21: Undercurrents and Yafei's invitation

The success of the power storing pill opened a new chapter for Xiao Chen. Stable, high profits rapidly filled his coffers, significantly increasing his procurement of medicinal ingredients. He even began to purchase small quantities of other common mid-tier medicinal ingredients, preparing for future attempts at higher-grade pills.

His soul power steadily improved through frequent synthesis and deep meditation. The initial stage of spiritual agility became more stable, and his perception range expanded to about ten meters in all directions, allowing for more precise control over energy. Although the energy pool consumed a vast amount, it still slowly grew, breaking through the [150/10000] mark, thanks to the passive replenishment of [Energy Absorption] and the recycling of large quantities of medicinal ingredient scraps.

Life seemed to return to a tense yet fulfilling routine. During the day, Xiao Chen studied ancient texts and cultivated his soul. At night, he mass-synthesized pills, occasionally keeping an eye on the developments in Wutan City and Xiao Yan's situation through Steward Li.

After Xiao Yan's astonishing performance in the family competition, he did not become arrogant. Instead, he became even more reclusive, cultivating like a madman. With the help of Yao Lao and the foundation establishment spiritual liquid, his strength increased at a terrifying rate, already subtly touching the threshold of a Fighter. Although the Jia Lie Family and the Oba Family were wary, they had no major movements for now, and Wutan City maintained a strange calm on the surface.

However, Xiao Chen's keen soul perception told him that beneath this calm, undercurrents were growing stronger. Several times when he went out, he could feel a vague sense of being watched from different directions, some from the Jia Lie Family, and seemingly some from within the Xiao Family. Clearly, his frequent visits to the Mittel Auction House and his generous purchases of large quantities of medicinal ingredients had attracted the attention of some factions.

"The tree desires tranquility, but the wind will not cease..." Xiao Chen sighed. He knew that he, a "mobile treasure trove," would sooner or later become a juicy piece of meat in the eyes of certain people. He had to gain stronger self-preservation abilities as soon as possible!

That day, he had just finished synthesizing a batch of power storing pills and was about to begin his soul cultivation when familiar footsteps came from outside his courtyard.

"Young Master Xiao Chen." It was Uncle Chen's voice.

Xiao Chen opened the door to find Uncle Chen standing outside, holding an even more exquisite gilded invitation, with a more respectful smile on his face than usual.

"Young Master Xiao Chen, Miss Ya Fei sent someone with an invitation, inviting Young Master to meet at 'Cloud-Gazing Pavilion' on the top floor of the auction house tomorrow at noon. Miss said there are important matters to discuss, concerning Young Master's future opportunities, and she earnestly requests Young Master's presence." Uncle Chen presented the invitation with both hands.

Cloud-Gazing Pavilion on the top floor? That was the highest-grade reception room in the Mittel Auction House, usually reserved only for important figures of clan leader level. The standard of Ya Fei's invitation this time was much higher than their last meeting at First Grade Pavilion!

Moreover, "concerning future opportunities"? Xiao Chen's heart stirred, and he immediately thought of the "Illusory Spirit Realm"! Had Ya Fei already made preparations? Or had she made a new discovery?

"Thank you, Uncle Chen. Please inform Miss Ya Fei that Xiao Chen will definitely arrive on time." Xiao Chen took the invitation, feeling both anticipation and a hint of wariness. Dealing with someone as astute as Ya Fei required careful steps.

The next day at noon, Xiao Chen arrived at the Mittel Auction House on time. Steward Li was already waiting at the entrance and personally led him through layers of guards, up a red-carpeted private staircase he had never seen before, directly to the top floor.

Cloud-Gazing Pavilion truly lived up to its name. The entire room was spacious and bright, decorated with extreme luxury. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Wutan City, with clouds seemingly within reach. The air was filled with an expensive incense that calmed the mind.

Ya Fei today wore a luxurious purple palace gown, with less of her usual charm and more of an elegant solemnity and dignity. She was sitting at a rosewood tea table, gracefully brewing tea. Seeing Xiao Chen enter, she smiled radiantly, like a blooming peony, radiating brilliance.

"Little Brother Xiao Chen, you're here. Please sit." Ya Fei personally poured Xiao Chen a cup of fragrant spiritual tea. "Taste this 'Cloud Mist Mountain Peak.' Only three liang are produced a year, it's even better than the Cloud Mist spiritual tea from last time."

Xiao Chen thanked her and sat down, taking a sip. The tea soup entered his mouth, and a pure energy instantly spread, not only invigorating his spirit but also bringing a hint of comfort to his soul! This tea was absolutely priceless!

"Good tea!" Xiao Chen praised sincerely, once again marveling at Ya Fei's generosity.

After a few pleasantries, Ya Fei put down her teacup, her expression becoming serious: "Little Brother, I invited you here today for two important matters."

"Please speak, Miss." Xiao Chen straightened his posture.

"The first matter," Ya Fei looked at Xiao Chen with sharp eyes, "Little Brother, have you recently been mass-refining 'power storing pills'?"

Xiao Chen's heart tightened slightly. Indeed! His large-scale sale of power storing pills could not be hidden from Ya Fei. He frankly admitted: "Yes, an Elder recently taught me a new pill formula, and I am currently practicing."

Ya Fei nodded, her tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "Although power storing pills are common mid-tier, the quality of those refined by Little Brother far surpasses his peers, almost reaching the theoretical limit of this pill. Such a technique is by no means achievable through ordinary practice. It seems Little Brother's talent in alchemy is far greater than what he has shown."

Xiao Chen's heart was wary, but his face remained impassive: "Miss overpraises me. I merely follow the steps diligently and dare not be negligent in the slightest."

