Delivering the Pill

"Of course, that's no problem. But I can help you—what do I get in return?"

"Tell me, what do you want?"

Bibi Dong's expression instantly darkened, and it seemed as though ice had frozen over in her cold eyes. She stepped forward, and her powerful aura immediately bore down on Bai Ying as if it would devour him.

"What did you say? Two Spirit Bones? Do you take me, Bibi Dong, for a fool?" Bibi Dong's voice was cold and sharp, like a sword pointed straight at Bai Ying's heart.

Bai Ying felt the tremendous pressure radiating from Bibi Dong and couldn't help but tremble inwardly. He hurriedly retreated several steps, trying to put some distance between them, while waving both hands and hastily explaining, "Big sister, hear me out. The materials for this pill are truly precious. Two Spirit Bones is already the lowest price."

A hint of displeasure appeared on Bibi Dong's face, and a cold light flashed in her deep eyes. She stared fixedly at Bai Ying and said threateningly, "Who did you call big sister? Do I look that old?"

Bai Ying seemed intimidated by Bibi Dong's imposing presence. His body trembled slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves, then slowly said, "I'm sorry. I may have used the wrong term. But please believe me, the price I'm charging in Spirit Bones is absolutely worth it. Refining this pill isn't easy. The materials required are not only precious but also difficult to obtain. Two Spirit Bones is already the lowest price I can offer."

Bibi Dong stood there, her gaze as deep as the sea, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. The air around them appeared to freeze, and the only sound was her heavy breathing.

She drew a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as if she were drawing strength from the air. A firm and resolute light flashed in her eyes, as though she had already made her decision.

"You'd better not lie to me." Her voice was low and forceful, every word seemingly forced through clenched teeth, filled with menace and warning.

Bai Ying's body trembled slightly. He could feel the powerful aura radiating from Bibi Dong. He hurriedly bowed and scraped, his face covered in smiles as he said, "Please rest assured. I would never dare deceive you. The pill I refined will absolutely cause Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul to undergo Martial Soul Mutation. By then, he'll certainly be grateful to you."

With a wave of Bibi Dong's hand, an invisible force seemed to surge through the air. In the next instant, two Spirit Bones shining with different lusters appeared out of thin air before them.

One Spirit Bone was a pale blue, as if it contained the clear waters of a lake, radiating a tranquil and profound aura. It seemed to merge with its surroundings, emitting a gentle glow that gave off the powerful feeling of an auxiliary- or illusion-type soul master.

The other Spirit Bone was completely different. It radiated a scorching aura, as if it were a mass of burning flames. Its surface was covered in intricate patterns, and intense energy fluctuations emanated from it. This was a Spirit Bone suited to an assault-type soul master. Its appearance seemed to make the surrounding air grow hot.

Bai Ying's eyes instantly burned with fervor. He stared greedily at the two Spirit Bones, as if he could already see the moment they became his possessions. He extended a hand and slowly reached toward them, every movement filled with anticipation and excitement.

However, just as his hand was about to touch the Spirit Bones, Bibi Dong's voice rang out again. "Remember your promise. If Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul doesn't undergo Martial Soul Mutation, I'll make you pay a terrible price."

Bai Ying's body stiffened. He turned to look at Bibi Dong, and the smile that had originally filled his face had become solemn. He drew a deep breath, then nodded heavily. "Please rest assured. I, Bai Ying, never do anything without confidence."

Bai Ying then carefully accepted the two Spirit Bones and put them away. A smug smile appeared on his face once more, as if he had already seen the glorious future that awaited him.

Yet at that moment, a powerful sense of unease suddenly welled up in his heart. He abruptly looked up at Bibi Dong, only to see a strange smile on her face. There seemed to be some deeper meaning hidden within it, making Bai Ying tremble inwardly.

"You seem quite pleased with yourself." Bibi Dong's voice suddenly turned cold. Her figure flashed, and she instantly appeared in front of Bai Ying. Her powerful aura bore down on him once again, leaving him nearly unable to breathe.

Bai Ying's face instantly turned pale. He sensed the intense killing intent radiating from Bibi Dong. He hurriedly retreated several steps, waving both hands repeatedly as he tried to explain, "I... I'm not pleased with myself. I'm just... just too happy."

