Battle Through the Heavens: Oh no, I've become the succubus Xiao Yan!

In the autumn of the year Xiao Yan turned eight, Xiao Zhan said he would take Xiao Yan to the Mittel Auction House.

"The annual auction," Xiao Zhan said. "Every year at this time, the three major families of Wutan City will be there. You're not young anymore; it's time for you to broaden your horizons."

Xiao Yan nodded.

The transmigrator's inner thoughts: Mittel Auction House, Ya Fei... here they come.

Ya Fei has been in Wutan City for several years, sent by the Mittel family for training. However, he had been focused on cultivation and had never been to the auction house before, so he had never seen her.

---

The Mittel Auction House is located in the most bustling area of ​​Utan City. The three-story building is entirely constructed of gray-white stone, and the Mittel family crest—a silver eagle with outstretched wings—is engraved on the two stone pillars at the entrance. There are many people coming and going, including scions of noble families in fine clothes as well as weary mercenaries and rogue cultivators. The servants at the entrance are well-trained and bow slightly to everyone they meet.

Xiao Zhan led Xiao Yan into the hall, where they were greeted by a faint fragrance of incense, mixed with the refreshing scent of medicinal herbs and minerals.

"Clan Chief Xiao!" A middle-aged man who looked like a steward quickly approached. "Your seat is in a private room on the second floor. Please follow me."

Xiao Zhan nodded and led Xiao Yan up the stairs to the second floor.

The private room wasn't large, but it was very comfortably furnished. The window seat faced the auction stage in the center of the lobby on the first floor, offering a wide view. Tea and snacks were laid out on the table; the tea was the finest Biluochun, and the snacks were osmanthus cake and jujube paste pastry.

Xiao Yan glanced at the osmanthus cake and thought of Xiao Mei.

If that girl knew he was going to the auction and get to eat osmanthus cake, she'd probably make a scene for three days straight.

"Have a seat," Xiao Zhan said, sitting down in a chair and pouring Xiao Yan a cup of tea. "The auction hasn't started yet, let's take a look at the catalog first."

He handed me a thin booklet listing the items to be auctioned that evening.

Xiao Yan took it and quickly scanned it.

He recognized most of the items. With his current knowledge, he was practically unrivaled in the field of medicinal herbs. Second-tier magical beast cores, black iron ore, Qi-gathering powder formulas... these were all common items. As for that third-tier magical beast core, it was considered a rare item in Wutan City, but he didn't need it for the time being.

But his gaze lingered on the seventh item.

"Three-leaf Ganoderma, starting bid 5,000 gold coins."

Xiao Yan's brows twitched slightly.

The Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma is not of high grade, only a third-tier medicinal herb. However, its special feature is that it can only grow in rock crevices near volcanoes, and it has an excellent effect on warming and unblocking the meridians for fire-attribute cultivators. Moreover, the Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma is one of the main ingredients for refining the fourth-grade elixir "Crimson Flame Pill".

Crimson Flame Pill, a fourth-grade pill, can greatly increase the cultivation speed of fire-attribute battle qi. For fire-attribute cultivators at the Battle Master level, this thing is ten times more effective than Qi Gathering Powder.

The starting bid of five thousand gold coins can be said to be...

too low.

The market price of Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma is at least 15,000 gold coins, because its production is scarce, and most of it has been bought up in advance by the Alchemist Guild. Those that end up in the auction house are either of average quality or the sellers don't know their value.

Xiao Yan glanced at the note: Excellent quality, intact leaves, and emerald green color.

The condition is fine. It just means the seller doesn't know its value.

"Father," Xiao Yan put down the booklet and lowered his voice, "the starting price for the seventh item, the Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma, is too low."

Xiao Zhan was taken aback: "How did you know?"

"I read about it in the pharmacopoeia before," Xiao Yan said. "The Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma is the main ingredient for refining the Crimson Flame Pill, and its market price is at least 15,000. This one is of excellent quality and should be worth more than 20,000."

