"Master Xiao Hua? What are you doing here?"
Nalan Yanran was slightly startled by the sudden voice. When she turned around, she was surprised to see Xiao Hua and Zi Yan standing there.
"You've been outside for quite some time…"
"This…"
Nalan Yanran's gaze swept across the area, only to realize that the noble ladies who had been outside earlier were now gone. It dawned on her that she had been standing here for a long time without noticing.
A faint blush crept onto her face. She never expected her unsettled thoughts to distract her so much, leaving her restless and unaware of how much time had passed.
"Sister Ya Fei told me that you needed something from me, so she sent me here to discuss it with you."
Xiao Hua showed no interest in her embarrassment and simply stated his reason for coming, causing Nalan Yanran to be momentarily taken aback.
He had already guessed that Nalan Su, her father, wanted something from him—after all, the man had been far too courteous and respectful. Undoubtedly, he hesitated to bring up the matter during the banquet, given that most of the major clans were aware of their annulment with the Xiao Clan's Third Young Master.
At most, his goal was to leave a favorable impression and bring up the request after the banquet.
Fortunately, Ya Fei knew that Xiao Hua would be leaving soon after completing the Imperial Family's request. Hoping to secure his assistance for the Nalan Clan before his departure, she had taken the initiative to arrange this meeting.
Naturally, Xiao Hua had already anticipated the request from Nalan Su and Nalan Yanran. He also understood why Ya Fei, despite her hesitation, was helping them by asking for his assistance with the Nalan Clan.
Nalan Jie, as the head of the Nalan Clan, had spent years fostering a strong relationship with the Primer Clan. If he were to fall, the collaboration between the two clans could stagnate, leading to significant losses.
That was why Ya Fei sought Xiao Hua's help in treating and curing Nalan Jie—to ensure that the Primer Clan's partnership with the Nalan Clan remained intact.
Truthfully, Xiao Hua had little interest in Nalan Jie, as he was well aware of the old man's nature. He had remained indifferent to the matter until Ya Fei personally requested his assistance.
Since Ya Fei had spoken, it was only natural for him to resign himself to the request and agree to help Nalan Jie with his condition.
Naturally, Xiao Hua had already anticipated the request from Nalan Su and Nalan Yanran. He also understood why Ya Fei, despite her hesitation, was helping them by asking for his assistance with the Nalan Clan.
Nalan Jie, as the person that is in charge of Nalan Clan, had spent years fostering a strong relationship with the Primer Clan. If he were to fall, the collaboration between the two clans could stagnate, leading to significant losses.
That was why Ya Fei sought Xiao Hua's help in treating and curing Nalan Jie—to ensure that the Primer Clan's partnership with the Nalan Clan remained intact.
If not for this concern, Ya Fei wouldn't bother Xiao Hua over this matter since it would put Xiao Hua in an awkward position.
Truthfully, Xiao Hua had little interest in Nalan Jie, as he was well aware of the old man's nature. He had remained indifferent to the matter until Ya Fei personally requested his assistance.
Since Ya Fei had spoken, it was only natural for him to relend and resign himself to the request, agreeing to help Nalan Jie with his condition.
"It's about your grandfather, isn't it?" Xiao Hua sighed as he spoke.
"Master Xiao Hua… will you really help expel the Searing Poison from my grandfather?!"
Nalan Yanran stood up in shock, stepping closer to him. Her gloomy expression brightened, and the heavy weight in her heart suddenly felt lighter. Perhaps due to the influence of alcohol, her emotions became uncontrollable, and her voice trembled with tears.
"Indeed, I can." Xiao Hua nodded. "Ya Fei told me that Master Gu He mentioned a Heavenly Flame could save Elder Nalan. Since I possess one, I am more than qualified to help expel the poison from his body."
Hearing Xiao Hua's response, Nalan Yanran's expression grew even brighter. Though she was slightly surprised to confirm that Xiao Hua truly possessed a Heavenly Flame, her focus remained on his promise to cure her grandfather.
"I'll inform my father right away, Master Xiao Hua! Don't worry, we will make sure to properly reward you for your efforts!"
