As a healer devoted to saving lives, Xiao Yixian couldn't help but feel her breath quicken when her gaze fell upon the small earthen flowerbed tucked away in the corner of the stone chamber.
Within it grew a dozen varieties of rare medicinal plants, each exuding a faint, intoxicating fragrance that filled the air.
Almost instinctively, she hurried forward, eyes sparkling with excitement. To the untrained eye, they looked like ordinary herbs, yet Xiao Yixian knew—each of these was worth far more than the piles of gold glittering nearby.
"Purple Azure, White Spirit Ginseng Fruit, Snow Lotus…" she murmured rapidly, naming them one by one as her delicate hands trembled with joy.
Liu Xi, meanwhile, ignored her excitement. He walked slowly toward the center of the chamber, stopping before the stone dais upon which a withered skeleton rested.
When his eyes fell upon the skeletal hand that still clutched three keys, they lit up.
He bowed slightly in respect—the dead deserve reverence—before stepping closer to remove the keys and a weathered scroll tucked between the bones.
As his fingers brushed the ancient parchment, a wave of aged energy pulsed from it. The faint texture beneath his fingertips made his heart stir.
"The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Fragment Map," he whispered with satisfaction, a smile curling at his lips. Carefully, he stored the priceless scroll into his spatial ring.
Then, humming lightly, he used the three keys to open the stone chests arranged nearby—one after another.
"Seven Colored Poison Scripture."
"Xuan Class Flight Dou Technique — Eagle Wings."
"Xuan Class Dou Technique — Mad Lion's Chant."
Each chest revealed something extraordinary.
Turning toward the girl still immersed in counting herbs, Liu Xi called out, "Xiao Yixian, come here."
"Coming!" she responded brightly, hurrying over with a beaming face. "You said there's a fate here meant for me—those herbs, right? Can I have them?"
Liu Xi smirked. "Dream on. That's not your opportunity. This is."
He held up a scroll and tossed it to her.
Catching it reflexively, Xiao Yixian looked down and read the title aloud, her voice trembling with surprise. "Seven-Colored Poison Scripture?"
Her eyes widened. "Wait—this is… for me?"
Hugging the scroll close to her chest, she blinked at him in confusion. "Who exactly are you? And how do you know this is supposed to be my opportunity?"
Liu Xi smiled faintly as he walked past her toward the flowerbed, taking out jade bottles and a silver herbal scoop. "My name is Liu Xi. As for why that Scripture belongs to you—don't tell me you haven't realized it yet."
Xiao Yixian froze. Her pupils contracted, and her expression flickered between shock and wariness. In a low voice, she whispered, "You… you know about me?"
Indeed, her Dou Qi carried a mutated poison attribute, a variation of Wood Qi—but her condition went far deeper. Not only did her Dou Qi contain venom, her entire body radiated poison.
The memory of that fateful accident—when her poison first erupted—stabbed through her heart like a knife. She had spent years trying to bury it, living under a new name to start anew.
Liu Xi's calm voice broke her silence. "I know a little. Your constitution is mentioned in that Scripture—it's called the Woeful Poison Body. Your path ahead won't be easy."
Her eyes lit up with hope. "Then… does the Scripture mention how to control it?"
Liu Xi shook his head. "No. But I know of a method—the Poison Pill technique. It can suppress your body's toxins. If you wish, you can come with me."
Xiao Yixian's expression hardened with doubt. "And why should I believe that? You just want me to go with you. Maybe you're after my body like all the others." Her tone turned biting. "You're a powerful Dou Wang. Would you really let me go if I refused?"
Liu Xi, who had just finished harvesting the last herb, clapped his hands clean and turned toward her, smiling faintly.
"I would," he said softly. "Because I want both your body—and your heart."
Her face instantly flushed crimson. "Y-you… what kind of person says something like that so shamelessly?!"
Liu Xi only chuckled. Behind the teasing tone lay serious calculation. The Poison Pill technique required the merging of three Heavenly Flames, something nearly impossible without the Flame Mantra. Unless she willingly followed him, he wouldn't waste precious time or resources.
"So," he said evenly, "I won't force you. Whether you leave with me or stay here in Qingshan Town—it's your choice."
Hearing that, Xiao Yixian exhaled softly, a weight lifting from her heart. She lowered her gaze, thinking deeply.
Though gentle by nature, she wasn't naïve. Living among mercenaries had taught her caution. Even if Liu Xi had treated her with respect, trust couldn't be given lightly.
Finally, she shook her head slowly. "Thank you for your offer," she said quietly. "But I choose to stay. I'm happy here."
Silence filled the chamber. The faint warmth in Liu Xi's eyes dimmed as he nodded slightly, though he said nothing.
Her fingers brushed the small pouch of white powder at her waist—a habit of self-defense. It wouldn't hurt a Dou Wang, but having it ready made her feel safer.
Liu Xi's light chuckle broke the tension. "Put that away. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't need more than a flick of my finger. But don't worry—I'm not that kind of man."
Caught again, Xiao Yixian blushed and quickly withdrew her hand, a faint smile spreading across her lips.
"Thank you," she murmured softly. "You really are… a good person."
Liu Xi's mouth twitched. 'So this is what getting the "good person card" feels like.'
Choosing to ignore it, he took out an empty spatial ring and began collecting the glittering piles of gold coins scattered around. Judging by weight alone, there were at least a few hundred thousand here—too valuable to leave behind.
When he was done, he turned to her. "Come on. I'll take you back."
"Alright!" she answered quickly, her tone almost cheerful. Knowing she would be safely returned, her earlier wariness vanished.
They exited the chamber together, retracing their steps through the tunnel until daylight reappeared.
Outside, Liu Xi once again lifted her gently with his Dou Qi, carrying her up to the cliff's edge.
As he set her down, Xiao Yixian blinked in astonishment. He'd truly let her go—just like that. For a moment, she could only stand there, dazed. Then, realization struck, and she hurried back toward the mercenary camp in Qingshan Town.
Liu Xi watched her go, his gaze calm yet resolute. The Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Fragment Map was now in his possession—and his next destination was clear.
Deep within the Magic Beast Mountain Range awaited its ruler: the Amethyst Winged Lion King.
The Purple Spirit Crystal and Amethyst Lion Birth Essence it guarded would soon belong to him.
Moreover, by claiming them first, he would sever yet another of Xiao Yan's destined opportunities—and prevent Yun Yun from ever showing him mercy again.
(End of Chapter)
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