Offline Meeting

The turmoil over Jia Nan Academy's recruitment was like a massive boulder cast into a tranquil lake, sending ripples through Wutan City's upper circles.

The name "Mo Lin" spread rapidly in an almost legendary fashion.

As a mere Fighter, he had stood against a Five Star Great Fighter instructor for a hundred rounds without defeat, then used an inconceivable method to force a draw.

Such a shocking record was enough to make any faction take notice.

For a time, this suddenly emerged genius youth became the topic of heated discussion among the major families after meals and over tea, and naturally reached the ears of Ya Fei, the manager of the Mietel Auction House, who kept constant watch over the city's currents.

As a shrewd businesswoman, Ya Fei had an instinct for gathering information on talents and expanding her network.

A young powerhouse with such limitless potential was undoubtedly worth investing in and recruiting.

Thus, on the third day after the recruitment ended, an elegant gilt invitation stamped with the Mietel Auction House emblem was delivered to the inn where Mo Lin was staying by a properly dressed, respectful maid.

The invitation was concise yet weighty: Young Master Mo Lin was sincerely invited to attend a small premium auction at the Mietel Auction House that evening, where rare medicinal herbs, combat technique scrolls, and other items would be presented, as a token of admiration for his recent brilliance.

It bore Ya Fei's personal signature. Her handwriting was graceful and flowing, carrying a faint, nearly imperceptible hint of flirtation and invitation.

Mo Lin played with the exquisite invitation in his hand, a meaningful curve rising at the corner of his lips.

He naturally understood Ya Fei's intentions. She merely wished to probe and recruit him.

Still, he had already planned to remain in Wutan City for a while longer, and establishing a deeper connection with the future Queen of Gold suited him perfectly.

Besides, the appreciation for stunning beauties rooted deep in his bones also left him rather eager to see that enchanting woman again.

That night, as the lanterns began to glow, Mo Lin changed into a well-fitted white robe. Without deliberately concealing his appearance, he strolled alone to the Mietel Auction House.

Unlike last time, when he had been a mysterious figure hidden beneath a black robe, he now made a public appearance as "the genius youth Mo Lin."

"Tsk, this brilliantly lit spectacle, with guests filling the halls, looks like it was arranged specifically to welcome you, the 'newly risen genius,'" Ice Empress teased within his Sea of Consciousness, sounding thoroughly entertained. "Looks like that little girl named Ya Fei has truly set her mind on hooking you, this 'promising investment.'"

Mo Lin smiled calmly to himself and replied, "It is merely mutual benefit. She needs to invest in the future, while I need her resources and channels. Besides..."

His gaze openly swept across the graceful, lovely-faced welcoming maids at the entrance, appreciating their alluring figures. "Manager Ya Fei herself is also a rare beauty. Simply looking at her is pleasing to the eye."

"Hmph, your nature never changes! You cannot walk when you see a pretty woman!" Ice Empress snorted. Her tone sounded reproachful, but it was more like habitual teasing. "Still, Ya Fei truly is a natural seductress. That figure, that charm... Boy, are you already thinking about how to win over that big-breasted beauty who bewitches men's hearts and add her to your harem plans?"

Mo Lin admitted it openly, his thoughts carrying a calm hint of amusement. "Such a peerless beauty, with ability and skill to match—if she could remain by my side, it would naturally be one of life's great pleasures. However, haste makes waste. Especially when dealing with a woman as intelligent and proud as Ya Fei, I must take it slowly and make her willing."

He was exceptionally relaxed. He enjoyed the beauty before him while clearly viewing it as a contest requiring patience and wisdom.

"At least you still have some restraint and have not lost your mind over beauty." Snow Empress's cool voice sounded at the right moment, carrying her usual rational reminder. "This woman is deeply calculating and skilled at scheming. There is no harm in enjoying the flirtation while dealing with her, but you must remain clear-headed at all times. Do not let her use you instead."

"Rest assured, Teacher Snow Empress. This disciple understands," Mo Lin replied. As they chatted, he followed a respectful attendant into a luxuriously furnished private room on the second floor with an excellent view.

