My father is the main character, but the female leads want to kill me.

Wen Qianyi couldn't quite understand. With Xin Zhiqing's status as a fifth-grade alchemist and the head of Guangming Hall, she could probably easily invite people in the Nirvana Realm and Spirit Pill Realm to cause trouble, not to mention that there were plenty of troublemakers in the Danger Triangle.

After this auction ends, the party that wins the fragment of the Tree of Wisdom will definitely face interception from various parties. The Medicine King Sect will certainly have more than one competitor, so why bother to go to such great lengths to involve these two strangers? Moreover, they could even desert at the last minute and leave without completing this task!

"I asked her about that too. She said that her father and husband found the Tree Heart Fragment together, but they died because of the Medicine King Sect. She wants revenge and hopes we can hold off the Medicine King Sect." Lin Ran shrugged and said helplessly.

He recalled how the woman had suddenly become overcome with grief and wept bitterly. He didn't know if she was putting on an act or if it was genuine. For him, the map with the grieving ghost's face was worth the effort.

Even if we know that the Ghostly Resentful Face Flower is in Liezhou, so what? Liezhou is so big, finding such a place is not easy!

"Senior, let me take a look at that Jade Dragon Bone Grass!"

Wen Qianyi said irritably and gestured to Lin Ran.

Lin Ran then took out the jade box containing the Jade Dragon Bone Grass from her spatial ring. Wen Qianyi opened it and examined it repeatedly, and the more she examined it, the stranger it seemed.

Because... this really is Jade Dragon Bone Grass!

Wen Qianyi was a little confused about this, but she could only put it aside for the time being. Whatever the other party's purpose was, everything would probably become clear after the auction ended.

……

After Lin Ran and the other person left, in the study on the third floor of Guangming Hall, Xin Zhiqing stood by the window, watching the twilight brought by the slowly setting sun. She seemed to have thought of something, went to the desk, opened one of the locked drawers, and took out a slightly yellowed notebook.

The handwriting in the notebook wasn't particularly beautiful, and it contained mostly trivial matters, sometimes even simple doodles, but Xin Zhiqin read it very carefully. She didn't look up from the notebook until the room was completely dark.

There was a sudden knock on the door.

"Come in!" Xin Zhiqing called out. The door opened, and Xiao Xi walked in, looking at Xin Zhiqing respectfully and saying, "Sister Xin, Yan Jidao from the Medicine King Sect has come to see you. He said he wants to invite you to a banquet at their Medicine King Sect."

Xin Zhiqing put the notebook back in the drawer. After hearing what Xiao Xi said, she rubbed her temples with a headache, closed her eyes, and muttered, "They probably timed this batch of medicinal herbs I got right on time. Luckily, I sold them in advance, otherwise I would rather feed them to the dogs than give them to those beasts."

"Sister Xin, be careful what you say, what if someone overhears us?" Xiao Xi reminded her worriedly.

"My room is soundproofed, so don't worry!"

Xin Zhiqing leaned back in her chair and exhaled a breath of stale air. Then she stood up and went to Xiaoxi. Looking at Xiaoxi's beautiful face, she couldn't help but gently rub Xiaoxi's head and said, "Xiaoxi, have you done everything I asked you to do?"

“Everything is arranged. They’ve gone to Linghua City, which is very far from here and safe enough. The money we left them is enough for them to do business and make a living,” Xiaoxi said.

"I knew you could do it. No wonder your older sister raised you!" Xin Zhiqing said softly with a smile, her hands pinching and kneading Xiaoxi's chubby little face into various shapes. The girl's face was still so fair and tender.

Xiao Xi looked helplessly at Xin Zhiqing pinching her cheek and reminded her again, "Sister Xin, there are still people waiting downstairs. If you don't go down soon, they're going to rush up!"

"Ugh, what a disappointment!"

Xin Zhiqing let go of her hand and said helplessly, "Xiaoxi, go to my wardrobe and get that purple cheongsam. Something conservative, but still flattering. Those old men like that kind of style!"

"Yes!"

Xiao Xi nodded and went into Xin Zhiqing's bedroom to look for clothes...

In the lobby on the first floor below Guangming Hall, a fat middle-aged man wearing an alchemist's robe with the Medicine King Sect emblem on his chest paced back and forth anxiously, clearly showing signs of impatience.

Some customers who entered, upon seeing the middle-aged man's appearance, immediately changed their expressions and dared not enter to buy medicinal herbs and pills. After all, Guangmingtang was right there; they could come anytime, but they only had one life!

The middle-aged man was getting impatient and was about to rush up when a clear voice came from above, and a figure appeared at the top of the stairs.

"I apologize for keeping Elder Yan waiting. I spent a little time getting ready upstairs. I hope Elder Yan doesn't mind!"

Xin Zhiqing gracefully descended the stairs, her swaying figure and exquisite curves perfectly showcased by the purple cheongsam embroidered with delicate patterns. Without any deliberate flaunting, the occasional glimpses of her fair skin were enough to make one yearn to explore that unknown and mysterious place.

