Chapter 193: "Bro, You Smell So Good"
Inside the Fire Energy cultivation chamber, Xiao Yuan in white and a young girl also dressed in white locked eyes. The atmosphere suddenly turned… odd.
The girl blinked her big innocent eyes, staring dazedly at Xiao Yuan's lips. Her slightly parted mouth carried an expression like a captivated fangirl, as if silently thinking, "Bro, you smell so good… I could just eat your lips."
After a moment of panic, Xiao Yuan steadied himself and began carefully examining the girl in front of him.
He couldn't sense any aura from her, but there was a faint medicinal fragrance emanating from her—strong enough to be detected without soul power, just by nose.
"Did you eat Earth Core Body Milk?" the girl asked, her voice childish but certain.
Xiao Yuan's pupils shrank. Staring at her soft, somewhat familiar-looking purple hair and considering her strange ability to appear silently and sense medicinal materials, he finally put it together.
This… wasn't this Zi Yan?
Realizing the identity of this "little girl," Xiao Yuan relaxed instantly.
"Yeah, I got some by chance," he said, nodding.
"Got any more? I want some," Zi Yan said, holding out her delicate hand. Her soft voice sounded commanding—no room for refusal.
"And you are…?" Xiao Yuan asked, frowning in confusion.
"You dare not give it to me?" Zi Yan's mouth twisted into a pout as she glared fiercely at him.
In the Inner Academy, everyone bowed their heads when they saw her.
But this guy? Sure, he seemed strong, but didn't he know how to act right?
Maybe she should punch him? Judging by his physique, he might survive it.
She clenched her tiny fist at the thought.
Due to their height difference, her every move was clearly visible to Xiao Yuan. Seeing the glint in her eyes and the little fist, he sighed helplessly.
But Xiao Yuan didn't panic.
After being tempered by the Earth Core Body Milk, he was confident that even without using secret arts, he could go toe-to-toe with a berserk Snow Demon Ape using pure physical strength alone.
He felt that he was frighteningly strong now.
Even if Zi Yan was really a Taixu Ancient Dragon… so what?
"We're not even close. Why should I give it to you?"
His tone was direct and unapologetic.
"Then I'll trade you for some herbs!" Zi Yan said, and without waiting for his response, pulled out a blood-red herb from behind her back.
Xiao Yuan's eyes widened in surprise.
It was a gnarled, blood-colored branch, shaped like a coiling snake. Yao Lao had mentioned this before—this was "Blood Python Branch," a rare herb and a key ingredient in refining the six-tier pill Dou Ling Pill.
Dou Ling Pills were highly coveted among Dou Wang-level cultivators. Taking one could instantly raise one's strength by a level, without side effects—though only one pill could be taken at that level, or the effects would diminish.
Ordinary cultivators might spend years climbing just one level within the Dou Wang stage, so this pill was immensely valued.
The herb in her hand was worth half of the remaining Earth Core Body Milk in Xiao Yuan's possession.
But… if he did trade it, there wouldn't be much food left for the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python.
After thinking it through, Xiao Yuan shook his head regretfully. "Sorry. Valuable as it is, the Earth Core Body Milk is more useful to me."
"You—!"
Zi Yan puffed her cheeks, glaring at him with big black eyes.
Though she looked like a child, she wasn't dumb. She knew how valuable the herb was.
Crunch!
Out of sheer frustration, she bit into the Blood Python Branch.
To normal people, this would've cracked their teeth—but to her, it was like chewing sugarcane.
Xiao Yuan, as an alchemist, winced in pain at the sight.
Unlike Earth Core Body Milk which could be taken directly, herbs like this needed to be processed to maximize effectiveness.
"I-It's gross," Zi Yan mumbled, frowning—but still took another bite.
"You're just going to gnaw on it like that?" Xiao Yuan couldn't help but ask, reaching out instinctively.
"What do you want? Wanna get smacked?" she snapped, pulling the herb behind her and raising her tiny fist threateningly.
"I can refine it for you. At least it won't taste so bad."
Xiao Yuan shook his head and offered the explanation.
"You're an alchemist?" Zi Yan's eyes lit up, visibly excited.
"Yeah. I'm not high-ranked, but with a Heavenly Flame, I can refine this kind of thing," he smiled.
"Are you being nice for no reason?" she asked suspiciously, then shrugged and added lazily, "Whatever. I'm not afraid of you cheating me. But if it tastes bad, I'll eat you instead!"
Xiao Yuan didn't argue. What was the point of debating with a little girl?
Besides… with that tiny mouth, even if she wanted to eat him, she probably couldn't manage more than a nibble.
He shot her a strange look at the thought.
"I'm leaving. You coming?" he asked as she started trailing behind him.
"Of course I am."
Hands on her hips, Zi Yan declared proudly, lifting her head high.
Xiao Yuan had already expected it and simply nodded, exiting the chamber with her in tow.
"Haven't asked—what's your name?" he said as they walked.
"Zi Yan. The Grand Elder gave me the name," she replied quickly, her small legs working fast to keep up.
"I'm Xiao Yuan."
"?"
Zi Yan's eyes narrowed. Was this guy… not curious about her background?
But Xiao Yuan didn't seem to care. After all, he already knew.
"Hey, Xiao Yuan, what tier alchemist are you?" Zi Yan asked when he fell silent again.
"Third-tier. Still working on consistency. It'll take some time," he replied calmly.
"Only third-tier?" she pouted.
She had been hoping he was high enough to refine a Transformation Pill…
"Third-tier's already decent. I've only been learning alchemy for a short while."
Xiao Yuan shrugged. Cultivation was one thing—alchemy was another. His cultivation benefited from his unique body and Qi Palaces, but alchemy required steady practice and experience.
"Well, whatever. If the pill tastes bad, I'll eat you."
Zi Yan scowled adorably.
But with her size and chubby cheeks, it wasn't threatening—just kind of cute.
Like a kitten trying to act fierce.
Still walking, they soon ran into someone Xiao Yuan recognized.
"Senior Lin Xiuya?" Xiao Yuan greeted with a smile.
"Oh, Junior Xiao Yuan. You're done with closed-door training?" Lin Xiuya returned the smile.
"Yeah, took a while. Thought I'd get some air before going back."
"Good idea. Rest and training should balance," Lin Xiuya said—but suddenly froze. His smile stiffened as he looked down.
"Z-Zi Yan… Senior!"
Lin Xiuya's voice cracked.
"What is it?" Zi Yan asked coldly, her gaze making Lin Xiuya sweat.
"N-Nothing! I'll take my leave!" he said hastily and left in a fluster.
Xiao Yuan turned to Zi Yan, amused. "What did you do to him? Why's he so scared of you?"
"I didn't do anything. He was being annoying, always jumping around in front of me. So I hit him. Once."
"…I see."
That sounded just like her.
"Alright, let's go. I want that candy pill you promised!" she said, grabbing Xiao Yuan's arm and dragging him forward.
Xiao Yuan tried to resist… but quickly gave up.
He couldn't break free.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1