Liu Xi's quiet words stunned everyone present.
Leave? Already?
He had just been appointed Grand Elder of the Alchemist Association—how could he already be talking about leaving? That was the thought that rippled through every heart in the hall.
President Fa Ma immediately stepped forward, panic flickering in his eyes. "Virtuous nephew, has the Association somehow wronged you? Why leave in such haste?"
Among the crowd, the most agitated were Miteer Tangshan, Nalan Jie, and Mu Chen.
Tangshan even blurted out in desperation, "Master Liu, are you perhaps feeling lonely without your attendant? If so, I'll immediately send ten beautiful young women of various temperaments to serve you!"
His words left the men in the hall exchanging knowing smiles, while Yun Yun gave a sharp, disdainful snort and turned away. Nalan Yanran, meanwhile, flushed scarlet, lowering her head in embarrassment.
Liu Xi couldn't help but chuckle. 'Do I really give off that kind of impression?' Shaking his head, he replied, "Clan Leader Tangshan, that won't be necessary. The pills I promised you all—I will certainly refine them. I simply realized, after meeting so many powerful figures today—people like you all, and the Sky Serpent Mansion Master—that the world is vast, and the strong are countless. I just wish to travel and see more of it."
His words made several backs straighten and eyes gleam with pride. To be acknowledged by a 6th Tier Alchemist was no small honor.
Hai Bodong nodded approvingly. The old man's wrinkled face softened as he said, "Haha! After years of cultivation within the Academy, a little wandering will do you good. To stand beneath heaven's vast sky and gaze across mountains and rivers—that's when one truly understands one's own smallness. If you'd like a guide, allow me! Within the Jia Ma Empire, none know its lands better than I!"
Liu Xi smiled apologetically and shook his head. "There's no need to trouble yourself, Elder Hai. I'll simply walk as I please, letting my feet decide where to go."
Miteer Tangshan, Nalan Jie, and Mu Chen exchanged looks before Nalan Jie stepped forward and asked, "May we ask, Master, how long you plan to be away? The three of us must prepare the ingredients for the Dou Ling Pill. We'll need time to gather them."
For those three, money was no concern—but the rare medicinal ingredients required for such high-grade pills could not simply be bought at market. Only Tangshan had managed to collect most of his share so far.
Liu Xi thought for a moment, then replied, "A month at the shortest, three at most. You three needn't worry—Liu Xi is not one to break his word."
"Hahaha! Then during your travels, Master, should you pass near my Shi Wang City, do stop by! I'll make sure there's fine wine and meat in abundance!" boomed Yan Shi, his laughter filling the hall, the tone clearly laced with the intent to befriend.
Liu Xi smiled and replied readily, "Alright! If I pass that way, I'll be sure to visit the famed Shi Wang City."
That one remark opened the floodgates—soon, even Dou Lings were inviting him warmly to their cities and clans, each hoping to gain even a sliver of goodwill from this young alchemist who stood on the brink of legend.
Only Gu He sat stiffly, his expression sour. Watching Liu Xi bathed in admiration, he gave a cold snort.
"Sect Master Yun, Yan Shi, Elder Feng—we should be going."
Once, he too had been revered as a 6th Tier Alchemist, but now, compared to this future 7th Tier prodigy, his fame seemed pale and forgotten.
Yun Yun, however, turned back with a faint, apologetic smile.
"Master Liu, when you return, should you have time, you're welcome to visit our Yunlan Sect. No matter what happens, you will always be considered a friend of our sect."
Liu Xi met her gaze, his tone polite yet carrying subtle weight.
"Since Sect Master Yun has spoken, I'll be sure to visit."
Inwardly, though, he reflected. 'Yunlan Sect… the first true trial in Xiao Yan's rise. Yun Yun herself, though, played a key role in shaping his future. I can't interfere openly, but I mustn't sever ties either. The Sect's cooperation will be crucial later.'
Yun Yun, unaware of his thoughts, gave a graceful nod before turning away. As a Sect Master, she was accustomed to balancing sincerity and strategy—her offer had been half genuine, half diplomatic. If she could win over Liu Xi, all the better; if not, no loss either.
She and Gu He departed, followed closely by Yan Shi and Feng Li, who both gave Liu Xi courteous farewells before leaving as well.
A soft, youthful voice soon followed, drawing all attention. "Grandfather, Father, uncles… Yanran will return to the Sect with Teacher!"
The young girl's bright, melodious tone made many heads turn. Her delicate face was filled with reluctant apology as she glanced toward Nalan Jie and her father, Nalan Su. Then her eyes found Liu Xi, admiration shining within them. His unshakable composure—even before a Dou Zong—had left a deep mark on her youthful heart.
With that, she turned gracefully and followed Yun Yun out of the hall.
Only Jia Xingtian remained silent. His gaze lingered on Liu Xi, several times opening his mouth only to close it again with a sigh. There were royal secrets that could not be spoken before so many eyes.
Finally, he stepped forward with Yao Ye, giving a wry smile. "My young friend, this old man will take his leave for now. I'll invite you for a proper talk another day."
Liu Xi frowned slightly. "Elder Jia, if there's something troubling you, just say the word. If I can help, I will."
Jia Xingtian hesitated, his expression softening. After a moment's pause, he shook his head. "Another time, perhaps. Today isn't the day."
With that, he left with Yao Ye at his side.
One by one, the other powerhouses followed—Tangshan, Nalan Jie, Mu Chen—until only the alchemists of the Association remained.
Liu Xi turned to Fa Ma and said with a faint smile, "President, I'll leave the rest to you. This Grand Elder position is mostly in name anyway."
Fa Ma could only sigh with a helpless smile as he called over Vice President Qie Mi'er.
"Handle the rest of the arrangements, will you? Once Liu Xi leaves, I'll be entering seclusion myself—it's time I tried breaking through to the 6th Tier."
...
Liu Xi soon approached his teacher, Xuan Hao, offering a respectful bow as he supported the old man's arm.
"Teacher, I'm leaving again… but I promise this time I won't be gone long."
Xuan Hao gazed at his most brilliant disciple with eyes full of pride.
"A man's ambition should reach the four corners of the world. You can't stay here to keep this old man company forever. It's just a shame you haven't left me a grand-disciple yet!"
Liu Xi chuckled, scratching his cheek awkwardly, but Xuan Hao waved a hand. "Enough. You're not leaving tonight, are you? Let's go home. You can set out tomorrow."
...
The next morning.
Without disturbing anyone, Liu Xi left the Sacred City alone.
He turned back once, gazing at the grand spires and shining walls where he had spent nearly a month. So many encounters, so many revelations—it had all been more rewarding than years spent secluded at the Academy.
He exhaled softly, then his face settled into calm resolve.
Channeling Dou Qi through his meridians, translucent azure wings unfurled from his back with a shimmer of light.
With a single powerful beat, his body lifted smoothly from the ground and soared into the open sky.
His destination: Qingshan Town—the first stop on his journey.
'The path ahead awaits… and soon, the girl known as the Xiao Yixian will appear—poor child, cursed with the Woeful Poison Body, kind at heart yet forever bound to venom.'
(End of Chapter)
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