ALL NOVEL Chapter 213: Miteer
In the Jia Ma Sacred City, within the Miteer Family, in the patriarch’s chamber.
Primer Teng Shan, the patriarch of the Miteer Family, looked at the man in front of him sitting on the sofa, chewing on an apple. His pupils were trembling incessantly as he stared at Hai Bodong.
After a while, Teng Shan bent over slightly and whispered in front of Hai Bodong.
“Hai Bodong, is it really you?”
“Ha? You still don’t believe it?” Hai Bodong raised an eyebrow, suddenly releasing a chilling Dou Qi, “Want me to prove it to you again?”
“No-no-no! That’s not necessary!”
Teng Shan quickly shook his head and waved his hands, finally confirming that this wasn’t an illusion. The shock on his face turned to joy.
“You disappeared suddenly over ten years ago. Later, I heard you were being hunted by Queen Medusa in the Tager Desert. I even took people from the Family to look for you, but…”
“Alright, alright, that was a long time ago, why bring it up now?”
Hai Bodong waved his hand impatiently, and a trace of confusion appeared on Teng Shan’s face again.
“What’s with your current appearance–”
“It’s the effect of a seal. No need to talk about it.”
Hai Bodong clearly didn’t want to discuss this matter. He slightly pursed his lips. Although he had accepted his current appearance, it didn’t mean he wanted to hear others talk about it.
Finishing the apple in his hand, Hai Bodong casually tossed it onto the table and found a comfortable position to lie down on the sofa. Propping his elbow on the sofa, he lightly clenched his hand into a fist, resting it against his cheek, his purple eyes looking at Teng Shan.
“It seems you’ve managed the auction house quite well these past ten years. I heard on my way here that the Miteer Family has become one of the top three families in the Jia Ma Sacred City?”
Hai Bodong’s tone carried a hint of surprise. The Miteer Family, or also known as Miteer Auction House was something he and Teng Shan had started together. Because Hai Bodong disliked trouble, they named it after Teng Shan’s surname.
In Hai Bodong’s memory, when he left over ten years ago, the Miteer Auction House was doing well but still far from matching the Nalan Family and the Mu Family, two established families since Jia Xing Tian’s father’s generation. Yet, in just over ten years, the Miteer Auction House had risen to be on par with these families.
“Sure enough, although my strength far surpasses yours, in business, even three of me combined wouldn’t match you.”
Hai Bodong lightly waved his small hand, and Teng Shan hurriedly reassured him.
“How can you say that? If not for your strong support in the beginning, laying a solid foundation for the Miteer Auction House, it wouldn’t have been possible for me alone to develop it to this extent. No matter how glorious the Miteer Auction House becomes, half of it will always be yours!”
Teng Shan’s words were both comforting and true.
The Miteer Auction House had faced near bankruptcy several times over the years. Without the wealth Hai Bodong had accumulated before, it wouldn’t have survived, let alone reached its current status, something even Teng Shan hadn’t expected.
“Alright, alright, enough with the flattery. I’m not a child.”
Hai Bodong impatiently waved his arm. The combination of these words with his cute little face made it hard to take him seriously.
Suddenly, Hai Bodong’s expression sharpened, his gaze fixed on Teng Shan.
“Teng Shan, are there any people from the Yun Lan Sect in the Miteer Auction House now?”
Hai Bodong’s abrupt question made Teng Shan pause. He then thoughtfully stroked his chin and replied.
“If you’re asking about current Yun Lan Sect disciples, definitely not. The Sect has a rule that its disciples cannot participate in any other forces.” Teng Shan said, spreading one arm, “But if you’re talking about former Yun Lan Sect disciples that have graduated, there are quite a few, from the lower ranks to the higher-ups.”
“And it’s not just the Yun Lan Sect. Many industries in the Jia Ma Sacred City have graduated Yun Lan Sect members. After all, those who have been in the Sect are usually very talented and are top choices for recruitment by various forces.”
“Is that so…” Hai Bodong frowned tightly, biting his finger. “Damn it, the Yun Lan Sect has become more troublesome than I thought…”
Back at the Snake-People Tribe Sacred Land, Jia Xing Tian’s overly conservative attitude infuriated Hai Bodong, so much so that he directly cursed him to his face.
A Sect that repeatedly violated the laws of the Jia Ma Empire, and a force with a clear vested interest, how could it be so hard to choose between them?
