"What a fragrance!"
Zi Yan's big eyes gleamed with longing, her small nose twitching as she inhaled the rich pill scent, sensing its potent energy. Her throat bobbed slightly.
"Did it work?"
Cai Lin, catching the heady fragrance, felt a cooling sensation in her sparse consciousness, her soul stirring faintly.
It was her first time witnessing the phenomenon of a sixth-grade pill's formation, and a wave of awe rose within her.
Gazing at the black-robed figure beneath the sky-piercing pillar, memories of their time together flashed through her mind. A faint smile curved her lips, her beautiful eyes shimmering with pride.
Suddenly, Cai Lin turned toward a direction where several powerful auras were rapidly approaching.
Sensing two somewhat familiar presences that stopped at the gate without barging in, her eyes narrowed briefly before she withdrew her gaze, ignoring them.
Earlier, weaker auras had gathered around the residence, but lacking clear hostility, she'd let them be.
This was a human capital, and unsure of Xiao Bai's ties here, she didn't want to stir trouble for him unless the intent was overtly malicious.
After the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Xiao Bai sensed the restless energy in the cauldron settle. He exhaled, shifting his hand seals. The two hovering blobs of dreamy, seven-colored liquid in the furnace erupted with a powerful devouring force.
The towering light pillar trembled, then shattered, collapsing into a seven-hued cloud that surged toward the cauldron below.
In moments, the cloud was fully absorbed by the liquid.
With a gesture, the two blobs flew from the cauldron, hovering in his palm. Inspecting them, Xiao Bai nodded, satisfied.
"As expected of me—peak sixth-grade, nailed it on the first try!"
His murmur made Cai Lin and Zi Yan, approaching with joy, pause and roll their eyes.
"How did I not notice how shameless you are before?" Cai Lin shot the smug man a disdainful glance, huffing.
"Yeah, Xiao Bai, how can you say that out loud? It's embarrassing me!" Zi Yan crossed her arms, her big eyes glaring scornfully as she pursed her lips.
"…!" Xiao Bai ignored the humorless duo, transferring the radiant liquid into two prepared jade bottles. With a wave, he stowed the cauldron and stood, stretching.
"Those people outside—want to meet them, or should I shoo them away?" Cai Lin asked, noting the faint fatigue in Xiao Bai's brow, her cool voice laced with concern.
"I'll check it out." Rubbing his temples, Xiao Bai headed outside.
"Wait."
"I'm coming with you," Cai Lin said, stopping beside him.
"No need to force yourself. I can handle it," Xiao Bai said warmly, his gaze lingering on her enchanting form.
He knew she was worried, or her aloof nature would keep her from mingling with others.
"It's fine. To me, they're no different from the sand in the Tagore Desert," Cai Lin said, her brows arching, her soft eyes meeting his with a light laugh.
"Alright then!" Xiao Bai took her hand, chuckling loudly. "If my Queen darling takes a dislike to anyone, don't hold back—just take them out!"
"You really think I'm some heartless demoness?" Cai Lin's lips curved into a smile, giving him an exasperated look, knowing he was teasing to cheer her up.
"Let's go!" Xiao Bai smiled, walking side by side with her.
Behind them, Zi Yan glared, stomping her foot. That jerk Xiao Bai forgot me again!
Of course, that creep just likes the grown-up ones!
Glancing at her petite frame, Zi Yan's desire to grow up surged fiercely.
___
Main Hall
"Haha, this morning I was wondering why Master Bai didn't attend the conference. Turns out, he gave us a grand surprise!" Jia Xing Tian strode in, beaming at Xiao Bai in the main seat, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.
Behind him, Fa Ma, Hai Bo Dong, and others filed in.
Hai Bo Dong's smile froze as he caught sight of the gold-red-robed figure beside Xiao Bai, his steps faltering.
"Heh, Queen Medusa, it's been years. You're looking well!" Jia Xing Tian said, spotting the bored, enchanting woman. Shock and wariness flashed in his eyes.
He hadn't expected this ruthless, chicken-slaughtering terror to sit so docilely beside a man—and so closely, suggesting an intimate bond!
