Chapter 300: The Dagger Revealed, Mo Yu Takes Action
As soon as Qi Shan appeared, the voices of the many alchemists in the hall quieted down significantly. Those with greater strength had somewhat unnatural expressions on their faces. Even the charming Mistress Yao, standing on the stage, was momentarily stunned before quickly composing herself with a welcoming smile. She hurried down from the stage to greet the red-faced elder with a sweet laugh, "Oh, it's Elder Qi gracing us with your presence! With the Black Emperor Sect hosting such a large exchange today, I thought you might be too busy to attend."
"Hehe, what are you saying, Mistress Yao? The medicinal herbs at the Thousand Medicinal Hall are always of exceptional quality. Even I couldn't resist, and this rare exchange event doesn't happen often. No matter how busy I am, I had to come check it out." Qi Shan laughed loudly, his voice so booming that several people in the hall frowned slightly. However, considering his reputation and status in Black Emperor City, no one dared to complain.
"Having Elder Qi visit our humble shop is truly an honor. Fortunately, the exchange event hasn't officially begun yet. Please, take a seat." Mistress Yao smiled warmly as she gestured him to the most prestigious seat.
Qi Shan didn't stand on ceremony, laughing loudly as he walked to the main seat at the front, sitting down without hesitation. His gaze swept casually across the room, momentarily pausing on Mo Yu. For some reason, he felt a faint sense of discomfort and familiarity from the black-robed figure.
"Mistress Yao, who is this person? I've never seen him at the Thousand Medicinal Hall before," Qi Shan asked, frowning slightly and pointing at Mo Yu.
Following his gaze, Mistress Yao looked in Mo Yu's direction, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. She then replied with some embarrassment, "Elder Qi, this gentleman is not an alchemist, but he holds one of our VIP tokens, which grants him access to the second floor. According to our store's rules, we do not reveal the identities of our guests."
Qi Shan's face darkened with displeasure. "So you're treating me like an outsider, Mistress Yao? After all these years of my support for your business, you disregard me?"
Mistress Yao internally cursed Qi Shan. Every time he came, he used his influence in Black Emperor City to scare off competitors, costing the Thousand Medicinal Hall a significant amount of revenue. Yet, he still had the audacity to claim he was doing them a favor! Despite these thoughts, Mistress Yao managed to suppress her frustration and plastered a smile back on her face. She then ascended the stage to officially begin the exchange.
Mo Yu, sitting further back, had no interest in the medicinal herbs presented. His goal was not the herbs but Qi Shan himself. However, as the event progressed, Mo Yu observed Qi Shan's significant influence in Black Emperor City and his unpopularity among the alchemists. Even Mistress Yao seemed to begrudgingly tolerate him due to his power.
This realization played to Mo Yu's advantage, as it would make his upcoming plan much easier to execute.
As time passed, lower-quality herbs were gradually picked over, and more valuable ones began to appear. Those alchemists who had been sitting quietly until now grew increasingly interested, slowly making their way forward to negotiate trades.
Finally, Mistress Yao announced, "Now, we present the highest-quality medicinal herbs in our possession. These herbs cost us greatly to acquire." She signaled, and a group of attendants carried out five emerald-like jade boxes. The moment they appeared, a rich medicinal fragrance filled the hall, surprising many of the alchemists.
Even Qi Shan, who had been lounging in his seat, sat up straight, his eyes gleaming as they locked onto the jade boxes.
Mistress Yao surveyed the room, her gaze pausing on Mo Yu. With a smile, she said, "These five herbs are of the highest quality. If anyone is interested, feel free to make an offer."
Mo Yu's previously indifferent expression sharpened as he fixed his gaze on the final jade box. With his keen eyes, he immediately recognized the herb inside—it was the Royal Bloodline Fruit, capable of restoring the power of ancient bloodlines.
This was the very same fruit he had used back in the Jia Ma Empire to help restore Uncle Snake's bloodline power, allowing him to fight on par with Dou Zong warriors. Without it, Mo Yu would have faced far greater danger in the Yun Lan Sect battle. Now, seeing another one here was a pleasant surprise, adding to his already carefully laid plans.
Mo Yu's silver eyes narrowed as he stood up, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall as he made his way toward the stage.
The crowd watched closely, wondering if this young man could really afford to exchange for one of these rare herbs, which required high-level fourth- or fifth-grade pills in return.
Reaching the stage, Mo Yu smiled slightly at Mistress Yao and calmly placed his hand on the last jade box. "Mistress Yao, what would it take to exchange for this Royal Bloodline Fruit?" he asked.
