Chapter 143: Delivering the Pill, Xiao Yan Steps In (Double Release)
"Welcome, Lord Xiao He, to the Mittel Auction House!"
At the Mittel Auction House, the sound of Mittel Tengshan's voice was soon followed by the respectful greetings of the elders and others from the Mittel Clan, all bowing with smiles on their faces.
Xiao He returned their courtesy with a smile. "Haha, no need for such formality, Clan Leader Tengshan. I've come here today to speak with Miss Ya Fei. Could I trouble you to summon her for a discussion?"
Xiao He made no effort to hide his purpose, directly stating his intention.
The room buzzed with hushed whispers, not just among the Mittel Clan but also the other guests present.
Despite the murmurs, no one dared to utter anything inappropriate in front of Xiao He. The disparity in status and power was simply too vast. A figure like Xiao He was far beyond their reach.
Mittel Tengshan was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered, nodding with a smile. "Of course, Lord Xiao He. Please, come this way. We can talk while someone fetches Miss Ya Fei."
"Please."
The group moved to a VIP lounge. As they sat down, a servant brought in tea.
Mittel Tengshan, ever curious, hesitated before asking, "If I may, Lord Xiao He, what brings you here to see Ya Fei? She's a relatively minor figure in our clan, though recently, after catching Hai Bodong's attention, she was appointed as the auction house's manager."
Xiao He glanced at Tengshan and returned a polite nod. **"Clan Leader Tengshan, forgive me, but I can't disclose the specifics. This is a matter assigned by my superiors, and it must be discussed directly with Miss Ya Fei.
That said, rest assured our Tianji Tower comes with no ill intentions. On the contrary, if this matter is resolved, the Mittel Clan stands to gain significantly."**
Hearing this, Tengshan's heart raced with excitement. Xiao He, as the branch leader of Tianji Tower in the Jia Ma Empire, was already a figure of unparalleled status and power. The fact that this mission was directly ordered by his superiors suggested immense potential benefits for the Mittel Clan.
"I understand, Lord Xiao He. I won't press further. Please enjoy the tea it's quite good," Tengshan said, suppressing his excitement and bowing slightly.
Xiao He took a sip of the tea. Though it was decent, it didn't compare to the finer teas he was used to.
As silence fell over the room, a servant soon announced Ya Fei's arrival. Moments later, she entered gracefully, dressed in striking red attire that complemented her figure and beauty.
"Greetings, Clan Leader," Ya Fei said respectfully to Tengshan before turning to Xiao He with a soft and polite tone. "Greetings, Lord Xiao He."
"No need for formalities," Xiao He said, his tone kind.
Tengshan added, "Miss Ya Fei, Lord Xiao He wishes to speak with you privately. Please ensure his visit is a pleasant one."
With that, Tengshan and the others exited, closing the door behind them to ensure privacy.
Now alone with Xiao He, Ya Fei's composure faltered slightly as she asked hesitantly, "Lord Xiao He, may I ask why you've sought me out?"
"Miss Ya Fei, there's no need to be anxious. My visit is on behalf of my superiors, who hold you in high regard and wish to invite you to work with Tianji Tower," Xiao He began, his tone calm and measured.
He then retrieved a small jade bottle from his robes. "This is an 8th grade Meridian Cleansing Pill. I've heard that your cultivation has been stuck at the nine star Dou Zhe level for years due to your constitution. This pill can resolve the issues with your meridians."
He extended the jade bottle toward her.
"An 8th grade pill?" Ya Fei was stunned. She had never seen one in her life.
In the Jia Ma Empire, even 6th grade pills were rare treasures. She had seen a few, but never a 7th grade pill, let alone an 8th grade one. The value of such a pill was unimaginable, likely surpassing the worth of the entire Mittel Auction House.
"Indeed," Xiao He confirmed with a smile. "This Meridian Cleansing Pill is a gift from my superior as a token of goodwill. Please, Miss Ya Fei, accept it."
Although Xiao He himself was tempted by the pill, the instructions came directly from Xiao Tiance and Xiao Tian Ming. He wouldn't dare tamper with their orders.
Ya Fei, however, quickly shook her head. **"This is far too valuable, Lord Xiao He. An 8th grade pill is priceless it's not something that can be bought, even with the Mittel Auction House's entire fortune. I can't accept it.
As the saying goes, 'No merit, no reward.' I haven't done anything for you or Tianji Tower. Forgive me, but I must decline."**
Her words were sincere. While she was deeply tempted by the pill, she knew better than to accept such a gift without understanding its implications.
Xiao He chuckled softly. **"Miss Ya Fei, this isn't something I have the authority to decide. I've already explained that this is a task assigned by my superiors.
Moreover, you needn't decide now. Whether or not you accept the invitation to work with Tianji Tower, this pill is yours. It's a gift, not a condition."**
Ya Fei froze, her mind reeling. An 8th grade pill as a mere gift? And Xiao He's demeanor suggested he was being completely honest.
"This..." she murmured, clearly torn.
Sensing her hesitation, Xiao He continued, "There's no rush to decide. Take your time. If you're willing to work with Tianji Tower, come to our branch. If not, it doesn't matter the pill remains yours."
With that, Xiao He bowed slightly and left, leaving Ya Fei alone to ponder his words and the jade bottle before her.
Moments later, Ya Fei sat in her chair, clutching the jade bottle tightly, a dazed look on her face.
Mittel Tengshan entered the room after escorting Xiao He out. Seeing her unusual state, he asked with concern, "Ya Fei, what happened? Why did Lord Xiao He want to meet you?"
Before Ya Fei could answer, Hai Bodong appeared with Xiao Yan by his side, walking toward them.
Seeing Ya Fei's distracted expression, Xiao Yan quickly approached her with concern. "Miss Ya Fei, are you alright? Did someone trouble you?"
