Liu Xi furrowed his brows as realization dawned upon him. The invasion of the Jia Ma Empire had never been about avenging Protector Jiu—it was merely a distraction, a means to covertly annihilate the Xiao Clan.
Now that the coalition army had been obliterated, the Protector of the Hall of Souls hidden in the shadows had personally struck, eradicating the Xiao Clan in secret. The purpose was clear—he was after the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade.
'Caught completely off guard…' Liu Xi sighed inwardly. 'Truly, in life, nine out of ten things never go as planned.'
He murmured softly, "I wonder whether the Hall of Souls managed to obtain the Xiao Clan's Ancient Jade… I'm still far too weak. I need greater power—and soon."
His expression eased slightly as he turned to Yun Yun. "So, Sect Master Yun, have you come to ask for my aid against this mysterious powerhouse?"
Yun Yun gently shook her head, her tone calm and respectful. "No. You were only drawn into these matters because of the Yunlan Sect. This person's movements are strange and unpredictable. I came merely to warn you in advance."
She hesitated for a brief moment, a trace of struggle flickering in her beautiful eyes before she continued firmly, "I know the Yunlan Sect can't offer much assistance now, but if you ever encounter a foe you cannot defeat, come to Yunlan Sect. We have a forbidden area—the Gate of Life and Death. It can shield you completely. Think of it as Yunlan Sect's way of repaying its debt to you."
"Oh?" Liu Xi was a little surprised by her words. He hadn't expected Yun Yun to offer him sanctuary, much less grant him access to a sect's forbidden grounds. His gaze softened, and he smiled.
"Sect Master Yun, you're but an 8-Star Dou Huang. Aren't you afraid I might bring disaster to your sect?"
Yun Yun seemed to relax slightly, her refined features blooming with quiet pride. Meeting his gaze, she replied firmly, "Our ancestors taught us that the Yunlan Sect distinguishes clearly between gratitude and resentment. You have done us a great service, Master Liu. Even if calamity falls upon us, Yunlan Sect will bear it without regret."
As her gentle voice lingered, Yun Yun's eyes flickered briefly toward Xiao Yixian's serene grace and Zi Yan's youthful energy. Her long skirt swayed as she rose gracefully. "This mysterious figure is unpredictable. You must stay vigilant, Master Liu. Yun Yun will take her leave."
Turning elegantly, she began to walk away.
Liu Xi thought for a moment, then called out, "Sect Master Yun, can Gu He refine a Zong Breaking Pill yet?"
Yun Yun paused mid-step and turned back, a trace of hesitation in her eyes before she shook her head. "Elder Gu still cannot refine such a pill."
Liu Xi nodded—unsurprised. Gu He lacked the fortune and experience he had. "Then, when you return, gather the materials for the Zong Breaking Pill. Before I leave the Jia Ma Empire, I'll refine one for you. My payment will be same as what Elder Jia paid me."
Yun Yun froze, her expression rippling with disbelief. The Zong Breaking Pill—so rare, so precious—was something Dou Huangs would pay anything to obtain. If Yun Shan had possessed one back then, perhaps he would never have bowed to the Hall of Souls.
She whispered, "This… Yun Yun feels unworthy of such generosity."
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Does Sect Master Yun not want it?"
"I… I want it!" The words slipped out before she could stop herself. Her cheeks immediately flushed crimson, her usual composure breaking entirely.
Flustered, she turned abruptly. "Then Yun Yun will take her leave. I'll gather the ingredients and compensation as soon as possible."
Her steps were quick—almost like fleeing—and soon, her silhouette vanished from the courtyard.
Watching her go, Xiao Yixian gave Liu Xi a long, knowing look. Her voice carried a teasing chill. "Young Master, care to explain when you got so close to that beautiful Sect Master?"
Liu Xi coughed lightly. "Ah, how could that be? We're just… proper friends."
"Proper friends, huh?" Xiao Yixian's tone drew out the words, her gaze half skeptical, half amused. "Strange. It seems that Sect Master Yun has developed feelings for you—and you, Young Master, don't seem entirely indifferent either."
"I only want to strengthen the Jia Ma Empire," Liu Xi replied earnestly—then sighed under her unwavering stare. "Alright, fine… perhaps I've entertained some thoughts."
Xiao Yixian's eyes softened, though her voice was tinged with faint melancholy. "If you truly like her, then pursue her. If that beautiful Sect Master is willing to become your second wife, I won't object… Just promise me—this will be the last one."
Her words struck him deeply. To hear Xiao Yixian say such a thing moved Liu Xi beyond measure. Yet, convincing someone like Yun Yun to accept such a role… that was easier said than done.
As Xiao Yixian stood, she took Zi Yan's hand. Zi Yan stuck her tongue out playfully at Liu Xi before following her out of the courtyard, leaving him alone beneath the sunlight.
Liu Xi chuckled helplessly. "A man with blessings like this truly carries a heavy burden… The road ahead won't be easy."
---
Six days had passed since he began refining his bone wings. During that time, Jia Xingtian and the empire's high command had resolved the post-war affairs.
Shocked by the overwhelming might of the Jia Ma Empire, the neighboring forces no longer dared provoke them. With order restored, the high-ranking experts began to disperse from Black Mountain Fortress.
Liu Xi, too, left the fortress after completing his refinement and returned to Jia Ma Sacred City. Before departing the empire, there were still matters to settle.
As for the annihilation of the Xiao Clan in Wutan City—it barely caused a ripple. After all, the Xiao Clan was just a minor family, one among countless others in the empire.
A brief investigation followed, and the royal family issued strict orders to prevent similar atrocities. Beyond that, no one cared enough to pursue it further.
Only Yun Yun, remembering Protector Jiu's involvement, took mild interest. And when Liu Xi learned of it, he simply let the matter rest.
---
Seven days later, in Jia Ma Sacred City.
Liu Xi arrived at the Miteer Family Manor, where Hai Bodong personally greeted him with warm enthusiasm.
"Little friend," Hai Bodong chuckled as he ushered him into the grand hall, "if you need anything from the Miteer Family, say the word—this old man will give his all."
Liu Xi smiled and shook his head. "Elder Hai, I'll soon be leaving the Jia Ma Empire for my travels. It'll be a long journey. I only came to ask—how many sets of Zong Breaking Pill ingredients have you gathered?"
Hai Bodong's eyes widened in surprise. "You're leaving? Haha… well, I can't fault a young man for ambition! In barely over a decade, you've achieved more than most in a lifetime. As for the pill materials—after searching far and wide this past year, and with the Miteer Family's stockpiles, I've gathered two full sets. The third still lacks a few components."
"That's enough," Liu Xi replied, smiling as he lifted his teacup. "You trust me, don't you?"
"Of course!" Hai Bodong's joy was obvious. Handing over a storage ring, he said, "Here are the materials—and your payment. I'll speak to Tengshan right away to prepare the rest."
Liu Xi accepted it with a nod. "No rush, Elder Hai. We'll handle it in due time."
(End of Chapter)
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