Chapter 53: The Mittel Family
"The Jia Ma Empire has three cities within the Tagore Desert, serving as territorial outposts. Each city has a high-ranking Dou Wang stationed there to prevent invasions from the serpent-men. To the serpent-men, the Jia Ma Empire is a far more livable region than the desert, and that's the core reason for their hostile relationship."
Hai Bodong looked toward the distant yellow-earth city and spoke slowly.
Yao Yan studied the map in his hand, and upon hearing this, he replied in a soft voice, "A struggle for survival... and a struggle between races. Their relationship truly is difficult to reconcile. Unless one side produces an absolute powerhouse, perhaps only then can the situation change… but even so, in the end, only one side will remain."
Changing his tone, he looked at Hai Bodong with curiosity and asked, "If one day the serpent-men and the Jia Ma Empire go to war, would you take part?"
"I don't enjoy meaningless killing. The conflict between the serpent-men and the Jia Ma Empire has nothing to do with me."
Hai Bodong shook his head and responded calmly.
Yao Yan hadn't forgotten Hai Bodong's other identity. Aside from being one of the top ten powerhouses in the Jia Ma Empire, he was also a mercenary who operated in the shadows. Just like this time—coming to the Tagore Desert to capture Cai Die—if the price was right, he would accept the job.
He asked curiously, "What if the Jia Ma Empire offered a high price?"
"I would have before. Not anymore."
Hai Bodong gave Yao Yan a deep look, as if implying something more.
Yao Yan didn't continue the foolish topic. Hai Bodong was essentially an angel investor in the original story—his judgment was sharp. Knowing Yao Yan's connection to the serpent-men, he wouldn't turn against them for petty profit.
While the two chatted, the surrounding roads gradually became more even, and more travelers appeared.
Most of the men they passed were shirtless, their dark skin lean and strong, giving off a sense of rugged boldness. The women, though equally tanned, had an alluring bronze tone and wore form-fitting leather outfits that only covered their chest and lower regions. Their slim waists were boldly left bare.
Their long, taut legs were only wrapped in short skirts or shorts.
As they walked, their snake-like waists swayed, radiating a captivating charm.
Exotic and sensual... Yao Yan mused internally, then looked toward the now-visible city. On the gates above the wall, two massive reddish characters were engraved—viewed from afar, they seemed to exude a faint bloody aura.
"Yan City…"
Yao Yan murmured, then turned his gaze to the armored soldiers at the gate. Each one wore thick armor and held long spears, shouting at those entering the city to pay the entry tax. Their attitudes were aggressive—but understandable, given the unbearable heat they endured in heavy armor.
As they approached the gate, their water cart was naturally stopped. The leading soldier stared at the cart and barked, "How many people, and what's in the cart?"
Hai Bodong said nothing. He simply pulled a token from his storage ring and handed it over.
"S-Sir, please go ahead!"
The moment the soldier saw the token, his face broke into a cold sweat. Swallowing nervously, he quickly stepped aside with a flattering smile.
Under the curious gaze of passersby, the magical beast slowly pulled the cart into Yan City.
Hai Bodong handed the token to Yao Yan and quietly explained, "This was gifted by the royal family of the Jia Ma Empire. You can use it to visit any city within the empire—it'll help avoid unnecessary trouble."
"Thank you."
Yao Yan accepted it without hesitation.
Hai Bodong continued, "Does Young Master plan to leave immediately or rest a few days in the city?"
"I'll stay a few days. I need to address Cai Die's issue first. In the meantime, I'll trouble you to guard us. Also, I need some herbs—if you can help me find them, I'll refine a peak-tier Tier 5 Qi Nurturing Pill as payment. It can aid cultivation and increase breakthrough chances, even for a Dou Huang. It should suit your current state."
Yao Yan smiled as he spoke.
With his soul perception, he could easily detect the restlessness in Hai Bodong's Dou Qi—signs of an imminent breakthrough. A Tier 5 Qi Nurturing Pill would be enough to tip the balance and help him break through.
"No problem."