However, Bibi Dong didn't seem to hear him. A cold light flashed in her eyes, as if she intended to see straight through Bai Ying.

Bibi Dong moved, drifting toward the doorway like a ghost. With her back to Bai Ying, she said in a low and resolute voice, "I need a few days. Can you guarantee that you'll finish refining the pill during that time?"

Bai Ying's heart tightened at her words. He knew this was Bibi Dong giving him one final chance. He didn't dare hesitate and hurriedly replied, "Big sister, please rest assured. I guarantee it'll be done within three days—seven days at the most."

Bibi Dong turned her head slightly. Though she didn't look back, those sharp eyes seemed capable of piercing Bai Ying's soul. She took a deep breath, as if calming the turmoil in her heart, then slowly said, "Good. I'll come find you in three days. Remember, this matter must remain secret. Don't let anyone know. Otherwise, you should know the consequences."

Bai Ying watched Bibi Dong's departing figure. The ingratiating smile on his face gradually froze, replaced by a sly and smug expression. He lowered his head and looked at the two Spirit Bones in his hands, greed flashing in his eyes.

He turned and entered the room, carefully placing the Spirit Bones beside the alchemy furnace. Then he began bustling around inside, preparing to refine the pill that would cause Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul to undergo Martial Soul Mutation.

The firelight inside the room flickered, while flames roared within the alchemy furnace and radiated scorching heat. Bai Ying's figure appeared and disappeared in the firelight, his hands moving rapidly over the alchemy furnace as if playing a silent melody.

As he moved, the flames within the alchemy furnace gradually grew stronger, and rich medicinal fragrance began to fill the room. A satisfied smile appeared on Bai Ying's face. He knew he was getting closer and closer to success.

Night deepened. Bai Ying sat alone in the alchemy room, the firelight illuminating his twisted face. Sly light flickered in his eyes as he tightly gripped the pill that was nearly complete.

I never thought Bibi Dong would really be willing to give up two Spirit Bones for Yu Xiaogang. Still, that works out well for me. Xiaogang, Xiaogang, don't worry. I'll definitely give you a grand gift.

"Yu Xiaogang, just you wait." Bai Ying muttered under his breath, the corners of his mouth curling into a cruel smile. He imagined Yu Xiaogang's miserable state after swallowing the pill, and an inexplicable sense of pleasure rose in his heart.

The flames within the alchemy furnace leaped, as if cheering on the conspiracy that was about to unfold. Bai Ying carefully controlled the heat, afraid that one careless mistake would ruin the painstakingly refined pill.

Time passed slowly, and the pill was finally complete. It emitted a faint fluorescent glow, as if it contained some mysterious power. Bai Ying carefully placed it in an exquisite little bottle, triumph flashing in his eyes.

Inside the Palace of the Pope, dim lights illuminated Bibi Dong's figure as she stood quietly before a huge bathtub, determination shining in her eyes.

She slowly removed her clothes, revealing a white nightgown. Under the lamplight, it appeared soft and warm. She untied the sash and gently slipped off the nightgown, revealing her slender yet resolute body.

Bibi Dong lightly stepped into the bathtub. Warm water instantly enveloped her body, as if washing away all her fatigue. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to sink into this moment of tranquility.

"For Xiaogang, these two Spirit Bones are worth it." She murmured to herself in a low and resolute voice. Her heart was filled with anticipation and determination, as if she could already see the powerful form Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul would take after its Martial Soul Mutation.

The next day.

Bai Ying had just stepped out of the alchemy room and was preparing to deliver the refined pill to Bibi Dong when he unexpectedly saw Hu Liena. She stood beneath the shade of a tree not far away, sunlight spilling through the gaps between the leaves onto her delicate face and lending her an air of mystery and allure.

Bai Ying's eyes flashed with pleasant surprise. He quickly walked over, his face covered in smiles. "Na Na, long time no see. It's been so many days. Why haven't you come to see me?"

Hu Liena turned around and saw Bai Ying, a blissful smile appearing on her face. She gently shook her head and said, "I still haven't gotten my killing intent under control. I was afraid it would affect you."

