Is This The Background of Heaven Ascending Pavilion?

Although Tengshan did not open his eyes, he still could sense the presence of everyone in the room. However, when he focused his senses on Li Xiao, his eyes involuntarily snapped open, revealing a hint of surprise.

"This young brother is really extraordinary; even I can't discern his realm," Tengshan remarked.

Linglong responded calmly, "You're merely a lowly Dou King, yet you think you can probe the Pavilion Master? In the past, you would already be dead for such insolence!"

Mittel Tengshan swallowed hard, an awkward smile appearing on his face. As one of the top ten powerhouses in the Jia Ma Empire, he had heard of Heaven Ascending Pavilion and knew of Linglong, a Dou Ancestor.

"Ah, cough, cough," Tengshan's old face reddened as he quickly bowed in greeting. "So, you are Pavilion Master Li of Heaven Ascending Pavilion. I apologize for my earlier rudeness and hope Pavilion Master Li can forgive me."

"No harm done," Li Xiao replied casually, not being one to hold grudges. "You probably heard our conversation earlier. What are your thoughts?"

"Hehe, Pavilion Master Li, I agree to let Ya Fei join Heaven Ascending Pavilion, and the Mittel family will fully support you."

Tengshan knew he couldn't refuse such a golden opportunity. Building a connection with Heaven Ascending Pavilion would earn them immense respect and benefits.

Despite Heaven Ascending Pavilion being established only a year ago, the items they auctioned had already captivated the entire northern region's families and powerhouses. First, there was the Heavenly Flame, then the Deep Sea Blue Heart, as well as the Tier-8 Green Fungus Pill—each of these items could spark major conflicts on the continent.

Hearing Tengshan's words, Li Xiao nodded with a smile. Indeed, the Mittel family's head was calculative and cunning. By having Ya Fei join Heaven Ascending Pavilion, he not only ensured her association with a powerful entity but also tied the Mittel family to Heaven Ascending Pavilion, thereby gaining more benefits.

Businessmen were rarely fools, especially someone like Tengshan, who had managed to maintain his position for decades. His sharp mind and strategic thinking were unparalleled.

The Mittel family had thrived since its inception by relying on its keen judgment and shrewd business acumen, securing a prominent place in the Jia Ma Empire and the entire northern continent.

To show his sincerity, Tengshan presented all the gold coins he had brought with him—a mere few million. For ordinary people, this was a vast sum that they would never have in their time, but it was the annual income of the Mittel family. Tengshan's gesture was a significant investment to gain Heaven Ascending Pavilion's favor.

For Heaven Ascending Pavilion, however, this amount was less than the value of a single technique. Nonetheless, as the saying goes, a little was better than nothing, so why not accept it?

Li Xiao tapped the storage ring on the table. "Testing me with this? Which pavilion master would refuse such an offer?"

Seeing Li Xiao accept the money, Tengshan stroked his beard happily and asked, "Is Pavilion Master Li satisfied?"

"Not bad. Just be more discreet next time to avoid rumors," Li Xiao stood and adjusted his clothing. "Since that's settled, I'll take Ya Fei with me."

Ya Fei looked at her family head with a solemn expression. However, for the sake of the family, she had no choice but to comply with Tengshan's decision.

Of course, soon, she would realize how fortunate her decision was and would be grateful she hadn't refused.

Li Xiao left some pills and techniques on the table. Under Tengshan's watchful gaze, he and his entourage left gracefully.

After leaving Wu Tan City, the two magical beasts caught up with them. Upon seeing the Amethyst Winged Lion King, Ya Fei instinctively stepped back, her beautiful eyes filled with fear.

"This is the Amethyst Winged Lion King, a rank six magical beast," Linglong explained. "Don't worry, it won't harm you."

Ya Fei nodded, still in awe of the beast's presence. She was beginning to understand the true power and influence of Heaven Ascending Pavilion and its enigmatic Pavilion Master.

"This is… the Amethyst Winged Lion King…" Ya Fei's voice trembled with awe.

"Don't be afraid, this is the Pavilion Master's mount," Linglong reassured.

"What? A mount?" Ya Fei who was usually calm and full of composure suddenly felt dizzy. Was this the prestige of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion Master? An Amethyst Winged Lion King as a mount and a Dou Ancestor as a guard—no wonder the patriarch wasn't angry but rather pleased to see her off. 

So that's how it is!

Linglong petted the obedient rank five magical beast in front of her. However, when Ya Fei tried to do the same, it bared its sharp teeth at her.

Magical beasts were proud creatures. They only allowed their masters and members of Heaven Ascending Pavilion to touch their prized fur.

"Hmm?" Li Xiao turned to the rank five beast. "I forgot to mention, Ya Fei is now our auctioneer at Heaven Ascending Pavilion. One of our own people. There's no need for such hostility."

Hearing the Pavilion Master's reminder, the rank five beast relaxed, allowing Ya Fei to stroke its head. Since she was now one of them, there was no need to be so aggressive.

The group settled on the magical beasts. With their task complete, there was no reason to linger. Returning home to enjoy the sunbath seemed much more appealing.

Ya Fei wiped the fragrant sweat from her forehead. She never imagined she'd have the chance to ride a rank five magical beast in her lifetime—a privilege even the family head likely hadn't experienced.

Noticing Ya Fei's apprehension, Linglong reassured her. "Don't worry. This is my mount; it won't harm you. In the future, the Pavilion Master will personally select a suitable mount for you."

"I-I'll have one too?" Ya Fei was astonished.

"Of course."

Linglong controlled the rank five beast, lifting it into the air. "The Pavilion Master said that anyone who joins the Heaven Ascending Pavilion will receive a high-level magical beast as a mount. Additionally, he will help you temper your body to advance your cultivation quickly."

With Li Xiao's help, Little Fairy Doctor had advanced from a Dou Fighter to a One-Star Dou Grandmaster in just one year—a terrifying advancement on par with heaven's pride and geniuses.

Ya Fei mused about the enigmatic Heaven Ascending Pavilion. What kind of auction house possessed such formidable strength, beyond imagination?

After a journey of less than an hour, they finally arrived at Heaven Ascending Pavilion in the eastern region of the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

All the personnel stationed at Heaven Ascending Pavilion emerged, bowing to Li Xiao in the sky. "Greetings, Pavilion Master!"

The deafening sound reverberated through the eastern part of the mountain range, startling a flock of seagulls and egrets.

Ya Fei was taken aback by the grandeur of the scene. The auras of these people surpassed even that of the family head. Could it be that they were all Dou Emperors?

The number of Dou Emperors in the Jia Ma Empire was limited. Yet, here, there were four people who were at least in Dou Emperor realm—an astonishing fact few would believe.

The magical beasts landed smoothly in front of the pavilion.

Bing Shuang, Niu Meng, and Lian Xue quickly approached. Seeing the enchanting woman in Linglong's arms, they looked on with curiosity.

"Let me introduce you," Li Xiao said, "From today onward, Ya Fei will be serving as the auctioneer for Heaven Ascending Pavilion."