When Yafei lifted her head, she just happened to catch sight of Xiao Yan's slightly rosy complexion. A blend of amusement and surprise flashed across her exquisite, beautiful face, after which she covered her mouth and smiled gently. "Xiao Yan, brother, I never thought that after three years, you not only grew more mature, but also became noticeably more bashful." "I've always been reserved," Xiao Yan nodded seriously. "Three years ago, you weren't like this at all, were you? Did Xiao Yan brother forget? When I first recognized you, you were quite rude, weren't you?" Yafei said, a hint of warmth in her peach-blossom eyes. Gazing at Yafei, whose graceful charm and alluring presence radiated from every smile and gesture, Xiao Yan felt a bit helpless. Over the past three years, this mature woman had grown even more captivating. Perhaps it was due to their changed positions—now, when speaking with him, she no longer carried the caution of before, but instead, with their shared friendship, their interactions had grown noticeably warmer and more intimate. "You've come to the sacred city of Jima this time... because of that original promise, haven't you?" The gentle smile on Yafei's face slowly faded as she stared intently at Xiao Yan, asking softly. Xiao Yan smiled slightly and nodded gently. "Who else could I have been? I was rather heady back then and made that promise. Over the past three years, for that promise alone, I've endured quite a bit." Gazing at the more mature and composed face—less youthful and fresh, now bearing the steady strength of someone who has weathered trials—Yafei sighed. Though Xiao Yan hadn't gone into great detail about his journey, she knew well that this stubborn, determined young man must have faced hardships far beyond what anyone else could imagine. "Xiao Yan, after three years of training, I'm sure you now understand the influence of Yunlan Sect within the Jima Empire," Yafei said, her brows slightly furrowed. "Yes, it's a major force—so powerful that even one of its fingers could crush our Xiao family." Xiao Yan replied calmly. "Ah." Gazing at his calm, composed expression, Yafei shook her head helplessly and said, "For three years, you've still got this stubborn streak. But rest assured—given Yunlan Sect's status and standing, even if they're deeply connected to you, they won't dare move against the Xiao family. Those proud old fellows at Yunlan Sect simply won't be able to lose face on that." Yet you, after three years of training, have grown increasingly formidable—your aura of decisive action is now quite comparable to that of the certain member of our family who rose from the battlefield, clutching the corpses. Hearing this, Lady Yafu immediately gave Xiao Yan a withering look, expressing her displeasure. "Hm? Your attire—have you actually reached the rank of Second-Class Alchemist?" Her gaze suddenly settled on the chest of Xiao Yan's alchemist robe, where the professional rank insignia gleamed, and she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. "Heh, just lucky, that's all." Xiao Yan smiled casually. "Lucky? Ah, it's no easy feat for ordinary people to progress from novice to Second-Class Alchemist—typically requiring five to six years. And yet, you've achieved this in just three years. Surely, it's not merely luck." With a sigh of resignation, Lady Yafu gazed at the young man who seemed to continually astonish her with his achievements. Shaking her head with a smile, Xiao Yan decided not to press the issue further. Glancing around the hall, she realized that their corner had become the center of attention. She then whispered, "Now, are you in charge of this entire auction hall?" "You really are putting me to shame," remarked Yafei, sighing with a touch of frustration and offering a wry smile. "The authority of the hall's headquarters lies entirely in the hands of the elder family members—those are their lifelines. How could they possibly entrust it to me? Right now, I merely serve as the supervisory deputy elder here." She glanced at Xiao Yan and added with a smile, "Even though I don't personally oversee the hall, I still hold a certain degree of authority. I'm sure you've come here for something other than to see me—what do you need?" "Could we find a quieter spot to talk?" Xiao Yan said, glancing at the crowd of people listening intently. "I'm rather uneasy with all these ears." "Of course," Yafei replied, "follow me." Nodded happily, Yafeng was about to turn when her eyes suddenly caught sight of Haibo Dong, lounging idly on the crystal counter behind Xiao Xin, gazing at the items with apparent boredom. She hesitated slightly and said, "Mr. Haibo, is this the gentleman you're accompanying?" "Why? Do you expect to talk alone? Do you want to leave me, an old man, out of the conversation? It's not as if it's anything private." Yafeng's voice, though soft, was clearly heard by Haibo Dong, who turned to face her and chuckled. Hearing this gentle teasing, a gentle blush rose on Yafeng's refined cheeks. However, being adept at handling interpersonal matters, she smiled sweetly and replied, "Mr. Haibo, how could you say that? Our auction hall operates on business principles—how could we ever leave anyone out?" "Your words are indeed charming," Haibo Dong chuckled, "but I'm no foolish man always thinking about women. I'm poor—I simply can't afford to pay for these items here." Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flickered in Yafu's eyes, yet her expression on her face remained warm and smiling. Though her combat prowess was not particularly strong, it did not mean her keen observation was lacking—she truly could not see through Hai Bohdong's true nature, only vaguely aware that the elder before her was not seeking an old man, and that was sufficient. "He's been traveling for quite some time and has grown rather bored. Just ignore him," Xiao Yan smiled at Yafu. "No," Xiao Yan smiled and shook his head. "Oh," said Yafu, nodding slightly before falling silent, and then gently led the two of them toward a staircase where several guards were stationed. As she walked, Xiao Yan and Haibo Dong followed closely behind. The guards exchanged glances, surprised—by protocol, non-family members were generally not allowed entry. Yet Yafu, now serving as the Acting Senior Inspector, held considerable authority. Thus, none of them dared to intervene. As the trio approached the entrance, one guard stepped forward with determination, only to have his words swallowed as Yafu gave him a calm, steady glance, forcing a wry smile before retreating. "They are my friends. I'll handle anything that comes up," she said softly, and then turned to proceed up the stairs. However, the sudden, forceful footsteps echoing from the staircase caused her dark brows to subtly furrow. As the sound of footsteps resonated and settled, several figures emerged slowly from the corner of the staircase. Leading them was a man whose age matched that of Ya Fei only slightly, his complexion slightly pale—clearly having overexerted himself. Though not particularly robust in build, the subtle aura emanating from his body suggested he was a relatively new strength-tier cultivator. The pale young man cast a glance of longing and desire toward Ya Fei below, observing her from a lofty vantage point. Her curves were perfectly accentuated under this elevated view, causing his breathing to grow slightly rapid. Noticing the change in the young man above, Ya Fei's face grew slightly uncomfortable. She lifted her head, coldly glancing at him. The once warm, smiling gaze of her spring-water eyes now betrayed unmistakable disdain. "Hehe, Lady Yafu, this is our family's office—outsiders aren't allowed in. As the acting Supervising Elder, didn't you know that? "The young man took in the look of disdain on Lady Yafu's face, his expression darkening considerably. Though his cultivation talent was outstanding among the Mitel family, the very qualities that drew other women to him only seemed to deepen Lady Yafu's disapproval. It was simply unbearable for such a proud man. "I've said before, if there's something to attend to, I'll handle it. Please step aside!" Lady Yafu replied coldly, offering him not a single word of courtesy, and with that, she firmly grasped Xiao Xin's hand, pulling him upward toward the stairs. As he turned to face the young man, who had been so utterly ignored, the pale youth's lips subtly trembled. Especially when Lady Yafu suddenly grasped hold of Xiao Yan's hand, a sudden surge of jealousy flared in his eyes. Though Lady Yafu usually smiled warmly and seemed easy to approach, Xiao Yan knew that she held a certain reserve toward men—actively reaching out to a man like this was quite rare. "Hmm, I always thought you were cold toward me," the young man remarked, chuckling with a touch of condescension. "I suppose you have a taste for these fresh, inexperienced young men. That's quite good of you. Though I wonder if he'll be able to satisfy you." He glanced at Xiao Yan's composed face, unable to hide his mocking tone. Xiao Yan, who had been badly dealt, shook his head helplessly, glancing at the pale young man with a calm, expressionless gaze. "You're going to die, aren't you?" The young man, irritated by Xiao Yan's cold stare, suddenly exploded in anger, his voice cold and sharp. Hearing this, Xiao Yan paused slightly, yet his arm was pulled aside. The young lady, Ya Fei, gently shook her head, signaling him to ignore the man. Seeing this, Xiao Yan sighed, nodded, and followed. "Hmph. A pushover... Ya Fei, your taste is getting worse and worse. If you're really looking for a young man, you shouldn't settle for someone like this!" Ya Fei's patience only fueled the young man's enthusiasm, who grinned bitterly. Xiao Yan's steps halted again, his arm trembling as Ya Fei's hand gently released it. Gazing at the graceful silhouette of the young lady, he shrugged and said softly, "And you can still bear this?" Yafu remained stiff, silent, her delicate silhouette appearing slightly weary. "I'm sorry, I can't..." Xiao Yan spread his hands, then abruptly turned, his gaze cold and piercing at the young man laughing brightly. "Be careful—he's only a one-star Combatant." As if sensing Xiao Yan's movement, Yafu quickly turned around, but before her words could fully settle, the sudden roar from the stairwell sent a wave of astonishment across her delicate features. "To hell with you, you bastard! Did you grow up eating excrement?" With the surge of energy, Xiao Yan's equally cold and venomous outburst echoed fiercely.