Night Meeting with Ya Fei

The sunset had completely dipped below the horizon, and as dusk settled, it draped Wutan City in a deep blue veil.

The hustle and bustle of the central plaza had long since faded, leaving only the cool, clear stone pathways and the scattered lights from distant dwellings.

At the edge of the plaza, within the vast shadow cast by a forgotten, abandoned warehouse, Mo Lin sat cross-legged.

A faint, ice-blue mist, almost indistinguishable from the night, swirled around him, his breathing long and weak.

The all-out battle with Instructor Ruo Lin, while not fundamentally damaging his cultivation, had nearly depleted all the Fighting Energy within him. His meridians throbbed with the dull ache and emptiness of overuse.

He focused his mind and calmed his spirit, channeling the Yin Yang Feather Transformation Art with all his might. This profound technique, of extraordinary origin, now revealed its remarkable healing properties.

The extremely pure, icy Fighting Energy, no longer sharp and overbearing as usual, transformed into a gentle, trickling stream. Like melting snow in early spring, it carried a hint of cool vitality, slowly flowing through his slightly parched and burning meridians, meticulously nourishing and repairing the fatigue and damage from the fierce battle.

The extreme cold originating from the Snow Emperor's essence, when used for healing, displayed a unique calming and restorative property. Wherever the chill passed, the searing pain quickly subsided, replaced by a clear, cool, and comfortable sensation.

Approximately half an hour passed in silence.

Mo Lin slowly opened his eyes. The sharp glint that had been slightly dimmed by exhaustion had receded, and a touch of color had returned to his pale cheeks.

Although he was still a distance from returning to his peak condition, he could at least move without significant issue, his basic self-preservation abilities restored.

"Hmph, that was quite the fight. I almost emptied out the few trump cards I'd painstakingly accumulated," a voice echoed in his spiritual sea – the Ice Emperor's signature, slightly arrogant and displeased grunt.

Yet, if one listened closely, a hint of satisfaction could be detected beneath the grumbling.

After all, to clash with a five-star Dou Grandmaster for over a hundred rounds in the body of a mere Dou Master and not be defeated, then to force a turnaround with a nascent domain and that stunning Imperial Sword technique – such a feat would move anyone who knew the details.

The Snow Emperor's clear, ethereal voice followed, like an ice spring striking jade: "A full-strength battle reveals one's limits and shortcomings. This fight has greatly benefited your control over your suddenly increased power and honed your combat skills. However, the nascent domain touches upon the superficial aspects of law and consumes immense energy, which is not easily managed at your current level. You must be extremely cautious in the future."

Mo Lin responded mentally, a sense of relief and the joy of gain tinged with exhaustion in his voice: "Thank you, both teachers, for your protection. This battle was fraught with peril, but I also gained a great deal... It was worth it."

He stood up, stretching his somewhat stiff muscles. Feeling the Fighting Energy in his Qi Sea slowly gathering and flowing again, a complex curve formed on his lips.

The exhilaration of clashing with a powerful opponent was real, but the five-star Dou Grandmaster's full-power assault, like a storm, also served as a mirror, making him more acutely aware of the limitations and insignificance of his current realm.

He retrieved a loose, non-reflective black cloak from his Storage Ring and put it on with practiced ease.

The wide hood fell, completely concealing his handsome features, sharp gaze, and any expression that might betray his emotions, burying them in deep shadow.

In an instant, the talented young prodigy who had fought against overwhelming odds in the plaza, drawing countless eyes, vanished. He transformed back into the black-robed figure with an obscure aura, mysterious and unfathomable.

"It's time..." Mo Lin murmured to himself, his voice muffled beneath the hood.

He raised his head, his gaze piercing the night, precisely targeting the most brightly lit cluster of buildings in the city center – the direction of the Mietel Auction House.

Having kept that astute and capable manager Ya Fei waiting for so long, the flames of anxiety and anticipation must be burning fiercely within her.

After all... hungry fish are more eager and easier to hook.

His form moved, like a ghost blending into the night, silently gliding through the quiet alleyways as he hurried towards the auction house.

