Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

"We believe in your strength, and I will also have my disciples train relentlessly so we can do our best to help you when the time comes!" The elders trusted Yang Ling completely. After all, not long ago, Yang Ling had led a group of people to fearlessly confront several powerful families, and he also had the female family head as his backer. They had no reason to doubt him. Soon, everyone dispersed. The sect leader, still seething with anger, patted Yang Ling on the shoulder.

"Your strength is truly astounding. You give me a completely different feeling than before. I never imagined that place would elevate your cultivation level so significantly. It's truly amazing!" He looked Yang Ling up and down, feeling that his initial choice was absolutely correct. At this rate, Yang Ling will only grow stronger.

"I can only say that I will not let them off easily when the time comes. However, if all those people die at my hands, can you handle it? I'm worried they will hold a grudge against you as well." After all, those families will not only resent Yang Ling, but will also take their anger out on them. Upon hearing this, the sect leader laughed heartily, thinking it was nothing serious.

"There aren't many people stronger than me. Don't worry, apart from those few from the Qin family who might be a bit troublesome, you can go ahead and do whatever you want with me here!"

"I will definitely do my best to help you so you have no worries!" Yang Ling nodded. During this time, the sect leader had prioritized all resources for Yang Ling, allowing him to focus on his cultivation. He also told Yang Ling to just ask if he needed anything, and he would certainly fulfill his request. Normally, the sect leader was very busy, and recently some people had said that Yang Ling, being so strong, must have ulterior motives for helping them.

The sect leader didn't hesitate to refute these rumors. However, this also caused some disciples to become demoralized. At this crucial moment, the sect leader felt he had to step forward and rectify the situation. He firmly believed that Yang Ling would shine brightly in the competition.

"By the way, I heard you made quite a fortune from those families. Would you be interested in going to some places and auctioning off these things? Maybe we can get some priceless treasures!" Feng Xueyuan said, walking up to Yang Ling. Yang Ling immediately knew what she was up to. He took out a cultivation manual from his storage ring, a manual he had promised to Feng Xueyuan.

"This is the cultivation method of the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden Sword. As long as you practice according to it, your power will definitely increase greatly, and your cultivation level will also improve. Moreover, this cultivation method is especially suitable for you, even more so than the one I passed on to you before!" Feng Xueyuan took the cultivation method from Yang Ling's hand without any hesitation. Since Yang Ling gave it to her, she naturally wouldn't refuse.

"Don't worry, I won't stand on ceremony with you, just give it to me!" Yang Ling's lips twitched slightly, and he couldn't help but tease, "Where did you learn this bandit-like personality from!"

Feng Xueyuan smiled, her eyes fixed on Yang Ling. Without the slightest hesitation, she blurted out:
"Of course I learned this trick from you! But there's a Christmas auction starting soon, we can definitely make it if we rush over now!" Yang Ling glanced at Feng Xueyuan, his words laced with a hint of teasing and a meaningful undertone:
"Oh, you're not trying to use this opportunity to ask me out, are you? Let me tell you, I'm not that easy to 'deal with'!" His expression changed instantly; he hadn't expected Yang Ling to say that. She had meant well for Yang Ling, but he was so clueless. Seeing this, Yang Ling burst into laughter, though it was just a joke.

At the foot of Zongmen Mountain, there was indeed a city. It was much more bustling than usual. Half an hour had passed when they arrived. Looking up, they saw a magnificent and imposing city!

When Yang Ling arrived, he was pondering to himself when Feng Xueyuan seemed to realize something and suddenly said:

"By the way, I heard this auction was specially organized by Fengyulou. They only hold it once a year and rarely show their faces. Since you've obtained so many cultivation techniques, have you copied a few? If you have, you must give me a copy!" Yang Ling took out several cultivation techniques from his storage ring and stuffed them into Feng Xueyuan's hands. Feng Xueyuan thought to herself, "That's more like it. Yang Ling has so many cultivation techniques thanks to me."

At this time, countless cultivators were coming and going. Yang Ling and Feng Xueyuan walking together instantly attracted the attention of many people.

