Auction Concluded

The clamor of the auction gradually faded away. Only the soft glow of soul-guided lamps and the distant, indistinct sounds of people leaving remained in the VIP room. Huo Yuhao and Demon Spirit did not leave; they were waiting for a definite result.

A knock sounded on schedule, neither too hard nor too soft, carrying the measured rhythm of professional training.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Xiaoxu appeared in the doorway. She still wore a professional smile, but her eyes held a trace of relief and quiet accomplishment after completing an important task. In her hands was a deep-blue velvet tray, upon which rested a simple silver-white soul-guided storage ring emitting a faint chill.

"Good evening, sir, miss." Xiaoxu entered and gently closed the door. Her voice was clearer and softer than it had been during the auction. "The four materials you commissioned us to bid on—the Ten-Year Snow Silkworm, Fifty-Year Heart-Clearing Herb, Century-Old Soul-Calming Wood Slices, and Ten-Year Dragonblood Vine—have all been successfully acquired, without a single omission. Everything has been properly sealed and stored in this single-use low-temperature preservation soul-guided ring."

She gently set the tray on the coffee table before Huo Yuhao and continued her report, her steady tone carrying just the right amount of pleasure. "The bidding process went smoothly overall. Just as I estimated, the Dark-Gold Heavy Peak alloy drew most of the attention, so the competition for these materials was even milder than expected. The final total was slightly below even the low end of our estimate."

At this point, she paused briefly, took an even smaller velvet pouch from the inner pocket of her uniform, and placed it beside the ring. "In addition, during an auction break, I noticed an independent soul master consignor who was eager to sell an item for cash: a century-old Ice Crystal Fruit. It comes from ice crevasses on the edge of the Far North and contains pure ice-element energy, along with a mild effect that calms the mind and strengthens one's foundation. It is exceptionally effective at harmonizing conflicting energies within the body and nourishing one's spiritual source, and it is extremely rare. I recalled that you seemed particularly interested in cold-element and restorative medicinal ingredients, so I took the liberty of using the equivalent of two Gold Soul Coins from the budget I saved for you to purchase it as well. Please forgive me for acting without your permission."

Huo Yuhao's gaze first rested on the soul-guided ring for a moment, confirming that the auras of the four sealed materials inside were correct. When his eyes fell upon the Ice Crystal Fruit Xiaoxu had taken out separately, as though carved from ice crystal and containing tiny drifting snowflakes within, his ice-blue eyes visibly brightened.

He extended a finger and lightly sensed the pure chill radiating from the Ice Crystal Fruit through the air. A smile of sincere approval appeared on his face.

"Ice Crystal Fruit... This is exactly what I urgently needed, even though it wasn't on my list!" Huo Yuhao looked at Xiaoxu, his tone filled with evident appreciation. "Miss Xu, not only did you fully understand the commission, but your keen insight and decisiveness are even more commendable. You did exceptionally well, far beyond my expectations. This Ice Crystal Fruit is worth far more than two Gold Soul Coins. I'll remember your thoughtfulness."

Without hesitation, he pushed the leather pouch containing more than a dozen remaining Gold Soul Coins back toward Xiaoxu. "This is the reward you deserve, including payment for your excellent professional service and this extra surprise. Our previous agreement still stands."

Then, Huo Yuhao picked up a note and pen provided by the auction house, smoothly wrote down a soul-guided communication number, and handed it to Xiaoxu. "This is my contact information. In the future, whether in Aolai City or if you hear of similar rare materials appearing at auctions in other cities, especially cold-element materials, spiritual nourishment items, or special herbs and minerals that can stabilize energy, you can contact me. As long as the information is reliable and the item meets my requirements, the reward will not disappoint you."

Xiaoxu accepted that light yet immensely meaningful note with both hands and carefully put it away. She also solemnly accepted the leather pouch containing the generous reward. Bowing deeply to Huo Yuhao and Demon Spirit once more, her gratitude was far more genuine this time. "Thank you very much for your trust and generosity, sir! It is Xiaoxu's honor to serve a client as understanding and discerning as you. Rest assured, I will pay special attention to the categories you are interested in. Good night to you both."

After watching Xiaoxu leave the room and the door gently close, Huo Yuhao put away both the soul-guided ring and the precious century-old Ice Crystal Fruit. Demon Spirit blinked beside him and smiled. "Brother Yuhao, Sister Xiaoxu is so amazing and thoughtful!"

