In the outer eastern region of the Magic Beast Mountain Range, above a vast basin.
"Has the matter been resolved?" Hai Bodong's ice-blue fighting spirit wings fluttered slightly as he looked at the figure slowly rising from the misty valley below—Xiao Se.
"Yes, it's resolved. Let's go," Xiao Se nodded lightly. During their journey through the Magic Beast Range, he had specifically visited the small valley where he once lived with the Little Fairy Doctor. However, he found no signs that the Little Fairy Doctor had returned. Thus, he left a letter in the valley's cabin, informing her of his upcoming trip to the Holy Flame City for the Alchemist Conference.
"Ah, I hope the Little Fairy Doctor finds my letter. At least a message of safety would be good." With a sigh, Xiao Se flapped his wings and turned into a green streak of light, rapidly flying towards Wutan City, with Hai Bodong following closely behind.
"Damn it, we're finally here. If I had known earlier, I would have flown you directly from Desert City, instead of taking several days of travel." Upon arriving in Wutan City, Hai Bodong complained, just as Xiao Se had previously mentioned—if they had no mutual interests, Hai Bodong would have left directly, even if it meant having a reputation for not keeping promises.
It was only because of the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill that Hai Bodong was willing to patiently accompany Xiao Se on a "slow" flight.
"Heh, stop complaining. I heard you refer to the current head of the Miteer family as useless on Gu He's flying ship. I'm guessing you have a deep connection with the Miteer family. Conveniently, there's a Miteer family auction house in Wutan City, and it has a business prodigy from your Miteer family," Xiao Se adjusted his mask and said with a light laugh.
"Oh?" Hearing this, Hai Bodong rubbed his chin, clearly intrigued. "If you praise them so highly, I'd like to see for myself."
The old and young entered Wutan City with a friendly conversation, drawing many curious glances, especially towards Xiao Se's second-tier Alchemist badge, which elicited respect and envy from many.
However, due to Xiao Se's significant change in appearance and physique after a year of training, as well as his naturally low profile and mask, even if he encountered members of the Xiao family, no one recognized him.
After passing through the end of Wutan City's streets, the two soon arrived at the Miteer Auction House in the city's center.
Compared to a year ago, the Miteer Auction House had not changed much. But once Xiao Se truly entered, he found the business booming far beyond what it was a year prior. The hall was bustling with activity, guests were numerous, and the noise of transactions filled the air.
Looking at the overwhelming crowd in the auction house, Hai Bodong nodded slightly and said, "It seems the person you mentioned does have some skill. To run a small auction house branch to such a scale is indeed rare."
Xiao Se was also surprised by the Miteer Auction House's growth. Logically speaking, even during Xiao Yan's three-year appointment, it shouldn't be so bustling.
"Let's go. It's too crowded here, and the items for sale are ordinary. Let's use the VIP passage to the auction hall; we might find some materials for making the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill," Xiao Se pointed towards the quieter VIP passage and then walked over.
Hai Bodong shrugged and followed.
The VIP passage was guarded by two fully armed sentinels, their cultivation around five-star Dou Shi. Upon seeing Xiao Se's second-tier Alchemist badge, they opened the way without waiting for him to produce the VIP card previously given by Ya Fei.
"Sir, you've arrived at just the right time. The auction hall is currently holding the grandest auction of the past year. It's said that even some second-tier Alchemists like yourself would be tempted by the final few items," one of the sentinels said with a flattering smile, making a gesture of invitation, and then called a passing maid to guide them.
Xiao Se shook his head, declined the maid's guidance, and skillfully led Hai Bodong into the VIP passage.
As soon as they entered the VIP passage, the noisy clamor outside seemed to be blocked off, and the world instantly became quiet.
Passing through several corridors, they were greeted by a huge space resembling a scaled-down version of the Colosseum, coming into view.
Below the auction stage, the seats were almost filled with people. Notably, this time, the seats in the front were not only occupied by the three patriarchs of Wutan City's three major families—Jia Lie Bi, Xiao Zhan, and Ao Ba Pa—but also by four additional people. Judging by the aura they emitted, they were likely also high-level Dou Shi, possibly the patriarchs of families from surrounding cities.
On the auction stage, Ya Fei wore a striking red tight-fitting brocade dress, exquisitely crafted to highlight her elegant curves. Beneath the dress, her snow-white long legs looked like jade, evoking a strong urge in viewers.
With a smile on her charming face, a hint of allure and seduction in her eyes, combined with her delicate voice, Ya Fei nearly mesmerized all the guests, who bid far beyond the value of the items just to receive her gaze.
Leaning against the railing, Xiao Se couldn't help but click his tongue, inwardly sighing that she truly was a beauty. However, he was no longer the naive youth from a year ago and was not shy like he used to be.
"Could this girl be the one you mentioned?" Hai Bodong also leaned against the railing and slowly spoke.
"Oh? Old Hai, why do you say that?" Xiao Se asked, somewhat surprised.
"She knows how to use her beauty to her advantage, but I can sense from her eyes a disdain and even disgust towards everyone. She seems to be a proud woman who is also good at hiding her true feelings," Hai Bodong, who was astute and from a commercial family, quickly saw through Ya Fei's facade.
"Right on target," Xiao Se couldn't help but sigh and then became interested, turning his head to ask, "And what about me, Old Hai? What kind of person do you think I am?"
"You?" Hai Bodong pondered for a moment, his mouth twitching. "Calculating, but with a sense of justice. Also, it seems like you can predict the future. Standing in front of you feels like being completely exposed, with no secrets left."
"Uh," Xiao Se smiled and said nothing. In the past, to find the map of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame , he did use his insight to look through Hai Bodong's body, which was quite unpleasant.
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