136: The annual Heavenly Serpent City Auction

Bai Wuya sat cross-legged on a futon in the cultivation room, with faint cyan Dou Qi swirling around him like a thin mist, flowing ceaselessly. His eyes were slightly closed, his aura condensed and isolated from the outside world.

Outside the door, one scout after another quietly entered, knelt on one knee, and reported in low voices the intelligence gathered from various nearby cities.

"Reporting to Eldest Young Master, the Alchemist Guild in Qingyan City has not registered any newly promoted Fourth-Grade Alchemists in the past six months."

"Replying to Eldest Young Master, the whereabouts of all well-known Alchemists in Blackwater City can be verified; none match the 'Jiang' surname."

"According to reports from our hidden contact in Yaocheng, there is no such person among the disciples of the local Alchemist families."

As each piece of information arrived, Bai Wuya's tightly closed eyes slowly opened.

His eyes were as deep as a fathomless pool, yet as sharp as a blade.

"So, this Master Jiang is not from any of the nearby cities at all."

His voice was deep and magnetic.

The leader of the scouts, kneeling at the front, said in a deep voice.

"Eldest Young Master is wise. Within the scope of our investigation, at least a thousand li, we cannot find any records matching this Master Jiang."

Bai Wuya's slender fingers gently tapped his knee, and a faint smile played on the corners of his lips.

"Interesting. An Alchemist of unknown origin, a Fourth-Grade Alchemist no less, would actually be willing to be a guest elder for my good-for-nothing Ninth Brother?"

The people below exchanged glances, and an elderly aide pondered before speaking.

"Eldest Young Master, perhaps this Master Jiang sees potential in Ninth Young Master?"

"Potential? What potential does Bai Xiaofeng have?"

Bai Wuya chuckled, a hint of disdain in his laughter.

He slowly rose, his white robes moving without wind, and the Dou Qi around him subtly formed a dragon-shaped phantom.

The pressure from a Peak of Nine-Star Dou Ling made everyone present subconsciously hold their breath.

"Either this Master Jiang has other motives."

Bai Wuya paced to the window, looking in Jiang Donghua's direction.

"Or he isn't a Fourth-Grade Alchemist at all!"

He suddenly turned around, his eyes blazing with brilliance.

These words were like a clap of thunder, making everyone present tremble.

The aide carefully asked.

"Does Eldest Young Master mean this person might be a fraud?"

Bai Wuya did not answer directly but instead retorted.

"Have any of you personally witnessed him refining a fourth-grade pill?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Have you found any credentials that can prove his identity?"

They shook their heads again.

Bai Wuya sneered.

"A master who appeared out of thin air, and a foolish younger brother eager for quick success - they are indeed a perfect match."

He stood with his hands behind his back, his tone suddenly turning cold.

"Keep investigating! I want to know the true origin of this Jiang Donghua."

A dangerous glint flashed in Bai Wuya's eyes.

"Send people to keep a close watch on Ninth Brother's movements. If this Master can truly refine the fire spirit pill, immediately recruit him. If we cannot recruit him, then let it disappear!"

He did not finish, but everyone present understood the unspoken threat.

"Understood!"

The scouts bowed deeply, then quietly withdrew with the others.

After everyone had left, Bai Wuya returned to the futon and sat cross-legged, looking at his palm, where a cluster of cyan Dou Qi flames gradually condensed.

"Breaking through to Dou Wang is imminent! I hope this suddenly appearing Alchemist does not ruin my important plans."

He muttered to himself in a low voice.

As he closed his eyes and adjusted his breathing again, the entire cultivation room fell back into silence.

Only the cluster of cyan flames flickered erratically in his palm.

In the early morning, the giant auction house in the center of Heavenly Serpent City was already bustling with people.

This magnificent building, constructed from obsidian, emanated a cold, dark glow. A ferocious snake head emblem, the symbol of Heavenly Serpent City, hung above the main entrance.

At the entrance of the auction house, dozens of powerful guards stood solemnly on either side, all at least at the Great Dou Master realm.

Their gazes were like knives, scrutinizing every entrant.

"Without Great Dou Master strength, you don't even have the qualifications to enter!"

A Dou Master attempting to sneak in was unceremoniously thrown out, crashing heavily onto the street, drawing a burst of laughter.

Jiang Donghua and Red Silk mingled in the crowd, walking slowly.

Red Silk glanced at the disheveled cultivator and whispered.

"This Heavenly Serpent City truly wears 'the strong prey on the weak' on its sleeve."

Jiang Donghua chuckled softly, his fingertips caressing the VIP card Bai Xiaofeng had given him yesterday, and said nonchalantly.

"No matter, we are honored guests today anyway."

As the two approached the entrance, a sharp-eyed attendant in brocade robes immediately came forward with a smile.

"Oh my! Isn't this Master Jiang?!"

The attendant's face was full of flattery, his waist bent almost to the ground.

"Ninth Young Master instructed us long ago; how could you two sit in the main hall? Please follow me, Ninth Young Master has been waiting for you in the VIP box on the second floor for a long time!"

Jiang Donghua raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

"Oh? Such treatment?"

The attendant nodded repeatedly.

"Of course! You are Ninth Young Master's honored guest; we must not neglect you!"

Red Silk secretly transmitted a message.

"Junior Brother, this Bai Xiaofeng certainly knows how to act."

Jiang Donghua's lips curved slightly, a cold smile in his heart.

"It's nothing more than a means to win people over."

But he showed no emotion on his face, only nodding slightly.

"Then I'll trouble you to lead the way."

The two followed the attendant's guidance, passing through the bustling main auction hall.

The hall was a hive of activity, with various powerhouses in groups of three or five, either conversing in low voices or staring intently at the treasures being displayed on the stage.

The combined aura of at least Great Dou Masters intertwined, forming an invisible sense of oppression.

Jiang Donghua's expression was calm, his steps unhurried, as if he paid no attention to the surrounding clamor. But secretly, his gaze quietly swept through the crowd, observing any potential spies.

"It seems more than just the Bai family's young masters and ladies are watching me!"

He sneered inwardly, yet his face remained composed.

Soon, the two were led to the second floor of the auction house.

The decor here was significantly more luxurious than on the first floor. The corridor was covered with dark red magic beast fur carpets, and the doors of the private boxes on either side were inlaid with gilded numbers, signifying noble status.

The attendant respectfully pushed open the door of the box marked with the number nine and bowed, saying.

"Master Jiang, please."

Jiang Donghua stepped in, with Red Silk following close behind.

Inside the box, Bai Xiaofeng had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Jiang Donghua enter, he immediately rose to greet him, his face full of smiles.

"Master Jiang! You've finally arrived!"

He greeted them warmly.

Jiang Donghua smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said.

"Ninth Young Master is too kind. I wonder if there's anything worth paying attention to at today's auction?"

Bai Xiaofeng laughed heartily, clapped his hands, and immediately, a maid served spirit tea and spirit fruits.

"Rest assured, Master Jiang, today's auction is Heavenly Serpent City's annual grand event. It is said that even a Dou Zong would be tempted by the final few items!"

Jiang Donghua nodded, his gaze passing through the one-way crystal window at the front of the box, looking down at the main auction stage below.