"Sir, may I have a minute of your time?"
Ai Lin, dressed in an elegant, simple dress, appeared at the main entrance of the auction house, stopping Han Feng just in time.
Looking at the slightly breathless woman, Han Feng was a bit surprised. Why would she be here?
"Lady Ai Lin, is the auction already over?"
"Yes, the auction was very successful. I must also thank you for your generosity, sir."
Ai Lin bowed slightly towards Han Feng.
"There's no need. We each took what we needed."
Han Feng gestured with his hand, indicating that she didn't need to be so polite.
"I came out to find you, sir, to ask if you still need more Heaven Origin Flowers?"
Miteer Ai Lin made no mention of the huge sum she had seen earlier, but instead probed Han Feng's needs.
"Heaven Origin Flowers?"
To cultivate the "Heaven Origin Finger," one Heaven Origin Flower was enough to get started. But to cultivate it to perfection, the number required was more than just one or two.
One must know that even the entry-level "Heaven Origin Finger" was a high-level Earth-rank Dou Skill.
As more fingers were tempered, the effect it produced would naturally become stronger.
At its highest level, with five fingers forming a palm, it could stabilize the universe, forming a domain where all beings were equal. Any enemy who entered it would have their Dou Qi weakened.
In his previous life, Han Feng had used this very Dou Skill, with a Half-Saint cultivation, to forcefully kill a one-star Dou Saint.
That incident had shocked the entire Central Plains continent at the time. After all, people who could "defeat a Saint" were few and far between in the entire history of the Dou Qi Continent.
"I do need them. Does your esteemed house have more in stock?"
Ai Lin smiled slightly and said, "We don't have any in stock, but I can contact the guest who auctioned the Heaven Origin Flower for you, sir."
"Lady Ai Lin, why are you being so polite? Is there something you need?" Han Feng asked directly, a bit puzzled.
"Sir, you spent a million gold coins in one go this time. I should have personally hosted you, but I didn't expect you to leave early. So, after the auction ended, I took the initiative to chase after you. I didn't expect to catch you just in time. I hope you can forgive my presumptuousness, sir."
Ai Lin adopted a humble posture, her words tinged with a hint of flattery.
A million gold coins was nothing to the Miteer family. From this Xuan-rank auction alone, the Miteer family's commission was more than a million. But the financial power displayed on Han Feng's gold card forced Ai Lin to bow her head and seek a connection.
"Lady Ai Lin, you don't have to be like this... I am not from the Jia Ma Empire, so being on good terms with me might not bring so many benefits to you or the Miteer family."
Han Feng smiled and then stated it plainly. How could he not see through her intentions?
"Eh?"
Ai Lin was taken aback, then her tone carried a hint of grievance.
"You are so direct, sir..."
"Whether there are benefits or not, Ai Lin is willing to help you, sir. If you still need Heaven Origin Flowers, just give me... one day's time."
Han Feng smiled lightly and did not refuse Ai Lin's kindness.
"Alright then. I will wait for you for one day. If you have more Heaven Origin Flowers, come find me at the Bright Moon Inn."
After speaking, Han Feng nodded to Ai Lin and left with a somewhat stunned Lin Xian'er.
"Phew!"
Watching the two of them leave, Ai Lin, who had been proactive all along, actually breathed a sigh of relief.
She didn't know if it was an illusion, but Ai Lin felt that in front of him, her aura was weakened by more than just a little.
In their conversation just now, she hadn't even had time to ask his name.
Ai Lin's face showed a slight disappointment, but she quickly adjusted and regained her previous calm and confident demeanor.
Han Feng and Lin Xian'er left the Miteer Auction House. Only then did the little girl come to her senses.
"That lady just now was so beautiful."
Hearing Lin Xian'er's belated praise, Han Feng couldn't help but laugh and patted the little girl's head.
"Xian'er will definitely be a great beauty when she grows up too."
Lin Xian'er lowered her head shyly, as silent as a quail.
Bright Moon Inn.
Han Feng sat cross-legged in his room and took out the Heaven Origin Flower he had won today.
This fifth-tier herb was very fresh; it was clear that it had been picked recently.
The Heaven Origin Flower was a profound white color all over. Its five petals were as crystal clear as jade, and the silver stamen in the middle was dotted like a starry sky.
Han Feng circulated the cultivation path of the "Heaven Origin Finger." Wisps of blue Dou Qi flowed from his forearm to his palm, finally converging on his index finger, emitting a bright white light.
Feeling the strange energy emanating from his index finger, Han Feng extended it above the stamen of the Heaven Origin Flower.
The two instantly sensed each other. The silver stamen gradually detached from the flower, turning into specks of starlight that entered Han Feng's index finger.
