Ya Fei watched the two sides exchange polite smiles, each hiding their true thoughts behind flawless expressions. She could only sigh inwardly. Fortunately, the crisis had been temporarily resolved.
"I wonder if Your Excellency has a place to stay," Miteer Tengshan said after a brief pause, his eyes flashing with the sharpness of a seasoned merchant. "If you do not mind, you may temporarily reside within the Mitel residence."
Xiao Jietian studied him calmly. He still did not know what Hai Bodong had said to this Grand Elder, nor the deeper intent behind this invitation. But with absolute confidence in his own strength, he nodded after a moment's thought.
"Alright."
A trace of relief appeared in Miteer Tengshan's eyes.
"Ya Fei, arrange Lord Xiao Zhitian's residence. Do not neglect anything."
"Yes, Great Elder," Ya Fei replied respectfully.
She turned toward Xiao Jietian with a gentle smile and tugged lightly at his sleeve. "Little Brother Xiao Zhitian, come with me. I'll prepare everything."
"Ice Emperor, Supreme Elder, regarding your medicinal ingredients—" Ya Fei began.
"No need," Miteer Tengshan interrupted calmly. "I will personally handle Hai Bodong's matters. You need only focus on Lord Xiao Zhitian."
Ya Fei nodded and led Xiao Jietian away from the ruined study hall.
Just as they were leaving, a jade bottle flew from Xiao Jietian's hand toward Miteer Tengshan.
The Grand Elder caught it instinctively. Curious, he opened the lid, examined its contents carefully… and his pupils shrank.
"A sixth-rank Dou Ling Pill?" he exclaimed softly.
"Correct. And a perfect-quality one," Hai Bodong added calmly.
Miteer Tengshan's fingers tightened around the bottle.
This was not payment for killing Lei Ou.This was compensation for Ya Fei.
A gesture of respect.
A warning.
As the two elders watched Xiao Jietian's departing back, their emotions grew increasingly complex.
On the Path
"Little Brother Xiao Zhitian," Ya Fei asked as they walked, her arm naturally linked with his. "What is your current strength?"
"Just a Dou King," he replied lightly.
She froze mid-step.
"A… a mere Dou King?"
Her eyes widened in disbelief. In the Jia Ma Empire, a Dou King was already a peak existence — someone capable of founding a sect, commanding armies, dominating regions.
Even her own Grand Elder was only at that level.
If this was "mere," then what were the rest of them?
She recovered quickly, a playful smile blooming on her lips. She leaned closer, her peach blossom eyes shimmering.
"Then this little Dou Zhe will have to rely on this 'mere Dou King' to protect her well."
Xiao Jietian glanced at her, amused. "That depends. I don't protect people for free."
"Oh?" she teased, tilting her head. "Then what kind of payment does Lord Xiao require?"
He only smiled mysteriously.
The Residence
They soon arrived before an elegant courtyard.
"Little Brother Xiao Zhitian, this is your residence," Ya Fei said proudly. "Come in and see."
The courtyard was paved with bluestone, the wooden structures clearly crafted from rare materials, roof tiles gleaming faintly under the light. Inside, the furnishings were exquisite, and every necessity had been prepared in advance.
Truly befitting a distinguished guest.
Just as they finished inspecting the room, a maid's voice sounded from outside.
"Elder Ya Fei, the family is holding a meeting. The Great Elder requests your presence."
Ya Fei turned to Xiao Jietian, her eyes seeking his approval.
"Go ahead," he said calmly. "I'll be heading out later anyway."
A gentle smile appeared on her lips. "Then I'll take you around Jia Ma Holy City afterward."
With that, she departed.
Eternal Heaven World
After she left, Xiao Jietian waved his hand and vanished from the room.
He appeared within the Eternal Heaven World.
Little Fairy Doctor was still in seclusion, her aura unstable yet steadily rising. No disturbance was allowed.
Xiao Jietian turned instead toward Qing Lin's cultivation chamber. With a flick of his wrist, the Nine-Headed Serpent Soul appeared.
"Qing Lin," he said softly, "this is a powerful serpent soul. I will implant it into your pupil space. Refine it, and your strength will increase dramatically."
Before she could respond, he carefully guided the soul into her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
Qing Lin gritted her teeth and immediately began refining it.
Satisfied, Xiao Jietian returned to the real world.
The Family Hall
Not long after, the main hall of the Mittel headquarters filled with elders, core members, and talented juniors.
The atmosphere was suffocating.
At the head seat sat an old man with calm, icy presence — Hai Bodong.
Beside him stood Miteer Tengshan, posture respectful.
"Hai Bodong," Miteer Tengshan said quietly, "everyone is present."
Hai Bodong nodded faintly, eyes half-lidded.
"Tengshan," he said slowly, "you will continue managing the family. My status shall not interfere with your authority."
He had already pledged himself to Xiao Jietian's Boundless Heaven Hall. He could protect Mitel out of sentiment, but could not let it tie too deeply to his new master without permission.
Miteer Tengshan understood.
He turned toward the crowd.
"This meeting announces two matters," he said coldly.
"The first: Elder Lei Ou was executed according to family law for offending Lord Hai Bodong. This matter is closed. No discussion."
Silence.
Not a single person dared breathe loudly.
Everyone understood what this meant.
Lei Ou's faction was finished.
Then Miteer Tengshan's gaze shifted.
"Second…"
His eyes landed gently upon Ya Fei.
"Ya Fei."
Her heart tightened slightly.