"Mm, she's talented." Huo Yuhao nodded. "Professional, knowledgeable, perceptive, and aware of boundaries. Someone like her is worth keeping in touch with."

When they left the auction house, it was already nearing evening, and the sea breeze carried the coolness of night. The two did not delay and headed straight back to Di Tian's seaside residence.

The moment they pushed open the door, warm light and the enticing aroma of food washed over them. Di Tian stood at the stove in the open kitchen, wearing a pure black apron. Its edges were embroidered with simple dragon-scale patterns in dark-gold thread—there was no need to guess; it had to be a "high-end custom home model" from Deep Space Dragon Domain or Violet Dragon Pavilion.

His left hand held the wok steady while his right wrist flicked, skillfully stir-frying several times with the spatula before plating a glossy, fragrant dish of greens. His movements were not especially practiced or elegant, yet they possessed a peculiar steadiness and meticulous seriousness.

"You're back this late? Hurry up, the food's ready." Di Tian did not turn around, and his voice remained as flat as ever, but his hurried plating revealed that he had indeed been waiting for them to eat. "Three dishes and a soup, standard configuration. If you dare complain, get out and find food yourselves." Only then did he glance at Huo Yuhao, who stood frozen at the door, his tone carrying its familiar threat.

As Huo Yuhao looked at this utterly fantastical sight—the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, who had dominated Star Dou and inspired awe in countless soul beasts, wearing an apron and wielding a spatula in the kitchen—the words "virtuous wife and loving mother" inexplicably popped into his mind. He quickly suppressed the smile that nearly spilled from his lips and said repeatedly, "No complaints, no complaints. It's an honor to have Lord Di Tian cook personally! Coming, coming!" He turned to call Demon Spirit. "Xiaoling, hurry and wash your hands. Time to eat!"

"Okay~!" Demon Spirit's eyes had long been shining from the smell. At his words, she scampered toward the bathroom like a happy little bird.

Before long, the three sat around the dining table. The television was on at low volume, playing a program about soul-guided technology and blacksmithing. At the center of the screen was Bear Lord, his muscles bulging beneath a sleeveless leather vest as he carried out the final quenching process on a massive red-hot piece of metal. His wild appearance clashed sharply with the strict work uniforms of the other blacksmiths, but when his hammer containing terrifying power fell, the metal let out a clear tremor like a dragon's cry and its radiance drew inward. The entire venue fell silent before erupting in enthusiastic applause and astonished exclamations.

"Whoa, Bear Lord's doing pretty well, huh? He's become an industry benchmark and even made it onto a featured program?" Huo Yuhao picked up some of Di Tian's stir-fried vegetables. They actually tasted quite good, and he looked at the television in surprise. In the past, he had always come and gone in a hurry, leaving after imparting knowledge, so he did not know the details of his companions' development.

"What did you expect?" Di Tian ladled a bowl of soup for Demon Spirit, then poured himself a glass of water. "He's one of the Blacksmiths Association's signature names now. He has a strange temper, and his output depends on his mood, but his work is solid. Countless people bring money and materials to beg him to take a job." He paused, as though recalling something, and a helpless yet amused expression appeared on his face. "You haven't seen Scarlet King's side of things. Last time, he released a limited-edition perfume called Dawn Overture, with Millennium Dawn Rose and Star Spring Dew as its main notes. The perfume industry and noble circles across the continent practically went insane. Preorders are booked three years out, and black-market prices have risen dozens of times over. Bi Ji and Zi Ji nearly fought again over who would get to wear that perfume first as their battle dress for an event."

Demon Spirit sipped her soup in small mouthfuls, listening with sparkling eyes. These were all uncles and aunts she knew, so it felt especially familiar and affectionate.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll go meet that person alone," Huo Yuhao said, getting down to business. "You and Di Tian stay home and do not expose yourselves. Especially you, Di Tian. You already alerted Na'er yesterday, and Gu Yue's true body may very well be on guard now."

"Mm-hm, Brother Yuhao, you have to be careful!" Demon Spirit immediately put down her spoon and looked seriously at Huo Yuhao. "If there's danger, call me right away! I might not be very good at fighting, but I run fast, and I can call for help!"

Di Tian also looked at Huo Yuhao, his gaze growing more serious. "As long as you know what you're doing. Although you currently... well, need to recover your strength, your brain is still there. Don't do anything unnecessary, and don't test boundaries that shouldn't be tested. A Super Douluo is troublesome, but if it truly comes to that, it's not like we can't handle it." His words sounded stiff, but the concern within them was obvious.

