The expressions on Jia Lie Bi and Ao Ba Pa's faces shifted slightly.
Although alchemists held positions of great respect, there was still a clear hierarchy among them.
Master Gu Ni was only a Tier-2 Alchemist, one rank below Master Chen Mo.
The two exchanged a glance and quickly stepped forward.
"Clan Leader Jia Lie Bi greets Master Chen Mo! It's been a while, but the Master's radiance has not dulled in the slightest," said Jia Lie Bi, dressed in luxurious robes, flattering him without restraint.
Ao Ba Pa chimed in supportively from the side.
But Gu Ni, being a shrewd man, knew how to curry favor even better. He said with a smile, "All the Qi Gathering Powder to be auctioned today was refined by Master Chen Mo himself. And every pill is of flawless quality. As you both know, refining Qi Gathering Powder typically requires at least a Tier-4 Alchemist."
Upon hearing this, the faces of Jia Lie Bi and Ao Ba Pa changed drastically.
Heavens! That level of mastery qualified someone to become the president of a branch of the Alchemist Association.
And such a figure was standing right in front of them.
Their flattery instantly became even more exaggerated and obsequious.
Chen Mo responded with just a faint smile. He had originally intended to follow Gu Ni straight into the auction hall.
But just then, the Xiao family group entered.
Naturally, Chen Mo's gaze landed on Xiao Yan at the rear.
Recalling how the boy had sternly rejected him the last time, a flicker of interest sparked in Chen Mo's eyes.
"Clan Leader Jia Lie Bi, Clan Leader Ao Ba Pa—hm, understood. If there's an opportunity later, I'll consider working with your clans."
He didn't wait for a response. With that, he turned and entered the auction hall through the special VIP passage.
Jia Lie Bi and Ao Ba Pa were momentarily stunned, then overjoyed.
The Master had taken the initiative to propose cooperation!
They didn't dare hope for major business deals—just the crumbs from Master Chen Mo's table would already make them immensely satisfied.
The two quickly followed.
This was a golden thigh—they had to hold on tightly!
Behind them, Xiao Zhan's face darkened.
He wasn't foolish. Of course he could tell that Chen Mo's words had been meant for him.
Clearly, he was holding a grudge over how Xiao Yan had embarrassed him previously.
The elders behind Xiao Zhan also wore grim expressions.
Xiao Yan clenched his fist tightly, the sound of his knuckles cracking faintly echoing.
When the Xiao clan entered the auction hall and saw Chen Mo seated with Jia Lie Bi and the others, Xiao Yan's hand hidden beneath his robe clenched even harder.
His face turned cold and unsightly.
Taking a moment to calm his emotions, Xiao Zhan stepped forward, cupped his fists toward Chen Mo, forced a smile, and said, "Master Chen Mo, my son was out of line that day. I hope you'll be magnanimous and forgive him."
"Yan'er, come apologize to the Master at once."
Xiao Zhan turned to Xiao Yan.
"Father, I did nothing wrong. He was the one who wanted mother's keepsake first. If anyone should apologize, it's him."
Xiao Yan was still in his prime as a young genius, having enjoyed praise and admiration for years. It was not easy for him to lower his head and apologize to Chen Mo.
"Clan Leader Xiao, Master Chen Mo is an honored guest of the Mittel Auction House," Gu Ni, who had not yet left, frowned slightly and gave a light cough.
Xiao Zhan's expression shifted, an awkward look crossing his face.
Jia Lie Bi and Ao Ba Pa remained silent, though the sneers on their lips revealed their gloating.
"Young Master Xiao," Chen Mo said coldly, "I don't appreciate your words. Yes, I was interested in your ring back then—but it was a fair trade. I never forced you. Where's the need for an apology on my part?"
He paused, then said with a deeper tone, "But you, Young Master Xiao, have offended me twice now."
The atmosphere fell into a heavy silence.
Though his words were calm, the elders of the Xiao family could feel the pressure behind them.
Jia Lie Bi glanced mockingly at Xiao Zhan, derision plain in his eyes.
Xiao Zhan's expression shifted dramatically. He barked, "Yan'er! Apologize to the Master, now!"
"I did nothing wrong."
"You—" Xiao Zhan's face darkened. He bowed again toward Chen Mo, forcing a smile. "My son has been disrespectful. I've clearly failed in my discipline. I hope the Master can forgive us."
"Worry not, Clan Leader Xiao," Chen Mo replied calmly. "I am not the petty sort. I don't hold grudges."
Because I take vengeance on the spot.
Retracting his gaze from Xiao Yan, Chen Mo nodded toward the auction platform. "The auction is starting."
"Thank you for your generosity, Master."
Seeing that Chen Mo's attention was now on the stage, Xiao Zhan could only grit his teeth and take a seat.
Xiao Yan bared his teeth in frustration but did not cause further trouble.
Instead, he added this to his mental list of grudges.
Under countless watchful eyes, a woman dressed in an elegant red gown stepped onto the auction stage.
Her finely tailored robe perfectly outlined her graceful curves. Beneath it, a flash of snow-white thigh stirred a primal impulse in the hearts of many.
Around her slender waist was a silver ribbon, emphasizing her already narrow figure to perfection.
This woman radiated seductive allure from head to toe. One look into those long, fox-like peach blossom eyes, and you might find yourself unconsciously pulling out your gold coins to buy something utterly useless—just to make her smile.
To many men, she was the ultimate temptress.
In that moment, Chen Mo suddenly felt that his precious "Queen Baby" wasn't quite as alluring anymore.
He had to admit—Ya Fei knew how to dress. The thought of conquering her and having her model all her outfits for him in bed crossed his mind.
But it was just a passing fantasy.
A moment later, he reaffirmed that his Queen Baby was still the one who smelled the sweetest.
Thinking of her brought a trace of melancholy to his eyes.
To embrace both beauties in each arm... he still had a long way to go.
Ding! Favorability +2. You've received 2 Favorability Coins.
"Hm?" Chen Mo blinked in surprise.
On stage, Ya Fei noticed his brief daze. Her charming smile deepened. She was clearly pleased to have captured his attention.
All the effort she had spent on her appearance hadn't gone to waste.
Her gaze subtly moved away from him as she clapped her hands and smiled at the crowd:
"Ladies and gentlemen, Ya Fei knows why you're all here. So this time, we're skipping the appetizers and getting straight to the main event—our most prized treasures."
As she spoke, she raised her hand. A nearby section of the stage floor suddenly split open, and a crystal pedestal slowly rose from below.
Atop the pedestal sat a jade tray, covered by a black cloth that bulged slightly.
Ya Fei pulled back the black cloth to reveal three white jade boxes to the audience.
She picked up one carefully.
As she opened it, a strange and fragrant aroma wafted through the hall, refreshing the spirits of all present.
"Qi Gathering Powder!"
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