"Good." His voice remained as calm as an ancient well, yet it carried a hint of complete control. "In that case, there are three matters I need you to handle immediately."
Ya Fei's expression sharpened. She immediately focused and listened intently, her peach-blossom eyes filled with concentration as though she were receiving the highest command.
Mo Lin spoke unhurriedly, his voice passing through the hood with unquestionable weight. "First, use the Mittel Family's intelligence network and commercial channels to secretly gather information on all top-tier natural treasures related to ice and Fire Attribute.
For example, unusual ores or rare medicinal herbs containing pure ice and fire energy. So long as there is reliable information or an actual item, spare no expense in tracking its whereabouts and means of acquisition.
This must be carried out discreetly. There is no need to rush, but it must be pursued consistently."
He did not directly mention the shocking Heavenly Flames. Instead, he broadened the scope to top-tier resources that were easier to obtain and could likewise assist his cultivation of the Yin Yang Feather Transformation Art. It was a far more practical approach.
Ya Fei's heart stirred. Ice and fire? It seemed to faintly correspond to the extreme cold attribute he had displayed, as well as the Fire Attribute of the Purple Crystal Source he had once produced. Could it be related to the cultivation art he practiced?
She immediately nodded and said solemnly, "Rest assured, sir. Ya Fei has remembered. I will use the most reliable secret channels to keep watch for news of such treasures. The moment there is a lead, I will secure it for you."
"Second," Mo Lin continued, his tone mild yet leaving no room for negotiation, "prepare a large quantity of second-grade Qi Recovery Pills for me. Their quality must be excellent. The number... begin by preparing five hundred."
He needed a great number of pills capable of rapidly restoring Dou Qi, both for the possible depletion of future high-intensity battles and for the immense demands of deducing cultivation arts with the two Emperors.
Though five hundred second-grade pills were worth a considerable sum, they were hardly difficult for him to afford now.
A flicker of surprise passed through Ya Fei's eyes. Five hundred second-grade Qi Recovery Pills?
That was no small amount. Even for the Mietel Auction House, it would take time to gather high-quality stock from its branches across the region.
But she knew this was not the time to ask questions. She immediately agreed. "Yes. Ya Fei will gather the finest-quality pills from the various branches as soon as possible. They will certainly be ready for you within five days at the latest."
"Third," Mo Lin paused briefly before stating his final request. "Find me a top-tier storage ring. Its internal space must be sufficiently vast—at least ten cubic meters—and its storage stability must be extremely high. It would be best if it could block ordinary energy probes."
The space in his original storage ring had already become somewhat cramped, and its quality was ordinary.
Since he had decided to remain in Wutan City for some time and begin preparing for the next stage of his plans, a higher-grade storage ring was essential.
Upon hearing these three requests, especially the latter two involving a large quantity of pills and a top-tier storage ring, Ya Fei became even more certain that this mysterious man did not intend to leave immediately. He seemed to be planning a long-term operation here, or perhaps making preparations on a large scale.
That instead put her somewhat at ease. It meant their cooperative relationship might become more stable and enduring.
After a brief moment of thought, she replied decisively, "Ya Fei understands your requirements, sir. Information regarding top-tier ice and fire treasures will be secretly collected on an ongoing basis. The five hundred second-grade Qi Recovery Pills will certainly be ready within five days. As for the top-tier storage ring..."
She pondered for a moment, quickly reviewing their inventory in her mind. "The auction house's secret vault contains an Abyssal Sea Storage Ring. It is said to have been forged from deep-sea silver and a Voidstone core. Its internal space is approximately fifteen cubic meters, and it bears faint spatial concealment runes, making it difficult for ordinary people to investigate what lies within. It may meet your requirements. Ya Fei can have a trusted subordinate retrieve it immediately."
"Acceptable." Mo Lin gave a slight nod, acknowledging Ya Fei's efficiency and judgment. "Then do so. Of the funds, keep one million five hundred thousand gold coins for procuring these materials and funding subsequent operations. Exchange the remaining one hundred and two thousand gold coins for gold notes."
He directly designated most of the funds as operating capital, displaying both the sincerity of long-term cooperation and formidable financial confidence.
Ya Fei's heart settled. This gentleman's generosity truly was extraordinary.
She immediately bowed. "Ya Fei obeys! I will prepare everything you require as quickly as possible."
After hesitating briefly, she softly probed, "May I ask whether you will remain in Wutan City for the near future, sir? Once Ya Fei has prepared the supplies, how should I deliver them to you?"
Mo Lin naturally heard the probing in her words and replied calmly, "I will not leave Wutan City for the time being. Once the supplies are ready, keep them with you. I will come and collect them myself."
He did not provide any specific means of contact, maintaining both his mystery and his initiative.
"Yes, Ya Fei understands." Ya Fei wisely did not ask further. As long as she knew he remained in the city and had continuing needs, this cooperation would be firmly bound together.
Next, Mo Lin casually inquired about recent shifts in power at the Mittel Family headquarters in Jia Ma Sacred City, the movements of its principal rivals, and especially information related to Nalan Yanran and the Misty Cloud Sect. His manner resembled that of a reclusive expert observing the empire's affairs.
By now, Ya Fei had almost come to regard Mo Lin as a key figure who could change her destiny. Naturally, she held nothing back, carefully recounting everything she knew, including secret rumors and details of various power struggles.
The two spoke in low voices for roughly half an hour within the candlelit secret chamber, and the atmosphere strangely carried the feeling of allies discussing important matters.
By the time Mo Lin finally rose to take his leave, the darkness outside the window had become thick and impenetrable.
Ya Fei personally escorted him to the entrance of the secret passage known only to a select few.
She watched the black-robed figure merge into the darkness outside like Gui Mei, vanishing without a trace.
Leaning against the cold Stone Gate, she clenched her jade-like hand tightly, her nails nearly digging into her palm. Great anticipation mingled with a lingering unease in her beautiful eyes.
"Top-tier ice and fire resources, vast quantities of pills, a top-tier storage ring... What the gentleman seeks is surely no small matter. The waters of Wutan City may truly be stirred by him..." she murmured, both excited and anxious.
Meanwhile, Mo Lin swiftly melted into the night after leaving the auction house. He removed his black robe, felt the thin yet weighty stack of gold notes against his chest, and gazed calmly toward the inn.
For the time being, he did not intend to leave Wutan City. It was relatively peaceful, and it had the increasingly established channel of the Mietel Auction House. It was the ideal place for him to digest his recent gains, consolidate his cultivation, and make more thorough preparations for his next journey to the Tagor Desert.
"Ice and fire in harmony, Yin Yang Transformation Feather... The resources required truly are immense. With Ya Fei's channel, I can avoid much needless running about. During this period, I shall cultivate in peace. At the same time... it is time to properly 'visit' the Xiao Family, meet that Xiao Xun'er, and... investigate clues to the ring where Old Yao is hiding."
His figure flickered several times through the shadows of the alley before vanishing into the night, already having mapped out his next course of action in Wutan City.
The night deepened.
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