She bowed her head in gratitude before rushing toward the banquet hall, her heart brimming with excitement and relief.
Watching Nalan Yanran's cheerful figure disappear into the distance, Xiao Hua shook his head helplessly. Suddenly, he felt a tug on his hand. Looking down, he found a little girl staring up at him, curiosity evident in her eyes.
"Will treating that old man take long?" Zi Yan asked.
"No, it won't." Xiao Hua replied calmly. "I already know the nature of the poison afflicting Nalan Jie and the method to cure it. At most, it will take two treatments days for him to fully recover."
"So, does that mean you wouldn't have bothered helping him if Sister Ya Fei hadn't asked?"
Zi Yan wasn't surprised by his knowledge. With his spiritual perception, the entire North-West Region was practically at the back of his mind. What piqued her curiosity was why he had ignored Nalan Jie's condition despite knowing about it.
"Not in the slightest." Xiao Hua scoffed coldly, shaking his head. "That old man's nature isn't as virtuous as people claim."
Zi Yan narrowed her eyes at his response. She had never met Nalan Jie, but she knew Xiao Hua rarely showed such cold and disdain tone.
"Nevertheless, since Sister Ya Fei personally requested it, I agreed." Xiao Hua sighed, a trace of reluctance and regret in his voice.
"Unfortunately, that means we'll have to delay our trip to the Magic Beast Mountain because of it." He added with a faint smile.
"It's fine." Zi Yan shook her head, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "I'll just have you refine some pills for me as an apology. Besides, when we head to the Magic Beast Mountain Range after your business in the imperial city, I'll be gathering natural treasures. That way, I'll fill your storage as well—you won't be losing anything."
She then grinned mischievously. "But if you don't refine pills for me, I might just search for the natural treasures hidden in this imperial city and take them for myself while you are busy."
Xiao Hua's cheek twitched slightly. He felt a bit speechless—Zi Yan actually dared to threaten him with theft just to get him to refine pills for her. Preventing her from causing trouble was already a full-time job, and now she was using it as leverage against him.
Shaking his head helplessly, he could only resign himself to his fate. After all, it was true that Zi Yan's innate ability to sense and locate rare medicinal ingredients had been fattening up his Storage Ring with countless treasures.
He would have to endure this until she fully transformed into her mature form in the future. Only then would she stop pestering him for medicinal pills.
"Anyway, we should return to the banquet hall. It would be awkward if the guest of honor didn't show up to the banquet prepared for them," Xiao Hua remarked.
"For you, you mean…" Zi Yan smirked.
Xiao Hua and Zi Yan exchanged a glance before breaking into soft laughter, their steps light as they made their way back to the banquet hall. The moment they entered, all eyes turned toward them once again.
It took some time for the excitement to settle, and eventually, the grand banquet came to a close.
Jia Xing Tian and Yao Ye had arranged accommodations for Xiao Hua and Zi Yan, but the two politely declined—Ya Fei had already prepared an entire mansion for their stay.
...
The next morning, Yao Ye personally delivered the medicinal ingredients needed for Xiao Hua to refine the Mixed Bone Molding Pill and the Zong Breaking Pill.
After confirming that he had received them, Yao Ye lingered for a brief moment before taking his leave, leaving Xiao Hua to his own devices.
Xiao Hua watched Yao Ye depart before withdrawing into a quiet chamber, preparing to refine the pills. However, there was little preparation required, as his Extreme Fire Cauldron did not rely on a traditional medicinal cauldron.
Seating himself on the bed, five flames of different colors—golden-green, clear-blue, dark-purple, light-orange, and emerald-jade—surged from his body, slowly forming multiple fiery medicinal cauldrons.
As the cauldrons materialized, the chamber's temperature rose sharply. The flames flickered against the walls, casting fiery imprints that made the room resemble a furnace.
Xiao Hua intended to refine both the 'Mixed Bone Molding Pill' and the 'Zong Breaking Pill' simultaneously. Even if he were in poor condition, he was confident that failure was impossible.
...
The tightly sealed chamber was engulfed in sweltering heat, transforming the space into something akin to a blazing furnace.