The five petals closed up, gently enveloping his index finger. The rich life force made his finger feel warm and pleasant, as if it were in a hot spring.
The "Heaven Origin Finger" was Han Feng's signature Dou Skill in his previous life. Its power lay not only in its might but also in its power of creation.
The further he cultivated it, the more Han Feng understood that this Dou Skill was not born for killing but for creation.
It simulated the beginning of heaven and earth, the evolution of living beings.
It could kill, and it could also save.
Already familiar with the cultivation method, Han Feng only took half an hour to absorb the energy of one Heaven Origin Flower and successfully master the entry-level of the "Heaven Origin Finger."
Now, just by lightly circulating his Dou Qi, his right index finger would emit a jade-white light. Accompanied by a powerful life force, Han Feng pointed forward gently.
"One finger to open heaven and earth!"
A sharp Heaven Origin Finger force shot out instantly. But halfway through its flight, Han Feng lightly lifted his finger, and the finger force became as gentle as a spring breeze, turning into a ball of Dou Qi that slowly dispersed.
Lin Xian'er, who was cultivating, only felt a gentle breeze blow past, and then her surroundings returned to calm.
With his finger force under perfect control, Han Feng had cleared the meridians in his index finger. A faint smile appeared on his face.
A Dou Saint expert mastered no less than a hundred Dou Skills, but there were only a few that they were truly proficient in using.
For Han Feng, the "Heaven Origin Finger" was a common auxiliary-type Dou Skill that could be used all the way to the late stages.
Han Feng glanced at the time. It was almost time for dinner, so he took out a book to read, waiting for Lin Xian'er to finish her cultivation before going to eat.
The next day.
Miteer Ai Lin arrived at the Bright Moon Inn early in the morning. She had already communicated with the seller of the Heaven Origin Flower yesterday.
The other party indeed had more than one Heaven Origin Flower. Ai Lin had reserved one at a high price, and the seller said it would be delivered in half a month.
Ai Lin faintly guessed that the other party likely had a dedicated channel for Heaven Origin Flowers.
With this discovery, Ai Lin couldn't wait to come to the Bright Moon Inn, hoping to deepen her relationship with Han Feng.
A staff member went upstairs to inform Han Feng of Miteer Ai Lin's arrival. Han Feng was a little surprised to hear it.
Coming at this time, it seemed there was good news.
Glancing at the still-sleeping Lin Xian'er, Han Feng gently closed the door, went downstairs, and met with Ai Lin.
"Good morning, sir."
"Good morning, Lady Ai Lin."
Han Feng responded with a smile.
"I have some good news for you, sir." Ai Lin smiled and bowed.
"Yesterday, I contacted that guest. They indeed have more than one Heaven Origin Flower. I reserved one at a high price, but it won't be delivered to Black Rock City for another half a month."
"Oh? More than one?"
Han Feng's heart stirred upon hearing this.
"Yes. I suspect that guest may have a special channel for obtaining Heaven Origin Flowers. Sir, do you need a large quantity of them?" Ai Lin asked.
"As many Heaven Origin Flowers as there are, I will take them."
"If that's the case, then perhaps we can stay in touch?" Ai Lin asked tentatively.
"My name is Han Feng."
Han Feng extended his hand.
Ai Lin shook Han Feng's hand in pleasant surprise.
"Mr. Han, thank you for being willing to cooperate with the Miteer family."
"We each take what we need."
Han Feng said this for the second time, but compared to yesterday, Ai Lin had already established a long-term trading relationship with Han Feng today.
Her goal of winning over a major figure for the Miteer family had also been successfully completed.
Ai Lin took out her exclusive badge and gave it to Han Feng.
"If you come to the Miteer Auction House in the future, Mr. Han, you can use this badge to contact me."
Han Feng took the badge, which was marked with Ai Lin's exclusive characters.
Had he now become a special client for her to develop?
Smiling, Han Feng also took out the contact token he had made and gave it to Ai Lin.
"Lady Ai Lin can also use this token to contact me in the future."
Ai Lin received the token as if it were a priceless treasure, her face full of pleasant surprise.
"Since the Heaven Origin Flower won't arrive for another half a month, I won't stay in Black Rock City any longer."
"Is Mr. Han leaving today?" Miteer Ai Lin asked in surprise. She had wanted to talk more with this mysterious and incredibly wealthy guest.
"Yes. I plan to take a flying magical beast to the Tagor Desert."
"I see. That's no problem. The Miteer family also has a presence on the desert border. When the time comes, Mr. Han can use the badge to access the family's internal communication channels. I will have the Heaven Origin Flower delivered to you in a timely manner."
"In that case, I will have to trouble you."
