Secrets of the Extreme North, Forging Ties in Heaven Dou

Heaven Dou Auction House.

Wrapped in a black robe, Lin Mo stepped onto the crimson carpet lining the corridor. The lamps on either side reflected a soft, warm golden glow, making the lavish patterns of the surrounding halls appear even more magnificent.

The Auction House President walked ahead with a deep bow, his footsteps exceedingly light, scarcely daring to breathe.

He stole a glance at the black-robed figure walking slowly beside him, his awe growing even stronger.

From beginning to end, this mysterious seller had remained calm and indifferent. Even though he was about to face the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, one of the Heaven Dou Empire's most influential figures, he still stood tall and steady, without the slightest trace of the nervous restraint common among Soul Masters.

Before long, the group arrived outside the premier private room at the center of the top floor.

Two guards from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stood quietly at either side. Their auras were steady and restrained, and both were elite Soul Masters with considerable Soul Power.

Seeing the president arrive with guests, the guards did not stop them. Their eyes merely settled cautiously upon Lin Mo.

The Auction House President raised a hand and lightly knocked on the door. In a low, respectful voice, he announced, "Sect Master Ning, that esteemed guest has arrived."

"Please come in."

Ning Fengzhi's gentle, even voice came from inside the room.

The president hurriedly pushed open the carved wooden door, stepping aside and gesturing for him to enter.

Lin Mo gave a slight nod and stepped into the private room.

The moment he entered, the warm fragrance of tea mixed with the elegant scent of sandalwood washed over him.

Within the spacious, luxurious room, four figures immediately came into view.

Ning Fengzhi was gentle and refined, a smile on his face.

Xue Qinghe looked over calmly.

Gu Rong was gaunt in stature, yet concealed an intimidating pressure.

Ning Rongrong's large, blinking eyes were curiously studying the black-robed figure at the door.

At the same instant, all four sets of eyes focused on Lin Mo.

The private room instantly fell quiet, with only the faint rustle of wind from outside the window drifting in.

Ning Fengzhi was the first to rise and greet him.

"Are you the holder of the Heart of Eternity? I have long admired you."

Xue Qinghe remained seated on the sofa. He did not stand, merely wearing a mild smile as his gaze held a hint of scrutiny.

"You flatter me, Sect Master Ning." Lin Mo stood where he was, his posture straight.

Gu Rong slightly raised his eyelids. A concealed fluctuation of spatial Soul Power passed through the depths of his sunken eyes as he quietly probed Lin Mo's aura.

Lin Mo was perfectly disguised by the Simulation skill. His aura was as placid as water, appearing utterly ordinary.

Naturally, Gu Rong did not believe it.

Yet when he tried to investigate further, he saw a layer of gray mist shrouding Lin Mo, making the truth impossible to discern.

Lin Mo sensed it and glanced toward Gu Rong in the corner.

Gu Rong was inwardly shocked.

This man truly possessed extraordinary methods. His ability to conceal himself was absurdly powerful; even Gu Rong might not have been able to accomplish it so easily.

Ning Rongrong could not grasp the depths of such matters. She tilted her little head slightly, looking Lin Mo up and down with curiosity.

Noticing the unusual atmosphere, Ning Fengzhi raised a hand in invitation.

"Please, have a seat."

"I obtained this peerless treasure through sheer fortune. I have many questions in my heart, so I presumptuously invited you here. I hope you will not take offense."

Lin Mo took a seat naturally, the hem of his black robe falling softly as he settled steadily onto the sofa at the side.

Seeing the cordial atmosphere, the Auction House President tactfully led the attendants out with bows. He gently closed the door, shutting all outside noise away.

Time to slip away.

Some things were better left unheard.

The private room fell quiet once more.

Ning Fengzhi's gaze rested on the sandalwood box atop the table. Within it, the Heart of Eternity glimmered with restrained light, crystal-clear and flawless.

He pondered for a moment.

"To be honest, I have spent my life appraising treasures, yet I have never seen one with such a unique aura. Its material is extraordinary, and it faintly carries the spiritual essence accumulated over ancient years. It is certainly no ordinary heavenly treasure. Might you tell me where this Heart of Eternity came from?"

As Ning Fengzhi asked his final question, his gaze fixed intently on Lin Mo.

The moment those words were spoken.

Xue Qinghe's hand paused slightly as he lifted his teacup. His eyes settled on Lin Mo as he waited for the answer.

Bone Douluo also put aside his relaxed demeanor and listened seriously.

Six million Gold Soul Coins was certainly expensive, but if they could uncover this treasure's origins and touch upon ancient secrets, the price would be insignificant.

