A week passed in the blink of an eye.
Old Master Chen had completely recovered, and not only that, his body was even more robust than before.
On the seventh day, Jiang Yi prepared to return to Jiang City.
After finishing their meal, Jiang Yi was about to bid farewell to the Chen family patriarch.
Before he could speak, the Chen family patriarch brought up the Sun family's auction in Jiang City.
"The auction is all prepared and will begin in three days," the Chen family patriarch said with a smile. "Fortunately, there were no mishaps this time, or if the Sun family were to blame us, our Chen family would be in dire straits."
"Which Sun family?" Jiang Yi asked, curious.
"The Sun family from the capital, whose patriarch is the renowned physician, Sun Shengshou," the Chen family patriarch replied busily.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yi froze for a moment, then chuckled inwardly.
He hadn't seen the old fellow in many years and wondered how he was doing.
The Chen family patriarch knew very well that Sun Shengshou, despite his immense power and reputation, still had to address Jiang Yi as "Master." Jiang Yi was the truly significant figure. For people like Jiang Yi and Sun Shengshou, their Chen family could only look up to them. Inviting Jiang Yi this time was a great honor for the Chen family.
"There are many treasures at this auction. If there's anything you, Master Jiang, fancy, please just say the word, and I will make the arrangements." The Chen family patriarch then ordered the auction list to be brought and respectfully handed it to Jiang Yi.
Jiang Yi couldn't refuse the Chen family patriarch's good intentions and casually browsed through it. He had little interest in these so-called treasures. However, upon seeing a jade pendant, Jiang Yi paused. He remembered his master mentioning this jade pendant years ago and was surprised it would appear at this auction.
The jade pendant was named the Longevity Jade. It emitted a chemical substance that could slow down the aging of human cells, something beyond the current medical capabilities. Simply put, wearing the Longevity Jade for an extended period could prolong one's life, making it an exceptionally rare treasure, worth more than words could describe.
Jiang Yi glanced at the auction price and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. The starting bid was one hundred thousand. It was evident from the price that no one yet recognized the value of this Longevity Jade. Jiang Yi decided to find a way to acquire it.
Soon, Jiang Yi found a few more items. Their auction prices were very low, but their actual value was immeasurable.
"I am very interested in this auction. I must go and see it in person," Jiang Yi told the Chen family patriarch.
"Then I will make the arrangements." The Chen family patriarch was somewhat excited. It wasn't a major matter, but it was an opportunity to foster a good relationship with Jiang Yi. The benefits of associating with someone of Jiang Yi's caliber were endless.
Subsequently, Jiang Yi brought up his departure for Jiang City. The Chen family immediately offered to arrange a private jet for him, but Jiang Yi refused. Jiang Yi preferred to keep a low profile and disliked such grand spectacles. He bought a ticket at the bus station and took a coach back to Jiang City.
On his way back to his villa by taxi, Jiang Yi encountered traffic due to a car accident ahead. It was only a ten-minute walk from his current location to the villa, so Jiang Yi, not wanting to wait, alighted and walked home.
As he passed through a small alley, a woman ran towards him. The woman was stunningly beautiful, dressed exquisitely, with sharp eyes, clearly not an ordinary person. She was running very fast, obviously fleeing for her life. Soon, a man in a cloak appeared. This cloaked man had a fierce gaze and exuded a chilling killing intent. Jiang Yi intended to mind his own business and continued on his way.
The cloaked man quickly caught up with the woman. With a flash of cold light, the dagger in his hand aimed directly at the woman. The woman's face was filled with unwillingness. Just as the dagger was about to pierce her throat, a silver needle shot through the air, knocking the dagger from the cloaked man's hand.
"Seeking death!" The cloaked man's sharp gaze turned to Jiang Yi, his face filled with murderous intent.
Jiang Yi ignored the cloaked man, his eyes fixed on the scorpion tattoo on his wrist. Jiang Yi had seen this tattoo before. It was the insignia of a killer organization in the country; all killers from this organization bore such a tattoo. When he was ten years old, his entire family was murdered. After an investigation by the relevant authorities, the only clue was this scorpion tattoo. For years, Jiang Yi had been searching for this killer organization, secretly utilizing all his connections and resources. However, he found nothing; the killer organization seemed to have vanished into thin air. Jiang Yi never expected to stumble upon it today.
"Whoosh!" The cloaked man tightened his grip on the dagger and lunged at Jiang Yi. The cloaked man's techniques were cunning and lethal. Unfortunately for him, he had encountered Jiang Yi. Jiang Yi flicked his fingers, and a needle flew out, heading straight for the cloaked man's acupoint. The cloaked man collapsed onto the ground, his body weak, like a pile of mud.
"Take me to your organization's headquarters, and I'll spare your life," Jiang Yi said coldly, staring at the cloaked man.
"Who are you?" A trace of panic flashed in the cloaked man's eyes.
"Jiang Yi!" Jiang Yi stated directly. This killer organization was too deeply hidden; he couldn't find them. Otherwise, Jiang Yi would have already annihilated them and found the mastermind. This time, Jiang Yi would not let any opportunity slip away.
"You won't escape now that you've fallen into my hands," Jiang Yi said in a deep voice. As soon as he finished speaking, the cloaked killer's body twitched, and then his head drooped. Jiang Yi knew something was wrong. Prying open the cloaked killer's teeth, he discovered that the killer had poisoned himself.
"Damn it!" Jiang Yi cursed angrily. After chasing for so many years, he had finally found a lead, only to lose it again due to a moment's carelessness.
"You saved my life, and I won't treat you poorly." The woman walked over, her gaze assessing Jiang Yi, and then she smiled, "I didn't expect you to be quite handsome; interesting." With that, the woman took out a card from her handbag and handed it to Jiang Yi, "This is your reward."
Jiang Yi, filled with frustration, didn't even glance at the woman and got up to leave the alley.
"This is the first time I've met someone who isn't interested in me. Interesting." A playful smile appeared on the woman's face as she followed him. "You're Jiang Yi, right? Your skills are impressive. Be my bodyguard! Those assassins will still come looking for me. If you can guarantee my safety, name your price."
Jiang Yi stopped. That's right! The clue wasn't lost yet. This killer organization was pursuing this woman; as long as he kept an eye on her, he was bound to find clues. This opportunity must not be missed.
"Shall we make a deal?" The woman looked at Jiang Yi, a seductive smile gracing her lips. "My name is Dongfang Mei, from the capital. I've come to Jiang City for a matter and will be staying here for some time. During this period, you will be responsible for my safety, and I will help lure out the members of that killer organization. We'll both get what we need."
Jiang Yi was taken aback. This woman was too astute; she had figured out that he was looking for the killer organization. This woman's identity must be extraordinary. Making a deal with her was akin to playing with fire. However, to find that killer organization, Jiang Yi could no longer afford to be so cautious.
"Alright, we'll both get what we need." Jiang Yi agreed.