Xiao Hua remained indifferent to both the scorching temperature and the lingering smoke that coiled above the two fiery medicinal cauldrons, refusing to dissipate.
After meticulously extracting and refining the medicinal ingredients, he skillfully merged them according to their respective combinations, condensing the process down to two final cauldrons—one for the Mixed Bone Molding Pill and the other for the Zong Breaking Pill.
The entire time, his gaze never wavered. His sharp eyes remained locked onto the embryonic medicinal pills, slowly rotating within the cauldrons.
A powerful surge of Spiritual Strength controlled the precise rise and fall of the temperature, ultimately stabilizing it at the optimal level.
As the warm distillation continued over a gentle flame, a rich medicinal fragrance began to permeate the chamber. After roughly half an hour, the two cauldrons released a faint energy ripple, which violently clashed against his Spiritual Strength. However, Xiao Hua's mastery ensured that the energy remained contained within the cauldrons, producing a muffled, resonant hum…
After a short while, Xiao Hua's eyes suddenly narrowed, and the two fiery medicinal cauldrons trembled slightly. He opened the lid of the cauldrons causing a powerful shockwave to erupt and violently shook the chamber moments later.
Sensing the buildup of excessive energy, he swiftly opened the lids to release it—otherwise, the pills would be destroyed by the overwhelming force. However, this did not mean the medicinal pills would escape from their respective cauldrons.
Outside the secret chamber, Zi Yan, who had been waiting patiently, was startled by the sudden commotion. She quickly turned her gaze toward the chamber, her big, beautiful eyes flickering with astonishment before a joyful expression appeared on her face.
"I've seen plenty of alchemists refine medicinal pills back at Jia Nan Academy, but never have I seen anyone complete a refinement this fast…" she murmured in amazement.
She had once watched Elder Huo refine a sixth-tier pill, yet even he had taken more than a day or two to complete the process.
Regardless, she was delighted that Xiao Hua had finished so quickly—it meant she wouldn't have to wait long or be bored out of her mind. Smiling, she quietly observed the two towering pillars of energy rising before her.
Two powerful and dense energy fluctuations rippled through the imperial city. As they surged to a terrifying intensity, a sudden explosion echoed through the air. At that exact moment, two massive pillars of energy shot straight out from Xiao Hua's chamber, piercing through the ceiling and soaring into the sky.
Naturally, such a grand phenomenon immediately caught the attention of the city's powerful figures. However, rather than taking action, they simply observed the spectacle from their respective residences, their expressions flickering with intrigue.
During last night's banquet, they had learned that Xiao Hua had arrived at the imperial city at the request of the Imperial Family. While they remained unaware of the exact pills he was refining, the sheer magnitude of the disturbance left no doubt that they were high-tier medicinal pills.
Yet, beneath their calm exteriors, shock and disbelief churned in their hearts. Refining even a single high-tier pill was an extraordinary feat, yet Xiao Hua was simultaneously refining two at once.
This was something that even renowned alchemists like Fa Ma or Gu He could not accomplish. None of them had ever imagined that Xiao Hua possessed such unfathomable alchemical techniques…
Meanwhile, Fa Ma watched the unfolding scene with deep admiration and awe toward Xiao Hua. Unlike the others, he noticed something far more significant than just Xiao Hua's ability to refine two high-tier pills simultaneously.
It was the sheer speed of the refinement.
He knew that Yao Ye had only delivered the medicinal ingredients a few hours ago, yet now, Xiao Hua was already nearing completion—not just for one pill, but two.
"Moreover, he possesses a Heavenly Flame… just as I expected," Fa Ma murmured softly, having sensed the unmistakable aura of an extraordinary flame.
Xiao Hua's fortune was truly enviable. To obtain a Heavenly Flame at such a young age was something countless alchemists could only dream of. At that moment, Fa Ma finally understood why Gu He had been so eager to leave and travel across the Jia Ma Empire, searching for traces of rare and unique places.
Xiu! Xiu! Xiu!
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sharp sound of rushing wind. Turning toward the source, his gaze landed on the figures speeding toward the pillars of light. Recognizing the approaching individuals, Fa Ma knew the situation would soon be handled.
