Word Count: 3,377 Words
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Xiao Yan gazed at the patriarch of the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe with a knowing smile. With his Soul State Spiritual Strength and the sharp insight of an 8th-tier alchemist, he could discern at a glance that Jin Shi suffered from a particularly stubborn fire poison.
"You can see it?" Jin Shi narrowed his eyes and asked slowly.
Xiao Yan gently released Nalan Yanran's hand and turned to Jin Shi with a faint smile. "There's a fire poison in your body that causes unbearable pain at noon each day. This poison has penetrated deep into your bone marrow. Currently, you're only able to suppress it with your powerful cultivation. Otherwise, you would have turned to ashes long ago. Even so, you're close to being unable to keep it under control."
Jin Shi's gaze sharpened as he studied Xiao Yan, a trace of admiration flickering in his eyes. "This old man has heard tales of Xiao Yan from the Yan Alliance, a prodigy alchemist who, at such a tender age, outshone all competitors in the alchemy contest at the Great Meeting of Factions in the North-Western Region. I was skeptical at first, but meeting you today, I see that a true hero emerges from youth."
Xiao Yan raised his hand to stop Jin Shi's flattery and smiled faintly. "Patriarch Jin Shi, let's dispense with the pleasantries. I possess a Heavenly Flame and have resolved many fire poisons before. Even those more difficult than yours. The fire poison in your body poses no difficulty for me."
At these words, a spark of joy lit up Jin Shi's face.
"But," Xiao Yan continued.
"Patriarch Jin Shi, you should understand that even though resolving your fire poison would be simple for me, something even an ordinary low-grade 7th-tier alchemist with a Heavenly Flame could handle, my fee will still be that of a peak 7th-tier alchemist."
Xiao Yan didn't claim to be an 8th-tier alchemist. Though he possessed that level of skill, he hadn't been officially recognized yet, nor had he refined a tier 8 pill that attracted the normal two-colored Pill Lightning. Therefore, he still based his claims on his ability to refine the Great Ancestor Pill.
"Peak 7th-tier!!" Jin Shi's gaze grew sharp, his pupils constricting.
Even though Xiao Yan had understated his abilities, the words 'peak 7th-tier alchemist' alone sent shockwaves through Jin Shi's heart.
7th-tier alchemists were already scarce in the Northern Region. A peak 7th-tier alchemist was even harder to find. To seek such an expert, one would need to visit the Pill Region or the Pill Tower.
"This old man heard that Grandmaster Xiao Yan could only refine middle-grade tier 7 medicinal pills two years ago." Jin Shi quickly regained his composure, finding it difficult to believe someone could advance in alchemy so rapidly!
Xiao Yan smiled faintly, understanding such doubts were natural. He took out two brocade boxes and opened them with a click. Instantly, an intense medicinal fragrance filled the air.
This startling aroma immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
"What kind of medicinal fragrance is that!"
"I can actually feel the Dou Qi in my body beginning to boil!"
"This medicinal pill has definitely reached tier 7!"
Even the haughty Feng Qing Er couldn't hide the surprise in her beautiful eyes. Having consumed numerous precious pills herself, she recognized that this fragrance belonged to something beyond high-grade 7th-tier quality.
Tang Ying, Wang Chen, and Mu Qing Luan all looked shocked as well. They had long heard of Xiao Yan's reputation as a genius alchemist whose skills dominated the entire North-Western Region.
The reason the Yan Alliance was rising so meteorically wasn't only due to Venerable Tian Huo, a Dou Venerate, but also the reputation of the super genius alchemist Xiao Yan.
In the North-Western Region, those seeking precious medicinal pills either went to the Alchemist Association or bought from the Yan Alliance.
"Xiao Yan's alchemy skills are indeed genuine."
The two words 'medicinal pill' made even proud individuals like Tang Ying and Wang Chen feel their hearts race. They couldn't help but look on with covetous eyes. Although the contents were obscured by the brocade boxes, that did nothing to dampen their desire.
Feng Qing Er narrowed her eyes as she observed Xiao Yan's back. She murmured under her breath, "If an alchemist of this caliber could serve my tribe, he would be an invaluable asset."
With a snap, Xiao Yan closed the brocade boxes and returned them to his storage ring. Smiling, he said, "With Patriarch Jin Shi's discerning eye, you should recognize the nature of these pills. Surely, you know I'm not deceiving you."
