Chapter 122

As for the Miaoyin Sect, Yan Taibai naturally knew of this sect; he could even be said to be quite familiar with it, even though he had never been to the Chaotic Star Sea.

One might ask, how many men have never thought about taking all the women of the Miaoyin Sect into their chambers?

Not to mention Ziling Xianzi, who is hailed as the greatest beauty of the Chaotic Star Sea and the Tiannan Cultivation World, there are also the naturally seductive Wen Siyue, as well as the sister pair Fan Jingmei and Zhuo Ruting, all of whom are heart-stirring.

"It seems Fellow Daoist Yan also recognizes this Miaoyin Sect."

Seeing this, Elder Miao of the Six-Linked Hall became even more certain that Yan Taibai's identity was definitely not simple.

"I have occasionally heard my sect elders mention it. I never expected them to come to Kuixing Island."

Yan Taibai smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Indeed! I did not expect it either. If Fellow Daoist Yan does not mind, why not invite them to come over together?"

Elder Miao of the Six-Linked Hall asked tentatively.

It was clear he intended to see if he could take the opportunity to learn Yan Taibai's identity.

"Very well, that is naturally no problem."

Yan Taibai glanced at Elder Miao of the Six-Linked Hall, understood the other party's intentions, and nodded in agreement.

Seeing Yan Taibai agree, Elder Miao's face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly urged,

"Why are you still standing there? Go and invite them; do not let Fellow Daoist Yan wait too long."

"Yes." Shopkeeper Cao hurriedly agreed, apologized to Yan Taibai, and then left the hall to invite the Miaoyin Sect Master and his wife.

Before long, a pair of man and woman, looking exactly like a celestial couple, entered the hall with Shopkeeper Cao.

The man wore a Confucian robe, and his appearance and bearing were elegant and gentle; at a single glance, he made one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze and inclined to favor him.

As for the woman beside him, she wore a pale purple long dress, her delicate body was graceful and alluring, and her jade-like face was full of charm and stunning beauty, making one's heart pound and unable to look away.

Only when his back felt a chill did Yan Taibai unobtrusively withdraw his gaze and offer a slightly apologetic smile to his newlywed little wife, Yan Ruyan, beside him.

The small movements between the two naturally did not escape the others in the hall; the stunning young woman in the pale purple dress could not help but purse her lips and smile, her gaze toward Yan Taibai filled with a bit more surprise.

Clearly, she was also shocked that Yan Taibai was already a Golden Core Stage Cultivator at such a young age.

As a woman, she naturally knew this was definitely not due to any cultivation technique or secret art, but that he was truly this young.

At this moment, Elder Miao had already finished exchanging pleasantries with the current Miaoyin Sect Master, Wang Heng, and began introducing Yan Taibai and Yan Ruyan.

"Sect Master Wang, Lady Wang, this is Fellow Daoist Yan Bai, and this is his Dao companion, Madam Yan."

"Fellow Daoist Yan, Madam Yan, this is the Miaoyin Sect Master, Wang Heng, and this is his Dao companion, Lady Wang."

After Elder Miao of the Six-Linked Hall finished the introductions, Yan Taibai was the first to stand up, cup his hands, and bow slightly.

"I have long heard of Sect Master Wang's prestige and Lady Wang's beauty; seeing you today, it is truly well-deserved."

Miaoyin Sect Master Wang Heng was a Golden Core Mid-stage Cultivator, and his wife, Zhou Yuan, was also at the peak of the Golden Core Initial Stage; both were at a higher realm than him.

"Fellow Daoist Yan is too kind. That Fellow Daoist Yan has already advanced to the Golden Core Stage and become one of us at such a young age truly makes Wang admire you."

Miaoyin Sect Master Wang Heng hurriedly returned the salute.

"This concubine is also amazed by Fellow Daoist Yan's natural talent. May I ask which sect Fellow Daoist belongs to? If my husband and I have time, we will certainly visit your sect. I hope your sect will not mind."

Zhou Yuan also performed a curtsy, her face full of envy as she requested.

"Madam is joking. This time I am out, and my sect elders have given orders not to reveal the sect's name. I hope you two will forgive me."

Yan Taibai explained with an apologetic look.

"Then it was our couple's presumption. I hope Fellow Daoist Yan will forgive us."

Seeing this, Miaoyin Sect Master Wang Heng immediately apologized again.

"Sect Master Wang is too polite. Please, sit. I wonder if you have any business coming here? If it is inconvenient, my wife and I will take our leave first."

Yan Taibai changed the subject.

"This..."

Hearing this, Miaoyin Sect Master Wang Heng and his Dao companion Zhou Yuan exchanged a glance, hesitated for a moment, and spoke.

"It is nothing inconvenient; we just wanted to purchase a batch of high-tier magical tools, top-tier magical tools, and materials from the Six-Linked Hall to bestow upon our sect disciples."

"Oh! So that is it. Then the two of us will take our leave first."

Seeing this, Yan Taibai cupped his hands, intending to depart with Yan Ruyan.