Elder Yan, who was about to rush forward, saw Xin Zhiqing come down and his eyes revealed an undisguised possessiveness. He said, "How could I mind? A woman dresses up for the one she loves. Hall Master Xin's attire is an honor for me, Yan!"

"Who gave you face, you shameless bastard!"

Xin Zhiqing cursed inwardly, but with a charming smile on her face, she said, "Thank you for the compliment, Elder Yan. Please lead the way, Elder Yan!"

"Hehe, this way please, Hall Master Xin. I've already prepared the carriage for you!" Elder Yan said.

When they arrived outside, a carriage was already parked there. But Xin Zhiqing had already anticipated this. This shameless guy only prepared one carriage for the two of them to sit in, and even made it bumpy, trying to take advantage of them, huh?

Seeing that this shameless guy was still inviting her, Xin Zhiqing pointed to the carriage of Guangming Hall that was driving out of the alley and said, "Elder Yan, I can ride in my own carriage. It's too crowded for two people!"

"Master Xin..."

Elder Yan wanted to say something more, but Xin Zhiqing had already climbed into the carriage first, which shattered Elder Yan's little plan. He had no choice but to get into the carriage and shout at the servant, "Hurry up and start, what are you looking at!"

The attendant dared not say anything more and could only urge the horse and carriage toward the Medicine King Sect.

……

Lin Ran initially thought that the guy from the Medicine King Sect at the city gate was exaggerating a bit, saying that it would be difficult to find accommodation in the entire Dan City. Lin Ran and Wen Qianyi asked at several places, but without exception, they were all fully booked. Helpless, the two had no choice but to go to the "Fallen Maple Pavilion" specially prepared by the Medicine King Sect with their waist tokens.

This place was obviously very famous. After Lin Ran "kindly" asked some guys in the alley for directions, he found out the location of Luofeng Pavilion.

Luofeng Pavilion is located near the Medicine King Sect, in the most prosperous area of ​​the entire Dan City. It is also very close to the auction venue where the auction will be held in a few days. Moreover, the area is now heavily guarded by the Medicine King Sect's guards, and any unrelated personnel who approach will be driven away.

When Lin Ran and Wen Qianyi arrived nearby and showed their waist tokens, a guard immediately led Lin Ran respectfully to Luofeng Pavilion.

Although Lin Ran's soul power was not as strong as Wen Qianyi's, she could still keenly sense that there were many powerful people in Luofeng Pavilion. There were quite a few Nirvana Realm experts, and even more Spirit Pill Realm experts.

In front of the Fallen Maple Pavilion, an old man from the Medicine King Sect, dressed in an alchemist's robe, was greeting the powerful figures passing by. Judging from their attitudes, the old man seemed to be of high status.

Upon seeing the old man, Wen Qianyi transmitted her voice to Lin Ran, saying, "That old man standing at the door is a sixth-level alchemist, but I wonder how skilled he is?"

"Haha, anyway, I, Qianyi, am definitely the best. In the future, Qianyi will become an Emperor-grade alchemist!" Lin Ran whispered in Wen Qianyi's ear.

Hearing this flattery, Wen Qianyi was happy but also a little shy. She gently punched Lin Ran and said coquettishly, "I won't accept your sugar-coated bullets, you big liar senior!"

"Ah, these are my heartfelt words!"

Lin Ran felt a bit wronged. He was really looking forward to Qianyi becoming a female version of the Flame Emperor, wielding heavenly fire in one hand and alchemy skills in the other, and then becoming a great emperor. He would then cling tightly to her leg, and just thinking about it made him happy.

……

15. A gathering of the strong

Lin Ran and his companion approached the sixth-level alchemist elder. The elder, with a warm smile on his face, politely asked, "May I see your tokens?"

"of course can!"

Lin Ran handed over the waist token given to him by the old man at the city gate. The old man examined it for a moment, a strange light flashing in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared. He handed the token back and smiled, "I am Mei Su, an elder of the Medicine King Sect. You two look unfamiliar. May I ask your names?"

"My surname is Cao. I came to Jiezhou from another major state for a trip. Just as I entered the Danger Triangle, I heard that you were holding an auction that only happens once every thousand years, so I thought I'd come and see it for myself," Lin Ran said with a faint smile.

“Mr. Cao, I believe this auction will be well worth your time.”

Elder Mei smiled and beckoned to the side. A beautiful maid who had been waiting came forward and instructed, "Arrange a fine room for Mr. Cao!"

"Yes!"

The maid bowed respectfully and said.

Elder Mei stroked his white beard and looked at Lin Ran with a smile, saying, "Mr. Cao, just give her any instructions."

"Then I'd rather be respectful than obey your orders!"

Lin Ran cupped her hands in a smile and then had the maid lead her into Luofeng Pavilion.

After Lin Ran and the others left, Elder Mei solemnly summoned a guard and whispered, "Go and have Elder Yan find an opportunity to test Mr. Cao who just came in."

