Offline Meeting

The commotion surrounding Jia Nan Academy's admissions was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, sending ripples through the upper circles of Wutan City.

The name "Mo Lin" spread like wildfire, almost legendary in its reach.

To face a five-star Dou Grandmaster instructor for a hundred rounds as a mere Dou Master without defeat, and then to force a draw with inconceivable means.

Such astonishing achievements were enough to draw the attention of any major power.

For a time, this suddenly emerged young genius became the focal point of discussion among the prominent families during their tea breaks. Naturally, this also reached the ears of Ya Fei, the astute manager of the Mietel Auction House, who constantly monitored the city's pulse.

As a shrewd businesswoman, Ya Fei possessed an innate instinct for gathering information on talented individuals and expanding her network.

Such a young powerhouse with limitless potential was undoubtedly worth investing in and recruiting.

Thus, on the third day after admissions concluded, an elegantly worded, gold-embossed invitation bearing the crest of the Mietel Auction House was delivered by a well-dressed and respectful maid to the inn where Mo Lin was temporarily staying.

The invitation's content was concise yet carried significant weight: it cordially invited Young Master Mo Lin to a small, exclusive auction held that evening at the Mietel Auction House, where rare medicinal ingredients, Combat Skill scrolls, and other items would be presented, as a token of admiration for the young master's recent display of prowess.

The signatory was Ya Fei's personal signature, her handwriting graceful and flowing, hinting at a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of intimacy and invitation.

Mo Lin toyed with the exquisite invitation in his hand, a playful curve gracing his lips.

He was well aware of Ya Fei's intentions – nothing more than a probe and an attempt at recruitment.

However, he had planned to linger in Wutan City for a while longer, and establishing a deeper connection with this future "Queen of Gold" suited him perfectly.

Moreover, his innate appreciation for stunning beauties also made him somewhat eager to see that enchanting and captivating Beguiler again.

That night, as the lamps were lit, Mo Lin changed into a perfectly tailored white robe. He did not deliberately conceal his appearance and strolled alone to the Mietel Auction House.

Unlike his previous mysterious presence cloaked in black, this time he made a public appearance as the "genius youth, Mo Lin."

"Tsk, this dazzling display of lights and throng of guests almost seems tailor-made to welcome you, the 'newly ascended genius'," a playful voice echoed in his spiritual sea – that of the Ice Emperor, with a hint of schadenfreude. "It seems that little girl Ya Fei is determined to reel in this 'potential stock' of yours."

Mo Lin smiled faintly in his heart and replied, "It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. She needs to invest in the future, and I need her resources and channels. Besides..."

His gaze swept calmly over the graceful and beautiful receptionists at the entrance of the auction house, appreciating their alluring curves. "This manager Ya Fei herself is also a rare beauty, a pleasure to behold."

"Hmph, old habits die hard! You can't move when you see a pretty woman!" the Ice Emperor snorted, his tone sounding like a reprimand but more like habitual teasing. "But speaking of which, Ya Fei is indeed a natural siren. That figure, that charm... Kid, are you already plotting how to 'capture' this buxom beauty who bewitches hearts and add her to your 'harem' blueprint?"

Mo Lin admitted frankly, his thoughts tinged with a composed playfulness. "Such earthly beauty, coupled with capability and shrewdness, would naturally be a joy in life to have by one's side. However, haste makes waste, especially when dealing with a woman as intelligent and proud as Ya Fei. It must be done slowly, to make her willing."

His mindset was extremely relaxed, enjoying the beauty before him while clearly recognizing it as a game requiring patience and wisdom.

"It's good that you still have some sense and haven't lost your mind over beauty," the Snow Emperor's cool voice chimed in at the opportune moment, with its usual rational reminder. "This woman is deep in schemes and skilled at calculation. While it's fine to indulge in pleasantries while dealing with her, you must remain clear-headed at all times and not be used by her."

"Don't worry, Teacher Snow Emperor, your disciple understands," Mo Lin replied. As they chatted, he was led by a respectful attendant to a luxurious private room on the second floor with an excellent view.

