141: Go to refine pills

Jiang Donghua slowly stood up, his gaze indifferently sweeping over the various factions still fiercely bidding in the auction hall, a barely perceptible cold smile lifting the corner of his mouth.

"Let's go. This level of competition is not something we can participate in."

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

Bai Xiaofeng was stunned, clearly not expecting Jiang Donghua to so decisively give up on the subsequent auction.

He had originally hoped that Master Jiang would display some more tricks, perhaps even helping him secure some benefits.

But now it seemed Master Jiang had already lost interest in this auction.

"Master Jiang, aren't you going to watch a bit longer? Perhaps there's more later?"

"Ninth Young Master."

Jiang Donghua interrupted him flatly.

"The ten sets of fire spirit pill ingredients you gave me earlier, I have not yet finished refining them. Rather than wasting time here, it is better to go back and focus on alchemy."

Bai Xiaofeng opened his mouth, but in the end, could only nod.

"Alright, we shall follow Master Jiang's wishes."

Although he felt unwilling, he understood that with his current strength and financial resources, he truly could not participate in the competition for something on the level of the Break-Sect Pill.

Instead of being envious, it was better to first consolidate his base, for example, by having Jiang Donghua quickly refine the fire spirit pill to enhance the strength of his subordinates.

The group discreetly left the auction hall, riding in Bai Xiaofeng's exclusive Magical Beast carriage, passing through the bustling streets of Heavenly Serpent City toward his private residence.

Inside the carriage, Hong Yu and Bi Yao stood quietly to the side, while Red Silk leaned against the window, her gaze vaguely sweeping the street, seemingly maintaining vigilance.

Jiang Donghua closed his eyes to rest, his fingers lightly stroking his storage ring, while inwardly calculating his next plan.

"With the Soul Barrier Pill Formula in hand, plus the high-grade medicinal ingredients I bid on today, it's enough for me to refine several special pills."

"As for the Break-Sect Pill, heh, with a pill of that level appearing, Heavenly Serpent City probably won't be peaceful going forward."

He slightly opened his eyes and glanced at Bai Xiaofeng.

This Ninth Young Master was frowning, clearly still thinking about the events at the auction.

Bai Xiaofeng's residence was located in the northwest corner of Heavenly Serpent City, appearing unremarkable from the outside, with gray-black stone walls covered in vines.

The main gate was merely made of ordinary black ironwood, carved with simple snake patterns, and at first glance, even seemed a bit shabby, but if an observant person looked closely.

They would discover that the vines were Spirit-Devouring Vines, capable of consuming Dou Qi. Intruders, upon touching them, would instantly have their Dou Qi drained, reducing them to cripples. Without reaching the Dou Wang stage, one didn't even have the qualification to cross this threshold!

That black ironwood gate looked ordinary, but it was actually inlaid with the horn powder of the Third-Tier Magical Beast Black Iron Rhinoceros, making it incomparably hard—even a full-force strike from a Dou Wang Expert would struggle to break it.

The interior of the residence was even more unique.

Passing through the front courtyard and navigating several winding corridors, the flagstone path underfoot faintly shimmered with pale golden patterns.

It was paved with Gold Marrow Jade, which not only gathered the energy of heaven and earth but also formed a natural array. Outsiders stepping into it without the owner's permission would immediately lose their direction and fall into an illusion.

The rockeries and flowing water on both sides looked randomly placed, but they secretly conformed to the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, with the position of every stone carefully calculated to both gather spiritual energy and trap enemies.

Bai Xiaofeng walked ahead, a look of slight heartache on his face, occasionally glancing back at Jiang Donghua, muttering inwardly.

"Does Master Jiang really like alchemy this much? Usually, when I ask other Master Alchemists to refine pills, they make excuses. Could he be eyeing my secret chamber?"

But on second thought, he felt it was unlikely.

After all, Jiang Donghua was a Fourth-Grade Alchemist he had spent heavily to recruit. If he ran off, the loss would be significant.

Moreover, now was the time he needed manpower. If he could truly refine several batches of high-quality pills, his chances of winning the clan competition would increase.

Thinking this, Bai Xiaofeng gritted his teeth, forced a smile onto his face, and said.

"Master Jiang, ahead is my cultivation chamber. Normally, I don't even allow Hong Yu or Bi Yao inside, but today I'm making an exception for you to use it. I hope you put in extra effort!"

