Bab 97: Chapter 97 - An Acquaintance!
Jia Ma Sacred City, the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, is located in the northern part of the empire and is the empire's most magnificent large city.
From a bird's-eye view, it is even larger than Canaan City where the Canaan Academy is located, exuding an ancient and grand aura.
Turning one's gaze to the north of Jia Ma Sacred City, there lies a grand and imposing mountain range, sprawled on the ground like a coiled dragon, faintly emanating a surge of celestial energy.
That is the residence of the giant influence in the Jia Ma Empire, Yun Lan Sect!
"Hmm—"
"This aura? Yun Shan has already contacted the Hall of Souls? This unstable aura, it should be Yun Shan who just broke through to Dou Zong!"
On top of the Blue Eagle, Jiang Yun's vast soul power quietly swept over the area of Jia Ma Sacred City. Finally, his gaze fell on Yun Lan Sect, and he murmured softly.
"Little Yun, what are you saying?"
In his arms, Zi Yan was happily gnawing on an unknown medicinal herb. From her expression, one could tell that the herb tasted quite good. Her keen hearing caught the faint murmur, and she looked up at Jiang Yun with some confusion.
On either side, Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin also cast curious glances at him.
"Since we've arrived at Jia Ma Sacred City, we have to talk about Yun Lan Sect. Do you know the origins of Yun Lan Sect?" Facing their curious glances, Jiang Yun chuckled, pointing at the distant majestic mountains.
Zi Yan, maintaining her usual disinterested look, shook her head. A little sect like Yun Lan Sect, which doesn't even have a Dou Zong, was not worthy of her attention. Usually, anything she didn't understand, she would just ask Jiang Yun directly, fully embracing her "poor student" persona.
However, if you really thought Zi Yan was a poor student and tried to fool her, you'd be courting death. Not to mention the natural affinity the Taixu Ancient Dragon has for rare treasures, Zi Yan's inherited bloodline knowledge was also being gradually absorbed as her strength increased. She could be considered a walking encyclopedia of magical beasts!
It's just that trivial matters not worthy of being recorded in her inheritance didn't interest her at all!
"It's said that Yun Lan Sect was founded by Yun Po Tian, a genius from the continent's past. Yun Po Tian was also a Dou Zun back then. So, Yun Lan Sect's heritage can be traced back to a Dou Zun!"
Finally, Xiao Yi Xian gently brushed her hair aside and softly explained. The Yun Lan Sect that once needed to be revered, no longer stirred any waves in her heart as she spoke. She had seen higher peaks and her mind had already transcended beyond the Jia Ma Empire.
"Brother Jiang Yun, if Yun Lan Sect has such a strong heritage, why don't they have even one Dou Zong now?" Qing Lin asked her question at this moment.
Jiang Yun was momentarily at a loss, and could only quip, "Maybe their sect leaders don't have a good eye for disciples!"
At a hill far from Jia Ma Sacred City, after bidding farewell to Xiao Lan, who had transported them all the way, Xiao Yi Xian felt a bit reluctant, but Jiang Yun felt that the Blue Eagle seemed somewhat eager to leave.
Noticing Jiang Yun's gaze fall on her, Zi Yan looked back, and the next moment, grinned widely. Zi Yan's playful antics immediately lightened the mood. Jiang Yun then led the three women towards the ancient and heavily fortified tall city walls of Jia Ma Sacred City.
After passing through the imposing gates, they finally entered the city. Due to the astonishing beauty of Zi Yan and the other two women, Jiang Yun put on his alchemist robe once again to avoid trouble.
Under the respectful gazes of the people around them, he led the three women as they strolled leisurely, taking in the local customs and culture.
After wandering for a while, Jiang Yun suggested, "Let's go to the auction house. There should be some interesting treasures there!"
The three women nodded, having no objections to Jiang Yun's suggestion.
Moreover, an auction house would be a novel experience even for Zi Yan.
