Yaoye frowned slightly. For some reason, the young man before her gave off a strangely familiar feeling. After a brief pause, she said in a low voice, "I don't recognize him. But as long as that Earth-class technique doesn't fall into the hands of the Yun Lan Sect, this trip won't be in vain."
"Great Elder, what should we do?" In the direction of the Yun Lan Sect, an elderly man with graying hair asked Yun Leng quietly.
"Hmph. Anyone who dares oppose the Yun Lan Sect must pay a price," Yun Leng replied in a hushed tone. "Don't alert him yet. Keep an eye on him. Once he leaves the imperial capital, we'll make our move in secret and take the technique back. Remember—this must be done discreetly. Our sect's century-long reputation cannot be tarnished. No unnecessary people must find out. Otherwise… you know the consequences."
Their conversation naturally did not escape Xiao Se's ears. However, he paid it little mind. If one came, he would kill one. If two came, he would kill both. For a scum like Yun Leng—someone who would eventually drag the Yun Lan Sect into ruin—it was better he died sooner rather than later.
Otherwise, even if Xiao Yan's storyline never unfolded, Yun Yun's Yun Lan Sect would sooner or later be destroyed by this man's hands.
The auction came to a successful conclusion. Guided by a maid, Xiao Se and Hai Bo Dong made their way to a reception hall. As for Ya Fei, she still had to oversee the handover of auction items, so she would be delayed for a while.
"Old Hai, how have you been lately?" Xiao Se asked with a smile, accepting a cup of tea from a maid.
"Not bad. Eating, drinking, taking it easy—I'm practically living a retired life now," Hai Bo Dong chuckled.
"Sounds quite comfortable," Xiao Se said lightly.
Hai Bo Dong nodded, then waved his hand, dismissing the maid.
Once she left, the smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a serious expression.
"You've grown much stronger. Even I can't see through you anymore."
"It's been nearly two years. Everyone gets stronger with time. Haven't you also broken through to a six-star Dou Huang?" Xiao Se replied with a faint smile.
"That's nothing compared to you, you freak…" Hai Bo Dong clicked his tongue. His own breakthrough had relied heavily on an extremely rare heavenly treasure. Otherwise, reaching a new level at the Dou Huang stage wasn't so easy.
"Be honest with me. What level are you at now?"
"Why not test it and find out?" Xiao Se set his teacup down and slowly stood up.
"Test it?" Hai Bo Dong was momentarily stunned. Then he rose as well, looking slightly puzzled. "How do you propose we do that?"
"One punch will do," Xiao Se said with a calm smile.
"Alright then."
Without hesitation, Hai Bo Dong's powerful Dou Qi surged forth. A chilling blue aura instantly enveloped his right fist. Stomping his foot against the ground, his figure shot forward like a bolt of lightning, his punch aimed straight at Xiao Se.
Facing this powerful strike, Xiao Se showed no fear. Without any visible preparation, he clenched his fist. Golden Dou Qi burst forth, coating his hand as he launched his punch—striking later, yet arriving first.
The golden and blue fists collided.
In an instant, the blue energy was shattered. A golden shockwave rippled outward, tearing through the air. Wherever it passed, tables, chairs, cabinets, and even doors and windows were reduced to fragments. A thunderous boom echoed through the hall.
For a brief moment, it felt as though the entire Mittel Auction House trembled.
"A Dou Huang…" Hai Bo Dong's eyes were filled with disbelief. Their fists were still pressed together, yet his gaze had already changed completely. He had always expected Xiao Se to reach this level someday—but he never imagined it would happen so quickly.
"Old Hai, Xiao Se—what are you doing?"
At that moment, Ya Fei rushed into the hall, having just finished handling the auction matters. Seeing the chaotic state of the room—and the two men with their fists pressed together—she couldn't help but cry out in shock.
"Oh, Ya Fei, you're here. It's nothing—we were just sparring a little," Hai Bo Dong said with a grin, withdrawing his now slightly swollen hand while suppressing the churning energy within his body. "This kid is incredible. It hasn't even been two years since the Alchemist Grand Meeting, and he's already reached the Dou Huang level. Truly monstrous. You two chat—I won't disturb you young people."
With that, Hai Bo Dong quickly left the hall.
"You've really become a Dou Huang?" Ya Fei asked, staring at Xiao Se in disbelief.
"You could say that," Xiao Se replied casually.
"You really are a monster." Taking a deep breath, Ya Fei walked up to him with a smile. "Come on. This place is a mess now. Let's go somewhere else—the old place."
"Alright."
Xiao Se nodded, then reached out and took her hand.
Ya Fei's body stiffened slightly. A flicker of panic—and faint joy—appeared on her charming, seductive face.
Their fingers intertwined as they walked out together, drawing stunned looks from the maids outside.
Soon, they arrived at the very room where they had once refined immortal herbs together.
The moment they stepped inside, Xiao Se pulled her into his arms.
Ya Fei didn't resist. She quietly leaned against him. After a moment, she lifted her head, gazing straight at him with a playful complaint.
"We haven't seen each other for so long, and the first thing you do when you come back is take advantage of me?"
"I've missed you, you little enchantress," Xiao Se said, his eyes fixed on her flawless face.
"If you missed me, then why did you leave without saying goodbye?" Ya Fei asked, a trace of resentment in her voice.
"It happened suddenly. I had to meet someone very important. If I hadn't gone, she might have been in danger," Xiao Se explained.
"She's a girl, isn't she?" Ya Fei smiled knowingly.
"Yes. A very kind girl. About the same age as me," Xiao Se admitted without hesitation.
"No wonder… back at the Alchemist Grand Meeting, so many girls in the capital were secretly admiring you, but you didn't pay any attention to them. Turns out your heart already belonged to someone," Ya Fei said, her tone tinged with jealousy.
"Yes."
He didn't deny it.
Hearing this, Ya Fei lowered her head. A trace of sadness appeared on her beautiful face.
Just as she was about to speak—
Xiao Se gently lifted her chin with his fingers.
Before she could react, he leaned down and captured her lips.
"Mmm—"
It was Ya Fei's first time engaging in such "speaking practice." At first, she was startled, her mind going blank. But she already harbored deep feelings for Xiao Se. Gradually, she stopped resisting and allowed herself to respond—though clumsily, even accidentally bumping into his teeth.
As for Xiao Se, his "language skills" were naturally exceptional. While not unparalleled in the world, he had already practiced extensively—with Little Cat, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Medusa—engaging in countless "conversations" and winning each round with overwhelming mastery.
Something as simple as this?
Effortless.
Before long, Ya Fei's eyes grew hazy, her breathing uneven as she leaned weakly against his chest.
She raised her soft fist and lightly tapped his shoulder, her voice filled with playful accusation.
"How are you so experienced?"
(End of Chapter)
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