Jiang Donghua walked with his hands behind his back, his gaze indifferently sweeping the surroundings, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, almost imperceptibly.

"The Ninth Young Master's residence certainly reveals its true quality through its modesty."

Bai Xiaofeng was momentarily stunned, then laughed heartily, pretending to be humble.

"Not at all, not at all. They are just small trinkets unworthy of Master Jiang's attention."

Jiang Donghua did not reply, only letting his gaze linger on the Gold Marrow Jade floor for an extra second, a cold sneer forming in his heart.

"Paving the floor with Gold Marrow Jade? How truly extravagant. It seems this Ninth Young Master of Heavenly Serpent City hides deeper than I imagined."

Passing through layers of stone doors, everyone finally arrived before a stone wall.

A massive snake pattern was carved onto the stone wall, with two blood-red gems inlaid where the snake's eyes should be, faintly emitting a dangerous aura.

Bai Xiaofeng stepped forward, bit his fingertip, and dipped a drop of fresh blood onto the snake's eye.

"Buzz—"

The stone wall slowly cracked open, revealing a deep, dark passage.

Luminous pearls were embedded in the walls on either side of the passage, their soft light illuminating the path, but the further they walked inside, the lower the temperature dropped, to the point where they could even see white mist escaping their mouths.

Red Silk frowned slightly and whispered.

"Why is this secret chamber so eerie?"

Bai Xiaofeng smiled smugly.

"Miss Hong Ling, you don't know. My secret chamber is built a hundred zhang deep underground and is surrounded by Cold Yin Iron. It can not only isolate external probing but also suppress inner demons and aid cultivation."

Hearing this, a strange look flashed in Jiang Donghua's eyes.

"Cold Yin Iron? That's a good material!"

This kind of material was extremely rare, usually only qualified for use by powerful experts. He didn't expect Bai Xiaofeng to use it to construct a secret chamber?

It seemed the status of this Ninth Young Master within the clan was probably much higher than he let on.

Stepping into the secret chamber, the sight before them made even Red Silk involuntarily gasp.

The chamber was not large, about ten zhang square, but the four walls, ceiling, and floor were all constructed from Cold Yin Iron, completely black, emitting a bone-chilling coldness.

In the center was a three-foot-high jade platform, covered in complex array patterns, clearly intended to aid cultivation.

In the corner sat a bronze cauldron, its body carved with nine lifelike snake patterns, with faint firelight flickering from the snakes' mouths.

"Nine Snakes Swallowing Flames Cauldron?"

Jiang Donghua raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

Seeing this reaction, Bai Xiaofeng felt even more smug and laughed.

"Master Jiang has sharp eyes! I borrowed this cauldron from the clan's treasure vault. Although it cannot compare to those legendary divine cauldrons, it is more than sufficient for refining pills below the fifth grade."

Jiang Donghua walked forward, reached out to stroke the body of the cauldron, felt the fire attribute energy contained within, and nodded slightly.

"It is indeed good."

Bai Xiaofeng rubbed his hands together and asked tentatively.

"Then, Master Jiang, do you find this environment satisfactory?"

Jiang Donghua glanced around and said flatly.

"It can barely be used."

Bai Xiaofeng's mouth twitched, and he cursed inwardly.

"Barely? My old man hasn't even entered this secret chamber more than a few times!"

However, he dared not show it on his face and could only give a dry laugh.

"That's good, that's good. Master Jiang, please rest assured, this place is absolutely safe. You can refine pills freely, and no one will disturb you!"

Jiang Donghua glanced at him, a half-smile on his face.

"Oh? Is that so? Then shouldn't the Ninth Young Master leave now?"

Bai Xiaofeng froze, then immediately realized, and quickly said.

"Right, right, right, I'll go out now, I'll go out now!"

As he backed away, he didn't forget to instruct.

"Master Jiang, I'm entrusting those ten batches of fire spirit pill to you!"

Jiang Donghua waved his hand, saying impatiently.

"I know, get out."

Bai Xiaofeng gave an awkward laugh and retreated from the secret chamber as the stone door slowly closed.

Just as the stone door was about to seal shut, he vaguely heard Red Silk's voice.

"Junior Brother, this place is nice, why don't we..."

