The sky stretched vast and blue, unmarred by a single cloud.
High above the land, a 1st Rank Blue Hawk cut through the wind. Upon its broad back stood a man and a young woman—Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian, finally leaving Qingshan Town behind.
Xiao Yixian knelt on the eagle's back, eyes gleaming with delight as she counted her spoils—treasures wrung from the Wolf Head Mercenary Company and the Ten Thousand Herb Pavilion under Liu Xi's shadow of power.
Pouches of herbs and bundles of medicinal ingredients lay before her, most of them mid- to low-tier materials. For her current cultivation as a mere Dou Zhe, these resources were perfect for concocting poisonous elixirs that would both temper her body and strengthen her Dou Qi.
Though kind by nature, Xiao Yixian held no sympathy for those who had wished her harm. Whether it was Mu She of the Wolf Head Mercenaries or that sly Mr. Yao from the Ten Thousand Herb Pavilion, both had earned her wrath—and extorting them had been rather satisfying.
Now, under Liu Xi's patient guidance, she had accepted her identity as the bearer of Woeful Poison Body. Her once-fading hope had rekindled, replaced by determination—to defy the heavens, seize control of her curse, and forge her own destiny.
She sat cross-legged on the eagle's back, a serene smile brightening her ethereal features. Her delicate fingers toyed with a pale lotus, the Stone Heart Lotus, before slipping it into her storage ring.
Lifting her gaze toward Liu Xi, who sat calmly at the front, she asked sweetly, "Young Master, where are we going next? Also… aside from your name, I hardly know anything about you. It's unfair! How am I supposed to feel safe traveling with a mystery man?"
Liu Xi turned his head slightly, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes.
"My name alone should ease your doubts. Across the entire Jia Ma Empire, my reputation shines brighter than the midday sun. It's only because you've never left Qingshan Town that you've yet to hear of me."
Xiao Yixian pouted, her lips curving adorably. "So… you're saying I'm a country bumpkin?"
Liu Xi smirked. "I never said that. You did."
"Humph!" she huffed, puffing her cheeks. Then her lively eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"You can control a Heavenly Flame… and you love collecting medicinal herbs. Don't tell me—you're an Alchemist?"
Liu Xi chuckled and nodded. "The Grand Elder of the Alchemist Association, and the youngest 6th Tier Alchemist in the entire Jia Ma Empire—that would be me."
Her eyes widened, mouth parting in awe. "Really?!"
Her astonishment was understandable. In remote places like Qingshan Town, even a simple physician commanded respect, and a 1st Tier Alchemist was a figure of legend. A 6th Tier Alchemist, though—such a person was nothing short of mythical.
As realization dawned, admiration filled her gaze. "No wonder you always seem to know everything… you even recognized my Woeful Poison Body and spoke of the Poison Pill method. You're amazing, Young Master!"
Liu Xi only smiled faintly. 'Telling her I've read the original story wouldn't go over well,' he mused wryly. 'Let her think I'm omniscient—it strengthens the image.'
He shifted his tone, calm and focused. "Before anything else, I must settle my family matters and handle certain affairs within the Jia Ma Empire."
Xiao Yixian's bright expression dimmed. Her eyes lowered, voice soft.
"You have family… that's nice."
Liu Xi paused, sensing her sudden melancholy. "You don't?" he asked quietly.
She bit her lip and shook her head. Her long lashes trembled, her gaze distant and lonely.
Seeing her retreat into sorrow, Liu Xi sighed inwardly. 'Ah, I've stepped on a landmine again.'
He moved closer and gently drew her into his arms, one hand soothingly patting her back. "It's alright," he murmured. "The past is gone. From now on… think of me as your family."
Xiao Yixian stiffened at first, but gradually relaxed. Her fingers curled into his robes, and she leaned her head against his chest. Silent tears began to fall—no sobbing, no sound, only the quiet shiver of a heart finally letting go.
Liu Xi said nothing, allowing her to cry. When her trembling ceased, his voice came soft and warm. "Forget the pain, Xiao Yixian. Let it all go."
Her voice trembled faintly.
"Thank you, Young Master… I got your clothes wet."
Then, realizing she was still nestled in his embrace, she flushed crimson. "Um… could you let go now?"
Liu Xi gave a light chuckle, loosening his arms. "If you can't forget your sadness, I don't mind holding you a little longer."
Her face reddened even more. She quickly shook her head.
"No need! I already feel much better. Crying helped me release years of frustration."
Liu Xi's expression turned solemn. "From this day forward, you may treat me as family. I promise you this—until the end of my life, I will never abandon you."
Her eyes glistened. She bit her lip, torn between gratitude and disbelief, then slowly smiled through her tears.
"I believe you, Young Master."
Liu Xi studied her for a moment, then smiled.
"Xiao Yixian."
"Mm?"
He grinned. "From now on, I'll call you Xian'er. Is that alright?"
Her cheeks flushed, the name sounding far too intimate—but she didn't reject it. "…Alright, Young Master."
His smile brightened. He could feel it—the moment when their hearts truly connected.
"Xian'er," he said gently, "your next goal is simple—cultivate with all your strength. For one with the Woeful Poison Body, absorbing toxins to grow stronger is as natural as breathing. When the time comes for us to seek the three materials needed for the Poison Pill method, your power will be essential."
Xiao Yixian nodded firmly. She knew how impossible those ingredients would be to find. Especially the Monster Core of the 7th Rank Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion Beast—to obtain it, she might one day have to face such a creature herself. For that, she would need strength—enough to stand at the peak of the Poison Path.
If she wanted to defy the heavens… she would first need the power to do so.
And that, she thought with renewed resolve, was the true reason she could never again fear her poisonous fate.
(End of Chapter)
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