Chapter 89: Han Feng: Brat, Do You Have a Death Wish?!

A cold voice echoed throughout the auction hall, drawing the gaze of nearly everyone toward the Heaven-tier VIP seating area.

Who was it?!

Han Feng's name was renowned throughout the Black-Corner Region. Even Dou Zong-level experts were cautious not to provoke him. In this lawless land, who would dare disrespect the Medicine Emperor?

Countless eyes landed on Lin Ran.

That young man reclined casually against the plush cushions of his VIP seat. One hand supported his chin, while the other casually rested beside the raised bidding paddle.

His handsome face was completely unhidden. Normally, someone so youthful would be met with mockery, yet the moment others locked eyes with those deep, dark pupils, any words they had ready caught in their throats.

He simply sat there, cold and detached, gazing indifferently at the crowd.

Even Han Feng was not exempt from that gaze.

"This brat…"

Han Feng's expression stiffened. Hidden within his sleeve, his fist clenched tightly. His black robe trembled faintly as a surge of Dou Qi rumbled through his meridians like a roaring river.

A faint blue flame shimmered in his eyes, like a beast ready to devour all.

"Lord Medicine Emperor, this youth appears to be the alchemist who refined those Huangji Pills and Breaking Calamity Pills," a nearby attendant whispered.

"Good, very good…"

Han Feng drew several deep breaths, forcefully suppressing the fury bubbling in his heart.

The Fallen Heart Flame was of utmost importance. No one could know about it. This brat was likely provoked by the publicity surrounding the special pill auction, and had taken offense—thus the deliberate provocation.

If that was the case…

"Two hundred thousand!"

Under countless watchful eyes, Han Feng leaned lazily back against his chair. His tone was casual, as if engaging in a petty bidding war out of spite.

"Two hundred thousand and one gold coins."

Lin Ran's indifferent voice remained void of emotion.

"Hss…"

A collective gasp echoed through the hall.

This kid was really going toe to toe with Han Feng!

"Who is this brat?! Does he even know who he's challenging? That's the Medicine Emperor!"

"No way he's just a reckless fool—look where he's sitting. That Heaven-tier seat isn't for nobodies."

"Still… I wouldn't bet on this kid. Han Feng's reputation isn't something you can trifle with."

"Three hundred thousand gold coins."

Han Feng sneered.

"Three hundred thousand and one."

Lin Ran didn't even bother to lift the paddle anymore.

"Five hundred thousand!"

Han Feng barked.

"Five hundred thousand and one."

"Eight hundred thousand!"

"Eight hundred thousand and one."

"One million!"

Han Feng shot to his feet, locking eyes on Lin Ran.

The youth remained calm, his voice even.

"One million… and one gold coin."

BOOM!

A terrifying surge of Dou Huang peak-level aura exploded from Han Feng, sending waves of dread crashing across the room.

"Good! Very good! So you refined a few sixth-tier pills and think you're somebody? Let's see just how deep your pockets really are!"

"Three million!"

The entire hall went silent in shock.

Three million… for a fragment?

"Has Han Feng gone mad?!"

"You don't get it—he's trying to suppress this newcomer, protect his reputation and dominance in the region!"

"That brat… he's really a sixth-tier alchemist?!"

"So young…"

Stunned whispers filled the air.

Lin Ran merely gave a slight nod, his pitch-black eyes fixed on Han Feng. For reasons he couldn't explain, a chill ran through Han Feng's spine.

Then the cold voice sounded again.

"Three million and one gold coin."

"This guy…"

Even the Gold and Silver Elders, Fang Yan from Devil Flame Valley, and others wore shocked expressions.

Elsewhere in the Heaven-tier VIP section, a young man in white observed both Lin Ran and Han Feng, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Interesting."

"Master Mo, should we try to win over this sixth-tier alchemist to counterbalance Han Feng?" a subordinate whispered.

Mo Ya shook his head.

"No need. Elder Qi is already at peak fifth-tier, just a step away from sixth. No reason to waste effort on someone we don't know."

He took a sip of tea and added lightly, "If we fail to win him over and offend Elder Qi, it'll backfire."

"You're right, Master Mo."

The bootlicker nodded hastily.

Mo Ya chuckled and let his gaze drift—not toward Lin Ran himself, but toward the two girls beside him: the Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin.

Their sweet and youthful appearance hit his preferences perfectly. If he could get his hands on either of them…

"What an arrogant fool!"

Han Feng shook his head, casting aside the odd feelings growing in his chest. His face darkened as he sneered.

"If you want to compete with me, fine. I won't spoil the fun. Five hun—"

"Six million."

Before he could finish, Lin Ran's calm voice cut him off.

The hall erupted into murmurs and gasps.

Even Yuan Yi couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Though he had no particular alliance with Han Feng, watching him be humiliated was oddly satisfying.

Still, he offered a polite reminder.

"Honored guest, the Medicine Emperor hasn't finished bidding. Perhaps you could wait…"

"No need." Lin Ran glanced at him with indifference. "We're at twelve million now."