Huo Yuhao's heart warmed, but he deliberately put on a disgusted expression. "Got it, got it. You nag like an old mother. Don't worry, I cherish this little life of mine more than anyone." He accepted the bottle of freshly squeezed orange juice from Forest Life Chronicle that Di Tian pushed toward him and poured himself a glass.

The next morning, Huo Yuhao's grilled fish stall appeared outside Red Mountain Academy on schedule, except Demon Spirit's lively figure was absent today.

"Uncle, are you leaving this afternoon?" Tang Wulin appeared as punctually as a little radar. After buying grilled fish, he did not immediately start eating. Instead, he tilted up his head, his blue eyes glittering with clever light as he asked.

"Why do you say that?" Huo Yuhao asked with a smile as he turned the fish on the grill.

"Look," Tang Wulin said, counting on his fingers. "Yesterday afternoon, that old grandpa who always lay down disappeared. This morning, that pretty older sister didn't come either. Following that order, doesn't that mean it'll be your turn to disappear this afternoon, Uncle?" His logic was clear and convincing, and his face was full of the smug little pride of someone who had seen through everything.

Huo Yuhao was amused by his deduction and lightly pointed at him. "You're such a little rascal, all talk. I told you, we still have another week or two. The two of them only have something else to do temporarily." He looked toward Na'er, who stood quietly beside them and ate her grilled fish in small bites. "Learn from your little sister. Be more quiet and well-behaved."

Na'er raised her violet eyes to glance at Huo Yuhao and softly said, "Thank you, Uncle," before lowering her head again. Her doubts had not faded, but with Di Tian absent, she felt much less pressure facing Huo Yuhao. She had even begun to think that perhaps Di Tian really had merely passed by and stopped because he had been drawn in by the aroma of the grilled fish. After all... the smell truly was irresistible.

After watching Tang Wulin and Na'er enter the academy, Huo Yuhao had barely begun tidying his tools when he heard a clear female voice approaching with a smile.

"Oh? That smells wonderful! Gu Yue, you really weren't wrong. The aroma is indeed tempting."

Huo Yuhao looked up and saw Leng Yaozhu approaching with Gu Yue. Leng Yaozhu was still dressed in practical clothing suitable for movement, her smile gentle. Gu Yue's long purple hair stirred slightly in the morning breeze. Today, she wore a light-purple knitted jacket that made her complexion seem even fairer. Her violet eyes looked toward the grilled fish stall, and beneath their calmness seemed to lie the faintest trace of anticipation. In the distance, Tang Ziran and his wife, who had originally wanted to come forward and speak with Huo Yuhao, stopped the instant they saw Leng Yaozhu. Their faces were filled with surprise and reverence as they murmured to each other, not daring to approach.

"Boss, how much is the grilled fish?" Leng Yaozhu asked casually as she approached.

"Five Federal Credits each." Huo Yuhao quoted the same fair price as always.

"So cheap?" Leng Yaozhu looked somewhat surprised as she examined the three clearly large, plump sea fish on the grill. "With your ingredients and heat control, it would cost far more than this in a restaurant in the city."

Huo Yuhao smiled, his hands never stopping as he expertly brushed on sauce. "To be honest, I run a grilled fish shop in Eastsea City. This is my old trade. I came here to handle some personal matters, but I can't let my skills sit idle, so I'm also teaching an apprentice. These fish were originally set aside for my apprentice to practice with, but he didn't come today, so I put them up for sale. You two came at just the right time." As he spoke, the fish heated up, and the rich aroma of the secret sauce grew even more intense, making one's mouth water.

Soon, three golden-brown grilled fish, sizzling with fragrant oil, were handed to Leng Yaozhu. She carefully wrapped one in oil paper and put it away, handed another to Gu Yue, then gracefully took a bite from the remaining one.

The skin was crisp, while the fish within was tender and juicy. The savory, lightly sweet sauce blended perfectly with the fish's fresh flavor, and the heat had been controlled flawlessly. It truly was among the best grilled fish she had ever eaten. "Mm! It really is delicious!" she praised without reservation, then looked at Gu Yue. "Gu Yue, what do you think?"

