176: Correspondence and Preparations for the Northern Region

Inside Li Ao's private chamber at Starfall Pavilion.

A finely carved inkstone made of superior azure jade rested on the desk. Li Ao held a wolf-hair brush, pondered briefly, dipped it fully in ink, and began writing on a specialized beast hide scroll capable of carrying a Soul imprint.

His handwriting, like the man himself, carried a restrained sharpness, strong and decisive.

"To Young Miss Ya Fei, personally:

It has been a month since we parted. I hope all affairs of the Mittel Family are progressing smoothly. Please forgive this intrusion.

I have a matter today requiring your assistance. Soon, I will travel with Queen Medusa to Tianbei City in the Northern Region, aiming to search for the forging Materials, 'nine nether cold iron,' and to investigate the true nature of the local power, Wanjin Pavilion.

The Northern Region is bitterly cold and the environment is complex. We need to prepare corresponding supplies, such as high-grade cold-resistant Medicinal Pills like the 'Red Sun Pill,' 'Soul Concealing Gauze' to resist Soul detection, and detailed maps of the Northern Region, especially intelligence concerning the extreme northern Nether Sea and the distribution of forces around Tianbei City.

I understand that the Mittel Family's commercial network spans the entire continent and must have branches in the Northern Region. If you can assist in preparing the aforementioned supplies and intelligence, and recommend reliable local personnel, I, Ao, would be immensely grateful.

All expenses for this endeavor will be borne by me, and I will certainly repay you handsomely in the future.

The winds of change are rising on the continent. If the Mittel Family works together with us, the future is promising. Awaiting your reply.

Li Ao, handwritten."

The writing flowed like a Dragon, completed in a single breath. Li Ao blew the ink dry, carefully rolled up the scroll, and used his Soul power to set a simple Restriction on the outside. If anyone other than the designated person tried to open it, the scroll would self-destruct.

"Someone."

A duty-roster Disciple of Starfall Pavilion answered and entered.

"Send this letter through the fastest and most reliable channels to the headquarters of the Mittel Family in the Jia Ma Empire, and deliver it personally into the hands of Young Miss Ya Fei." Li Ao handed over the scroll, his tone solemn.

"Yes, Young Pavilion Master!" The Disciple respectfully accepted it and quickly departed.

Li Ao walked to the window, gazing at the mist-shrouded mountain scenery outside the pavilion, contemplating. Ya Fei was an intelligent person who understood the principle of investing in the future. He believed she would make the wisest choice. And he would remember this favor.

Three days later, at the Mittel Family headquarters in the Jia Ma Empire.

Ya Fei was leaning languidly on a soft couch covered with snow fox fur, her slender jade fingers holding a beast hide scroll that had just arrived.

As she finished reading the contents, a flash of shrewdness and an indescribable complex emotion flickered in her captivating peach blossom eyes.

"Northern Region Tianbei City... nine nether cold iron... Wanjin Pavilion..." Her red lips parted slightly as she softly recited these keywords, her mind already working rapidly.

She stood up and walked to the massive window, looking down at the bustling Imperial Capital below.

The Mittel Family was now the undisputed commercial overlord of the Jia Ma Empire, but her ambition extended far beyond that.

Li Ao's rise, and the blueprint of the "Nirvana Saber Domain" he had described, were the perfect springboard for her to lead the Mittel Family onto a broader stage.

"Forging Materials... he is preparing to forge a true divine Sharp Weapon for himself." Ya Fei muttered, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.

She admired men who had clear goals and were willing to pay any price to achieve them.

Without hesitation, she immediately summoned several of the most capable stewards in the Family.

"Immediately mobilize all our resources in the Northern Region, especially the Tianbei City branch, to fully collect all information regarding 'nine nether cold iron,' including potential auctions, black market dealings, or known holders.

At the same time, prepare a batch of the highest-grade supplies: fifty bottles of fifth-grade 'Red Sun Pill,' ten bolts of 'Soul Concealing Gauze' woven from the silk of sixth-tier Demonic Beasts, the Snow Spider, and the Family's secretly preserved most detailed copy of the 'Detailed Map of the Northern Ice Plains.'"

Her orders were clear and swift.

"Furthermore, send a message to Hoper, the person in charge of the Tianbei City branch, instructing him to fully cooperate with all actions of Young Master Li Ao, satisfy all his reasonable requests, and ensure their safety and convenience while in Tianbei City.

Remember, his attitude must be respectful, as if I were personally present."

"Yes, Clan Chief!" The stewards obeyed with reverence, sensing the high degree of importance Ya Fei placed on this "Young Master Li Ao."

After the others retired, Ya Fei picked up the beast hide scroll again, her fingertip gently tracing the sharp handwriting on it, a captivating smile gracing her lips.

"Li Ao, oh Li Ao, do you know that the value of this letter is far more than ten thousand gold? However, I, Ya Fei, am investing in the future... I just hope you don't disappoint me."

She spread out a fresh sheet of paper and began writing the reply herself.

In the letter, she not only confirmed that the supplies and intelligence would be prepared and sent to Tianbei City as quickly as possible, but also included a letter of introduction she personally wrote for Hoper, the head of the Tianbei City branch, along with some of her personal, detailed, and thoughtful analyses of the Northern Region's situation and the potential forces behind Wanjin Pavilion.

Five more days later, at Starfall Pavilion.

Li Ao received Ya Fei's reply and the list of the first batch of supplies delivered with the letter.

Looking at the detailed items listed on the inventory and Ya Fei's analysis in the letter, he had to once again marvel at the woman's methods and efficiency.

"How is it?" Medusa walked up beside him, her gaze sweeping over the list.

"Ya Fei has made all the arrangements. The supplies and the welcoming personnel will be ready in Tianbei City." Li Ao handed the letter to Medusa. "She even warned us that Wanjin Pavilion might have some connection with Ice River Valley, asking us to be careful."

Medusa quickly scanned it and nodded slightly. "She is certainly thoughtful. With her managing the rear, we can save ourselves a lot of trouble."

The preparations were complete. Li Ao went to see Yao Chen and Wind Venerable to inform them of his itinerary.

Wind Venerable patted his shoulder. "Be careful in everything. Starfall Pavilion will always be your backing."

Yao Chen then handed Li Ao several more jade bottles. "Inside are some Medicinal Pills for detoxification, healing, and rapid recovery of fighting Qi. There are many forces in the Northern Region that use poison and sinister means, so it is better to be prepared."

"Thank you, Teacher, Elder Feng."

With everything settled, Li Ao and Medusa exchanged glances, their eyes filled with calmness and determination.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke, two figures shot up from Starfall Pavilion, transforming into streams of light that tore through the sky, speeding toward the distant and cold Northern Region.

Tianbei City, Wanjin Pavilion, nine nether cold iron... A new journey had begun.