After a full night's rest, Liu Xi awoke naturally, feeling refreshed and light, even the Dou Qi within his body seemed to flow more freely than before.
After breakfast, he turned to Hai Bodong and Lu Man with a casual smile. "Today, I'm heading to the Nalan Family. Do either of you want to come along?"
Hai Bodong blinked in surprise. "The Nalan Family? Don't tell me they've already gathered all the ingredients for the Dou Ling Pill and are asking you to refine it?"
Liu Xi waved his hand. "Not quite. I'm going there to dispel poison."
Hai Bodong raised a brow. "Poison? That old man Nalan didn't look like he was dying when I saw him! Hmph… I think I'll pass. I plan to visit the Miteer Family instead. Tengshan wasn't wrong—since I'm still their Supreme Elder, I should at least check whether any of my bloodline descendants are still around."
As he spoke, a rare trace of nostalgia flickered across Hai Bodong's weathered face.
Lu Man chuckled softly. "I'll skip it too. I want to stroll around the city—maybe find some new dresses or jewelry. Hehe."
Seeing that both had their own plans, Liu Xi simply nodded. "Alright, then. Teacher, I'll take my leave first."
He climbed into the grand carriage provided by Xuan Hao, bringing Qing Lin along. The driver was a local of the Sacred City, well-versed in every street and corner. Without needing further instructions, he steered the carriage straight toward the Nalan Estate.
About twenty minutes later, the carriage rolled to a stop before a vast, imposing mansion guarded with military precision.
The moment Liu Xi and Qing Lin stepped down, an elderly man dressed like a steward hurried out, joy spreading across his face. Behind him, a servant could be seen running into the courtyard to report the arrival.
"Welcome, Master Liu," the steward greeted, bowing deeply. "I am the housekeeper of the Nalan Family. The Master has long instructed me to await your arrival."
Liu Xi gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. His calm, effortless demeanor only made the steward more respectful. The old man immediately stepped aside to lead the way while servants took the carriage to be tended to.
As they walked down a smooth path paved with blue-gray stones, Liu Xi's keen senses swept over their surroundings. Hidden among the shadows, he could sense the presence of several watchers, and beneath the eaves, a few crossbows were already drawn and ready. The Nalan Family's defenses were indeed strict.
Moments later, a hearty laugh echoed from the end of the path.
"Haha! Master Liu, you've finally arrived! You truly honor my humble estate with your presence!"
Striding forward was Nalan Jie, looking far more energetic than before.
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Patriarch Nalan, you jest. This estate of yours is anything but humble. If this is considered modest, I doubt there are any mansions left in the Jia Ma Empire that qualify as luxurious."
Nalan Jie laughed heartily, a hint of pride showing in his eyes. "If Master Liu likes it, I'll gladly prepare a guest courtyard for you to stay in—treated with the highest respect!"
"That won't be necessary," Liu Xi replied evenly. "I'm quite comfortable staying at my teacher's residence."
They entered the grand hall together, where attendants soon served tea and delicacies.
"This is Qingming Tea," Nalan Jie said with a smile. "A specialty of the Empire. Please, have a taste."
Liu Xi took a sip—bitter at first, yet sweet aftertaste lingered, and he could faintly feel his Dou Qi circulating more actively. 'Not bad. Comparable to a 4th Rank medicinal ingredient,' he thought.
Out loud, he only said, "Not bad."
Nalan Jie's grin deepened, clearly pleased.
Just then, a middle-aged man—bearing some resemblance to Nalan Jie—walked in holding a jade basin. Inside the basin was a plant radiating a soft, otherworldly glow, its fragrance gently calming the mind.
"Master Liu, this is the Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva you requested. Please, take a look."
Liu Xi's gaze fell upon the plant. Its entire body was a translucent emerald hue, like fine jade carved into life. At its top bloomed a seven-petaled flower, each petal shifting colors in a mesmerizing dance of hues—seven shades glimmering like a living rainbow.
Liu Xi arched an eyebrow. "Patriarch Nalan, what's the meaning of this?"
Nalan Jie chuckled warmly. "Naturally, I trust Master Liu completely. Since you agreed to purge my poison, this Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva is yours from the start. Consider it a token of sincerity."
Liu Xi smiled. "Since Patriarch Nalan is so forthright, then I shall accept it without hesitation."
He reached out, accepted the jade basin from the middle-aged man, and stored it in his spatial ring. 'Heh, this old fox is smarter than he looks. The Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva was meant as my payment anyway, but giving it in advance… even I can't help but feel more favorably toward him.'
Nalan Jie added, "Although the Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva can be stored within a spatial ring, it must still be exposed to sunlight for at least one hour each day, or it will wither."
"Understood," Liu Xi said with a small laugh. "Thank you for the reminder."
Nalan Jie shook his head. "It's I who should be thanking you, Master Liu. If not for your help, this Searing Poison would've ended my life sooner or later. Compared to my life, this plant is nothing."
Liu Xi's eyes softened with a faint smile. "Searing Poison may be fierce, but it's insignificant before a Heavenly Flame. Don't worry. Oh, and you haven't introduced this gentleman yet?"
"Ah, this is my unworthy son, Nalan Su," Nalan Jie said with a proud grin. "He's already a father to a thirteen-year-old girl, yet he's only a mid-level Dou Ling—far inferior to Master Liu's talent!"
Nalan Su: "…"
Liu Xi nearly laughed aloud. 'Really, old man? I'm on the same generation as your son, yet you're comparing him to me? What's next—sighing "If only my son were like Liu Xi" once I leave? Narrow vision, Patriarch Nalan, very narrow.'
He cleared his throat and smoothly changed the topic. "So, your granddaughter's already thirteen? I haven't had the honor of meeting her today."
At that, pride flickered on Nalan Jie's face. "Yanyan's talent is exceptional. Four years ago, she was accepted by the Yunlan Sect's Master Yun Yun as her disciple. She's cultivating there now."
"I see."
Liu Xi's gaze lowered thoughtfully. 'Nalan Yanran is thirteen now… which means Xiao Yan should be the same age. Hmm… not the right time to cross paths yet. Without the Green Lotus Core Flame, let's see how you'll rise, Xiao Yan.'
(End of Chapter)
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