"The Searing Poison has been completely purged from your body."
Xiao Hua withdrew his hands from Nalan Jie's back, having successfully expelled the poison, and slowly rose to his feet. His gaze swept over Nalan Jie's face, noting that his complexion had grown noticeably rosier.
"Hu…" Nalan Jie let out a long breath of turbid air. Unlike before, no trace of black impurities remained within it.
His eyes brightened, and his expression filled with joy as he realized the poison that had tormented him for so long had truly been eradicated.
"Master Xiao Hua, I cannot thank you enough!" Nalan Jie immediately stood up and cupped his fists, his voice carrying deep gratitude.
"I heard from my son that Master Xiao Hua desires the Seven Magical Green Spirit Saliva as compensation, but my life is worth far more than any treasure. I, Nalan Jie, swear that if an opportunity arises in the future, I will not hesitate to repay this great favor!"
Xiao Hua merely gave a slight nod in response, yet inwardly, he let out a cold snort. A trace of disdain flickered in his heart—he placed little faith in Nalan Jie's so-called promises.
Just as he turned to leave, his gaze shifted as Nalan Yanran entered the room, carrying a jade flowerpot. Within it, a delicate plant swayed gently as she walked in.
The moment the plant appeared, a faint yet peculiar fragrance spread throughout the room, soothing the spirit of all present.
Xiao Hua's gaze lingered on the plant within her hands.
It was entirely green, its texture resembling top-quality jade, as though it had been sculpted rather than grown. At the very top, a flower with seven colors was slowly blooming. As its petals unfurled, the hues continuously shifted in a mesmerizing dance, giving the flower an otherworldly, breathtaking beauty.
"Master Xiao Hua, this is the Seven Magical Spirit Saliva. My grandfather battled a magical beast and was poisoned in the process just to obtain this plant. Once refined into a liquid, it can restore Spiritual Strength."
"However, do be careful. The Seven Magical Spirit Saliva requires at least an hour of sunlight each day to remain effective."
Nalan Yanran carefully explain about the Seven Magical Spirit Saliva with a soft smile. She was truly grateful for Xiao Hua to expel the 'Searing Poison' inside her grandfather's body and cure him.
Nalan Jie glanced at his granddaughter, feeling a surge of astonishment. He had been momentarily puzzled by her absence earlier, but it seemed she had deliberately chosen to deliver the treasure to Xiao Hua in person.
Xiao Hua gave Nalan Yanran a slight nod and a smile before stepping forward without hesitation. Upon receiving the jade flowerpot, he swiftly stored it in his Storage Ring.
Turning to Nalan Jie, he spoke calmly, "Elder Nalan, I have other matters to attend to today. Since my task here is complete, I shall take my leave."
"Huh? Leaving so soon?"
Nalan Jie was briefly stunned by his abrupt departure. He had intended to persuade Xiao Hua to stay a while longer, but upon seeing his unwavering stance, he swallowed his words and simply said, "If you ever require assistance in the future, do not hesitate to seek me out."
Xiao Hua gave a final nod before departing from the Nalan Clan's residence, accompanied by Nalan Jie and Nalan Yanran as they escorted him to the entrance.
Once he was out of sight, Nalan Jie returned to his quarters, but Nalan Yanran remained rooted in place, her gaze lingering in the direction Xiao Hua had left. A trace of absentmindedness flickered in her eyes.
For some inexplicable reason, this young man gave her a strange, indescribable feeling—something she had never experienced, not even from her master or her friend, Liu Ling.
...
At the intersection of two bustling streets stood a grand and imposing building, perpetually shrouded in a thin veil of fog. The mist carried a faint yet distinct medicinal fragrance, reminiscent of refined pills.
Above the towering main gate hung a large plaque, upon which three majestic words glowed with a pale-silver radiance: Alchemist Association.
The shimmering inscription exuded an undeniable sense of prestige, causing passersby to instinctively cast it astonished and reverent gazes.
As the headquarters of the Jia Ma Empire's alchemists, even the emperor himself had to restrain his arrogance when stepping into this place. The influence wielded by the figures within these walls was enough to shake the very foundations of the empire, a testament to the alchemist profession's unparalleled status across the Dou Qi Continent.
As one of the most sought-after locations for alchemists, the association was teeming with activity. Normally elusive alchemists, rarely seen in public, moved with hurried steps, passing through the grand entrance with an air of urgency.
