Xiao Jietian raised an eyebrow, examining the message stone he had received as a reward. This seemingly small crystal would be incredibly useful in the Dou Qi world.
On the Dou Qi Continent, communication had always relied on messengers traveling long distances or short-range Dou Qi transmissions. Messages often took days to arrive, and by then, the recipient might already be dead.
Having the message stone meant Xiao Jietian could instantly transmit and receive information across the continent—a convenience beyond measure for gathering intelligence or coordinating support.
The stone itself was a small, rhomboid crystal, glowing faintly.
"Old Hai, this is for you."
Xiao Jietian pulled out another stone, bound the two together, and tossed it to Hai Bodong.
Hai Bodong caught it and examined it curiously.
"Isn't this just a crystal?" he asked.
"This is a message stone," Xiao Jietian replied, briefly explaining its powers and usage.
Hai Bodong's eyes widened. "This… this is magical! Where did you get it?"
"I am the Son of Destiny; Heaven sent it to me," Xiao Jietian said casually.
Seeing Xiao Jietian's other treasures and trump cards, Hai Bodong half-believed him. Like a child with a new toy, he marveled at the stone, never having seen such a thing before. After a simple test call with Xiao Jietian, he carefully stowed it away.
Following Hai Bodong's guidance, Xiao Jietian arrived at a massive building at the end of the street, its facade adorned with a distinctive symbol.
"This is the Mitel Auction House," Hai Bodong said, eyes reflecting a faint nostalgia.
Xiao Jietian approached the grand entrance. "System, check in."
[Ding! Check-in at Mitel Auction House headquarters successful. Reward obtained: Eighth-Grade Pill – Dragon Marrow Blood Nourishing Pill ×1, Nine-Headed Serpent Soul]
"As expected of the empire's top auction house. The scale is impressive. Let's go see what treasures they have inside," Xiao Jietian said to Hai Bodong.
Just then, a voice called out behind him:
"Little Brother Xiao Zhitian?"
Xiao Jietian turned and found a woman in a black, form-fitting brocade robe with gold trim. A small section of her jade feet peeked from under the hem, clad in delicate black stockings.
The robe clung to her curves perfectly, exuding an enchanting aura. Her long, narrow peach-blossom eyes widened in recognition.
"Sister Ya Fei," Xiao Jietian said gently, a smile on his face.
"It really is you…" Ya Fei quickly approached him, caressing his smiling face. "It's been over a year since we last met. You've changed so much—I almost didn't recognize you, little brother."
Xiao Jietian noticed that Ya Fei herself had become even more alluring and elegant. He recalled their last encounter at the Wutan City auction house.
"You've matured a lot, little brother. But what are you smiling at? You look mischievous—is that a bad thought?"
Ya Fei clasped her hands behind her back, leaning slightly forward with curiosity.
"I… didn't. I didn't think anything bad. I'll sue you for defamation!" Xiao Jietian denied all three points immediately.
Ya Fei, knowing him well, rolled her sparkling eyes. She turned to Hai Bodong, who was casually observing the sky, and asked, "Who is this old gentleman?"
"A friend," Xiao Jietian replied lightly.
"Standing here talking makes us look like monkeys. Why don't you show us around the auction house?" he added.
"You're the monkey! Come in with me, and please, old gentleman, follow as well," Ya Fei said playfully, lightly slapping his arm as she guided Xiao Jietian toward the entrance, politely smiling at Hai Bodong.
"I thought you two would ditch me for your own romantic world," Hai Bodong teased.
"Old Hai, you're being improper again," Xiao Jietian scolded with a faint smile.
Ya Fei curtseyed gracefully. "As esteemed guests, no one is left behind at our auction house."
"Little girl, eloquent as always. I think highly of you," Hai Bodong praised.
Ya Fei smiled faintly at the old man. Though she couldn't discern his true strength, she sensed a deep nobility in him. Combined with her familiarity with Xiao Jietian, she understood this was no ordinary visitor.
Under Ya Fei's guidance, they entered the auction house. The grand hall shimmered like a city of crystals, with countless counters displaying rare items, each clearly priced.
People flowed constantly, making transactions. While the outer area displayed more common goods, the truly valuable items were reserved for the Heaven-level auctions, held only once every one or two years. At those events, half the strong cultivators and influential families of the Jia Ma Empire would attend.
"I'll take you to my study so we can talk there. You certainly didn't come just to see me," Ya Fei said, glancing at Xiao Jietian with a playful hint of reproach.
Suddenly, a voice called from behind them:
"Oh? Isn't this our acting Inspector Elder Ya Fei?"