Gu Yue ate in small, unhurried bites. At the question, she gently nodded. Rarely, a nearly imperceptible note of satisfaction entered her cool voice. "It's delicious. The most delicious fish I've ever eaten." In her heart, the reason Di Tian had appeared here increasingly leaned toward the seemingly absurd yet most reasonable explanation under the circumstances: he had been drawn in by the food. After all, even she, who did not care much for the pleasures of eating, found this grilled fish extraordinary.

After the two ate to their satisfaction and packed two more portions, they finally left for the bustling shopping district in the city, intending to browse properly. Shops such as Emerald Court, Violet Dragon Pavilion, and Three-Headed Spirit Scent stood side by side there. Although their prices were steep, Leng Yaozhu's status and wealth naturally made it easy for her to bring Gu Yue around to experience them.

Huo Yuhao watched them leave and waited a while longer. Once he confirmed that Tang Ziran and his wife had no intention of approaching—they seemed to have had their doubts completely dispelled by Leng Yaozhu's appearance—he packed up his stall and left as well.

Upon returning to Di Tian's residence, Huo Yuhao opened the door and saw Demon Spirit already dressed in a fuzzy light-green onesie trimmed with little white flowers. Its hood even had two long rabbit ears. She was curled up on the spacious living room sofa, hugging a huge cushion and giggling at the giant soul-guided screen. Di Tian, meanwhile, sat at the other end of the sofa with a gloomy expression, holding a game controller.

"Haha, Brother Yuhao, you're back!" The moment Demon Spirit saw Huo Yuhao, she excitedly waved the cushion. "Let me tell you, Uncle Di Tian can't beat me at games! We agreed to duel with gun skills, and I won!" Her little face was filled with pride.

Huo Yuhao looked at the screen. It displayed the results of Contract Battlefield. Demon Spirit's character, Spirit Eye, was prominently ranked first on the winning side, while Di Tian's character, Dark Blade, looked somewhat dim. The eighth-ranked player in the national gun-skill rankings had lost to the second-ranked Omniscient God in the provincial rankings. The scene was indeed a little dramatic.

"Unfair! Absolutely unfair!" Di Tian tossed the controller aside and fell backward, sinking his entire body into the soft sofa. He put on the pose of someone saying, "I'm upset and need comforting," even letting out an exaggerated sigh. "I've practiced gun skills for so long. How could I still be just a little worse in movement and timing... Sigh!"

Seeing this, Demon Spirit immediately bounced over like a real little rabbit. She leaned against the side of the sofa, reached out to lightly tug Di Tian's sleeve, and began coaxing him in a sweet voice. "Uncle Di Tian~ Don't be mad~ Next time, I'll let you use the close-combat spirit body you're best at, okay? Or... Brother Yuhao can make you a delicious feast! Brother Yuhao's cooking is really good, right, Brother Yuhao?" As she spoke, she secretly winked at Huo Yuhao.

Di Tian immediately seized the opportunity. He sat up straight in an instant, all gloom gone from his face, and raised his brows at Huo Yuhao. "Right! Xiaoling is right! Huo Yuhao, did you hear that? To comfort my wounded heart, you're in charge of lunch today! My demands aren't high. Just make it a little better than your grilled fish."

Looking at the perfectly coordinated pair of "big and small actors" singing the same tune, Huo Yuhao immediately understood that the two had set him up. He deliberately pulled a long face and pointed at his own nose. "Hey! You two planned this from the beginning, didn't you? One of you is responsible for acting cute, the other for staging a scam, and in the end, the only victim is me, the cook who just got back and hasn't even settled down?" Despite his words, his eyes were full of laughter. This feeling of being latched onto by family was especially precious and warm.

"Congratulations, you got it right!" Demon Spirit giggled as she pounced over, hugged Huo Yuhao's arm, and shook it. "A world where only Brother Yuhao gets hurt has been achieved! But we'll wash the dishes and cheer you on!"

Di Tian crossed his arms, a triumphant smile curling at his lips as he looked at Huo Yuhao. "The refrigerator has all the ingredients. It's well stocked. Do you need this 'former head chef' to lend a hand?"

"Forget it, forget it. You should rest, old man, otherwise you'll say I'm looking down on you again." Huo Yuhao shook his head in feigned helplessness, rolled up his sleeves, and walked toward the kitchen. Behind him came Demon Spirit's delighted cheers and Di Tian's low laughter. The sunlight outside was perfect, the sea breeze gentle, and the home was filled with the warmth of everyday life and affectionate teasing, as though all the turmoil and schemes of the outside world had temporarily been shut beyond the door.