Chương 162: The Head of the Xuanhai Alliance!

As Mo Yuan's jade gavel fell, the Xuanhai Pavilion's annual auction, which had attracted countless eyes in Tianxing City and was filled with the clash of wealth and power, finally came to an end.

The monks, with expressions of satisfaction, regret, or thoughtfulness, began to leave one after another.

The hall buzzed with discussion again, as many people were still savoring the fierce battle for those precious treasures, especially the mysterious "Forbidden Yuan Black Box" and the senior in Box 73 whose divine sense was so terrifying that even Dan Yunzi was terrified and apologized.

Dan Yunzi's terrified voice seemed to still linger in the rafters, causing many cultivators to subconsciously glance up in the direction of the third floor as they left, their hearts filled with awe and curiosity.

Zhou Ding did not rush to join the departing crowd.

He sat quietly in the private room, his fingers gently stroking the smooth rosewood surface of the armrest, listening to the fading noise outside, like a cheetah resting after a hunt, calm and reserved.

Once the footsteps and chatter outside had subsided, he slowly got up.

A maid from Xuanhai Pavilion was already waiting respectfully outside the door, her head bowed, not daring to look directly at his face. She led him through a private passage with the most standard etiquette, to a more exquisite and secluded meeting room.

This meeting room is completely isolated from the outside noise. The walls are inlaid with "silencing stones" that can absorb sound, and the air is filled with a faint calming fragrance.

Inside, the manager who had previously reached the Pseudo-Core Formation stage was already waiting. His attitude was even more respectful than before, even showing a hint of visibly restrainedness. He clasped his hands in front of him and bowed slightly.

On the tray behind him were the four items Zhou Ding had won at auction: the brocade box containing the dragon demon core, the pitch-black "Forbidden Yuan Black Box", the "Star Pattern Silver Essence" and the "Gengjin Dust".

"Senior, all the treasures you bid on are here. Please inspect them." The steward's voice was very low, as if afraid of disturbing something.

Zhou Ding's gaze calmly swept over the tray. His powerful divine sense, like the most precise probe, instantly pierced through the barrier between the brocade box and the jade box, confirming the authenticity and integrity of the items inside.

The chilling and domineering aura emanating from the dragon demon core caused the little gold in his sleeve to stir slightly. Meanwhile, the black box remained like a bottomless abyss, devouring every wisp of his divine sense that he probed into it.

"No mistake." Zhou Ding nodded, his voice calm.

The total amount of 393, 000 spirit stones is a huge sum of money.

Zhou Ding did not intend to pay entirely in cash and spirit stones.

His storage bag contained a wealth of treasures from his trip to the outer seas. In addition to mountains of spirit stones, there were also a large amount of demon beast materials that he could not use for the time being, as well as some spiritual herbs that were of slightly lower age or had duplicate effects.

Keeping these in your possession just takes up space; it's better to use them to offset spirit stones.

Zhou Ding discussed with the steward and took out some valuable level 5 and 6 monster materials, including several complete "Thunderwing Sea Roc" feathers, a complete snake molt of "Mysterious Ice Yin Scale Python", and two 2, 000-year-old "Blood Coagulation Orchids".

As a top-tier merchant alliance, Xuanhai Pavilion's valuation of these materials and medicinal herbs was fair. They did not deliberately lower the price just because he was a "mysterious senior." In the end, Zhou Ding made up the remaining difference of more than 30, 000 spirit stones and successfully completed the transaction.

Zhou Ding felt a sense of relief as he put the heavy dragon core, which seemed to contain a young dragon, and the mysterious black box, which seemed to freeze time and space, into his storage bag.

He could feel that the space in the storage bag seemed to have changed somewhat because of the arrival of these two items.

This auction yielded far more than expected. Not only did they obtain the crucial dragon demon core for Xiao Jin, but they also unexpectedly acquired this mysterious black box, which even the "Heavenly Hearing Technique" judged to be top-grade purple.

Although it cannot be opened for the time being, the value and potential it contains are enough to fill him with anticipation for the future.

He was preparing to turn around and leave the meeting room filled with calming incense, to return to the Cloud Mist Cave and share his day's gains with Xin Ruyin, especially the mysterious "Forbidden Yuan Black Box".