  

Xiao Zhan looked at him with suspicion.

Xiao Yan knew that it was a bit outrageous for an eight-year-old child to say such things, but Xiao Zhan had gotten used to his "precociousness" over the years. It wasn't too surprising that a genius who had condensed Dou Qi to the seventh level at the age of four would have some knowledge of medicinal herbs.

"Are you sure?" Xiao Zhan asked.

"Sure."

Xiao Zhan was silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "Okay, I believe you, Yan'er."

He didn't press Xiao Yan about how he knew all this. Over the years, he had gradually come to understand one thing: his youngest son was far more complex than he appeared.

---

The auction has begun.

The lights on the first floor dimmed, and several spirit stone lamps lit up the auction stage, casting a soft glow. A young woman slowly walked out.

Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened slightly.

The woman appeared to be about eighteen or nineteen years old, with long golden hair cascading over her shoulders and a bewitching smile playing on her fair cheeks. A tight-fitting red brocade robe accentuated her voluptuous curves, with a silver belt cinching her waist. Her slender waist was so delicate that it could be encircled by a single hand, and the hem of the robe was slit up to her thighs, revealing glimpses of her long, white legs as she moved.

What's most captivating are those peach blossom eyes—blue pupils that seem to hold deep pools, their gaze both alluring and sharp. The slight smile at the corner of her lips is ambiguous, leaving one unsure whether she's observing or scheming.

The noise in the lobby on the first floor subsided. Several young masters from prominent families in the front row subconsciously straightened their backs, while a middle-aged man in the corner stared at the stage, unaware that his wine glass had tilted and spilled wine all over his sleeve.

The old apothecary's voice echoed in his mind: "This woman, just with that face alone, could empty the pockets of half the men in the auction house."

"Good evening, distinguished guests," her voice was clear and soft, with a hint of languor. "I am Ya Fei, the auctioneer for tonight. Welcome to Mittel Auction House."

As soon as he finished speaking, cheers erupted from the audience. A few bolder mercenaries even whistled, only to be pulled back by their companions.

Ya Fei.

Xiao Yan silently repeated the name in his mind.

In the original novel, Ya Fei is the chief auctioneer of the Mittel Auction House, possessing astonishing business acumen and later becoming the economic pillar of the Yan Alliance. She is shrewd, decisive, and adept at navigating social situations, but at heart, she is a person of deep loyalty and affection. Almost everyone in Utan City knows her name.

It wasn't just because of the Mittel family, but because of her mature and charming allure that made many men fall at her feet.

She is still young and has only recently been sent by her family to Wutan City for training, so she has not yet shown her full potential.

But when those peach blossom eyes swept over the private rooms on the second floor, their gaze was as sharp as an eagle's.

The first few items were quickly sold out. Second-tier monster cores, black iron ore, several yellow-tier combat skills... all standard items, with prices within the expected range.

The seventh item is Ganoderma lucidum.

Ya Fei opened a jade box, and the three-leaf Ganoderma lucidum on the display stand shone with a faint blue luster under the spirit stone lamp. The leaves were spread out and the veins were clear.

"Three-leaf Ganoderma lucidum, a third-tier medicinal herb, starting bid 5,000 gold coins."

The reaction from the sidelines was lukewarm.

Most people only knew that this was a third-tier medicinal herb, and five thousand gold coins wasn't cheap, but it wasn't outrageous either. The Jia Lie family raised their paddle once, offering eight thousand, and then no one else followed.

Xiao Zhan glanced at Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan nodded slightly.

"Ten thousand." Xiao Zhan raised his sign.

A stir ran through the audience. Ten thousand gold coins for a single tier-three medicinal herb? And they'd never even heard of it before—this was outrageous!

The Jia family members glanced back at the private room on the second floor, recognized Xiao Zhan, snorted coldly, and did not raise their placards again.

10,000 gold coins, deal done.