His tone was calm, as if he were speaking of dust on the floor.

Lü Yi blinked in surprise, while Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin looked at Lin Ran with starry eyes. If he wasn't already heart-stoppingly handsome, he now seemed like a divine figure.

Twelve million gold coins!

Even top sects with Dou Huang-level guardians would struggle to accumulate that in years. And Lin Ran had tossed it out just to prove a point.

Alchemists were truly walking banks!

Han Feng's face twitched. His rage was almost laughable.

He had considered halting the bidding and retrieving the map fragment through underhanded means.

But now he couldn't back down.

This bidding war had become a contest of pride between two sixth-tier alchemists. A matter of honor for the title of Medicine Emperor in the Black-Corner Region.

If he gave in, his reputation would crumble.

And his newly announced exclusive auction? It would be the laughingstock of the region.

Besides, Han Feng couldn't afford to gamble.

The Fallen Heart Flame was within reach. If he could just secure that fragment…

But if he failed…

Who knew what that kid might do with it? Destroy it, perhaps?

He had no choice but to fight.

"One and a half mi—"

"Two point four million."

Lin Ran cut him off again.

Double again?!

The crowd erupted once more. Yuan Yi's breathing grew ragged.

What was meant to be a quiet interlude had turned into a climax. Even treasures in the second half might not fetch such a price!

Two point four million meant 240,000 for Yuan Yi as a ten percent cut—or 30 percent if Han Feng won. That would be over 700,000!

His head swam with excitement.

"Looks like you really want to oppose me."

Han Feng's eyes blazed with killing intent.

"A few million gold coins is nothing. Fine, let's go all the way. Two point five million!"

His blue-flamed gaze roared like a lion, aimed squarely at Lin Ran.

"Five million."

Silence.

The number, uttered without fanfare, crushed the atmosphere like a thunderclap.

Even Lü Yi, the Little Doctor Fairy, and Qing Lin were stunned.

'Master, we know you're rich… but this is madness! Five million gold coins?! That's more than some nations earn in a year!'

Hands across the hall trembled.

On the platform, Yuan Yi was beside himself with excitement.

"Five million! Guest Number One has bid five million! Any higher offers? Guest Number Six, do you raise? If not, the item goes to Guest Number One!"

His provocative tone made Han Feng's temple twitch violently.

He barely restrained his fury, teeth grinding audibly.

Everyone was watching to see how far the Medicine Emperor would go.

"Hmph!"

Han Feng took a deep breath. His eyes burned with killing intent.

"Very well. If you're so interested, it's yours. Just hope you really have the five million. If not…"

"Either bid or shut up."

Lin Ran's flat response made Han Feng freeze again.

He swallowed his rage and forced himself to sit down.

But his gaze never left Lin Ran, searing his face into memory.

He had to obtain the Fallen Heart Flame. No matter Lin Ran's background or status as a sixth-tier alchemist—there would be no hesitation.

He had once betrayed his own master for the Flame Mantra.

For the third-ranked Fallen Heart Flame… what wouldn't he do?

"Gentlemen, after the auction, I will need your assistance."

The Gold and Silver Elders, who had been silently watching the drama unfold, looked over in surprise. Understanding dawned, and they couldn't help but laugh.

The mighty Medicine Emperor… planning robbery and murder?

But Han Feng didn't flinch. He made his offer.

"No matter the result, I'll give each of you a Breaking Calamity Pill. And if successful—another each!"

Breaking Calamity Pills?!

Their eyes lit up immediately.

"If Medicine Emperor requests our help, how could we refuse?"

"All shall follow your command."

Satisfied, Han Feng smirked and looked once more at Lin Ran. The killing intent in his gaze intensified.

Just wait.

The auction continued.

No one expected a mid-show item to spark such a sky-high bidding war—all because of the pride of two sixth-tier alchemists.

The atmosphere burned with excitement.

Yuan Yi was nearly delirious. After a moment to calm himself, his expression grew solemn.

Those familiar with his moods fell silent.

Everyone's eyes turned to the second half of the auction.

Yuan Yi clapped. The energy field surrounding the stage clicked, and black steel bars rose from the base to form a cage around the platform. Even the top was sealed.

"Forgive me, honored guests. The value of these items is too high. Even I must take precautions."

"This structure is forged from Cold Iron and layered with Dou Qi locks. Even a Dou Zong would struggle to break through quickly."

His gaze swept over the Heaven-tier seats, his meaning clear.

He chuckled and returned to business.

"Let the second half begin!"

He raised his hand, and a cold jade box appeared on the platform.

He had carried this item personally. Its value required the utmost caution.

"Is it a pill?"

Judging by the box's size and preservation method, many suspected it was.

But what kind of pill surpassed a tier-six Huangji or Breaking Calamity Pill?

A tier-seven pill?

All eyes locked on the jade box with naked greed.

Yuan Yi took a deep breath and lifted the lid.

A rich medicinal fragrance flooded the hall, making everyone's spirit stir.

From the Earth-tier VIP area, a small cloaked figure tugged at the sleeve of an old man beside her.

