Tetmir Auction House, the largest auction venue in Utan City, and also part of the most affluent family in the Gamma Empire—the Tetmir family. In terms of wealth, the Tetmir family stands unparalleled within the Empire. With a history spanning several centuries, the family has deeply embedded itself in the Gamma Empire, establishing intricate relationships. According to some whispers, this exceptionally wealthy family may even have a subtle connection to the Imperial royal house. Alongside the Nalan and Teler families, the Tetmir family is known as one of the "Three Pillars" of the Empire, with significant influence across the commercial and military spheres. Thanks to this powerful familial backing, no one dares to challenge the Tetmir Auction House, no matter how attractive its profits may be. … Looking toward the vast arena at the end of the street, Xiao Yan turned into a quiet alley and quickly draped the black robe he had just purchased over his shoulders. The large robe fully covered him, not only concealing his appearance but also making his slender youth seem bulky and awkward. Now, Xiao Yan’s look would likely be difficult for Xun'er to recognize even if she stood right before him. Only after ensuring his identity was well hidden did Xiao Yan breathe a sigh of relief. It wasn’t overly cautious of him—this foundational elixir was highly attractive to many family lineages. After all, if any family could mass-produce it, the strength of its younger generation would grow rapidly, offering the most effective catalyst for a family’s development. To avoid creating unnecessary trouble for himself, Xiao Yan had no choice but to proceed quietly... He gently touched the white jade bottle in his arms, which had grown slightly cool, and slowly stepped out of the alley, making his way toward the auction hall at the end of the street. Amid the vigilant gaze of several well-armed guards at the entrance, Xiao Yan walked steadily and entered without hesitation. As soon as he stepped inside, the intense heat seemed to be peeled away from his body, leaving a refreshing coolness that created a peculiar sensation of being both inside and outside at once. Glancing around the spacious, opulently decorated hall, Xiao Yan walked toward a nearby room, whose door bore the golden letters "Appraisal Room" in bold relief. Stepping inside, the room felt a bit spacious, with only an middle-aged man sitting at a chair by the table, slightly bored. Upon hearing the sound of the door opening, he raised his head and gazed at the figure fully draped in black robes. His eyebrows subtly furrowed, then quickly settled into a professional smile: "Mr. Li, are you here to appraise some treasures?" "Hmm." A dry, slightly hoarse voice, faint and delicate, emerged from beneath the robe—clearly that of the old herbalist. Xiao Yan took a few steps forward and casually produced a white jade bottle from his sleeve, placing it gently on the table. "What is this?" The middle-aged man blinked in curiosity, carefully picked up the bottle, and lightly inhaled through the mouthpiece. After a moment, his expression changed slightly, and a new sense of reverence appeared in his gaze toward Xiao Yan: "Is the esteemed sir a master of herbal medicine?" "Hmm." The same aged voice responded. "May I ask," the man said, bowing respectfully, "what kind of medicine is this? And what is its function?" "The Foundational Spirit Liquid can enhance the pace of cultivation for the Combat Qi, though it is only effective when used by those below the rank of Combatant." "Oh? It can indeed accelerate the cultivation of Combat Qi?" Hearing this, the middle-aged man was visibly moved. The cultivation of Combat Qi had always been considered rather conventional—almost a given for everyone—and the meridians within practitioners at this stage were especially delicate. A strong medicinal force could easily lead to a tragic outcome: ruptured meridians and the patient's death... "I assure you, my Spirit Liquid has no adverse effects. Its potency is exceptionally gentle and will not result in such a severe outcome. You may rest assured." Understanding the man's thoughts, the elderly voice explained calmly. The man's expression changed once again. With care, he gently placed the white jade bottle back on the table and respectfully said, "Sir, could I kindly ask for a moment? I need to request our auction hall's Gu Ni Master to examine and authenticate the Spirit Liquid!" "Very well, please hurry." Waving