"Ai Lin."
Han Feng smiled and nodded.
Beside him, Yao Chen's gaze shifted back and forth between the two, revealing a strange smile.
"Mr. Han, the entry and exit procedures have been completed. Just let everyone get on the carriage directly."
Han Feng looked at the curious and naive Xiao family disciples behind him and laughed, "What are you still dazed for? Get on the carriage."
The carriages rushed back into the city in a mighty formation. The grand travel of the Mittel family undoubtedly alerted various forces in the Imperial Capital.
What kind of important figure deserves the personal welcome of Mittel Ai Lin, the general manager of the Imperial Capital?
Over the years, due to Han Feng's high regard, Ai Lin had risen step by step within the Mittel family. Coupled with her outstanding business ability and passable cultivation talent, Ai Lin had become a manager with extraordinary status in the Mittel family.
There were even many rumors that Ai Lin would be the next patriarch of the Mittel family.
Otherwise, why would this long-established family cultivate a woman with such effort?
It was also because of Ai Lin's identity as a woman and being unmarried so far that the male elites in the Imperial Capital had pursued her.
However, Ai Lin rejected all of them, showing no interest in this, as if she intended to be a strong career woman for life.
People in the clan naturally wouldn't force Ai Lin. Are you kidding? This is the woman valued by Mr. Han. How dare they touch her?
Even small thoughts, they dared not have a bit.
Inside the carriage, Han Feng chatted with Ai Lin.
"How have you been recently?"
"Everything is fine. How about you, Mr. Han?"
Han Feng smiled.
"I'm also fine. Speaking of which, I have to thank your Mittel Auction House. By chance, I found my teacher."
Ai Lin smiled, "It's our honor to be able to help Mr. Han."
"Ya Fei, whom you recommended to the Imperial Capital before, has been my focus of cultivation. Now she is responsible for the affairs of the Imperial Capital Auction House."
Han Feng nodded.
"She is a bit like you."
In terms of appearance, both were beautiful. In business, both were very talented. However, their cultivation aptitudes were relatively average.
Of course, the most important thing.
That is knowing propriety.
Ai Lin said in surprise, "Mr. Han saw it?"
"What?"
"In terms of seniority, Ya Fei is actually my niece."
Ai Lin laughed, "We belong to the same branch. My sister is Ya Fei's mother."
The Mittel family had a long history and spread throughout the empire. The family structure was very complex, with different branches.
"So that's it."
Han Feng realized.
No wonder when he first saw Ya Fei, he felt somewhat familiar. Unexpectedly, she had this relationship with Ai Lin.
"Then you are now promoting talent without avoiding relatives."
Han Feng teased.
Promoting a young girl to the position of the supervisor of the Imperial Capital Auction House, if people didn't know the inside story, they would probably think she was paving the way for her niece.
"Ya Fei was originally a direct descendant."
Ai Lin said, "After training in Wu Tan City for a few years, she was supposed to return to the Imperial Capital. It's just that her performance in Wu Tan City would determine her position in the Imperial Capital."
"Last time she brought back your handwritten letter, her assessment score was directly full marks."
Ai Lin laughed, "So she paved the way for herself long ago. People in the clan dare not underestimate her."
Han Feng nodded.
He looked at the scenery outside the window. The prosperity of the Imperial Capital flew past his eyes.
"I wonder what Mr. Han came to the Imperial Capital for this time?"
Ai Lin asked.
"To witness an agreement."
"Agreement?"
Han Feng pointed to the carriage behind.
"My Junior Brother Xiao Yan made a Three-Year Agreement with the Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect. This time I'm accompanying him."
"What? That rumored Xiao Yan is your Junior Brother?"
Ai Lin said in surprise.
Rumors in the Imperial Capital said that the Xiao family had a trash young master who vainly attempted to engage the eldest miss of the Nalan family.
The Nalan family was unwilling, and the other party pestered relentlessly, leading to the Three-Year Agreement.
Logically speaking, such a thing shouldn't be known by so many people. After all, it was just a private family matter and didn't sound very good.
But the protagonist involved in this matter was the Young Sect Master of the Misty Cloud Sect.
In this way, it became no small matter.
Nalan Yanran, the most prestigious favored daughter of heaven in the Imperial Capital.
She was the unattainable object in the hearts of many boys.
Any rumor about her would be magnified countless times.
Because of Nalan Yanran's positive image as the favored daughter of heaven, the other protagonist of the story, Xiao Yan, naturally became the object of everyone's disdain.
Although some people fought for Xiao Yan, thinking that the engagement set by the elders should be fulfilled.
But most people stood on Nalan Yanran's side.
What trash young master from a small place wants to marry the favored daughter of heaven in the Imperial Capital?