Zhou Ding could even imagine the look of fascination and research that would shine in Xin Ruyin's eyes when she saw this ancient restriction.

"Senior, please wait!"

A voice, tinged with both respect and urgency, came from behind.

Zhou Ding paused, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly as he turned to look back.

Mo Yuan, the main photographer, was walking briskly from the other end of the passage. His pace was faster than usual, his breathing was slightly rapid, and his face was full of an almost ingratiating smile as he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Zhou Ding.

Zhou Ding looked calmly at Mo Yuan as he approached, a thought flashing through his mind.

He stopped and waited for Mo Yuan to approach before speaking calmly, "Fellow Daoist Mo, is there anything else?"

Mo Yuan approached, his attitude even more humble than when he was on the auction stage, even with a hint of caution, as if the person standing in front of him was not a Core Formation cultivator, but a Nascent Soul ancestor whom he needed to look up to.

He bowed again, lowering his waist even more, and said respectfully, "Senior, please forgive the chill and for disturbing your peace. It is like this: the head of my Xuanhai Pavilion in Tianxing City heard of your presence at our auction today and was greatly impressed by your brilliance. He specially instructed me to come and invite you to meet. Would you do me the honor? The head of the pavilion has prepared spiritual tea at Tingtao Pavilion and awaits your arrival."

Zhou Ding's heart stirred slightly. The person in charge of the Xuanhai Pavilion in Tianxing City?

That's at least the cultivation level of a Pseudo-Nascent Soul cultivator, or even an old monster in the Nascent Soul stage!

Why does the other party want to see me?

Was it because he had just displayed a terrifying divine sense comparable to the late Nascent Soul stage, which aroused the other party's attention and vigilance?

Or was it because he had photographed the mysterious "Forbidden Yuan Black Box" that the other party wanted to find out his background and see if he knew anything inside information?

Or perhaps it's simply a matter of valuing talent and wanting to recruit a "master" with unfathomable strength?

Zhou Ding instinctively wanted to refuse.

He was used to keeping a low profile and hiding in the shadows, and did not want to get too involved with a behemoth like the Xuanhai Alliance, whose influence was deeply entrenched and spread throughout the Chaotic Star Sea, so as to avoid attracting unnecessary trouble and attention.

Especially since he possesses a valuable treasure and has just made quite a splash at the auction, he should leave this dangerous place as soon as possible, return to his cave, and shut out all possible eyes.

However, upon further reflection, he hesitated.

The Xuanhai Alliance, as one of the four major business alliances in the Chaotic Star Sea, has influence throughout the Inner Sea and Outer Star Sea. It has extensive channels, good information, and unfathomable resources.

Many rare cultivation resources, lost techniques and secret arts, and even some hidden ancient information may circulate through their vast, spiderweb-like commercial network.

If a good relationship can be established with him, even if it is only a preliminary, equal cooperative relationship, it will be of great benefit to his future development, especially in finding other auxiliary items needed for Nascent Soul formation, or in collecting the rare materials needed for Xin Ruyin to refine the "Eight Gates Golden Light Mirror".

Moreover, given his current strength...

With his own late-stage Core Formation stage, his divine sense is comparable to that of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. His physical body is incredibly strong, and he also possesses the Primordial Beast Little Gold, whose defensive power is enough to withstand a Nascent Soul early-stage cultivator. In addition, he has trump cards such as the "Six Armor Heavenly Soldiers Talisman" and the "Soul-Destroying Thorn." Even if the opponent is a Nascent Soul cultivator, they may not be able to do anything to him.

If the other party truly harbors malicious intent, he has enough confidence to maneuver and even escape.

Go and meet them to find out their intentions; it doesn't seem like a bad idea. If they can't reach an agreement, they can simply cut off all contact in the future.

"Alright."

After weighing his options for a moment, Zhou Ding slowly nodded, "Since your esteemed pavilion has extended an invitation, then I will trouble Fellow Daoist Mo to lead the way."

Upon hearing this, Mo Yuan's face immediately lit up with joy, as if Zhou Ding's agreement to meet was a great honor for him, and even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.

