In the Jia Ma Empire, the atmosphere was lively and respectful.
When President Fa Ma announced the official date for Liu Xi's Grand Elder Appointment Ceremony, everyone present immediately voiced their congratulations, each one declaring that they would attend without fail.
After all, Liu Xi's status as a 6th Tier Alchemist already placed him among the Empire's elite, and with Fa Ma himself being a peak 5th Tier Alchemist, the Alchemist Association naturally stood high above all other factions. Whatever anyone's private thoughts were, outwardly, everyone smiled and praised—"You're great, I'm great, we're all great!"
Once they confirmed that the terrifying wave of Spiritual Power blanketing the capital truly came from Liu Xi, Jia Xingtian and the others accepted the truth rather easily.
Geniuses, after all, often did the unbelievable—it was only natural.
But as the night deepened, Fa Ma's cheerful words and smug tone left Jia Xingtian and the others feeling like they'd swallowed a mouthful of lemon juice. They could only take their leave with strained smiles.
When everyone had finally departed, Hai Bodong turned toward Liu Xi with a faintly conflicted expression.
"Little friend, it seems I'll have to bid you farewell."
Liu Xi raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Oh? Elder Hai, may I ask where you plan to go next?"
Hai Bodong smiled, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Heh… at my age, where else can I go? I visited my clan earlier today—it stirred up many old memories. The ambitions of my youth have long faded. It's time I returned to where I belong."
Liu Xi nodded, understanding. Their business over the Heavenly Flame Map Fragment had ended long ago. What remained between them now was friendship, not obligation. He said sincerely, "No need for farewells between us. Elder Hai, you're not my hired guard—you're my friend, an equal despite our age difference. After decades away, returning home is only natural. I'm happy for you."
Hai Bodong chuckled softly. "A friend across generations, eh? Hah… at this age, I didn't expect to get sentimental." He shook his head, laughing at himself. "Guess I'm really getting old."
Then, with his usual bravado, he added, "Still, having a 'friend across generations' who's a 6th Tier Alchemist—now that's something I can brag about!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly. He could sense the genuine emotion behind the man's laughter. 'Cold at first meeting, but loyal and straightforward—definitely worth befriending.'
"Elder Hai is still the famed Ice Emperor of the Empire," Liu Xi said warmly. "If I ever need help in the future, I'll count on your support."
Hai Bodong laughed heartily. "Of course! In the Jia Ma Empire, my name still carries some weight!"
---
Later that night, as Liu Xi returned to his courtyard, he suddenly spoke toward the shadows behind him.
"Miss Lu Man, you can come out now."
A faint ripple of light shimmered, and Lu Man's graceful figure emerged from the darkness, a small smile curving her lips.
"I knew I couldn't hide from you, sir."
Under the silvery moonlight, she was breathtaking—her slender figure wrapped in elegant azure silk, her waist bound by a ribbon that accentuated every curve. Without her veil, her alluring beauty was unveiled, like a spirit born from the moon itself.
Liu Xi looked at her under the moonlight and couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration.
"Miss Lu Man," he teased, "it's quite late. Don't tell me you've come to discuss philosophy and life with me?"
To his mild surprise, she nodded seriously. "In a sense, yes. I came to speak of ideals—of your ambitions, sir. You have great potential, but the Jia Ma Empire's resources are insufficient to nurture a true 7th Tier Alchemist."
Liu Xi smiled faintly, instantly understanding. "So you're suggesting that what the Jia Ma Empire cannot provide, the Sky Serpent Mansion can?"
Lu Man's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Exactly. My Sky Serpent Mansion's strength far surpasses that of the Jia Ma Empire. As one of the top forces of the Northwest Continent, we control the entire Sky Serpent Empire, and our influence stretches across several neighboring nations. Whatever rare herbs or resources you require for pill refinement, we can provide them without limitation."
Liu Xi tilted his head, amusement glinting in his eyes. "And this has nothing to do with the fact that you failed to win over Qing Lin, I presume?"
For a moment, Lu Man looked embarrassed. "Qing Lin… she's not very fond of me, true. But our entire Mansion treasures her greatly. When you and she visit, you'll see for yourself how sincerely we value her."
Then she added, her tone earnest, "And as for you, sir—someone with your talent is exactly the kind of person we lack. The Mansion has abundant resources, but few who can turn them into true treasures. For a high-ranking Alchemist like you, we'd welcome you with open arms."
Liu Xi fell silent for a while, contemplating. What she said wasn't entirely wrong.
He did possess a soul at the peak of the Mortal Realm, but to become a 7th Tier Alchemist, he would need enormous quantities of rare ingredients. Having the Sky Serpent Mansion as a supplier could indeed save him significant time and effort.
Finally, he nodded. "I'll consider it seriously. But if I do go, I'll have some conditions of my own. You'll hear them all in due time."
Lu Man's eyes lit up with delight, her tone confident. "Naturally! I believe whatever you request will be well within our means. You won't be disappointed."
The Mansion did have its own Alchemists, but none exceeded the 5th Tier. Their most famous source of high-grade pills was Han Feng, the Medicine Emperor of the Black-Corner Region—a name that carried both prestige and fear.
High-tier Alchemists were never easy to cultivate: it required heritage, talent, and vast resources.
Liu Xi possessed all three—his inheritance from the Academy, rare materials, and the unmatched might of the Green Lotus Core Flame. But even he now faced a roadblock: the lack of 7th Tier pill formulas.
He had long set his sights on Han Feng, who not only coveted the Fallen Heart Flame but also carried many of Yao Chen's pill recipes. Once the chance arose, Liu Xi planned to strike him down and claim his collection.
If he could combine that with the Sky Serpent Mansion's resources, his advancement would be unstoppable.
Of course, that didn't mean he would stay under their roof forever—only that cooperation might serve him well.
Having made up his mind, Liu Xi turned to Lu Man and said, "I understand. Once the Alchemist Association's ceremony is over, I'll accompany you to the Sky Serpent Mansion."
With that, he gave her a polite nod and turned toward his room. Lu Man was beautiful, yes, but he had no interest in indulging in flirtation tonight.
Left standing beneath the moonlight, Lu Man stared blankly for a moment, then puffed her cheeks in irritation. "In this perfect moonlight, you really came just to talk about business? Are you seriously ignoring my charm?"
She shot a glare at the closed door, huffed softly, and her figure shimmered before fading completely into the night.
---
Ten days passed in peaceful silence. Liu Xi spent his time refining and meditating, while the capital gradually buzzed with talk of the upcoming ceremony.
One night, as Lu Man was cultivating, her eyes suddenly flickered open. A faint glint flashed across her pupils as she received some unknown transmission. Without hesitation, she rose and quietly left her quarters.
Miles away from the Jia Ma Sacred City, deep within a secluded valley, she arrived before a grand assembly.
There, coiled upon the ground, was the massive form of the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor, Bai Ya.
Before him stood a regal woman dressed in resplendent palace robes, surrounded by more than a dozen powerful guards—each radiating the aura of a Dou Zong.
Lu Man's expression turned solemn as she stepped forward and knelt. "Lu Man greets the Mansion Master!"
(End of Chapter)
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