recognizes them like Hu Mei did. Moreover, it seems that the Fox Clan has a shallow relationship with the Silver Moon Chamber of Commerce, and Hu Mei's status in the Fox Clan should be quite high. As long as Hu Mei brings back the top-grade pills and shows her face, they will know that the person they're looking for is in Fengyan City.
Gu Yao smiled and said, "It's alright, let them come. Just like Pavilion Master Zhang, the more forces helping me inquire about Uncle Qi's whereabouts, the better. If we still can't find even the slightest clue, I won't believe it myself. After cultivating for such a long time, a person will always leave traces."
After much haste, Yin Xi's group finally returned to their own territory. Yin Xi tidied up and prepared to report the details of their trip to the tribe's leader. At this moment, Hu Mei came bouncing over, wagging her tail. When she saw Yin Xi, she became a bit more subdued. She was only one major cultivation level lower, so there must be some pressure.
Upon hearing the voice of his sister outside, Hu Meng walked out and asked, "Why did you come?"
His sister was always wandering outside, and it was difficult to find her if she didn't return herself. If she did return on her own, then there must be something going on. Hu Meng felt a headache coming on at the thought of having to clean up after his sister's mess.
Hu Meng poked his older brother's shoulder and said, "Brother, what are you talking about? Why can't I come? I knew Brother went to the Commercial Alliance and participated in the auction. As your sister, I wanted to see what good things you brought back as soon as possible."
Hu Mei's eyes shimmered with a cunning look, and Hu Meng instinctively said, "Don't think you can get special treatment from me. I won't give you any good things privately. I've already sent them back to the tribe."
"Oh well," Hu Mei circled around her older brother with her hands behind her back, then flipped her hair and said, "It's just a few top-grade pills, who cares!"
Hu Meng was surprised, "Why don't you care? Did you also get something?"
If his sister didn't make a move when there were good things, then that would be strange. Then he suddenly thought of his sister's talent and abilities, so he quickly reached out and grabbed her, excitedly asking, "Did Senior Yao come to our territory? Did you find him?"
Yin Xi, who originally didn't want to get involved in the squabbles between the siblings, immediately stopped moving and turned to face them. He reached out his hand directly to Hu Mei, while Hu Meng smiled mischievously.
He couldn't control his sister, but Yin Xi could. Hu Mei felt helpless and looked at Yin Xi, then blinked her eyes at her older brother. However, Hu Meng stood with crossed arms and just smiled. This made Hu Mei stomp her foot in anger, but she reluctantly took out a bottle of pills and the next moment it vanished from her hand.
(Note: Please be aware that the meaning of certain sentences may be subjective and may vary depending on the context of the story.)
Yin Xi opened the jade bottle, and sure enough, there were top-grade pills inside. He handed them to Hu Meng and said, "Take a look. Do they come from the same pill master as the ones we bought?"
Hu Meng examined them for a moment and said confidently, "Yes, it's indeed Yao Dan-shi's work. Sis, where did you discover Yao Dan-shi? Take us to find him!"
(Note: "Dan-shi" is a term for a master in the field of alchemy or pill-making.)