"It really is a Transformation Pill…"

A raspy voice replied.

"Don't worry. I promised you, didn't I?"

"Yup! Get it for me, Grandpa Su Qian, and I'll find you more herbs later!"

"Heh… just don't ransack the Inner Academy."

"Of course not!"

Their lighthearted banter seemed to defy the tension in the hall.

"This pill… most of you have heard of it, though likely never seen it."

Yuan Yi grinned.

"A tier-seven Transformation Pill!"

The hall exploded.

Gasps, cries, and shocked exclamations filled the air.

A genuine tier-seven pill—before their very eyes!

"To think it's a Transformation Pill… it lets magical beasts shift freely between human and beast forms. For them, it's a sacred treasure!"

"Too bad it's not useful to us humans."

"Exactly. Its value to humans is limited."

Yuan Yi sighed.

That limitation was why he used it as the second-half opener.

"Such pills can't be measured in gold. This will be a barter auction!"

Despite his declaration, the hall fell silent.

Most were human. Unless they had a beast companion in need, the pill was useless to them.

Still… what a tempting thing to own.

Just as Yuan Yi was growing anxious, a voice rose from the Earth-tier seats.

"One tier-seven magic core and a low-grade Earth-rank Dou Technique."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Someone was seriously bidding?

All eyes turned to the cloaked bidder.

"Excellent!"

Yuan Yi smiled in relief. He glanced at Lin Ran—who remained impassive—and quickly closed the deal.

A faint childish cheer followed, causing some heads to turn curiously.

"Could that pill also be from that youth?" Su Qian pondered, eyeing Lin Ran thoughtfully.

Another jade box appeared.

More pills?

Again?

Without wasting words, Yuan Yi opened the box.

A blinding golden light burst out, dazzling the hall.

Everyone instinctively shielded their eyes—except a few powerful figures like Lin Ran and Su Qian, who stared unflinchingly.

Inside, a gold pill the size of a dragon's eye rested calmly.

Its surface glistened. Within, two golden currents swirled, forming miniature golden dragons entwined in a silent, majestic dance.

Even Lin Ran's eyes shone with desire.

"As I thought… the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pill. My bait worked. The big fish will come."

This was no ordinary phenomenon—only seen in tier-seven pills or higher.

Even Han Feng jumped to his feet, gripping the railing tightly.

"This pill… no one can take it from me!"

Even those unsure of its effects were stunned by the golden light and dragon aura.

Excitement boiled over in the upper seating.

Yuan Yi slowly addressed the crowd.

"This is the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pill, a tier-seven pill made from two dragon-type beast cores of at least sixth rank, harvested within seven days of death."

"The effects are not immediate strength boosts, but… rebirth through destruction."

A stir ran through the audience.

"If you suffer a mortal wound in the future, this pill may offer a chance to break free from old limits. To evolve—body, soul, and Dou Qi alike!"

He smiled and added meaningfully.

"To clarify—does everyone remember the name of the Wind Venerable, Gu Ling?"

A hush fell.

Of course they did.

Especially one man—Han Feng, Gu Ling's nephew.

"Yuan Yi, my uncle's matters are not for you to speculate on," Han Feng said coldly.

Yuan Yi offered an awkward but polite smile. Laughter spread through the hall.

But everyone understood: Gu Ling's power likely came from this very pill.

"So! Like the Transformation Pill, this is a barter auction."

"In addition, the buyer must agree to one condition from the seller. Nothing that violates their core interests, but it won't be trivial either."

"No starting bid. Let's begin!"

The crowd held its breath.

Han Feng spoke first.

"Two Huangji Pills and one Breaking Calamity Pill!"

That alone stunned the hall.

Clearly, Gu Ling's power had ties to this pill.

But was it enough?

Yuan Yi surveyed the hall.

Another voice rose.

"One mid-grade Earth-rank Dou Technique—Flame Melding Art."

It was Fang Yan from Devil Flame Valley.

"This technique allows multiple users to merge their inner flames into one tangible flame, potentially rivaling a Heavenly Flame."

Gasps filled the room.

Even Han Feng looked intrigued. His incomplete Flame Mantra could use such a technique.

Still, the Yin-Yang Profound Dragon Pill came first.

He had seen its power firsthand—it was the very pill that had propelled his uncle to Dou Zun!

"Devil Flame Valley is generous. But I'll raise the stakes—two Dou Spirit Pills!"

More gasps followed.

Now the total bid was two Dou Spirit Pills, two Huangji Pills, and one Breaking Calamity Pill.

A clear statement: Han Feng wanted that pill.

Seeing this, Fang Yan backed off.

Competing with Han Feng right now would mean spending heavily and risking vengeance.

Not wise.

"Well then, if there are no further bids…"

"Two Huangji Pills. Two Breaking Calamity Pills."

The sudden voice cut Yuan Yi off.

All eyes turned.

Han Feng's smile froze. He looked over and clenched his fists.

"You brat… do you have a death wish?!"

(End of Chapter)