Jia Xing Tian's eyes narrowed as he studied the calm young man before him, his expression growing solemn.
He couldn't gauge this person's cultivation level, but the earlier shout had revealed a strength that was far from ordinary! The soul, ethereal and elusive, was something only alchemists could harness to some extent. Yet, he had never seen it wielded in combat like this.
This Mu family—what a mess they've stirred up, Jia Xing Tian thought, a mix of frustration and headache brewing.
Within the empire, the major families each played their own game. The Nalan family hedged their bets, swaying between the empire and the Yun Lan Sect. The Miteer family, with a Dou Huang in their ranks, stuck to commerce and remained neutral. Only the Mu family stayed loyal to the royal house.
Mu Chen, that stubborn fool, had always been overly protective of his kin, causing no small amount of complaints. Jia Xing Tian had heard the rumors but let it slide since it never escalated into chaos.
But now, they'd provoked someone even more protective, and the situation had spiraled into this mess. If I'd known, I wouldn't have bothered coming, he grumbled internally. Caught between a rock and a hard place, he was in a bind.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he had to protect Mu Chen. Failing to do so would spark rumors that the royal family was cold and ungrateful, even to its loyal allies. Other families might grow distant, their loyalty wavering.
Yet, shielding Mu Chen meant facing this young man, whose calm demeanor—despite knowing Jia Xing Tian's strength—spoke volumes. If a fight broke out, there was a real chance someone might fall today.
Jia Xing Tian wasn't afraid of a battle, but what came after? If he fell, his granddaughter Ye'er, still young and inexperienced, wouldn't be able to hold the empire's factions in check.
The royal family could crumble!
___
Xiao Bai, watching the old man in the hemp robe wrestle with his thoughts, remained unhurried. He was curious to see what choice Jia Xing Tian would make.
He hadn't intended to kill anyone. Whether the two Mu family members lived or died meant little to him.
He'd paused only because a sudden thought struck him: the royal family might have the Phantom Spirit Grass needed for the Three-Seven Soul Spirit Liquid. This was a chance to test the waters.
"Sir, today's incident was indeed the Mu family's fault, but their crime doesn't warrant death. I ask you to show mercy. On behalf of the Jia Ma royal family, I would be deeply grateful!"
After much deliberation, Jia Xing Tian decided to try resolving the conflict peacefully, avoiding a direct confrontation.
"Deeply grateful? Is that all?" Xiao Bai's gaze turned playful, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Oh?"
Jia Xing Tian's eyes lit up. Having been emperor for so long, he caught the implication immediately—this young man had demands! Whatever he wanted, as long as it was negotiable, there was room to maneuver. Relieved, he fixed his gaze on Xiao Bai and asked slowly, "What does Sir desire?"
Xiao Bai smiled lightly, unhurriedly retrieving a list from his storage ring. With a flick of his finger, he sent it floating to Jia Xing Tian. "The herbs on this list—deliver them to the Miteer family within three days."
The list included Phantom Spirit Grass and other herbs needed for refining the Thunder Yuan Pill. This was a chance to see if the royal family could gather them.
Jia Xing Tian scanned the list and, finding the items not overly rare, let out a relieved smile. "Rest assured, Sir. I'll have the royal stores searched. Anything we have will be delivered within three days!"
"Acceptable." Xiao Bai nodded slightly, then added, "One more thing…"
Jia Xing Tian's heart sank, his brows furrowing. He'd thought the list was the end, but there was more? His cloudy eyes turned wary, but he said nothing, waiting for Xiao Bai to continue.
"You owe me a favor."
Jia Xing Tian's body tensed, his aura surging but restrained, his voice growing cold. "Isn't that a bit excessive?"
A favor from a peak Dou Huang was no small matter, especially with his lifespan dwindling. If this young man demanded something outrageous, it might be better to fight to the death now!
"Excessive?" Xiao Bai seemed unfazed by the old man's aura, his expression as calm as a gentle breeze. "Compared to the survival of your Jia Ma royal family, it's a bargain, don't you think? And rest assured, this favor will be something you'll be happy to fulfill."