As Ya Fei's hammer fell, her gaze swept over the private room on the second floor, and a slight smile curved her lips.

She noticed that it wasn't Xiao Zhan holding up the sign, but the child next to him.

---

The auction continues.

Xiao Yan didn't bid on any more items, quietly sitting next to Xiao Zhan and drinking tea. Occasionally, he would glance at Ya Fei on the stage, observing her auction rhythm and crowd control techniques.

It has to be said that Ya Fei is indeed quite skilled. Every smile and gesture of hers can cause the prices in the audience to jump.

Whenever someone hesitated, she would give them a charming smile, and the buyer, who was still feeling the pinch, would immediately perk up and raise their paddle even higher than before.

The atmosphere inside remained lively throughout, fueled by the woman's soft chuckles.

Xiao Yan shook his head at the sight.

A true business genius. This woman is incredibly shrewd... those men probably won't even know how they spent their money until they go bankrupt.

After the auction, Xiao Zhan led Xiao Yan downstairs.

As soon as I stepped into the lobby on the first floor, a red figure came to greet me.

"Clan Chief Xiao Zhan, I have long admired you."

Ya Fei stood in front of her with a smile, her gaze lingering on Xiao Zhan for only a moment before shifting to Xiao Yan.

"This must be the Xiao family's little genius, right?" Her tone was filled with curiosity. "At seven years old, he has reached the seventh level of Dou Qi, and the whole of Wutan City is talking about it."

Xiao Zhan smiled and said, "Miss Ya Fei, you flatter me. I'm just a child, it's nothing to mention."

"You're not a child," Ya Fei bent down, looking at Xiao Yan with scrutinizing eyes. "Buying a three-leaf green mushroom for ten thousand gold coins, that's quite decisive. Little guy, how did you know that green mushroom was worth that price?"

Xiao Yan looked at her.

His face was that of an eight-year-old, but he was so serious that it didn't seem like he was his age.

"Sister, the Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma is the main ingredient in the Crimson Flame Pill," he said calmly, like a little adult. "A top-quality one would cost at least 15,000 on the market, but the starting bid is 5,000, which is cheap."

Ya Fei's eyes lit up.

It wasn't just because he was right. She certainly knew the value of the Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma, but she hadn't expected it to be this high. Setting a low starting price was a common auction strategy—to attract bidders first and then raise the price. What surprised her was that an eight-year-old child not only recognized the value of the medicine but could also name a fourth-grade elixir like the "Crimson Flame Pill."

"You know about the Crimson Flame Pill?" Ya Fei's tone became more serious.

"I've read it in the pharmacopoeia." Xiao Yan scratched his head, revealing a shy smile befitting his age, but the composure in his eyes was undeniable.

"Such a valuable pharmacopoeia isn't something you can just see anytime," Ya Fei said, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Little one, how did you know that?"

Xiao Yan smiled but did not answer.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and as he put the cup down, he suddenly looked up at Ya Fei.

"Sister, can the Mittel Auction House help us buy things?"

"Of course," Ya Fei raised an eyebrow slightly, "As long as you can afford the price, our auction house has connections throughout the Gama Empire. What is the little one looking for?"

"Revoluta and Purple Herb"

Ya Fei's smile faltered slightly.

Neither Reincarnation Grass nor Purple Jade Grass can be found in Wutan City. These are extremely rare high-grade medicinal herbs, practically priceless. Materials of this caliber are usually only available from the main branch in the capital.

"You actually know this?" Ya Fei's tone was no longer polite, but genuinely scrutinizing. "This kind of thing isn't something you can just find in an ordinary pharmacopoeia. Little one, what do you need this for?"

Xiao Yan tilted his head, revealing a shy smile befitting his age.

"I can't say for now, but don't worry, sister, it's nothing bad."

Ya Fei stared at him for several seconds.