"Queen Medusa?!"
Nalan Yanran and Ya Fei, following behind, froze, their hearts jolting. Their eyes widened, staring in disbelief at the captivating woman beside Xiao Bai.
As members of Jia Ma's great families, how could they not know of this fearsome beauty, whose terror and allure echoed across the Tagore Desert?
Ya Fei snapped out of it, seeing the pair seated so closely. Realizing their relationship, her red lips pursed, her eyes a tangle of emotions.
Cai Lin, idly studying her fingers, glanced up at Jia Xing Tian's greeting, nodding faintly.
She'd clashed with this old man years ago, but now he seemed stuck at Dou Huang, showing no signs of breaking through.
If so, after the Yun Lan Sect matter, her tribe's migration plan faced little threat from him.
"Hey, sister-in-law!" Xiao Yan sidled up, grinning.
Cai Lin's eyes flickered with amusement, nodding slightly.
After his greeting, Xiao Yan stood before Xiao Bai, chest puffed out, face solemn. "Brother Bai, allow me to reintroduce myself. Before you stands the champion of the Jia Ma Empire's Seventh Alchemist Conference, the 'fourth-grade' alchemy master… Yan Xiao!"
"…!" Xiao Bai blinked.
"…!" Yao Lao stirred.
No need to grit your teeth on "champion" and "fourth-grade"—we heard you!
"Not bad! In a blink, you're fourth-grade, no longer the kid eagerly awaiting my return to refine Foundation Spirit Liquid," Xiao Bai said, nodding with a smile, recalling three years ago when he'd returned, amnesiac, to meet Yao Lao. It felt like yesterday.
Xiao Yan paused, the memory of insisting on waiting for Brother Bai instead of letting his teacher refine flashing back.
He chuckled at his younger self, a wave of gratitude rising. How fortunate I am to have met him and Teacher. Both played immeasurable roles in my rise.
Because of Brother Bai, he'd learned why his cultivation had plummeted, leading to his bond with Yao Lao, propelling him to where he stood today.
"Heh, looks like little friend Yan Xiao's excellence owes much to Master Bai's guidance!" Fa Ma said, stroking his beard with a warm smile.
"He's indeed exceptional, but I didn't guide him," Xiao Bai said, shaking his head. "His teacher is someone else—a reclusive master who prefers anonymity."
"I see!"
Fa Ma nodded, awestruck. If even Master Bai called this person a master, Yan Xiao's teacher must be a true sage!
Mid-conversation, Xiao Bai's eyes flickered, a sharp glint passing through them.
No one else noticed, except Cai Lin, who tilted her head, her beautiful eyes questioning. She'd sensed a surge of anger from him, quickly subdued.
"I'm fine. Just a couple of annoying visitors," Xiao Bai said softly, meeting her concerned gaze.
Moments later—
"Yun Lan Sect Grand Elder Yun Leng, here to visit Master Bai!"
"Yun Lan Sect Gu He, paying an unannounced visit. Please forgive me, Master Bai!"
Two voices boomed over the residence. Reactions in the hall varied: Fa Ma and Hai Bo Dong were indifferent, Jia Xing Tian's expression was cryptic, and Nalan Yanran hesitated.
"Heh, I didn't expect my new home to be so lively," Xiao Bai said, scanning the room, his gaze pausing on Nalan Yanran. "Miss Nalan, since they're from your Yun Lan Sect, please bring them in."
"Yes, Master!" Nalan Yanran nodded, stepping out.
Watching her leave, Xiao Bai tilted his head slightly. A silver vertical mark on his forehead glowed faintly, then faded. He beckoned to Xiao Yan nearby.
"Little Yan, come here."
"What's up, Brother Bai?" Xiao Yan approached, puzzled.
"Don't speak, don't ask," Xiao Bai said, shaking his head. He tapped a finger lightly at Xiao Yan's dantian.
With that touch, Xiao Yan felt his connection to his Na Ling sever, the Green Lotus Core Flame vanishing from his senses. His face paled.