The rest of the sentence was completely cut off by the stone door.

Bai Xiaofeng stood outside the door, the smile on his face gradually fading, replaced by a cold grimness.

"Jiang Donghua, don't you dare disappoint me!"

He muttered softly, then turned and left.

After confirming the stone door was closed, the indifference on Jiang Donghua's face instantly vanished, replaced by a hint of excitement.

"A secret chamber constructed of Cold Yin Iron, and a Nine Snakes Swallowing Flames Cauldron! This Bai Xiaofeng really gave me a huge gift!"

Bai Xiaofeng slowly walked back to the main hall of his residence, lightly pressed his chest with his fingers, couldn't help but cough twice, and slightly frowned.

"The cold air in that secret chamber is truly intense."

He muttered to himself, then looked up, his gaze sweeping toward the shadows in the hall.

"Tieshan, Mo Tianhen, Yin Jiuxiao."

As soon as his voice fell, three figures silently appeared.

Tieshan remained as steady as a mountain, standing with his arms crossed, a hint of disdain on his rough face.

"Ninth Young Master, has Master Jiang gone in?"

Mo Tianhen's figure was ghostly. Standing by the window, his fingertips lightly stroked the Soul Chasing Blade at his waist, and he sneered.

"He certainly is impatient, too lazy to even exchange pleasantries."

Yin Jiuxiao, meanwhile, leaned against a pillar, a sinister smile hanging on the corner of his mouth.

"Ninth Young Master, are you really comfortable letting him stay in there alone? What if he tries something?"

Bai Xiaofeng let out a cold snort, his eyes gloomy.

"Comfortable? Heh, how could I possibly be completely comfortable?"

He walked to the main seat and sat down, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, and slowly said.

"However, since he voluntarily suggested refining pills, it's better than us begging him. Furthermore, with the three of you here, even if he wants to play tricks, he'll have to think twice."

He raised his eyes, his sharp gaze sweeping over the three men.

Tieshan grinned, his fists cracking audibly.

"Ninth Young Master, rest assured, with me here, no one can force their way out."

Mo Tianhen said coldly.

"If he dares to run, my Soul Chasing Blade will let him know the meaning of regret."

Yin Jiuxiao licked his lips, a trace of bloodthirsty light flashing in his eyes.

"My poison hasn't tasted an Alchemist's blood in a long time."

Bai Xiaofeng nodded in satisfaction, feeling a little relieved.

"For the next few days, you will guard this place and ensure that Master Jiang successfully refines the fire spirit pill."

The three exchanged glances and said in unison.

"Yes!"

Before their voices faded, Dou Qi surged behind the three, instantly condensing into wings.

"Shua!"

Tie Shan's earthy yellow Dou Qi wings were as heavy as mountains, Mo Tianhen's cyan wind wings were as swift as lightning, and Yin Jiuxiao's dark green poison wings emitted a chilling aura.

The three figures flickered, each disappearing into different parts of the mansion, completely hidden in the darkness.

Bai Xiaofeng looked at the empty hall, a cold smile slowly curving on his lips.

Things were finally settled, and Bai Xiaofeng's tense nerves finally relaxed.

He leaned lazily on the soft couch in the hall, his fingers gently tapping the armrest, a wicked smile on his lips.

"That Jiang Donghua fellow has finally settled down. Now, let's see how many fire spirit pills he can refine."

He narrowed his eyes, calculating in his mind: as long as he could produce two fire spirit pills, not only would he not lose money, but he would also make a small profit!

If Jiang Donghua could truly refine three or four, then his status within the clan would surely rise!

Thinking of this, Bai Xiaofeng was in a great mood, his gaze sweeping towards Hong Yu and Bi Yao who were standing by.

Hong Yu, in a red dress, with skin like snow and a hint of charm in her eyes, was currently lowering her gaze submissively as she poured wine for him.

Bi Yao, on the other hand, wore a light green gauze dress, with a cool temperament, but her eyes were as captivating as autumn water, and she was gently massaging his shoulders.

Bai Xiaofeng gave a wicked laugh, then suddenly reached out and pulled Hong Yu into his arms.

"Ah! Ninth Young Master ~"

Hong Yu let out a soft cry, her cheeks instantly flushing red.

Bai Xiaofeng pinched her chin and teased.

