Clash

After Ya Fei entered the room, her peach-blossom eyes immediately settled on the figure by the window, shrouded in a black robe.

With an impeccable smile that was warm yet properly restrained, she spoke in a soft, sultry voice, "Sir, please forgive the poor reception. I am Ya Fei, manager of the Wutan City branch of the Mietel Auction House. I hear that you have a rare treasure you wish to entrust to our auction house?"

As she spoke, she approached with graceful steps, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Mo Lin as she tried to judge his identity and strength from the smallest details.

However, Mo Lin's disguise was flawless, and his aura was obscure and unfathomable. A trace of wariness rose in her heart, yet the smile on her face became even more captivating.

Mo Lin slowly turned around to face Ya Fei. He did not answer immediately. Instead, from beneath his hood, he openly scrutinized her from head to toe with a probing gaze carrying a faint pressure.

That gaze was highly invasive, lingering especially on her ample chest and slender waist for a moment, as though he were admiring an exquisite work of art.

Ya Fei sensed his unrestrained gaze, and a flicker of displeasure crossed her heart. Yet her professional composure allowed her to maintain a perfect smile. She even lifted her chest slightly, making her curves all the more breathtaking.

She had met too many men for such gazes to bother her. She had long grown accustomed to them and could even use them to achieve her aims.

"The Mietel Auction House... I hope it has the qualifications to earn my trust." Mo Lin finally spoke. His voice remained artificially altered and hoarse, his tone calm yet carrying a condescending arrogance.

Ya Fei's heart stirred. She understood that he was testing both the auction house's strength and her own capability.

Her smile did not change as she replied confidently, "Please rest assured, sir. The Mietel Auction House has branches throughout the Jia Ma Empire and enjoys an excellent reputation. As for Ya Fei herself, though I may lack talent, I will certainly do my utmost to find the most suitable buyer for your treasure and secure the ideal price."

Mo Lin neither confirmed nor denied it. He raised his hand again, and the small jade bottle containing Purple Crystal Source appeared at his fingertips.

He did not hand it to Ya Fei. Instead, he casually toyed with it, letting the viscous liquid threaded with purple flames roll within the bottle. The energy fluctuations it emitted seemed to raise the temperature of the entire room by several degrees.

"Do you recognize this?" he asked indifferently.

Ya Fei's gaze was instantly drawn to the jade bottle. As an auctioneer, her knowledge far surpassed that of ordinary people.

When she sensed the pure yet violent Fire Attribute energy, then saw its distinctive deep-purple hue and the phantom flames flowing within, an unbelievable gleam of delight burst from her peach-blossom eyes. Her breathing quickened slightly, and her chest rose and fell.

"This... this could it be... Companion Purple Crystal Source?!" Her voice trembled faintly, filled with shock and wild joy.

Companion Purple Crystal Source was a natural marvel that only a peak sixth-tier magical beast, the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, could possibly produce!

To Fire Attribute cultivators, it was an invaluable treasure! Its worth was enough to make it the grand finale of a major auction!

If handled properly, it would not only bring enormous profits, but greatly raise the prestige and standing of the auction house under her management throughout the empire! This was exactly what she needed most right now!

"Sir... do you truly intend to entrust this item to us for auction?" Ya Fei forcibly suppressed her excitement and tried to keep her voice steady, but her expressive eyes had already revealed the turmoil in her heart.

Mo Lin took in Ya Fei's reaction, sneering inwardly. The fish had already caught the scent of the bait.

Still using that calm tone, he said, "That's right. But I have one condition."

"Please, speak!" Ya Fei immediately said. At that moment, forget one condition—even ten conditions, so long as they were not excessive, she would do her utmost to fulfill them.

"This item must be auctioned personally by you, Manager Ya Fei." Mo Lin stared at her, his gaze beneath the hood sharp. "And from the auction proceeds, I will only accept a one-percent commission deduction."

A one-percent commission! That rate was far lower than the auction house's usual commission! This was practically blatant extortion!

At his words, Ya Fei's charming smile stiffened slightly, and her delicate brows knit together. This condition was indeed harsh.

But as she looked at the alluring ball of purple light in Mo Lin's hand, then thought of the internal pressure she currently faced and her desperate need to prove herself, she rapidly weighed her options.

Even if the Purple Crystal Source brought only one-tenth of a percent in commission, it would far surpass ordinary auction items! More importantly, the prestige and attention it could bring were priceless!

After hesitating for only a few seconds, Ya Fei broke into a smile. It was brighter and more captivating than before, carrying a hint of resolve. "All right! Ya Fei accepts your conditions, sir! This item will certainly be the grand finale of this auction, and I will personally handle it for you!"

"Decisive." Mo Lin seemed satisfied as he nodded. He casually tossed the jade bottle to Ya Fei, as though he were not throwing an incomparable treasure, but some ordinary trinket.

Ya Fei jumped in alarm and hurriedly caught it with the utmost care. Her wariness and curiosity toward this mysterious man grew even deeper, stirred by his wealth and unfathomable nature.

With the transaction tentatively settled, the atmosphere seemed to ease somewhat. Ya Fei carefully put away the Purple Crystal Source and was just about to take the opportunity to probe his background.

However, Mo Lin suddenly took a step forward, instantly closing the distance between them.

They were close enough to hear each other breathe. Ya Fei could even catch a faint, elusive, cold and strange aura coming from him, originating from the Snow Empress's extreme-cold essence.

He lowered his head slightly. Through the hood, his gaze seemed to pierce the shadows and fall directly into the depths of Ya Fei's alluring peach-blossom eyes. His voice lowered, carrying an unquestionable dominance and a teasing hint of probing.

"Manager Ya Fei, you truly live up to your reputation. Not only are you discerning, but your courage is exceptional as well. It seems... I may have found the right person this time."

His words were deeply suggestive, as though he were referring to more than merely this auction partnership.

Ya Fei's heart skipped a beat at his sudden approach and intensely invasive gaze. She instinctively took half a step back, warmth rising to her cheeks.

But she quickly regained her composure. Rather than retreating, she met his gaze head-on. Her red lips curved into an even more enchanting smile, her eyes shimmering with irresistible charm.

"You flatter me, sir. Ya Fei also hopes that the cooperation between us will not end with this one occasion."

Their gazes met in midair, one domineering and unfathomable, the other seductive and shrewd, as though invisible sparks were colliding. This first clash appeared calm on the surface, but hidden currents churned beneath.

Mo Lin sneered inwardly. Good. The first move has already been made. Next, it is time to slowly draw in the net.

He was determined to have this future Queen of Gold!