Chapter 137: Premature Complacency

Gu Qingli fixed her gaze on Mr. Tian, a faint smile gracing her lips.

Her identity as an alchemist was now common knowledge throughout Loulan City.

Suddenly, a wave of spiritual energy swept over her, causing her to narrow her eyes slightly. Could this be the soul force of a royal-grade alchemist?

"Little miss, impressive indeed! But do you truly possess such a pill? I was never aware the Gu family held this formula," Mr. Tian said, his face, weathered like a chrysanthemum, betraying no emotion.

Meanwhile, Sikong Ran continued employing Gu Qingli's tactic to stall Li Ke'er, while murmurs rippled among the crowd. Chen Yihan's expression remained calm and composed, showing no hint of irritation.

"Sikong Ran! Are you two never going to stop?" Li Ke'er's tone sharpened. Though usually polite, addressing him as Young Master Sikong, since Gu Qingli's sudden rise, Li Ke'er had begun suspecting Sikong Ran's allegiance lay with Gu Qingli. Despite her cunning, Li Ke'er was still a young maiden pampered in the Li household and now found herself unable to tolerate this.

With Sikong Ran's deliberate pacing, the price climbed to one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins.

He glanced toward Mr. Tian and Gu Qingli, standing opposite him.

"Mr. Tian, why the worry? I am no escape artist, so there's no point in deceiving you. Though it is true the Li family acquiring this pill is no boon for me, I harbor no fear. In truth, this matter is merely a nuisance for me, yet for you, might it not bear far greater significance?"

A sly smile played on Gu Qingli's lips; her phoenix-like eyes glimmered with amusement.

Mr. Tian choked slightly—such guile from one so young. He knew the girl's indifference to who claimed the pill was feigned; she discerned that he prized the pill most for its effects on his appearance.

Though aware he was being outmaneuvered, he was utterly powerless.

"Mr. Tian, decide swiftly—this opportunity comes but once, a chance not to be missed. I've grown weary of bidding against the Li family," Gu Qingli winked, signaling Sikong Ran to cease bidding, then nonchalantly fixed her gaze on Mr. Tian, as if indifferent to his response. Sikong Ran chuckled beside her.

"Old Tian, will you accept or not? Miss this chance, and it's gone for good!"

Mr. Tian's face flushed with frustration. Without Sikong Ran's bidding, the price was nearing two hundred thousand gold coins and approaching a third successful bid.

Though the pill was precious, two hundred thousand coins was no small sum. Yet as a royal-grade alchemist, he lacked for wealth.

"Fine, little miss, I accept!" he gritted through clenched teeth. Though vexed to be led by a mere child, he knew better than to doubt her words.

Li Ke'er, ensconced in the Li family's VIP chamber, gloated, believing Gu Qingli and Sikong Ran had ceased bidding for lack of funds.

"In the youth tournament, I shall make you pay dearly!"

"With no further bids, this pill that can temporarily enhance one's strength…" Chen Yihan glanced toward the city lord's VIP room, pondering if the young lady had truly given up.

Though unfamiliar with Gu Qingli beyond reputation, Chen Yihan doubted she would surrender so readily.

Perhaps she merely aimed to raise the price to Li family's detriment. Bewildered, Chen Yihan prepared to finalize the sale—

Until an elder's voice interrupted from the third floor.

"Mr. Chen, I withdraw the pill from auction!"

The third floor housed the original owner of the auctioned item in a special area. Unlike the private boxes below, these rooms had no glass partitions, only separate chambers.

All eyes turned upward in surprise. A shadowed figure of an old man appeared, his visage obscured in darkness. Those familiar with Loulan's major powers recognized him as the royal-grade alchemist sponsored by the city lord's mansion.

Though Loulan was a northern metropolis, compared to the imperial capital it was a mere backwater. Royal-grade alchemists were exceedingly rare here.

Mr. Tian, typically enigmatic, was seldom seen even by Loulan's denizens.

Those outside Loulan now surmised from the elder's voice and the rare pill that he was an alchemist.

His declaration stunned all—he was retracting the sale?

Chen Yihan harbored no resentment; this auction house was notably humane, permitting sellers to rescind before the item transferred possession.

His smile remained gentle, yet his eyes flicked toward the VIP chamber—was it mere coincidence? What had the young lady done to compel a royal alchemist's change of heart?

"We've already offered two hundred thousand gold coins!" Li Ke'er's pride shattered, her face paling at the announcement.

"Ke'er!" The solemn patriarch of the Li family admonished firmly.

Li Ke'er's expression shifted; she reluctantly sat down, chastising herself for acting impulsively—uncharacteristic for her, but the provocation by Gu Qingli and Sikong Ran had been unbearable.

"Ke'er, I know how deeply you despise that Gu girl, but do not reveal it so openly," the patriarch scolded, yet with a tone tinged with affection. He understood that accustomed to ease, she could hardly contain her temper when overshadowed by Gu Qingli's rise.

"Mr. Tian, pray explain your meaning," the patriarch demanded.

From the shadows, Mr. Tian curled his lips in disdain, thinking, I do as I please; none of your concern. Yet he quickly masked his thoughts, recalling how the insolent girl and impudent youth had forced his hand.

"Ah, well, Lord Li, you are unaware. Someone else has presented me with something I value more. Thus, I cannot sell this pill."

His voice betrayed both resignation and innocence.

"Gu Qingli? Has she employed some private scheme? The Gu family may have it, but the Li family is not without resources," Li Ke'er snapped sharply.