Exile

Lei Ou was visibly startled by Xiao Se's speed, realizing that he had completely underestimated him. However, being a Dou Ling-level fighter, Lei Ou's strength was a full stage higher than Xiao Se's, and his experience gave him sharp instincts. 

While the others couldn't keep track of Xiao Se's movements, Lei Ou managed to spot him. With his fist enveloped in earthy yellow Dou Qi, he quickly turned and struck back with a punch.

"Boom!"

As their fists collided, a deafening roar erupted, sending waves of energy rippling outward. The powerful shockwave spread, and while Yafei, who was standing further away, was unaffected, several guards and Lei Lei, who was nearby, weren't as lucky. They were instantly blown away by the blast, with Lei Lei crashing painfully into the hallway wall outside, writhing in agony.

In a flash, Xiao Se reappeared in the guest hall, his face calm. He said, "So this is all a Dou Ling fighter amounts to? Or maybe you're just the weakest one I've ever met. You've neglected your training, relying on your status for too long. I doubt you could even beat a random Dou Ling."

At that moment, Lei Ou was filled with terror. He couldn't comprehend how the young man in front of him could possess such overwhelming power. 

During their brief clash, it felt like he was facing not a person but a formidable fourth-stage magical beast. The force reverberated through his body, leaving his blood churning and his bones tingling.

Remembering that Yafei had introduced Xiao Se as a guest of the Miteer Auction House, Lei Ou's forehead broke into a cold sweat. His voice trembled as he asked, "Who… who exactly are you?"

"Didn't Yafei already tell you who I am?" Xiao Se chuckled calmly and glanced toward the right side of the room. He smirked, "Old man Hai, you've been watching for quite a while. Are you going to come out? If not, don't blame me if I tear down your auction house later."

As Xiao Se finished speaking, an elderly but steady laugh sounded from outside the door. "Haha, looks like your strength has improved quite a bit, young one."

Two figures slowly emerged from the corner of the hallway. One was a robust older man with white hair and beard. Despite his age, his skin was unusually rosy, giving him a youthful appearance. It was none other than Hai Bodong, someone Xiao Se was familiar with.

Beside him was another elderly man with a kind face. His aura was calm and steady, though not as powerful as Hai Bodong's, he was far stronger than Lei Ou. This man was a Dou Wang-level fighter, and his eyes, which were almost always squinted, gave him an air of deep mystery.

"Hai Lao, Patriarch," Lei Ou and the others immediately bowed upon seeing Hai Bodong and the other elder. Even Lei Lei, despite being injured, knelt with the help of a servant.

Yafei also emerged from a corner of the guest hall, walking over to stand beside Xiao Se. She gave a respectful bow to the two men, "Hai Lao, Patriarch."

Hai Bodong clearly had no intention of paying attention to Lei Ou and his group. He glanced at them briefly before turning to the squinty-eyed elder beside him. "Tengshan, you know what to do," he said calmly.

"Yes, Hai Lao," the elder, Tengshan, nodded slightly before turning his gaze toward Lei Ou. He asked coldly, "Lei Ou, do you admit your guilt?"

Lei Ou's face stiffened as he tried to explain, "Patriarch, please listen to my explanation…"

"There's no need. I saw everything with my own eyes. First, your grandson insulted Yafei, even though he knew she was the family's Inspection Elder. Then, despite Yafei informing you that Xiao Se is our family's esteemed guest, you rashly attacked without verifying the truth," Tengshan waved his hand dismissively, sighing, "Lei Ou, do you know what our Miteer family relies on to survive in this land?"

"Our great wealth and strong fighters like you and Hai Lao?" Lei Ou cautiously responded.

Tengshan shook his head. "There are many families stronger and wealthier than ours. Power and wealth are only guarantees. What truly allows us to endure is the wisdom of our leaders in recognizing talent. Unlike you and your arrogant grandson, Yafei has done exceptionally well."

"Lei Ou admits his guilt."

"Good. You are no longer fit to continue as an elder of the family. If you keep this up, you'll only make powerful enemies for us. Considering your years of service, I'll allow you to pack up your things and leave for the branch office. You are not to return to the capital for the next ten years. If by then you and your grandson have not changed your ways, don't ever come back," Tengshan said calmly, stroking his beard.

"Yes, Patriarch." Under the watchful eyes of Xiao Se, Yafei, and Hai Bodong, Lei Ou helped Lei Lei up and left the hall in shame, taking the guards with him.

"Hai Lao, are you satisfied with this outcome?" Tengshan asked respectfully.

"Just an exile? You're letting him off easy. Oh well, whatever," Hai Bodong waved his hand dismissively before turning to Xiao Se with a chuckle, "Haha, Xiao Se, I'm sorry about earlier."

"No big deal, I didn't lose anything," Xiao Se glanced at him. From the moment Lei Ou entered, Xiao Se had sensed Hai Bodong and Tengshan's presence. It was clear they had been hiding, watching to test his current strength.

Looking around at the damaged furniture, Xiao Se said calmly, "Let's move to another room to talk."

Soon, Yafei led them to a more luxurious guest hall.

"These are the ingredients for the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill. I had the Miteer family gather them for over half a year. Take a look and see if there are any issues," Hai Bodong said with a smile, opening a wooden box.

After a quick inspection, Xiao Se nodded, "The ingredients are fine, and their ages are just right."

"That's good to hear," Hai Bodong sighed in relief. It seemed that after the Alchemist Competition, he would finally be able to regain his strength.

"Hai Lao, I came not only to check if you gathered the ingredients but also to ask if you've found any information on the matter I asked you about last time," Xiao Se asked, sipping his tea.

Hai Bodong shook his head, sighing, "You mean the reason why the Alchemist Competition was moved up, right? I asked Old Man Fa Ma, but he wouldn't say a word. Even the grand prize for the competition is still a secret. He said they'll only announce it after the finals, though it's definitely a sixth-tier pill recipe."

Xiao Se frowned at this, tapping his fingers on the table as he pondered.

After a while, unable to figure it out, Xiao Se gave up and turned to Yafei, "Yafei, does the Miteer Auction House have Ice Silkworm Mask?"

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