At that time, Hai Bodong was so angry that his lungs almost exploded. He couldn’t understand how, after just over ten years, Jia Xing Tian had become so incompetent.
However, after everything was over, and he had calmed down, Hai Bodong suddenly understood.
Perhaps this wasn’t Jia Xing Tian’s fault.
Kind-hearted people cannot be kings.
Hai Bodong then suspected that Jia Xing Tian’s cautiousness wasn’t just due to his own disposition.
And this suspicion was confirmed by Teng Shan’s words.
“No wonder that guy doesn’t dare to touch the Yun Lan Sect. It’s a hornet’s nest…”
Hai Bodong rubbed his forehead in frustration. He didn’t believe that those who had graduated from the Yun Lan Sect had completely severed ties with the people who are still in it. Mo Cheng was a prime example.
Using his status as one of the Yun Lan Sect disciple who had graduated, he acted arrogantly in the Yan City and openly engaged in the slave trade prohibited by the Jia Ma Empire, all under the Yun Lan Sect’s protection.
And this situation likely extended to other industries.
The Yun Lan Sect shielded these once disciples, and in return, these graduated disciples provided all kinds of support to the Sect, from some small donations to secret techniques that they found, creating a network of influence throughout the Jia Ma Empire. The Sect’s misdeeds could be hidden thanks to the use of one of the connections that they had.
If the Jia Ma Imperial Family dared to move against the Yun Lan Sect, many people would be implicated.
As for ordering the expulsion of once Yun Lan Sect disciples from key positions in various forces?
Don’t be ridiculous. Not all these graduated disciples still have ties to the people inside the Sect. Such an order might push even those who aren’t helping the Yun Lan Sect doing their misdeeds, possibly leading to a rebellion if the Sect seized the opportunity.
(So, the Nalan Family girl being taken as a personal disciple by the Yun Lan Sect Master isn’t just about her talent…)
Hai Bodong covered his mouth, thinking.
What is the Nalan Family’s status? They’ve served the Imperial Family since Jia Xing Tian’s father’s generation, with all three Generals of the Jia Ma Empire coming from the Nalan Family. If nothing unexpected happens, Nalan Yanran might hold this position in the future.
Even if she doesn’t become a General, the Yun Lan Sect can use her title as a disciple to bind the Nalan Family to them. When Nalan Yanran eventually becomes the Sect master and head of the Nalan Family, the two will be inseparably linked.
The Yun Lan Sect higher up likely saw this opportunity and, combined with Nalan Yanran’s exceptional talent, suggested Yun Yun to take her as a disciple. But Yun Yun, being naive, probably agreed with the suggestion of the Yun Lan Sect higher up on taking Nalan Yanran as her disciple solely because of her talent.
“These bastards have really calculated well…”
He finally, somewhat, understood Jia Xing Tian’s difficulties.
If he were to move against the Yun Lan Sect, it would implicate the entire Jia Ma Empire.
If he didn’t move against the Yun Lan Sect, given what they’ve been doing, the Yun Lan Sect would gradually consume the entire Jia Ma Empire until it became entirely theirs.
“What should I do?”
Hai Bodong sighed deeply.
Just as Hai Bodong was pondering, there was a sudden knock on the door, followed by a voice that sounded alluring.
“Grandfather, did you summon me?”
“Oh, come in.”
Teng Shan replied with his hands behind his back. Then the door opened slowly, and a charming woman, wearing high heels, stepped in with an elegant stride, showcasing a pair of enchanting snow-white legs.
If Xiao Yan were here, he would surely recognize her.
This person was the one who would flirt with him every time they met in Wutan City, Miteer Ya Fei.
“Ya Fei, let me introduce you. This is Hai Bodong, who co-founded the Miteer Auction House with me back then.”
Because Hai Bodong was sitting with his back to the door, and his short stature was completely hidden by the sofa, Ya Fei couldn’t see what he looked like at all.
But Hai Bodong’s renowned name was something Ya Fei had heard of before.
Hai Bodong? The Ice Emperor Hai Bodong?!
Upon hearing Teng Shan’s words, Ya Fei’s luscious lips parted slightly, her eyes showing a hint of astonishment.
This legendary figure who co-founded the Miteer Auction House with her grandfather, Ya Fei often heard her grandfather mention him.
But Teng Shan had said he disappeared over ten years ago, and there was a possibility he had even passed away?