"What, this Young Master can't touch you?"

Hong Yu's eyes flickered, and she pouted playfully.

"Ninth Young Master ~ Why are you so impatient today?"

Bai Xiaofeng laughed heartily, and with his other hand, he pulled Bi Yao over, making her sit on his other side.

"This Young Master is happy today, so of course I must reward myself well!"

Although Bi Yao had a cool disposition, she couldn't help but purse her lips and smile, softly saying.

"Ninth Young Master, aren't you afraid Master Jiang will suddenly emerge and witness this scene?"

Bai Xiaofeng snorted disdainfully.

"What's there to be afraid of? He's just an Alchemist; does he dare meddle in this Young Master's private affairs?"

As he spoke, his finger lightly traced Bi Yao's collarbone, and he chuckled softly.

"Besides, you two are much more interesting than alchemy!"

Hong Yu covered her mouth and chuckled, her body pressing closer, her breath like orchids.

"Then, Ninth Young Master, which cultivation technique do you wish to 'cultivate' first today?"

Bai Xiaofeng's eyes blazed with wicked light, and he hugged the two women tightly, grinning mischievously:

"Naturally, it's a threesome!"

In the hall, under the sunlight, three intertwining figures were reflected.

Hong Yu's red dress was half-undone, her fragrant shoulders slightly exposed, as she playfully dodged Bai Xiaofeng's devilish hands, only to be caught by the wrist and pulled back into his embrace.

"Why are you running? Weren't you quite bold just now?"

Bai Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow.

Hong Yu's eyes flickered, her fingertips gently drawing circles on his chest, as she cooed.

"Ninth Young Master ~ If you're like this, I'll get shy ~"

Bai Xiaofeng laughed heartily and turned to look at Bi Yao.

"And you? Are you shy too?"

Bi Yao lightly bit her lower lip, her eyes like water, and she whispered.

"Whatever Ninth Young Master wishes, so be it."

Bai Xiaofeng gave a wicked laugh and abruptly pushed the two women down onto the soft couch.

"Then this Young Master won't be polite today!"

Hong Yu and Bi Yao exchanged a smile, then let out soft cries as the three immediately tumbled into a heap.

Clothes half-undone, breaths growing heavier, the entire room was filled with sensuous sounds.

Tie Shan, Mo Tianhen, and Yin Jiuxiao each hid in a corner of the mansion, their Dou Qi restrained, their presence completely undetectable, blending into their surroundings.

However, the bursts of laughter and gasps coming from the main hall made it difficult for them to pretend to be deaf and mute.

"Ninth Young Master ~ Be gentle ~"

"Haha, this Young Master is in a good mood today, you two must perform well!"

Tie Shan crouched behind the rockery in the courtyard, his rugged face twitching, and he couldn't help but curse in a low voice.

"This Ninth Young Master, it's one thing in the middle of the night, but in broad daylight too? Doesn't he fear kidney deficiency!"

Not far away, Mo Tianhen, like a ghost, hung upside down from the eaves, and upon hearing this, he sneered.

"Is this your first day knowing him? If this fellow wasn't the Ninth Young Master of Heavenly Serpent Mansion, with his character, he would have been chopped up and fed to dogs long ago."

Yin Jiuxiao sat cross-legged on a branch of an ancient tree, his fingertips playing with a wisp of dark green poisonous mist, and he chuckled sinisterly.

"Hehe, I actually think it's good. The more he indulges in women, the more he relies on us, and doesn't our status become more stable?"

Tie Shan and Mo Tianhen were silent for a moment, unable to refute.

Indeed, if Bai Xiaofeng were wise and mighty, diligently striving for governance, why would he need to spend a fortune to keep three Dou Wang Experts?

But even so, Tie Shan still couldn't help but sigh.

"That's true, but we are Dou Wang Experts after all. Now we have to eavesdrop here. If word gets out, where do we put our faces?"

Mo Tianhen scoffed.

"Face? In the Black-Corner Region, it's good enough to survive. What's the use of face?"

Yin Jiuxiao nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. Besides, we're paid to do a job. He can play however he wants, as long as it doesn't delay important matters."

As they were speaking, the commotion in the hall suddenly intensified, faintly mixed with the sounds of tables and chairs overturning, and cups shattering.