Jin Shi's expression turned solemn. Even he could only recognize one of them. One was naturally the peak tier 7 Great Ancestor Pill, a medicinal pill that could guarantee a 100% chance of advancing to the Dou Ancestor realm, even more precious than the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool.
The other was a peak tier 7 True Life Returning Pill that Xiao Yan had refined while waiting for the opening of the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool. Its effects were even more potent than the Life Returning Pill.
For those below the Dou Venerate realm, even if their heart was shattered or their head pierced through, as long as they weren't burned to ashes or had their soul annihilated, consuming the True Life Returning Pill could preserve their life and heal their injuries. It truly wielded the power to defy death!
"Patriarch Jin Shi, it is not difficult for me to act, but there are few things that can move my heart," Xiao Yan said with a smile.
One had to know that the last time Venerable Yan took action, it was for the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame! Of course, he had only borrowed it for ten years, but it could be seen that the price for Venerable Yan's services was extremely, extremely expensive!
At this moment, even Jin Shi, the patriarch of the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe and the overlord of the Heaven Eye Mountain Range, found himself in a difficult position. The price for a peak 7th-tier alchemist's services was truly hard to afford.
"I can allow your Yan Alliance members to enter the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool directly," Jin Shi offered.
Xiao Yan merely smiled and slowly shook his head. "Patriarch Jin Shi, even without your permission, I can get her through this sonic formation. That has no value for me."
"No, no, Grandmaster Xiao Yan, you misunderstand." Jin Shi quickly waved his hand, then switched to spiritual transmission. "With each energy tide, although most of the energy condenses into the red liquid within the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool, a small portion settles and gradually seeps into the deepest part of the pool. This portion, though scarce, is exceptionally pure, perhaps due to accumulation over the ages. Unfortunately, while that place holds great treasures, it is also where the fire poison is at its thickest."
Xiao Yan's brow furrowed. "So, Patriarch Jin Shi, your fire poison originates from that location?"
Jin Shi sighed and nodded, the bitterness on his face intensifying.
"I notice this young lady is only a 7-star Dou Emperor. Her purpose in entering the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool is merely to boost her odds of reaching Dou Ancestor in the future. Moreover, Grandmaster Xiao Yan, with your Heavenly Flame to shield her, I believe she will remain unaffected by the fire poison," Jin Shi said with a hopeful smile.
"That site was first uncovered by my Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe. Many of our kin perished to open it up, making it a secret realm of our tribe. Even Feng Qing Er and the others know nothing of its existence. What do you say?"
Only now did Xiao Yan learn that Miss Feng's full name was Feng Qing Er.
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Yan shook his head once more. "Patriarch Jin Shi, this condition is appealing, but the blood pool area carries risks that still require my intervention. It's not enough."
In that instant, Xiao Yan embodied the role of the Little Clan Leader of the Xiao Clan. Since this was a negotiation, he aimed to secure the greatest possible benefit.
A peak 7th-tier alchemist had the qualifications to set a high price!
Jin Shi frowned and thought for a while before saying, "In the future, whenever Yan Alliance members enter the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool, my Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe will assist and guarantee at least one spot."
Nalan Yanran's eyes widened at his words. Hadn't the Four Pavilions and the Yan Alliance spent countless efforts precisely to secure long-term spots? Now, Xiao Yan had resolved this difficult problem just like that!
However, what surprised her even more was that Xiao Yan still shook his head!
"With the strength of my Yan Alliance, getting a spot is not difficult. The help of the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe would indeed save some effort, but it is still not enough."
At this point, even Jin Shi's face darkened. Wasn't this lion's maw a bit too wide?
Xiao Yan guessed his bottom line upon seeing his expression. He smiled faintly and said, "Not only will I purge the fire poison from your body, but I can also mend the persistent ailments and hidden injuries caused by it over the years."
Hearing that Xiao Yan could even clear the hidden injuries in his body, Jin Shi's eyes lit up with a golden light! Over the years, he had experienced battles big and small, and his body had accumulated many injuries and ailments.
"Grandmaster Xiao Yan, what further conditions do you have?"
Xiao Yan took out pen and paper. With a sweep of his hand, he wrote down a list of medicinal ingredients on the white paper.
"As long as you can provide one of these, along with the two previous conditions, I will treat your injuries and remove your poison."
Jin Shi took a look and his eyes immediately shrank. These were all main ingredients for tier 8 medicinal pills! Moreover, the vast majority were extremely precious ingredients that even the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe, occupying the entire Heaven Eye Mountain Range, would find difficult to obtain!