Fragrant tea and fresh fruits had already been prepared in the private room. Mo Lin leisurely took his seat and looked down at the auction hall below, which was gradually growing livelier.

Soon, amid low exclamations and commotion, the star of the evening—Ya Fei—made her way gracefully onto the central auction platform.

That night, she wore a bright red high-slit qipao. Its smooth, satin-like fabric tightly wrapped around her full, seductive body, outlining her proud D-cup peaks, slender waist that could barely be grasped, and the snowy white long legs that appeared and vanished beneath the slit in a breathtaking fashion.

Her makeup was exquisite. Her peach-blossom eyes brimmed with innate allure as her gaze shifted, while her full red lips seemed ready to drip. Every smile and frown radiated the seductive charm unique to mature women.

The moment she appeared, she became the undisputed focus of the entire venue.

"Good evening, esteemed guests. Welcome to tonight's premium auction at the Mietel Auction House..." Ya Fei's voice spread throughout the hall through the Sound Amplifying Stone, bone-meltingly seductive yet carrying an unquestionable air of control.

Mo Lin leaned against the comfortable backrest, openly admiring the dazzling sight on stage.

His gaze lingered especially on her heaving chest and the swaying curves of her waist and hips as she walked, his face showing frank appreciation.

"Ha ha, staring so hard your eyes have gone straight, have they?" Ice Empress teased in his mind. "That woman certainly knows how to display her advantages. Boy, want this Empress to teach you a few tricks? I guarantee she will see you in a whole new light."

"No need," Mo Lin laughed inwardly. "You should save your method of courtship—'freeze her into an ice statue if she does not obey'—for yourself. To deal with Ya Fei, I need brains, and also... a little patience and appropriately placed 'sincerity.'"

The auction officially began. Ya Fei's style of hosting was highly infectious. She could always precisely stir up the atmosphere, vividly explaining the value of each pill, medicinal herb, and combat technique scroll, drawing wave after wave of bids.

Mo Lin occasionally made a move, purchasing several medicinal herbs he genuinely needed or an ancient fragmentary combat technique scroll.

His bids were decisive and his prices reasonable, displaying considerable wealth and judgment without being overly ostentatious.

His conduct fit the identity of a young genius in need of resources, while faintly revealing a composure beyond his years.

All of this fell into Ya Fei's eyes on the stage, quietly raising her estimation of him by several more degrees.

In the latter half of the auction, a finale item—a Barrier Breaking Pill capable of assisting one's attempt to break through to the Da Dou Shi realm—triggered fierce competition.

When the price was driven to a high point and the bidding gradually slowed, Mo Lin suddenly raised his placard and called out a price a full fifty percent higher than the current highest bid!

The entire venue fell silent the moment the bid was announced. Many gazes turned toward the private room where he was seated.

Even Ya Fei on the stage flashed a hint of surprise in her beautiful eyes before it transformed into an even brighter smile. Her gaze toward Mo Lin filled with appreciation and deeper curiosity.

Though this Barrier Breaking Pill was precious, Mo Lin's bid clearly exceeded its actual value. It was more like a display of strength and a declaration of intent.

"Young Master is truly generous! Does anyone wish to bid higher?" Ya Fei swept her eyes across the hall before finally bringing down the hammer. "Congratulations, Young Master Mo Lin, on obtaining this Barrier Breaking Pill!"

Mo Lin smiled faintly and raised his cup toward Ya Fei from afar, his gesture effortless and dashing.

He had done so partly because he truly needed the pill to prepare for his upcoming attempt to break through to the Da Dou Shi realm, and partly because he deliberately wished to display his wealth and resolve before Ya Fei—killing two birds with one stone.

After the auction ended, just as Mo Lin had expected, Ya Fei did not leave immediately. Instead, she came directly to his private room.

"Young Master Mo Lin, that was quite a grand gesture just now." Ya Fei pushed open the door, bringing with her a refreshing fragrant breeze. She naturally sat in a soft chair beside Mo Lin, elegantly crossing her legs and exposing a stretch of smooth calf as she smiled at him. "It seems Young Master is determined to break through to the Da Dou Shi realm."