his hand, Xiao Yan didn't hesitate and sat down on one of the chairs beside the room, closing his eyes to rest. The middle-aged man nodded promptly and hurried out. Sitting quietly in the chair, Xiao Yan remained silent, making no attempt to speak to the elderly physician. After all, this was their territory—he had to be cautious. Who could guarantee there weren't any hidden observers or eavesdroppers? After a while, the middle-aged man returned, this time accompanied by an older man in a green robe whose hair had turned slightly gray. Xiao Yan glanced at the elder, finally settling his gaze on the chest area, where instead of a golden star, there was a design resembling a medicine pot. On the surface of the pot, two silver waves shimmered with noble elegance. "Sir, this is Gu Ni, our master from the auction hall. He is a Three-Star Grand Combatant, and also a Second-Rank Alchemist!" the middle-aged man introduced respectfully. Upon hearing the elder's identity, the faintly arched brow of Xiao Yan beneath his cloak instinctively lifted—this was the first time he had encountered a pharmacist other than Yao Lao. Without hesitation, he began to observe the man carefully. The elder radiated a healthy glow; though his plain green robe appeared ordinary, subtle streams of light shimmered within it, clearly indicating that the fabric had been enhanced with some magical crystal protection. Despite his unassuming appearance, a subtle yet undeniable pride shone through—something every pharmacist inherently possessed. As Xiao Yan observed the elder, Gu Ni, in turn, silently scanned him with quiet attention. Pharmacists were no ordinary combatants; their mere presence could draw fierce interest and eager pursuit from any faction. Thus, as he observed Xiao Yan, Gu Ni quietly pondered the latter's true identity. The middle-aged man carefully picked up the jade bottle from the table and passed it to Gu Ni... Upon receiving the white jade bottle, Gu Ni inhaled the delicate fragrance, his aged eyes slightly narrowed, his gaze flickering as he tilted the bottle slightly—then a small droplet of green liquid rolled out slowly and hovered gently in the palm of his hand. Fixing his eyes intently on the green liquid, Gu Ni pressed his two fingers together, and a slender silver needle appeared between them. The needle subtly shimmered with the ripple of spiritual energy, then gently inserted itself into the liquid and stirred it lightly... As the needle stirred, Gu Ni's expression gradually shifted from calm to serious. After a moment, he carefully returned the green liquid to the jade bottle. When he looked back at Xiao Yan, a touch of respect now adorned his previously proud demeanor. Turning to the middle-aged man, he spoke solemnly, "The elixir has now reached the level of second-grade pill medicine. The elder's earlier statement is entirely accurate!" "Heal, the middle-aged man exhaled a deep breath and smiled warmly at Xiao Yan, saying, 'Sir, are you planning to auction this elixir?' 'Yes, could you arrange the fastest possible auction time for me?' 'Of course,' the man replied with a smile, handing over a dark iron plaque. 'Just take this to Hall One—the auction is currently underway there. Your elixir will be sold right after.' 'Understood,' Xiao Yan nodded, took the plaque, and without hesitation, stepped out of the room, following the two's gaze. 'Verse, is he a pharmacist?' the man asked softly once Xiao Yan had disappeared. 'Indeed, he is a pharmacist,' the elder nodded. 'That sharp sense of soul perception is unmistakable...' He then furrowed his brows, murmuring with slight puzzlement, 'Yet, which faction does he belong to? I've never heard of a pharmacist in Wutan City capable of crafting second-grade pills.' "Shall we investigate his background?" the middle-aged man murmured. Guni's eyes slightly narrowed as he pondered, then gently shook his head. "Not yet. Pharmacists often have peculiar temperaments. If our investigation draws their attention, it might leave a negative impression on the auction hall. To offend an unknown, unranked mysterious pharmacist at random—well, that wouldn't be a wise move." Turning to the middle-aged man, Guni said calmly, "How can we win his favor? Shouldn't you know how to do that?" "Ah, yes, I understand." "Remember, even if we can't establish a strong rapport, we must absolutely avoid offending him. Otherwise..." He paused, leaving a sentence that carried a subtly cold tone, and then drifted silently away.