After reviewing his information and consolidating his gains, Xiao Jietian retrieved the Thunder Origin and began refining it.
"Only a single wisp was added this time? The progress is indeed slowing down. But based on past experience, the more difficult it becomes, the greater the cultivation boost after refinement."
"My foundation is stable now… it's about time."
He took out a Dou Ling Pill and tossed it directly into his mouth.
The pill instantly dissolved into a surge of potent energy, which was swiftly absorbed by the smooth, crystalline Dou Crystal within his body.
Boom.
A wave of Dou Qi rippled out from Xiao Jietian, and his realm instantly broke through to the Four-Star Dou King level.
"No wonder so many are obsessed with pill consumption—this feeling is truly wonderful, haha!"
However, Xiao Jietian didn't actually plan to rely solely on pills to rapidly elevate his realm. Although he possessed many cultivation-enhancing pills, depending entirely on them would render his foundation hollow and unstable.
What's that? Isn't refining spirit lightning also similar to taking pills? Nonsense! Spirit lightning is cultivated through the steady accumulation of my own Dou Qi—it's like depositing money and earning tenfold interest before withdrawing it.
Xiao Jietian walked out of the training room and saw Ya Fei sitting cross-legged on his bed, deep in cultivation. Sensing his presence, she ended her session.
Having undergone the baptism of her new physique, Ya Fei had now reached the Six-Star Dou Zhe realm, and her cultivation speed was remarkably fast.
"Fei'er, what brings you here? Missing me?"
Xiao Jietian hugged Ya Fei, a playful smile on his face.
"Why does it feel a bit heavier here?"
He lifted her slightly, asking curiously.
"Stop fooling around. I was waiting for you. A servant reported that your brother, Xiao Yan, appeared at the auction house asking about soul-nourishing medicinal ingredients. Do you want to see him?"
Ya Fei rolled her eyes at him but didn't stop his antics.
"Have someone escort him to your office. We'll meet him there."
Xiao Jietian released her, thought for a moment, and replied.
Soul-nourishing ingredients? That must be for Yao Chen. Without the original battle against the two Dou Emperors from the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, why would Yao Chen be weakened or dormant? In his normal state, most medicinal ingredients would have limited effect.
Could this be a test from the Child of Destiny? Even if there's no trouble, you still have to create some?
Ya Fei straightened her clothes, then gently smoothed out the wrinkles on Xiao Jietian's robe.
"I'll go make the arrangements first."
Ya Fei was decisive by nature and quickly left to handle the matter.
In Ya Fei's Office
After making the arrangements, Ya Fei returned to her office to continue handling affairs. She might even give up this position eventually—her lover was bound to leave this place, and no matter what, she would follow him.
Helping the family with some matters now was also a way to repay their years of upbringing. Although she strongly resented certain aspects of her family, it had raised her for many years and provided shelter during storms.
Knock, knock.
A knock sounded, followed by a voice.
"Elder Ya Fei, I have brought the guest."
"Enter."
After Ya Fei's charming voice responded, the door opened from the outside. A figure in a black robe, carrying a large black ruler on his back, walked in.
The newcomer was none other than Xiao Yan.
After Xiao Yan entered, the guards outside closed the door and left.
Xiao Yan was deeply puzzled. Why had he been summoned?
He had been browsing the counters in the main hall, searching for any soul-nourishing medicinal ingredients, when an auction house guard approached him, saying Elder Ya Fei had requested his presence.
Initially, upon hearing the name "Ya Fei," he thought of the chief auctioneer of the Wutan City branch of the Mitel Auction House—the same Ya Fei to whom he had once entrusted pills for sale, though she didn't know his true identity.
Full of doubts, Xiao Yan followed the guard upstairs.
"Teacher, what's going on? Why would an Elder here suddenly want to see me? And the name is the same as the one in Wutan City."
Xiao Yan frowned, asking Yao Lao within the black storage ring.
"I'm not sure either, but it should be fine. You have the Heavenly Flame for self-defense, and I'm here too. Any conspiracy is vulnerable under absolute strength."
Although Yao Lao was also unclear about the other party's intentions, and he was currently somewhat weakened, his aura remained formidable.
Reassured by Yao Lao's words, Xiao Yan relaxed.
Back to the Present
Xiao Yan glanced around curiously before his gaze settled on the desk, where a woman was diligently writing. Upon clearly seeing her face—
"Miss Ya Fei! It really is you! I thought it might be someone with the same name. I never expected that after over a year, Miss Ya Fei has been promoted from chief auctioneer of the Wutan City branch to an Elder. Congratulations!"
"Might I ask, Miss Ya Fei, why you summoned me?"
Xiao Yan exclaimed, genuinely surprised to see the familiar face of Auctioneer Ya Fei from Wutan City. Although astonished by her rapid promotion, seeing someone he knew eased most of his suspicions.
"Young Master Xiao Yan, you flatter me. However, it's not me who wishes to see you—it's someone else."
Ya Fei smiled slightly and nodded.
"She didn't summon you—I did."
The door opened again, and a voice came from behind Xiao Yan.
"Eh? Brother Jietian?"
Xiao Yan exclaimed in surprise upon seeing the newcomer. Why was his brother here at the auction house?
"Very good. Your cultivation has improved significantly, your physique is much sturdier, and you've grown taller. Have you refined that item?"
Xiao Jietian patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze as he praised him.
Feeling Xiao Jietian's genuine concern, Xiao Yan's eyes reddened slightly with emotion.
Xiao Jietian led Xiao Yan to another set of tables and chairs and gestured for him to sit.
"Why do you suddenly need soul-nourishing medicinal ingredients?"
Xiao Jietian got straight to the point.
Xiao Yan glanced at Ya Fei, who was preparing tea nearby, then back at Xiao Jietian.
"It's fine. Ya Fei is one of us—you can speak freely."
Xiao Jietian understood Xiao Yan's hesitation and reassured him directly.
On the side, Ya Fei felt a warm surge of happiness at Xiao Jietian's trust, as if she had tasted honey. Her smile bloomed like a flower.
She brought over the brewed tea and teapot, placing them beside Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan, then smiled gently at Xiao Jietian. "You two chat. I still have some matters to attend to."
"Alright, go ahead."
Xiao Jietian understood Ya Fei's intention and nodded with a smile.
After leaving the office, Ya Fei didn't go far. Instead, she remained stationed outside the door, guarding the room.
Yao Lao' translucent figure floated out from the Bone Chilling Flame Ring. "Xiao Jietian, boy, long time no see. You've reached the Dou King realm? Although I'm not entirely sure why, this old man can vaguely sense you're roughly at that level."
"Just a stroke of luck. I recently stumbled upon a minor opportunity. But Yao Lao, why do you look so weakened? Did something happen?"
(Xiao Yan and Yao Lao: Why does that line sound vaguely familiar?)
Yao Lao now appeared translucent, not as solid as before, clearly in a fragile state.
"Yao Lao, in your current condition, you should return and rest first."
Yao Lao had only emerged to clarify why Xiao Yan needed soul-nourishing ingredients.