Shadows of Candles in the Darkroom 2

"Good." His voice remained as placid as a deep well, yet it carried an air of complete control. "Since that is the case, there are three matters that require your immediate attention."

Ya Fei's expression sharpened, and she immediately focused, her peach blossom eyes filled with concentration, as if listening to the highest directive.

Mo Lin spoke unhurriedly, his voice carrying through his hood with undeniable weight. "Firstly, utilize the Mite'er Family's intelligence network and merchant channels to secretly gather information on all heavenly materials and earthly treasures related to top-tier ice and fire attributes.

For example, peculiar ores containing pure ice and fire energy, or rare medicinal herbs. As long as there is definite news or actual items, spare no expense in tracking their whereabouts and acquisition methods.

This matter must be handled discreetly and there is no need to rush, but it requires persistence."

He did not directly mention the astonishing Heavenly Flame, but instead broadened the scope to include resources that were easier to find and could also assist him in cultivating the Yin Yang Feather Transformation Art. This approach was more pragmatic.

Ya Fei's heart stirred. Ice and fire? This seemed to subtly correspond with the extreme cold attribute he had displayed and the fire attribute of the Purple Crystal Source he had previously produced. Could it be related to the cultivation technique he was practicing?

She immediately nodded, her tone solemn. "Sir, please rest assured, Ya Fei has noted it down. I will use the most reliable secret channels to discreetly monitor news of such treasures. As soon as there is a clue, I will keep an eye out for you."

"Secondly," Mo Lin continued, his tone calm but leaving no room for negotiation, "prepare a large quantity of second-grade Qi Replenishing Pills for me. The quality must be top-notch. The quantity... prepare five hundred pills for now."

He needed a large number of pills that could quickly restore Fighting Energy to cope with potential high-intensity combat consumption in the future and the significant demand when deducing cultivation techniques with the two Emperors.

Although five hundred second-grade pills were valuable, it was not a difficult matter for his current wealth.

A hint of surprise flashed in Ya Fei's eyes. Five hundred second-grade Qi Replenishing Pills?

This was no small sum. Even for the Mietel Auction House, it would take time to gather high-quality stock from its branches across different regions.

However, she knew she should not ask too many questions at this moment and immediately agreed. "Yes, Ya Fei will gather the best quality pills from our branches as quickly as possible. They will be ready for you within five days at the latest."

"Thirdly," Mo Lin paused slightly and stated his final request. "Find me a top-tier Storage Ring. The internal space needs to be sufficiently vast, at least ten cubic meters or more, and its storage stability must be extremely high, preferably capable of isolating ordinary energy probes."

His existing Storage Ring space was already somewhat cramped, and its quality was ordinary.

Since he had decided to stay in Wutan City for a while longer and begin his next plan, a higher-grade Storage Ring was a necessity.

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 person did not intend to leave immediately, but rather had the intention of operating here long-term or making large-scale preparations.

This, however, brought her some peace of mind, implying that the cooperative relationship between them might be more stable and long-lasting.

After a moment of thought, she responded decisively. "Sir's needs are understood by Ya Fei. Information on top-tier ice and fire treasures will continue to be collected discreetly. Five hundred second-grade Qi Replenishing Pills will be ready within five days. As for the top-tier Storage Ring..."

She pondered for a moment, quickly reviewing her inventory in her mind. "The auction house's secret vault contains an 'Abyssal Sea Storage Ring'. It is said to be crafted from deep-sea silver and void stone heart, with an internal space of about fifteen cubic meters. It also has faint spatial concealment runes, making it difficult for ordinary probes to ascertain its interior. It might meet Sir's requirements. Ya Fei can immediately have a trusted subordinate retrieve it."

"Possible." Mo Lin nodded slightly, expressing his approval of Ya Fei's efficiency and judgment. "Then it is settled. The one million five hundred thousand gold coins from the payment will be used to procure these materials and for subsequent activities. The remaining one hundred thousand two thousand gold coins can be exchanged for bank notes."

He directly allocated the majority of the funds as expenses, demonstrating his sincerity for long-term cooperation and his considerable resources.

Ya Fei's heart settled. The generosity of this sir was indeed extraordinary.

She immediately bowed. "Ya Fei obeys! I will ensure that the items Sir requires are prepared as soon as possible."

She hesitated for a moment, then softly probed, "Does Sir intend to stay in Wutan City recently? After Ya Fei has the materials ready, how should I present them to Sir?"

Mo Lin naturally understood her probing and calmly replied, "I will not be leaving Wutan City for the time being. Once the materials are ready, you can store them at your place. I will come to collect them myself."

He did not provide specific contact information, maintaining his mystique and control.

"Yes, Ya Fei understands." Ya Fei wisely asked no further questions. As long as she confirmed that he was still in the city and had ongoing needs, this cooperation was firmly secured.

Next, Mo Lin casually inquired about recent power shifts within the Mite'er Family headquarters in Jia Ma Sacred City, the movements of major rivals, especially information related to Nalan Yanran and the Misty Cloud Sect, presenting himself as a reclusive expert concerned with the empire's situation.

Ya Fei now almost regarded Mo Lin as a key figure in changing her destiny, so she naturally revealed everything she knew, even sharing some secret rumors and details of power struggles.

The two conversed in hushed tones in the dimly lit chamber for about half an hour, the atmosphere resembling that of allies discussing important matters.

When Mo Lin finally rose to take his leave, the night outside had deepened into an impenetrable darkness.

Ya Fei personally escorted him to the entrance of a secret passage known only to a very few people.

Watching the figure in black blend into the darkness outside like a phantom and disappear.

She leaned against the cold stone door, her jade hand clenched tightly, her fingernails almost digging into her palm, her beautiful eyes filled with immense anticipation and a trace of lingering unease.

"Top-tier ice and fire resources, a large quantity of pills, a top-tier Storage Ring... Sir's ambitions are certainly not small. This Wutan City is truly going to be stirred up by him..." she murmured softly, feeling both excited and uneasy.

Mo Lin, having left the auction house, quickly blended into the night. He removed his black robe, felt the thin yet substantial stack of bank notes in his embrace, and calmly looked in the direction of the inn.

He had no intention of leaving Wutan City for the time being. It was relatively peaceful here, and with the gradually maturing channel of the Mietel Auction House, it was an ideal location for him to digest his recent gains, consolidate his cultivation, and prepare more thoroughly for his next journey to the Tagor Desert.

"Ice and fire complementing each other, Yin Yang Feather Transformation... the required resources are indeed vast. With Ya Fei's connection, it saves a lot of trouble. During this period, I will focus on cultivation, and at the same time... it's time to properly 'visit' the Xiao family, meet Xiao Xun'er, and... explore clues about Old Yao's hidden ring."

His figure flickered a few times in the alley shadows, disappearing as if absorbed by the night, his mind already outlining his future plans in Wutan City.

The night was deep.