Behind the screen, a whispering conversation ensued, but the words were indistinct. Soon, Manager Hua emerged.

"Young Master Li, do you have any top-grade detoxification pills? My young miss is willing to pay a high price for them."

"These pills were crafted by the elders of my sect; I’ll need to check if we have any top-grade body-refining pills," Li Sheng replied ambiguously.

"Thank you for your trouble. We will ensure you are satisfied with the auction results. From today on, you are a VIP gold card member at Baibao Pavilion, enjoying an 20% discount on all purchases."

"Gold card member?" Manager Hua looked surprised; only the capital city had the authority to issue gold cards.

"20% off?" Li Sheng’s eyes lit up; this was a substantial benefit.

"Thank you, miss." Li Sheng’s smile became more genuine. After a few pleasantries, he left the appraisal hall with Bai Ye.

"Isn’t giving him a gold card too much?" Manager Hua couldn’t help but ask after they left.

"According to my intel, only these two remain from Qingling Sect. These pills look freshly crafted, likely by Young Master Li himself."

"But what if we guessed wrong? You only have one gold card to give in a year, and the upcoming capital city competition is a great opportunity to win hearts. Issuing the card now..."

"A talented alchemist is worth the risk. It’s better to help him when he’s struggling than to flatter him when he’s prosperous," Manager Hua insisted.

"Alright, I must take my leave."

"Leaving so soon? Qingqing has been missing you."

"I have matters to attend to. Once she’s older, I’ll take her to me for some training."

"Thank you, miss!" Manager Hua bowed, but when she looked up, the screen was empty.

"Miss has such courage... a gold card is worth thousands of spirit stones if auctioned..."

Manager Hua pondered and then instructed, "Manager Liu, spread the news before the auction, especially to the sects, families, and martial halls."

Manager Liu respectfully agreed, but just as he was about to leave, a cold voice echoed.

"If even a hint of today’s events leaks, you know the consequences."

At this, both the appraisers and Manager Liu felt a chill.

In the corridor, Li Sheng toyed with the token, casually tossing it to Bai Ye.

"Here, you take it."

Bai Ye caught it, intending to explain its value, but reconsidered, knowing her brother didn’t care for high-grade pills or spirit-level martial arts.

"Okay."

After a short stroll, they returned to the inn to rest, with nearly three hours left until the auction began.

As night fell, Qing Shan City grew even more boisterous.

"Bang bang..."

"Brother, it’s almost time."

Li Sheng opened his eyes, concluding his meditation, and stepped out of the room.

Outside Baibao Pavilion, a pair of beautiful women scanned the crowd, seemingly searching for someone.

Most passersby stole glances at them, leading to some comical collisions.

The younger girl said, "Mother, the auction is about to start; we haven’t seen them yet. Could they have gone in already?"

"Don’t worry, Hong Ying. Just wait a bit longer." The older woman appeared calm, though her eyes betrayed her anxiety.

"I wonder if there will be detoxification pills at the auction; Mother’s health is worsening..." Hong Ying lowered her head, feeling despondent.

Stolen novel; please report.

When two figures appeared at the end of the street, the girl exclaimed, "They’re here! They’re here!"

"Don’t shout; that’s not proper for a girl!" The older woman lightly scolded her daughter.

Li Sheng and Bai Ye spotted the mother and daughter, and Bai Ye stepped forward, whispering, "Brother, that woman is Liu Hongfeng, the leader of the Flower Pavilion Sect. I only recognized her now from this morning."

"Liu Hongfeng, a sixth-grade detoxification practitioner..." Li Sheng mused, recalling her.

As the two groups drew closer, Liu Hongfeng stepped forward, about to speak, only to be blocked by Bai Ye.

Though veiled, Bai Ye’s enchanting presence impressed Liu Hongfeng, who admired her beauty inwardly.

"What a graceful snow lotus."

"Excuse me for the interruption. I am Liu Hongfeng, leader of the Flower Pavilion Sect, and this is my daughter, Liu Hongying," she said, her voice as soothing as a spring breeze.

Bai Ye relaxed her grip on her sword slightly.

"Junior Sister." Li Sheng tugged Bai Ye’s sleeve, reassuring her, and stepped forward, saying, "I am Li Sheng, leader of the Qingling Sect. Greetings, Leader Liu."

"Qingling Sect? You are the one who..."

"Hong Ying! Be polite!" Liu Hongfeng furrowed her brows, scolding her daughter.

"My daughter misspoke, and I apologize on her behalf," she added, bowing slightly.

Li Sheng raised his hand in a gesture of dismissal. "No need to apologize, Leader Liu; children speak their minds."

Seeing her mother apologize, Liu Hongying felt embarrassed, covering her mouth cutely.

"What brings you to stop us, Leader Liu?" Li Sheng asked, puzzled.

"I would like to ask for your help in crafting a detoxification pill, preferably of medium grade or higher. I won’t trouble you without compensation; I can offer a hundred spirit stones for your efforts. Would you be willing?"

"A sixth-grade detoxification pill?" Li Sheng understood the significance of such pills, which could cleanse toxins and restore health.

"Leader Liu is quite confident I can craft one?" He felt disappointed in Baibao Pavilion for spreading the news so quickly.

"It's just a hope, a last-ditch effort."

"Please elaborate."

"After we exited the appraisal hall, we waited in the lobby. Not long after, news broke that fifteen top-grade pills would be auctioned. Since only you two entered the appraisal room, I..."

"I see. However, you might be disappointed; I cannot produce any sixth-grade pills. You’ve mistaken the person."

Li Sheng shook his head. He had already turned down the mysterious woman from Baibao Pavilion, let alone an unrelated sect like the Flower Pavilion.

"Forgive me for the intrusion, Leader Li... cough, cough." Liu Hongfeng’s expression turned solemn as she coughed a few times.

"Mother! You’re coughing up blood again!" Liu Hongying panicked, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe her mother’s mouth, her face full of concern.

"Leader Liu, I must take my leave." Li Sheng clasped his hands, intending to walk past the mother and daughter.

But as he took a step, he felt a tug on his sleeve, halting him.

Taking another step, he was pulled back again, still unable to move.