BTTH: Starting With Auctioning Green Lotus Core Flame

Ya Fei gracefully dismounted from the magical beast, bowing politely to everyone. "Greetings, seniors. I am Ya Fei."

Bing Shuang and Lian Xue exchanged glances but remained silent. Their personalities were as cold as ice, showing interest in conversing only with the Pavilion Master.

Niu Meng, on the other hand, laughed heartily without any airs. "Hello, I'm Niu Meng. You can call me Brother Niu, or even just Niu if you prefer..."

However, before he could finish his sentence, he caught a stern look from the Pavilion Master and immediately lowered his head, like a child caught misbehaving.

Li Xiao addressed everyone, "From today onwards, Ya Fei is not only the auctioneer for Heaven Ascending Pavilion but also one of you. If the opportunity arises, assist her in improving her cultivation."

"Yes, Pavilion Master!" Everyone responded in unison.

"Where is Little Fairy Doctor? I don't see her around," Li Xiao asked, looking around for his diligent disciple.

Lian Xue replied softly, "She's still cultivating. It seems she's close to having another breakthrough."

"Oh?" Li Xiao raised an eyebrow, impressed. It was not surprising, given that Little Fairy Doctor had inherited the Woeful Poison Body. By continuously consuming toxic herbs and pills, she could rapidly advance her cultivation. Additionally, the sacred energy within Heaven Ascending Pavilion nourished her physique, enhancing her ability to withstand and harness the toxins.

As they entered the grand hall of Heaven Ascending Pavilion, Ya Fei was in awe of its luxurious decor. The opulence was on par with a royal palace, a stark contrast to the auction house she had known. It was no wonder her family head had been so eager to form a connection with Heaven Ascending Pavilion, even offering the family's annual revenue as tribute. The water of Heaven Ascending Pavilion was so deep.

Li Xiao reassured Ya Fei, "Feel at home here, Ya Fei. No one will bully you. These are Linglong, Lian Xue, and Bing Shuang." He continued, "These three have rather aloof personalities and can be a little bit cold, but they are not bad people. They are the most loyal guardians of Heaven Ascending Pavilion. If you have any questions or need guidance in your cultivation, feel free to ask them. They will help you."

Ya Fei nodded graciously. "Thank you, Pavilion Master."

Linglong stepped forward, "Miss Ya Fei, please follow me. I have prepared a room for you."

"Thank you," Ya Fei responded, following Linglong to her quarters.

As they walked through the elaborately decorated corridors, Ya Fei couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The Heaven Ascending Pavilion was unlike anything she had ever seen, and she was eager to see what her future here would hold.

The sound of sharp heels clicking on the polished stone floor resonated through the hall, creating a melody of pleasant notes, almost like a symphony of beautiful music. Moving one's gaze upwards, a pair of long, snow-white legs appeared in view, a sight that could stir one's heart.

Li Xiao cleared his throat and turned away. Linglong and Bing Shuang were usually wearing rather conservative clothes while Lian Xue had changed into a robe like everyone else, revealing a little bit of skin. This made Ya Fei's appearance stand out even more. The hem of her exquisite cheongsam revealed a dazzling pair of white legs, and her slender waist, cinched by a silver belt, was showcased perfectly.

The more he looked, the more he liked it. No wonder Tengshan had made her an auctioneer. Seeing Ya Fei, one would inevitably feel a strong urge to spend money.

In the empty room, Li Xiao sat on a chair with his legs crossed, leisurely sipping freshly brewed tea, thoroughly enjoying himself.

In the days that followed, Li Xiao enjoyed the beautiful times, guiding Little Fairy Doctor's cultivation and arranging for Niu Meng and others to tend to the peach blossom garden outside the Heaven Ascending Pavilion.

Just as Li Xiao was about to have a deep and honest conversation with Lian Xue, Linglong's voice came from the doorway, announcing that the Jia Ma Empire's Pill King, Gu He, had arrived.

Upon hearing that it was Gu He, Li Xiao did not stop his actions, letting Gu He wait at the door.

The esteemed Tier-6 alchemist, Gu He, could only sit under a tree and wait patiently. Without the Pavilion Master's permission, he was not allowed within a hundred meters of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion.

Beside him, Yan Shi and Feng Li were becoming impatient. No matter what, Gu He was a sixth-tier alchemist. Even a Dou Emperor would show some respect. Yet, the Heaven Ascending Pavilion ignored them and made them wait in the scorching sun. This felt like an insult.

(T/N: I must admit that the author has depicted Yan Shi and Feng Li as absolute morons here. I don't know if this is intentional or due to the author's short sightedness. Our MC has a fuckin' Dou Ancestors and Dou Venerate as his follower which make a mere tier-6 alchemist like Gu He isn't worth mentioning at all. Yet, they still have a gall to complain which is not confounding to the general world view where the strong are revered. I, myself, felt a little bit annoyed when translating this chapter.) 

However, Gu He had no complaints. He had come with a request for the Pavilion Master. Ever since the last auction, he had been searching for items to suppress the Heavenly Flame, but neither the Acceptance Soul nor the Ice Spirit Cold Fountain had been found, which made him anxious.

The seal restricting the Green Lotus Core Flame would last only three years. Once it broke, the entire Jia Ma Empire would turn into a living hell. By then, he would indeed become a historical sinner.

"Old Gu, if it doesn't work out here, we should try the alchemist associations of other empires. They might have those items," Yan Shi suggested.

Gu He sighed, his expression grim. "If we had enough time, I would consider it. But traveling back and forth would take at least a year. Time is what we lack the most."

Since ancient times, Heavenly Flames had been the most coveted by alchemists. The success rate of obtaining and subduing a Heavenly Flame was less than one percent. The risk of failure was extremely high, with most attempts resulting in death. Only a lucky few could achieve success.

Feng Li smacked his lips. "Heaven Ascending Pavilion is being too dismissive. Old Gu is a sixth-tier alchemist. If he successfully subdues the Heavenly Flame, he might even advance to the seventh tier. For any force, the value of a seventh-tier alchemist is beyond measure."

(T/N: Duh, another stupid remark here.)

"Enough," Gu He said firmly. "I've made up my mind. We'll wait here until Pavilion Master Li willing to meet us."

The sun set, and the stars began to fill the sky over Dou Qi Continent.

After a day of waiting, the three were still somber. Despite the entire day passing, there was no sign of Li Xiao. Yan Shi was furious and wanted to confront him, but seeing the Amethyst Winged Lion King at the door, his anger subsided. Approaching the pavilion might result in being devoured alive.

Just then, Niu Meng walked over, his expression calm. "Gu He, my master said he will meet you at the Riverside Bamboo Pavilion. You may go now."

Upon hearing this, Gu He's face lit up with joy. Ignoring the soreness in his legs, he rushed towards the bamboo pavilion, followed closely by Yan Shi and Feng Li.