Under Liu Xi's powerful control of his Spiritual Power, the turquoise flame meticulously burned away every trace of the gray-black Searing Poison lurking within Nalan Jie's flesh, turning it completely to ash.
The scorched, decayed tissues slowly regained color—still frail and shriveled, yet once again alive, faintly glowing red with vitality.
But the agony of having Heavenly Flame cleanse one's body was beyond words. Judging by Nalan Jie's current state, "unpleasant" was putting it mildly.
His entire body convulsed violently. His eyes rolled upward, the veins on his neck bulging. The iron rod in his mouth muffled his groaning cries, but cold sweat poured from every pore, soaking him as if he had been dragged from a river.
At first, he could still scream. But as Liu Xi's Spiritual Power continued its relentless flow, prolonging the process, Nalan Jie's mind began to dull under the burning agony. His body twitched uncontrollably until finally, his consciousness blurred and he began to mutter incoherently.
Outside, Nalan Su could barely stand the sight. "Master Liu, perhaps you should rest for a while?"
Liu Xi responded calmly, his voice steady. "No need. I can endure until the last trace of poison is purged."
"…I mean," Nalan Su said, forcing a bitter smile, "maybe let my father rest. He's already fainted."
"Relax," Liu Xi replied, sipping his tea as if nothing had happened. "He's merely unconscious. I'll finish this in one go."
"..."
Nalan Su didn't dare interrupt further. He simply stood aside, watching with mounting worry as his father's trembling body endured the Heavenly Flame's trial.
Two hours passed. Finally, the last wisp of black mist rose from Nalan Jie's flesh and was burned into nothingness by the Green Lotus Core Flame.
Liu Xi exhaled softly. "That's enough. The poison has been completely removed."
He pressed a hand to Nalan Jie's back, flicked his fingers in a grasping motion, and the cyan flame surged outward with a faint whoosh, returning neatly to his palm.
Without the Heavenly Flame's support, Nalan Jie's body slumped forward like a puppet with its strings cut. He collapsed onto the bed, weak and pale, chest rising shallowly, his breath faint but steady.
"Father!"
Nalan Su rushed forward to check on him, panic flashing in his eyes.
Liu Xi, however, paid no attention. His gaze was fixed on the Heavenly Flame hovering in his palm—within the azure light, several fine black web-like lines twisted eerily, defying complete refinement.
'So the Searing Poison left residue even after the cleansing,' he thought. 'It must be because the flame couldn't fully unleash itself inside his body.'
He didn't dare absorb it into his Dou Qi cyclone. Instead, he sealed it within his right hand, black light rippling faintly across his palm. Strangely, it caused no harm—just an unsettling color.
Once he confirmed it wasn't dangerous, Liu Xi finally turned back. "Clan Leader Nalan is merely exhausted. His body's fine—no need to worry."
Nalan Su checked his father's pulse, relief flooding his face. He bowed deeply. "Master Liu, this great kindness—our Nalan Clan will never forget. From this day forward, you are our most honored guest. Whatever you need, as long as we can provide it, it shall be done!"
Liu Xi waved dismissively. "No need for grand promises. It's a small matter. I've already received the Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva—once your father's body recovers, he'll wake soon enough."
He didn't take Nalan Su's gratitude seriously. In this world, respect follows strength. A 6th Tier Alchemist with the power of a Dou Wang would be revered anywhere. Lose that, and their smiles would vanish just as quickly—he'd seen it before in others, like Xiao Yan.
As they spoke, a low groan came from the bed. Nalan Jie slowly opened his eyes. The instant he woke, a powerful aura burst forth—a Dou Wang's presence, sharp and domineering.
Freed from the constant suppression of poison, the Lionheart Marshal of the Empire once again radiated the might of a battlefield commander.
He spat out the iron rod and gave a weak laugh. "Thank you, Master Liu, for saving my life. Two years of torment—gone at last. If not for this feeble body, I'd drink with you until dawn!"
"Father, you're awake!" Nalan Su exclaimed joyfully.
Even Liu Xi looked impressed. "I didn't expect you to recover so quickly. Truly worthy of a man who's survived a hundred battles."
Nalan Jie chuckled, pride flickering in his weary eyes. "Master Liu flatters me. Su'er, I can't move much now—prepare wine and food. I must toast our benefactor!"
Liu Xi waved his hand. "No need. Since you're fine, I'll take my leave."
Without waiting for further protest, he turned and strode toward the hall.
Seeing him go, Nalan Jie quickly said to his son, "Don't just stand there—escort Master Liu!"
"Yes, Father!"
Outside the grand hall, Qing Lin was sitting idly, playing with the tiny snake spirit Ling Shuang. When she saw Liu Xi emerge, her eyes brightened. "Young Master, you're out!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Yes. Let's go home."
"Okay, Young Master!"
Together, they headed for the gate, where Nalan Su followed respectfully to see them off. "Once Father's fully recovered, we will personally visit to express our gratitude."
Liu Xi nodded. "Good."
A few moments later, the carriage rolled up. The driver bowed low. "Apologies for the wait, Young Master."
Liu Xi and Qing Lin boarded, and the carriage began its slow journey back to Elder Xuan Hao's estate. As they left the Nalan compound behind, Liu Xi lifted his right hand from beneath his sleeve. It was still pitch black.
"Young Master, your hand…" Qing Lin said worriedly.
"It's nothing," he said calmly. "Just want to see what this thing really is."
Closing his eyes, he extended his Spiritual Power into his palm, examining the strange markings carefully. The patterns pulsed faintly within the lingering flame.
"The texture's similar to the Searing Poison… but not identical. The outer layer contains highly refined Dou Qi—it's a hybrid, a mutation between poison and energy. That's why it survived the Heavenly Flame's purification."
He paused, then murmured, "If I burn away the poisonous impurities, the remaining Dou Qi might be absorbed… but honestly—"
He looked at the small patch of black energy covering just his palm and sighed softly.
"…it's hardly worth the trouble. A useless leftover."
(End of Chapter)
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