Then he spotted one of the medicinal ingredients, his eyes flashed, and he said, "Origin White Astragalus, my tribe has one stalk of it."
Origin White Astragalus was one of the main ingredients for the First Start Pill.
A smile appeared in Xiao Yan's eyes. He slowly extended his hand and said, "Congratulations, Patriarch Jin Shi, you have successfully convinced me to take action. The fire poison and hidden injuries in your body will all disappear."
Nalan Yanran, watching the entire process from the side, was left dumbfounded. The Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe possessed immense strength, with Jin Shi himself being a 9-star Dou Ancestor. Combined with the unique terrain of the Heaven Eye Mountain Range, even the Wind Lightning Pavilion did not dare act too overbearing here.
Yet now! While Xiao Yan stood tall and aloof, Patriarch Jin Shi showed no trace of displeasure. Instead, his face was full of delight as he quickly clasped Xiao Yan's left hand in both of his own, addressing him repeatedly as 'Grandmaster Xiao Yan.'
Xiao Yan turned to glance at Nalan Yanran behind him, raising his eyebrows as if to say: Pretty impressive, right?
Nalan Yanran shot him a sidelong look, a hint of charm flickering in her eyes: I already know your alchemy skills are formidable.
At that moment, Feng Qing Er let out a cold snort. Although she did not know what deal Xiao Yan had struck with Jin Shi, the Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe would certainly open a back door for him.
No longer dallying, Feng Qing Er activated her agility technique. Her body shimmered with seven-colored light as wind and lightning power surged around her. With effortless grace, she passed through the Rat Tide Sonic Formation.
The members of the other three pavilions each used their own unique techniques and, unsurprisingly, passed through the formation as well.
"Grandmaster Xiao Yan, Miss Nalan, this way, please." After casting a glance at the Four Pavilion members who had all passed, Jin Shi invited Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran to enter through another secret passage.
Following Jin Shi along a winding path, the two soon arrived smoothly at the base of the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool.
"Beneath the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool, my Gold Swallowing Mouse Tribe has set up a spatial barrier. Only with this item can one pass through." Jin Shi tossed something to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan caught it in one hand. A glance revealed it to be a dark-gold mouse skull. He nodded, then handed it to Nalan Yanran with a smile. "Don't worry. I don't think Patriarch Jin Shi would harbor any ill intentions toward people from my Yan Alliance."
There was a clear note of warning in his words.
Jin Shi, hearing this, could only reply with a wry smile, "Of course. Grandmaster Xiao Yan has removed the fire poison for me, making him a benefactor of my tribe."
Xiao Yan smiled, pulled out pen and paper, and quickly wrote down a long list of medicinal ingredients. He handed the list to Jin Shi and said, "These are all fairly common ingredients. Please prepare them. I'll go with her to the spatial barrier below to set up some measures to ward off the fire poison."
"Naturally, naturally." Jin Shi took the paper from Xiao Yan and nodded repeatedly.
Xiao Yan gave Nalan Yanran a nod and took the lead. As the blood pool came into view, he dove in, heading toward the spatial barrier. Watching his back, Nalan Yanran felt herself growing dazed.
"Hm? Why aren't you moving? Don't tell me you're a child who needs to be led by the hand," Xiao Yan teased, glancing back at the motionless Nalan Yanran with a grin.
Nalan Yanran's face turned slightly red at his words, "Of course not!"
Trailing behind Xiao Yan, Nalan Yanran watched his vigilant form scanning their surroundings as he walked ahead. Suddenly, a sour feeling welled up in her nose. This feeling of being protected by a man seemed completely different from the feeling her Master gave her. It was grounding, reassuring. Behind this slender back, she felt as if she could completely set her heart at ease.
Yet, her rational mind reminded her that this comforting security was fleeting. Perhaps once they left the Heaven Eye Mountain Range, it would vanish. After all, she could also sense that there was an insurmountable mountain in Xiao Yan's heart.
Passing through a hidden tunnel, Xiao Yan led Nalan Yanran smoothly to the bottom of the blood pool. With a flick of her palm, the dark-gold mouse skull appeared in her hand. Moving swiftly, she broke through the red liquid and shot down toward the depths of the blood pool.
Moments later, her descent slowed. Her eyes burned with anticipation as she gazed downward. There, the space seemed faintly distorted, and the surrounding red liquid parted as if repelled by an invisible shield.
