Retreat

In a luxurious courtyard at the Mittel Auction House, a handsome young man sat cross-legged on his bed, cultivating.

Suddenly, the young man's tightly shut eyes opened slightly. He murmured, "Just as I thought. They're here, aren't they?"

A faint smile crossed his lips, then he closed his eyes again.

As the seconds ticked by, the temperature seemed to drop sharply. Lei Luo couldn't help sneezing.

He rubbed the tip of his nose and said lazily, "Since you're already here, why hide yourselves?"

"Heh heh. Not bad, young man. Your soul strength is impressive—you actually sensed this old man's presence."

An aged voice rang out without warning. The half-closed window was pushed open, and a figure in a black robe appeared in the room.

"You've entered the territory of the Mittel Auction House without an invitation. May I ask what brings you here?"

Lei Luo asked, though he already knew the answer.

Xiao Yan had entered the room, but Yao Chen was now in control of his body. He let out a dry chuckle and said,

"I came tonight to borrow something from you, young friend!"

At that, Lei Luo smiled.

He rose slowly and curled his five fingers. A searing flame of black and white appeared in his palm.

"Is this what you wanted to borrow, Elder?"

A flicker of surprise clearly crossed Xiao Yan's eyes.

They had never expected their purpose to be discovered.

And this man had even brought out the Heavenly Flame without the slightest hesitation.

But Yao Lao had once been a Dou Zun expert. He had nerves of steel.

"Such a heavenly treasure isn't something a little fellow like you can handle. If you're willing to part with it, I can offer you some compensation. That way, we can avoid drawing weapons tonight." Yao Chen spoke to Lei Luo.

At that, Lei Luo couldn't help finding it amusing.

He sneered at Xiao Yan and his master. "Heh heh. What a fine way to put it, 'willing to part with it.' You really have no shame!"

Even after Lei Luo mocked him, Xiao Yan's face remained hidden beneath his cloak, giving nothing away.

Only that aged voice rang out again.

"In that case, this old man will simply take it by force."

As soon as he finished speaking, a terrifying aura erupted from Xiao Yan. White flames appeared, and the room's temperature plunged. Layer upon layer of frost began to form across the floor.

Yao Chen's soul power enveloped the entire room, preventing even a single sound from escaping.

That was exactly what gave Xiao Yan the confidence to break into the Mittel Auction House!

But Lei Luo had known they would come and had still chosen to wait for them here. Naturally, he had confidence of his own.

His sleeve flicked, sending a jet of pure black flame shooting toward Xiao Yan!

A hoarse laugh came from beneath the hood.

"Young fellow, you've got quite a temper!"

Hearing Yao Chen's teasing voice, Lei Luo felt an inexplicable surge of anger rise within him.

The Yin Fire and Bone Spirit Cold Flame collided violently, letting out a deafening crash.

Sparks scattered, scorching the floor and filling the room with a strong smell of charred wood.

Lei Luo's eyelid twitched. He tapped the floor lightly with his toes and lunged straight at Xiao Yan.

As he reached him, Lei Luo suddenly leaped into the air and whipped a vicious roundhouse kick toward his head.

Faced with the brutal strike, the expression beneath the hood finally changed.

Yao Chen crossed Xiao Yan's arms in front of him, meeting Lei Luo's kick head-on!

"How is that possible? Seven-Star Dou Master!"

Yao Chen gasped in shock.

At the same time, Xiao Yan's body shot backward, smashing every piece of furniture in its path.

Dust billowed, followed by a fit of dry coughing.

The figure in the oversized black robe staggered to his feet, seemingly unable to believe what had happened.

"Heh heh. Your talent really is extraordinary, young friend. To possess such strength at your age is truly enviable."

But with his attack unsuccessful, Lei Luo's heart sank.

So strong!

Though Yao Chen had only recently awakened, Lei Luo still couldn't take him on.

After all, he was the soul of a Dou Zun expert. That was a real headache.

"You're strong, young fellow—not even weaker than an ordinary Da Dou Shi. But you're still a little short of being able to defeat this old man."

Yao Chen's voice was cold, as if he already had Lei Luo in the palm of his hand.

Lei Luo pressed his lips together. His handsome face revealed not the slightest hint of emotion.

Suddenly, the system's voice sounded in his ear.

[You have one sign-in opportunity remaining today. Would you like to sign in?]

Lei Luo's heart stirred. He silently thought, "Sign in."

[Congratulations on signing in with the plot character "Yao Chen." Rewards: Third-Rank Alchemist Realm Card, One-Star Dou Emperor Realm Experience Card!]

Seeing the rewards from this sign-in, Lei Luo felt much more confident. He looked back at Xiao Yan.

"If I can't handle you alone, what if I bring in a few more?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a deafening explosion rang out.

Looking up, Lei Luo knew the Mittel Clan's experts had arrived.

Several whooshing sounds rang out as Ying Jia and four Da Dou Shi experts broke through Yao Chen's barrier and charged inside.

Powerful Battle Qi burst from Ying Jia and the others as they surrounded Xiao Yan, waiting only for Lei Luo's command.

Yao Chen had already taken control of Xiao Yan's body again. "Little brat, don't tell me you think they can keep this old man here?"

At that, Ying Jia and the others narrowed their eyes and prepared to attack, but Lei Luo stopped them with a wave of his hand.

"Let him go!"

Though confused, Ying Jia and the others didn't dare disobey Lei Luo's order. They could only let Xiao Yan leave.

"Heh heh. You're clever, young man. Let's put an end to this here!"

With that, Xiao Yan vanished from the room.

Staring at the wreckage scattered across the floor, Ying Jia asked in confusion, "Young Master, why didn't you keep him here?"

Lei Luo could only shake his head with a bitter smile. "If he'd wanted to, none of us would have made it out alive!"

The others stared at him in disbelief. After all, they had four Da Dou Shi experts among them.

Ying Jia was even a Nine-Star Great Battle Master.

Only a Dou Ling could kill them!

At the thought, a trace of fear crossed everyone's eyes.

How could Lei Luo not have wanted to keep the master and disciple here?

Unfortunately, that could only remain a wish.

Even with Ying Jia and the others there, Lei Luo still didn't feel confident relying on the One-Star Dou Emperor Realm Experience Card he'd just obtained.

Perhaps Yao Chen was still in a weakened state. Otherwise, they wouldn't have retreated tonight.

But Lei Luo didn't dare gamble.

If he pushed the master and disciple into a corner, they could drag everyone down with them—and then things would get ugly.

Lei Luo sighed, his heart heavy.

Tonight's events had only intensified his desire for strength.

"Young Master, are you all right?"

Ya Fei's anxious voice sounded outside the door.

When she rushed in and saw Lei Luo unharmed, she patted her ample chest and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After the servants had cleaned up the room and replaced the furniture, Lei Luo said to Ying Jia and the others,

"You may all leave. Ya Fei, stay behind..."