Jia Xing Tian's face flickered with uncertainty. The nerve of this Mu Chen—part of me wants to turn around and slap him dead! After a long pause, he nodded firmly. "Fine! If it's as you say, I'll gladly help without delay. But if it's something unreasonable, don't blame me for refusing!"
"Deal."
A slight smile curved Xiao Bai's lips. He was satisfied—his second "power bank" was secured.
The first, of course, was the old man nearby, who'd been watching the drama unfold for quite a while.
With the matter settled, Xiao Bai took Zi Yan's hand and turned to leave.
As he did, his fingers twitched, and a flash of lightning streaked through the air, slicing across the space.
"You—!"
Jia Xing Tian's anger flared, but as he spun around, he saw the bolt wasn't aimed at Mu Chen, who lay on the ground, but at the young man in green beside him.
"Pfft!"
Mu Zhan was sent flying, crashing hard into a pillar behind him. A spray of crimson blood escaped his lips as he slumped to the floor.
"His death can be spared, but he can't escape punishment. That's the price for his filthy mouth," Xiao Bai said coolly, pausing briefly at the hall's entrance. His clear voice echoed through the room.
Some in the crowd, seeing Mu Zhan's sorry state, felt a surge of satisfaction. This bully had long run rampant in the capital—finally, someone had put him in his place.
"Bleh! Serves you right for yapping and calling me a country bumpkin!" Zi Yan stuck out her tongue and made a face before skipping after Xiao Bai.
"So, was the banquet fun?"
"Not fun at all! I'd rather go play with Little Blue. No more of these stupid banquets!"
"Haha…"
As the large and small figures walked away, their voices drifting back, the three Nalan family members exchanged glances and gave wry smiles.
"Ya Fei, it's late. Aren't you leaving?"
Hearing Xiao Bai's voice, Ya Fei's dim peach-blossom eyes sparkled. She hurriedly chased after the faint silhouette outside the hall.
"Ice old man, your Miteer family sure knows how to play—using a beauty to rope in a figure like that!" Jia Xing Tian glanced in a certain direction, his tone sour.
At his words, the crowd stirred. Another powerhouse was present at this lively night?
"Haha, old monster, I thought you'd fall tonight! Who'd have guessed the once-domineering Emperor would hesitate?"
A white-haired old man in a plain blue robe appeared in the hall, grinning at Jia Xing Tian with a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Oh? You're so sure that young man could make me fall?" Jia Xing Tian clasped his hands behind his back, a proud smile on his face, though his eyes grew heavy.
The hall's occupants were stunned, straining their ears to catch if this was true.
"Heh, old fool, don't act tough. If you weren't wary, you wouldn't have been so diplomatic!" Hai Bo Dong chuckled, seeing through Jia Xing Tian's proud facade to the caution in his eyes.
"I didn't want to fight, but not just because of him," Jia Xing Tian said, glancing at Hai Bo Dong with clear meaning.
"You're worried we'd team up?" Hai Bo Dong caught his implication instantly.
Against Xiao Bai alone, the old monster might have tested the waters. But with Hai Bo Dong watching like a tiger, he had to think twice.
Jia Xing Tian gave a noncommittal smile, then sighed. "This Master Bai, at such a young age, with such cultivation and skill… I wonder what kind of figure his teacher must be!"
"Hey, old man, don't try fishing for info from me," Hai Bo Dong said with a laugh. "Take my advice: don't cross him. He might not care about this little Jia Ma Empire, but those around him? If not for his sake, they might've already moved against the empire."
Having lived in the desert for years, Hai Bo Dong knew some things about the Snake-People Tribe. That woman in the desert had broken through to Dou Zong two years ago but had made no moves since—likely because of Xiao Bai.
The hall fell silent, the crowd reeling from this bombshell.
Jia Xing Tian's mind raced, though his face remained calm. Who? Someone targeting the Jia Ma Empire? The Chu Yun Empire? Yan Luo? And what role does this old man play?
"For his sake?" After fruitless pondering, Jia Xing Tian seized on Hai Bo Dong's words. "Does this Master Bai have some connection to our Jia Ma Empire?"
