"You've been performing exceptionally well recently. The Mittel Auction House has been managed in an orderly manner. From today onward, you will officially take over full control of the Mittel Auction House, including Lei Ou's position."
When Miteer Tengshan's words fell, everyone in the hall turned their eyes toward Ya Fei with burning gazes. No one dared voice an objection. This was an announcement, not a discussion.
"Understood. Many thanks, Great Elder."
Ya Fei ignored the envy around her. She slightly lowered her head, her jade-like hands clenched tightly within her sleeves.
She knew very clearly that this appointment was not truly due to her outstanding management ability, as the Great Elder claimed. Instead, it was because of her connection with Xiao Jietian—and the jade bottle he had given earlier.
She also understood that the jade bottle was not compensation for Lei Ou's death, but rather a form of reward the Mittel family offered her for protecting Xiao Jietian before.
Although she did not know what was inside, she had faintly heard the shocked gasps earlier. Anything that could astonish the Great Elder was undoubtedly extraordinary.
"Recently, our family has gained the presence of a distinguished guest. None of you are to offend him. Otherwise, you will be dealt with according to family law."
Miteer Tengshan swept his sharp gaze across the hall, his tone heavy.
"Yes, Great Elder!"
Everyone felt a chill in their hearts and immediately responded in unison.
Soon after, the meeting ended. Ya Fei went to formally take over her responsibilities.
Only Hai Bodong and Miteer Tengshan remained behind in the hall.
"Elder Hai… is that person truly so terrifying?"
Miteer Tengshan frowned slightly. No matter what, a member of the family had died, leaving an inevitable imbalance in his heart.
"What? Still trying to save face?" Hai Bodong snorted coldly. "A parasite like that would only drag the entire family toward destruction. If Xiao Jietian hadn't killed him first, I would have done it myself sooner or later. A thousand-mile embankment can collapse from a single ant hole."
"You always overthink things and focus on schemes, but this world ultimately follows one rule: strength reigns supreme."
"A Dou Zong stands behind Xiao Jietian… but how can you be certain that there is only a Dou Zong?"
Hai Bodong's gaze grew increasingly solemn.
"Xiao Jietian is like a bottomless abyss. On the surface, he appears to be a Dou Wang and a third-rank alchemist, but he is absolutely more than that. His hidden strength… killing me would be no harder than killing a chicken."
"You should seriously consider the suggestion I gave you earlier. Now is the best time. In the future, that opportunity may disappear forever."
After speaking, Hai Bodong stood up and walked away, leaving Miteer Tengshan seated in silence, lost deep in thought.
…
Xiao Jietian stood at the foot of a towering mountain, gazing at the massive military encampment stationed nearby. Faint sounds of soldiers training echoed through the air.
"Heh. The Imperial Family truly fears the Cloud Mist Sect. Only elite legions are stationed here."
On the surface, they were stationed to guard against the Cloud Mist Sect—but their true purpose was surely far more complex. As for how many people who originally intended to join the sect had instead joined the Imperial army… that was impossible to know.
Xiao Jietian merely glanced once before losing interest.
He shifted his gaze toward the long bluestone staircase stretching upward like a path to the heavens. These ancient steps, whose age was unknown, had witnessed countless young geniuses full of ambition, and countless fallen figures buried in sorrow. The upper region was completely obscured by mist.
Xiao Jietian stepped onto the stairs.
It was not enrollment season, nor was it a special day. Only two or three people could be seen climbing the steps.
After walking to the end of the staircase, six Cloud Mist Sect disciples stood guard.
"It is not recruitment season. Without an invitation, please stop."
One disciple, who appeared to be the leader, stepped forward and blocked Xiao Jietian's path.
Xiao Jietian calmly took out a token. "What about this?"
The disciple accepted it with both hands. The moment he saw it, his expression changed drastically.
On the front was an image of clouds intertwined with a silver sword. On the back were two words:
Sect Master.
This was Yun Yun's personal token. To see the token was to see the Sect Master herself.
"This junior greets you, sir! I am a mountain-guarding disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect. You may call me Little Li. May I ask what matter requires reporting, sir?"
The disciple's attitude immediately turned respectful, with a hint of excitement hidden in his eyes.
Anyone who possessed the Sect Master's token clearly had an extraordinary relationship with her. If he could build a connection and even have his name mentioned before the Sect Master, his future would be bright.
"I want to see your Sect Master," Xiao Jietian said calmly.
"Go report immediately," Little Li ordered another disciple.
That disciple bowed deeply and rushed up the mountain, even activating a movement Dou Technique.
"Sir, I will first bring you to the reception hall. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes."
Xiao Jietian nodded lightly.
After passing through the entrance, a vast circular plaza appeared. The ground was paved with white jade-like stones, flawless and gleaming.
Around the plaza stood rows of majestic buildings, grand and imposing.
At the center stood an enormous stone monument. At the very top was engraved the name of the first Sect Master of the Cloud Mist Sect:
Yun Potian.
"Sir, this is our sect's honor monument. It records all past Sect Masters and those who have made great contributions."
Little Li explained respectfully.
At the bottom of the list was written:
Ninth-Generation Sect Master — Yun Yun.
Xiao Jietian then glanced around the plaza. Numerous disciples in moon-white robes walked across it, their sleeves embroidered with cloud-patterned swords. As they moved, their robes fluttered as if alive, faintly emitting traces of sword intent.
The Cloud Mist Sect was a sect devoted to sword cultivation. Most Dou Techniques revolved around sword arts.
The only exception… was Yun Shan.
That old man, one of the early-stage antagonists, could even unleash terrifying sword techniques without holding a sword.
Many disciples glanced curiously at Xiao Jietian, noticing that he wore an alchemist's robe instead of the sect's uniform.
Xiao Jietian paid them no attention and followed Little Li into a hall.
"Sir, please wait here. Someone will attend to you shortly."
Little Li bowed deeply before leaving.
Xiao Jietian casually chose a seat. Soon, a female disciple brought tea and refreshments.
He then activated the system.
"System, check in."
[Ding. Successfully checked in at the Cloud Mist Sect. Obtained: Thunder Origin ×1, Heavenly Heart Soul Grass ×1, Alchemist Lifetime Experience Box ×1]
Heavenly Heart Soul Grass: After consumption, it can directly raise the user's soul strength by a small level.
A gift box?
Xiao Jietian's interest was instantly piqued as he stared at the mysterious purple box displayed on the system panel. After so many check-ins, this was the first time he had received a blind box-style reward.
"Open the experience box."
He gave the command in his mind.
[Ding. Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Ninth-Rank Alchemist 'Star Refiner' Lifetime Experience Fragment!]
Xiao Jietian's eyes narrowed slightly.
A ninth-rank alchemist… lifetime experience.
Even within the entire Dou Qi Continent, ninth-rank alchemists were legendary existences.
The moment the reward integrated, massive memories surged into his mind—countless alchemical formulas, refined techniques, medicinal flame control methods, soul manipulation skills, and experiences spanning centuries.
His comprehension of alchemy rose explosively.
Even his control over flames, medicinal balance, and soul precision reached an incomparably terrifying level.
At this moment, Xiao Jietian was confident.
As long as he had enough ingredients, he could refine ninth-rank pills.
And that was something that could shake the entire continent.