"Claim the reward!"
Zhou Yi stepped into the adjacent chamber and retrieved the unique construct known as the Zhou Manor.
The Zhou Manor was a palm-sized marvel, complete with mountains, streams, pavilions, pagodas, and cascading waterfalls—a microcosm of paradise.
With a mere thought, Zhou Yi could adjust its size at will.
After toying with it briefly, he enlarged the manor and stepped inside, merging with the decade of cultivation essence he had just obtained.
Vast energy surged through his body, rapidly elevating his aura. However, upon reaching a critical point, it stagnated, like a river meeting an unyielding dam.
It was indeed a bottleneck—one at the Dou Venerate level.
But Zhou Yi's newly acquired decade of cultivation essence was no trivial reward.
Under its relentless impact and refinement, even the sturdiest barrier was destined to crumble.
In the next instant...
An overwhelming and terrifying aura unfurled from Zhou Yi's body, akin to a slumbering dragon awakening from the depths.
A cosmic tide of energy, vast as the stars, surged within him, roaring like an unending torrent.
Brilliant radiance erupted from his form as the boundless power of a Dou Venerate cascaded outward like tidal waves.
Yet, all the light and energy were contained within the Zhou Manor's boundaries, blocked from leaking even the slightest trace.
No one in Wu Tan City, let alone the Miteer Auction House, was aware that a new Dou Venerate—one of extraordinary caliber—had just been born.
Zhou Yi stretched lazily, rising to his full height.
His skin seemed to ripple subtly, and the intricate mechanics of his bones produced crisp, resounding clicks, akin to the workings of an enigmatic, complex machine.
"Ahh..."
Exhaling a deep breath tinged with heat, Zhou Yi savored the sublime comfort coursing through him.
"So, this is the power of a Dou Venerate," he murmured, clenching his fist slightly. The immense, oceanic energy within him was intoxicating.
Such power carried an allure that could drive people to madness—an irresistible temptation for which countless would sacrifice their entire lives.
Extending his hand, Zhou Yi grasped at the air. Space itself contorted into an unnatural depression under his grip.
Had this force been directed at a person—even a Dou Ancestor—their body would have instantly crumbled into blood and bone fragments.
Marveling at the ability to twist space with effortless gestures, Zhou Yi's lips curved into a faint smile.
His previous struggles in this world now seemed distant. After an intimate moment with Ya Fei, Zhou Yi felt fully integrated with this realm, no longer hindered by its suppressive forces.
With his arsenal of divine techniques, tearing space had once been within his grasp, but never with such casual ease.
Now, as a Dou Venerate, Zhou Yi had absorbed significant energy from the Dou Qi Continent, solidifying his existence in this world. His strength was no longer shackled in any way.
Like a carp transforming into a dragon, Zhou Yi had ascended.
Confidence surged within him—enough to claim that, without relying on spirit treasures, no one beneath a Dou Saint could rival him, not even a Half-Saint.
Activating his Concealing the Heavens technique, Zhou Yi concealed his aura entirely. Even a Dou God would fail to discern his cultivation level.
At its pinnacle, Concealing the Heavens could deceive even the heavens themselves, let alone mere mortals.
After stowing away the Zhou Manor, Zhou Yi returned to his quarters.
On the soft bed lay Ya Fei, draped in a sheer red gown. Her mature, enchanting curves were faintly visible, exuding a mesmerizing allure.
The disheveled state of her attire added an indescribable temptation, a beauty obscured just enough to captivate the imagination.
Seeing the graceful figure before him, Zhou Yi felt a surge of uncontainable energy, fueled by the boundless power now coursing through him.
With fluid motion, he embraced Ya Fei from behind, her exquisite form fitting perfectly in his arms.
"Mmhh..."
Startled from her slumber, Ya Fei murmured softly.
She had just dreamt of herself as the Bone Demoness, crossing paths with Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.
That sly trickster hadn't shown her the slightest mercy.
Without a word, he had raised his golden staff and struck her down.
Caught completely off guard, she had no time to react before the blow landed.
And then...
She woke up.
"You again..."
Turning her head, Ya Fei's limpid eyes met Zhou Yi's gaze, filled with a mixture of reproach and lingering fear.
"Can't I have a proper rest for once?"
"Fairy, I need your help to cultivate!" Zhou Yi quipped, playfully employing a Shaolin grappling technique.
