"Refining pills is no easy task. The auxiliary materials required are far from ordinary, and the mental effort involved is immense."
"Although Principal Liu said she's willing to pay any price, I still need some time to consider what kind of 'equivalent offering' she can provide."
Dai Chengfeng finally spoke as he looked at Liu Erlong's serious expression.
"The auction is still ongoing, and this isn't a suitable place for detailed discussions. Here's what we'll do…"
"Principal Liu, you may return first. Tomorrow, I will personally visit Lanba Academy. In the meantime, take some time to think carefully about whether Lanba Academy or your personal collection holds something truly valuable enough to interest me."
"How does that sound?"
Liu Erlong wanted to immediately negotiate terms with Dai Chengfeng to ensure she could obtain the pill refined from the Soul-Shaping Orchid.
But…
She glanced at Ning Fengzhi, Ning Rongrong, Chen Xin, and the bustling auction on the first floor below, realizing that Dai Chengfeng was right.
This wasn't the place to discuss such matters.
Thus, Liu Erlong nodded. "Very well! If Master Dai needs time to consider, then I shall wait for your decision."
"I'll return and think about what I might have that could truly move you…"
"Tomorrow, I will await your arrival in my office at Lanba Academy!"
With that, she shifted her gaze from Dai Chengfeng to Ning Fengzhi, the host of this venue.
A slight smile of apology appeared on Liu Erlong's face as she gave Ning Fengzhi a respectful bow:
"Sect Leader Ning…"
She then bowed to Gu Rong and Chen Xin as well. "And to Sword Elder and Bone Elder, I apologize for my earlier rudeness. I was so focused on the matter of the pill that I acted rashly. Please forgive me."
"Please understand."
Seeing that Liu Erlong's apology was sincere enough, Chen Xin and Gu Rong merely nodded slightly, choosing not to dwell on it further.
After all, although Yu Luomian, the second-in-command of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, might not be particularly strong himself, the Old Dragon behind him commanded great respect. It was a matter of respecting the family, if not the individual.
As for Ning Fengzhi, his gentle smile remained unchanged, as if the unpleasant interlude had never occurred. He lightly waved his hand:
"Principal Liu, there's no need for such formalities."
"Given the importance of this matter to you, your eagerness is entirely understandable. There's no question of disturbance."
"Then I thank Sect Leader Ning for your understanding. I shall take my leave."
Liu Erlong bowed once more before turning and leaving.
---
As Liu Erlong departed, the door to the private box was closed once again.
Ning Rongrong, who had been holding back her curiosity the entire time, immediately jumped to Dai Chengfeng's side, blinking her large, curious eyes:
"Dai Chengfeng, are you really going to give her the pill refined from the Soul-Shaping Herb?"
"It seems like you dislike her quite a bit…"
Dai Chengfeng picked up his teacup and took another small sip, his expression calm and composed. "Why wouldn't I give it to her?"
He set the cup down. "The art of pill refining depends on timing and the balance of materials."
"With sufficient auxiliary ingredients, it's common to produce multiple pills from a single batch using the same main ingredient."
He glanced at Ning Rongrong. "As long as she can offer something truly valuable enough to exchange for one of them."
"This is a fair trade—each party gets what they want. Why not?"
With that, Dai Chengfeng fell silent once more, redirecting his attention to the auction stage.
As for deeper reasons—such as his plan for Yu Xiaogang's "physical modification"—Dai Chengfeng naturally kept those to himself.
Beside him, Ning Fengzhi nodded slowly, his tone approving: "What Chengfeng says is absolutely correct."
"Keeping what he needs and exchanging the surplus for something more desirable is indeed a way to maximize the value of resources."
For a brief moment, the private box fell into silence.
On the auction stage, the host presented several more items for bidding.
Some were herbs of decent quality but not top-tier, while others were soul-guidance tools with moderate power but somewhat redundant for top-tier forces.
Dai Chengfeng occasionally glanced at the display, but his expression remained utterly impassive.
None of these items held any use for him.
Finally, the auctioneer's gavel struck its last resounding note, signaling the end of the day's auction.
The lights gradually brightened, and the crowd began to disperse.
Dai Chengfeng rose to his feet and smiled at Ning Fengzhi. "Sect Leader Ning, thank you for your hospitality today."
"Now that the auction has concluded, I'll take my leave."
Ning Fengzhi also stood up, returning a warm smile: "You're too kind."
"When I return to the sect, I'll immediately begin reviewing my private treasury. As soon as I find a suitable top-tier earth-attribute treasure, I'll have Rongrong deliver it to you without delay!"
"In that case, I thank Sect Leader Ning for your efforts." Dai Chengfeng nodded in gratitude.
With that, Dai Chengfeng prepared to turn and leave.
At this moment, Sword Elder Chen Xin, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke, addressing Ning Rongrong gently: "Rongrong, Chengfeng is a guest from afar. Escort him out."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi was slightly surprised and turned to look at Chen Xin in confusion.
After all, it was only a few steps from here to the exit. Was it really necessary to specifically send Rongrong to see him off?
Though he didn't understand his sword uncle's reasoning, Ning Fengzhi didn't object.
He trusted that Chen Xin had a reason for speaking up, so he smiled at Ning Rongrong: "Very well, Rongrong, quickly go and make sure Chengfeng is escorted to the entrance."
Ning Rongrong, already captivated by Dai Chengfeng's commanding presence and the way he had effortlessly subdued even Liu Erlong, eagerly agreed. Her face lit up with a bright smile as she chirped:
"Alright! Dai Chengfeng, I'll see you out!"
"My thanks."
Dai Chengfeng didn't decline. He nodded respectfully to Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, Gu Rong, and Ning Fengyuan before stepping out of the private box accompanied by Ning Rongrong.
Watching the upright figure of the young man and the lively skipping form of their daughter disappear through the doorway, the private box was left with only Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, Gu Rong, and Ning Fengyuan.
It was only then that Chen Xin's gentle smile slowly faded, replaced by an expression of utmost seriousness.
He turned around, his gaze sharp as a sword as he locked eyes with Ning Fengzhi:
"Fengzhi, what do you think of this young man?"
Instantly, Ning Fengzhi's smile vanished. He took a few steps toward the window, gazing at the bustling crowd below.
After a moment, he slowly turned back, his eyes gleaming with unbridled admiration and gravity:
"Absolutely extraordinary!!!"
"Unheard of!!!"
"His talent runs unfathomably deep, and his composure and maturity in handling affairs are remarkable. Even when facing Liu Erlong, an enemy who stands firmly by Yu Xiaogang's side, he didn't lose his cool. Instead, he skillfully manipulated her emotions to maximize his own benefit…"
"A genius like this…"
"Is unprecedented!"
"Looking across the continent, not only among the younger generation but even compared to the older generation, it's hard to find anyone who could match him at the same age!"
Chen Xin nodded slowly, his gaze as sharp as ever. "Indeed! That's why, Fengzhi, we must bring him over to our side!"
"And given the current situation, Rongrong's close relationship with him presents a rare opportunity."
"So, I have a proposal!"
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