Yet, amidst the bustling crowd, Xiao Hua's expression remained indifferent. He paid no mind to the association's majesty or prestige—his sole purpose here was to locate the broken jade within the building and leave unnoticed.
With his powerful Spiritual Strength, he not only concealed his aura but subtly altered it, ensuring that even those with keen perception inside the association would not detect his presence.
As for his appearance, Xiao Hua had sought assistance from Ya Fei.
What she provided him was an exquisite, near-invisible mask, crafted from the ice silk of an Ice Mountain Silkworm. Cool to the touch, it was as thin as a cicada's wings, seamlessly blending with his skin as though it did not exist.
This ice-silk mask was the very same kind that Ya Fei had once given Xiao Yan in the novel—allowing him to conceal his identity when he treated Nalan Jie for the Seven Magical Spirit Saliva and later participated in the Alchemist Grand Meeting to obtain the Thawing Spirit Pill formula.
Xiao Hua had chosen not to bring Zi Yan along, knowing that her excitable nature and striking appearance would make her stand out. Given that most of the top factions recognized both her face and voice, she would attract unnecessary attention. Thus, he left her in Ya Fei's care before making his way here alone.
Silently, he slipped through the main gate. The moment he stepped inside, a rich medicinal fragrance rushed toward him, enveloping his senses. The scent carried an invigorating quality, causing passersby to instinctively take deep breaths, their bodies feeling refreshed as they lifted their gazes to take in their surroundings.
However, Xiao Hua remained unaffected. Without sparing a glance at the grand hall, he moved directly toward the Trading Area in the eastern section.
As he entered, his sharp gaze immediately scanned the space, searching for a broken jade fragment—one that contained the incomplete Sky Fire Mysterious Change technique.
It wasn't long before he spotted a familiar figure—an unscrupulous old man who possessed the Peach Blossom Flame. This man had once deceived a certain girl into trading a Tier Four medicinal formula for the flame.
Shaking his head at the memory, Xiao Hua recalled the unfortunate girl who had accepted the deal. The Peach Blossom Flame, while unique, was far from equivalent to a Tier Four formula. Yet, lacking the ability to negotiate, she had resigned herself to the trade.
Nevertheless, Xiao Hua had no interest in this matter. Without hesitation, he made his way toward a secluded corner near the entrance. His eyes narrowed slightly as they landed on a crude, tattered rock counter.
Behind it sat a skinny young man with a somewhat wretched appearance. However, despite his youthful facade, his actual age leaned more toward middle-aged.
Seeing him, the corner of Xiao Hua's lips curled ever so slightly. Finally, he had found him.
Since the man's medicinal ingredients were neither rare nor particularly valuable, few people bothered to stop and examine them. As a result, his face bore a hint of bitterness.
However, the moment he saw Xiao Hua approaching, his expression changed. His eyes lit up as he caught sight of the Tier Three Alchemist Badge on Xiao Hua's chest. Immediately, he straightened his posture and eagerly stepped forward, his demeanor turning overly flattering.
The badge Xiao Hua wore wasn't something he possessed—it was given to him by a student from Jia Nan Academy. After advancing to Tier Four and no longer had use for his old badge, the student had no use for the outdated badge and had casually handed it over. Xiao Hua accepted it, knowing it might come in handy while concealing his identity within the Jia Ma Empire.
After all, his true status as an Eighth-Tier Alchemist was bound to attract attention, and not all of it would be favorable. Some would come with malicious intent, seeking to exploit or challenge him. Thus, he had no desire to carry anything that revealed his true rank.
Moreover, he cared little for the alchemist badges issued by the Alchemist Association—only the Pill Tower's recognition mattered to him. A badge acknowledged by the Pill Tower held unparalleled prestige, making all others pale in comparison.
Even Xiao Yan, despite being a Tier Six Alchemist, had never bothered to update his alchemist badge upon returning to Jia Ma Empire.
Naturally, the student who had given Xiao Hua the badge didn't mind in the slightest—especially considering Xiao Hua's status and reputation within Jia Nan Academy.
"Sir, what are you looking for?"
The middle-aged man asked politely, his gaze filled with anticipation.
Xiao Hua glanced at him but remained silent. His sharp eyes swept across the rock counter, quickly noting that some of the medicinal ingredients stored in the jade bottles were slightly wilted—showing clear signs of deterioration.
Ignoring the rest, he focused solely on his objective: the broken black-colored jade.
It didn't take long before he spotted it.