He quickly stepped aside to lead the way, his movements even more attentive than before, and his tone even more respectful: "Senior, please follow me! The master has prepared spiritual tea in the 'Listening to the Waves Pavilion' and is waiting for your arrival. This way, this way, please."

Under Mo Yuan's guidance, Zhou Ding did not leave through the main gate of Xuanhai Pavilion, but instead passed through several hidden corridors that were only accessible to insiders.

The walls on both sides of the corridor are inlaid with moonstones that emit a soft glow, and the floor is covered with soft carpets that absorb the sound of footsteps.

After passing several elegant waterside pavilions, a vast and tranquil garden suddenly appeared before us, adorned with strange rocks and exotic plants and shrouded in mist.

This garden seems to exist in a completely different world from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

The air was filled with the fragrance of various exotic flowers and herbs, and the spiritual energy was so rich that it was almost a tangible mist. Taking a breath of it made one feel refreshed.

In the center of the garden, a two-story building, constructed entirely of light blue warm jade, with a simple and elegant design and surrounded by babbling water, stands quietly.

Beneath the eaves of the small building hangs a plaque with three elegant and graceful characters that read "Tingtao Pavilion," conveying a sense of tranquility and serenity.

In the garden, several ancient trees, rarely seen elsewhere, stand tall and lush, their branches and leaves casting dappled shadows on the ground.

A winding cobblestone path leads to the main entrance of the building.

Along both sides of the path, every few steps, there is a fist-sized luminous pearl embedded in the ground, which emits a soft and pleasing light even in the daytime, complementing the glow of the spirit wood.

The environment is serene and elegant, yet grand and imposing, reflecting the owner's extraordinary taste and profound cultural heritage, far surpassing that of ordinary merchants.

"Senior, the master in charge is waiting inside the pavilion. I will see you here."

Mo Yuan stopped in front of the "Listening to the Waves Pavilion," respectfully addressed Zhou Ding, then bowed and withdrew, disappearing into the garden's corridors, leaving Zhou Ding alone in the tranquil garden.

Zhou Ding hesitated for a moment, straightened his robes, took a deep breath of the rich floral and herbal energy, and calmly pushed open the carved sandalwood door, stepping inside.

Upon entering the first floor of "Tingtao Pavilion", a fragrant aroma, a blend of fine sandalwood and subtle floral scents, immediately soothes the mind and spirit.

What greeted the eye was not the dazzling splendor of imagination, but rather a simple and elegant comfort. The floor was covered with warm bamboo mats, which had just the right amount of springiness underfoot.

Several ink landscape paintings with profound artistic conception hang on the wall. The brushwork is skillful and the spirit is vivid, clearly the work of a master.

On the antique shelf in the corner, there are several pieces of porcelain and jade that look simple and unadorned but are actually full of spiritual charm, each of which is quite valuable.

In the center of the hall, a set of purple clay teaware was placed on a low table. The aroma of tea wafted up, and the rising steam formed a light cloud-like mist, which was the "Hidden Clouds and Mist" mentioned earlier.

The most eye-catching sight was a figure with its back to the door, near the window.

It was a woman.

She wore a well-tailored, elegant lotus-root-colored palace gown made of superior fabric, subtly embroidered with delicate cloud patterns, which shimmered with light as she moved.

Her hair was styled in a high bun, secured with a simple jade hairpin, revealing her fair and slender neck with skin as smooth as jade.

Her figure was graceful and her curves exquisite. Although her face was not visible, her quiet standing, seemingly blending into the swaying bamboo shadows and murmuring water outside the window, exuded an indescribable elegance and composure, as well as the calm and dignified presence unique to those who have long held high positions.

She seemed to be admiring the view of the garden outside the window, and only turned around slowly when she heard footsteps.

When her face came into Zhou Ding's view, even though Zhou Ding was used to seeing Xin Ruyin's refined beauty and Xiao Mei's charming cuteness, he couldn't help but secretly praise her in his heart.

This is a beautiful woman who looks to be around thirty years old.

She wasn't the kind of stunning beauty that took your breath away, but she possessed a unique charm that perfectly blended the maturity and authority that comes with age.