Unless the protagonist of the story is me!
Most people had double standards in their hearts.
If they were the ones engaged to Nalan Yanran, their attitude would definitely be very different.
But who let this blessing not fall on them?
The carriage stopped slowly.
Ai Lin suppressed the curiosity in her heart, got up, and opened the curtain.
"Mr. Han, we're here."
Han Feng got off the carriage. In front of him was a splendid and magnificent large courtyard.
The Xiao family disciples got off the carriage one after another. Seeing the magnificent scene, they immediately exclaimed.
Is this the richest family in the Jia Ma Empire?
Compared to this place, their Xiao family indeed looked like a rural residence.
Xiao Zhan looked at the glorious buildings in front of him, a trace of loneliness flashing in his eyes.
Once upon a time, the Xiao family also possessed such a place. The degree of grandeur was also quite famous in the Imperial Capital.
Unfortunately, after retreating to Wu Tan City, the Xiao family became much lower-key.
The items used by dignitaries once used were all sealed up.
Food, clothing, and daily expenses were also reduced by more than half.
Xiao Yan noticed his father's expression and was curious.
When he was young, his father wouldn't tell them many things but bore them silently alone.
Now that he has grown up, if possible, he wants to share some responsibilities for his father.
Ai Lin stood beside Han Feng, searching the crowd with her eyes.
Wonder which one is Xiao Yan.
Being able to become Mr. Han's Junior Brother, he must be extraordinary, right?
At this time, a man with long white hair walked towards Han Feng.
Ai Lin was shocked when she saw the man's exquisitely beautiful face and quickly lowered her eyes.
Beside Mr. Han, there is actually such a handsome man with transcendent appearance.
Could he be that Xiao Yan?
"Feng'er, this girl is..."
Yao Chen asked with a smile.
"Teacher, this is Ai Lin, my friend."
"Oh~ friend!"
Yao Chen looked at Ai Lin and nodded.
This girl's cultivation is a bit poor, but her appearance and figure are good, and her temperament is also generous and decent. Standing with Feng'er, they match quite well.
Now in Yao Chen's eyes, there are already many women who match Han Feng.
Although both master and disciple were single, as long as it didn't concern themselves, they were both gossipy.
Hearing the conversation between Yao Chen and Han Feng, Ai Lin's brain went blank instantly.
Teacher?
This handsome man in front of her is actually Mr. Han's teacher!
This is too young, right?
Ai Lin came back to her senses. Her usually eloquent tongue was actually a bit tied at this moment.
"Se-Senior!"
She immediately bowed, her face carrying some unnatural ruddiness.
It was so embarrassing. Just now, she watched Han Feng's teacher walk up close without reacting.
Would he think she was rude and disrespectful to elders?
"Don't be nervous. I just came to say hello. You guys continue, continue."
Yao Chen waved his hand with a smile and left.
"Teacher!"
Han Feng sighed helplessly.
"Ai Lin, let's go in."
"Hm? Why is your face so red?"
"Nothing."
Ai Lin patted her ruddy cheeks.
"Just... seemed to have made a fool of myself in front of Mr. Han's teacher just now."
"Haha, how could it be."
Han Feng laughed.
"He was being disrespectful for his age just now. I'll provoke him with Aunt Hua later."
Ai Lin covered her lips and chuckled.
Mr. Han has a really good relationship with his teacher.
No wonder he persisted in searching even knowing the hope was slim.
"Mr. Han, let's go."
The two stepped into the gate, and the other Xiao family disciples also lined up and followed behind.
——————————
Just as the group checked into the Mittel family, other forces began to speculate and investigate.
What kind of character deserves the Mittel family to go out of the city to welcome?
The imperial family dispatched spies and began to act quickly in the city.
Possessing legal rights, the imperial family could monitor every move in the city.
Although it was inconvenient to enter the Mittel family directly for investigation, the people inside would eventually come out, right?
Inside the Mittel family.
Ai Lin had instructed her subordinates to settle the guests from the Xiao family properly.
Learning that Han Feng had arrived, Mittel Tengshan immediately put down the work in his hands and came to visit.
"Mr. Han!"
After entering the door, Mittel Tengshan bowed respectfully.
Han Feng put down the teacup. Ai Lin beside him got up and guided Mittel Tengshan to a seat.
"Long time no see. Patriarch Tengshan is still the same as before, haven't changed much."
Han Feng said.
"I'm old, but not completely old. Let Mr. Han laugh at me."
Mittel Tengshan narrowed his eyes, picked up the tea, and took a sip gently.
"Where is Hai Bodong? Is he back?"
"Back long ago. He is cultivating in the Ice Polar Lake now. I have sent someone to notify him."
