Chapter 4: Hello, Fellow Countryman, Soul Cang, Peak of the Dou Wang Realm

Stepping out of the Xiao family residence, Xiao Yan suddenly felt a pang of regret.

"I shouldn't have come out so early. It isn't even dark yet; wearing a black robe makes me stand out too much!" He gripped the cloth bag in his hand, which contained the black robe he had specially purchased yesterday and worn only once.

Just then, several figures dressed in black robes swaggered past him. Judging by their direction, they were heading straight for the Mittel Auction House.

Xiao Yan was stunned. What was going on?

As he walked onto the street, he saw black-robed figures everywhere. Anyone unaware of the situation would have thought there was some strange local ordinance in Wutan City.

Full of confusion, Xiao Yan stepped into a shop that specialized in robes. The owner was busy trying to sell to a customer, but the moment the customer heard there were no black robes in stock, he left.

"Boss, why is everyone on the street wearing black robes?" Xiao Yan leaned in and asked casually.

"Young Master Xiao Yan? A rare guest! What, do you want to buy one too?"

The owner recognized him and began to pitch enthusiastically. After being sternly refused by Xiao Yan, he sighed and explained the situation.

It turned out that after someone had gathered the courage to enter the auction house last night, the news had spread like wildfire. It was unclear who had started the rumor, but it was known that someone had followed that person home, only to discover money and a Gathering Qi Powder on him!

As the saying goes, one should not flaunt their wealth!

For an ordinary person, a Gathering Qi Powder was not just wealth; it was a death warrant. The youth’s entire family had been slaughtered. Others, hearing that the youth had not been killed even after meeting a Dou Wang, assumed the Dou Wang must have a very pleasant temperament. Consequently, everyone wanted to try their luck. What if they guessed correctly? Wouldn't that mean they would strike it rich?

Having learned from the previous tragedy, they all wore disguises, fearing they would be targeted by thieves.

After the owner finished speaking, he noticed Xiao Yan looking dazed. Just then, other customers entered, and he hurried off to attend to them. By the time he was free to look back, Xiao Yan was already gone. The owner pursed his lips, not giving it another thought.

...

At the Mittel Auction House, a long line had formed at the main entrance, all of them in black robes, creating a bizarrely aesthetic sight. Everyone in the queue kept their heads low, avoiding conversation. They were all afraid of their identities being exposed!

Xiao Yan stood in line, lips pressed thin, his expression complex. He had only wanted to find someone to probe the true intentions of this Dou Wang, never imagining that it would bring such a devastating tragedy upon that person's family. This realization hit him with sudden clarity.

In this world filled with Dou Qi, the law of the jungle was the norm. To avoid being targeted, becoming stronger was the only foundation. Since there was a fellow countryman here who was a Dou Wang, regardless of whether he was good or evil, meeting him was worth it. What if this person could help him resolve the hidden danger of his disappearing Dou Qi?

Inside the auction house, in a private room, Gu Ni sat with a stern expression, watching the black-robed figures enter one by one, asking the same question in a numb tone:

"The goose arches its neck to the sky and sings—what is the preceding line?"

"What?" The black-robed figure stared at Gu Ni, stunned.

"Next!" Gu Ni said indifferently. He felt that perhaps no one would ever guess the answer provided by Lord Cang Wang.

"That's not right! This question wasn't the one posted! Change the question! I spent money to buy this answer, how can you cheat? I refuse to accept this; I just bought the answer!"

The black-robed figure was dragged away, unable to break free despite his struggles. Hearing the voice fade away, Gu Ni rubbed his temples. More than once, he had considered telling his trusted aides the answer so they could go and claim the reward. But the thought vanished as quickly as it came; he dared not dwell on it. Based on everything he had seen, Lord Cang Wang had a specific criterion in mind for his search. Using such methods would not only fail to earn a reward but would likely cost him his life.

Lost in thought, another black-robed figure stood before him. Gu Ni couldn't even be bothered to lift his eyelids as he asked the question mechanically.

"...E, E, E." A somewhat hoarse voice drifted from beneath the black robe.

"E what E? Nex—wait, what did you just say?"

Gu Ni had been about to chase the man out, but he froze. A jolt, like an electric current, coursed through his body. He stiffened, staring at the person in disbelief, his gaze seemingly trying to pierce through the black robe to see the face beneath.

"This Dou Wang fellow is quite eccentric..." Thinking this to himself, Xiao Yan frowned and repeated the line.

This time, Gu Ni heard it clearly. It was indeed the answer provided by Lord Cang Wang. Someone had actually answered it... Who could it be?

Suppressing his curiosity, Gu Ni invited the person to the front hall and arranged for someone to notify Hun Cang.

In the front hall, Xiao Yan stood quietly. Before long, footsteps approached from behind. He turned slightly, looking out from under the brim of his hood. A young man walked in, his features regular, eyes sharp and bright, his breathing steady and long. With every step he took, one could almost feel the vast Dou Qi surging within him.

"You answered my question?" Hun Cang asked indifferently as he took his seat.

"Yes," Xiao Yan replied, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Did you come up with it yourself, or did someone tell you to come here?" Hun Cang asked.

"Does it make a difference?" Xiao Yan countered.

Hun Cang glanced at him and said coldly, "Someone tried to be clever yesterday, and you should have seen the situation outside. I am not as idle as they imagine! If they keep playing these games, I will get angry!"

As he spoke, the aura of a Dou Wang slowly spilled from Hun Cang's body, pressing down on Xiao Yan. Suddenly, Xiao Yan felt immense pressure; beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, and his back involuntarily hunched. Just as he was about to collapse, the pressure suddenly vanished.

Panting heavily, Xiao Yan said, "I can answer you, but before that, you must swear an oath!"

"What right do you have to negotiate with me?" Hun Cang rose abruptly, startling Xiao Yan so much that he took several steps back. He felt a wave of regret—he shouldn't have come to the Mittel Auction House!

However, Hun Cang suddenly changed his tone and asked, "How should I swear?"

"Huh?" Xiao Yan was stunned. He instinctively looked up, about to meet Hun Cang's gaze, but realized his mistake and lowered his head. "Swear that Chinese do not deceive Chinese, and Chinese do not harm Chinese, and I will tell you who sent me."

"..."

Hun Cang was speechless, his forehead covered in black lines. This wasn't a cultivation world; did swearing even matter? After two seconds of silence, he complied with Xiao Yan's request and gave a simple oath.

After finishing, he smiled faintly. "Can you take off your hood now, Xiao Yan?"

"You recognized me?" Upon hearing Hun Cang's words, Xiao Yan could not suppress his emotions, his voice filled with surprise. *Will he kill me? Or?*

Just as Xiao Yan was feeling panicked and uneasy, he saw Hun Cang extend his right hand with a friendly smile. "My name is Hun Cang, peak Dou Wang. Let's get to know each other, fellow countryman."

Xiao Yan froze. Realizing that the other party seemed to have no malice, he took off his hood, revealing a slightly youthful face. He then reached out and shook the hand, offering a wry smile.

"Xiao Yan, Dou Force... three stages."