BTTH: Thunder Emperor

**Chapter 9: Identity Exposed**

After saying this, Ya Fei at the auction table bent down, took out a jade bottle, and placed it on the jade plate. "The next item up for auction is a second-grade elixir: the Bone Cleansing Pill. The effect of this elixir is to raise a person's qualifications to the level of a Da Dou Shi. As long as the resources are sufficient, it can directly enhance one to the one-star Da Dou Shi level. However, there is a side effect: the person who takes it can only achieve a one-star Da Dou Shi status in this lifetime and cannot break through again."

"This elixir has been identified by Master Gu Ni of our auction house. It is indeed a second-grade elixir, and there are no issues. You can buy it with confidence. The starting price is 7,000 gold coins."

"Eight thousand!"

"Ten thousand!"

...

In less than ten minutes, the price of the Bone Cleansing Pill had risen to 35,000. The effect of the Bone Cleansing Pill was still very appealing, especially for those who would never hope to become a Da Dou Shi, as well as some wealthy businessmen. This was because the highest combat power in Wutan City was that of the Da Dou Shi, and the Da Dou Shi level strongman typically belonged to the three major families. Even the three major families were very envious of this pill, for whoever obtained it would have one more Da Dou Shi in their ranks, enabling them to be more competitive in resource acquisition.

"Forty thousand!" Obapa, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened his eyes and called out.

"Forty-five thousand!" Seeing Obapa's bid, Galeb followed suit and shot Obapa a provocative glance.

Obapa glanced back coldly. "Fifty thousand!"

With the two of them fiercely competing, the price escalated to nearly seventy thousand. After Xiao Zhan also joined in, the price soared even further.

"This time, Chief Oba successfully purchased the Bone Cleansing Pill for 90,000 gold coins," Ya Fei announced, tapping the hammer lightly in her hand. 

"The next item is an auction item that the auction house just received, which is also a second-grade elixir: the Foundation-Building Spiritual Liquid..."

Upon hearing about the Foundation-Building Spiritual Liquid, Xiao Tian glanced around the hall without drawing attention to himself, squinting to observe the black-robed man in the corner before quickly looking away.

After a fierce competition, the Foundation-Building Spiritual Liquid was bought by Xiao Zhan for a price of 40,000.

"This is the finale item of this auction: the Xuan-level Advanced Dou Technique, the Wind Scroll Technique." Ya Fei's voice resonated throughout the hall, causing an instant hush as everyone's eyes turned to the green scroll in her hand.

After intense bidding from the three major families, weapon tycoons, and medicinal material dealers, the Wind Scroll Technique was ultimately purchased by Galiebi for 550,000 gold coins.

After the auction, Xiao Zhan and Xiao Tian walked to the delivery hall of the auction house and encountered a figure in a red cheongsam walking out. The hem of the cheongsam had a high slit extending to her thighs, revealing her long, alluring legs. "I guess this is the young genius Xiao Tian, the rumored young master of the Xiao family."

"Thank you for your praise," Xiao Tian said, smiling and nodding.

"Chief Xiao Zhan, this is the Foundation-Building Spiritual Liquid you bought." Ya Fei handed the jade bottle to Xiao Zhan and the others. As Xiao Zhan prepared to take out the deposit card for payment, Xiao Tian, who was standing beside him, was quicker and handed a deposit card over. "Take it from here."

Ya Fei reached out to accept the deposit card, but when she saw Xiao Tian's hand, a familiar sensation washed over her.

Xiao Tian looked at Ya Fei, who was staring at him blankly. "Miss Ya Fei, what's wrong? Aren't you going to process the payment?"

"I'm so sorry; maybe I'm tired and distracted." Ya Fei snapped back to her senses, regained her composure, and smiled. She took the deposit card from Xiao Tian, processed the payment, and handed it back to him. "Thank you for supporting our auction house."

"Then we'll take our leave," Xiao Zhan said as he turned to exit the delivery hall with Xiao Tian and the others.

Ya Fei looked at Xiao Tian thoughtfully, pondering what he might be thinking...

After leaving the auction hall, Xiao Tian looked at Xiao Zhan, who was about to speak. "I know you bought this for Xiao Yanzi. Just consider it my support for him. If you use family funds, the three elders will inevitably use this against you. As for the source of the money, father, please don't ask."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhan exchanged a meaningful glance with Xiao Xun Er and Xiao Tian. "I'll go back and won't disturb your time together. You two can go shopping at will."

Xiao Tian watched Xiao Zhan leave, then turned around and took Xun'er's hand. "Let's go; I'll take you shopping."

Xiao Tian took Xiao Xun Er for a joyful stroll around Wutan City, and they reluctantly parted ways at dusk.

After watching Xiao Xun Er return to her own yard, Xiao Tian chose not to return to his own place. Instead, he walked out of the Xiao family's gate and headed toward the auction house. On the way, he donned the cloak and mask he had acquired earlier. Arriving at the auction house, a maid led him into a room. As soon as he entered, he saw Ya Fei seated at the table.

"You're finally here."

"Something came up, so it took me a while," Xiao Tian replied with a smile.

Ya Fei chuckled softly upon hearing this and handed over a green jade card. "The Beauty Pill is purchased directly from our auction house, so we will not deduct your handling fee. Together with the cost of the Bone Cleansing Pill, after deducting the handling fee, the total is 158,200 gold coins, all on this card."

Just as Xiao Tian was about to take the jade card, a voice suddenly rang out. "Should I call you Sir or Master Xiao Tian?"

"What a smart woman you are. It seems you've discovered something this morning. You deserve to be the head of the auction house."

Ya Fei chuckled charmingly. "I truly didn't expect that Master Xiao Tian is not only a genius in cultivation but also has exceptional talent in alchemy. A second-grade alchemist at such a young age; I really envy you."

"Have you ever heard the saying, 'The more you know, the faster you die'?" A hint of coldness flashed in Xiao Tian's eyes.

"Are you planning to kill me to silence me?" Seeing Xiao Tian's aura grow colder, Ya Fei spoke timidly, but a closer look revealed a smile flickering in her beautiful eyes.

Xiao Tian walked up to Ya Fei, placed his hand under her chin, and gently lifted her head to examine her carefully. "What a beautiful vixen. It's a shame you'll be dying soon. How should I deal with you?"

Ya Fei swiftly slapped away Xiao Tian's hand. "You're so young and yet you don't learn well; you only focus on this kind of stuff."

Since his identity had been exposed, Xiao Tian lifted the brim of his cloak and removed his mask. He stretched and sat back in the chair, looking Ya Fei over. Familiar with the original work, Xiao Tian knew that the charming Ya Fei before him, who could tease men with every move, had a high IQ. Although she lacked strength and could be seen as having no talent at all, she was intelligent and capable, with an amazing understanding of human emotions.

Ya Fei regarded Xiao Tian as he stared at her. Resting one hand on the table and supporting her chin with the other, she teased, "Little guy, you keep staring at your sister. Do you have any thoughts about me?"

(End of this chapter)