Chapter 121: Yan Qingye Gets Robbed

"Does she look familiar?"

Yun Jianxin looked toward Han Xing as well, a slight frown creasing his brow. "She is of the Immortal Clan. You climbed up from the lower realms, didn't you? How could she look familiar to you?"

Yan Qingye felt a surge of irritation at the word "climbed" and glared at Yun Jianxin.

Yun Jianxin offered a sheepish smile. "I didn't mean to belittle you. How many people can actually scale the Heavenly Tribulation Ladder? Besides, you are a genius of our Alchemy Association; who knows, your bloodline might even surpass mine one day."

Yan Qingye let out a soft huff, shifting his gaze back to the auctioneer, deciding not to dwell on the matter of Han Xing. Ever since You Xiyue had taken the Heavenly Chili Flower from the Immortal Treasure Pavilion for free last time, the auction price for the flower had finally returned to normal.

At this moment, the auctioneer began calling for bids on the Heavenly Chili Flower once more.

"Three sprigs of Immortal-grade Heavenly Chili Flower. Starting bid at three hundred Heavenly-grade Spirit Stones. The bidding begins."

This was significantly cheaper than when Yan Qingye had visited last. Feeling confident, he tapped the universe bag at his waist and made a decision. He raised his paddle and called out, "Three hundred and fifty Heavenly-grade Spirit Stones."

The auctioneer glanced toward Yan Qingye’s direction. "Number fifty-four bids three hundred and fifty Heavenly-grade Spirit Stones. Any further bids?"

Bidding calls rose one after another, though the increments were modest. Yun Jianxin propped his chin in his hand, listening to the rising prices, and looked at Yan Qingye, who still seemed eager to jump in. "Are you buying the Immortal-grade Heavenly Chili Flower to refine Immortal-grade pills? Isn't that a waste? There are so many cheaper Immortal-grade herbs; why must you choose the Heavenly Chili Flower?"

Yan Qingye held his paddle, waiting for the right moment, and shook his head. "It's not for refining pills."

"Not for refining pills? Then what else is it for? To look at? The flower... well, it’s not unattractive, but there are plenty that look better than it."

Yan Qingye gave Yun Jianxin a strange look. "When would I have time to grow flowers?"

"Then why buy it? And why are you so aggressive about it? It’s already at ten Immortal-grade Spirit Stones; this thing usually doesn't sell for less than several hundred." Yun Jianxin considered himself quite the spendthrift within his own family, though his family had spared no expense to support his path as an alchemist.

Yan Qingye raised his paddle again. "Two hundred Immortal-grade Spirit Stones." After calling out his bid, he smiled at Yun Jianxin. "The Heavenly Chili Flower is meant for eating, of course."

"What??"

Yun Jianxin jumped to his feet with a shout, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

Yan Qingye looked up at him with annoyance. "What are you shouting for?"

Yun Jianxin hurriedly sat back down, offering an awkward smile to those around him before whispering to Yan Qingye, "You bought the Heavenly Chili Flower to eat??"

"What else would I do with it?" Yan Qingye asked with utter innocence.

Yun Jianxin felt the urge to roar again. What else? It was an Immortal herb used to treat illnesses and save lives! He pursed his lips, at a loss for how to retort.

Yan Qingye chuckled and patted Yun Jianxin on the shoulder. "Once I finish the auction, I’ll treat you to roasted chicken with Heavenly Chili Flower. You’ve always been the one treating me; I wanted to return the favor at the Immortal Treasure Pavilion, but someone else snatched the bill, so I’ll just treat you to the roasted chicken instead."

Yun Jianxin’s mouth twitched. "You are truly generous."

In the end, Yan Qingye secured the three sprigs of Heavenly Chili Flower for one God-grade Spirit Stone. Although it was much less than what You Xiyue had spent, it still drew quite a few eyes. Yan Qingye tossed the flowers into his universe bag and focused back on the auction, but by the end of the event, nothing else caught his interest. Disappointed, he left the Immortal Treasure Pavilion with Yun Jianxin.

"Sigh, another month without a new alchemy furnace."

Yun Jianxin remained silent, having nothing to say. The two wandered the streets for several laps, failing to notice they were being followed. Naturally, to enjoy roasted chicken with Heavenly Chili Flower, a secluded grove was the most appropriate setting. Yan Qingye led Yun Jianxin deeper into the outskirts, leaving the group trailing them in confusion. They had never expected two people to be so cooperative, walking straight into the tiger's den.

Of course, as they ventured further, both Yan Qingye and Yun Jianxin noticed their pursuers. Yan Qingye suddenly grew tense, tugging at Yun Jianxin’s sleeve. "What do we do? We’re being followed."

Yun Jianxin gave him a helpless look. "Where did that generosity from the auction go? Acting like such a young master, it’s no wonder you’re being targeted for robbery."

"Should we... run?" Yan Qingye asked, his heart failing him as he glanced back. There were about ten people behind them, and their cultivation levels were all higher than theirs.

"Why run?" Yun Jianxin asked, completely calm and unbothered.

"Because we can't beat them, obviously!"

Yan Qingye regretted it now; why had he led them to this grove after the auction? And with only the two of them!

Yun Jianxin suddenly stopped, turned around, curled his lips, and let out a soft huff as he looked at the ten men slowly surrounding them. "Just because you can't beat them doesn't mean I can't."

Yan Qingye pointed to himself. "I am a Great Luo Profound Immortal." He pointed to Yun Jianxin. "You are a Great Luo Heavenly Immortal." Finally, he pointed at the ten men closing in. "They are Great Luo True Immortals... do you really think you can take them?"

Yun Jianxin turned his head to look at Yan Qingye, one eyebrow arched. "What do you think?"

"Me??" Yan Qingye was about to shake his head, thinking it impossible. Then his eyes lit up—Yun Jianxin possessed the Saint Clan bloodline; defeating these ten would be as simple as a single glance. He laughed heartily and patted Yun Jianxin on the shoulder. "Go on, give them a glare!"

"..."

The formidable aura Yun Jianxin had built up was completely shattered by Yan Qingye. He gave Yan Qingye a resigned look before turning back to the menacing robbers. "You’ve been following us for quite a while now; you must be exhausted."

"Brat, hand over everything you have, and you might suffer a little less. A pretty face like yours looks like it won't take a beating very well."

Yan Qingye looked down at himself, then snuck a glance at Yun Jianxin, and couldn't help but agree. He was indeed quite delicate.

"Hmph." Yun Jianxin didn't even bother summoning his weapon. He sneered, "Indeed. You lot are so thick-skinned, I’m actually worried about dirtying my sword."

"You brat, stop being so arrogant. It would be wise to know your place."

"And if I don't, what will you do?" Yun Jianxin looked at them with disdain.

Yan Qingye puffed out his chest, glaring at the men in front. But before Yun Jianxin could make a move, a woman suddenly jumped out. In the blink of an eye, she drove all the robbers away.

Yan Qingye and Yun Jianxin stared at the woman, completely bewildered.

"Why did she show up?" Yan Qingye asked.

Yun Jianxin shrugged. "Who knows? Perhaps she hasn't finished arguing with me? Did she abandon her master just to chase me down and continue the fight?"

"Then why not just watch the show? Why the sudden act of chivalry?"