Fragrant tea and precious fruits were already prepared in the room. Mo Lin sat down leisurely, his gaze falling upon the auction hall below, which was gradually becoming lively.

Soon, accompanied by a low murmur of admiration and commotion, the evening's protagonist – Ya Fei – gracefully ascended the central auction stage.

Tonight, she had chosen a high-slit qipao in a vibrant red. The fabric, smooth as satin, tightly hugged her voluptuous and alluring figure, accentuating her proud D-cup bosom, her impossibly slender waist, and the tantalizing glimpse of her fair legs revealed by the qipao's slit, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Her makeup was exquisite, her peach-blossom eyes sparkling with natural allure, her lips full and luscious. Every smile and gesture exuded the captivating charm unique to mature women.

Her appearance instantly made her the undisputed focus of the entire venue.

"Good evening, esteemed guests. Welcome to the Mietel Auction House's exclusive auction tonight..." Ya Fei's voice, transmitted through the Sound Amplifying Stone, filled the hall. It was seductively charming yet carried an undeniable authority.

Mo Lin leaned back against the comfortable chair, unashamedly admiring the stunning sight on stage.

His gaze lingered particularly on her heaving chest and the graceful sway of her waist and hips as she moved, his face displaying an open appreciation.

"Haha, staring with your eyes wide open, aren't you?" the Ice Emperor teased in his mind. "This woman truly knows how to showcase her advantages. Kid, want me to teach you a trick or two that will surely make her see you in a new light?"

"No thanks," Mo Lin chuckled inwardly. "Your 'freeze her into an ice sculpture if she's disobedient' pursuit method is best kept for yourself. Dealing with Ya Fei requires brains, and also... a bit of patience and appropriate 'sincerity'."

The auction officially began. Ya Fei's hosting style was incredibly engaging. She always managed to precisely ignite the atmosphere, elaborating on the value of each pill, medicinal ingredient, and Combat Skill scroll to perfection, drawing forth a cascade of bids.

Mo Lin occasionally made a bid, acquiring a few medicinal ingredients he genuinely needed or an ancient, incomplete Combat Skill scroll.

His bids were decisive and reasonably priced, showcasing considerable financial strength and keen insight without being overly ostentatious.

His performance not only fit the identity of a young genius in need of resources but also subtly revealed a composure beyond his years.

All of this was observed by Ya Fei on stage, causing her internal evaluation of him to subtly rise.

As the auction progressed to its latter half, a highly coveted item, the "Barrier Breaking Pill" which could aid in breaking through the Dou Grandmaster bottleneck, sparked fierce competition.

When the price reached a high point and the bidding began to slow, Mo Lin suddenly raised his paddle, offering a price a full fifty percent higher than the current highest bid!

The moment this bid was announced, the entire venue fell silent. Many gazes turned towards his private room.

Even Ya Fei on stage showed a flicker of surprise in her beautiful eyes, which then transformed into an even brighter smile as she looked at Mo Lin with admiration and deeper curiosity.

Although this Barrier Breaking Pill was precious, Mo Lin's bid clearly exceeded its inherent value, appearing more like a display of strength and a certain stance.

"Young Master's bid is truly generous! Are there any further offers?" Ya Fei scanned the crowd before bringing down her gavel. "Congratulations, Young Master Mo Lin, on acquiring this Barrier Breaking Pill!"

Mo Lin smiled slightly and raised his cup in a toast towards Ya Fei on stage, his movements fluid and natural.

His action served a dual purpose: he genuinely needed the pill to prepare for his upcoming breakthrough to Dou Grandmaster, and he deliberately wanted to showcase his financial power and determination to Ya Fei, thus killing two birds with one stone.

As Mo Lin had expected, after the auction concluded, Ya Fei did not leave immediately but headed straight for his private room.

"Young Master Mo Lin, that was quite a grand gesture just now." Ya Fei entered, bringing with her a refreshing scent. She naturally sat down on the soft chair beside Mo Lin, gracefully crossing her legs and revealing a smooth section of her calf. She looked at him with a smile, "It seems the Young Master is determined to break through to the Dou Grandmaster realm."