Casually, he picked up the jade piece and examined it in his palm. The surface was rough, covered in tiny granules, and appeared to be of poor quality. Faint cracks ran across it, while traces of soil remained lodged in the crevices, as if it had been carelessly unearthed.
'Found it…'
A faint smile surfaced on Xiao Hua's lips. Without hesitation, he selected a few medicinal ingredients that, while mediocre, were at least somewhat useful.
Turning to the middle-aged man, he asked with a calm expression, "Are you looking to barter, or do you prefer to sell?"
"Grandmaster, I would like to exchange these for a tier three medicinal pill."
The middle-aged man's voice carried a hint of awkwardness, but Xiao Hua paid it no mind. At the very least, the man seemed aware that his request was somewhat excessive.
Without a word, Xiao Hua placed the items into his Storage Ring before retrieving two jade bottles and handing them over.
"These are tier three Master Advancement Pills. They allow a Dou Shi to advance by one star. Additionally, they heighten one's sensitivity to the energy of heaven and earth, increasing absorption efficiency while also strengthening the physical body."
Hearing the pill's effects, the middle-aged man gulped nervously.
He quickly open the jade bottle to inspect the contents. The moment he caught the pill's rich fragrance and observed its flawless texture, his doubts faded. With three pills inside and their quality clearly top-tier, it was evident that the young man before him had no reason to deceive him.
A joy that was difficult to conceal spread across the middle-aged man's face. A pill that could increase Dou Qi cultivation was far more valuable than other pills of the same tier, yet now he had received three of them.
Moreover, the pill offered additional benefits upon consumption—he had truly struck luck today.
Just as he was about to bow in gratitude, he suddenly realized that Xiao Hua had already vanished without a trace.
...
Xiao Hua swiftly left the Alchemist Association, avoiding Fa Ma's detection, and returned to his mansion unnoticed.
Upon arriving, he spotted Zi Yan sitting on the table, absentmindedly swinging her legs back and forth as she waited patiently.
The moment she saw him, her bored expression lit up. Without hesitation, she dashed toward him at astonishing speed, throwing herself into his arms. Though her hug wasn't suffocating, the past few days had been nothing but dull repetition for her.
Now that everything was settled, it was finally time for Xiao Hua to accompany her to the Magic Beast Mountain Range in search of medicinal ingredients, right?
"Xiao Hua, can we leave now?" she asked eagerly, her bright eyes filled with anticipation.
Xiao Hua glanced at the sky and realized it was already late afternoon. He recalled that Ya Fei had sent a letter to Fa Ma, informing him that he wouldn't be attending the alchemy exchange due to other pressing matters.
Seeing the impatient little girl before him, he chuckled and said, "Let's bid farewell to Sister Ya Fei first, then we'll leave."
"Sure!" Zi Yan responded enthusiastically.
Xiao Hua gently ruffled her hair, amused by her excitement. Now that he had fulfilled both the Imperial Family's and the Nalan Clan's requests, he had no interest in entertaining anyone else.
...
After bidding farewell to Ya Fei and Primer Tengshan, Xiao Hua left the imperial city, gently holding Zi Yan in his arms. His footsteps carried him effortlessly through the air, his figure flickering like a phantom before vanishing into the horizon.
"Should we return to your clan first, Xiao Hua?"
"No need. There's nothing happening there right now, so there's no reason for us to return."
Xiao Hua shook his head, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His thoughts lingered on a particular town near the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
"There's a town closer to the Magic Beast Mountain Range. We'll rest there before heading into the mountains."
"Okay!" Zi Yan nodded with a bright smile. She couldn't deny that she was tired—after all, every time she sensed a natural treasure, she would force Xiao Hua to stop and she excitedly search for it while he stood by and guarding her.
With Xiao Hua's speed, they should have reached their destination in less than two days. However, Zi Yan's keen senses constantly detected rare ingredients, and Xiao Hua didn't mind stopping—after all, every find meant more wealth in his pocket.
For this reason, he chose not to use his Vibrant Wings. If he flew too fast, he might miss the opportunity to collect rare or even extremely rare medicinal ingredients. As a result, their journey stretched to four days—but neither of them complained.
Zi Yan simply enjoyed Xiao Hua's company. He had always treated her kindly, indulging her every whim, keeping her company when she felt lonely, and refining pills for her. Naturally, she felt most at ease by his side.