The lights along the streets stretched into blurred streaks behind him. The evening breeze stirred the corner of his cloak, making it rustle.

Meanwhile, on the top floor of the Mietel Auction House, in the exquisitely decorated manager's office overlooking nearly half the city's nightscape, the scene was quite different.

Ya Fei, somewhat annoyed, closed the ledger detailing the day's astonishing auction results and tossed it onto the expensive rosewood desk with a soft thud.

She raised her slender fingers and massaged her slightly throbbing temples.

Outside, the night was deep, and the lamps were lit, but the mysterious black-robed man who occupied such a significant place in her thoughts had still not appeared.

Since the auction ended that afternoon, where the Companion Purple Crystal Source fetched an astonishing price of 1.78 million, causing a sensation throughout the city, she had been eagerly awaiting another meeting with him.

The immense success brought by the Companion Purple Crystal Source had indeed brought her great fame within the family, temporarily silencing many doubts and criticisms, making her the center of attention.

But Ya Fei knew that all of this was like bubbles floating on water – seemingly brilliant, yet fragile.

An unprecedentedly successful auction might bring impressive results and temporary prestige, but it couldn't fundamentally change her predicament of lacking true, powerful support within the deeply entrenched Mietel Family.

The "Ice Emperor Hai Bodong," whom that mysterious person had casually mentioned, was the true key that stirred her heart and kept her awake at night!

Ice Emperor Hai Bodong! The Grand Elder of the Mietel Family, a true Dou Emperor, missing for many years with no news!

If she could truly connect with this legendary figure through this opportunity, or even gain his support... Just the thought made her heart race uncontrollably, blood surging.

That would mean she would have enough backing to face all the overt and covert attacks within the family, and even... have the qualifications to contend for higher, more enticing power!

But since that day, the man had vanished as if evaporated.

She had dispatched her most trusted confidantes and utilized some covert channels to inquire discreetly, yet not a single piece of useful information had been obtained.

This long and uncertain wait, mixed with the desire and trepidation for the immense temptation of the future, made even her, a manager known for her calmness, shrewdness, and adeptness at navigating social circles, somewhat restless and unable to maintain absolute composure.

She stood up and walked with slightly anxious steps to the massive floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the sparse carriages and pedestrians on the street below.

Her beautiful face, illuminated by the neon lights outside, revealed a hint of unconcealable fatigue and, deeper still, anticipation.

Her slender jade fingers tapped unconsciously on the cool glass pane. Her proud D-cup bust rose and fell with her slightly rapid breaths, outlining breathtaking curves beneath her tight qipao.

"Could it be... he changed his mind? Or was what he said that day merely a passing whim?" A disturbing thought flashed through her mind, causing Ya Fei to purse her red lips tightly.

Just then, the heavy, soundproofed rosewood door of the office was gently knocked upon.

"Come in." Ya Fei instantly suppressed all her outward emotions. Taking a deep breath, she turned, her face already restored to its usual impeccable, composed, and charming professional demeanor, her voice returning to its familiar soft and alluring tone.

A confidante dressed in a maid's uniform, with sharp eyes, gently pushed the door open and quickly approached Ya Fei. She lowered her voice and respectfully reported, "Manager, the Black Robed Gentleman... has arrived. He is waiting in VIP Room Number Three."

Here it comes!

These two words seemed to carry a strange magic, and Ya Fei's charming peach blossom eyes instantly lit up.

All the pent-up frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty vanished in an instant, replaced by a sharp, excited glint, like a hunter finally seeing their carefully awaited prey step into a trap.

She quickly suppressed the excitement in her heart and whispered an order to her maid: "Use that jar of 'Snow Peak Jade Dew' I've been saving to brew some tea and send it over. No one is allowed within half a step of the VIP room without my command, understand?"

"Yes, Manager, rest assured." The maid understood immediately, bowed, and retreated.

After the maid left, Ya Fei quickly walked to the vanity mirror and meticulously tidied her appearance, ensuring she was in top condition.

She looked at the face in the mirror, a blend of charm and shrewdness, and a confident smile curved her lips.

No matter the other party's intentions, she had to seize this opportunity!