Mo Lin gazed at her alluring face, so close to him, and could clearly smell the intoxicating blend of high-end perfume and feminine scent emanating from her.

His gaze calmly swept over Ya Fei's delicate collarbone and the alluring curves that threatened to spill out, before he chuckled, "The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current; one must seize every opportunity. Moreover, if I can earn a smile from Manager Ya Fei, spending a little more gold is well worth it."

His words carried a hint of youthful, straightforward flattery, mixed with a trace of imperceptible teasing.

Ya Fei covered her mouth and chuckled softly. Her eyes flickered, exuding charm, "Young Master, you truly know how to speak. However, with your abilities, breaking through to Dou Grandmaster should be a natural progression."

Her tone shifted, and she asked as if casually, "You purchased that incomplete Combat Skill scroll. Did you perhaps see something special in it? I'm afraid my own eyes are too dull to discern much mystery."

Here it comes, the probing has begun. Mo Lin understood inwardly, but a slightly mysterious smile played on his lips as he vaguely replied, "I merely felt it subtly resonated with the cultivation technique I practice. As for the specifics, I'll need to return and study it carefully. Manager Ya Fei, with your extensive knowledge from managing the auction house, if you happen to encounter similar interesting ancient scrolls in the future, perhaps you could help me keep an eye out for them."

He admitted the scroll might be extraordinary while skillfully diverting the topic and planting the idea of "keeping an eye out for ancient scrolls" as a potential point of continued contact.

Ya Fei, being exceptionally astute, immediately caught the underlying meaning. Her smile widened, "Young Master, rest assured, if there's anything good, I will notify you immediately."

She raised her wine glass and gently clinked it with Mo Lin's, her posture elegant. "Speaking of which, your performance during the Jia Nan Academy's recruitment day has now spread throughout Wutan City. Truly, a young hero."

The two conversed cordially in the private room. Mo Lin occasionally expressed admiration for Ya Fei's knowledge, and at other times, inadvertently revealed a composure and occasional sharp insight far beyond his years. He openly appreciated Ya Fei's beauty and charm, his gaze carrying just the right amount of assertiveness, making Ya Fei feel his "interest" without appearing hasty or frivolous.

Meanwhile, Ya Fei continuously used her words and subtle gestures, such as casually flipping her hair or adjusting her posture, to showcase her allure while cautiously probing Mo Lin's background.

This exchange, seemingly amorous and harmonious, was in reality fraught with hidden intentions.

Ultimately, Mo Lin, citing cultivation as his reason once more, politely declined Ya Fei's further invitations and departed with grace.

After seeing Mo Lin off, Ya Fei stood alone by the window, gazing at the night sky, reminiscing about their conversation.

This Mo Lin was more complex than she had imagined. His talent was astonishing, his financial resources considerable, his mind meticulous, and... he clearly harbored a strong "interest" in her.

This interest seemed to encompass not only a desire for her beauty but also an ambition to "conquer."

"What an interesting and dangerous young man..." Ya Fei's red lips curved slightly, a glint of challenge flashing in her eyes.

She enjoyed these interactions filled with strategic play; they stimulated her far more than simple exchanges of profit.

At the same time, she hadn't forgotten the task assigned by the mysterious "Mr. Ice." Clues regarding top-tier ice and fire resources were still being secretly gathered, and the pills and storage rings were already prepared.

Two vastly different, yet equally charming and dangerous "collaborators," made her life in Wutan City filled with unprecedented variables and anticipation.

Meanwhile, Mo Lin, walking back to his inn after leaving the auction house, felt quite pleased.

"How do you feel? Did that charming little beauty with innate allure completely captivate you?" the Ice Emperor teased.

"She is indeed a remarkable person," Mo Lin admitted frankly. "However, good wine needs to be savored slowly, and fine dishes require patient preparation. This 'feast' that is Ya Fei cannot be rushed.

The current priority is still to improve my strength, and... to go and see if there are any 'surprises' waiting for me on the Xiao Family's side."