Night had quietly fallen over the imperial capital.
Within Xuan Hao's residence, lamplight flickered softly across the spacious courtyard. As a 4th Tier Alchemist and Elder of the Alchemist Association, Xuan Hao naturally possessed a large and elegant mansion befitting his status.
In a secluded pavilion surrounded by artificial hills and flowing water, Liu Xi sat opposite his teacher. The cool night air carried the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs from Xuan Hao's personal garden. Hai Bodong and Lu Man had long since retired to their guest rooms, but Qing Lin insisted on standing quietly behind Liu Xi, attending to him as his "maid."
Xuan Hao's expression was tinged with concern. "Disciple," he said slowly, "though a Heavenly Flame can greatly increase your success rate, refining a 6th Tier pill is no easy feat. Tell me honestly—how confident are you about tomorrow?"
Liu Xi felt warmth rise in his chest at the old man's worry. He smiled reassuringly. "Teacher, there's no need to fret. This isn't my first time refining a 6th Tier pill. I've already helped Senior Hai refine one before. I'm quite familiar with the process now, so I wouldn't have agreed so easily if I weren't sure."
Hearing that, Xuan Hao's tense expression finally eased. He sighed in relief, a faint smile softening his features.
"So that's how it is. That old fellow Qie Mi'er really was being reckless to make such a public request."
"It doesn't matter," Liu Xi replied calmly, his tone steady. "Tomorrow will be a good opportunity—to clear your name and show everyone what kind of eye my teacher truly has."
Xuan Hao gazed at him with satisfaction, eyes filled with pride and emotion.
"Heh, these are all just empty titles," he said gently. "But you… I know you won't stay long in the capital. You've always had your own ambitions."
He paused, his voice turning nostalgic. "It's been nearly ten years now. The little boy from back then… has truly grown up."
"Teacher…" Liu Xi's voice softened. His heart stirred as countless old memories surfaced—the days spent grinding herbs together, the warmth of patient correction, and the rare smiles that had encouraged him through failure after failure.
But before the sentiment could deepen, Xuan Hao suddenly changed tone, his expression becoming strangely serious.
"So tell me—when are you going to give me a grand-disciple? That female Dou Huang who came back with you today seems rather suitable. She's strong, graceful, and looks like she'd bear sturdy children. She matches your status perfectly!"
"..."
The corners of Liu Xi's mouth twitched violently. The eighteen-year-old prodigy—6th Tier Alchemist, possessor of a Heavenly Flame, and master of countless techniques—found himself utterly speechless before his teacher's casual matchmaking.
Xuan Hao went on cheerfully, completely ignoring his disciple's discomfort. "If she doesn't suit you, that's fine too! You just tell me which family's young lady you fancy, and I'll personally go propose the marriage for you."
Liu Xi nearly choked on air. 'Teacher… please, not this again.'
Inwardly, his thoughts drifted elsewhere. 'I did have some interest in Yun Yun, the Sect Master of the Yunlan Sect. Her beauty, strength, and grace are unparalleled—but she's shackled by loyalty to her sect, heart tied to duty. Aside from that brief spark in the Magic Beast Mountain Range… she's a tough one to move.'
Still, Liu Xi wasn't the type to chase endlessly like that old fool Gu He. There were more important things to focus on.
He cleared his throat and replied smoothly, "Teacher, as a 6th Tier Alchemist, I doubt I'll have trouble finding someone. Once I meet the right person, I'll let you know first."
Xuan Hao chuckled heartily, clearly pleased. After a few more exchanges, Liu Xi excused himself under the pretext of preparing for tomorrow's refinement.
---
The Next Morning
Sunlight filtered through the curtains as Liu Xi slowly opened his eyes atop the Green Lotus Platform. Overnight, he had absorbed another Earth Fire Lotus Seed, and the Dou Qi within his body surged, faintly touching the edge of 3-Star Dou Wang. A satisfied smile curved his lips.