"Yes!"

The guard responded and quickly headed towards the headquarters of the Medicine King Sect.

Elder Mei didn't quite believe that these two guys, whose abilities he couldn't even fathom, would come to the Danger Triangle to honestly participate in the auction.

"Let Yan Jidao find a way to test those two..."

Led by a maid, the two entered the Falling Maple Pavilion, which once again refreshed Lin Ran's understanding of the Medicine King Sect's wealth. The pavilions, terraces, ponds, and rockeries that could be seen everywhere in the Falling Maple Pavilion were all made of rare and expensive materials. The fish in the pond, which were kept for viewing, could actually generate spiritual energy, and the beautiful, unnamed flowers were also spewing out spiritual energy.

Even without a spirit-gathering array, the Falling Maple Pavilion is still filled with abundant spiritual energy, and taking a deep breath here makes one feel incredibly comfortable and refreshed.

They arrived at a spacious, luxurious hall that resembled a ballroom. All sorts of people were seated there, arranged in groups according to their power and influence. Some who knew each other sat together. Lin Ran sensed the auras of several Nirvana Realm cultivators, indicating that this was not an easy place to get along with.

As the maid led Lin Ran to the entrance of the hall, she turned to look at him, bowed respectfully, and asked, "Mr. Cao, would you like to take a seat here first?"

The maid was also wearing a cheongsam with an opening at the chest, and whether intentionally or unintentionally, a cleavage was squeezed out.

"You little maid, you have ulterior motives!"

Lin Ran silently complained to herself, looked in other directions, and said, "Take us to our rooms first!"

"Ok!"

The maid said something and led the way down the right-hand path. Along the way, they only occasionally saw some figures, whose strength was mostly at the Spirit Core Realm level. In some places, Lin Ran even vaguely heard some indescribable sounds coming from afar.

These guys seem to have plenty of energy; even while attending an auction, they don't forget to exercise.

The maid led Lin Ran and his companion to a courtyard with a small bridge over a stream and an antique-style house. The maid opened the door and activated the courtyard with her waist token. A pale blue protective shield faintly lit up the courtyard. The maid explained, "This is a magic array to prevent others from accidentally entering. If you don't want it, you can turn it off."

"Sir, would you like me to draw water for your bath?" the maid asked again.

"Ahem... No need for that. Go wait outside!" Lin Ran coughed as she saw Wen Qianyi's expression growing colder and colder, sending the somewhat attention-seeking maid outside to wait. She then closed the door to the room.

Wen Qianyi didn't say anything, but walked around the whole house, and then returned to the living room table to sit down. Lin Ran quickly found some tea and poured it for Wen Qianyi, smiling ingratiatingly, "Qianyi, you must be tired from walking so much, have some tea!"

"You've remembered me now?"

Wen Qianyi picked up her tea, took a sip, and said expressionlessly.

Lin Ran immediately understood and quickly came behind Wen Qianyi, massaging her shoulders. Then she whispered in Wen Qianyi's ear, "I've always had you in my heart, Qianyi. If you don't believe me, I'll take my heart out and show it to you."

“Take it out and let me see…”

Lin Ran: "..."

My dear Qianyi, this is putting your senior in a difficult position.

However, Lin Ran remembered a little gadget. He used to tease Lin Hongjia with his retractable sword, and later used it to tease Shangguan Mengqing, but the big ice block didn't react at all. He was sure he could succeed this time.

Lin Ran took out the retractable sword and placed it in front of Wen Qianyi. Then, looking at Wen Qianyi with deep affection, she said, "Qianyi, today I will show you the burning passion in my heart for you!"

Lin Ran raised the extendable sword in her hand and stabbed it into her own chest. Lin Ran clutched her chest and fell to the ground with a "thud".

Wen Qianyi was stunned by the scene. Her eyes reddened, and she hurriedly knelt down next to Lin Ran, crying, "I was just joking! Senior, why did you take it seriously? Quickly use your spiritual power to seal the wound, and then..."

Before Wen Qianyi could finish speaking, her red eyes stared at Lin Ran as he removed his hand from the wound. There wasn't even a trace of blood, let alone a wound. Lin Ran grinned and made a heart shape with his hands. Wen Qianyi was so angry that she slapped the retractable sword away and walked away angrily. "You stinky senior, you're already in your fifties, and you're still playing these childish tricks!"

Lin Ran came up behind Wen Qianyi and gently put her arm around Wen Qianyi's waist. Wen Qianyi struggled for a moment, but finally allowed Lin Ran to hug her. Lin Ran leaned close to Wen Qianyi's ear, breathed warmly, and said slowly, "I'm sorry to have worried you, Qianyi. How about this? How about I punish you by having you cultivate together?"

"Pah, you stinky senior, that's not punishment, that was just to make you... ah... put me down! I'm angry, I'm really angry!"

Wen Qianyi felt her body suddenly lift into the air as Lin Ran picked her up around the waist and carried her on his shoulder.