The next day, as the sun climbed high into the sky, the Miteer Auction House bustled with activity. Regular patrons, however, noted Ya Fei's absence with disappointment.
Many visited solely for a glimpse of her elegance.
Even if no interaction was possible, a single glance was enough to make their visit worthwhile.
"Where's Miss Ya Fei?"
"She's occupied today. If there's anything you need, we're happy to assist."
"In that case, I'll return another time!"
Meanwhile, in the private chambers, Ya Fei lay sprawled languidly on the bed, her delicate brows tinged with weariness.
"You scoundrel!" she muttered, her voice a mix of reproach and amusement.
"Where am I wrong?" Zhou Yi replied with a grin, pulling her into his arms.
"This is all to aid your cultivation. Haven't you noticed your breakthrough?"
"Breakthrough?"
Startled, Ya Fei realized she had advanced to a Five-Star Dou Master overnight.
"An entire five stars in one night? Am I dreaming?"
To confirm, she pinched Zhou Yi.
"Ow!" Zhou Yi inhaled sharply. "Why pinch me?"
"Are you some kind of walking elixir?"
Ya Fei's astonished gaze lingered on Zhou Yi. To think she had used a Dou Pill to reach the Dou Master realm, yet merely spending a night with Zhou Yi had propelled her forward so dramatically.
"Now do you see how amazing I am?"
Zhou Yi reached out and gently rubbed Ya Fei's lower abdomen, which had once been flat and smooth but now had a slight curve.
She was utterly satisfied.
"I'll teach you a secret technique—its effects will be even better!"
With a wave of his divine sense, Zhou Yi imparted the Huangdi Inner Scripture to Ya Fei. As she comprehended its profound contents, her gaze turned so enchanting it seemed as though water could drip from her eyes.
Yet, after cultivating alongside Zhou Yi, the results were astonishing.
She advanced directly from a Four-Star Dou Practitioner to a Five-Star Dou Master.
Of course, this was the first cultivation session, when the effects were at their peak.
Afterward, the benefits would diminish.
Moreover, Ya Fei's current strength was comparatively low, and the significant disparity between her and Zhou Yi magnified the effect.
"Alright, let's stop cultivating for now."
"Why?"
"Because I want you to give me a child!"
"Ah…"
For three consecutive days, neither Zhou Yi nor Ya Fei left the room.
The frequent visitors to the auction house in Wu Tan City—those who often sought out Ya Fei—were deeply disappointed.
Rumors began swirling about Ya Fei's sudden disappearance.
"Could she have left Wu Tan City?"
Fortunately, word soon came from the Miteer Auction House: Ya Fei had procured several premium-grade pills from a powerful Grade Six Alchemist named Zhou Yi during these days.
The pills included:
Qi Gathering Powder: This could assist those at Dou Qi Level Nine to condense a Dou Cyclone and advance to the Dou Practitioner realm.
Dou Pill: A miraculous pill that could enhance the cultivation of Dou Practitioners, Dou Master, and even Dou Grandmasters. However, its efficacy decreased as one's cultivation level increased.
Ya Fei personally demonstrated its potency by consuming a Dou Pill, advancing from a Four-Star Dou Practitioner to a One-Star Dou Master in one leap.
Even for a Dou Grandmaster, the pill could enhance strength by at least one star. For a Nine-Star Dou Master, it guaranteed a breakthrough to the Dou Grandmaster realm.
Moreover, the Miteer Auction House announced that a week later, both the Qi Gathering Powder and Dou Practitioner Pills would be auctioned.
This announcement caused an immediate sensation throughout Wu Tan City.
"My heavens, the Miteer Auction House is auctioning Qi Gathering Powder? That's a Grade Four pill capable of helping someone at Dou Disciple Level Nine ascend to the Dou Practitioner realm! It's priceless!"
"Qi Gathering Powder is incredible, but the Dou Pill is even more astounding! It works for Dou Practitioners, Dou Master, and even Dou Grandmaster. A Four-Star Dou Practitioner can leap directly to the Dou Master realm—unbelievable!"
"Exactly! A Nine-Star Dou Master is guaranteed to break through to the Dou Grandmaster realm, and even for a Dou Grandmaster, it increases strength significantly!"
"That's to be expected. These are Grade Four pills refined by a revered Grade Six Alchemist! Their efficacy speaks for itself!"
"In the Jia Ma Empire, we've only known Pill King Gu He as a Grade Six Alchemist. Who would've thought Ya Fei could find another one of such prominence?"