Mistress Yao smiled sweetly, but before she could reply, her expression suddenly changed. A large hand had appeared out of nowhere, pressing down on the jade box. A booming voice echoed through the hall, "I'll be taking this Royal Bloodline Fruit."
The sudden interruption stunned everyone. When they realized who the hand belonged to, their expressions became complicated, and they glanced sympathetically at Mo Yu.
Mo Yu blinked, his lips curling into an amused smile. "How convenient," he thought. "Qi Shan, you're practically throwing yourself into the trap."
From the start, Qi Shan had been Mo Yu's target. The appearance of the Royal Bloodline Fruit had merely piqued his interest, but now Qi Shan had stepped in, making him the perfect mark.
Mistress Yao, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, forced a smile and said, "Elder Qi, this gentleman was here first. Isn't this a bit unfair?"
Qi Shan, now visibly displeased, replied, "Mistress Yao, this is a bidding exchange—highest offer wins. First come, first serve doesn't apply here."
Reluctantly, Mistress Yao nodded, though she silently cursed Qi Shan. He was notorious for using his influence to get what he wanted without offering a fair trade.
Qi Shan, oblivious to her frustration, turned to Mo Yu and forced a smile. "My friend, I'm Qi Shan. I'm currently in need of the Royal Bloodline Fruit for a pill I'm refining. I'd appreciate it if you could let me have it."
Despite his polite words, Qi Shan's hand remained firmly on the jade box, showing no intention of letting go.
In the hall, many people pitied Mo Yu. It was widely known that Qi Shan liked to bully others into submission, and it seemed this young man was about to learn that lesson the hard way.
Mo Yu remained silent for a moment before calmly pulling the jade box toward him. "Qi Shan? Too bad. I didn't even care about Han Feng, so what makes you think your name matters to me? I intend to take this Royal Bloodline Fruit, and I'm afraid I can't let it go."
As his words fell, the hall fell into stunned silence. Even Mistress Yao was taken aback. No one had expected this young man to so boldly refuse Qi Shan, and with such arrogance.
Qi Shan's face twisted with fury, his eyes darkening. "You cowardly wretch! Hiding behind a mask and daring to spout such nonsense! Han Feng is one of the Black-Corner Region's most powerful alchemists, ranked third on the Black List. You dare speak ill of him?"
Although Qi Shan barked these words, he felt a growing sense of unease. There was something oddly familiar about this person's voice and aura.
Trying to shake off his doubts, Qi Shan sneered and turned back to Mistress Yao. "I have a Windwalking Pill here, a fifth-grade pill that can greatly increase one's speed in an emergency. This brat surely has nothing of comparable value, so let's settle this and give me the Royal Bloodline Fruit."
He placed the jade bottle on the table, and Mistress Yao carefully handed it to the elderly man beside her for verification. After a quick inspection, the elder nodded, confirming the pill's authenticity.
Satisfied, Qi Shan reached for the jade box in front of Mo Yu, but just as he extended his hand, Mo Yu's hand shot out, stopping him. With a smirk, Mo Yu said, "Aren't you being a bit too hasty? I haven't made my offer yet."
Qi Shan's eyes narrowed in cold anger. "Who exactly are you? Do you really want to make an enemy of the Black Emperor Sect?"
Mo Yu's smile deepened. "Didn't I already tell you? I don't care about the Black Alliance. So what if I offend the Black Emperor Sect?"
Qi Shan's expression shifted from disdain to shock as he recalled the silver eyes and the voice. Suddenly, it hit him. "You... you're..."
But before he could finish, a powerful wave of energy surged from behind him. Startled, Qi Shan immediately summoned his fiery Dou Qi to counter the incoming attack.
"Boom!"
A thunderous explosion rocked the hall as energy rippled outward, forcing everyone to retreat. Shocked, they turned their gaze to the black-robed figure enveloped in a terrifying surge of purple-gold energy.
"Dou Zong?" came the astonished murmurs from the alchemists on the second floor.
Realizing the danger, most of the alchemists hurriedly excused themselves and left, leaving only Mistress Yao, the elderly man, Mo Yu, and Qi Shan.
Qi Shan barely managed to deflect the attack, but his face paled with disbelief as he turned to face Mo Yu. "A Dou Zong... Who are you? Why are you targeting me?"
Mistress Yao and the elderly man were equally stunned, their eyes wide with shock. The young man who had spoken so casually was actually a Dou Zong?
Mo Yu chuckled. "Elder Qi, have you really forgotten me?" Slowly, he pulled back his hood, revealing his striking, devilishly handsome face.
Qi Shan's eyes locked onto Mo Yu's familiar silver eyes. His face twisted with rage and fear as he gritted his teeth and growled, "So it's you... Mo Yu, Lord of Yuan Manor!"
(End of Chapter)
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