"Hmm! If you have time in the future, please remember to visit our sect when you go to Heavenly Star City; my wife and I will certainly sweep the floor to welcome you."

Miaoyin Sect Master Wang Heng did not stop them, but politely extended an invitation.

"Very well, certainly. Farewell."

Hearing this, Yan Taibai said no more; after speaking, he left the hall with Yan Ruyan.

After exiting the Six-Linked Hall, Yan Ruyan frowned slightly and spoke.

"Brother Taibai, I fear the Miaoyin Sect Master's business is not as simple as purchasing magical tools and materials. Magical tools are not exactly unavailable in Heavenly Star City; why travel thousands of miles to the Six-Linked Hall on Kuixing Island?"

"What does that have to do with us? However, for both of them, two Golden Core Stage Cultivators, to come together just to purchase a batch of magical tools and materials, the quantity of these items must be quite significant. It might even be no less than our own transaction."

Yan Taibai nodded slightly and analyzed.

"Hmm, Brother Taibai is right."

Yan Ruyan agreed in support.

Afterward, the two left the square where the Six-Linked Hall was located and continued to stroll through the other streets of Tiandu Street.

For so long, the two had rarely wandered like this; most of the time was spent on cultivation, cultivation, and more cultivation.

In the side hall of the Six-Linked Hall

"Such a large quantity of magical tools and materials is truly difficult to handle."

Looking at the contents of the Jade Slip given by Miaoyin Sect Master Wang Heng, Elder Miao said with a headache.

"What is it? With your hall's capabilities, could it be that you cannot even manage these materials and magical tools?"

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan knitted her willow brows and could not help but ask further.

"As for this, magic tools are not a difficult matter; even doubling the amount would not be a problem, but these materials are likely to be difficult. I will not hide it from you two, the fellow Daoist Yan from just now also purchased a batch of materials from this hall. And the quantity was only more, not less, than what you two requested; this is what puts this old man in a difficult position."

Elder Miao of the Six-Linked Hall gave a wry smile, having no intention of hiding it.

"What, he also purchased a batch of materials? Could it be?"

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan almost could not sit still, her lovely face losing its color as she spoke.

But it was only for a moment before she returned to normal.

However, her brows still revealed a look of anxiety and worry.

"What is it? Could it be that something has happened to your sect?"

Seeing this, Elder Miao of the Six-Linked Hall asked with full curiosity and suspicion.

He had a vague guess in his heart.

"I will not hide it from Brother Miao, our sect had a major conflict with another sect some time ago, which is why we want to purchase a batch of magic tools and materials to strengthen the strength of the disciples within the sect."

Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, pondered for a moment and did not hide anything.

After all, he still had a significant friendship with this Elder Miao; if it were not for the fact that the other party was already an elder of the Six-Linked Hall and it was inappropriate to intervene in the grievances between the Miaoyin Sect and other sects, he might have invited the other party to help.

This was also the reason why they left Heavenly Star City and came to this Kuixing Island to purchase magic tools and materials.

It was to avoid the other party knowing the detailed content and information, so they had made preparations.

"So that is how it is; then it seems this old man really must help with this favor."

After hearing the words of Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, Elder Miao's expression became much more solemn, and he nodded.

Wang Heng had once given him guidance when he was at the Golden Core Stage, and this favor had never been repaid; this time, he would treat it as repaying that favor.

"Many thanks for your help, Brother Miao. If our sect can survive this tribulation, there will definitely be a heavy reward."

Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, and Zhou Yuan stood up and bowed to express their thanks.

"Brother Wang is too polite. Brother Wang also had the grace of guidance toward me back then; this small favor is nothing."

Seeing this, Elder Miao hurriedly stood up to return the courtesy.

"Then, Brother Miao, do you know the identity of that fellow Daoist from just now? Why did he purchase so many materials?"

At this time, Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, voiced his doubts again.

This was the key point; although it was highly likely a coincidence, one still had to be careful and guarded.

"This, this old man truly does not know; this person did not disclose a single bit. However, judging by this person's aptitude and demeanor, his background is absolutely not simple. Your sect should not offend him."

Hearing the follow-up question from Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, Elder Miao answered without surprise.

To put it bluntly, Wang Heng's Miaoyin Sect did not even have the qualifications to offend the other party.

If they offended him, nine times out of ten, they would be slapped to death.

The entire Miaoyin Sect only had two Golden Core Stage Cultivators, Wang Heng and Zhou Yuan; looking at the entire Inner Star Sea, it was just a third-rate sect.

This was also the reason why Elder Miao did not agree to join the Miaoyin Sect back then.

And even in Heavenly Star City, it was barely considered a second-rate sect; as for its fame, it was only because most of the female disciples in the sect were concubines of Golden Core Stage Cultivators or Dao companions of Foundation Establishment cultivators, which gave it a little fame.

To put it plainly, it was similar to a "brothel."

"Brother Miao is absolutely right."

The expression on the face of Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, stiffened slightly, and he hurriedly laughed. Afterward, he changed the subject.

