"Ya Fei, you mentioned you just got this news. Did someone come to you about it?"
After learning Yao Lao's method, Xiao Bai pondered for a moment before looking up at the enchanting woman across from him.
"Yes."
Ya Fei's delicate face froze, surprised that he'd guessed even this. She nodded slightly, her gaze flickering to the grim-faced Xiao Yan before continuing, "Just now… Nalan Yan Ran from the Nalan family approached me. She wanted to use Miteer Auction House's information network to track down an alchemist who possesses a Heavenly Flame."
"Hmph, that woman… so impatient, is she?" Xiao Yan's eyes turned cold, his voice icy.
Seeing Xiao Yan's suddenly sharp gaze, Ya Fei's beautiful eyes paused, surprised. "You already knew?"
"Knew what? Ignore him, keep talking!" Xiao Bai waved his hand, cutting off their mismatched conversation.
Ya Fei was likely about to mention Na Lan Jie, while Xiao Yan assumed Na Lan Yan Ran was acting on behalf of Yun Lan Sect, hunting for his whereabouts.
Ya Fei looked confused but suppressed her doubts at Xiao Bai's prompting. She mused, "The Na Lan family's patriarch, several years ago, fought a fifth-tier magical beast, an Iron Brand Poison Python. Though he won, he was poisoned by it—a notorious toxin called Branding Poison."
"For years, he relied on his formidable cultivation to suppress the poison's outbreaks. But suppression isn't a cure. Half a month ago, the latent Branding Poison erupted fully, and the patriarch collapsed."
"Now, the entire Na Lan family is on edge, desperately seeking an alchemist to help."
"And the reward for curing Patriarch Na Lan includes that Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva."
"Seeking an alchemist? As the young mistress of Yun Lan Sect, would she really look far afield? What about Gu He?" Xiao Yan, realizing his earlier misunderstanding, frowned and asked.
"That's something Gu He can't handle," Xiao Bai shook his head. Meeting Xiao Yan's gaze, he teased, "He can't do it, but you can! Want to give it a shot?"
"Brother Bai, I'm flattered you think so highly of me, but if Gu He, a sixth-grade alchemist, can't manage, what can a measly second-grade like me do?" Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, spreading his hands helplessly.
"Heh…" Yao Lao chuckled.
"…" Xiao Bai.
Glancing at the black ring on Xiao Yan's hand, he thought, This master and disciple duo—damn, even their tone is identical!
"Did you forget? Ya Fei just mentioned they're looking for an alchemist with a Heavenly Flame," Xiao Bai shot a look at Xiao Yan, who was still playing the helpless act, and said dryly.
"Huh?"
Xiao Yan scratched his head, the realization hitting him. Thinking of Yun Lan Sect's wanted notice, a strange satisfaction welled up, and his lips curved into a grin. "Haha! Serves them right! Yun Lan Sect's hunting for someone, yet the Na Lan family's begging for help. Are they here to play a joke?"
"Xiao Bai, he's awfully smug!" Zi Yan, sprawled on the table with her chin propped in her hands, stared at the cackling Xiao Yan with her big eyes.
Xiao Bai patted her small head, smiling warmly. "Yup, that's what you call a petty man reveling in his moment. Don't learn from him!"
Xiao Yan's laughter stopped abruptly, his face flushing as he glared at the shameless pair. Fine, fine, I can't deal with these two. I'll let it slide for now! he consoled himself.
Ya Fei, watching the scene, covered her mouth with a soft laugh. Her gaze on Xiao Yan flickered with surprise. "I never imagined Young Master Xiao Yan possessed a marvel like a Heavenly Flame!"
"Heh, just luck, pure luck. And I owe it all to Brother Bai for giving me the chance!" Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, grinning sheepishly.
At this, Ya Fei's expressive eyes shifted to Xiao Bai, her curiosity deepening. The man seemed ever more mysterious, tempting her to draw closer and uncover his secrets.
"Right, Brother Bai, even if I could try, going there would put me right under Yun Lan Sect's nose!" Xiao Yan, now thinking it through, realized that while the conditions were there, the situation was far from simple.
"Why go there?" Xiao Bai said calmly. "Our goal is the Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva, but right now, the Na Lan family is the desperate one, not us."
His gaze settled on Ya Fei's peach-blossom eyes, his voice soft. "Ya Fei, do me a favor. Leak a message to the Na Lan family—say we've found someone who can handle the Branding Poison. Let them bring their people here."
