Stepping forward, Liu Xi pierced through an invisible membrane. The oppressive force suppressing his Spiritual Power vanished instantly.
He knew at once—the first Illusory Trial had ended. As his eyes opened, the shadowed world was replaced by light.
Before him stretched a vast square. Across the open space stood a twisted spatial passage, and beside it sat an elderly man resting atop a massive tortoise, appearing half-asleep.
When he sensed someone's arrival, the old man slowly opened his cloudy eyes, which suddenly gleamed with sharpness. With a faint smile, he clasped his hands and said, "Master Liu, you are the first to pass through the Illusory Trial. Please rest for a while. When the others arrive, I will announce the next round's rules."
"No problem, Senior. No need for formality," Liu Xi replied with an easy smile. Though an 8th Tier Alchemist was held in high esteem, there was no need to flaunt status and offend others. He found a stone bench nearby and sat down casually.
It wasn't long before another figure appeared—a graceful woman whose beauty carried a dangerous charm. Who else could it be but Cao Ying?
Seeing Liu Xi, Cao Ying blinked in brief surprise before composing herself, her expression turning natural, as though it were expected that someone like Liu Xi would arrive first.
Her lotus steps glided across the square. When she reached the center, she paused, smiled sweetly, and greeted, "Elder Liao."
The turtle-riding elder opened his eyes again, his weathered face softening into a kind smile. "Ah, Ying girl, you've come. Sit wherever you like. The second round will begin once everyone has arrived."
"Yes, Elder," Cao Ying answered sweetly before walking gracefully toward Liu Xi, her hips swaying like willow branches in the breeze.
"Master Liu," she said with a faint pout, "I visited you many times before, but your Dou Zun servant kept turning me away. Were you truly so busy studying your pill recipes… or did you simply not wish to see me?"
Her tone carried both grievance and playful reproach, as if Liu Xi had wronged her somehow.
Liu Xi lifted his gaze. The way she narrowed her phoenix eyes and pouted her lips could almost stir pity. He had to admit—this woman's beauty was remarkable.
But he also knew better than to trust it. That charming demeanor was no different from a fox flattering a rooster—never without ulterior motive.
Smiling faintly, Liu Xi gestured to the empty stone bench beside him. "Miss Cao Ying, please sit. The scrolls that Elder Xuan sent me were truly insightful. A few lines from him solved countless doubts of mine. I've been deeply engrossed in them these past few days—no time for distractions."
Cao Ying smoothed her robes elegantly before sitting beside him, her posture refined yet subtly alluring. The faint fragrance of medicinal herbs mixed with her natural scent drifted over to Liu Xi.
"Really?" she asked, her eyes glimmering.
"Of course," Liu Xi replied simply.
Her lips curved into a smile. "Then I suppose I'll forgive you."
Liu Xi was speechless. 'Forgive me? For what?' He hadn't done anything wrong to her.
Before he could say more, she leaned forward slightly, her tone soft and coaxing. "Master Liu, are you familiar with the Pill Realm? The next two rounds will eliminate most participants, and the second round is far more dangerous than the first."
Liu Xi nodded. "I know. The Pill Realm was once shattered, and the energy within has become chaotic—humans can't survive there long. But beasts and herbs thrive, so the area teems with both powerful creatures and rare medicinal ingredients. You'll face both monster attacks and other alchemists who'll stop at nothing for a rare herb."
"Exactly," Cao Ying said, her phoenix eyes sparkling with charm. "That's why I wish to form an alliance with you—for now. Together, we can recruit a few capable alchemists. With our combined influence, passing the second trial will be much easier."
Liu Xi studied her carefully. 'So that's her plan—using me as her shield to draw others in. Fox borrowing the tiger's might, huh?'
With his current reputation and strength, Liu Xi was practically the king among alchemists. A single word from him, and countless would rush to his side.
A weaker man—or one enamored by her beauty—might have agreed without hesitation. But Liu Xi was neither. He disliked dragging burdens along, and Cao Ying's beauty, no matter how striking, held no sway over him.
He chuckled softly. "Miss Cao Ying, have you ever heard the saying—'The weak travel in packs, but the strong always walk alone'?"
She blinked, head tilted, her hand resting under her chin in a flirtatious pose. "Oh? And what does that mean?"
"It means," Liu Xi said calmly, "I can finish the second round faster on my own. Traveling with others would only slow me down."
Cao Ying froze. 'Did he just… reject me outright?'
Her charming smile vanished as she huffed, "Fine! Master Liu truly lives up to the title of a strong man. I, a weak woman, clearly don't deserve to walk beside you. Since you don't need me, I'll leave!"
She stood abruptly, her curving figure swaying as she walked away in feigned indignation.
'Hmph, trying to play hard to get, are you? You'll regret letting me walk away!' she thought smugly. But after walking quite a distance, she realized… he hadn't even glanced her way.
When she finally looked back, Liu Xi was still seated calmly on the bench, completely unbothered, not even sparing her a glance.
Her confidence wavered. 'How could he just ignore me like this…?' For the first time, Cao Ying truly questioned her own charm.
Near the entrance to the Pill Realm, Elder Liao had witnessed the entire exchange. A faint look of admiration flickered in his eyes.
"To think even the Tower's men struggle to resist that woman's charm, yet this youth remains unmoved… No wonder he could ascend to the 8th Tier. Such composure is rare indeed."
As time passed, more and more alchemists emerged from the Illusory Trial, gathering in the square—among them was Song Qing.
Eager to please, Song Qing hovered around Cao Ying, trying to offer warmth, kindness, and a place in his so-called alliance of alchemists.
But really… a woman like Cao Ying was far beyond his reach.
A bootlicker will always be a bootlicker—and in the end, he'll end up with nothing.
(End of Chapter)
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