Inside the Alchemist Association, the atmosphere finally began to ease after a day filled with shocks and turmoil.
What had started as a simple ceremony to celebrate Liu Xi's appointment as Grand Elder had turned into a gathering of the Jia Ma Empire's greatest powers—and the unexpected appearance of a Dou Zong had nearly thrown it all into chaos.
Now that the dust had settled, the ever-steady Jia Xingtian stepped forward, laughing heartily as he spread his hands. "Haha! What a fortunate day for all! Master Liu's attendant has found a worthy teacher, and the Sky Serpent Mansion Master has gained a prized disciple—surely a joyous outcome for everyone!"
President Fa Ma, however, looked less at ease. Though Qing Lin's apprenticeship had ended peacefully, his concern lingered. 'If Liu Xi also decided to join the Sky Serpent Mansion, then today's entire ceremony would become a farce.'
Yun Yun said nothing. Her clear eyes lingered on Liu Xi, who was gently wiping away Qing Lin's tears, and her impression of him deepened even further. 'So he truly is a man of feeling and courage… To stand his ground before a Dou Zong for the sake of one girl—few could do such a thing.'
Hai Bodong, who had long since abandoned any hostility toward Liu Xi, could only sigh in helpless admiration. 'Little friend, what are you thinking? With such a dazzling future ahead of you, to provoke a Dou Zong so openly… it's madness—and yet, it suits you somehow.'
As the Empire's four great powerhouses each released their goodwill, the other Dou Wangs and Dou Lings followed suit, offering congratulations in turn.
The oppressive tension that had filled the Association slowly gave way to laughter and warm chatter.
Even the group of Sky Serpent Mansion experts, led by Lu Man, smiled in shared relief and pride.
"Congratulations, Mansion Master!"
"Congratulations to the Mansion Master!"
Surrounded by voices of praise, the Sky Serpent Mansion Master's expression softened into a pleased, radiant smile. With graceful, confident steps, she approached Liu Xi and Qing Lin.
Her eyes gentled as she reached out and placed a delicate, white hand upon Qing Lin's head. "So you are Qing Lin, yes? From now on, the Sky Serpent Mansion will be your home. We are all your family."
But Qing Lin frowned slightly. Only her Young Master was allowed to pat her head.
Turning around, she met the Mansion Master's gaze and declared firmly, "No. Wherever my Young Master is—that's my home."
The Mansion Master froze, then sighed inwardly. 'Still thinking only of him… The Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion cannot live as someone's servant. Even if her Young Master becomes a 7th Tier Alchemist, he would have to marry into the Mansion. Hmph—such a humble mindset must be corrected. The woman should always hold the higher ground in her household!'
Her outward smile never faltered as she let the subject slide.
"Very well then," she said softly. "Let's proceed with your initiation."
Qing Lin hesitated, glancing up at Liu Xi. Seeing his warm, reassuring smile and the faint nod he gave, her resolve steadied.
She turned back, knelt gracefully upon one knee, and spoke in a clear, steady voice: "Qing Lin greets her teacher!"
The Mansion Master's eyes gleamed with joy as she quickly stepped forward to lift the girl up. "Good child—rise!" she said warmly, her tone brimming with satisfaction.
From her left hand, she removed an elegant azure spatial ring, holding Qing Lin's small hand as she slipped it onto her finger. "This is your teacher's gift to you," she said with gentle pride.
"Once we return to the Mansion, after the Elders' approval, we'll choose an auspicious day to officially confer upon you the title of Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion."
Qing Lin looked at the beautiful ring gleaming on her finger, a bright smile spreading across her face. 'So this means… I'll have a position worthy of Young Master now. Someday, I'll stand beside him—and I'll be strong enough to help him too. Hehe…'
The Mansion Master watched that smile with quiet satisfaction. 'Good. She's warming up to me already. This is a promising start.'
Then, turning toward Liu Xi, her smile became more measured, her tone gentle yet deliberate. "Now that Qing Lin has become my disciple, little friend, would you be willing to visit the Sky Serpent Mansion as well? We would spare no effort—every resource of the Mansion will be yours to help you reach the 7th Tier as swiftly as possible."
At that, Qing Lin lifted her gaze toward Liu Xi, eyes full of longing and hope. The thought of parting weighed heavily on her—if possible, she wanted nothing more than for him to come along.
Liu Xi's smile wavered slightly, caught between amusement and embarrassment. To be called "little friend" by such a beautiful woman—one whose true age was anyone's guess—felt… strange.
He chuckled softly. "I'll pass, Senior. There are still many journeys and trials I must undertake. Since you've promised not to force Qing Lin into anything she doesn't wish for, I trust you'll treat her well."
The Mansion Master's elegant brows furrowed slightly. After a pause, she sighed. "What a pity. Still, Qing Lin is now my Saintess—no one would dare mistreat her."
Her tone shifted subtly as she called out, "Elder Qing."
"At once!"
A woman in azure robes stepped forward, holding a ring in both hands.
"Master Liu," she said respectfully, "within this are two million gold coins and numerous high-grade medicinal ingredients. Please accept them as a token of our Mansion's sincerity."
Liu Xi understood perfectly—this was the Mansion Master's way of investing in him. A silent promise: We value you, but our true allegiance lies with those who come to us.
He smiled lightly, taking the ring without hesitation.
"Then I shall graciously accept."
The Mansion Master inclined her head, smiling faintly. "I do not force others. But remember—our gates will always be open to you, Liu Xi."
He nodded, his smile steady but eyes glimmering with unspoken emotion. Turning to the girl beside him, his tone became solemn. "Qing Lin."
"Yes, Young Master!" she answered quickly, her voice soft but trembling.
"We'll be apart for a while. But remember my last words carefully…"
He paused, his expression warm yet firm. "Never let anyone make you feel small. No matter what happens—don't wrong yourself for anyone."
Tears welled in Qing Lin's eyes as she bit her lip, forcing herself to smile.
"Yes, Young Master… Qing Lin will remember."
"Be strong," Liu Xi murmured. "I'll come find you soon."
He turned back to the Mansion Master, masking his emotions with a polite smile. "Today was meant to be the day I officially became Grand Elder of the Alchemist Association. Since you've already come this far, why not stay and witness the rest of the ceremony?"
The Mansion Master hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. We'll remain until the ceremony concludes."
And so the proceedings resumed—though now, among the guests, stood nearly half a dozen of the Sky Serpent Mansion's powerhouses, and at their head, a majestic Dou Zong whose mere presence made the hall tremble faintly.
Under countless watchful gazes, and President Fa Ma's proud, approving smile, Liu Xi accepted the Grand Elder's Token with calm grace.
…
When the ceremony finally ended, one after another, the Sky Serpent Mansion experts unfurled wings of Dou Qi and soared into the sky.
Qing Lin, held gently in her master's arms, looked back one last time at Liu Xi. In the blink of an eye, they vanished into the clouds, following Lu Man and the others.
The spectators below watched with awe as the Mansion Master and her entourage disappeared—proud, elegant, untouchable.
Liu Xi stood there quietly, eyes fixed on the horizon, before whispering faintly to himself: "Seems it's time for me to set out once more…"
"What did you say?" someone asked beside him, but Liu Xi only smiled, saying nothing.
(End of Chapter)
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