Chapter 22: Boy-Crusher

Not only did the young generation like Xiao Ning feel baffled, even Xiao Zhan was completely lost. Spreading rumors yourself, then going to debunk them?

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, not understanding what the Young Clan Leader was up to.

"Yan'er, you specifically asked me to go to the Mitel Auction House to clarify this is a rumor, urging them to boldly cooperate with the two major clans and supply those low-grade medicinal materials. Are you worried that Mi Tiel E Ya Fei might hesitate?" Xiao Zhan asked, watching Xiao Yan eat breakfast, voicing his doubt.

"One of the reasons. Father, rest assured—I'll go with you to the auction in a few days; I also have a few things I want to buy." Xiao Yan smiled faintly. That confident smile had never vanished since he became sensible.

In front of the specialized elixir shop in Oga Bazaar, crowds had already swarmed—mercenaries' shouts, curses, and brawls merged into a deafening din that echoed throughout the entire bazaar.

Behind the elixir sales counter, the Gale Clan's staff watched mockingly as the mercenaries outside fought violently over healing elixirs, their faces gleaming with smug satisfaction, as if wielding power through medicine.

Ge Li, in charge of elixir sales, squinted his tiny eyes, whispering smugly: "Hmph, they scream they won't buy if the price goes up again—yet still obediently pay."

"Pathetic."

Once one has experienced comfort, returning to the old way is hard. The sense of security from buying a healing elixir is what every mercenary needs most.

Almost every day, mercenaries in Wutan City venture into the suburban forests to hunt magic beasts for Magic Cores, risking their lives in deadly battles—where a box of Huichun Powder can rapidly stop bleeding, even if a major artery is severed.

At this moment, unusual murmurs suddenly emerged from the crowd.

"Have you heard? This morning, the Xiao Clan posted notices across all bazaars and properties—they'll be selling elixirs in a few days, cheaper and more effective."

"Fake, right?"

"Not necessarily—I heard a rumor that the Xiao Clan somehow obtained the pill formulas for Huichun Powder and Small Dou Qi Pills, and traded those formulas with an Alchemist from the Nan Lan Clan."

"I knew it! When the medicine merchants kept raising prices, I thought they were just bidding against each other—but it was because the Xiao Clan got the formulas!"

"But I heard the Oba Clan and Gale Clan teamed up to buy out all the medicine merchants' medicinal materials—where will the Xiao Clan get their supplies?"

"Don't forget the Mitel Auction House—its quarterly auction starts in three days."

As neighborhood gossip grew fiercer, every mercenary and merchant now understood one thing: the Xiao Clan is striking back!

The auction in three days will be the beginning of a bloody storm!

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. In the afternoon, at the Xiao Clan's main gate, not only was Xiao Zhan present, but several Elders were there too; outstanding members of the young generation dressed in fine attire, creating an atmosphere of great bustle.

Even Xiao Yan dressed impressively today—the entire Xiao Clan gave the impression they were about to accomplish something monumental.

"Xun Er, aren't you coming with us today?" Xiao Yan gently stroked Xun Er's hair and asked softly.

Xun Er shook her head, looking annoyed. "No, Brother Xiao Yan—I have something to attend to today."

Xiao Yan leaned close to Xun Er's ear and whispered: "Are you going on a date?"

Xun Er shot him a glare and denied it: "Is it only allowed for Brother Xiao Yan to lock himself away for cultivation? Can't Xun Er do the same? I need a few days to practice a Dou Technique."

Xiao Yan smiled and didn't press further—everyone has their secrets; no need to dig too deep.

Today's Mitel Auction House was undoubtedly the most bustling ever—not because the auction items were special, but because the rumors of the past few days had drawn widespread attention.

When the Xiao Clan arrived, the auction house's security personnel parted to form a path, allowing the entire Xiao Clan to enter.

"Sister, in less than half a year, won't it be time for Jia Nan Academy's annual enrollment?" Xiao Ning asked Xiao Yu with eager anticipation.

Hearing Xiao Ning's question, Xiao Yu nodded slightly, her tone proud: "Don't worry—you've already qualified. And the instructor responsible for this region's enrollment? She's my Mentor—she's a Five Star Da Dou Shi. With me speaking for you, there's no problem."

"Hehe, good to hear." Xiao Ning's face instantly lit up with joy.

Xiao Yan paid little attention, exchanged a glance with his father, then didn't follow the main group into the auction hall—he turned aside and headed for the VIP lounge.

Xiao Yan's every move drew everyone's attention. Soon after he left, several men in Gale Clan attire rushed to the auction house and informed Ge Li of Xiao Yan's departure.

Ge Li laughed coldly: "So what? Even if he has a pill formula, it's useless—Mitel Auction House won't sell those four medicinal materials to the Xiao Clan. I'd like to see how they refine pills!"

Outside the VIP lounge, two maids opened the door, revealing Ya Fei in a red qipao, her curvaceous figure displayed to perfection.

"Little Brother Xiao Yan, I knew you'd come find me." Ya Fei smiled seductively—since Xiao Zhan brought the news two days ago, she knew the medicine in Xiao Yan's gourd was poison!

She was also curious what poison Xiao Yan planned to feed the two major clans.

Xiao Yan walked calmly into the parlor, sat on the sofa, and cut straight to the point: "Sister Ya Fei, have you already sold all your stock of medicinal materials to the two clans?"

Ya Fei brushed her hair aside, fixing her gaze on Xiao Yan's face: "Isn't that exactly what you wanted?"

Ya Fei pulled out a contract: "Not only existing stock—our Mitel Auction House's Medicine Gathering Team and herb gardens will prioritize selling those four medicinal materials to Oga Bazaar for the next five years."

Normally a commercial contract is confidential, but Ya Fei handed Xiao Yan the contract signed the day before.

Because she believed this was all Xiao Yan's doing—hiding it would be pointless.

The contract was simple: the two clans paid a deposit, at the same price as the medicine merchants, pre-ordering those four medicinal materials for the next five years.

Complex in description, simple in essence: futures trading.

Seeing the contract, Xiao Yan could no longer hide his smile—he knew the two clans were finished.

"Little Brother Xiao Yan, can you tell Sister what medicine is in your gourd? I did help you, after all." Ya Fei rose slowly, stepped beside Xiao Yan, and a strand of her hair brushed his cheek. A faint rose scent drifted to his nose, instantly soothing his spirit.

Xiao Yan silently cursed: fox spirit.

Xiao Yan steadied his mind and said casually: "I'd love to chat with Sister Ya Fei by candlelight, but if you don't prepare soon, the auction will start—and I'm waiting to buy something."

Seeing Xiao Yan show no particular interest in her beauty, Ya Fei's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise: Today I wore my 'Boy-Crusher' perfume! And this fifteen-year-old boy still isn't charmed?

Soon after, Xiao Yan returned to the auction hall and sat beside Xiao Zhan, nodding to him.

The auction began shortly thereafter.

Xiao Yan studied the auction catalog—there was one item perfectly suited for today's performance.