"Grade Six Alchemists are legendary figures, revered across regions. This one must hail from beyond the Jia Ma Empire, as we've never heard of him before!"
"Qi Gathering Powder and Dou Pills—these treasures will drive countless people mad!"
Xiao Clan Residence:
In the main hall, Clan Leader Xiao Zhan convened with the three elders.
"The effects of the Qi Gathering Powder are self-evident, but the Dou Pill is far too extraordinary. Turning a Four-Star Dou Practitioner into a Dou Master in one leap—is that even possible?"
Third Elder's voice carried a mix of shock and skepticism.
"The Miteer Auction House's reputation precedes it," Second Elder replied. "They wouldn't joke about such matters, especially when involving a Grade Six Alchemist."
"Second Brother is right," First Elder affirmed. "This time, we must acquire the Qi Gathering Powder and Dou Pills. Particularly the Dou Pill—this could reshape the power balance in Wu Tan City. If the other two families obtain it, their strength will surge, leaving us at a disadvantage."
"Agreed!"
Xiao Zhan's expression hardened. "No matter the cost, we cannot allow the other families to surpass us. However, acquiring these items will likely come at a steep price—we may need to sell off some of our assets to secure them."
"If it means gaining strength, the sacrificed assets can be quickly regained."
"Well said!"
"Agreed!"
With the unanimous agreement of the three elders, the Xiao Clan began liquidating some of their holdings, preparing to amass the necessary funds.
In the Xiao Clan's back mountain, a young boy slowly raised his head, revealing a youthful yet delicate face. His dark eyes gazed into the distance, filled with self-mockery and bitterness.
His name was Xiao Yan, the third son of Xiao Zhan, the Clan Leader.
He was a transmigrator.
Three years ago, his once-brilliant talent had inexplicably vanished. His Dou Qi not only ceased growing but even regressed. Once a prodigy who had ascended to the Dou Practitioner realm, he was now stuck at Dou Disciple Level Three or Four.
Neither Qi Gathering Powder nor Dou Pills could help him.
"Yan'er."
Xiao Zhan's voice came from behind him.
"Father."
Xiao Yan stood and turned to face his father.
"I heard that a Grade Six Alchemist is currently at the Miteer Auction House. Perhaps he can resolve your condition!"
Seeing the dejection in Xiao Yan's eyes, Xiao Zhan's tone was resolute: "No matter the price, I will beseech Master Zhou to help you!"
"Father…"
Xiao Yan's lips trembled, his heart filled with emotion.
Grade Six Alchemists were among the most exalted figures in the Jia Ma Empire. Appealing to such a figure was no easy feat.
Even Grade Two Alchemists were esteemed beyond measure. In the original world, even a mere Grade One Alchemist like Liu Xi could tyrannize the Jia Lie Clan, wantonly humiliating its women. The lofty status of Alchemists was self-evident.
But a Grade Six Alchemist? That was someone they couldn't even dream of meeting under ordinary circumstances.
"Don't overthink it," Xiao Zhan said, clapping his son's shoulder firmly. "Attend the auction with me. After it concludes, I'll ask Miss Ya Fei to introduce us to Master Zhou."
Without leaving room for objection, Xiao Zhan departed.
Watching his father's retreating figure, Xiao Yan clenched his fists. "Father, rest assured. I won't let you down!"
Returning to his room, Xiao Yan resumed cultivating with renewed determination.
Yet, as always, his Dou Qi mysteriously vanished.
"Damn it!"
Miteer Auction House:
Zhou Yi had spent the past few days leisurely in Ya Fei's comfortable chambers.
However, Zhou Yi was anything but idle.
His antics left the previously pristine room in complete disarray.
Most egregiously, he showed little regard for cleanliness, even spitting on the floor—a habit that exasperated Ya Fei.
Still, with Zhou Yi's assistance, Ya Fei's cultivation advanced rapidly, her strength surging with every passing day.
Her tolerance for his quirks only grew.
Even unconventional methods began to seem acceptable.
...
Today was the day for the auction of the "Qi Gathering Powder" and the "Dou Pill."
Zhou Yi, for once, chose not to stir up trouble.
With the dual support of his pills and secret techniques, Ya Fei's cultivation had skyrocketed to the level of a Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster. In Wu Tan City, this was enough to earn her a place among the strong.