If it weren't Brother Bai, whom he trusted implicitly, he'd be panicking!
"Teacher, what's happening?" he asked mentally, but no reply came.
Certain something unknown was afoot, he pieced together the Yun Lan Sect's arrival. Could that mysterious figure be here too?
"Go on, relax. Do what you need to," Xiao Bai said, waving him off with a faint smile under the hall's curious gazes.
As Xiao Yan returned to his seat, Cai Lin sent a mental message: "Xiao Bai, what's going on?"
His every move was under her watch. That glowing mark on his forehead had stunned her.
She'd always thought it was decorative, not functional.
And, unless she was mistaken, when it glowed, her consciousness had trembled faintly.
Xiao Bai shook his head, saying nothing, his gaze shifting to the door where Nalan Yanran led in three figures.
An old man in moon-white robes, his hair and beard snowy, exuded stern authority. His steps were vigorous, a small cyan sword embroidered on his sleeve, wreathed in cloud patterns, gleaming like a blade cutting through clouds.
A middle-aged man in an alchemist's robe, handsome and refined, sported neat mustaches. A six-wave cauldron badge on his chest glowed faintly.
The last, Xiao Bai glanced at briefly before looking away—Liu Ling, Gu He's disciple.
The two entered, nodding lightly to the others before turning to the main seat. Xiao Bai's youthful face gave them pause, but the old man spoke first, smiling. "This must be Master Bai. I'm Yun Leng, Grand Elder of the Yun Lan Sect. This is our chief alchemist, Elder Gu He."
His peripheral glance flicked to Cai Lin, frowning slightly. Why does this woman seem familiar?
Gu He, staring at Cai Lin, froze briefly, his face shifting before he quickly averted his eyes.
Xiao Bai scanned them expressionlessly, nodding. "I've had no dealings with the Yun Lan Sect. What brings you here?"
"Haha, Master Bai jests. Our young sect master's grandfather was on death's door, saved by your remarkable healing. How could we have no ties?" Yun Leng said, his eyes earnest. "I'm here to thank you and invite you to our sect, where we can play proper hosts!"
Jia Xing Tian and Fa Ma smirked inwardly. Yun Leng's intent was transparent—sidestepping Xiao Bai's sixth-grade pill feat, offering thanks to curry favor.
But after Hai Bo Dong's hints last night about Xiao Bai's grudge with the Yun Lan Sect, they were content to watch the drama unfold.
"I saved someone, they paid. Fair trade, no thanks needed," Xiao Bai said, shaking his head, his tone flat.
"I heard your payment was Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva. Does Master Bai have soul-related injuries?" Yun Leng's eyes glinted, his tone probing. Seeing Xiao Bai frown, he waved hastily, chuckling. "No misunderstanding, please! I'm not prying. If you need more soul-restoring items, the Yun Lan Sect might assist."
"Thanks for the concern," Xiao Bai said with a faint smile. "My injuries are healed, so no need to trouble your sect."
His face showed no hint, but inwardly, he sneered. Assist? Assist by introducing Protector Wu, you mean?
The subtle, persistent probing he'd felt since their arrival faded, and he exhaled quietly.
Damn it, I was careless!
Refining a soul-restoring pill had drawn that guy here!
"Very well, I won't disturb you further. Meeting a talent like Master Bai is a privilege! I hope you'll visit our sect someday—I'll roll out the welcome mat!" Yun Leng said, cupping his hands. As if recalling something, he produced a gilded invitation. "You know our young sect master. In two days, a grand event concerning her will be held at our sect. I hope you'll attend!"
"I'll stop by if I get the chance," Xiao Bai said, accepting the invitation, a faint, cryptic smile flickering in his eyes.
Hope you don't regret this later.
"Haha, I'll await your arrival!" Yun Leng laughed, nodding to Jia Xing Tian and the others before leaving.
"Your alchemy has opened my eyes, Master Bai. I hope we can exchange insights someday," Gu He said, his first words since entering, smiling.
"There'll be a chance," Xiao Bai replied, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he nodded with a smile.
____
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