Clash

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

A flawless smile, both enthusiastic and measured, graced her face as she spoke in a voice so charming it could melt bones, "Esteemed sir, please forgive my tardiness. I am Ya Fei, the manager of the Mietel Auction House's Wutan City branch. I heard you have a precious item you wish to entrust to our auction house for sale?"

As she spoke, she gracefully approached, her gaze seemingly casual as it swept over Mo Lin's entire body, attempting to discern his identity and strength from subtle details.

However, Mo Lin's disguise was impeccable, his aura obscure and difficult to decipher, causing her heart to subtly tighten. Yet, the smile on her face only grew more captivating.

Mo Lin slowly turned around to face Ya Fei. He didn't answer immediately, instead, through the hood of his robe, he appraised Ya Fei from head to toe with a scrutinizing and slightly oppressive gaze, showing no hesitation.

His gaze was intensely invasive, lingering for a moment on her proud chest and slender waist as if admiring a exquisite piece of art.

Ya Fei felt the unbridled scrutiny, a flicker of displeasure crossing her mind. But her professionalism allowed her to maintain a perfect smile, even subtly puffing out her chest, making her curves even more breathtaking.

She had seen many men in her life and was accustomed to such gazes, even knowing how to use them to her advantage.

"Mietel Auction House... I hope you are qualified to earn my trust," Mo Lin finally spoke. His voice remained artificially hoarse, his tone flat, yet carrying an air of arrogant condescension.

Ya Fei's heart stirred, recognizing that he was testing the auction house's capabilities and her own.

Her smile unwavering, she confidently stated, "Please rest assured, sir. The Mietel Auction House is renowned throughout the Jia Ma Empire for its excellent reputation. As for myself, while I may be lacking, I will certainly do my utmost to find the most suitable buyer for your treasure and secure the most ideal price."

Mo Lin remained noncommittal. He raised his hand again, and a small jade bottle containing the Companion Purple Crystal Source appeared at his fingertips.

He didn't hand it to Ya Fei but casually toyed with it, allowing the viscous liquid, which flowed with purple flames, to swirl within the bottle. The energy fluctuations emanating from it seemed to raise the temperature of the entire room.

"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.

Upon sensing the pure and ferocious fire-attribute energy, and seeing its unique deep purple hue and the swirling phantom flames within, her peach blossom eyes suddenly erupted with disbelief and ecstatic surprise. Her breathing became slightly rapid, her chest rising and falling.

"This... this couldn't be... Companion Purple Crystal Source?!" Her voice trembled slightly, filled with shock and elation.

Companion Purple Crystal Source! This was a heavenly treasure that only a peak sixth-tier Mo Beast, the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King, could produce!

For fire-attribute cultivators, it was an invaluable treasure! Its worth was enough to be the grand finale of a major auction!

If handled properly, it could not only bring immense profit but also significantly enhance the reputation and status of her auction house throughout the empire! This was exactly what she needed most right now!

"Sir... are you truly intending to entrust this item to us for auction?" Ya Fei suppressed her excitement, trying her best to keep her voice steady, but her expressive eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.

Mo Lin observed Ya Fei's reaction, a cold sneer forming in his mind. The fish had already caught the scent of the bait.

He maintained his indifferent tone, "Indeed. However, I have one condition."

"Please state it, sir!" Ya Fei immediately replied. At this moment, let alone one condition, she would try her best to fulfill ten, as long as they weren't excessive.

"This item must be personally auctioned by you, Manager Ya Fei," Mo Lin stated, his gaze from beneath the hood sharp as he stared at her. "Furthermore, from the proceeds of the auction, I will only deduct one percent in taxes."

One percent tax! This rate was far lower than the auction house's usual commission! This was practically blatant extortion!

Ya Fei's seductive smile faltered slightly upon hearing this, her delicate eyebrows furrowing. This condition was indeed harsh.

But she looked at the alluring purple light in Mo Lin's hand, then considered the internal pressures she was facing and her urgent need to prove her capabilities. She quickly weighed her options.

The value of this Companion Purple Crystal Source, even if she only took a fraction of a percent, far exceeded that of ordinary auction items! More importantly, the prestige and attention it would bring were priceless!

After only a few seconds of hesitation, Ya Fei's face broke into a smile, brighter and more captivating than before, tinged with decisiveness. "Alright! I accept your terms, sir! This item will undoubtedly be the grand finale of this auction, and I will personally handle it for you!"

"Direct and to the point," Mo Lin seemed to nod in satisfaction, casually tossing the jade bottle to Ya Fei as if it were an ordinary trinket, not a rare treasure.

Ya Fei startled, quickly catching it with utmost care. Her apprehension and curiosity about this mysterious person's wealth and unfathomable depth grew.

With the initial transaction tentatively agreed upon, the atmosphere seemed to ease slightly. Ya Fei carefully put away the Companion Purple Crystal Source and was about to seize the opportunity to inquire about his origins.

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

They were so close their breaths could be felt, and Ya Fei could even detect a faint, cold, and peculiar aura emanating from him (originating from the Snow Emperor's extreme cold essence).

He lowered his head slightly, his gaze from beneath the hood seeming to pierce through the shadows, fixing directly on the depths of Ya Fei's alluring peach blossom eyes. His voice lowered, carrying an unquestionable dominance and a hint of playful probing.

"Manager Ya Fei, your reputation precedes you. Not only is your discernment sharp, but your courage is also extraordinary. It seems... I may have found the right person this time."

His words held a deeper meaning, as if referring to more than just this auction collaboration.

Ya Fei's heart skipped a beat at the sudden proximity and the intensely invasive gaze, and she instinctively took half a step back, her cheeks flushing slightly.

But she quickly regained her composure. Instead of retreating, she met his gaze, her red lips curling into an even more seductive smile, her eyes sparkling with captivating charm.

"You flatter me, sir. Ya Fei also hopes that our cooperation will extend beyond this single occasion."

Their gazes met, one domineering and profound, the other charming and shrewd, as if invisible sparks were colliding. This initial encounter, seemingly calm on the surface, was actually filled with hidden currents.

Mo Lin let out a cold laugh in his heart: Very good, the first move has been made. Now, it's time to slowly reel in the net.

This future Queen of Gold, he was determined to have!