The atmosphere instantly froze. The two of them possessed extraordinary auras, something unimaginable outside the Wind and Rain Pavilion. Entering the Wind and Rain Pavilion was no easy feat. After all, auctions of this caliber weren't open to just anyone; one had to possess sufficient qualifications. They were stopped at the entrance as soon as they reached it.

"Gentlemen, please show your invitations, otherwise you cannot enter. This place isn't for just anyone!" Yang Ling nodded, immediately indicating that he had something to auction. The man nodded, and after they left, he invited an old man over. Seeing Yang Ling's extraordinary skills and sharp aura, the old man guessed he was a disciple of some family or sect, and was curious about what they wanted to auction.

"I wonder what you two intend to auction? Since you're here, I'll personally appraise all the items. The auction hasn't started yet, but the order has already been set. Only the most important items can be included." He could tell Yang Ling was no ordinary person, not someone to be trifled with. Anyone who could attend this auction was certainly not simple. Yang Ling casually took out several high-level cultivation manuals and handed them to the old man. The old man's pupils constricted sharply; he hadn't expected Yang Ling to be able to produce such precious high-level cultivation manuals.

"You can produce so many cultivation techniques so casually; such treasures naturally qualify for auction. Please follow me." They followed the old man to a private room upstairs. The old man immediately ordered refreshments and tea to be served, then sat down opposite Yang Ling.

"We really can't estimate the price of these cultivation manuals right now. What are your thoughts on this?" Feng Xueyuan interrupted Yang Ling, speaking first.
“I’ve heard about the rules of your Wind and Rain Pavilion, and I trust you won’t let us suffer a loss. Please, sir, name your price.” She said earnestly, pretending to be knowledgeable. Actually, she was afraid of being ripped off. She didn’t know how much the cultivation technique was worth, but judging from the old man’s reaction, it must be quite valuable. The old man thought for a moment and said, “Since you two trust me, we won’t let you suffer a loss. We’ll give you a price higher than the market price in exchange for the same thing. That’ll come to at least tens of thousands of crystals. What do you think?” Yang Ling thought the price was good; crystals weren’t easy to obtain, so it seemed they were offering a high price. He was about to agree when Feng Xueyuan became dissatisfied. Seeing this, the old man gritted his teeth and added some more.

"I'm afraid this is all I can add. If you two think it's suitable, I'll agree; if not, there's really nothing I can do." Yang Ling didn't rush to agree. Finally, Feng Xueyuan gritted her teeth and agreed. The old man left with the cultivation manual. After he left, her gaze towards Yang Ling changed. Yang Ling had truly surprised her.

“I know what you have is good, but don’t you consider its value? So many things, how can you just agree to anything like that? Besides, not everything I give you is good. You’ll have to check it carefully later!” Yang Ling sighed helplessly, and had no choice but to promise Feng Xueyuan some things. This wasn’t his first time attending an auction, but he had attended very few times, so it was understandable that he was curious and interested.

At the start of the auction, the items displayed were merely ordinary cultivation techniques, not particularly valuable. Yang Ling didn't pay much attention. However, a red and blue herb caught his eye. This herb could strengthen the body and improve one's physique. Unexpectedly, it was quite expensive. Moreover, he already possessed many valuable items. Intrigued, Yang Ling examined it a few more times, observing the reactions of those around him. Feng Xueyuan, standing beside Yang Ling, let out a cold snort.

"You're not actually interested in these herbs, are you? While they can strengthen the body and improve physical strength, your physique is already strong enough. Do you really need these?" The rest of the items were hardly worth Yang Ling's attention. He didn't take Feng Xueyuan's words to heart. After all, what good things hadn't he seen? He had attacked several powerful families and destroyed several sects, acquiring countless treasures. Besides, the prices here were outrageously high, and they weren't even real treasures; there was no need to rush.

It's clear that people are flocking in from outside; they really love what's here.