With everyone's attention gathered on him, Lin Mo remained calm. Adopting the tone of someone revealing everything, he said evenly, "This item came from the Extreme North."

"The Extreme North?!"

Ning Fengzhi's brows lifted slightly, surprise flashing through his eyes.

"That place is sealed in ice for thousands of miles, a bitterly cold land of death. Its depths are overrun by Soul Beasts, and even Title Douluo do not dare venture in lightly. Yet you found such a supreme treasure there?"

Xue Qinghe gave a slight nod as well, clearly very surprised.

Lin Mo nodded faintly and continued along that line.

"The Extreme North Ice Plains have been buried for countless ages, concealing many ancient ruins that vanished long ago. I once happened to venture into the heart of the ice plains and discovered this little trinket within an ancient remnant sealed in ten-thousand-year ice."

"That ruin was built entirely of ice jade. Its carvings were ancient and profound, its spiritual energy restrained, yet it emanated a sacred, silent chill. I had my suspicions, and after leaving, I learned from the natives of the Northern Territory that the Extreme North concealed an ancient Frost Temple."

"The Frost Temple?!"

Ning Fengzhi's body stiffened slightly, and a sharp gleam suddenly lit his eyes.

Among the continent's ancient legends, there had always been scattered records of an Extreme North frost deity and ancient ice-element inheritances.

But the era was far too distant. Such accounts had long become vague legends that no one took seriously.

Now that Lin Mo had spoken of it, with the tangible Heart of Eternity as proof, Ning Fengzhi could not help but believe him.

"Unfortunately, the opportunity had not come, and my fortune was insufficient," Lin Mo said calmly.

"The so-called temple inheritance is too illusory. I did not see it with my own eyes, and that ruin may not necessarily be related to it."

The private room instantly fell silent.

Lin Mo's words stirred enormous waves in the hearts of the others.

The Heart of Eternity, the Extreme North Ice Plains, the Frost Temple.

All the clues were instantly linked together, naturally leading everyone to the same conclusion—

The Heart of Eternity was no ordinary gem. It likely came from the Frost Temple, perhaps even serving as one of the tokens of the Frost Goddess's inheritance.

Ning Fengzhi's eyes returned to the Heart of Eternity inside the wooden box, and his expression changed completely.

Previously, he had only considered it an exceptionally rare gemstone. Looking at it now, it was clearly a key item connected to an ancient frost inheritance, its value long beyond measure in Gold Soul Coins.

Ning Fengzhi composed himself. His attitude toward Lin Mo grew increasingly solemn, and his tone warmer still.

"So there is such an ancient secret behind it. No wonder this treasure possesses such an extraordinary aura. For you to enter the Extreme North, your courage and cultivation are truly admirable."

"Should you wish to explore the Extreme North again in the future, or encounter any difficulty while traveling through the Heaven Dou Imperial Capital or the continent, feel free to speak."

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's connections, wealth, and intelligence can all be placed at your disposal. We will not refuse." Ning Fengzhi extended an olive branch, willing to support Lin Mo and provide him with backing.

Xue Qinghe gave a timely, soft laugh and echoed him in a gentle voice.

"You possess such fortuitous encounters and unfathomable foundations. You are truly a hidden master. Should trivial matters trouble you within Heaven Dou in the future, or should you require connections to arrange things, I can also mediate on your behalf."

The crown prince's statement represented the imperial family's stance, carrying tremendous weight.

This was precisely the effect Lin Mo wanted. He nodded slightly and cupped his hands. "Thank you all for your esteem. If I truly need help in the future, I will not stand on ceremony."

He neither deliberately sought to ingratiate himself nor coldly kept them at a distance. His measured poise and mystery instead made Ning Fengzhi and the others feel that he was even more unfathomable, making them more willing to befriend him sincerely.

Ning Rongrong only half understood. She merely felt that this black-robed person was incredibly impressive. Her eyes shone with admiration as she sat obediently to the side, not daring to interrupt.

Seeing the harmonious atmosphere, Ning Fengzhi no longer pressed for further secrets about the temple, lest he provoke resentment. Instead, he smiled and eased the mood.

"To forge ties with this treasure today, and to have the fortune of meeting an expert like you, is truly a double blessing. We now share a connection, so when you are often in the Heaven Dou Imperial Capital in the future, we should keep in closer contact."

Lin Mo calmly agreed, unhurried and composed.

"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave first."

"Please." Ning Fengzhi personally rose to see him off.

Gu Rong and Xue Qinghe rose as well.

Even Ning Rongrong, seeing everyone else stand, hurriedly followed suit and watched the "black-robed uncle" leave.