"Elder Lei this matter was originally your grandson's fault. He spoke disrespectfully and brought it upon himself. On my side…"
Ya Fei stepped forward, placing herself between Xiao Jietian and the old man, her voice firm.
"I don't care about who's right or wrong!" the old man interrupted, face twisted with rage. "My grandson is dead! Whoever killed him will pay with their life!"
"Ya Fei, as acting supervisor elder of the Mittel Family, you colluded with outsiders to kill your own clansman. Now you protect the murderer? Even if I kill you, the Elder Council wouldn't intervene!"
"Lei, you—"
"Profound-tier Mid-grade: Bone Shattering Fist!"
The old man's Dou Qi condensed into a massive fist, swinging directly at Ya Fei.
Ya Fei froze, stunned by the sudden assault, a chill of death washing over her. She closed her eyes tightly.
Then a small energy explosion shook her—yet she felt no pain.
"Am I… not dead?" she whispered, opening her eyes.
Before her stood Xiao Jietian, a sturdy back shielding her. His hand shattered the illusory fist of Dou Qi before it could reach her.
"Old man, since you can't wait to reunite with your grandson, I'll send you to him. Thunder Lion!"
Xiao Jietian formed a lion-shaped Dou Qi with his hand, the multicolored energy roaring and pouncing at the old man.
"Earth Wall!" the elder shouted, condensing a wall of earth-attribute Dou Qi to block the assault.
The Thunder Lion crashed through effortlessly, slamming the old man against the wall. He coughed up blood and fragmented organs, struggling to speak: "Dou… Dou… Dou…"
Before he could finish, his hand went limp, life force vanishing instantly.
Xiao Jietian extended a finger, lightning shooting from his fingertip to strike the old man's glabella.
Killing without follow-up invites trouble.
"Alright," Xiao Jietian murmured, looking at Ya Fei. "Next time, leave people like this to me. In this world, the bigger fist always has the final say. And stand behind me—let me handle it."
Ya Fei's face still carried post-calamity relief as he gently stroked her long black hair.
A cautious voice interrupted from the doorway.
"Your Excellency, may I ask why you've caused such a commotion and killed an elder of my clan?"
An old man appeared, eyes scanning Xiao Jietian carefully. Despite the elder's rank and the death before him, he sensed danger in this young man—someone under eighteen, already a Dou King and Third-Rank Alchemist, capable of killing a Dou Spirit with a single strike.
"Grand Elder…" Ya Fei whispered, anxious.
Xiao Jietian gave her a subtle nod, signaling he would handle this, and glanced at Hai Bodong.
Hai Bodong understood instantly: step forward if needed—or the Mittel Family might lose a Grand Elder today.
The elder's eyes narrowed. Luxurious clothes, calm demeanor, concealing deep anger—Xiao Jietian recognized him: Miteer Tengshan, Grand Elder of the Mittel Auction House.
"Is this the good-for-nothing Miteer Tengshan still alive?" Hai Bodong's calm voice thundered, startling everyone.
Miteer Tengshan froze, momentarily furious, then his eyes widened with recognition.
"You… Elder Hai?"
Hai Bodong nodded faintly.
"I searched for you everywhere back then. The family resources were exhausted, yet found no trace," Tengshan said, stepping forward.
"There were complications, so I lived in seclusion. Tengshan, you've managed the family and auction house well, but too many parasites infest your ranks," Hai Bodong said.
Ya Fei, seeing her Grand Elder fawning, moved closer to Xiao Jietian, almost pressing against him.
"Little Brother Xiao Zhitian, who is he?" she whispered.
"Ice Emperor Hai Bodong. Heard of him?" Xiao Jietian replied calmly.
Ya Fei's eyes widened in disbelief. The legendary Dou Emperor-level Supreme Elder of their family—accompanying Xiao Jietian?
Miteer Tengshan approached, smiling slightly. "Lord Xiao Zhitian, I understand the events. This was entirely Lei Ou's fault. The young friend acted in self-defense. No one else is to blame."
Xiao Jietian raised an eyebrow, impressed at how smoothly Tengshan handled the situation.
"This junior acted out of necessity and apologizes for today's disturbance," Xiao Jietian added.
Sometimes, a smiling face is easier to work with than fists.