While Ya Fei busied herself with preparations for the auction, Zhou Yi entered the Supreme VIP room, patiently awaiting the event's commencement.
This time, Zhou Yi didn't hide his identity. He even allowed Ya Fei to promote his name openly. After all, if he wanted to find a suitable wife in the future, he needed a certain level of fame.
In the Dou Qi Continent, the most sought-after individuals were alchemists.
By Zhou Yi's own calculations, his alchemical skills had reached the level of a Grade Six Alchemist. However, his true abilities far surpassed this, limited only by the absence of a formula for Grade Seven pills.
Even so, being a Grade Six Alchemist was more than sufficient in the Jia Ma Empire.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan followed Xiao Zhan into the Miteer Auction House, a place he had heard of many times but never visited.
Accompanying them was Gu Xun'er, walking gracefully by Xiao Yan's side.
As they entered the auction hall, Xiao Yan was stunned to see the space packed with people—at least a thousand in attendance.
"This is incredible!" Xiao Yan thought to himself as he followed Xiao Zhan to their reserved seats.
Being one of the three great families of Wu Tan City, the Xiao Clan naturally had a designated area.
The other two families had also arrived, their members seated nearby, brimming with competitive energy.
Before long, cheers erupted throughout the auction hall.
Xiao Yan looked up and was immediately struck by the sight of a stunning woman in a crimson gown.
Her mature, enchanting figure stirred his heart.
"What a seductress!" Xiao Yan muttered to himself, finally understanding why the crowd had grown so wild.
The woman, Ya Fei, was truly captivating—a peerless beauty.
As one auction item after another was sold, Xiao Yan observed Ya Fei's ability to control the atmosphere.
Her every smile and gesture seemed to send bidding prices soaring.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached the highlight of today's auction!" Ya Fei announced with a radiant smile. With a graceful wave of her jade-like hand, a servant brought forth a tray containing two jade bottles.
"This is a Grade Four medicinal pill: the Qi Gathering Powder," she explained.
Carefully lifting one of the bottles, Ya Fei's melodic voice quieted the bustling hall.
In the Dou Qi Continent, the most coveted items were pills crafted by alchemists.
"As many of you know, the Qi Gathering Powder is an extraordinary pill that guarantees a Nine-Dou Qi disciple will successfully condense their Qi Cyclone!"
"One Qi-Gathering Powder is equivalent to a prodigy!"
Without elaborating further, Ya Fei allowed the pill's reputation to speak for itself.
Next, she picked up the other bottle, her enchanting voice continuing,
"This is the masterpiece of Master Zhou Yi, a Grade Six Alchemist: the Fighter's Pill!"
"It is a peak Grade Four pill, suitable for Dou Practitioners, Dou Masters, and even Dou Grandmasters. The higher your cultivation, the weaker the effect, but even for a Dou Grandmaster, it guarantees at least a one-star increase!"
"I personally consumed one of these pills, and my cultivation soared from a Four-Star Dou Practitioner to a Dou Master!"
As she spoke, Ya Fei released her aura, letting the crowd feel her overwhelming presence.
Boom!
The room erupted as every powerful individual stood up, stunned.
"A... A Dou Grandmaster?"
"She's a Dou Grandmaster!"
"Not just any Dou Grandmaster—she's a Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster!"
Gasps filled the air as disbelief spread through the hall.
Everyone in Wu Tan City knew of Ya Fei. Once just a Dou Practitioner, her meteoric rise left them speechless.
"This must be Master Zhou Yi's doing!"
Ya Fei's bewitching smile deepened as she addressed the crowd.
"Yes, I am now a Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster!"
"Of course, my promotion wasn't solely due to the Dou Pill. But it's true that consuming one allowed me to leap from a Four-Star Dou Practitioner to a Dou Master!"
"Now, the Qi Gathering Powder and the Dou Pill will be auctioned together!"
"The starting price is 200,000 gold coins."
Her alluring voice sent a shiver through the room, yet the sheer price left many silent.
"That's outrageous!"
Xiao Yan couldn't help but shake his head. This woman was merciless—200,000 gold coins was equivalent to the Xiao Clan's profits over two years!
Even Xiao Zhan's expression twitched at the exorbitant sum, though he remained composed.
After all, in Wu Tan City, the three great families were locked in constant competition.
If one family didn't buy the pills, the others surely would. A surge in their rivals' strength could spell disaster for their clan.
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