164: Mittelteng

“Hehehe…” Ya Fei let out a string of bell-like giggles, her body swaying, her full bosom creating a breathtaking curve beneath the tight red dress. “You little heartless one, I’m just worried about you! After being apart for so long, you didn’t even send a single letter, making me…”

She deliberately drew out her words, her jade finger gently tapping Mo Yuhan’s chest, the warmth from her fingertips seeping through his thin clothes. “I’ve been waiting with bated breath.”

She leaned in closer, her breath like orchids, carrying a hint of resentment yet an incredibly alluring scent that brushed past Mo Yuhan’s ear: “What? Surrounded by all those pretty girls at Canaan Academy, did you forget about me? That girl Xiao Yu? Or that little Lin Fei who knows how to act spoiled? Hmm?”

Mo Yuhan’s heart skipped a beat, thinking to himself that Ya Fei’s intelligence network was indeed formidable.

He smiled wryly, leaning back slightly to create some distance: “Sister Ya Fei, you’re joking. My studies are demanding, and I dare not be negligent. Coming to the Imperial Capital this time is, firstly, for the Alchemist Convention, and secondly…”

He looked directly into Ya Fei’s beautiful eyes, which seemed to see through people’s hearts, and said sincerely: “It’s also to see Sister Ya Fei and fulfill our original promise.”

“Promise?” A sly glint flashed in Ya Fei’s beautiful eyes. Her red lips drew even closer, almost touching Mo Yuhan’s ear, as she whispered in a magnetic, hushed voice audible only to them: “Is it the promise of ‘Little brother, I’ll wait for you in the Imperial Capital’? Then I’ll have to think carefully about how I should ‘entertain’ you…”

The warm breath on his earlobe brought a tingling sensation.

Just as the ambiguous and enchanting atmosphere was about to engulf Mo Yuhan, Ya Fei, like a nimble fish, gracefully took a step back. The Charm on her face instantly receded a few points, replaced by the shrewd competence of a businesswoman.

She clapped her hands.

Immediately, a young woman dressed as a maid entered from outside, holding a tray.

“Go, inform Grand Elder Teng Shan that the distinguished guest, Mr. Mo Yuhan, has arrived,” Ya Fei instructed, her voice returning to its clear tone.

The maid acknowledged and withdrew.

Only then did Ya Fei look at Mo Yuhan again, her eyes flowing with a teasing smile: “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. This young man is now a Second-Rank Alchemist, a brilliant disciple of Fire Elder from Canaan Academy. His status is no longer what it used to be.

I, your Elder, must treat you as a truly distinguished guest. Let’s go, I’ll take you to meet the head of our Mittel Family, Grand Elder Teng Shan.

He is very curious about you, Great Master Gu Ni’s brilliant disciple and a new star of Canaan Academy.”

She leaned in again, naturally reaching out to straighten Mo Yuhan’s collar, which had been slightly disheveled by her “harassment.” Her movements were gentle and intimate, carrying an undeniable sense of possession.

The touch of her fingertips brushing against his neck made Mo Yuhan’s heart skip another beat.

“Remember,” Ya Fei raised her eyes, looking deeply into Mo Yuhan’s, her voice carrying an almost imperceptible seriousness and reminder, “In front of Grand Elder Teng Shan, you don’t need to be overly humble, but you must maintain sufficient respect. He values your potential and the value behind you. Show him the demeanor you have at Canaan Academy. I… have high hopes for you.”

She said the last three words particularly softly, yet they contained powerful confidence and support.

Mo Yuhan understood, nodding: “Thank you for the guidance, Sister Ya Fei.”

Ya Fei smiled contentedly, turned, and, swaying her breathtaking figure, led Mo Yuhan deeper into the headquarters.

The sound of high heels tapping on the ground echoed in the quiet corridor, like a declaration.

Passing through several heavily guarded corridors, adorned with increasingly ancient and substantial decorations, Ya Fei led Mo Yuhan to a thick, heavy door cast from some dark metal.

In front of the door, two old men stood like statues, their aura as profound as an abyss, their eyes as sharp as an eagle’s.

Mo Yuhan’s gaze swept over them, his heart slightly trembling—these two seemingly unremarkable guards, their aura was surprisingly strong, at the peak of Dou Ling level!

The Mittel Family, as one of the Empire’s three great families, clearly possessed profound foundations.

Ya Fei nodded slightly to the two old men, and one of them silently pushed open the door. A heavy scent, a mix of faint cigar smoke, old books, and top-grade incense, wafted out.

Inside the door was an extremely spacious study.

More than a study, it was like a small treasure vault combined with a strategic command center.

The four walls were covered with towering bookshelves, filled with various leather-bound, gold and silver-embossed, heavy tomes and scrolls.

In the center of the room was a large rug depicting the detailed territories of the Gama Empire and several surrounding nations. By the window, there was a wide, heavy mahogany desk.

Currently, an Elder sat in the large, high-backed chair behind the desk.

He wore a loose, deep purple brocade robe, embroidered with intricate golden threads depicting the Mittel Family’s scales and coin insignia.

His hair was meticulously combed, though it was gray, each strand exuded vitality.

His face was slightly thin, but his eyes were exceptionally bright, sparkling with keen light as they opened and closed, as if they could penetrate the deepest parts of one’s heart.

He held a document in his hand, his fingers distinct, conveying a sense of strength.

Most striking was the meticulously trimmed silver long beard beneath his jaw, which swayed slightly with his movements as he read the document, adding to his dignity and wisdom.

He was Mittel Teng Shan, the current patriarch of the Mittel Family, a magnate of the Empire’s business world, a legendary figure whose stomp could make the entire Gama Empire’s economy tremble.

His aura was like a deep pool, seemingly calm, yet containing a frighteningly immense power.

Mo Yuhan keenly sensed that this Grand Elder’s cultivation was definitely above Dou Wang, perhaps even touching the threshold of Dou Huang!

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Teng Shan looked up, his gaze sweeping over them like a tangible force.

That gaze was not sharp, but it carried a profound pressure of one long accustomed to high positions and worldly insight, as if it could penetrate all disguises.

“Grand Elder.” Ya Fei shed all her outward Charm, bowing respectfully yet gracefully, “Mr. Mo Yuhan has arrived.”

Mo Yuhan stepped forward, bowing neither obsequiously nor arrogantly, his demeanor composed: “Junior Mo Yuhan greets Grand Elder Teng Shan.”

Teng Shan’s gaze lingered on Mo Yuhan for a moment, from his young yet steady face, to the striking Second-Rank Alchemist badge on his chest with two silver ripples and two stars, and then to his composed and unyielding demeanor during his bow.

A very faint hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

“Haha, no need for formalities.”

Teng Shan put down the document in his hand, a gentle smile appearing on his face. His voice was resonant and carried a comforting power, instantly dispelling the invisible pressure in the room.