The Ice Polar Lake was transformed from the ice attribute spiritual liquid Hai Bodong brought back from the Extreme North, established in a territory belonging to the Mittel family outside the Imperial Capital.
"Did he break through to nine-star Dou Emperor?"
Han Feng asked.
Mittel Tengshan nodded.
Hai Bodong was very lucky. After training in the Extreme North, he successfully broke through the last barrier of the Dou Emperor realm.
It was said that Jia Xingtian didn't sleep for a few days after learning that he broke through to nine-star Dou Emperor.
As Hai Bodong's strength improved, the status of the Mittel family also gradually rose, and now it has surpassed the other two major families.
Although the Mu family and the Nalan family were also powerful, compared with the Mittel family, they paled in comparison.
Whether in strength or financial resources, they were far inferior. The only advantage was military power.
"Good. When he returns, I will help him break through to Dou Ancestor."
Han Feng said.
"What!"
Mittel Tengshan stood up abruptly.
"Mr. Han, is this true!"
"What, Patriarch Tengshan doesn't trust me?"
"No no no no!"
Mittel Tengshan waved his hands hurriedly.
Hearing Han Feng's words just now, even as cunning as a fox, he was so excited that he didn't know how to express it.
If Han Feng was willing to refine the Dou Ancestor Break Pill, the chance of Elder Hai breaking through to Dou Ancestor would be greatly increased.
At that time, the Mittel family would possess decisive power.
Creating a glorious record that has never appeared in the family history.
"Mr. Han, this old man lost his composure!"
Han Feng smiled and continued: "Prepare the corresponding materials on your side."
"Yes!"
Mittel Tengshan agreed quickly.
"The main materials for the Dou Ancestor Break Pill are all in the medicine warehouse. I'll prepare three sets for Mr. Han first!"
The Dou Ancestor Break Pill was a peak sixth-grade pill, and the medicinal ingredients needed were very precious.
But compared to medicinal ingredients, the most difficult thing to find was an alchemist who could refine the Dou Ancestor Break Pill!
So far, the only person in the Jia Ma Empire qualified to refine this pill was Han Feng, who displayed Heavenly Lightning means in the Imperial Capital back then.
Besides, even the sixth-grade alchemist Gu He of the Misty Cloud Sect could not refine it.
As a rising star in the empire's alchemy world, Gu He's improvement in alchemy skills had been very rapid.
Even Fa Ma, the president of the Alchemist Guild, was surpassed by him.
It was just that he hadn't broken through to the sixth grade for long. He still had spare capacity to refine mid-level sixth-grade pills, but for high-level and even peak-level ones, the success rate was pitifully low.
Han Feng watched Mittel Tengshan leave excitedly and shook his head.
This Patriarch Tengshan had probably been planning for Hai Bodong's breakthrough to Dou Ancestor for a long time.
Otherwise, how could he take out three sets of medicinal ingredients so quickly?
Hai Bodong was old after all, and had long passed the most suitable stage for breaking through to Dou Ancestor.
It was indeed difficult to impact the barrier with his own strength.
However, with the Dou Ancestor Break Pill, whether it was the increased chance of success in breaking through, or the guarantee of not dropping stars after failing to break through.
Both were very useful.
Ai Lin refilled Han Feng's tea.
"Mr. Han, will you leave after the Three-Year Agreement ends?"
Han Feng nodded.
"Going to the Black-Corner Region?"
Han Feng was stunned.
"You know everything?"
Ai Lin nodded gently.
"Over the years, the Mittel family has specially opened up a trade route to the Black-Corner Region."
With the intelligence capability of the Mittel family, as long as the two places were connected, many things would be known.
Han Feng looked at Ai Lin.
"Such a long distance, it must have taken a lot of effort, right?"
Ai Lin said softly: "The current Black-Corner Region is a gold mine waiting to be excavated."
"People's stereotype of that place makes them unwilling to do long-term trade there, so it gives us a chance to start."
"Mr. Han, can Ai Lin go to the Black-Corner Region to expand new businesses?"
Han Feng smiled.
"As long as your Mittel family has this idea, I welcome it very much."
The Black-Corner Region was large, and there were many areas waiting to be developed.
Previously, only ruthless people who were wanted by various countries, had no way out, or liked killing dared to come.
Now, all parts of the Black-Corner Region tended to be stable and peaceful. It was indeed a good time to enter.
The vision of the Mittel family was still so sharp.
Ai Lin pursed her lips and smiled.
In fact, most people in the Mittel family did not agree with this plan to open up new trade routes at first.
Because the cost was really a bit high.
The risk was also high.
But Ai Lin pushed this matter forward alone.
She wanted to be closer to Han Feng, even if only a little bit, she would be satisfied.