"We have two last treasures here. If you're interested, be prepared. These treasures are very rare!" The woman on stage exuded a captivating charm with every move, instantly enlivening the atmosphere. Yang Ling watched this scene thoughtfully. He hadn't expected it to be a magical artifact, but he didn't feel much about it. His current sword was perfectly fine, and he had no intention of exchanging it for a magical artifact.

In the end, the item was successfully auctioned off to someone for an exorbitant price. Immediately afterwards, that person produced a pill, which surprised Yang Ling considerably. It turned out to be made from the blood of a magical beast and was being offered as an auction item.

"This elixir was added to the auction at the last minute, so the highest bidder wins, and the price will definitely be substantial. If you're interested, be sure to prepare plenty of crystals!" the person on the stage announced slowly. Yang Ling pondered for a moment, realizing he had no interest, while Feng Xueyuan was overjoyed. The several high-level cultivation techniques they had brought would likely be auctioned in the final round, driving up their prices. Even better if the auction could be held later.

"Our items will definitely fetch a high price, and we'll get a lot of good stuff. Maybe we can even talk to that old man again!" Looking at Feng Xueyuan's excited expression, Yang Ling couldn't help but wonder, was this still the Feng Xueyuan he knew? How did she suddenly become so greedy? The person on the stage continued, "I believe everyone will be interested in the next item. Whoever gets it will definitely see a significant increase in their cultivation strength. However, this item is composed of several books!" the woman said slowly. The crowd below the stage buzzed with discussion. Wasn't the grand finale supposed to be a peerless treasure? Why did this sound different?

"These advanced cultivation techniques I've presented are the work of a genius. Sadly, this genius died young, but left behind many advanced techniques. These are his masterpieces; if you can learn them and utilize their power..."

"I hope you can get them. As for who ends up with them, that depends on how many crystals you can contribute!" The woman finished speaking, looking at the crowd with anticipation, confident she would fetch a high price and make a fortune this time. Feng Xueyuan, watching this scene, recalled Yang Ling's earlier words: "In just a short while, the price has reached tens of thousands. You weren't lying to me about what you said earlier, were you? Are you really going to give me that many crystals? I can exchange them for many good things in the future!" Yang Ling nodded in agreement. Since he had promised, he would definitely keep his word. As the saying goes, a promise is a promise; how could he lie to him?

However, at that moment, a familiar voice broke the silence. A black-robed figure walked in and shoved the cultivators outside to the ground one by one. In a short while, the cultivators were all lying at his hands. He raised his hand and grabbed several high-level cultivation manuals, which landed steadily in front of him.

The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned, still reeling. Who was this person? This was the Wind and Rain Pavilion, rumored to be guarded by many powerful figures and possessing immense strength. How dare he come here to cause trouble? Yang Ling wanted to check on Feng Xueyuan, but she stopped him: "Since it's their business, let them handle it first. Let's not act rashly. This person's aura is extraordinary, and the plum blossom on his black robe is particularly alluring; I feel like I've seen it somewhere before!" Feng Xueyuan felt the man looked very familiar, but his face was hidden behind a black mask, making him appear extremely mysterious. He was shrouded in an aura, making it impossible to see his features. Yang Ling also sensed the man's strength; he was indeed a powerful figure.

"Who goes there? How dare you cause trouble here? Do you want to be our enemy? If word gets out, aren't you afraid of being hunted down?" The old man who had spoken earlier stepped forward and roared. In an instant, dozens of figures appeared before them, surrounding the man. These were all powerful experts, and the others were no less formidable. Even several families working together might not be able to achieve such a feat. They never expected someone would dare to cause trouble. If they let him take the item today, what would become of their reputation?

"A bunch of bastards, using your treasures to bully me, thinking you can stop me? I really don't know where you get your confidence. Get out of here!" He waved his hand, and his aura spread out towards them. It looked ordinary, but it actually contained boundless power. The power that erupted in a short time blasted them all away. Except for a few strong individuals, everyone else was suppressed by this aura.

They hadn't expected this; their casualties were heavy. The old man's expression changed; he hadn't anticipated such a powerful opponent. Who exactly was this person? He knew things wouldn't end well today; his own life might be in danger. (End of Chapter)