The atmosphere in the hall reached an eerie climax. However, not only did Du Fei seem unaffected, but even Du Yuntian on the auction stage seemed oblivious to the bizarre tension permeating the VIP seating area. He courteously gestured to the crowd, wearing a mild smile as he said, "Now that our final item has found its owner, this auction hosted by the Yunshui Du Family can be considered a complete success. Next, esteemed guests who have won bids, please take your badges and proceed to the back hall of the auction house to complete the handover. There, we will present your items untouched and intact."

With those words, Du Yuntian no longer glanced at the stage. Turning around and waving his hand, a group of Yunshui Du Family members swiftly moved the remains of the ancient demonic tiger, disappearing into the crevice of the auction platform. Shortly after, the stage became empty.

Following this, several individuals from the VIP seats began to stand, each letting out an indistinct scoff as they made their way out of the auction house. Although Du Fei remained standing in his spot, he noticed the slightly cold glances that swept over him. Evidently, obtaining the remains of the ancient demonic tiger earned him some enmity from the crowd.

"If it weren't for the significance of that item to me, I really wouldn't want to stick my neck out like this!" Du Fei shook his head with a wry smile, then slowly stood and headed towards the back hall of the auction house, intending to collect his won item. After hesitating for a moment, Yun Yuqing gently followed behind him.

"Mr. Ye Fei, please wait a moment..." At this juncture, a voice laced with a hint of amusement rang out from behind Du Fei.

Pausing briefly, Du Fei turned his head slightly to see that both Lv Yu and Long Aotian had risen, approaching with faint smiles on their faces. The voice belonged unmistakably to Lv Yu.

"What is it?" Du Fei asked after giving the pair a cursory glance.

"Hehe, Mr. Ye Fei, I am Lv Yu from the Junwu Sect, and this is Young Master Long Aotian from the Yunshui Long Family. I believe you are already acquainted with him?" Lv Yu approached with a jovial grin, offering a polite bow to Du Fei and spoke amicably.

"One of the four inner disciples of the Junwu Sect... Crazy Blade Lv Yu..." Although Du Fei was familiar with Lv Yu, he still expressed a faintly surprised expression.

"Hehe, it's just a minor reputation. Mr. Ye Fei need not concern yourself with it," Lv Yu said, still smiling.

"Mr. Lv Yu, if you have something to discuss, please feel free to speak. If there's nothing, I have other matters to attend to," Du Fei said after glancing over Lv Yu.

"Hehe, straightforward! Since Mr. Du Fei is such a straightforward person, I should also be direct. So, I'll just say it... The remains of the ancient demonic tiger are essential to us at this time. I'm unaware of what you offered in exchange for it, but I believe the remains might not be of great value to you. If you're willing, could you transfer it to us? We will ensure you do not suffer any loss," Lv Yu stated after a moment of contemplation.

Hearing this, the corner of Du Fei's mouth twitched upwards, revealing a mocking smirk. He briefly glanced at Long Aotian and coldly said, "So, you're suggesting that I transfer the item I painstakingly won at the auction to this Young Master Long Aotian, who's consistently made trouble for me? To be honest, the remains of the ancient demonic tiger are indeed useless to me. However, do you really believe I'd transfer it?"

"Well, hehehe..." The corner of Lv Yu's eye twitched, evidently surprised by Du Fei's blunt refusal to give Long Aotian face. He quickly exchanged a glance with Long Aotian before coughing lightly, "How about this, give me, Lv Yu, some face, which is also a gesture of respect towards the Junwu Sect, and hand over the item. What do you say?"

"Are you trying to use the Junwu Sect to pressure me?" Du Fei's eyes narrowed as he responded icily.

"Not at all. It's merely a request for Mr. Ye Fei to show some courtesy," Lv Yu replied with a smile.

"Courtesy?" Du Fei smirked coldly, then, after a deep look at Long Aotian, he calmly said, "If you want me to give it to you, it's not impossible... Just bring me one hundred thousand Yan Sect Pills, and I can transfer it at any time. If you don't have them, I might just refine that item into a pill for my pet to consume and see if it can transform."

With those words, Du Fei, without waiting for Lv Yu to respond, picked up the Little Tiger and turned to walk into the passage.

Seeing Du Fei's blatant disregard for his face, a trace of coldness flitted across Lv Yu's face, and a hint of murderous intent emerged deep within his eyes.

"One hundred thousand Yan Sect Pills? Is he trying to extort us outright?" Long Aotian snorted coldly, his tone filled with resentment.

Only after Du Fei's figure had completely disappeared did Lv Yu glance at Long Aotian and coldly laugh, "I've told you before not to provoke Ye Fei. See what's happened now. I wonder what he offered to make even that old ghost Du Yuntian ignore the pressure from the Yunshui Long Family and sell the item to him!"

"It's probably that Pozong Pill. It seems we've been played by him. The Pozong Pill he refined in the Supreme Venerable Hall that day, he hasn't taken it yet!" Long Aotian speculated, then coldly continued, "However, that old coot Du Yuntian dared to offend the Yunshui Long Family just for an alchemist. Doesn't he fear that the relationship he painstakingly built with our Long Family would deteriorate again because of this?"

