The black-robed figure did not answer but simply sat in the nearby chair.
Shortly after the middle-aged man left, a beautiful maid entered to serve tea.
The black-robed figure remained cold, so the maid sensibly stood a short distance away to serve in silence.
Before long, the middle-aged appraiser returned, leading an elderly man with white hair and beard but a vibrant spirit.
Old Mr.
Zheng first nodded to the black-robed figure, then carefully examined the golden crown.
After a moment, he set down his tools.
“Sir, this item does not seem to be an ancestral heirloom, but rather something obtained quite recently.”
The black-robed figure’s voice sounded flat and devoid of emotion.
“Does the Miteer Auction House require a detailed account of an item’s origin?”
“No, no, please do not misunderstand.
That was merely a small observation on my part.”
Old Mr.
Zheng smiled as he spoke.
“Judging by the style and form of this golden crown, it should be an ancient noble coronet from the region currently occupied by the Mu Lan Empire.
It is a very valuable antique.
Many major families in the Mu Lan Empire enjoy such historical artifacts to add to their heritage.
Over there, it would start at at least two hundred thousand gold coins.”
“However, in our Jia Ma Empire, the value might be quite a bit lower.
Only specific families would spend a large sum to buy it.
Our Black Rock City auction house happens to have an auction in three days.
If you entrust this golden crown to us, I dare not say much, but it will fetch at least one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins.”
The black-robed figure fell silent for a moment before that dry, scratchy voice spoke again.
“I heard that the Miteer family also purchases items directly.”
Old Mr.
Zheng was somewhat surprised.
“Sir, are you planning to sell it to us?
However, the buyback price is not as high as the auction price.
At most, it would be around one hundred and twenty thousand.”
The black-robed figure spoke once more.
“What I need is not gold coins, but other things.
Can you have the person in charge of the Miteer Auction House in Black Rock City come here?”
Old Mr.
Zheng’s expression grew serious.
He signaled the middle-aged man standing nearby, who immediately ran out to find someone, while Old Mr.
Zheng engaged the black-robed figure in small talk.
After a short time, a well-dressed middle-aged man entered the appraisal room.
“Miteer Qing, greetings, sir!
I wonder what Sir seeks in exchange for the golden crown?”
“Qi Methods.
I need a Wood-attribute Qi Method, at least at High Xuan Class.
It would be best if it came with a matching set of Dou Techniques!”
The black-robed figure flicked his sleeve, and three more treasures appeared on the table, glittering brilliantly under the light.
“These are the down payment.
If the Miteer family can satisfy me, I can produce at least ten more such treasures for exchange.”
Miteer Qing looked at the four treasures on the table, a flicker of heat passing through his eyes.
Old Mr.
Zheng checked them one by one and whispered into his ear.
Miteer Qing laughed bitterly.
“Sir, it’s not that I am unwilling to do this business, but I’m afraid I truly cannot make that decision.
Sir might not be aware of the situation within the Jia Ma Empire.
The Jia Ma Empire respects the Wind attribute above all.
The only High Xuan Class Qi Methods available on the market are of the Wind attribute.
For other attributes, the strongest available is the Mid Xuan Class.”
Miteer Qing began to explain an imperial secret.
On the Dou Qi Continent, what determined the upper limit of a person’s achievement was not talent, but the Qi Method they practiced.
Qi Methods are divided into four classes: Tian, Di, Xuan, and Huang.
Those circulating at the lowest levels of the continent for commoners are at most at the High Huang Class.
Qi Methods of Xuan Class and above are collectively blockaded by various sects and family factions.
The gap between Huang and Xuan Class is at least a tenfold difference in cultivation and recovery speed, and a several-fold difference in quality.
This is why Dou Zhe from families can easily counter-kill commoner Dou Zhe; the commoners simply hold no advantage.
In theory, it is as difficult as reaching the heavens for an ordinary person to obtain a high-level Qi Method.
However, nothing is absolute.
The Dou Qi Continent is vast, and there are many unknown recluses.
Before their lives end, they might hide their lifetime’s work in a secret location, waiting for a fated person.
There is a saying on the continent: “If one day you fall off a cliff or into a cave, do not panic.
Take two steps forward; perhaps you will become a powerhouse.”
This is not false.
History is full of stories of people becoming strong through such encounters.
Yan Qingshan’s own high-level skills came from such a source.
But these are the minority; the more reliable way is through auctions and the black market.
Yan Qingshan wasn’t even thinking about Tian or Di Class Qi Methods yet.
The fact that Xiao Yan could use a High Di Class Dou Technique to kill Dou Zong in this region proved that the surrounding empires and the Black Corner Region likely had nothing higher than High Di Class.
Yan Qingshan had originally planned to trade his wealth for better skills.
After all, relying solely on the techniques within the Lion Heart King Qi Method was a bit thin and easy for others to counter.
But from Miteer Qing, he learned that the high-level powers of the Jia Ma Empire had reached a consensus long ago.