Her eyebrows were arched like willow leaves, yet they possessed a touch of heroism; her phoenix eyes held a commanding presence, yet carried a perfectly balanced gentle smile that made people unconsciously lower their guard; her straight nose suggested a resolute character; her full lips had a healthy rosy hue. Her skin was fair and delicate, well-maintained, and her true age was hard to guess.

Her demeanor was dignified and elegant, yet she inadvertently revealed a shrewdness and competence that came from years of experience in the business world and a mastery of the overall situation. Her deep and bright eyes seemed to be able to see through people's hearts, and she had already guessed most of your intentions before you even opened your mouth.

Although the aura emanating from his body was extremely well concealed, like a deep pool of ancient water, calm and undisturbed, Zhou Ding's powerful divine sense, comparable to the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, could still clearly detect a trace of it.

The Realm of the False Infant!

He was only one step away from the true path to the Nascent Soul stage!

Moreover, its foundation is quite solid and its magical power is well-rounded. It is obviously not the kind of fake infant that is forcibly improved by external forces, but a true one that has reached this point step by step through its own hard work and profound accumulation. It is only one opportunity away from the Nascent Soul realm.

In any part of the Chaotic Star Sea, a cultivator who has attained the status of a pseudo-infant is already at the top of the pyramid, capable of establishing a sect and dominating a region.

The beautiful woman before them was merely the head of a branch of the Xuanhai Alliance in Tianxing City, which demonstrated the profound foundation and astonishing strength of this behemoth.

This Liu Yun is no ordinary person.

"I am Liu Yun, the Pavilion Master of the Tianxing City Branch of the Xuanhai Alliance. It is truly an honor to witness your brilliance today."

The beautiful Liu Yun bowed gracefully to Zhou Ding, her movements elegant and composed, her voice gentle and melodious, like pearls falling on a jade plate, carrying a kind of approachable charm that was as refreshing as a spring breeze, yet also containing an undeniable weight and the majesty of someone who had long held a superior position.

"May I ask your name, friend?"

She did not appear humble or overly enthusiastic because of Zhou Ding's powerful divine sense. Her attitude was neither servile nor arrogant, but just right. It expressed respect, maintained the dignity of the Xuanhai Alliance, and demonstrated her own magnanimity.

Her beautiful eyes, filled with scrutiny and curiosity, yet cleverly concealed beneath a gentle smile, swept lightly over Zhou Ding, as if trying to see through him.

Chan Ding felt a chill run down his spine and dared not be negligent. This Liu Ge Lie seemed far more dangerous to him than Dan Yunzi.

He returned the greeting with a bow, calmly stating his name: "My surname is Zhou, and my given name is Ding. You are too kind, Liu Gelie."

He did not give a false name, nor did he deliberately conceal Xiu Kui.

In front of such a shrewd and unfathomably powerful fake infant cultivator, concealing too much of one's true abilities would be tantamount to showing off one's arrogance and might even provoke the other party's resentment.

"So it's you, fellow shovel enthusiast."

Liu Yun smiled slightly, a smile as beautiful as spring flowers in bloom or as gentle as ripples on a calm lake. She gestured, "Fellow Daoist Chan, please sit down. Try this pot of 'Cloud Mountain Mist' that I brewed myself. Although it's not a rare delicacy, it has a unique flavor."

She personally picked up the antique-style purple clay teapot, her movements as fluid as flowing water, and poured a cup of spiritual tea into it.

The tea is clear and green, with rising steam that turns into a light mist. The aroma of the tea is elegant and lingering, bringing a sense of tranquility and making one feel as if they are truly on a mountaintop shrouded in mist.

Chan Ding thanked him, sat down at the hunting spot, picked up the thin, cicada-wing-like teacup, and took a small sip.

The tea was sweet and mellow, and a warm spiritual energy slid down the throat and into the stomach, spreading out as a warm current, making one feel comfortable all over. Even the saliva seemed to be cleansed, becoming clearer and more lucid.

He put down his teacup, looked calmly at Liu Yun, and waited for her to reveal her true intentions.

He didn't believe that this busy and powerful Xuanhai Pavilion branch hunter, who held great authority over local commerce, had gone to great lengths to invite him here just to have a cup of tea and chat about romance.

>