Meanwhile, Xiao Hua didn't mind indulging her. When they first met, he had resolved not to spoil her, yet in the end, he couldn't bring himself to resist. Not that he minded—after all, having someone to accompany him on this journey brought its own kind of joy.
...
Qingshan Town, being the closest settlement to the Magic Beast Mountain Range, was often referred to as Magic Beast Town.
Normally, a town in such proximity to the mountains would be considered extremely dangerous. After all, to magical beasts, human territories meant nothing. Yet, despite this, Qingshan Town thrived, and an abundance of cultivation resources had become the norm here.
The town's prosperity was largely due to its unique population—mercenaries. These people spent their days drenching their blades in blood, forming troupes and factions as they roamed the streets, taking on missions while maintaining the town's stability.
Though mercenaries were often seen as crude and violent, they treated Qingshan Town as their home and would lay down their lives to defend it.
After securing an inn for the day, Xiao Hua left Zi Yan to rest and stepped onto the bustling streets, his sharp gaze scanning his surroundings as he searched for a particular building.
Both sides of the street were lined with numerous stores, their prime locations ensuring a constant flow of customers. The lively chatter of merchants and cultivators filled the air, blending with the occasional clinking of coins and the rustling of goods being exchanged.
Xiao Hua's eyes swept over the bustling shops as he strolled along the street. Eventually, his steps came to a halt in front of a rather spacious medicinal ingredient shop.
He lingered for a moment, murmuring to himself before stepping forward. The shop's sign, written in bold calligraphy, read "Thousand Medicine Place."
Upon entering, a faint yet rich herbal fragrance filled his senses. He glanced around, taking in the neat rows of medicinal ingredients displayed on wooden shelves. Stroking his chin thoughtfully, his sharp eyes carefully assessed the layout of the shop.
Probably because it was still morning, the store wasn't particularly crowded. As a result, his presence became even more striking—his black noble attire, adorned with intricate silver embellishments, exuded an air of elegance and prestige, making him stand out effortlessly.
His appearance was nothing short of captivating. With a tall and well-proportioned physique, he carried himself with natural grace, his every movement refined yet commanding. His long, jet-black hair was neatly tied into a high ponytail, secured with a golden, crown-like ornament that further accentuated his noble aura.
Strands of his silky black hair framed his face, which was sculpted to perfection—sharp yet harmonious features, a straight nose, and thin, well-defined lips that carried an air of aloofness.
However, what truly set him apart were his eyes—one a piercing crimson, the other a cool, cyan blue. This dual-colored gaze radiated supreme confidence and unwavering resolve.
The morning light cast a soft glow upon his flawless, jade-like skin, further accentuating his ethereal handsomeness. Even in stillness, he exuded a noble charm that was impossible to ignore.
Within the Thousand Medicine Place, young women—whether they were employees or customers—couldn't help but steal glances in his direction.
Even as the female attendants busied themselves with their tasks, and the female customers browsed through the shelves, their gazes would constantly drift toward him, mesmerized by his striking presence.
He ignored the curious gazes directed at him and casually examined the items displayed in the counters. As expected, most of the medicinal ingredients were of middle-grade quality. After all, it wasn't every day that one could find extremely rare ingredients in a place like this.
Xiao Hua wasn't here for the ingredients—he was searching for someone. However, after scanning the shop for a while without finding her, he let out a quiet sigh of disappointment and prepared to leave.
Just as he was about to turn around, a soft voice suddenly called out from behind him. He was ready to decline whatever offer was being made, but the moment he laid eyes on the speaker, he stopped in his tracks.
The young woman before him had delicate features—large, expressive eyes and a gracefully shaped jawline. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down her back, adorned with an elegant hairpin that added a touch of refinement to her appearance.
She was dressed in a fitted purple outfit, her narrow waist accentuated by a dark purple belt embroidered with golden floral patterns, highlighting her slender figure. The flowing fabric of her sleeves and skirt lent her an air of grace and elegance, as if she moved with the wind itself.
Xiao Hua had seen and known countless beauties, yet she stood out among them. While she was not an unparalleled goddess, there was a unique charm about her—an understated allure that was entirely her own. Her gentle smile carried a refreshing aura, one that seemed to brighten her surroundings effortlessly.
Xun Er had the ethereal beauty of a celestial fairy descended from the immortal realm—flawless, otherworldly, and impossible to find fault with.
Ya Fei was a breathtaking enchantress, a woman whose mere gaze and alluring figure could drive men to madness. Xiao Yu, on the other hand, possessed long, seductive legs that irresistibly drew the eyes of onlookers.
