Once Liu Ming and Liu Xi made the decision together, the Liu Clan naturally obeyed without hesitation. Within three days, everything was packed—assets, possessions, elders, and children alike—forming a caravan of several dozen wagons.
Though the Liu family was not large, three generations of direct relatives were still numerous, and all would now follow Liu Xi to the Imperial Capital.
---
The Day of Departure.
The City Lord of Lin City, along with every clan leader of note, personally came to the city gates to bid farewell. As they watched the long line of carriages slowly fade into the distance, envy filled their eyes.
The city lord's expression grew distant. Thinking back to the young man he once knew—the handsome, extraordinary prodigy—he couldn't help but sigh softly.
"The boy who was once ignored by many… has now grown far beyond our reach."
---
Inside one of the carriages, Liu Xi reclined on the soft couch, deep in thought about his parents' safety.
"Though I am a 6th Tier Alchemist now," he murmured to himself, "there will always be those desperate enough to strike at me through my family. If anything were to happen to my parents… that would be the one regret I could never bear. Still, with half of the Jia Ma Empire's top ten powerhouses residing in the Capital—most of whom maintain friendly ties with me—plus the Alchemist Association's protection, I can safely leave my family there before I move on."
His expression hardened slightly. "Remaining in the Jia Ma Empire serves little purpose now. Xiao Yan is still weak, and with Xiao Xun'er watching over him, I can't interfere directly. Without Yao Chen, he'd be nothing… but if I can eliminate Yao Chen himself…"
A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Yao Chen's soul strength rivals that of a Dou Zong, even if he's only a remnant. When Nalan Yanran visits the Xiao Clan to break the engagement, and the Three Year Agreement is set… if Xiao Yan dares to challenge the Yunlan Sect, that will be my moment. A perfect chance to strike Yao Chen down."
Liu Xi chuckled under his breath.
"Xiao Yan, Xiao Yan… if you waste your life away here in Jia Ma, I won't even bother dealing with you. But that Ancient Jade of yours—that I must have. Without the Origin Qi from the Ancient Emperor's Cave Mansion, no one can ever ascend to Dou Di. Once I secure it, my path will be set."
His eyes shone with confidence.
"If Xiao Yan can become Dou Di… so can I. The key lies in the Flame Mantra. And one way or another, I will claim it."
---
When Liu Xi returned to Jia Ma Sacred City, no one was more excited than Miteer Tengshan, Nalan Jie, and Mu Chen. Liu Xi had promised them each a Dou Ling Pill, and they had been eagerly awaiting his return.
Upon hearing that Liu Xi wished to settle his family, Jia Xingtian acted faster than anyone. With a wave of his hand, he gifted Liu Xi a luxurious estate within the inner city—one of the grandest in the capital.
---
That Night.
Jia Xingtian arrived quietly outside Liu Xi's chamber.
"Come in, Elder Jia," Liu Xi's calm voice sounded from within. His Spiritual Power had detected the visitor long before he knocked.
Jia Xingtian entered with a genial smile. "As expected, I couldn't hide from your perception. Forgive the intrusion at this late hour, but this matter concerns a royal secret—it had to be discussed privately."
Liu Xi gestured for him to continue. "Speak freely, Elder Jia. You've already shown your sincerity with that lavish estate."
Jia Xingtian nodded, his tone turning solemn. "The Imperial Family has long possessed a guardian beast—a Serene Sea Scaly Beast. It fought valiantly for the Empire in ages past but was gravely wounded. Only a 6th Tier pill, the Mixed Bone Mending Pill, can heal it. I've come to ask your aid in refining it. Name your price."
Liu Xi wasn't surprised. He replied evenly, "I can do it. As for payment… I won't be staying in the Empire forever. I only ask that the Imperial Family guarantees absolute safety for my family. No one must harm them. And if, in the future, I request the aid of the Serene Sea Scaly Beast, it must not refuse—though I won't demand it risk its life."
Jia Xingtian blinked, taken aback—not because the request was difficult, but because it was unexpectedly simple. He quickly agreed, smiling broadly.
"No problem at all. So long as the Empire stands, your family shall be counted among its highest nobility. The Serene Sea Scaly Beast itself will owe you a debt of gratitude."
A faint smile tugged at Liu Xi's lips. During Xiao Yan's three year duel, Yao Chen would likely reappear. Liu Xi wouldn't act directly, but if he could enlist the Flood Dragon Beast's help… his chances of success would rise sharply.
Both men felt they had gained more than they'd given, and each wore only a restrained smile despite their satisfaction.
---
The Following Day.
Liu Xi was summoned to the palace, where he received the recipe for the Mixed Bone Mending Pill along with the required ingredients.
The pill's medicinal power was fierce—meant only for Magical Beasts—and its difficulty was moderate, similar to the Breaking Adversity Pill he once refined for Hai Bodong.
His first attempt failed, but the second succeeded. In the glow of the alchemical flames, a single jade-green pill was born.
Under Jia Xingtian's eager gaze, Liu Xi handed it over. "Elder Jia, the pill is complete. And remember—so is your promise."
Jia Xingtian accepted it with deep reverence. "Rest assured. The Imperial Family will never forget this favor."
For the Empire, the restoration of a Dou Huang-level guardian beast was a monumental gain. Gratitude toward Liu Xi was genuine.
---
Over the next six months, Liu Xi also refined Dou Ling Pills for Miteer Tengshan, Nalan Jie, and Mu Chen. In return, they each swore to protect his family once he departed the Empire.
He even paid a courteous visit to Yunlan Sect under the guise of friendship. Aside from Gu He, whose face darkened at the sight of him, the sect's members welcomed Liu Xi warmly.
The Sect Master, Yun Yun, personally received him as an honored guest. During their pleasant exchange, Liu Xi casually mentioned that during his travels he had obtained a Purple Spirit Crystal, a gem of exquisite violet hue.
Yun Yun's eyes lit up. Her disciple Nalan Yanran was in need of such a crystal to aid her cultivation. She delicately inquired about purchasing it, offering him any price.
Liu Xi smiled, agreeing easily—but instead of gold or treasures, he asked only for one promise: that if he ever called upon Yun Yun's aid, she must not refuse.
Yun Yun accepted without hesitation, and Liu Xi presented her the crystal with a courteous smile.
Watching the beautiful sect master thank him softly, Liu Xi merely smiled inwardly. 'Every gift carries its price. My Purple Spirit Crystal will not come cheaply when the time comes.'
---
In the days that followed, Liu Xi spent his time with his parents and younger brother, and occasionally visited his teacher. He left behind numerous cultivation resources suited for their strength levels—everything they could possibly need.
He knew it might be three or four years before he could return again.
(End of Chapter)
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