Ya Fei smiled faintly, no longer pressing the issue, and changed the subject: "Little Brother, with your extraordinary talent and guidance from a master, your future is limitless. However, the pond of Wutan City is ultimately too small. While staying here is safe, it also restricts Little Brother's development."

Xiao Chen's heart stirred, knowing the main topic was coming.

Ya Fei stood up and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city below, her voice carrying a captivating power: "The second matter is about our previous agreement—the 'Illusory Spirit Realm'!".

She turned around, her gaze burning as she looked at Xiao Chen: "After extensive investigation by the family and corroboration with ancient texts, we have basically confirmed that the entrance to the 'Illusory Spirit Realm' is located in the eastern part of the Jia Ma Empire, near 'Black Flame City' on the border of the Black-Corner Region! Moreover, the timing for opening the ruins is very likely during the 'Soul Devouring Month' three months from now!"

Black Flame City! Soul Devouring Month! It perfectly matched the system's detection results!

Xiao Chen's heart began to beat uncontrollably faster.

"However," Ya Fei's tone became solemn, "Black Flame City's situation is complex. It's located at the junction of three nations, a melting pot of various factions, with intricate power structures, making it a hundred times more dangerous than Wutan City! For Little Brother to venture there rashly with his current strength would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den."

She walked up to Xiao Chen and handed him a thick scroll: "This is detailed intelligence collected by my Mittel Family regarding Black Flame City and its surrounding areas, including faction distribution, dangerous zones, and important considerations. Little Brother can examine it carefully."

Xiao Chen took the scroll, feeling its significant weight. He opened it and glanced through it. It was richly illustrated and extremely detailed, even marking some hidden resources and dangerous locations. The value of this intelligence was immeasurable!

"Miss Ya Fei's meaning is...?" Xiao Chen suppressed the excitement in his heart and asked.

Ya Fei's red lips parted slightly, revealing her true purpose: "My Mittel Family plans to dispatch a caravan to Black Flame City two months from now. The caravan's ostensible purpose will be trade, but covertly, it will escort an 'important person' to the area where the ruins are located, to attempt to open the 'Illusory Spirit Realm'."

Her gaze locked onto Xiao Chen: "I hope that Little Brother can join the caravan as this 'important person'!".

Although he had somewhat anticipated it, hearing Ya Fei extend the invitation personally still sent a shock through Xiao Chen. Two months! The time was so pressing!

"Miss, Black Flame City is so dangerous, and my strength is low, I'm afraid..." Xiao Chen did not immediately agree, showing a troubled expression. This was the truth; his current strength was indeed insufficient for Black Flame City.

"Little Brother need not worry." Ya Fei seemed to have prepared for this. "The caravan will have strong escorts, enough to ensure safety on the journey. Moreover, for these two months, my Mittel Family will spare no effort to help Little Brother improve his strength! Pills, medicinal ingredients, magic cores, and even some basic self-defense Dou Techniques (Fighting Skills) – whatever Little Brother needs, the family will provide!"

She paused, her tone filled with temptation: "More importantly, the first two stages of a Xuan Rank Low-Tier soul cultivation technique from the family's collection—the <Spirit Nurturing Art>—can be granted to Little Brother for early cultivation!"

Xuan Rank Low-Tier soul cultivation technique!

Xiao Chen's pupils contracted sharply! Soul cultivation techniques were already rare, and a Xuan Rank Low-Tier one was even more incredibly hard to come by! This was absolutely an irresistible bargaining chip!

Ya Fei was truly going all out! Her eagerness to push this matter indicated that the allure of the "Illusory Spirit Realm," or rather its importance to the Mittel Family, far exceeded imagination!

The risks were immense, but the opportunities were unprecedented! An ancient soul inheritance, a Xuan Rank soul cultivation technique, the full support of the Mittel Family... all of this could allow him to achieve a leapfrog improvement!

After a moment of silence, Xiao Chen looked up, his gaze firmly fixed on Ya Fei: "Since Miss values me so highly, if I were to refuse again, it would be a sign of not knowing my place. Two months from now, I am willing to accompany the caravan to Black Flame City!"

"Good!" Ya Fei's face blossomed into a brilliant smile, as if the entire Cloud-Gazing Pavilion lit up. "Little Brother indeed possesses extraordinary courage! Since that's the case, then it's a deal!"

She took out an ancient-looking purple jade pendant and handed it to Xiao Chen: "This is the token. Starting tomorrow, Little Brother can use this jade pendant to freely enter and exit the core vault of the auction house and select the resources you need. The scroll for the <Spirit Nurturing Art> will be sent to your residence shortly."

"Thank you, Miss!" Xiao Chen solemnly took the jade pendant, feeling its heavy weight. This was not just an opportunity, but also a weighty responsibility and risk.

Leaving Cloud-Gazing Pavilion and walking back to the Xiao Family, Xiao Chen's heart remained restless for a long time.

Two months! He only had two months to improve his strength! In these two months, he had to seize every second, utilize all resources, and madly improve himself!

Soul cultivation, pill synthesis, energy accumulation, and perhaps... he might need to start dabbling in Dou Qi (Fighting Skill) cultivation? Although the system seemed incompatible with the Dou Qi (Fighting Skill) system, perhaps he could try some body-refining methods to enhance his self-preservation abilities?

A path full of thorns and opportunities had clearly unfolded before him. And the first step was to make good use of the resources provided by the Mittel Family to undergo a complete transformation within these two months!

Returning to his small house, Xiao Chen immediately spread out the scroll about Black Flame City and read it voraciously. He needed to know what kind of world he was about to face!

As night deepened, the light in the small house remained lit for a long time. In the young man's eyes, an unprecedented flame of fighting spirit burned. The comfortable days in Wutan City were about to end. The real challenge had just begun!

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