"So this is the spatial barrier," she murmured, a flicker of solemnity crossing her eyes. She could vaguely sense just how formidable this thing was.
She raised the dark-gold skull and pressed it gently against the invisible barrier. Instantly, a brilliant light erupted from the skull, and ripples spread across the spatial barrier. Soon, a passage just wide enough for one person emerged before them.
Xiao Yan's Spiritual Strength swept through the inner space in an instant. Confirming its safety, he gave a nod of approval.
Then, he took out a brocade box and handed it to Nalan Yanran. She started in surprise. Wasn't this one of the brocade boxes from earlier!
"You're only a 7-star Dou Emperor right now, still some distance from Dou Ancestor. Inside are a Mighty Huang Pill and a Great Ancestor Pill. I just scanned the blood pool's energy with my Spiritual Strength. It carries a subtle trace of vitality. As you absorb it, your body will enter a state brimming with life, tempering your physique and refining your Dou Qi in a truly profound manner."
"With the protection of my Heavenly Flame, you won't need to fear fire poison while you're in the blood pool. With the help of these pills, as long as your talent isn't laughably poor, you should be able to break through to Dou Ancestor."
Nalan Yanran's beautiful eyes widened in sheer astonishment as she stared at the brocade box. A Great Ancestor Pill! Its worth could shake the entire Northern Region.
Even the price Jin Shi was willing to pay for Xiao Yan's help with the fire poison couldn't buy a single Great Ancestor Pill, and yet Xiao Yan was just giving it away for free!
"I can't accept this. It's too precious." If this were offered outside, even Feng Qing Er might not be able to turn down such a gift.
"Though I'm often absent from the Yan Alliance, I can guess that few within it truly shoulder the workload. As the initiator of the Yan Alliance Treaty, it's only right for me to reward our meritorious members." Xiao Yan gave a light toss, and the incomparably precious medicinal pills flew into Nalan Yanran's arms.
Then, he opened his palm, and a small, jade-white fish appeared before them.
"You've seen this Life Flame before, back at the Gate of Life and Death. With it to protect you, you can set aside any worries about fire poison." As soon as Xiao Yan finished speaking, the Life Flame swam up to Nalan Yanran and affectionately kissed her forehead.
When they fought back then, Nalan Yanran had used the power of the Life Flame. She had likely received its help in the Gate of Life and Death.
Witnessing this, Nalan Yanran's lips parted slightly. A tingling sensation pricked her nose, and her beautiful eyes shimmered as she gazed at Xiao Yan.
"When did you become so overly emotional? Even if I didn't consider your contributions to the Yan Alliance, I'd still help you for the sake of the bond between my grandfather and yours. Go on, don't waste time." Xiao Yan couldn't stand such moments and quickly waved his hand.
Suddenly, Nalan Yanran broke into a radiant smile, one so captivating that even Xiao Yan found himself momentarily entranced.
"Thank you, Xiao Yan."
With those words, she dove headfirst into the passage.
As the spatial barrier sealed shut behind her, Xiao Yan shook his head and muttered, "No need for thanks. After all, you were once my fiancée."
If one were to speak solely of destined connection, then Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan truly did share a deep one. The reason for their engagement in the first place was that, back when Xiao Lin was still alive and the Xiao Clan lived in the Sacred City, the two were born on the exact same day, month, and year.
That was why Xiao Lin and Nalan Jie had made the engagement agreement.
Xiao Yan's feet crackled with lightning. With a thunderous boom, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and rushed out of the blood pool. He still had to treat Jin Shi's injuries and remove his poison.
Meanwhile, within the spatial barrier, Nalan Yanran's entire body had turned a vivid blood-red. The immense, viscous blood-colored energy permeated every inch of her being. Even her skin, bathed in this energy, grew increasingly supple and resilient.
Enveloped by this potent energy teeming with vitality, Nalan Yanran did not immediately begin cultivating. Instead, she cradled the Life Flame in her hands, her eyes clouded with a hopeful longing. She murmured to herself, "Tell me... if I hadn't broken off the engagement back then, would things have turned out differently?"
Naturally, the Life Flame only gurgled and blew out white fire bubbles to protect Nalan Yanran, and wouldn't answer her question.
Soon, a self-mocking smile tugged at her lips. She shook her head, recalling Xiao Yan's words from long ago. Even if she hadn't ended the engagement, he would have, for his heart already belonged to another.
This was a bond fated to be a destined connection, yet without a shared fate.