The three exchanged glances and collectively clutched their foreheads.

Tie Shan shook his head.

"His stamina is truly admirable."

Mo Tianhen was expressionless.

"Admirable my ass, he's probably on drugs?"

Yin Jiuxiao chuckled sinisterly.

"Hehe, should I go remind him that excessive indulgence can shorten one's life?"

Tie Shan and Mo Tianhen glared at him simultaneously.

"You shut up!"

Yin Jiuxiao shrugged, saying no more.

The three were silent for a moment, then finally could only sigh helplessly.

Having boarded this pirate ship, what else could they do?

Endure it!

Tie Shan rubbed his temples and said in a muffled voice.

"Forget it, let's focus on watching the secret chamber. Master Jiang better not run off during the chaos."

Mo Tianhen snorted coldly.

"He can't escape. My Soul-Chasing Blade is not to be trifled with."

Yin Jiuxiao licked his lips.

"I actually hope he runs. That way, my poison will have a chance to be used."

Tie Shan rolled his eyes.

"You two calm down, just guard properly and don't cause any extra trouble!"

The three said no more, each receding into the darkness, continuing their duties as guards.

It was just that the decadent sounds coming from the main hall still made them secretly complain.

This Ninth Young Master would sooner or later die on a woman's belly!

Red Silk crossed her arms, leaning against the wall made of Profound Yin Cold Iron, her beautiful eyes staring at Jiang Donghua with a hint of playfulness.

"Junior Brother, are you serious? Do you really want to refine that broken fire spirit pill?"

Jiang Donghua didn't even lift his head, his fingertips flickered, and a wisp of red flame shot into the Nine Serpent Swallowing Flame Cauldron. The nine snake patterns on the cauldron seemed to come alive, spitting out tongues of fire.

"What, Senior Sister thinks I can't refine it?"

Red Silk snorted lightly, her red lips slightly curled.

"You can refine it, but with your personality, would you honestly be a laborer for that Bai Xiaofeng?"

Jiang Donghua's lips curled into a slight smile, and he finally looked up at her, a hint of teasing in his eyes.

"Senior Sister truly understands me."

Red Silk rolled her eyes charmingly, her slender fingertips playing with a strand of hair, and she said lazily.

"Stop with that. What are you really planning?"

Jiang Donghua didn't answer directly, but suddenly asked.

"Senior Sister, do you know what Alchemists fear most when refining pills?"

Red Silk raised an eyebrow.

"Interference? Distraction?"

Jiang Donghua chuckled lightly, his gaze meaningfully sweeping over her.

"Especially with a beauty by your side."

Red Silk was first stunned, then realized, and immediately laughed in anger.

"Jiang Donghua! Are you saying I'm distracting you?!"

Jiang Donghua spread his hands in feigned helplessness.

"A Fourth-Grade Alchemist needs to concentrate fully when refining pills, but Senior Sister is so enchanting, it's truly hard to focus."

Red Silk narrowed her eyes, and a wisp of silver Lightning Light suddenly shot out from her fingertips, crackling.

"Do you need me to help you focus?"

Jiang Donghua immediately waved his hands, laughing.

"Just kidding, Senior Sister, don't be angry."

Red Silk snorted lightly, retracting the Lightning Light, but her lips couldn't help but curve upwards slightly.

Seeing this, Jiang Donghua added another sentence.

"However, the opportunity to personally observe a Fourth-Grade Alchemist Master refining pills up close is rare, Senior Sister, you should watch carefully."

Red Silk was directly amused this time, raising her hand and sending a bolt of Lightning Light striking at Jiang Donghua's feet, blasting a small charred spot.

"Jiang Donghua! I have Lightning Attribute Dou Qi, how could I refine any damn pills?! Are you deliberately trying to annoy me?!"

Jiang Donghua laughed heartily, finally stopping his teasing, and turned to focus on controlling the flames.

"Alright, no more fooling around, let's talk business."

Red Silk crossed her arms and snorted coldly.

"You still have business?"

Jiang Donghua flicked a finger, and the flames in the cauldron suddenly surged, making his eyes appear deep.

"Senior Sister, you don't have anything else to do next, so please don't come near me!"

"I can only say that if the medicinal ingredients are supplied sufficiently, I will be staying in this secret chamber for about a month, frantically refining pills!"