After I stopped trying, a rich woman trained me into a demon emperor.

That instant.

Old Qin felt like a lone boat on a vast ocean, facing a raging torrent capable of destroying the world!

That was a terror from the depths of one's soul!

"This...this aura..."

Old Qin's pupils shrank to the size of pinpoints, his hand gripping his cane trembled violently, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

Cultivators!

It was a terrifying existence whose cultivation level far exceeded his imagination!

How is that possible!

This kid looks to be only in his early twenties, how could he possibly have such heaven-defying cultivation?

unless……

Unless he is a prodigy, a direct descendant of some reclusive immortal sect!

"You want me to give you an explanation?"

Zhou Ran didn't speak, but his cold voice was like a thunderclap, exploding directly in Old Qin's mind!

Telepathic communication!

Old Qin's legs went weak, and he could no longer support his body weight. He staggered backward and almost knelt down on the spot!

He had actually witnessed this method, which only existed in legends, with his own eyes today!

"Misunderstanding... a huge misunderstanding!"

Old Qin's face drained of color. Ignoring the horrified gazes of everyone present, he bowed to Zhou Ran, bending at a ninety-degree angle.

"This old man is blind and has offended a master!"

"Since it was Young Master Song who provoked us first, then it's only right that you, sir, teach him a lesson!"

The entire audience erupted in uproar!

Everyone thought they had misheard.

The usually domineering and powerful Third Master Qin actually chickened out?

And in front of so many people, he had to bow down to an unknown kid.

Song Yunfei's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Old man Qin!"

Are you getting senile?

He hit me!

"How much money does my Song family send to your Tianbao Pavilion every year, and you're actually siding with outsiders?"

"Shut up!"

Old Qin suddenly turned around and shouted at Song Yunfei.

"Young Master Song, this is Tianbao Pavilion!"

If you want to get the old man some miracle cure, you'd better sit still.

If you don't want to participate, then get out!

Song Yunfei was taken aback by the shout, and then a venomous glint appeared in his eyes.

He may be arrogant, but he's not stupid.

Even Elder Qin is so wary of this kid, which means this guy is indeed a bit strange.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Song Yunfei gritted his teeth, got up from the ground, and stared at Zhou Ran with a sinister look.

"The green hills remain unchanged, and the clear waters flow on forever."

Once you step out that door, let's see who can protect you then!

After saying that, he limped to a corner, sat down, and took out his phone to send messages.

They're obviously calling for reinforcements.

Zhou Ran didn't even bother to give him a glance.

Holding Xiao Hongli, who was still in shock, he walked straight to the VIP seats at the front of the hall.

Even after sitting down, Xiao Hongli's cold, soft hands were still trembling slightly.

Her mind was in turmoil. How many secrets was this man still hiding?

Even the Grandmaster of Internal Energy, Master Qin, had to bow and scrape before him. Just how terrifying was his strength?

"Scared?"

Zhou Ran felt the cold sweat on her palms, turned his head away, and a playful smile appeared on his lips.

"The Song family of the capital... they are very powerful and ruthless, you..."

"Who is this Song Yunfei?"

"The second young master of the Song family in the capital."

Xiao Hongli's icy hand gripped Zhou Ran's.

"The Song family started out in smuggling, and they had connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds. They were incredibly powerful in the capital."

Zhou Ran, you were too impulsive! The Song family will not let you get away with this!

"Turns out he's a spoiled brat."

Zhou Ran nodded, not taking it to heart.

In his view, these spoiled brats in the mortal world were no different from ants on the roadside.

"Zhou Ran, you have to go back to the Xiao family tonight no matter what, and Chen Ya... Chen Ya has to come too!"

"While my grandfather is still alive, I will beg him to save your life."

Xiao Hongli bit her lower lip; at this moment, she had no heart to participate in the auction.

"Alright, alright, whatever you say."

Zhou Ran looked at her pale face and gently comforted her.

"The Song family has been gaining momentum in the last two years."

They started out as smugglers, later went straight, but still wield absolute power in the underworld.

Song Yunfei's father is a ruthless character who will devour people without spitting out the bones. He has always wanted to take over the Xiao family's port business in Jiangdong.

"Acquire?"

A playful smile curled at the corner of Zhou Ran's lips.

"It seems that your Xiao family's position as the richest family is not so secure."

"The higher you climb, the colder it gets."

Xiao Hongli's voice sounded somewhat tired.

"Grandpa's health is deteriorating, morale within the family is low, and the Song family, a hungry wolf, is watching from the outside."

If something really happens to Grandpa…”

She didn't continue, but Zhou Ran understood what she meant.

When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down; this is an age-old truth.

Good evening, distinguished guests!

On the stage, Master Qin composed himself, strode onto the platform, and announced the start of the auction in a loud voice.

One by one, so-called treasures were presented.

Zhou Ran was not interested.

Xiao Hongli tried to raise her sign several times, but Zhou Ran stopped her with a look each time.

"Fake."

"High-quality replica".

"It's worthless."

A few simple words, yet they possess an undeniable magic.

Several bigwigs who had been itching to make a move put down their bidding paddles after hearing Zhou Ran's whisper.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before someone recognized one of the paintings as a high-quality late Qing dynasty reproduction. Although it was still an antique, its value was greatly reduced.

The gazes of the crowd toward Zhou Ran grew increasingly respectful.

This person is not only an expert, but also a master appraiser!

In the corner, Song Yunfei watched Zhou Ran being fawned over by everyone, his teeth practically grinding to dust.

However, Zhou Ran had no interest in these ordinary antiques.

He closed his eyes, letting the Night Demon's divine sense quietly spread out, enveloping the entire backstage warehouse.

Among the mountains of gold, silver, and jade artifacts, only two items emitted unique energy fluctuations.

It's also charred black wood, exuding a violent and thunderous aura.

The other thing was a lotus flower that exuded extreme cold.

"This lightning-struck wood is quite old."

Ye Futian's voice echoed in his mind.

"Although it has only been three hundred years of cultivation, it is barely enough to refine a 'Thunderclap Seal' in this wasteland-like cultivation planet."

As for the lotus flower...

"Hey kid, that thing's kind of interesting."

"Old Deng, what do you mean?"

Zhou Ran asked in his heart.

"That's something nurtured by the 'Nine Nether Cold Poison.' It looks like a spiritual medicine, but it's actually a death warrant."

There's going to be a good show later.

Zhou Ran had made up her mind.

Soon, the auction reached its midpoint.

"The next item up for auction is a piece of unidentified black wood."

Old Qin pointed to the charred, blackened branch on the tray, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"According to experts, this wood is as hard as iron and impervious to water and fire, and is very likely the legendary lightning-struck wood."

Starting bid: 500,000.

A chorus of boos erupted from the stands.

"What is that thing? It's just a fire poker!"

"Five hundred thousand for a piece of charcoal? Old Qin must be crazy for money!"

Just as everyone was losing interest, a clear, cold voice rang out.

"Six hundred thousand."

Xiao Hongli raised the number plate in her hand.

All eyes turned to her, and when they saw that it was the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, the whispers subsided considerably, but they were still filled with confusion.

However, before anyone could react, another sarcastic voice came from the corner.

"One million!"

Song Yunfei raised his number plate and looked at Zhou Ran provocatively.

He just wanted to disgust Zhou Ran!

He wanted to show this bastard that he could crush him to dust when it came to money!