Han Feng thanked Ai Lin.
"As for the cost, I won't let you suffer a loss, Lady Ai Lin. I will pay fifty percent more than your transaction price."
Hearing this, Ai Lin said in a slightly chiding tone, "Mr. Han, since we have exchanged tokens, we can be considered friends. How could I possibly make money off you?"
Han Feng smiled without speaking. In fact, he knew that more than half of the emotions and actions Ai Lin was displaying now were an act, but he didn't care.
The two had breakfast together. Han Feng, as usual, brought a portion back for Lin Xian'er.
But before he could finish eating, Ai Lin's guards brought two flight tickets.
"Mr. Han, this is the exclusive flight ticket of my Miteer family. With this ticket, you can enjoy some special privileges. I hope you and your esteemed daughter have a pleasant journey."
"I've really troubled you."
Han Feng did not refuse. After accepting the tickets, he said with a smile, "Xian'er is my disciple. Please don't get it wrong next time, Lady Ai Lin."
Ai Lin covered her lips and smiled, the moist luster in her eyes flowing. No matter from which angle one looked, she was a beauty. No wonder Lin Xian'er was stunned yesterday.
However, Han Feng seemed to be a straight man, never showing any amazed admiration for Ai Lin's beauty.
Until Han Feng turned back to the inn, there was no ambiguous atmosphere between them.
This made Ai Lin feel a bit frustrated again, even suspecting if there was something wrong with her attire this morning.
As a gold-medal auctioneer of the Miteer family, using their beauty to get closer to high-quality clients was a common tactic for female auctioneers.
The family's training team even had special courses on this, teaching the women of the family how to navigate among major clients, to be able to walk through a field of flowers without a single petal sticking.
Although Ai Lin was still a virgin, her practiced charm would probably make everyone think she was a battle-hardened woman.
Although this image lacked some purity, it often made clients lower their guard.
Han Feng returned to the inn and placed the breakfast on the table. Lin Xian'er had already woken up and was washing up.
This morning, Ai Lin had brought him good news.
A channel through which he could obtain more than one Heaven Origin Flower.
If that was the case, then having dealings with her was not a loss.
At least until Han Feng officially perfected his cultivation of the "Heaven Origin Finger," this channel would still be useful.
Due to the special regulations of the Miteer Auction House, Ai Lin could not disclose the detailed information of the relevant guest, and Han Feng had no intention of breaking the rules.
Anyway, he still had other things that took priority now. The Heaven Origin Flowers could be dealt with slowly.
"Master, are we leaving today?"
After Lin Xian'er finished washing up, she came out for breakfast and saw the flight tickets on the table.
"Yes, but it takes off at ten, so it's still early."
Han Feng fiddled with the Ai Lin badge in his hand and watched Lin Xian'er eat with a smile on his face.
During the time from morning until takeoff, Lin Xian'er did her morning lessons, while Han Feng took the opportunity to refine some more pills for use in the desert.
The simplest was a moisturizing lotion made from Ice Liquid Grass and Bee Fragrance Resin, a second-grade product. It would surely sell like hotcakes in the cities on the edge of the desert.
Han Feng brought Lin Xian'er to the flying magical beast field an hour in advance. There was a long queue, but Han Feng's special ticket allowed them to go through a special channel.
Bypassing the crowd and boarding the flying magical beast, Han Feng found that many of the people already on board were alchemists.
As a benefit of the empire's policy, alchemists could enjoy free transportation and special treatment.
Arriving at their seats, they found it was a separate private room. The special treatment from the Miteer family was no worse than that of those alchemists, and perhaps even better.
Han Feng slapped his forehead. He had almost forgotten that he was also an alchemist.
However, if he showed his sixth-grade alchemist badge, it would probably cause quite a stir. It was better to keep it hidden.
After all, this operation should not cause too much commotion or be known by too many people.
After waiting quietly for an hour, Han Feng had already begun today's lesson for Lin Xian'er in the private room.
An hour later, the flying magical beast took off on time, its destination: Desert City.
It was Lin Xian'er's first time on a flying magical beast. She was so startled that she hugged Han Feng, her little head secretly peeking out the window, her eyes full of curiosity.
The Thick-Winged Bird flapped its huge wings. The air currents surged, and it rose slowly.
"Master, it's flying, it's flying!"
Han Feng held his timid disciple tightly and patted her back comfortingly.
After the flight stabilized, Han Feng, holding a book on medicinal ingredients in one hand, lifted Lin Xian'er, who was clinging to him, off his body with the other.
"Alright, let's continue."
Lin Xian'er was still in a state of shock, but seeing that it was time for class, she immediately sat down obediently and looked at Han Feng seriously.