The panic spreading among the city's populace due to the unusual phenomenon would be swiftly quelled—especially since he could already sense Yao Ye moving through the capital, ensuring order was maintained.
...
Jia Xing Tian stood near the mansion, his imposing presence ensuring that no one dared to disrupt the pill refinement process. He had personally stationed Imperial Guards around the perimeter, their patrols tight and vigilant.
As he continued issuing orders, the two towering pillars of light that had pierced the sky gradually began to dim.
With the fading light, an increasingly dense medicinal fragrance spread through the air, rich and potent. Eventually, the radiant pillars dissolved into scattered fragments of light before completely vanishing. The once-intense activity surrounding the pill refinement came to an end, and the imperial city returned to its usual calm.
High-tier medicinal pills often developed a degree of intelligence and would instinctively attempt to escape upon completion. However, Xiao Hua's 'Extreme Fire Cauldron' method rendered such efforts futile. With swift precision, he wove an energy net, effortlessly entrapping the pills before they could flee.
Sensing the presence of Jia Xing Tian, Primer Tengshan, Ya Fei, and Yao Ye gathered at the front gate of the mansion, Xiao Hua sent a message to Zi Yan.
"Zi Yan, let them in. I'll clean up first."
With that, he adjusted his attire, ensuring he was properly composed before meeting his visitors.
Meanwhile, after receiving Xiao Hua's message, Zi Yan welcomed the four of them into the mansion and led them to the entrance of the secret chamber. There, they waited patiently for the figure inside to emerge.
Moments later, the door creaked open, and a handsome young man stepped out, holding two jade bottles. Each bottle bore a distinctively colored label, containing the precious pills requested by the imperial family.
"Master Xiao Hua."
Everyone, except for Ya Fei, cupped their hands and gave their courteous greetings. After watching the unusual phenomenon caused by Xiao Hua, their hearts were filled with awe and respect.
Meanwhile, Ya Fei turned her head to him and smiled warmly at him, of which Xiao Hua responded with a warm smile of his own. Afterwards she returned her attention to Zi Yan. From the discussion, Zi Yan is asking for medicinal herbs and fruits so she can eat them which cause Xiao Hua to shake his head wryly.
Xiao Hua shifted his attention to Jia Xing Tian and Yao Ye before stepping forward and presenting the jade bottles. Jia Xing Tian, who had been restless about the outcome of the refinement, immediately focused on them.
"Jia Lao, this is the 'Zong Breaking Pill' you requested from me," Xiao Hua said, handing one of the jade bottles to Jia Xing Tian.
Upon hearing the pill's name, Primer Tengshan's heart trembled with surprise.
'Zong Breaking Pill!'
He was well aware of its effects and instantly understood what this meant—Jia Xing Tian had already reached the peak of the Dou Huang class.
While this pill had no direct effect on Dou Zong experts, it was invaluable to those at the peak of Dou Huang. Even those who had yet to reach that level would eagerly store it away, knowing that possessing such a pill meant a potential Dou Zong could be added to their ranks.
If Jia Xing Tian successfully advanced to Dou Zong, the strength and status of the Imperial Family would soar tremendously. After all, the Jia Ma Empire had only one Dou Zong—Xiao Hua—the very person now standing calmly before them.
A heavy sigh welled up in Primer Tengshan's heart as a troubling thought surfaced.
'I really wonder where Old Hai is… I just hope he's still alive.'
At that moment, Xiao Hua extended another jade bottle toward Yao Ye. "This is for that timid old fellow—it requires a special method to use."
Yao Ye received the bottle with deep appreciation, carefully storing it in her Storage Ring.
"Hahaha! Master Xiao Hua's pill refinement skills are truly extraordinary! I never would have imagined that you could refine both pills simultaneously—and in such a short time!"
Jia Xing Tian laughed heartily, his face brimming with joy. He had been utterly astonished when two pillars of light suddenly shot up in the imperial city, carrying an intense medicinal fragrance.