Ya Fei smiled gently, her tone soft. "Thank you for your concern, Mister Yan Xiao. I'm fine, so please don't worry."
Since few people were aware of Xiao Yan's true identity, he and Ya Fei still interacted under his alias, Yan Xiao.
Seeing the genuine worry in Xiao Yan's eyes, Ya Fei felt a warmth in her heart. She turned to Mittel Tengshan and said, "Clan Leader, Lord Hai Bodong, this is what happened..."
Ya Fei recounted the entire encounter with Xiao He, describing his offer and placing the jade bottle containing the 8th grade pill on the table for everyone to see.
The room fell silent as everyone stared at the bottle in astonishment. An 8th grade pill was an unimaginably valuable treasure.
Even in Xiao Yan's mind, Yao Chen's astonished voice rang out. "An 8th grade pill? Truly remarkable."
Hai Bodong's expression grew serious as he focused on the jade bottle. Turning to Xiao Yan, he said, "Mister Yan Xiao, could you examine this pill? Is it truly an 8th grade elixir?"
Hai Bodong trusted Xiao Yan's alchemy skills far more than any alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire, making him the natural choice to confirm the pill's authenticity.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Xiao Yan, with Yao Chen's guidance, opened the jade bottle. A rich and refreshing medicinal fragrance filled the room, immediately invigorating everyone.
After a brief inspection, Xiao Yan declared, "It's genuine. This is indeed an 8th grade pill with six distinct hues, making it a Six Colored 8th Grade Pill. Its value is beyond measure."
The revelation stunned everyone present. Even Hai Bodong and Xiao Yan couldn't help but marvel at the extraordinary treasure before them.
Hai Bodong quickly regained his composure. Picking up the jade bottle, he handed it back to Ya Fei with a gentle smile.
"Since this pill was gifted to you by Lord Xiao He of Tianji Tower, it rightfully belongs to you. Keep it safe and don't lose it."
"Tianji Tower?" Xiao Yan murmured.
Having recently arrived in the imperial capital, and being preoccupied with the Nalan family's matters, he knew little about Tianji Tower.
In his mind, Yao Chen explained, "So, it's Tianji Tower... Xiao Yan, if you ever encounter anyone from Tianji Tower in the future, treat them with respect. If respect isn't possible, then at least avoid offending them at all costs."
"Why, Teacher? Everyone seems to fear Tianji Tower. Are they truly such a powerful force? How do they compare to the Yun Lan Sect?" Xiao Yan asked, puzzled.
Yao Chen chuckled. **"The Yun Lan Sect? Only you would think to compare a behemoth like Tianji Tower to the Yun Lan Sect.
The Yun Lan Sect is a major force in the Jia Ma Empire, but compared to Tianji Tower, it's nothing more than an ant something Tianji Tower could crush effortlessly. If others knew you were making this comparison, they'd laugh at you for days."**
Yao Chen's words left Xiao Yan stunned. In his view, the Yun Lan Sect was already a colossal power, yet it seemed insignificant next to Tianji Tower.
"Tianji Tower is a superpower based in Zhongzhou. Its influence in Zhongzhou is comparable to that of the Yun Lan Sect in the Jia Ma Empire. Simply put, Xiao Yan, don't provoke Tianji Tower under any circumstances," Yao Chen concluded.
"Understood," Xiao Yan replied, his tone solemn.
Turning to Ya Fei, he said, "Miss Ya Fei, since Lord Xiao He said this pill can improve your constitution, I suggest you use it immediately. A treasure like this is priceless, but if word of it spreads, it could bring danger. 'An innocent man is guilty if he possesses a valuable gem.'"
Xiao Yan's words were no exaggeration. An 8th grade pill was so rare that it could attract all the strongest fighters from the northwest. If that happened, neither Ya Fei nor the Mittel Clan, or even the entire Jia Ma Empire, could protect it.
Before Ya Fei could respond, an elder from the Mittel Clan interjected. "No, we can't let her use it! Clan Leader, this pill is far too valuable. We could use it to host a Heaven Tier auction. If handled properly, it could elevate the Mittel Clan's status significantly."
Hearing this, even Tengshan hesitated, visibly tempted by the suggestion. Hai Bodong also seemed to consider the idea.
Xiao Yan, however, couldn't allow this. Given his bond with Ya Fei, he spoke firmly, "That may sound like a good idea, but have you forgotten? This pill was gifted to Miss Ya Fei by Lord Xiao He of Tianji Tower."
The elder sneered. "Ya Fei is a member of the Mittel Clan. What belongs to her belongs to us."
Tengshan remained silent, but the glint in his eyes suggested he agreed with the elder's sentiment.
Ya Fei's heart sank at their reactions. Though she was part of the Mittel Clan, it was clear that when benefits were at stake, her feelings were of little concern.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan burst out laughing, drawing everyone's attention.
"Mister Yan Xiao, what's so funny?" Tengshan asked, his tone sharp.
Facing the scrutiny of the room, Xiao Yan remained composed. He stepped closer to Ya Fei and whispered, "Don't worry, Sister Ya Fei. As long as I'm here, no one will take what belongs to you."
Ya Fei felt a wave of gratitude. Among everyone present, only Xiao Yan stood steadfastly by her side.
Straightening up, Xiao Yan addressed the group. **"You're all focused on how this pill could elevate the Mittel Clan, but have you considered the consequences of your actions?
This pill was a gift from Tianji Tower to Miss Ya Fei. If you were to seize it and auction it off, wouldn't that be a blatant insult to Tianji Tower?
Do you think Tianji Tower would let the Mittel Clan get away with such disrespect? Instead of elevating your clan, you'd risk bringing ruin upon it."**
(End of Chapter)
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