'This feeling of rapid growth… it's been a long time since I've felt it. And besides…'
He turned his palm, summoning a wisp of azure flame. Under his control, the flame rippled and reshaped itself, transforming into a tiny, lifelike fire tiger. Its every strand of fur shimmered vividly in the air.
With a light squeeze, the little tiger dissipated back into a gentle wave of fire. Liu Xi's hands moved deftly—his palms pressing, separating, stretching—until the Green Lotus Core Flame elongated into a fine, threadlike strand. He couldn't help but smile in satisfaction. The Heavenly Flame now obeyed him perfectly, its power molded like an extension of his own will. 'At this level of control… how could today's refinement possibly fail?'
After retrieving the flame, Liu Xi descended from the lotus, stretching his body before storing the platform away. The door creaked open.
Qing Lin was already waiting outside, holding a washbasin with both hands, her smile as bright as morning dew. "Young Master, I've prepared everything!"
Even though Xuan Hao's estate was full of servants, Qing Lin stubbornly refused to let anyone else attend to Liu Xi's needs. With quiet devotion, she washed, prepared his breakfast, and followed at his side as he left the courtyard.
---
By the time they arrived at the Alchemist Association, the streets outside were already packed. Xuan Hao's carriage rolled to a stop, and the air buzzed with excitement.
The Association's members were rarely so animated. Word had spread like wildfire the previous night—that a 6th Tier Alchemist would conduct a public refinement at the Association and be appointed as an Elder afterward.
Though unconfirmed, the rumor had drawn nearly every 3rd Tier or higher Alchemist in the capital—and even whispers of President Fa Ma's presence circulated among the crowd.
Fa Ma, who usually secluded himself in research, rarely appeared in public. If even he had come… then the rumor must be true.
As Liu Xi stepped down, countless eyes turned toward him. The crowd instinctively parted, forming a respectful path. Every face reflected curiosity, awe, and reverence.
Within the grand western hall, Qie Mi'er stood waiting, accompanied by over a dozen senior alchemists, each with three silver ripples on their robes—signifying 3rd Tier mastery. At their forefront stood an elderly man in a luxurious violet robe adorned with five gleaming lines of silver light.
Fa Ma's gaze fell on Liu Xi. His eyes softened, admiration gleaming in them. "Truly, a hero among the young. The wall I've struggled to climb for years… you've crossed with ease."
Liu Xi bowed slightly. "I've seen President Fa Ma. I merely borrowed the strength of a Heavenly Flame. In experience and mastery, you are still my senior."
Fa Ma smiled approvingly. "With talent like yours, you'll surpass us all before long."
Then his gaze shifted past Liu Xi, and he suddenly froze.
"You—Hai Bodong?! You were supposed to have been… killed by Queen Medusa!"
Hai Bodong grinned broadly. "Didn't die—just got sealed. Thanks to this little friend and his Breaking Adversity Pill, I finally regained my strength and face! Otherwise, I'd still be rotting in shame."
Fa Ma burst out laughing. "Hah! A genius youth and an old friend, both returning on the same day—this truly is a blessed occasion!"
Behind them, Qie Mi'er and the other elders exchanged astonished looks. The title "Breaking Adversity Pill" alone confirmed it—it was undeniably a 6th Tier pill!
Qie Mi'er stepped forward eagerly. "Nephew Liu, do you need our Association to provide the materials for your refinement today?"
Liu Xi smiled faintly, rubbing his storage ring. "No need. I've already prepared everything. Today, I'll refine the 6th Tier pill—Dou Ling Pill."
His calm words swept through the hall like a spark through dry tinder. The crowd erupted into excited murmurs, anticipation crackling in the air.
Today, a name that had been quietly whispered in letters would finally blaze across the entire Jia Ma Empire.
Liu Xi — the 6th Tier Alchemist who tamed the Heavenly Flame.
(End of Chapter)
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