Once they decided to leave, they didn't hesitate.
Xiong Zhan had already emptied out all the wealth he had accumulated over the years—everything was now stored inside the jade ring that rested in Liu Xi's hand. When they reached the mouth of the cavern, Xiong Zhan raised a hand to stop them from taking off on their own, then let out a thunderous whistle. A massive 7th Rank azure eagle swooped down from the clouds, landing before them with wings spread wide. "Let's ride," he said gruffly, motioning for Liu Xi and the others to climb aboard.
Liu Xi was happy to oblige. Together with Cao Ying and Zi Yan, he mounted the giant eagle's back. Xiong Zhan followed, stamping once on the ground.
With a powerful beat of its wings, the azure eagle surged into the sky, cutting through the wind like a released arrow as it sped toward the Pill Realm's exit.
The wind howled past their ears. Below them, countless tiny figures—Alchemists of every kind—were visible, all racing toward the same destination.
Half a day later, Liu Xi stood upon the eagle's back with his hands clasped behind him, gazing into the distance. Far ahead, a vast plaza came into view, dotted with countless figures—some standing, some waiting.
"All right," Liu Xi said lightly, "this is where we part ways. We'll meet again later."
Zi Yan nodded, her eyes reluctant but understanding. She knew she couldn't appear before the outside crowd. "Okay, Big Brother."
Liu Xi reached out and gently rubbed her head before glancing at Xiong Zhan. "Brother Xiong, we'll be heading over first."
Scratching his head, Xiong Zhan laughed heartily. "Good! Take care, Master Liu."
Liu Xi smiled and nodded, then turned to Cao Ying. "Cao Ying, let's go."
She returned his gaze with a charming smile. The closer they drew to the exit, the more her old bearing returned—the confident and enchanting "Cao Family Demoness" was once again revealing her true self.
Inside the Pill Realm, freedom had been a luxury. Even someone as strong-willed as Cao Ying couldn't help softening within its confines.
Liu Xi tapped the eagle's back with his foot and leapt gracefully into the air, gliding toward the plaza ahead. Cao Ying followed closely, her figure graceful and light as she flew beside him.
After a brief pause, she spoke softly, "Master Liu, once we're out, I can petition the Pill Tower to reopen the Pill Realm after the Pill Gathering. That way, I can release Venerable Xiong and your… adoptive little sister."
Liu Xi turned his head slightly, expression calm. He raised a finger to his lips in a quieting gesture, his tone gentle yet firm. "There's no need, Miss Cao Ying. Just keep this between us. Treat it as a secret between friends. Can you do that?"
Though his voice was mild, Cao Ying could see the unwavering resolve in his eyes—this was not up for debate.
But the question gnawed at her. 'If the Pill Realm won't reopen… how will he meet that girl again?' The thought alone sent a chill down her spine. Still, after a moment's hesitation, she nodded earnestly. "You can rest assured, Master Liu. I'll keep this secret buried within me. No one else will ever know."
Zi Yan's entry into the Pill Realm was, after all, a violation of the rules. It was best that this knowledge ended here.
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "That's better. Friends should understand and protect each other's secrets—that's what true friendship means."
Cao Ying covered her lips with a laugh, her tone playful. "Don't worry, Master Liu. Since I promised, I'll keep it. After all, we're good friends now~"
Seeing her expression, Liu Xi's lips curved upward slightly. He trusted her—once Cao Ying gave her word, she wouldn't betray it.
"Let's go," he said.
Accelerating his speed, Liu Xi streaked through the sky toward the plaza ahead. Cao Ying, watching his back, smiled coquettishly and twisted her waist before increasing her pace to match his.
The Pill Realm's exit plaza was already crowded when they arrived. Liu Xi and Cao Ying landed side by side, glancing around at the thousand or so people who had gathered.
By the ninth day, every Alchemist who had survived the trials—and escaped Mu Gu's pursuit—had converged here, those qualified to enter the second round of the Pill Gathering.
Among them stood Dan Chen, the gentle young girl, waiting with her brother Dan Xuan. When she saw Liu Xi's gaze, she flushed slightly and waved shyly, a soft smile blooming on her face.
Further away stood Song Qing. His expression twisted the moment he spotted them. His complexion shifted—red, white, then blue—like a stage performer changing masks. When his gaze fell on Cao Ying beside Liu Xi, his jaw tightened, and a forced smile stretched awkwardly across his face.
And then there was Mu Gu—still disguised as the same black-robed middle-aged man. When his eyes met Liu Xi's, they stayed calm, but the flicker of killing intent in them betrayed his unrest. Beneath his robe, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked.
Two failed assassinations. Two humiliating defeats. Both had left him injured and delayed his missions. His hatred for Liu Xi had already burrowed deep into his bones. But what unnerved him even more was Liu Xi's mastery of alchemy—the Three-Colored Pill Lightning he had summoned was nearly on par with Mu Gu's own.
All around them, the gathered Alchemists turned curious or wary glances toward Liu Xi and Cao Ying. Yet no one dared approach. Inside the Pill Realm, everyone was competition, and vigilance was second nature.
Cao Ying leaned closer and gestured toward a quiet corner with a playful smile. "Master Liu, there's a spot open there. Let's rest for a bit. Around noon tomorrow, the elders will arrive to escort us out. After that comes the third round of the Pill Gathering—you'll need your energy."
Just as Liu Xi was about to reply, a familiar voice called out, full of false warmth. "Master Liu! Miss Ying'er! I'm so glad you're both safe. Master Liu, I'll never forget your saving grace. And Ying'er… I had no choice back then! I did my best to lure those killers away. I don't ask for your forgiveness—I just thank the heavens you survived."
Song Qing approached with an apologetic smile, his voice filled with feigned sincerity. He spoke as if his sacrifice had been noble, his tone dripping with emotion.
Liu Xi cast him a sidelong glance, the corners of his mouth twitching. This man was skilled at excuses. Still, Liu Xi judged by deeds, not words—Song Qing had fled, and that was enough. He didn't bother replying and walked past him toward the empty spot.
The cold disregard made Song Qing's chest burn, though he hid it well. His gaze shifted back to Cao Ying, eyes full of pleading.
But Cao Ying felt nothing but irritation. She'd never liked him, and now she found him utterly tiresome. Even politeness felt like a waste of effort.
"Senior Song, you didn't do anything wrong," she said lightly. "In that kind of danger, everyone has to look out for themselves. That was the right choice." Her tone was flat—courteous but distant. Then she turned, her smile blossoming again as she called sweetly, "Master Liu, wait for me!"
Song Qing stood frozen as she swayed away, her elegant figure catching the light as she rejoined Liu Xi, her laughter soft and teasing.
His expression darkened, teeth grinding audibly as his fists clenched, released, and clenched again.
Watching Cao Ying's every step toward Liu Xi, a storm brewed in his heart, his eyes burning with venom.
'To steal my woman… this hatred will never be forgiven!'
In his mind, he refused to consider his own failings. To him, it was Liu Xi's arrival that had stolen Cao Ying's affection. After all—he'd always believed she was his to begin with.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.