Xuan Hao's Mansion.
Within the spacious hall of Xuan Hao's residence, three powerful clan leaders—Miteer Tangshan, Nalan Jie, and Mu Chen—sat opposite Liu Xi, their eyes filled with both anticipation and unease.
Seeing that the three of them had all come to request Dou Ling Pills, Hai Bodong and Lu Man, who had no such need, quietly retired to their guest rooms to cultivate.
On the main seat sat Master Xuan Hao, calm and dignified, while Liu Xi sat to his right. Across the table, the three clan heads tried to suppress their excitement. Nearby, Qing Lin had been tactfully sent aside by Liu Xi, who told her to go enjoy some snacks.
Liu Xi smiled faintly, raising his teacup and saying, "Three clan leaders, I already know your purpose. You're all here for the same thing — a Dou Ling Pill."
He took a sip of tea, moistening his throat before continuing casually, "I suppose you must've rushed here right after the banquet at the Supreme Harmony Hall, the moment it ended. After seeing me take the Dou Ling Pill and break through two stars in one go, you probably couldn't sit still."
Mu Chen scratched his head, grinning openly. "Master Liu, you truly see through everything. When I saw that pill actually raise your strength by two stars, I almost couldn't contain myself! I wanted to ask for one right there, but Elder Jia Xingtian stopped me. I've been itching ever since! The moment the banquet ended, I rushed here—though it seems I still wasn't fast enough to beat these two old foxes."
"Fast? You call that fast?" Nalan Jie snorted. "By the time I got here, Brother Tangshan was already sitting comfortably and sipping tea."
Miteer Tangshan chuckled amiably. "Just wanted to make sure I didn't disturb Master Liu's rest, that's all. So I hurried over quickly."
'Didn't want to disturb him? Then why didn't you come tomorrow, you old liar?'
Nalan Jie and Mu Chen both cursed silently in their hearts.
Then Miteer Tangshan changed tone, his voice turning earnest.
"Master Liu, as long as you help me refine one Dou Ling Pill, the Miteer Auction House will forever welcome you as its most honored guest. Any treasure that passes through our hands—you'll have first choice."
Nalan Jie and Mu Chen immediately chimed in, not to be outdone.
"That's right," said Nalan Jie. "Help me refine one as well, and you'll be my Nalan Family's most honored benefactor. Whatever you need within the Jia Ma Sacred City, just ask."
"And my Mu Family too!" added Mu Chen eagerly. "As long as you refine a Dou Ling Pill for me, my gates will always be open to you."
Liu Xi chuckled lightly and said, "Refining a few Dou Ling Pills is no trouble, but don't expect to get them for free. I don't trade in empty favors — the fee is 1.5 million gold coins or something of equal value. The medicinal ingredients must be provided by yourselves. It's best to prepare enough for two full batches — just in case."
Miteer Tangshan exhaled in relief. For the wealth of the Miteer Clan, that price was acceptable. The true difficulty was gathering the rare ingredients—two full sets could cost more than two or three million altogether.
Nalan Jie and Mu Chen were also secretly pleased. They hadn't been afraid of Liu Xi's conditions; in fact, the opposite was true. A clear price meant a real chance. Now it was only a matter of who could collect the ingredients first.
Miteer Tangshan rose, bowing respectfully. "Then I won't disturb you further, Master Liu. I'll begin preparing the gold and the ingredients immediately. I'll trouble you again once everything's ready."
Nalan Jie and Mu Chen followed suit. "Likewise, we'll take our leave for now, Master Liu."
The three exchanged subtle glances as they departed, each wearing a faint, meaningful smile. After all, the ingredients for refining a Dou Ling Pill were limited; whoever gathered them first would receive the pill first. It was now a contest of influence and speed.
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After the three left, Xuan Hao looked at his disciple, smiling approvingly.
"The three great clans of the Jia Ma Sacred City are not easy to deal with. You could've charged even more, and they'd still pay without complaint."
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "I've no real interest in gold. To me, money is just a number. What I truly hope for is that they'll offer treasures I actually desire."
Xuan Hao nodded in agreement. Then, seeing that Liu Xi remained seated instead of getting up, he asked curiously, "Disciple, who are you still waiting for?"
Liu Xi smiled slightly. "Nalan Jie."
Earlier, while the three were speaking, Liu Xi had quietly released his Spiritual Power to sense their internal conditions. Miteer Tangshan and Mu Chen were fine—but Nalan Jie's energy felt unstable. His Dou Qi was fluctuating in an unnatural way, a clear sign of something sinister inside him.
The truth was simple: he was poisoned.
It wasn't an ordinary toxin either, but a Searing venom that could corrode even a Dou Wang's vitality. Judging by its depth, Nalan Jie had likely been suppressing it for years, relying on his cultivation to keep it at bay.
Liu Xi didn't need to guess—if the man had any chance of survival, he'd come back tonight.
Sure enough, after Miteer Tangshan and Mu Chen departed, the doors creaked softly, and Nalan Jie slipped back in alone.
Seeing Liu Xi still seated calmly, waiting, he let out a bitter smile. "Master Liu, you truly noticed."
Liu Xi's gaze sharpened. "Such a deep-seated poison, yet you're still standing. Your cultivation must be profound indeed, Clan Leader Nalan."
Nalan Jie sighed heavily.
"To be honest, Master Liu, I've already lost most of my Dou Wang strength suppressing it. But lately, the venom grows more aggressive each day. In two or three years at most, I'll no longer be able to contain it. I beg of you—please save me."
"Tell me everything," Liu Xi said evenly. "How long ago did this start?"
"About two years ago," Nalan Jie replied. "I once fought a Rank 5 magical beast known as the Searing Venom Python. I managed to kill it, but not before it left its mark — the Searing Poison Seal — in my body. This venom can kill even Rank 6 beasts. I've sought countless alchemists, but none could expel it. They could only help me suppress it temporarily. Now, my Dou Qi is the only thing keeping me alive. If Master Liu can save me, I'll pay any price."
Liu Xi's tone was calm, confident. "The Searing Poison is indeed deadly—but before an Heavenly Flame, it's nothing. I can remove it. Coincidentally, I've heard you possess a treasure I've long desired."
Nalan Jie's eyes widened. "Master Liu, please name it."
Liu Xi smiled. "Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva."
Nalan Jie froze for a moment. It was unexpected, but made perfect sense. That rare plant could be refined into a miraculous essence capable of restoring Spiritual Power — the very foundation of an alchemist's strength.
Though the Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva was precious, the Nalan Clan could not afford to lose their patriarch. Nalan Jie clenched his teeth and nodded decisively.
"I'll deliver it to you tomorrow, Master Liu. Please… save me."
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Good. Then tomorrow, I'll remove the poison from your body."
(End of Chapter)
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