"Got it!" Ya Fei nodded promptly, her eyes smiling as she asked gently, "If they ask who it is, should I give your name directly?"
"No," Xiao Bai mused for a moment, shaking his head. "From now on, call me Mr. Bai."
Na Lan Yan Ran had seen him once in Wu Tan City. Though his appearance had changed, with Xiao Yan here, it was better to avoid the Xiao surname to steer clear of trouble.
"Also, get a disguise mask for this kid. Miteer Auction House should have something like that, right?"
"Such masks are rare, but there's one at the auction house. I'll have it sent over shortly," Ya Fei said, standing with a smile. "Shall I go notify them now?"
"Please, and thank you," Xiao Bai nodded, rising to see her out.
As they reached the courtyard gate, Ya Fei suddenly paused, turning her head slightly, her red lips parting softly. "You know… you don't have to be so formal with me."
With that, her beautiful eyes lingered on him for a moment before she turned and left, her graceful figure carrying a hint of melancholy.
Xiao Bai stood at the gate, watching her retreating form, his brows lowering as his thoughts wandered. After a long moment, he shook his head and returned to the courtyard.
"Brother Bai, will the Na Lan family really believe such a vague claim and come here?" Xiao Yan asked as Xiao Bai returned.
"When someone's on the brink of death, they'll clutch at even the slimmest hope, no matter how faint. No one wants to die," Xiao Bai said, sitting at the table and pouring himself a cup of tea. Sipping it, he gradually reined in his emotions, his voice steady.
"So when they come, do I act, or do you? If I do, won't it leave traces and expose me?" Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with worry. The figure from Mo City loomed like a mountain in his heart.
Though Brother Bai lacked a Heavenly Flame, Xiao Yan believed he could handle it just as well.
"You'll act. It'll benefit you. Your breakthrough to nine-star might just depend on Na Lan Jie," Xiao Bai said, waving a hand. Na Lan Jie's Dou Qi was beneath his notice, but it was perfect for Xiao Yan right now. He continued, "As for exposure, don't worry too much. The Na Lan family isn't that foolish, and we… won't cure him in one go."
"Later, I'll demand the Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva upfront. Once your teacher recovers some strength and Cai Lin arrives, exposure won't matter."
"Benefits for me? What benefits?" Xiao Yan's eyes were puzzled. Could treating someone's injury really help me break through?
"You'll see soon enough," Xiao Bai said, cradling his teacup, his tone casual.
___
Time passed swiftly, and the Na Lan family moved fast—within an hour.
A middle-aged man and a beautiful young woman, led by Ya Fei, arrived at the courtyard gate with expressions of cautious hope, knocking softly.
Seeing the visitors, Xiao Yan's eyes twitched beneath his mask, his hands trembling slightly in his sleeves, his gaze locked on the pair.
"Mr. Bai, this is Na Lan Su, the head of the Na Lan family, and this… is Miss Na Lan Yan Ran," Ya Fei said, her refined elegance restored, a polite smile on her face as she introduced them.
"You're Mr. Bai?" Na Lan Su's eyes landed on the black-robed man by the table, his brow furrowing slightly.
Suspicion stirred in his heart, along with a touch of irritation. This is the person the Miteer family vouched for?
"Young friend, I hear from Niece Ya Fei that you can treat my father's Branding Poison?" Despite his displeasure, Na Lan Su's face remained warm, his tone friendly.
"Young friend?" Xiao Bai neither confirmed nor denied, remaining seated. He gestured to the chairs opposite. "Please, sit."
"My apologies," Na Lan Su nodded slightly and took a seat, his doubts easing a fraction as he noted the black-robed youth's calm demeanor.
As someone accustomed to authority, he knew most people couldn't stay so composed in his presence.
"Yan Ran… Yan Ran!" Seeing his daughter standing dazed, staring at the pair, Na Lan Su frowned and called out sternly.
"Sorry, my apologies!" Na Lan Yan Ran snapped back, hastily clasping her fists in a salute before sitting, her brows knitting slightly. "Mr. Bai, have we met somewhere before?"
"My face is a common one. Many have said the same, Miss Na Lan," Xiao Bai glanced at the moon-robed woman, shaking his head lightly.
"…" The room fell silent.
"Enough idle talk. Have you brought the patient?" Xiao Bai waved a hand, cutting to the chase, uninterested in further banter.
"This…" Na Lan Su hadn't expected such directness. Shouldn't you prove your ability first before we discuss next steps?