Hai Bo Dong shook his head, recalling the fleeting glimpse of a peak Dou Huang who'd stopped the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor in the desert, and the terrifying woman soon to arrive. Shivering, he waved a hand. "You'll find out eventually. For old times' sake, one last warning: keep your promises to him. Show some goodwill, or you won't like the consequences."
The hall grew quiet, eyes flickering with thought. If Hai Bo Dong wasn't joking, this Master Bai was truly untouchable.
Glancing pityingly at the terrified Mu family pair, Nalan Jie and his son felt a surge of relief. Thankfully, they hadn't put on airs before Xiao Bai.
Though Hai Bo Dong had revealed only fragments, it was enough to glimpse the terrifying influence behind Master Bai—not to mention his own mysterious strength! That little girl by his side, with such power at her age, wasn't something an ordinary faction could nurture.
"Oh, right, Yanran," Nalan Jie suddenly said, turning to his granddaughter. "Master Bai mentioned he's attending the Alchemist Conference tomorrow. You should go too. He's new here, so do your part as a host."
"Yes, Yanran," Nalan Su added seriously. "I think Master Bai has a good impression of you. Make sure to treat him well tomorrow!"
"…!" Nalan Yanran was speechless.
"…!" The hall's occupants were stunned.
"Hm?"
Jia Xing Tian looked surprised, turning to Hai Bo Dong. "Is this Master Bai an alchemist?"
"No, but a young friend of his is. He's probably going to accompany him tomorrow," Hai Bo Dong said, shaking his head. He didn't know Xiao Bai was an alchemist. Back when Xiao Bai promised to help, he'd only mentioned finding an alchemist—likely the elder in his ring.
"Heh, then I'll stop by tomorrow to see what kind of talent surrounds Master Bai," Jia Xing Tian said with a smile, glancing at a corner of the hall. "Little Yue'er, it's late. Come back with me. Stop running around all day!"
"Oh…" A quirky little girl shuffled over reluctantly, standing obediently by his side.
"Nalan girl, Liu Ling boy, pass my regards to your teachers," Jia Xing Tian said, lifting the little princess with one hand and nodding to two others in the hall.
He spared a glance at the Mu family pair, noting their injuries weren't life-threatening, and ignored them.
"Don't look at me like that," Hai Bo Dong said, rolling his eyes at Jia Xing Tian's gaze. "The Miteer family isn't scheming anything. I'm retired, and as for him? I don't have the ability to control what he does. You'll have to talk to him yourself."
"Heh, we're all getting old. No need to meddle in these headaches. I'll visit soon, and we can have tea and chat—much more pleasant," Jia Xing Tian said, his tone softening.
"Hmph." Hai Bo Dong gave a cold laugh, knowing the old monster still didn't trust him. Too lazy to argue, he let it slide. With Xiao Bai's connection, no matter how the Jia Ma Empire changed, the Miteer family would remain untouched.
"I'm off!" Hai Bo Dong yawned, waved, and left.
Watching him go, Jia Xing Tian sighed, feeling weary. Dark currents were stirring in the empire.
Once, the Yun Lan Sect was the only threat. Now, it seemed the Miteer family was growing restless too.
___
The Next Day, Early Morning
The sky was a brilliant blue, cloudless and vast.
The sunlight was warm but not scorching, and a gentle breeze brought a refreshing comfort—a rare, perfect day.
Alchemists, usually a rare sight, walked the streets in groups of three or five, all heading in the same direction.
Crowds lined the roads, their eyes burning with awe and excitement as they watched the alchemists pass.
This spectacle came only once every eight years.
Today was the Jia Ma Empire's grand event—the Alchemist Conference, held every eight years, was about to begin.
"Damn, Brother Bai, looks like the competition's fierce!" Xiao Yan said, eyeing the crowd of alchemists dressed like him. "Aren't alchemists supposed to be rare? Where'd all these guys come from?"
"Alchemists are rare when it comes to high-tier ones. Your 'honorable second-grade' status doesn't count," Xiao Bai said with a faint smile, glancing at the badge on Xiao Yan's chest.
Xiao Yan was speechless, muttering to himself, This guy's definitely jealous of my badge! Yeah, that's gotta be it!
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