First Meeting with Ya Fei

The next day, dawn had barely broken.

Inside the inn room, Little Fairy Doctor carefully straightened Mo Lin's robes.

Her fingertips gently smoothed every crease, her movements focused and tender, like a wife preparing the traveling clothes of a husband about to set out for war.

Morning light filtered through the window lattice, outlining her lowered profile and slightly trembling lashes. Her eyes were filled with reluctance and heartfelt reminders.

"Be careful in everything." She raised her eyes, her voice as soft as a whisper.

Mo Lin took her hand and squeezed it firmly, his gaze sharp and confident. "Don't worry. Wait for my good news."

He lowered his head and kissed her lips. Then he turned without the slightest hesitation, pushed open the door, and strode out.

The morning light stretched his silhouette long, carrying an unquestionable air of resolve.

Leaning against the doorframe, Little Fairy Doctor watched his tall figure disappear around the corridor's corner. Though reluctant to part with him, she trusted his abilities even more.

She gently closed the door and began packing her own belongings, preparing to set out for Chuyun Empire.

Wutan City's morning had already awakened the marketplace.

Mo Lin walked through the bustling streets in an ordinary green cloth shirt, his aura restrained and his steps steady.

Rather than heading straight for the Mietel Auction House, he first circled around the city several times. Only after confirming that no one was following him did he turn into a relatively secluded alley.

In an empty corner, his mind stirred, and he took a large black cloak from his storage ring and swiftly draped it over himself.

The cloak's hood hung low, hiding most of his face in shadow and revealing only his sharply defined jaw and the faint, playful curve of his lips.

At the same time, he deliberately asked Snow Emperor to adjust his aura into an indistinct state—neither that of a weakling nor of a powerful expert with blade-like edges, making him impossible to read.

"Hmph, playing tricks and acting mysterious." Within the Sea of Consciousness, Ice Emperor gave a disdainful snort. Yet there was no opposition in her tone; instead, it carried a hint of anticipation for a good show.

Snow Emperor's cold voice rang out. "There is indeed a need for caution. Mixing truth with falsehood is the only way to seize the initiative."

The curve of Mo Lin's mouth deepened. This was precisely the effect he wanted—a mysterious, wealthy seller whose true depth no one could fathom.

Once he was ready, Mo Lin finally made his way at an unhurried pace toward the Mietel Auction House, located in the most prosperous district at the center of Wutan City.

It was an imposing building. Carriages and people flowed endlessly before its enormous entrance, displaying the Miter Clan's deep wealth and influence.

He did not enter through the main gates into the bustling ordinary reception area. Instead, based on the information he had gathered over the past few days, he headed straight for a comparatively quiet VIP passage at the side, guarded by sentries.

"Stop! This is the VIP passage. Unauthorized persons are not permitted inside!" Two guards with steady auras and sharp eyes immediately stepped forward, extending their arms to block him. Their tones were not particularly harsh, but they carried the distant impartiality of official business.

Their gazes swept over Mo Lin's face-concealing cloak with scrutiny.

Mo Lin did not stop walking. He did not even glance at the two guards.

He merely raised his right hand slightly, and at some point, a small jade bottle had appeared in his palm.

The jade bottle was crystal-clear throughout, with faint streams of light circulating across its surface. Inside it was a thumb-sized mass of viscous liquid.

The liquid was a deep, pure purple, like solidified amethyst.

Even more alarming, tiny purple flames seemed to flow and dance slowly within it.

A surge of pure yet violent energy radiated faintly even through the jade bottle, causing the air around it to distort ever so slightly!

This was the Companion Purple Crystal Source he had obtained from the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King's cave! Though it was only an extremely small portion, its value was enough to move even Dou King and Dou Emperor-level experts!

The two guards were clearly people who knew their goods. The instant they sensed the astonishing energy fluctuations emanating from the jade bottle, their expressions changed, and the contempt in their eyes was instantly replaced by shock and gravity.

They exchanged a glance, immediately withdrew their blocking arms, and one of them even bowed slightly, his tone turning incomparably respectful. "Please forgive us, sir! This lowly one failed to recognize your greatness! Please follow me. I shall immediately invite the supervisor!"

Mo Lin gave a faint "Mm." His voice passed through the cloak, carrying a deliberate rasp and chill.

He put away the jade bottle and stood with his hands behind his back, composed and unhurried, as though producing such a precious treasure had merely been a casual gesture.

The guard did not dare delay. He hurriedly led Mo Lin through the VIP passage into a luxurious, tranquil, and elegant VIP reception room. "Please have a seat, sir. The supervisor will arrive shortly."

The guard respectfully served fragrant tea, then bowed and withdrew, gently closing the door behind him.

Mo Lin did not sit. Instead, he paced to the window and looked down through the one-way glass at the clamor in the auction hall below.

His heart was as still as an ancient well as he waited for the "mermaid" about to take the bait.

He did not have to wait long. About the time it took to burn an incense stick later, the reception room's heavy redwood door was gently pushed open.

The first thing to enter his sight was a pair of slender, jade-like feet in exquisite red high heels, with delicate ankle bones and graceful lines.

Then, accompanied by a waft of fragrance, a slim and enchanting figure gracefully entered the room.

Mo Lin's gaze was instantly drawn to her.

The newcomer wore a vivid red, form-fitting qipao that outlined her figure in exquisite detail.

Through the qipao's slit, a pair of fair, round, straight, and slender jade-like legs appeared and vanished from view, every step carrying a captivating rhythm.

Moving his gaze upward, above that slender waist which seemed small enough to grasp in one hand rose a breathtaking fullness—the proud D-cup peaks, nearly bursting from the qipao's embrace, rising and falling faintly with her breathing to form an irresistibly seductive curve.

Higher still was an exquisitely alluring oval face, her skin whiter than snow. Her peach-blossom eyes shimmered as they turned, seeming capable of bewitching souls and seizing spirits. Her red lips were full and moist, while the faint upturn at their corners held a professional yet maddeningly tantalizing smile.

It was Ya Fei! Compared to the mature charm she would possess later, when she took charge of the Miter Clan in the original work, she now had a little more of the sharpness of one newly entering the world and the shrewdness of someone trying to control the situation. Yet the seductiveness and enchantment embedded deep in her bones had already been displayed without reservation.

Mo Lin silently praised her. She truly is a rare beauty!

Yet outwardly, he remained perfectly composed. From beneath his hood, his gaze was that of the calmest hunter as he carefully assessed this future Queen of Gold.