Bai Ying felt a warmth in his heart at her words. He knew Hu Liena's temperament and personality, and he understood that she was trying to control her emotions because she didn't want to cause him trouble. He reached out and gently took her hand, saying tenderly, "Na Na, don't worry. I'll always be by your side."

Yan watched from a distance as Bai Ying and Hu Liena stood together, holding hands and appearing utterly intimate. His expression gradually darkened, and his fists clenched as the veins on them bulged.

He strode toward them, every step seeming to land on his own heart, painful and heavy. When he reached them, he stopped and stared at Bai Ying with a gaze as sharp as a blade. His voice was cold and full of hostility. "Who are you? Na Na, just who is he? What exactly is your relationship?!"

Hu Liena was startled by Yan's sudden appearance and questioning. Surprise and confusion filled her gaze as she looked at him. Bai Ying merely glanced at Yan indifferently and didn't answer. He simply moved Hu Liena behind him, using his body to block Yan's view.

Hu Liena gently stepped out from behind Bai Ying. Determination flashed in her eyes, and her voice carried an unyielding resolve. She looked straight at Yan and said coldly, "Yan, I already made myself clear before. If you have nothing to do, stop pestering me all the time. I have my own affairs to deal with and my own friends to associate with."

Yan's expression darkened further at her words. He clenched his fists, seemingly wanting to vent his dissatisfaction. But when he saw the firm look in Hu Liena's eyes, he involuntarily softened. He muttered aggrievedly, "Na Na, I'm only concerned about you. How can you say that to me? I just want to know who he is and whether he might have some negative influence on you."

Hu Liena sighed softly. She knew how Yan felt about her, but she couldn't return his feelings. She turned to Bai Ying, a gentle light flashing in her eyes, then turned back to Yan and said, "His name is Bai Ying. He's my friend. He's very important to me. We're partners who fight side by side."

As Yan listened to Hu Liena's words, the jealousy and dissatisfaction in his heart gradually subsided. He gave Bai Ying a deep look, then turned and left. Hu Liena watched his departing back, complicated emotions rising in her heart. She knew Yan was a good person, but she couldn't accept his feelings. Bai Ying, on the other hand, was the person in her heart—the one she was willing to give everything for.

Bai Ying smiled lightly, slyness flashing in his eyes. He turned to Hu Liena and said, "Looks like you're quite popular in Spirit Hall. You have so many admirers."

Hu Liena's lips curled up slightly at his words, revealing a smug smile. She replied coquettishly, "Naturally. No one can resist this young lady's charm."

Bai Ying chuckled softly and shook his head. "All right, Na Na. I still have things to do, so I can't keep you company any longer."

Hu Liena frowned at his words, seeming somewhat dissatisfied. She quickly stepped forward and blocked his path, asking, "What are you in such a hurry to do? Don't you even have time to chat with me?"

Seeing the anticipation in Hu Liena's eyes, Bai Ying's heart softened. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Actually, I'm going to deliver a pill to the Pope. This is a new type of pill I recently refined—the same kind of pill that can cause a Martial Soul to undergo Martial Soul Evolution and is being sold on the market."

Hu Liena's eyes flashed with curiosity. She leaned closer to Bai Ying and asked, "Oh? What kind of pill is so miraculous? Can I see it?"

Bai Ying nodded, took an exquisite little bottle from his robes, and handed it to Hu Liena. Hu Liena accepted it and opened the cap. A rich medicinal fragrance immediately wafted out. She gently poured out a pill, which was crystalline and translucent, emitting a faint glow as if it contained boundless power.

Hu Liena held the pill, curiosity and anticipation flashing in her eyes. She leaned close to the bottle and took a deep breath of its rich medicinal fragrance, as if she could sense the miraculous power it contained.

"This pill... it's truly amazing!" Hu Liena exclaimed. She looked up at Bai Ying, admiration and respect filling her eyes. "I never thought you were the one who developed it. You're incredible!"

"I've heard about it. These pills are practically flying off the shelves. I originally thought the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had developed them, but I never expected it to be you."

Bai Ying smiled faintly and humbly shook his head. "Not at all. I just got lucky." He looked at Hu Liena tenderly, warmth welling up in his heart. "Since you've already heard about it, I won't explain any further. I need to hurry and deliver the pill to the Pope. She's still waiting."