Although she held this doubt in her mind, Ya Fei still hurriedly stepped forward, her high heels clicking softly, and gracefully approached the sofa. She bowed deeply to Hai Bodong as soon as she arrived, greeting him respectfully.
“Ya Fei pays respects to Lord Hai Bodong.”
“Ah. You don’t need to be so polite to me.” Hai Bodong saw Ya Fei bowing to him and lightly waved his small hand, looking somewhat surprised as he glanced at Teng Shan. “Although you told me you had a granddaughter all those years ago, I didn’t realize she’s grown up so much already.”
“Haha~ Although this child’s cultivation talent is not good, her business talent is even better than mine.”
Teng Shan said proudly in a low voice, while Ya Fei, who was still bowing her head, furrowed her brows slightly.
Why did this Lord Hai Bodong’s voice… sound so young?
Ya Fei curiously lifted her head, but what she saw wasn’t the image of an elderly man she had expected, but rather a child of about six or seven years old sitting cross-legged on the sofa.
Immediately, Ya Fei was stunned.
This child was the legendary… Ice Emperor Hai Bodong?
Just as Ya Fei was dumbfounded, a strong Dou Qi suddenly erupted from a direction in the Jia Ma Sacred City, causing both Hai Bodong and Teng Shan’s expressions to change abruptly.
“This–This Dou Qi is that of a Dou Huang (Battle Emperor, 7th Level)?!”
Teng Shan was shocked, he had never felt this kind of Dou Qi before, obviously, this Dou Qi didn’t belong to any force in the Jia Ma Empire!
And compared to Teng Shan’s astonishment, a strange expression appeared on Hai Bodong’s little face.
This Dou Qi should be… Zi Yun, right? That Amethyst Winged Lion King that transformed into a human.
Although Zi Yun was a magical beast, Hai Bodong didn’t think she was someone who would actively seek trouble based on their brief interaction. Someone must have provoked her first.
Who could be so reckless as to provoke her?
Just as Hai Bodong was contemplating, a surge of Dou Qi erupted in the same direction, recognized not only by Hai Bodong but also by Teng Shan.
It was the Dou Qi of the Guardian of the Jia Ma Imperial Family, Jia Xing Tian.
Seeing the two opposing Dou Qis, it was evident that they were about to fight!
Two Dou Huang (Battle Emperor, 7th Level) of equal strength fighting in the Jia Ma Sacred City was no joke!
Teng Shan couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat. What on earth was happening?!
While Teng Shan, who knew nothing, was in a panic, Hai Bodong remained quite calm as he picked up another apple from the table and started munching on it.
With Xiao Yan around, they wouldn’t actually fight. Not only did Jia Xing Tian know him, but it also seemed that Zi Yun somewhat obeyed Xiao Yan.
As expected, after a while, the two astonishing Dou Qi gradually dissipated, and the entire Jia Ma Empire returned to calmness, as if nothing had happened, leaving Teng Shan bewildered.
Huh? What’s going on?
Weren’t they just about to fight? How come they suddenly stopped?
At this moment, Hai Bodong finished his apple, tossed the core onto the table, and pondered in his heart.
It seemed that Jia Xing Tian had taken Xiao Yan to the palace to discuss matters. How the situation with the Mo Family was resolved must have been weighing on Jia Xing Tian’s mind.
“Well, I should go out for a stroll too. There’s nothing else to do anyway.”
Hai Bodong jumped off the sofa and turned around, ready to leave the room.
Suddenly, he thought of something and abruptly stopped, pinching his small face as he pondered.
Oh. might as well take the Miteer Family into consideration while I’m at it. After all, they’re one of the three major families, and they definitely won’t be able to stay out of it in the future.
But Teng Shan is too conspicuous. It’s easy to attract attention when entering the palace.
After pondering for a moment, Hai Bodong pointed to Ya Fei.
“Teng Shan’s granddaughter… right?”
Upon hearing Hai Bodong’s call, Ya Fei was suddenly stunned, but then she stabilized her shock and smiled as she responded.
“Yes, you can call me Ya Fei.”
Although the Hai Bodong in front of her looked like a child, Ya Fei didn’t think her grandfather would joke with her about such matters. Therefore, no matter how the other party looked, Ya Fei would treat him with respect.
“Do you have any orders for me?”
“Now, accompany me to the palace to have a chat with Old Jia.”
“…Huh??”
Ya Fei’s smiling face suddenly stiffened, and her heart clenched violently.
Go have a chat with Jia Xing Tian?!