"Then I wonder when Brother Miao will be able to gather the materials I need?"

"At most half a month, I wonder if that is acceptable?"

Elder Miao thought slightly about his travel speed and the speed at which the Six-Linked Hall on other islands prepared materials before speaking.

"Half a month, that is naturally no problem, then I will trouble you, Brother Miao."

Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, cupped his hands in thanks.

"Brother Wang is too polite. You two stay on Kuixing Island for the time being, and this old man will go and prepare."

Elder Miao stood up directly and said.

His appearance of not wanting to waste any time made Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, show a look of gratitude.

"Good, many thanks, Brother Miao."

"Hmm! Farewell."

Elder Miao was also a decisive and swift person; he nodded, excused himself, and left the side hall.

He left Wang Heng, the Sect Master of the Miaoyin Sect, and Zhou Yuan to be served by Shopkeeper Cao, while he set off directly, leaving the Six-Linked Hall and heading outside of Kuixing Island.

Yan Taibai naturally knew nothing about all this, because he was currently in an underground auction on Tiandu Street.

He was looking with great interest at the items being auctioned, most of which were related to Demon Beasts.

"One piece of Iron Essence, starting price eight hundred Spirit Stones, each bid must not be less than fifty Spirit Stones!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the Auction Hall had their eyes light up.

After all, this underground auction was mainly for those at the Foundation Establishment Stage; if Yan Taibai had not hidden his cultivation level, it would have been very difficult for him to get in.

Because the other party would not have invited him at all.

And the Iron Essence that made the eyes of everyone in the hall burn with desire on the auction stage was not large, only the size of a walnut, so it was no wonder the starting price was a mere eight hundred Spirit Stones.

However, even a small fly is meat; without needing Yan Taibai to speak, his little wife beside him, Ruyan, also understood Yan Taibai's thoughts and parted her sandalwood lips to speak.

"One thousand Spirit Stones!"

Increasing the price by two hundred Spirit Stones in one go was a not-insignificant expense even for Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, so they naturally looked toward the direction of Yan Taibai and Ruyan.

Especially two Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators who were interested in the Iron Essence, their gazes were slightly unfriendly as they stared at the two, and one of them had already increased the bid.

"One thousand one hundred Spirit Stones."

"One thousand two hundred Spirit Stones."

Before the other party's voice had even faded, Ruyan increased the bid. There was a hint of refusal to be outdone in her tone, causing others in the hall to cast sidelong glances, their eyes filled with a touch of surprise.

Although Ruyan, like them, used a mask to conceal her face, from her voice, temperament, and figure, anyone could tell that Ruyan was surely a rare and stunning beauty, and her cultivation realm was at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, which was not considered too low.

As for Yan Taibai by her side, he revealed a Foundation Establishment Mid-stage realm, ensuring he would neither be looked down upon too much nor attract too much attention.

Yet, he was not a person who feared trouble.

"One thousand two hundred and fifty Spirit Stones!"

Another Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator, with a gaze that grew increasingly unfriendly, glanced at Yan Taibai and increased the bid.

Yan Taibai, however, could not be bothered to compete any further.

"One thousand five hundred Spirit Stones. If you two fellow Daoists bid higher than this price, feel free to take it," Yan Taibai said after finishing his bid, glancing at the two of them.

Once these words were spoken, the two exchanged a look and fell silent, evidently unable to afford a higher price.

Thus, this piece of Iron Essence fell into Yan Taibai's hands, and no one contended for it further.

This made Ruyan giggle, her laughter tinged with the smugness of a young girl; she stepped forward to pay the Spirit Stones, retrieved the Iron Essence, and after returning to her seat, handed it to Yan Taibai.

At this moment, the final grand finale item was brought out onto the auction stage.

"The Demon Core of a Level 5 Demon Beast, the Rending Wind Beast. The starting price is two thousand five hundred Spirit Stones, and each increment must be no less than one hundred Spirit Stones."

As soon as this price was announced, everyone in the hall was astonished. It was not because it was expensive, but because it was cheap.

The normal starting price should have been over five thousand, and the final transaction price would usually be over ten thousand Spirit Stones; furthermore, it should not have appeared at an auction of this level, as no one could afford to buy it.

"Master Jin, is there perhaps some problem with this Demon Core?"

Suddenly, one of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators who had just competed with Yan Taibai for the Iron Essence spoke up to ask.

"This Demon Core does indeed have some flaws, but it will not affect the medicinal efficacy much. You fellow Daoists may rest assured."

Master Jin on the auction stage explained without a change in expression.

Yet, almost no one believed his words.

"Master Jin, if there are any flaws, just say it straight! We are all basically old friends. There is nothing that cannot be said."

"That's right, Master Jin, you wouldn't want to ruin the reputation of your auction house, would you?"

Someone said, their tone carrying a hint of a threat.

"This... very well! Then this old man will speak plainly."

Hearing this, Master Jin's expression shifted slightly, and he had no choice but to bite the bullet and speak.

(End of this chapter)