As soon as Xiong Zhan's voice fell, ripples surged across the ten-zhang-wide deep pool, spreading outward. Before long, a majestic aura rose from within the depths.
Gululu—
The center of the pool began to bubble like boiling water, releasing a chain of bubbles that burst one after another.
Splash!
A dark shadow suddenly shot out from the pool, sending waves of water spraying into the air. The shadow was not particularly large—barely two meters long—but its entire body was covered in blue scales patterned with tiger-like stripes. A fierce aura emanated from it, and its gaping maw revealed rows of razor-sharp fangs that gleamed with a chilling light.
Its gaze turned sharply toward the shore, where Xiong Zhan stood with his arms folded. The beast's eyes flickered with an almost human fear, and when it spoke, its tone was filled with deference.
"Respected Bear King, to what do I owe the honor of your visit today?"
Xiong Zhan lifted his chin slightly and pointed toward the massive boulder behind the creature. "I've come to ask for some Pill Spirit Pulp."
Following his gaze, the Flood Dragon looked toward the boulder. Realizing what Xiong Zhan was after, its eyes darkened with resentment, and a wave of helpless sorrow rippled through its heart.
That green liquid was the foundation of its awakening—it was because of it that it had gained intelligence and reached the 7th Rank. And now, it seemed it could no longer keep it.
Turning back, the Blackwater Tiger Flood Dragon faced the overwhelming aura emanating from Xiong Zhan. It dared not show even a hint of defiance and lowered its head submissively.
"Since Bear King desires it, I would not dare refuse…"
"Don't worry. I won't take it for free."
Xiong Zhan turned to Liu Xi with a grin. "Master Liu, the rest is up to you."
Liu Xi stepped forward calmly, studying the two-meter-long creature before him. He knew that once it entered combat, it could easily transform into a colossal beast spanning over a hundred meters.
Though his expression remained composed, the Flood Dragon could feel the oppressive power rolling off Liu Xi's body—no weaker than that of Xiong Zhan's. A wave of searing heat radiated from him, making the water-attribute beast tremble uncontrollably.
"Lord…" the Flood Dragon murmured.
Liu Xi nodded lightly. He knew well that what a Magical Beast desired most was to assume human form—retaining the lifespan of a beast while gaining the potential of a human cultivator.
"I'll trade you a 7th Tier Body Transformation Pill for two-thirds of your Pill Spirit Pulp," Liu Xi said calmly. "This pill can help Magical Beasts awaken intelligence and advance in form. I'll leave you a share."
Having traveled the Central Plains for years, Liu Xi—now a renowned 8th Tier Alchemist—had long since obtained the rare Body Transformation Grass required to refine such a pill. It was originally prepared for Zi Yan, but looking at the girl's current adorable form, he thought perhaps letting her grow naturally was better.
Xiong Zhan's brows rose in surprise. He hadn't expected Liu Xi to offer something so valuable. The Body Transformation Pill was an irresistible lure to any beast.
And indeed, the Blackwater Tiger Flood Dragon's reaction proved it.
Its head lifted high, eyes gleaming with unrestrained desire as it gazed at the pill in Liu Xi's hand. "Lord, I am willing to trade!"
With that pill, it was confident it could one day break through to the 8th Rank, perhaps even rival Xiong Zhan himself.
Liu Xi smiled faintly, pleased by how smoothly things were proceeding. With a flick of his wrist, a fine jade bottle appeared in his hand—the 7th Tier Body Transformation Pill he had refined earlier.
He tossed it casually toward the Flood Dragon. With two Dou Zuns standing before it, there was no way the creature would dare to betray him.
The Flood Dragon caught the jade bottle reverently. The whiskers on both sides of its snout trembled with excitement. The deal had been more than fair—Liu Xi had promised to leave one-third of the Pill Spirit Pulp behind.
From sorrow to elation, the Flood Dragon now felt it had truly profited.
'Not a loss at all!'
As for Liu Xi—he never lost in a trade. With this Pill Spirit Pulp, combined with the Heavenly Jade Essence, he could perfectly harmonize the Core Soul Marrow and elevate his Spiritual Power to the High Level Spirit Realm.
Its value far surpassed that of a single Body Transformation Pill.
The creature moved aside, and Liu Xi stepped up to the massive moss-covered boulder. Within the hole at its center, the emerald-green liquid shimmered like jade, releasing a delicate fragrance.
He took out a jade bottle and a matching spoon, carefully collecting the Pill Spirit Pulp one scoop at a time until two-thirds had been filled.
Satisfied, he sealed the bottle and turned around, cradling Zi Yan in his arm. She leaned lazily against him, eyes half-closed.
"Brother Xiong, let's head back. I'll need to borrow your cave for a bit," Liu Xi said with a faint smile.
Xiong Zhan slapped his chest heartily. "Master Liu, you're too polite! My cave is yours to use as you please. I'll stand guard—no one will disturb you!"
At his words, Zi Yan smirked proudly while Cao Ying, standing to the side, could only sigh internally.
'Why do I feel like I'm the outsider here…?'
After Liu Xi's group departed, the Flood Dragon glided back toward the boulder. True to Liu Xi's word, a third of the jade-green liquid remained. Glancing at the bottle in its claw, it let out a silly laugh.
'To think I gained all this without even leaving my lair… fortune truly favors the bold!'
With a splash, it dove joyfully back into the pool, water spraying in all directions.
Meanwhile, Liu Xi, Zi Yan, and Cao Ying followed Xiong Zhan to his mountain cave. Under his dominion, even the guardian beasts lay flat on the ground, wagging their tails obediently like loyal hounds.
Inside, Cao Ying's eyes widened in astonishment. The vast interior was filled with mountains of rare herbs and spiritual plants—the entire Ten Thousand Medicinal Mountain Range's treasures seemed to have been gathered here.
"By the heavens… so many medicinal ingredients! Did he move the entire mountain range in here?"
Her voice was full of awe. Then, turning to Liu Xi, her eyes sparkled mischievously. "Master Liu, would it be alright if I…"
Liu Xi gave her a casual glance. The yearning in her gaze was obvious—no Alchemist could remain calm before such riches.
"All of this belongs to Brother Xiong," Liu Xi said evenly. "If there's anything you need, trade with him directly. You're a high-ranking Alchemist yourself—fair exchange is best."
With that, he nodded to Xiong Zhan and let Zi Yan lead the way toward her private quarters. Xiong Zhan stood guard outside while Zi Yan stayed within.
Only then did Liu Xi finally relax.
(End of Chapter)
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