Wu Tan City was lively as ever.
Vendors shouted.
Cultivators moved with purpose.
Clans maintained their silent rivalries.
And in the center of it all—
Stood the most influential commercial place in the city:
The Mittel Auction House.
A grand structure of polished stone and carved pillars, its entrance guarded and its reputation unquestioned. Wealth, status, and power flowed through its doors daily.
Vihaan Wei stopped in front of it.
His gaze calm.
"…So this is where she is."
The Target
From his memories of Battle Through the Heavens—
There was one person here worth more than the entire building.
Yafei.
Not because of strength.
But because of ability.
Charm. Intelligence. Control.
She could turn even chaos into profit.
"If I want to build an auction empire…"
"She's the perfect starting point."
The Entrance
Vihaan stepped forward.
The guards immediately blocked his path.
"Stop."
Their eyes swept over him—
Simple clothes. No visible status.
"State your purpose."
Vihaan didn't hesitate.
"I want to meet Yafei."
The guards froze for a second.
Then—
Laughed.
"You?"
"Do you even know who you're talking about?"
"She doesn't meet just anyone."
One of them waved his hand dismissively.
"Leave before we throw you out."
Silence
Vihaan didn't move.
Didn't argue.
Didn't get angry.
He just looked at them.
"…I see."
Then—
He released it.
The Aura
A wave.
Invisible—
Yet overwhelming.
Boom.
The air turned heavy.
The guards' expressions froze instantly.
Their bodies stiffened.
Cold sweat formed on their backs.
"…Th-this…"
A suffocating pressure descended.
Not wild.
Not explosive.
Controlled.
Precise.
Dou Ling 1-Star.
Shock
People nearby stopped.
Turned.
Whispers spread instantly.
"A Dou Ling…?"
"In Wu Tan City?!"
"Who is he?!"
More and more people gathered.
The calm street turned into a scene.
The guards' legs trembled slightly.
Their arrogance vanished.
"…Sir…"
Their tone changed completely.
But Vihaan didn't look at them.
His gaze shifted—
To the side.
Her Arrival
A soft, elegant voice echoed.
"My, my… causing such a scene at my auction house?"
All eyes turned.
A woman stepped forward.
Graceful.
Confident.
Dressed in a deep red gown that hugged her figure perfectly, with golden patterns faintly shimmering under the sunlight.
Her long hair flowed behind her, and her eyes—
Sharp.
Observant.
Dangerous.
She smiled.
Not kindly.
But knowingly.
"I am Yafei."
Her gaze locked onto Vihaan.
"…And you?"
First Exchange
The pressure disappeared instantly.
Vihaan looked at her.
Calm.
Unmoved.
"Vihaan Wei."
No title.
No explanation.
Just a name.
Yafei's eyes flickered slightly.
"…Straightforward."
She took a step closer.
Close enough to feel his presence.
"…A Dou Ling at your age…"
Her smile deepened.
"That's rare in Wu Tan City."
The Invitation
She glanced at the gathered crowd.
Then back at him.
"…We shouldn't talk here."
A pause.
Then—
"Come inside."
Inside the Auction House
The noise faded the moment they entered.
The interior was luxurious.
Crystal lamps. Polished floors. Silent attendants.
They were led into a private room.
The Room
Soft lighting.
Thick carpets.
A faint fragrance in the air.
Two chairs facing each other.
Yafei sat down gracefully, crossing her legs slightly.
Her posture relaxed—
But her eyes sharp.
Analyzing him.
"Now…"
She leaned slightly forward.
"…tell me."
"Why did you come looking for me?"
The Proposal
Vihaan didn't waste time.
"I want you."
Silence.
Then—
Yafei laughed softly.
"How direct."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"For what?"
Vihaan's voice remained calm.
"To be the chief auctioneer of my auction house."
Pause
For the first time—
Yafei didn't smile immediately.
Then—
She leaned back.
Amused.
"…Your auction house?"
She tilted her head slightly.
"And where exactly is this… 'auction house'?"
Rejection
Before he could answer—
She raised her hand.
"Let me guess."
"Another young master with ambition."
"Some small business idea."
"Dreaming too big."
Her smile turned playful.
"…And you want me to leave Mittel… for you?"
She shook her head lightly.
"Sorry."
"I'm not interested."
Turning Point
Vihaan didn't react.
Didn't argue.
Didn't explain.
Instead—
He said one sentence.
Calm.
Clear.
Unshaken.
"I can awaken your talent."
Silence
The room froze.
Yafei's smile disappeared.
Completely.
Her eyes locked onto him.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
"…What did you just say?"
Pressure
The air changed.
Not from power—
But from intent.
Yafei stood up slowly.
Step by step—
She walked toward him.
Her voice dropped.
Low.
Serious.
"…Say that again."
Final Line
Vihaan met her gaze.
Unmoved.
"I said…"
"I can awaken your talent."
The game had just begun.