The Mittel Clan, one of the three major families in the Empire, held extensive properties in Jia Ma Sacred City, second only to the royal family. Soon, the four of them arrived at the headquarters of the Mittel Trading Company. The massive building was awe-inspiring, showcasing the family's powerful influence in the capital. Inside the grand hall, heavily armed guards with the Mittel family insignia on their chests could be seen everywhere, marking them as direct forces of the family.
Sweeping his gaze over, Jiang Yun noticed that most of them were at the Dou Shi level, a testament to the Mittel Clan's deep foundations.
Crystal display cases filled the hall, with streams of people moving around them. Various rare and strange items were showcased inside the cases, and the sound of conversations filled the air incessantly.
"Go and see if there is anything you like," Jiang Yun gestured to the three women. Unfortunately, Zi Yan had little interest in the glittering items, unless they were medicinal herbs or items that could enhance her strength.
Xiao Yi Xian also shook her head lightly, and as for Qing Lin, seeing that neither Xiao Yi Xian nor Zi Yan went, she wouldn't go alone either.
Jiang Yun sighed internally, wondering if his money would ever be spent. At this moment, his attention was suddenly drawn to a corner of the hall.
At that corner was an area for high-ranking personnel of the Mittel Auction House. It had been calm earlier, but now seemed to be bustling with activity, indicating the presence of someone important.
"It's him!" Feeling the cold aura from his soul, Jiang Yun's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Not long after, Hai Bodong, who had recovered, emerged, accompanied by several figures.
"Hai Lao, the royal family has been urging us more frequently these days. The Mu family and the Nalan family as well. I wonder why they are all requesting us to purchase medicinal herbs for healing lately?"
Dressed in luxurious clothes, Mittel Tengshan watched Hai Bodong's figure ahead and spoke softly, worry evident in his brows.
Originally one of the three major families in the Jia Ma Empire, the Mittel family had the potential to become the third largest power in the empire with the return of the Dou Huang, Hai Bodong. However, recently, the royal family, Mu family, and Nalan family all requested the Mittel family to purchase herbs, most of which were for healing. This unusual move had made the keen-sensed Mittel Tengshan suspect something, though he feared probing deeper into his conjectures.
"Jia Xing Tian, that old guy, might be reaching his end soon!" Compared to Mittel Tengshan's concerns, Hai Bodong was more candid, a sneer on his lips but deep worry in his eyes.
His relationship with Jia Xing Tian wasn't particularly good or bad. Just as he returned, he received news of an old contemporary's potential demise, stirring mixed emotions within him.
"Hai Lao…" Mittel Tengshan was helpless against Hai Bodong's bluntness.
"Ah!" A seductive and alluring woman among the crowd, dressed in a vibrant red tight-fitting robe with a graceful figure, was startled and cried out despite herself. Fortunately, she managed to cover her mouth in time, preventing further commotion.
The other powers in the capital had also fully withdrawn their forces from Wu Tan City, making the city seem momentarily forgotten. Upon returning to the capital, Yafei had the good fortune to be recognized by Hai Bodong and became the chief auctioneer of the capital's auction house, solidifying her position in the Mittel family.
Casting a glance at Mittel Tengshan, Hai Bodong said, "What are you afraid of? They dare to act but forbid old me from speaking?"
Glaring at Mittel Tengshan, Hai Bodong felt that this old partner was overly cautious and lacked a bit of boldness. Shaking his head, Hai Bodong's gaze shifted again, and suddenly, his entire body trembled, as if he had seen something terrifying.
"Hai Lao, what's wrong with you?" Hai Bodong's abnormal reaction immediately drew the attention of several people. Following his gaze, Mittel Tengshan noticed a group of remarkably bearing young people but found nothing more, leaving him puzzled.
"Fool!" Hai Bodong snapped back to his senses at Mittel Tengshan's question, angrily rebuking and spraying him with saliva. Then, under the stunned gaze of those around, he quickly approached Jiang Yun's side with an unprecedented respect in his voice.
"Young Master, it was Hai Bodong's ignorance previously. Thank you for your magnanimity, for helping to lift my seal. To meet you again today is a great honor."