"Now, there's no use in discussing this. Let's find a way to get the remains of the ancient demonic tiger directly from the Yunshui Du Family. Otherwise... perhaps you'll have to test the skills of Alchemist Ye Fei first!" Lv Yu suggested with a hint of chill in his voice.

"Taking it directly from that kid? Interesting... I refuse to believe that an outsider alchemist, without any support in the imperial capital, can stand against our Yunshui Long Family!" Long Aotian sneered sinisterly.

"If we're going to act, it must be swift and clean. Make his death seem mysterious; otherwise, we'll push him against us, which won't benefit us in any way... The Palace Contest is approaching, and whether it's the royal family or the others from the Four Great Families in Yunshui, everyone is on edge... If possible, let's try to win him over... If that fails... Humph!" Lv Yu's voice gradually faded, and without saying more, he waved his hand and led the way out.

Walking through the occasionally crowded passage, after a while, Du Fei slowly said, "In the coming days, it's best if you don't stay too close to me. Later, after we find a place to talk, you should publicly announce that you tried to recruit me into the Yun Family but failed."

"Hm?" Yun Yuqing, walking behind Du Fei, blinked in surprise.

Du Fei glanced at her and continued, "You should know better than me that neither Lv Yu nor Long Aotian are simple characters. I don't believe they'll stand by and watch me obtain the remains of the ancient demonic tiger. They will certainly try to trouble me, but I don't want you involved in this."

Yun Yuqing furrowed her brows for a moment before whispering, "But if you're alone against them, won't it be too dangerous?"

"It's fine..." Du Fei smirked coldly, "With the Palace Contest imminent, even they wouldn't dare act blatantly. I won't give them the chance to mess around. Once the Palace Contest is over, if they want to settle scores, it might be too late."

"Next, I have to meet with that old ghost, Du Yuntian. You should wait outside the auction house for now." After walking for a while, Du Fei spoke again.

Upon hearing this, Yun Yuqing nodded understandingly. She gazed at Du Fei for a moment before heading in a different direction.

After Yun Yuqing left, Du Fei, carrying the Little Tiger, wandered around the auction house for a few rounds before finally arriving at the auction house's back hall.

Members of the Yunshui Du Family, who had been prepared for Du Fei's arrival, greeted him warmly and led him to a VIP lounge in the back hall.

After sitting in the VIP lounge for a while, Du Yuntian slowly made his entrance.

At the head seat of the VIP lounge, Du Yuntian sat down confidently. After casting a mysterious glance at Du Fei, he lightly clapped his hands.

Following his motion, Du Fei felt an oppressive aura enveloping the VIP lounge. Clearly, powerhouses from the Yunshui Du Family had securely sealed off the surroundings.

"Patriarch Du... what is the meaning of this?" Du Fei calmly tapped a finger on the table beside him before asking in a subdued tone.

"Hehe, I just wanted to ensure our conversation remains confidential and that no one can enter or leave this place freely," Du Yuntian chuckled and explained leisurely.

"Mm," Du Fei nodded, "If you have any questions, just ask."

With such a grand setup, Du Fei naturally understood that Du Yuntian wouldn't be here just for casual conversation, so he bluntly initiated the conversation.

"Hehe, since you're so direct, I shouldn't pretend any longer. So, my first question... you say you're Du Fei. Do you have any proof?" Du Yuntian stared intently at Du Fei before asking gravely.

Hearing this, Du Fei hesitated for a moment. Then, he sighed and swiftly formed several intricate hand signs with his right hand. As his hand signs shifted, his previously fierce face seemed to be covered by a layer of water, blurring its features. Moments later, his face returned to normal, revealing his usual calm expression.

"Is that... a Disguise Pill!?" Seeing Du Fei's transformation, Du Yuntian was slightly taken aback, then exclaimed.

"Lord Patriarch has keen eyes. With this, I believe you understand that this is the best proof, right?" Du Fei said with a smile.

"While your appearance matches now, the evidence still seems insufficient?" Du Yuntian continued, studying Du Fei intently.

"You need more proof?" Du Fei chuckled, changed his hand signs to revert his appearance to that of Ye Fei, and then brushed his Black Spirit Ring. In the next instant, a head encased in cold air appeared in Du Fei's hand.

Gazing at the face of Long Lingtian, which still held a trace of panic, a flicker of surprise passed through Du Yuntian's eyes. After a moment, he nodded in a somewhat bewildered manner.Then, he sighed, "I've never imagined that Yunshui Du Family has produced such a character. If you were from the main family, our current Yunshui Du Family wouldn't necessarily fear the Yunshui Long Family. It's truly a pity..."

Casually putting away the item and observing the reflective Du Yuntian, Du Fei just smiled. Then he calmly said, "Lord Patriarch, I've shown my sincerity. I wonder if it's now time for you to show yours."