High-level Qi Methods were monopolized and blockaded by several major factions to ensure their ruling status.
The Jia Ma Imperial Family respects the Earth attribute, the Mu Family of the military treats Wood as king, the Alchemist Association possesses the strongest Fire Qi Methods, the Yunlan Sect is peerless with the Wind attribute, and the Miteer family is famous for the Ice attribute.
Among these factions, the Yunlan Sect was founded by a Dou Zun and possesses more than one Di Class Wind-attribute Qi Method.
They do not fear challenges and have the lightest monopoly, even allowing High Xuan Class Wind Qi Methods to circulate freely.
The Yunlan Sect allows it, but the other major factions do not have that kind of confidence.
They instinctively join forces to ensure a monopoly over their respective attributes, so that geniuses of those attributes only have one path upward: joining their faction.
“Sir, to tell you the truth, the strongest Wood-attribute Qi Method in the Jia Ma Empire is High Xuan Class.
The few Wood-attribute Xuan Class Qi Methods that have appeared over the years have mostly been gathered by the Mu Family.”
Miteer Qing continued, “The Miteer family has indeed handled High Xuan Class Wood-attribute Qi Methods, but we have an agreement with the Mu Family.
Family disciples can practice them, but they cannot be circulated at will.
While your treasures are valuable, they are not enough to make the Miteer family take such a risk.
If you can lower your requirements, I can use my authority to bring a Mid Xuan Class Qi Method from the capital, and the matching Dou Technique could reach High Xuan Class.”
Generally, matching sets of Qi Methods and Dou Techniques are of the same rank, but it’s not rare for the technique to be one minor rank higher, as creating Dou Techniques is easier than creating Qi Methods.
“No need.”
The black-robed figure suddenly shook his head.
Miteer Qing was somewhat disappointed, but then heard the person speak again.
“You just said that what is blockaded are the Qi Methods, right?
The down payment remains the same.
Your Miteer family will help me find a Wood-attribute Di Class Dou Technique.
This condition shouldn’t be difficult, right?”
“This…
I can do that!”
Miteer Qing considered for a moment.
“But I won’t hide it from you; Di Class Dou Techniques are precious anywhere.
Even with the Miteer family’s power, finding a suitable Di Class technique will take time.”
Miteer Qing was actually excited.
A Di Class Dou Technique was worth less than a Qi Method in practical utility, but its market price was far higher than a High Xuan Class Qi Method.
For instance, the Low Di Class movement technique, Three Thousand Lightning Movement, auctioned in the Black Corner Region, fetched an astronomical price of ten million gold coins.
Of course, a movement technique is worth far more than a standard combat technique.
The Di Class Wood-attribute combat technique this person wanted would certainly not be less than a million.
The black-robed figure thought for a moment and raised a finger.
“One year!
Leave me a token.
One year from now, I will find the Miteer family again.
I believe you won’t joke with your own reputation.”
“The Miteer Auction House trades across the nation; what we value most is our reputation!”
Miteer Qing stepped forward with a bow and left a jade token.
“This is my identity token; it represents the entire Miteer branch in Black Rock City.”
“I also need a 4th Rank Ice-attribute Monster Core!”
The black-robed figure spoke again, this time taking out a pile of gold coins.
“I will send someone to fetch it immediately!”
Miteer Qing nodded quickly.
The Miteer family respected the Ice attribute and was always collecting related materials, rarely trading them away.
But with the previous exchange, this trade went very smoothly.
…
‘As expected, high-level Qi Methods are blockaded and monopolized.
The Mu Family, huh…’
On the streets of Black Rock City, Yan Qingshan, who had obtained the 4th Rank Ice-attribute Monster Core, was not particularly happy.
Failing to get a more suitable high-level Wood-attribute Qi Method left him disappointed.
His cultivation of the Lion Heart King Qi Method had reached a significant level.
Having undergone one Lion Heart Baptism, his current cultivation speed was not much slower than someone using a High Xuan Class Wood Qi Method, but the attribute wasn’t a perfect match, leading to minor issues during circulation.
Of course, he wasn’t in a desperate rush to change his Qi Method; he had simply wanted to test the waters.
The result was this somewhat unpleasant news.
However, he had been mentally prepared for this.
The monopoly meant the highest Qi Methods in circulation were Xuan Class, though things were more relaxed regarding Dou Techniques and secret arts.
Anyone can practice a Qi Method, and while the effects vary, a high-level Qi Method almost guarantees significant achievement.
Dou Techniques, however, truly depend on talent.
Even if a lucky person obtains a high-level technique, they might not be able to master it.
Thus, commoners have a chance to obtain high-level Dou Techniques through various channels.
He currently only had the Mad Lion’s Roar as a standard combat method, which was a bit too singular.
He needed stronger trump cards.
Although Di Class Dou Techniques were hard to learn, he had Dawn.
Once mastered, he would have another powerful hidden card.
(End of Chapter)