"It seems you have doubts. That's only natural," Xiao Bai said, a playful edge to his voice as he noted Na Lan Su's hesitation. "I've given you the opportunity. Whether you take it is up to you, but decide soon."
"After all, each day delayed strengthens the poison's outbreak. You can hesitate, but I wonder if the poisoned one at home can afford to."
"Mr. Bai, might you grace us with a visit, so the Na Lan family can show our hospitality?" Na Lan Yan Ran, seeing her father's conflicted expression, smiled calmly and spoke up.
"A physician doesn't beg at doors," Xiao Bai replied, his gaze lingering on her briefly before delivering the four words with unshakable calm.
He had no desire to visit the Na Lan family. If he ran into certain people there, he might not resist the urge to deal with them first.
"Mr. Bai, are you truly confident you can cure my father?" Na Lan Su, still cautious, wrestled with his thoughts. The youth's demeanor didn't seem like a jest, but his young face fueled doubt.
"If you don't believe me, feel free to leave," Xiao Bai said, shaking his head at the indecisive middle-aged man.
Na Lan Su's eyes widened, his gaze on Xiao Bai tinged with shock. He'd only wanted to probe the youth's depths, but this guy didn't play by the rules—he'd issued an eviction notice!
"No misunderstanding, sir. My father's worried for the patriarch and is naturally cautious. Please don't take offense," Na Lan Yan Ran interjected swiftly, easing the tension with a smile. "This is Miteer family territory, and it's inconvenient to impose. Might sir consider coming with us?"
"Rest assured, no matter your methods, the Na Lan family will only be grateful, and the reward will surely satisfy you."
Xiao Bai's gaze turned odd as he looked at Yun Zhi's disciple.
Tch, Na Lan Yan Ran's trying to bait me. Did she think he avoided their home out of fear that he couldn't cure the poison and would face their wrath?
"Heh, no need to worry, Miss Na Lan. The sir is Hai Lao's honored guest. Hai Lao has said his word is as good as his own, so there's no question of imposition," Ya Fei, who had been quietly observing, suddenly spoke, her voice devoid of warmth, her eyes flashing coldly.
"Hai Lao…"
"The Ice Emperor…"
Gasps escaped Na Lan Su and Na Lan Yan Ran, their shocked gazes locking onto the youth. For a Dou Huang powerhouse to treat him as an honored guest, his abilities needed no further proof—he was no fraud!
Hai Bo Dong had lived in seclusion for decades, his name nearly faded in Jia Ma Empire. But two years ago, word spread that the Miteer family's supreme elder had returned, his reputation surging once more.
Only then did they learn of this legendary Dou Huang from the older generation.
"Very well! Since Sister Ya Fei's family has no objections, we'll return and bring the patriarch at once. We leave it in Mr. Bai's hands!" Na Lan Yan Ran exchanged a glance with her father, decisively agreeing.
"No need for pleasantries. I expect payment," Xiao Bai said with a smile.
"Heh, Mr. Bai is straightforward. Rest assured, once the patriarch recovers, the Na Lan family won't—" Na Lan Yan Ran began, but Xiao Bai cut her off with a wave.
"You misunderstand," he said, meeting her puzzled gaze with a calm tone. "Patriarch Na Lan's poison has lingered for years, seeping into his marrow. It won't be cured in one session. When he arrives, I'll show you results, but you must show your sincerity first."
"What sincerity does Mr. Bai require?" Na Lan Su's eyes fixed on Xiao Bai, his voice low.
"The Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva," Xiao Bai said, toying with his teacup, glancing at Na Lan Su with a leisurely tone.
Na Lan Yan Ran's eyes flashed with realization. "I see… No wonder Sister Ya Fei replied so quickly today. So, sir's target was our family's Seven Illusions Green Spirit Saliva!"
"It's fair, isn't it? It's already part of your promised reward. I'm merely collecting it early," Xiao Bai shrugged, unbothered.
"Fine!" Na Lan Su gritted his teeth, nodding firmly. "If you show us results, you'll get what you want!"
With that, Na Lan Su and Na Lan Yan Ran turned and left.
"Brother Bai, could you discern her cultivation?" Xiao Yan, watching their figures vanish, took a deep breath before asking calmly.
"She's got a protective treasure, making it hard to probe deeply. Her energy fluctuates strongly, likely in the final stages of some secret technique. But she's stronger than you are now."
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