Hai Bodong was briefly stunned, but quickly agreed. He'd nearly forgotten that Yao Yan was a Tier 5 alchemist. His youthful appearance made it easy to overlook his other identity.
A Tier 5 alchemist under the age of seventeen—unthinkable in the Jia Ma Empire. Even the so-called genius alchemists there were usually over twenty by the time they reached Tier 4, let alone Tier 5. The empire's Alchemist Association only had a handful of Tier 5 alchemists, all of whom were white-haired elders.
Perhaps tempted by the generous reward, Hai Bodong increased their pace, and before long, they arrived at a bustling auction house.
Hai Bodong looked at the familiar building and smiled slightly, introducing, "This auction house is run by the Mittel Family. They have branches in every major city in the empire. If you need anything in the future, you can buy it here—or auction items as well. The Mittel Family is one of the three great clans of the Jia Ma Empire, with deep roots and a long history. I also serve as an elder here."
"They must be willing to spend if they've made you an elder."
Yao Yan chuckled.
Hai Bodong laughed it off and said, "That's part of it. But mainly, the current family head, Teng Shan, is an old friend of mine."
As they spoke, someone inside had received word. A middle-aged man in a brocade robe rushed out.
"Elder Hai!"
He bowed respectfully, then looked curiously at Yao Yan and asked, "This young man is?"
Hai Bodong rarely brought people with him.
Before Yao Yan could answer, Hai Bodong grinned and said, "A distinguished guest of mine. Don't be fooled by his age—he's a genuine Tier 5 alchemist."
He didn't hide this information. Revealing Yao Yan's value was necessary to ensure he was properly respected.
"?!"
The man's pupils contracted. He couldn't help but look at Yao Yan again. Though the youth wore a mask, it was still possible to guess his general age. But that age didn't match a Tier 5 alchemist at all. He turned to Hai Bodong and asked in a low voice, "Elder Hai, how old is he…"
"Not yet seventeen."
Hai Bodong dropped the bombshell. Watching the stunned middle-aged man, he chuckled at the familiar reaction—he too had been shocked once.
Yao Yan ignored their exchange. He gently tapped the water barrel and said with a smile, "Come on out. We've arrived."
"Oh~"
With a soft voice, the lid of the barrel lifted, and Cai Die's slightly uneasy peach blossom eyes met Yao Yan's. She glanced nervously around and, upon seeing so many humans watching, instinctively wanted to retreat—everyone was looking at her.
"Don't be scared. I'm here."
Yao Yan gently encouraged her, extending his hand.
Cai Die took a deep breath and slowly stood up, reaching out to Yao Yan. With the help of her tail and Yao Yan's support, she leapt out of the barrel and landed in his arms in a princess carry. A bewitching, deep-blue serpent tail was revealed to everyone.
"A serpent-woman?!"
Gasps rang out around them, followed by whispers. Some even speculated whether Yao Yan had come to auction her. Several gazes began to burn with excitement.
Those heated stares made Cai Die anxious. Instinctively, she clutched Yao Yan's neck tighter.
"It's alright."
Yao Yan reassured her softly. Then, still holding her, he lightly lifted one foot—and stomped it down hard. A terrifying force exploded outward, making the ground tremble. A wave of energy rippled in all directions, and a thunderous boom drowned out all other sound.
Moments later, the street fell completely silent.
He looked at the stunned Hai Bodong and the middle-aged man and said calmly, "Please arrange a guest room for me—preferably one with a pill refinement chamber."
With that, he carried Cai Die into the auction house. Behind him, the once-sturdy stone pavement now bore a deep footprint.
Staring at it, Hai Bodong's gaze sharpened. He looked at Yao Yan's back and muttered, "Such powerful physical strength… and such precise control. This kid's power… is abnormal!"
Suddenly, he understood why Yao Yan had dared to light a bonfire at night in the Tagore Desert. It wasn't stupidity—it was confidence in his own strength.
Truly a genius from a great clan…
Hai Bodong sighed inwardly, then instructed the middle-aged manager to arrange the best accommodations and everything Yao Yan might need.
(END CHAPTER)
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