However, Medicinal Saint Valley was strict in accepting disciples, and even if you had a high Realm, without the talent for Alchemy, you could not join; hence she couldn't be sure that Lin Yifan was from Medicinal Saint Valley.

"An antidote to the poison concocted by the Witchcraft True Master? Does such a person even exist in this world?" Lin Yifan was astounded.

He thought that only he could neutralize the Witchcraft True Master's poison, but to find out that someone else could was truly astonishing.

He felt that this person must be an exceptional Alchemist, and there could be no better choice for a fictitious "Master"; with such a powerful backer, he believed no one would dare to provoke him.

However, being too ostentatious sometimes backfired, so it was necessary to be subtle and make others see without seeing.

"The Sect's rules are strict; I cannot reveal my identity. You must understand this on your own," Lin Yifan replied, raising an eyebrow.

Receiving such a cryptic signal, Zhong Hongyan suddenly realized. She had heard about the strict discipline of Medicinal Saint Valley, where disciples were not allowed to flaunt their Sect's name outside to deceive others, and violators would be executed. Thus, she understood the meaning behind Lin Yifan's raised eyebrow and his words.

Seeing Zhong Hongyan smile, Lin Yifan knew he had succeeded in deceiving her.

"Oh yeah! What a scheming girl, in front of me, she's just a fool."

Actually, the reason Zhong Hongyan believed without any doubt that Lin Yifan was from Medicinal Saint Valley was entirely due to the elixir; aside from Medicinal Saint Valley, it was really hard to find an Alchemist who could neutralize the Hundred Steps Heart-Piercing Poison.

The test results were quickly revealed, and upon hearing that the pill was genuine, Zhong Hongyan's pupils dilated, her breathing quickened, and she felt even more convinced that Lin Yifan was indeed from Medicinal Saint Valley.

"No way! I must try my best to make connections!"

She felt the chances for the grand auction were coming and was extremely excited.

"Mr. Lin! Congratulations! The elixir is real, and the quality is not bad either!" Zhong Hongyan reached out to shake hands with Lin Yifan, congratulating him repeatedly.

Watching this scene, the staff present were shocked. They had never expected Lady Zhong, who usually scorned everything, to be extending her hand to a young man. It was unbelievable.

"What happened to Lady Zhong? Where have her usual haughtiness and contempt for everything gone?"

"Who is this man? What is he about?"

The staff whispered among themselves, starting a buzz of speculation.

Witnessing this scene, Lin Yifan was also somewhat taken aback and wondering what Zhong Hongyan was doing; however, recalling their prior conversation, he quickly knew the answer. It had to be the influence of the fictitious "Master," otherwise Zhong Hongyan wouldn't have suddenly become so attentive.

Touching Zhong Hongyan's soft hand, Lin Yifan was smug; such a beautiful hand, there must not be many men who could touch it.

It provoked envy, truly provoking envy; seeing Lin Yifan brazenly caressing Miss Zhong's delicate hand, the staff at the auction were extremely jealous, almost wishing they could flay Lin Yifan's skin and pull his bones out.

"Tsk tsk! Miss Zhong's hand is really smooth, must taste very delicious!" Lin Yifan said with a teasing smile.

Since Zhong Hongyan was so forward and unrestrained, he saw no reason to hold back himself. Life was but a game, and he was curious to see just how much endurance and sacrifice Zhong Hongyan was capable of.

"Hmph! Pervert! If you want to taste Miss's hand, then do your best to facilitate business relations between Medicinal Saint Valley and Yegui Xiang Auction House in front of your Master," Zhong Hongyan forcefully freed her hand.

The easier it is to obtain something, the less it's valued; hence, she understood how to whet the appetite of a desirous man.

Moreover, for someone as proud as herself, a mere alchemist wasn't enough to make her sacrifice her allure; unless Lin Yifan fully inherited the abilities of the Bright True Master.

"Medicinal Saint Valley? So there's such a mysterious Sect in existence," Lin Yifan learned another important piece of information.

He believed his so-called master must be the Valley Master of the Medicinal Saint Valley; only the Valley Master would have the authority to command the entire Medicinal Saint Valley to collaborate with the Night Osmanthus Auction.

"Can't I taste it first?" Lin Yifan asked curiously.

He wanted to know just how lofty Zhong Hongyan's pride was.

"I'm someone who likes a fair trade, not one who likes to pay first and receive the goods later," Zhong Hongyan flatly refused.

"I see! It seems Miss Zhong is indeed a tough nut to crack!" Lin Yifan said meaningfully.

"Hmph! A piece of succulent meat, not something everyone can chew on," Zhong Hongyan responded with a smile.

"Since that's the case, all I can say is that I'll try my best to consume this piece of succulent meat, but whether or not I can succeed, I don't know," Lin Yifan responded to the demand Zhong Hongyan had just made.

When seeking someone else's help, it's still necessary to offer a benefit in return; yet, it should be within limits—one shouldn't promise what one can't deliver.

"Then let me thank Mr. Lin in advance," Zhong Hongyan responded with a clenched fist and a bow.

"Alright! We'll discuss this matter later; for now, I just want to know what the starting price of this Elixir is?" Lin Yifan changed the subject.

At the auction, the final price of an item is unknown; thus, one can only know a vague starting price.

This starting price can serve as a good reference to let the original owner know whether they are at a loss or a profit.

"Last time, half a Pill's starting price was one billion; although this Antidote's medical effect is insufficient, it still has some usefulness—it can alleviate the symptoms of the poisoned and prolong life; therefore, we suggest a starting price of one billion; what do you think Mr. Lin?" Zhong Hongyan answered.

"One billion? Wow, I even made back my principal with interest in one go," Lin Yifan was thrilled.

He had spent only tens of millions on several batches of medicinal materials, and now, an Elixir refined from one batch was fetching over a billion, which was a huge gain.

"No problem! I believe your Night Osmanthus Auction is an outstanding business that wouldn't miss a chance to make money," Lin Yifan answered with a satisfied grin.

"With the starting price set, the next step is to decide to whom you want to sell this Elixir; if you want to sell to a bidder, our auction will charge a certain commission; if you want to sell to our Night Osmanthus Auction, we will offer a price higher than the starting price for your consideration; which would you prefer?" Zhong Hongyan inquired.

"How much would your auction offer to buy this Elixir?" Lin Yifan asked curiously.

"Up to two billion!" Zhong Hongyan answered.

The risk involved in an auction item was too great; if the bidders were lukewarm, or perhaps weren't interested in buying at all, then their Night Osmanthus Auction would be at a loss; thus, the purchasing price generally wouldn't differ much from the starting price.

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