Looking at her charming face so close to his, Mo Lin could clearly smell the enticing blend of expensive perfume and feminine body fragrance coming from her.

His gaze openly paused for a moment upon Ya Fei's delicate collarbones and the full curves threatening to spill free before he smiled. "The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; one must naturally seize every opportunity. Besides, if spending a few more gold coins can earn a smile from Manager Ya Fei, then it is worth it."

His words carried the straightforward flattery of a young man, mixed with a faint, barely noticeable tease.

Ya Fei covered her mouth and chuckled, charm overflowing from her shifting gaze. "Young Master truly knows how to speak. Still, with your capabilities, breaking through to the Da Dou Shi realm should be as natural as water flowing into a channel."

Her tone shifted as she asked seemingly casually, "Could it be that Young Master noticed something special about that fragmentary combat technique scroll? I must admit, my eyes were not sharp enough to see much mystery in it."

Here it came—the probing. Mo Lin understood inwardly, but he wore a slightly mysterious smile and answered vaguely, "I merely felt that it was faintly compatible with the cultivation technique I practice. As for the specifics, I will need to return and study it carefully. Manager Ya Fei runs an auction house and possesses broad knowledge. If you encounter similar interesting ancient scrolls in the future, please keep an eye out for me."

He acknowledged that the fragmentary scroll might be extraordinary, yet deftly shifted the topic, tossing "keeping an eye out for ancient scrolls" back to her as a potential point of continued contact.

Ya Fei was exceptionally shrewd and immediately caught the implication. Her smile grew even brighter. "Rest assured, Young Master. If any good items appear, I will certainly notify you first."

She picked up her wine cup and lightly clinked it against Mo Lin's, her posture elegant. "Speaking of which, Young Master's brilliance on Jia Nan Academy's recruitment day has spread throughout Wutan City. A true hero emerges in youth."

The two chatted merrily in the private room. At times, Mo Lin displayed admiration for Ya Fei's knowledge; at others, he inadvertently revealed a composure far beyond his age and the occasional incisive insight. He openly appreciated Ya Fei's beauty and charm, while the aggression in his gaze was measured perfectly—enough to let Ya Fei sense his "interest," but not enough to make him seem impatient or frivolous.

Meanwhile, Ya Fei continuously used her words and subtle movements—casually brushing back her hair or adjusting her posture—to display her charm while cautiously probing Mo Lin's background.

Their exchange seemed fragrant and harmonious on the surface, yet hidden sparks clashed beneath it.

In the end, Mo Lin once again used cultivation as his excuse to politely decline Ya Fei's further invitation, then took his leave with ease.

After seeing Mo Lin off, Ya Fei stood alone by the window, gazing into the night sky as she reflected on their conversation.

This Mo Lin was even more complicated than she had imagined. His talent was astonishing, his wealth considerable, and his mind meticulous. Moreover... he clearly held a strong "interest" in her.

That interest contained both desire for beauty and, it seemed, an ambition to "conquer" her.

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

She liked this sort of contact filled with strategic maneuvering. It was more exciting than a simple exchange of benefits.

At the same time, she had not forgotten the task entrusted to her by the mysterious Mr. Ice. Clues regarding top-tier ice and fire resources were still being gathered in secret, while the pills and storage ring had already been prepared.

Two entirely different "partners," both brimming with charm and danger, had filled her life in Wutan City with unprecedented uncertainty and anticipation.

Meanwhile, after leaving the auction house, Mo Lin walked back toward the inn in an exceptionally pleasant mood.

"How did it feel? Did that little beauty, born with seductive bones, leave you completely spellbound?" Ice Empress teased.

"She truly is a remarkable woman," Mo Lin admitted openly. "But good wine must be savored slowly, and good food must be patiently prepared. This 'feast' called Ya Fei cannot be rushed.

For now, the priority is still increasing my strength, and also... seeing whether the Xiao Family has any 'surprises' waiting for me."