Jiang Yun, with a mischievous glint in his eye, looked at the respectful Hai Bodong before him and said, "I still prefer the defiant Ice Emperor."
Momentarily stunned, Hai Bodong smiled wryly, "Young Master, why mock an old man?"
"Hey—aren't you that old man who sold the map!" At this moment, recognizing Hai Bodong, Zi Yan clapped her hands and exclaimed, "You're not dead!"
Eyeing Hai Bodong, Zi Yan curiously asked.
"Thanks to the mercy of the Young Master back then, otherwise there wouldn't be a Hai Bodong today!" Stifled by Zi Yan's words, Hai Bodong dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction—it was this young lady he had encountered in the past, a Dou Huang! Now, fully recovered, facing her still made him feel dread.
Seeing Jiang Yun nod, confirming it as a fact, Zi Yan lost interest. Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin were now immune to the sight of Dou Huangs, and at most felt a bit of awe, without other significant emotions.
But the members of the Mittel family were deeply shocked. When had they ever seen Hai Bodong, who wouldn't even bow to Jia Xing Tian of the royal family, act so deferentially?
The shrewd Mittel Tengshan immediately realized this was a "super big shot" and, after glancing at the stunning women around Jiang Yun, then back at his own descendants, he smiled and stepped forward.
"Hai Lao, since you know this Young Master, let's move to the inner hall and properly host these distinguished guests!"
"What do you think, Young Master?" Glaring at the presumptuous Mittel Tengshan, Hai Bodong, despite his gratitude for Jiang Yun lifting his seal, felt uneasy in the presence of someone who could control his life. Now, with Mittel Tengshan's suggestion, he reluctantly looked at Jiang Yun.
"Alright, I just happen to have some matters requiring the Mittel family's help." Jiang Yun, having observed their petty tricks, had an idea. Instead of going to them, he would let them bring their treasures to him.
Upon Jiang Yun's agreement, a thought struck Hai Bodong, filling him with excitement. Sensing the opportunity to gain favor, Mittel Tengshan was overjoyed and promptly directed, "Yafei, guide our honored guests!"
Momentarily stunned, Yafei quickly snapped back, smiling brightly at Jiang Yun, "Young Master, please follow me."
Gazing at the enchanting woman before him, Jiang Yun glanced at Mittel Tengshan with a teasing look. No abnormality could be seen on the old man's smiling face.
"Sorry to trouble you!" Responding politely, Jiang Yun, with Zi Yan and the others, followed Yafei to the upper floors.
Her full figure, wrapped in a tight robe, appeared round and perky, each step providing a visual impact. Among the women Jiang Yun had seen, only Medusa could surpass her allure to men.
After ascending a few floors, they reached the VIP room on the sixth level. The first five floors housed the auction house or market, while the sixth and seventh floors were reserved for Mittel family members and storage.
After everyone was seated and served precious tea and delightful fruits, Jiang Yun broke the silence, "As the largest auction house in the Jia Ma Empire, what are the conditions to open a sky-level auction?"
Hearing Jiang Yun's question, everyone was momentarily stunned! The Mittel Auction House's auctions, much like the grading system of techniques, were strictly divided into four levels: Sky, Earth, Mystic, and Yellow, with Sky being the highest, rarely held even once in a year or two. Earth might also be occasional, Yellow was daily.
Hence, hearing Jiang Yun mention a sky-level auction left them momentarily shocked. Hai Bodong, being the first to recover, explained, "A sky-level auction can be held upon the appearance of a sixth-grade pill, earth-level technique, Dou skill, or rare treasure of similar rarity.
"Of course, if the Young Master has something to auction, the Mittel Auction House can also arrange a sky-level auction."
Seeing Hai Bodong's goodwill, Jiang Yun knew that even if he were to produce a yellow-level technique, the other party might dig into the Mittel family's treasures to ensure the sky-level auction took place.
Naturally, Jiang Yun would not stoop so low.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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