In the midst of the myriad gazes, Xiao Yan slowly exited the Alchemist Association. Standing at the entrance, he gazed at the darkening sky, slightly dazed. The end of the grand assembly had lifted a great weight off his shoulders. Without the pressure to win, he could finally take a true breath of relief. “Sigh, this thing really drains one’s spirit…” He laughed bitterly. If it weren’t for Queen Medusa’s sudden declaration, Xiao Yan wouldn’t have pushed himself so hard to participate in this assembly.
Thinking of Queen Medusa, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but touch the arm where the sleeping Rainbow Serpent was coiled. He wondered if it was because of the growing strength of Queen Medusa, but recently, the Rainbow Serpent often fell into a deep slumber. Sometimes, when he was cultivating and his senses were sharpest, he could faintly detect the struggle between the two souls within the small body—each trying to suppress the other.
“Sigh, troubles everywhere…” Sighing softly, he knew he lacked the strength to aid the Rainbow Serpent. All he could do was watch their struggle. Although Queen Medusa would likely emerge victorious, the current situation had at least given Xiao Yan some leverage to negotiate with her. From her previous words, the “Soul Fusion Pill” must be of utmost importance to her. Now that he had the formula, he was still needed to refine the pill. Thus, he didn’t have to worry about her suddenly awakening and killing him.
Taking a deep breath of the damp, cool air, Xiao Yan cleared his chaotic thoughts. After a brief hesitation, he set off towards the Nalan family residence. Today was the last day of detoxifying Nalan Jie. If all went well, he would obtain the “Seven Phantom Blue Spirit Saliva” tonight and test if it could awaken the old alchemist. If successful, his journey to the Yunlan Sect would have a protective shield. If not, he would have no choice but to go, as he wouldn’t give up for any reason.
“Tomorrow is my last free day… If possible… Sigh, unfortunately, there is a chance of backlash from the Three Line Blue Spirit Pill. And since it has been refined for someone at the Great Warrior level, the backlash would be even stronger… If I were to lose some strength at this critical moment, that would be truly frustrating…”
Pursing his lips, Xiao Yan touched his ring, inside which lay the newly refined Three Line Blue Spirit Pill. Although he couldn’t gauge Nalan Yanran’s true strength, from her sharp presence that night, she was likely on par with Mu Zhan, or even stronger. Mu Zhan was a Nine-Star Warrior, and if Nalan Yanran surpassed him, she must be a Great Warrior.
“Three years ago, she was only a Three-Star Warrior. In just three years, she advanced to a Great Warrior? If my judgment is correct, she must have taken some kind of pill that boosted her strength. With the Yunlan Sect’s wealth and the assistance of the Pill King Gu He, it’s not impossible to refine such a pill. Otherwise, even with her talent, she couldn’t have advanced faster than me,” Xiao Yan mused.
“Though my teacher’s abilities are profound, refining those pills requires rare herbs. With my limited resources, many ingredients are out of reach. Without enough herbs, even the most skilled alchemist can’t refine a pill… So these years, he has only used simpler, catalytic types of pills, like the liquid that causes immense pain but unlocks potential. But the type of pill that directly boosts strength, he has never made.”
Considering these factors, Nalan Yanran’s rapid advancement was somewhat understandable.
“Sigh, we’ll see. If I can awaken my teacher, I won’t need to risk taking the Three Line Blue Spirit Pill. But if I fail…”
Xiao Yan sighed, “Then I will have no choice but to try. I’ve prepared for three years and cannot afford to fail now.”
Shaking his head, he temporarily put aside these troublesome thoughts. Looking ahead, the Nalan family’s residence was already in sight. As he reached the gate, the guards, familiar with his daily visits, smiled and led him in.
Walking along the gravel path, Xiao Yan found Nalan Jie waiting in the hall.
“Congratulations, you’re now the talk of the capital, everyone knows your name,” Nalan Jie greeted warmly.
Noticing Nalan Yanran’s absence, Xiao Yan nodded, inwardly smirking. “The three-year agreement is up, she needs to return.”
“Old Master Nalan, let’s begin the final detoxification. This is the last time. Tonight, the poisonous mark will leave your body entirely.”
“Thank you, Little Friend Rock Falcon. If you ever need help, the Nalan family will always assist you.”
“Just what I need,” Xiao Yan smiled, following Nalan Jie to the side room.
The final detoxification was surprisingly easy, likely due to the surge in soul power during the assembly. Wiping sweat from his forehead, Xiao Yan removed his hand from Nalan Jie’s back, noting the healthier color on his face. “Congratulations, Old Master Nalan, the poison is gone.”
His mouth tasted bitter; the poison had left Nalan Jie but entered his own body.
Nalan Jie exhaled a long breath, clean of the black impurities. “I am in your debt, Little Friend Rock Falcon. I promise, I will repay you one day.”
Smiling, Xiao Yan remained noncommittal.
Nalan Jie clapped, and a servant brought in a plant in a jade pot. The room filled with a soothing fragrance. The plant, a beautiful shade of blue, bore a flower with seven colors, each shifting gradually.
“Little Friend Rock Falcon, this is the ‘Seven Phantom Blue Spirit Saliva.’ It is said that an alchemist’s flame can distill it into a liquid that revives weakened souls. I worked hard to obtain it, and the poison was a result of that.”
Suppressing his excitement, Xiao Yan nodded, licking his lips. “Old Master Nalan, since you are cured, this belongs to you.”
“Thank you.” Bowing, Xiao Yan took the plant, examining it eagerly. “Remember, it needs an hour of sunlight each day, or it will wither.”
Nodding, Xiao Yan stored the plant. “Old Master Nalan, I must leave. Thank you for everything.”
“Leaving so soon?” Nalan Jie tried to keep him, but seeing Xiao Yan’s urgency, he relented. “If you need anything, come to me.”
“Of course, thank you.” Bowing, Xiao Yan rushed out. Nalan Jie shook his head, planning to host a banquet another time.
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