At the same time as the two neighboring families stepped out of the auction hall, the three clan elders exchanged glances, each offering a forced, unpleasant chuckle. When they looked away, cold scorn and hostility settled upon their faces. The three groups strolled grandly through the hall, and wherever they passed, others hurried to make room—within Utan City, no other power had dared to challenge the three families. After a few more polite exchanges with Obapa, Xiao Zhan's gaze suddenly sharpened and his steps halted. As everyone followed his gaze, their bodies subtly tensed, and both Galib and Obapa's expressions subtly shifted. At another entrance in the hall, three figures emerged slowly. Leading the way was Yafei, the chief auctioneer of Mitel Auction House. As regular patrons of the auction house, Xiao Zhan and the others were well aware that though Yafei always maintained a cheerful demeanor, everyone knew she was deeply reserved and proud—once Obapah had invited her for dinner, she had politely but firmly declined, demonstrating that she was far from easy to approach. Yet today, this usually reserved woman exhibited an unusually respectful and humble manner of leading the way, which left Xiao Zhan and the others quite surprised. With a slight blink, they shifted their gaze slightly backward, their expressions continuing to change. At the very end of the trio, Master Guini of the auction house was smiling warmly as he spoke softly to the mysterious man in the black cloak, his face radiating a touch of genuine eagerness and politeness. If the deference of Ya-fei had astonished Xiao Zhan and the others, then the subsequent Gu Ni Master left them utterly awed. As the highest-ranked pharmacist in Wutan City, Gu Ni was accustomed to showing profound respect even when meeting Xiao Zhan’s three clan elders—never failing to be courteous and never allowing the slightest lapse in form. As a second-rank pharmacist, Gu Ni himself often maintained the distinctive pride of a pharmacist, his calm demeanor and composed tone adding further depth to the reverence others held for him. Yet, such a figure, so accustomed to grace and dignity, now appeared with unreserved humility, offering warm, attentive smiles without hesitation beside others. Who, then, was it that inspired such deference in him? With eyes filled with astonishment, the gaze finally settled upon the figure in the center, wrapped entirely in a large black cloak. Surveying the somewhat bulky figure, Xiao Zhan’s thoughts raced: "Who exactly is this person? How could they command the personal escort of both chief officers of the Miter Auction House? What purpose could such a figure possibly serve in Wutan City?" Touched his slightly dry lips, Xiao Zhan glanced around, only to find that Jalebi and Obapa were equally curious and astonished. Gazing at the three approaching figures, he managed to force a smile and took a few swift steps forward, saying, "Madam Yafu, Master Gueni—ah, truly rare to see both of you here at the same time." Both Yafu and Gueni had noticed the trio upon their arrival, and as Xiao Zhan began to speak, they slowed their pace slightly, yet their gaze shifted toward the middle figure in the black robe. Only after seeing that the black-robed figure also halted did they finally ease their tension. "Ah... Master Gali, the elder is a distinguished guest at Mitel Auction House..." Master Guini furrowed his brows, cleared his throat, gently reminding Master Gali not to interrupt. Hearing the tone of his reminder, Master Gali's face slightly flushed, and he murmured to himself, "Even Master Guini himself is so cautious? What kind of person is this?" Seeing Master Gali stumble, even beside him, Xiao Zhan held back his words, observing Guini's reserved demeanor. Clearly, this cloaked figure stood at a level far beyond theirs. With a polite smile, he nodded in agreement and prepared to gracefully step aside. The man in black smiled gently. Treated so politely, Xiao Zhan felt a slight pleasure and replied, "My young nephew is merely lucky." He casually waved his hand and added, "Luck is also a skill. One day, I'd like to meet him—perhaps he might even become a pharmacist someday." Surprised by the meaning of these words, Xiao Zhan seemed to have missed their full implication. "Ah... I'll certainly look forward to collaborating with your family at some point," the man said, then turned to the two ladies and added, "No need to see me off—I have other matters to attend to. I'll be off now." Without waiting for any response from them, he strode out of the auction hall with steady steps. Xiao Zhan, momentarily puzzled, turned to find both Yafei and Gu Ni gazing at him with admiration, and was taken aback, asking, "What are you two doing?" "Master Xiao, do you know the elderly gentleman we just met?" Yafei asked hesitantly. "It's the first time I've seen him." Xiao Zhan shook his head with a wry smile, gazing at the strange expressions on Ya Fei and the others, feeling a bit uneasy. "What is his identity?" "Ah, the Xiao family has truly been blessed," Gu Ni gently shook her head, glancing at the foundational elixir that Galib had been holding like a precious treasure, and said softly, "All of these things were crafted by him." Upon hearing this, the faces of Xiao Zhan and his companions instantly turned pale. A moment later, as Xiao Zhan regained his composure, he beamed with excitement. He hadn't expected the black-robed elder to be a pharmacist—indeed, from Gu Ni's demeanor, he clearly held a rank far superior to his own! A second-rank pharmacist already commanded such respect from them; what of a third- or fourth-rank one? Heaven help them—such esteemed figures were beyond the reach of their family's social circles. "This is truly a breakthrough!" recalling the black-robed man's earlier mention of potential collaboration, Xiao Zhan's eyes sparkled, and he murmured in awe. Meanwhile, after their shock, Galiby and Obapah stared at each other with eyes filled with envy, much like those of a rabbit's.