Never had he expected Xiao Hua to successfully refine two high-tier medicinal pills at the same time, let alone accomplish it with such remarkable speed.
Moreover, he had no qualms about Primer Tengshan learning of the Zong Breaking Pill. For the Imperial Family, strength must be displayed to tighten their grip on other clans, ensuring their authority and maintaining order.
"I will assist you with the special method," Xiao Hua said with a calm smile, "but I need to rest first. I'll do it tomorrow. In the meantime, make sure that old fellow is prepared."
Jia Xing Tian nodded, stroking his beard. "I shall see to it. I'll have to trouble you for the next few days."
As their conversation came to an end, a purple figure suddenly dashed toward Xiao Hua at astonishing speed.
Recognizing Zi Yan, Xiao Hua made no attempt to dodge and effortlessly caught her in his arms. With his body tempered by Heavenly Lightnings, he could easily withstand her affectionate charge without the slightest difficulty.
Holding her with ease, he gently ruffled her bobbing little head, eliciting a bright smile and a soft, cheerful giggle from her.
"Elder Sister Ya Fei told me she would give me medicinal herbs and fruits if I could be patient," Zi Yan said joyfully, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Xiao Hua was momentarily surprised and turned to Ya Fei, who was smiling gently at him. It didn't take long for him to realize her intentions— she must have overheard that Xiao Hua planned to venture into the Magic Beast Mountain Range with Zi Yan.
Zi Yan had been eager to search for natural treasures there, but their plan had been delayed after he accepted the Nalan Clan's request on her behalf.
Knowing their reason for heading the mountain range, Ya Fei found a way to keep Zi Yan's occupied, ensuring the little girl wouldn't grow restless in his absence.
Xiao Hua's expression softened as he spoke with gratitude, "Thank you for looking after her while I complete the requests."
Ya Fei's smile deepened, a touch of warmth in her gaze. "You're only doing this because of my selfish request. It's only right that I offer you some assistance and take care of her in return."
There was a trace of guilt in her voice—after all, it was her request that had led him to accept the task of curing Nalan Jie.
Taking a graceful step forward, Ya Fei reached out, her jade-like fingers gently smoothing his slightly disheveled robe, adjusting the folds with meticulous care.
"Little fellow, at least tidy yourself up properly before meeting someone. Such a handsome face shouldn't be wasted on a careless appearance," she teased, her tone light yet affectionate.
Xiao Hua could only shake his head helplessly at her affection gestures. Yet, when her cool, delicate fingers brushed against him, a soft and fleeting warmth lingered in his heart.
The faint fragrance that wafted from her, a scent as gentle as the spring breeze, stirred something within him. A rare, tender smile graced his lips.
"Regardless," he mused, "make sure not to overfeed Zi Yan. Her appetite alone could empty your Primer Clan's warehouse."
Ya Fei chuckled, her laughter as melodious as silver bells at his words. She had no doubt that he was being completely serious.
"Don't worry," she reassured him playfully. "Sister Xun Er has already told me about her origins. I know my limits."
Before turning away, Ya Fei affectionately patted Xiao Hua's head, an intimate gesture that carried a trace of lingering warmth. Then, taking Zi Yan's hand, he gracefully led the little girl away.
As she turned, her gaze flickered ever so briefly toward Yao Ye. A mysterious smile played upon her sleek, red lips—one that held unspoken meanings.
Yao Ye's eyes narrowed coldly. She naturally understood the implication behind Ya Fei's smile, and a flicker of irritation rose within her.
"Ahem... Ahem... Ahem...!"
Standing nearby, Primer Tengshan and Jia Xing Tian exchanged glances before letting out a series of dry coughs, shaking their heads. As experienced elders, they could easily discern the subtle yet unfriendly undercurrent between Ya Fei and Yao Ye.
Without lingering further, they cupped their hands toward Xiao Hua and swiftly took their leave from the mansion. On the way out, Jia Xing Tian subtly encouraged Yao Ye to seize the opportunity to win Xiao Hua's heart while he remained in the imperial city.
Meanwhile, Primer Tengshan chuckled, praising Ya Fei's boldness in staking her claim and subtly warning the First Princess.