Xuan Hao looked at the tall, handsome young man before him, and for a moment, the image of the mature youth overlapped with the memory of that bright-eyed, earnest boy from years ago. His eyes reddened slightly, and a warm, fatherly smile appeared on his aged face. Patting Liu Xi's hand gently, he said with heartfelt affection, "You've grown taller… and even more striking than before."
Liu Xi lowered his head, guilt flickering in his gaze. "It's been four years since I last visited, Teacher. I've made you worry."
But Xuan Hao only chuckled softly. "Nonsense. You're back now, and that's what matters." He glanced behind Liu Xi, his brow lifting slightly in curiosity. "And these are…?"
Turning around, Xuan Hao's gaze fell upon the cold-faced elder, the veiled woman in azure, and the small girl with bright green eyes. His eyes filled with curiosity.
Liu Xi smiled and began to introduce them. He gestured first to Hai Bodong. "This is Senior Hai Bodong, formerly living in seclusion. We met by chance during my travels, and after one meeting, we became as close as old friends. This time, he came with me to visit you, Teacher."
Xuan Hao's eyes narrowed slightly in thought, then widened in recognition. "Hai Bodong… Could it be the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong, once ranked among the top ten experts of the Jia Ma Empire?"
Hai Bodong twitched at Liu Xi's words, inwardly wailing, 'One meeting and you nearly burned me alive, boy! How is that "as close as old friends"?'
Still, he maintained his composure, cupping his hands respectfully. "Indeed. I am Hai Bodong. It's truly admirable that Master Xuan Hao could teach such a brilliant and extraordinary disciple."
Hearing that, Xuan Hao's face broke into a beaming smile, his chest swelling with pride. "Haha, you flatter me, Senior Hai!"
Next, Liu Xi turned to the veiled woman. "This is Lu Man, a serpent spirit from the Sky Serpent Mansion — a friend of mine."
"Another Dou Huang!" Xuan Hao was inwardly astonished. His disciple's entourage included two Dou Huang powerhouses — something even most 5th Tier Alchemists couldn't dream of!
Lu Man's eyes curved like crescent moons as she smiled sweetly behind her veil. "Lu Man greets Master Xuan Hao," she said in a charming, lilting tone.
Finally, Liu Xi's hand came to rest atop the little girl's head. "And this is Qing Lin."
"Hello, Grandpa!" Qing Lin bowed slightly, her soft, sweet voice melting even the sternest of hearts.
Around them, murmurs rose. Many low-tier alchemists who had gathered nearby were whispering in awe. It wasn't every day that a Elder personally welcomed a guest, much less his disciple.
Xuan Hao's expression turned stern in an instant. "What are you all crowding here for? Don't you have work to do?"
The onlookers scattered like frightened birds. Only then did Xuan Hao's expression soften again. "Come, let's talk inside," he said kindly.
Liu Xi nodded and followed his teacher into a spacious reception hall. Moments later, maids entered with trays of fragrant tea and delicate pastries.
Just as Xuan Hao lifted his cup, a hearty laugh echoed from outside the door.
"Hahaha! Xuan Hao, I heard that genius disciple of yours finally came to visit! Come, introduce us!"
A gray-haired old man stepped in, his robe embroidered with the elegant insignia of an alchemist. His presence was unassuming, but the four silver ripples gleaming on his sleeve marked his status unmistakably — a 4th Tier Alchemist.
Xuan Hao sighed helplessly and turned to Liu Xi with a smile. "This is Vice President Qie Mi'er of the Alchemist Association — a 4th Tier Alchemist and tutor to the imperial princess. I owe much of my own progress to his guidance."
He then glanced playfully at the newcomer. "Old fox, I barely started talking to my disciple and you're already barging in. Your news travels fast."
Qie Mi'er laughed heartily. "You can hardly blame me! You've bragged about your so-called 'genius disciple' for years. When I heard he'd finally arrived, how could I resist seeing for myself?"
The vice president's eyes immediately landed on Liu Xi. His expression brightened with genuine admiration. "Truly refined and composed — just as I imagined."
Then, with eyes gleaming, he leaned forward eagerly. "Nephew Liu, your teacher showed us your letter — the one where you mentioned reaching the 5th Tier. Tell me, is that true?"
Liu Xi's smile was calm and unhurried. "Of course. I was already a 5th Tier Alchemist when I left the Academy. As for now…" His tone deepened, his gaze steady. "I can refine most 6th Tier Pills without issue."
The room fell silent.
"What…?" Qie Mi'er's eyes went wide, and even Xuan Hao's hands trembled, nearly spilling his tea.
"Sixth… Tier?" Xuan Hao stared at his disciple in disbelief. "My good boy, weren't you just a 5th Tier Alchemist in your last letter? How did you reach this level so soon?"
Qie Mi'er looked equally stunned. To refine a 6th Tier Pill was something only a handful in the entire Empire could accomplish. Even President Fa Ma had been stuck at the peak of the 5th Tier for years, unable to take that final step — a chasm as vast as the heavens.
Liu Xi only smiled. Every word he said was the truth, after all. He, Liu Xi, was nothing if not honest.
He didn't keep them guessing. "Teacher, do you remember what you once told me? That for an alchemist, the most important things are one's flame and cauldron."
Xuan Hao nodded, his old eyes narrowing slightly. "Of course. Don't tell me…"
Liu Xi raised his hand, and with a faint whoosh, a tranquil yet intensely hot azure flame appeared above his palm. The air around it rippled and warped, the temperature rising sharply.
"This," Liu Xi said, "is why I could refine a 6th Tier Pill."
Xuan Hao froze mid-breath, his eyes widening until they trembled. Qie Mi'er's breathing quickened as he exclaimed, "Nephew Liu, that flame — could it be… an Essence Flame? That hue… it must be the Green Lotus Core Flame!"
"Correct," Liu Xi replied lightly.
A long moment of stunned silence followed — then Xuan Hao suddenly burst into joyous laughter, tears glinting in his eyes. "Hahaha! My disciple is a 6th Tier Alchemist! I, Xuan Hao, have actually taught a 6th Tier Alchemist!"
Qie Mi'er, meanwhile, could only sigh in awe. "Such fortune… to possess an Essence Flame! Truly enviable."
Then, with a sly grin, he added, "Nephew Liu, since your teacher is one of our honored Elders, that makes you one of us too. What do you say — why not take a seat as an Elder of the Association?"
Liu Xi thought for a moment, then nodded. "I don't mind taking the title — but I won't stay in the capital long."
"Agreed!" Qie Mi'er said instantly, eyes lighting up. Even a nominal 6th Tier Alchemist would elevate the Association's prestige beyond imagination — perhaps even rivaling other empires.
After a pause, Qie Mi'er's gaze turned fiery once again. "Nephew Liu, would you allow us to hold a 6th Tier Alchemist examination tomorrow? Not that we doubt you — merely so we old men can witness your skill firsthand!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Of course. I'd be happy to."
Xuan Hao and Qie Mi'er exchanged a look — part disbelief, part awe.
None of them could have imagined that the young man who once followed Xuan Hao through the streets of Lin City would one day return, bearing the flame of the heavens in his palm.
And so, the imperial capital was about to witness the rise of a legend.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has more than 500 Chapters on Patreon already, Go Check It Out.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.