Yet, the young girl before him had something different—her waist was the narrowest and most delicate he had ever seen, a mesmerizing feature that commanded his attention.
'Little Fairy Doctor…' Xiao Hua murmured softly in his heart. 'It seems her background will follow the novel, not the manhua. That's fortunate—this way, I can protect her from the cruel fate that awaits her…'
Even though he was not one to be easily swayed by beauty, his tone unconsciously softened in response to her delicate and refreshing aura.
"I'm looking for Blood Lotus Essence and Ice Spirit Blazing Grass."
Little Fairy Doctor's beautiful eyes trembled slightly, and a hint of awkwardness surfaced on her face. A faint blush of embarrassment spread across her cheeks, revealing her limited knowledge.
Despite her exceptional skill in medicinal herbs and proficiency in healing, her experience was somewhat restricted due to her upbringing in the small town of Qingshan. It was no surprise that she had never heard of these two medicinal herbs—both were exceedingly rare and nearly unheard of in ordinary regions.
Naturally, Xiao Hua noticed her embarrassment and quickly explained their properties to her, ensuring she wouldn't feel any further discomfort.
"Blood Lotus Essence usually grows alongside Yellow Lotus Essence. Due to their similar appearance and rarity, it is difficult for those without experience to distinguish between the two."
"Similar to Yellow Lotus Essence?"
Little Fairy Doctor was momentarily stunned. She was well aware of Yellow Lotus Essence, as Thousand Medicine Place had plenty in stock. However, she had never imagined there was a medicinal herbs resembled closely to it and exceedingly rare.
Seeing that she was listening attentively, Xiao Hua continued in a calm, gentle tone.
"When I was near this store, I caught the distinct scent of Blood Lotus Essence. That proves this store has it."
Seeing that Little Fairy Doctor was still somewhat lost, Xiao Hua didn't want to make her feel more awkward. Instead, he stepped forward, heading directly toward the source of the scent, allowing her to follow behind him.
He stopped in front of a transparent display case, his gaze locking onto a small, light yellow, conical, and crystalline object.
Reaching out, he picked it up and lightly scraped the surface with his fingernail. A faint dark-red hue, resembling blood, seeped through the yellow exterior. This subtle detail was nearly imperceptible to an inexperienced eye.
Bringing the object closer, he gently sniffed it, deeply inhaling its peculiar, faintly scent of blood.
After a moment, he pulled back and held it up for Little Fairy Doctor to see. She had been silently observing the entire process, her eyes gleaming with curiosity as she absorbed every detail of his method for identifying the herb.
"This is the Blood Lotus Essence I was talking about."
Intrigued, she leaned forward and took a gentle whiff of the Blood Lotus Essence's scent. Her eyes widened, a bright gleam flashing within them, admiration surfacing in her heart for Xiao Hua's profound knowledge of medicinal herbs.
Qingshan Town wasn't large, and it was rare for anyone with deep expertise in medicinal herbs to appear here. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for Xiao Hua.
She had encountered countless young men who attempted to win her favor by discussing medicinal herbs, only to fail miserably—either because she already knew what they spoke of or because she caught them lying in an effort to impress her.
Though her knowledge had its limits, she was far from naïve. She could immediately discern falsehoods when people spoke about medicinal ingredients. That was why, unlike those pretenders, she could tell that Xiao Hua's understanding was not only genuine but also vast.
However, possessing such precise and in-depth knowledge wasn't something ordinary. It wasn't something one could acquire without a specific reason or because they are a certain profession.
"Are you an alchemist, Young Master?" she finally asked, voicing the question that had been lingering in her mind.
"That's right, young miss," Xiao Hua replied with a soft smile.
Little Fairy Doctor's eyes sparkled even brighter with excitement at his answer. Becoming an alchemist was her greatest desire, the very reason she had developed such a deep curiosity for medicinal herbs.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans for her. She possessed poison-affinity Dou Qi, a rare yet burdensome attribute. Worse still, she was born with the Woeful Poison Body.
One day, her Woeful Poison Body would inevitably erupt, claiming the lives of the two elderly figures who had cared for her as their own daughter. Their deaths would shatter her heart, leaving her drowning in guilt and self-loathing.
This was a future Xiao Hua was determined to prevent at any cost. He refused to let this gentle and kind young woman endure such a cruel fate—he would not allow her warm, radiant smile to be replaced by sorrow and regret.