Under Hai Bodong's lead, Xiao Tian arrived in front of a massive building at the end of the street. A distinctive symbol was displayed prominently on its facade.
"This is the Mitel Auction House."
Hai Bodong's eyes held a hint of reminiscence as he glanced at the familiar symbol above.
Xiao Tian stood before the grand entrance and nodded in approval.
"As expected of the empire's number one auction house — the scale is indeed grand. Let's go inside and see what good things they have."
"Little Brother Xiao Tian?"
A questioning, slightly uncertain voice sounded behind him.
Xiao Tian turned around. What met his eyes was a woman in a black, form-fitting brocade robe with gold trim. A small section of her jade feet, clad in black stockings, peeked out from beneath the hem.
The woman's brocade robe was exquisitely crafted, perfectly outlining her curvaceous figure and exuding a seductive, enchanting aura.
Xiao Tian looked up and saw that charming, beautiful face. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he spoke with a gentle smile.
"Sister Ya Fei."
"It really is you." Ya Fei quickly walked up to Xiao Tian. Her long, narrow peach-blossom eyes showed a hint of disbelief. This was the person she had been thinking about day and night. She reached out and gently caressed his smiling face, a soft, warm smile gracing her lips.
"It's been over a year since we last met. You've changed so much that I almost didn't recognize you, little brother."
Xiao Tian's face had long shed its youthful innocence, maturing and becoming more composed with time. His already elegant and refined appearance now seemed even more dignified. Dressed in white robes with his striking white hair and eyes, he looked so beautiful that even girls would feel jealous.
"Sister Ya Fei has also become even more charming and alluring."
Looking at the woman in the brocade robe before him, Xiao Tian recalled his days at the Wu Tan City auction house.
"Little Brother Xiao Tian, what are you smiling at? Why are you smiling so mischievously? You're not thinking about anything bad, are you?"
Ya Fei clasped her hands behind her back, leaning slightly forward as she scrutinized Xiao Tian suspiciously.
Ya Fei's clothes were now more modest dresses — simply because this little fellow had once said he didn't like her dressing the way she used to, unless they were alone.
As the saying goes: a man's own wife should dress as modestly as possible, while the beauties on the street should dress as revealingly as possible.
"I'm not. I didn't. Don't talk nonsense. I'll sue you for defamation."
Xiao Tian immediately denied all three points.
Ya Fei, who knew Xiao Tian well, naturally didn't believe his pretense. Her sparkling eyes rolled at him, and she turned to Hai Bodong, who was bored and looking at the sky.
"Who is this old gentleman?"
"A friend."
"Standing here talking makes us look like monkeys. Why don't you show us around the auction house?"
Xiao Tian said, noticing the constant glances from the surrounding people.
"You're the monkey! Well, come on in with me then. And please, old gentleman, you too."
Ya Fei heard Xiao Tian's words and playfully slapped his arm.
She pulled Xiao Tian toward the auction house, not forgetting to politely smile at Hai Bodong.
"I thought you two would ditch me for a romantic world of your own."
Hai Bodong saw the ambiguous relationship between Xiao Tian and the auction house manager and couldn't help teasing them.
"Old Hai, you're being improper again."
Xiao Tian was well aware of Old Hai's youthful spirit despite his age.
"What are you saying, old gentleman? Since you've come to the auction house, you are all esteemed guests of our Mitel Auction House. There's no reason to leave anyone out."
Ya Fei curtsied with elegant grace, smiling.
"Little girl, you're quite eloquent. Not bad — I think highly of you."
Hai Bodong stroked his beard and praised her.
"Ya Fei thanks the old gentleman for his praise."
Ya Fei smiled faintly at Old Hai. Although she couldn't see through the old man's true strength, from her many years of managing the auction house, she could vaguely sense a deep-seated nobility and composure about him.
She knew that the old man before her was not simple, and based on her understanding of Xiao Tian, he wouldn't bring an ordinary old man with him.
Under Ya Fei's guidance, the two entered the auction house and arrived at a grand hall resembling a crystal city.
Within the hall, there were numerous crystal counters, each displaying various rare items, all clearly priced.
People flowed ceaselessly before the counters. Although the items were not cheap, many people with needs were constantly making transactions.
"This is the outer area of the auction house. The items here are not too precious. The most valuable items are found in the auction house's Heaven-level auctions, which are usually only held for heavyweight items. Once opened, almost half of the strong cultivators and powerful families of the Jia Ma Empire will flock here. However, this level of auction usually only happens once every one or two years, or even longer."
"It seems the old gentleman knows our Mitel Auction House very well."
"I once participated in a Heaven-level auction."
Old Hai shrugged and chuckled.
Ya Fei gave Hai Bodong a deep look. He was indeed no ordinary old man. Participating in Heaven, Earth, and Xuan-level auctions all required identity verification to be eligible for entry.
"I'll take you to my study so we can talk there. You certainly didn't come just to see me."
Ya Fei shot Xiao Tian a look like he was a heartless man, then took his hand and walked toward a doorway.
Suddenly, a voice sounded from behind the three of them.
"Oh? Isn't this our acting Inspector Elder Ya Fei?"