Chapter 242: The Nether Poison Flame
As Xiao Yan's voice fell, the Southwest alchemist's initially elated expression froze, his face cycling through a range of colors before settling into an ashen look of despair.
"Damn it, I got carried away..." the alchemist, Liao Du, muttered, his complexion turning pale.
According to the auction house's rules, any bid made was binding, and the bidder was required to pay the stated amount. Failing to do so would result in severe consequences: at best, the defaulter would be forced to work off their debt as a servant for the auction house; at worst, they might be enslaved or even executed.
Although Liao Du believed his life was likely safe, the thought of owing five million gold coins filled him with dread.
Even as a fifth tier alchemist, that sum was astronomical. His entire net worth barely amounted to three million gold coins. The remaining two million would force him into servitude, likely as a tool for brewing pills day and night.
The thought of years of grueling labor made Liao Du's heart race with regret. If only he hadn't been so greedy if he'd stopped at four million, he could have walked away with a tidy profit.
A single moment of greed had turned what could have been a lucrative windfall into a disaster.
Sometimes, life's smallest decisions could change everything.
While Liao Du wallowed in regret, Xiao Yan's focus was elsewhere. His spiritual force extended toward Black Seal City's lord.
"Bring that alchemist to me later. I have use for him," Xiao Yan said calmly.
"Yes, Sir Yanxiao," Black Seal City's lord replied, a smile tugging at his lips.
In the chaotic Black Corner Region, treachery was commonplace. A fifth tier alchemist who had just handed over a weakness was a prime target for exploitation.
The brief episode between the "wealthy bidders" was soon forgotten as the auction continued. Although the sky high bids had left the audience in awe, their attention quickly returned to the next item up for sale.
Xiao Yan, however, found nothing else worth his interest. The remaining lots were unremarkable in his eyes, and he sat back with an air of disinterest.
But his nonchalance only deepened the admiration of the Jia Nan Academy students around him.
The ease with which Xiao Yan had bid millions was the stuff of legend. To casually raise the stakes by a million gold coins required both confidence and unimaginable wealth.
The female students gazed at Xiao Yan with stars in their eyes, though some hesitated, knowing even their mentor Ruo Lin had failed to attract his attention.
Meanwhile, the male students idolized him, seeing in him everything they aspired to: strength, wealth, and influence.
After the auction concluded, Liao Du slipped away from the venue, moving stealthily toward a back exit.
He had already decided to abandon the Poison Fire Crystal. If the auction house discovered he couldn't pay, the consequences would be dire.
"I can't let them catch me," Liao Du thought, quickening his pace. Once he passed the final door, a sense of relief washed over him.
"I made it. By the time they realize I'm gone, I'll be far from Black Seal City."
"Going somewhere, Master Liao Du?" A calm voice interrupted his thoughts, freezing him in place.
Turning, Liao Du saw one of the auction house's officials standing behind him, his expression neutral.
"This man's strength is only at the Dou Ling level. If I run, he can't stop me," Liao Du calculated. "But fleeing might cause too much commotion."
Before Liao Du could decide, the official spoke again, his tone sharp:
"Master Liao Du, it's quite impressive that you spent five million gold coins... on your own item."
Feigning composure, Liao Du replied, "Since it's mine, I can set any price I wish."
"True, if this were your private sale. But here, in our auction house, such behavior damages our reputation."
The official's smile was polite but carried a veiled threat.
"Of course. It won't happen again," Liao Du said hastily, turning to leave.
But before he could take a step, a tall figure appeared in his path, smiling faintly.
"No need to rush, Master Liao Du," said the lord of Black Seal City, his smile as cold as the chill now creeping into Liao Du's heart.
Meanwhile, in the luxurious palace where Xiao Yan's party had been accommodated, Ruo Lin glanced at him curiously.
"Sir Yanxiao, aren't we continuing our journey?" she asked.
"It's almost nightfall. Let the students enjoy themselves a little they rarely get the chance to relax," Xiao Yan replied, casually spearing a piece of magical beast meat and tossing it into his mouth.
Thanks to Black Seal City's lord, they had been given the finest accommodations and a lavish feast, the likes of which the students had never experienced.
The grandeur of the palace, along with the rich cuisine, left the group in awe. Even Ruo Lin, who had some experience with high society, was astonished.
As the students reveled in their surroundings, Xiao Yan received a mental message.
"Sir Yanxiao, the target has been brought to your room," the city lord reported.
Xiao Yan set down his utensils and smiled at the group.
"I have some matters to attend to. Enjoy yourselves."
His figure vanished, leaving the students marveling at his mysterious abilities.
In a private room, Black Seal City's lord stood beside a bound and terrified Liao Du.
As Xiao Yan stepped through the void, the city lord bowed respectfully.
"Unbind his mouth," Xiao Yan ordered, his gaze calm as it swept over Liao Du.
"Yes, Sir Yanxiao," the city lord replied, removing the iron gag from Liao Du's mouth.
Finally able to speak, Liao Du's first words were filled with dread:
"Who are you?! What do you want from me?"
Ignoring the alchemist's panic, Xiao Yan took out the Poison Fire Crystal, tossing it lightly in his hand.
"Where did you get this?" he asked, his tone casual but commanding.
Seeing the crystal, Liao Du's expression turned to one of shock.
"It's you!"
"Surprised?" Xiao Yan smirked, inspecting the crystal. "If I'm not mistaken, this contains a wisp of the Nether Poison Flame. Now, tell me where did you find it?"
(End of Chapter)
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