Battle Through the Heavens: Soul Travels Through Clouds and Mountains, Becoming a Winning Artist

Chapter 48 Feigning Compliance

"My friend, it seems we don't know each other..." Yun Congxin didn't immediately agree to Elder Qing's request to accompany him; he said with a smile.

"Hehe, Mr. Jiaxing's aura always makes me feel very close to him, as if we've known each other for a long time. So I'm a little presumptuous. Please don't take offense, sir."

Unlike the Eight Doors, which had already begun to make overtures and show goodwill, Elder Qing's reserved yet subtly sharp opening made Yun Congxin's heart skip a beat.

He quickly went through Yunshan's memories again to confirm that the old man didn't have any lovers in the Heavenly Serpent Mansion.

"Yunshan is the number one blockhead of the Yunlan Sect, a womanizer who's never been close to anyone in his life. Where did this friendly aura come from? She must be trying to trick me!"

Yun Congxin said calmly, "That must be a karmic connection from a past life. May I ask your esteemed name?"

"I am Qing Jingwan, an elder of the Heavenly Serpent Palace," Elder Qing said with a smile. "Mr. Jiaxing, you can just call me Jingwan."

"Elder Jingwan, please." Upon hearing the name of the Heavenly Serpent Palace, Yun Congxin immediately understood. He gestured for the powerful Dou Huang to accompany him.

"I have met most of the powerful figures in the Northwest Continent, but you are a complete stranger, sir. May I ask where you come from?" Elder Qing asked again, trying to find out.

As expected of a Dou Huang powerhouse from the Heavenly Serpent Palace, he is truly cautious. Although it was inconvenient to directly probe Yun Congxin's true strength with her soul power, her snake-like senses still reminded her that this guy beside her was definitely not just a simple Dou Wang.

"To be able to make me feel threatened with the strength of a Dou Wang, it's no wonder he can befriend a fifth-grade alchemist." Elder Qing exclaimed inwardly. She had never imagined that the black-robed man beside her would be a Dou Zong powerhouse.

"We came from Zhongzhou and are just traveling around the continent," Yun Congxin lied very skillfully. "Both of us brothers are."

"Oh? I thought you two came specifically for this auction." Elder Qing said, trying to be friendly. "Well, the auction starts tomorrow anyway. May I tell Mr. Jiaxing a secret?"

"I would like to hear the details."

"This auction is different from the past; the final item is quite extraordinary." Elder Qing whispered mysteriously in Yun Congxin's ear, cautiously transmitting his voice with his battle qi, "It's a seventh-grade pill..."

Elder Qing parted her lips slightly, intending to use this news to stir Yun Congxin's heart and agitate him, so that she could then make her move to show him goodwill. But she did not expect Yun Congxin to remain unmoved, appearing indifferent as if it were none of his business.

"A seventh-grade pill! Doesn't Mr. Jiaxing find it tempting?" Elder Qing blinked, somewhat surprised.

What's there to get excited about? I knew about this even before you did.

Yun Congxin feigned helplessness, shrugging as he said, "I'm tempted, but your presence means the major powers are very interested. What can we, mere rogue cultivators, do?"

It's nothing more than a case of the oriole unaware of the oriole behind, preparing to fish in troubled waters.

"Mr. Jiaxing is truly a remarkable person. He remains unfazed even when faced with a collapsing mountain, displaying the demeanor of an ancient general!" Elder Qing praised him generously. "Since you're not interested in the grand finale item, could it be that Mr. Jiaxing is here to auction something? Considering I've already shared such important information with you, could you perhaps reveal a little bit to me?"

"There's nothing to hide. We're here to enrich our collection." Yun Congxin shrugged and repeated the lie he had told the elders of the Eight Gates earlier. "We're interested in rare and exotic items, fragments of ancient books, and Xuan-rank fighting techniques."

It all sounds like junk.

Elder Qing chuckled and said, "Then I wish you a fruitful trip, sir..."

"Thank you for Elder Qing's kind words," Yun Congxin said with a smile.

As they spoke, the two arrived at the hotel where Yun Congxin was staying. Seeing that they had reached their destination, Elder Qing glanced sideways at the Blood Sect members hiding to the side, and extended an olive branch to Yun Congxin in front of them: "Thank you, Mr. Jiaxing, for bringing me back. If there is an opportunity in the future, I would like to invite Mr. Jiaxing to visit the Heavenly Serpent Mansion. These ancient books and strange items often appear at the auctions of my Heavenly Serpent Mansion."

"At that time, I will definitely accompany you in person."

"Definitely." Yun Congxin smiled and cupped her hands in greeting.

"Then I shall take my leave." After bidding farewell to Yun Congxin, she gave the Blood Sect's young master a defiant glance before departing.

"That damned woman! After the auction, I'll definitely ask my father to cripple her fighting spirit!" The young sect leader of the Blood Sect was known for his bad temper, and he sneered.

Yun Congxin had long since noticed that he was being secretly observed, but he still pretended to be completely unaware. He calmly walked into the hotel and headed straight for his courtyard.

"Mr. Jia Xing, it's an honor to meet you," the young sect leader of the Blood Sect said loudly. "I am Fan Ling, son of the sect leader of the Blood Sect."

Yes, I know you. You're the only one in the entire Black Seal City who looks like a vampire; I recognized you a long time ago.

Yun Congxin paused for a moment, then feigned surprise and cupped his hands, saying, "I am Jia Xingshan, greetings to the young sect master."

"Not at all, sir, you're too kind." Fan Ling was clearly not as perceptive as Elder Qing. He was completely unaware of Yun Congxin's unusual behavior and danger, treating him as just a regular Dou Wang.

"I have prepared a small feast to invite you and your friends. Would you have the time to grace us with your presence?" Fan Ling said.

A banquet? What could possibly be served at a vampire's feast? Spicy blood curd?

Yun Congxin said, "If the young sect leader invites me, how can I refuse? However, my friend has just finished refining medicine and is now exhausted. He even needs me to go to the auction in his place, so I'm afraid he won't be able to attend the banquet."

"I see..." Fan Ling said with some regret, "It's alright, there will be other opportunities in the future. Let's have a welcome dinner for you today!"

After several rounds of drinks, Fan Ling feigned drunkenness and said, "Mr. Jia Xing, we hit it off immediately. I have some top-secret information that I'd like to share with you."

What's wrong with you guys? Are you really so stingy in trying to win people over? You're all treating news of the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pill like it's a priceless treasure. If I were a Dou Wang (Battle King), what could I do even if I knew? Do you think I could compete with such powerful forces as you?

Yun Congxin feigned surprise, drank a cup, then refilled his own, saying, "Then I wish the Blood Sect all the best in acquiring this treasure!"

Fan Ling laughed heartily, and after sharing a cup with Yun Congxin, he asked with a smile, "I see that your ambitions lie elsewhere, sir. Could you please tell me what treasure you have come for? I will certainly give you face then."

"We've come here solely for collecting. Rare and exotic items, fragments of cultivation manuals, and Xuan-rank combat techniques..."