An eight-year-old child not only recognized the Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma, but also knew about rare materials like Reincarnation Grass and Purple Pavilion Grass, which were even rarer in Wutan City. Most importantly, he knew what he should and shouldn't say.

This sense of propriety surprised her even more than his knowledge of those things.

"I can keep an eye out for Reincarnation Grass and Purple Pavilion Grass for you," Ya Fei said in a slightly lower voice, "but these things are hard to find, and it might take some time. We might not even be able to find them."

"No rush," Xiao Yan said, "Just remember it for me, sister."

Ya Fei gave him a deep look, and then suddenly smiled.

It wasn't a polite laugh, but a genuine laugh that showed interest.

"Little one," she straightened up, her tone becoming more serious, "you're very interesting."

Xiao Zhan was completely confused, but seeing that Ya Fei treated Xiao Yan differently, he was also happy.

"Miss Yafei, we'll be going now."

"Alright," Ya Fei nodded slightly, her gaze never leaving Xiao Yan. "Young Master Xiao, if you need anything in the future, you can come to the auction house to find me."

She paused, then smiled slightly.

I'll give you a discount.

Xiao Yan nodded obediently and said in a clear voice, "Thank you, Sister Ya Fei."

As I stepped out of the auction house, a night breeze blew in my face, carrying the unique coolness of autumn.

Xiao Zhan looked down at Xiao Yan: "How did you know about those medicinal herbs?"

"I learned it from the pharmacopoeia," Xiao Yan said. "Father, I might come here often in the future."

"Okay," Xiao Zhan patted his head, "Just be careful."

Xiao Yan hummed in agreement, already planning his next move.

Yafei, Mittel Auction House, and Haibodong—these three cards will inevitably come together sooner or later. But now is not the time. An eight-year-old child's relationship with a shrewd businesswoman isn't based on an exchange of benefits, but rather on making her feel that "this person is worth investing in."

Tonight, our objective has been achieved.

---

Back in his room, Xiao Yan sat down cross-legged.

The old doctor's voice echoed in my mind: "You've said too much tonight."

"I know," Xiao Yan said, "but I need Ya Fei's attention." And his belief in Ya Fei's character might be based on a biased view from his previous life.

"Buying a Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma for ten thousand gold coins isn't a bad deal," Yao Lao thought for a moment. "It also puts me in touch with the Mittel family, making it easier to find Reincarnation Grass and Purple Pavilion Grass in the future. But you've said enough tonight."

"Yes," Xiao Yan said, "Regarding the Ice Spirit Cold Spring, I only told her that I was looking for this thing, and didn't say anything more."

"That's right," the old doctor said, his tone unusually appreciative. "The less others know, the safer you are."

The old apothecary was silent for a moment, then snorted.

"You're young, but you've got a lot of tricks up your sleeve."

Xiao Yan smiled but didn't reply.

The moonlight outside the window is cool and clear, and the shadows of the trees sway gently.

He closed his eyes and slowly circulated the Burning Technique. Crimson battle qi flowed through his meridians, carrying a scorching temperature, becoming one with the flames of the Fire God Body.

I've got the Three-Leaf Green Ganoderma. I won't need this herb for now, but it will be very useful when I refine the Crimson Flame Pill later.

As for the Reincarnation Grass and Purple Pavilion Grass, Ya Fei has already been asked to keep an eye out for them. He doesn't need them himself; they're prepared for Hai Bodong.

One of the main ingredients of the Rejuvenating Purple Pill. Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, an angel investor, is a Dou Huang powerhouse sealed by Queen Medusa. In the future, he will be the Xiao family's most powerful external ally in the Jia Ma Empire.

Hai Bodong is currently hiding on the edge of the Tagor Desert, selling maps. But Xiao Yan knows that some pieces need to be placed in advance, and some preparations need to be made ahead of time.

But in no hurry.

He has plenty of time.

Xiao Yan slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, and his fighting spirit circulated smoothly in his meridians.

When he becomes strong enough, nothing will stand in his way.