Invitation

Before this, when Xuan Jin had left Wutan City, Tianxiang Tower had naturally not remained booked. Ya Fei had the courtyard next door tidied up for Xuan Jin to stay in temporarily.

Ya Fei followed behind him, directing the servants to take the magical beast, Lan Eagle, that Xuan Jin had left behind to the dedicated beast stables for proper care. She then personally brewed a pot of top-grade Cloud Mist Fragrant Tea for Xuan Jin and Xiao Yi Xian.

"Young Master, you were gone for an entire year."

Ya Fei handed the teacup to Xuan Jin, her voice carrying a trace of grievance.

"I had some matters to attend to."

Xuan Jin lifted the teacup, took a light sip, and went straight to the point.

"How are the things you collected?"

At the mention of business, Ya Fei's expression turned serious as well.

She took out a long list and several dozen Jade Boxes from her Storage Ring.

"For the Lingxi Meridian-Connecting Pill you requested, there are thirty-nine medicinal ingredients in total. Over the past year, Ya Fei used every channel available to the family and has gathered thirty-eight of them."

She handed over the list, pointing at the final medicinal ingredient with apology and helplessness on her face.

"Only this final main ingredient remains: the Seven-Leaf Profound Meridian Flower. Ya Fei truly has no way to obtain it."

After speaking, she looked at Xuan Jin apprehensively, afraid that he would be displeased because of this.

The Seven-Leaf Profound Meridian Flower?

Xuan Jin was not particularly surprised. It was only natural that ingredients for a high-grade sixth-tier pill would be difficult to collect.

"There is no need to keep searching. I happen to have the Seven-Leaf Profound Meridian Flower."

"Thank you, Young Master."

Ya Fei's voice carried a heavy nasal tone as an indescribable warmth welled up in her heart.

"Also,"

Ya Fei quickly composed herself and returned to her shrewd, capable demeanor.

"During the time you were away, quite a few people came from the Imperial Capital."

"The guardian of the Jia Ma Royal Family, Jia Xing Tian, wishes to ask you to refine a Pill to Break Dou Ancestor for him."

"The Mu Family also wishes to ask you to refine several Dou Ling Pills."

Xuan Jin listened without any change in expression, merely raising his teacup for another sip.

"There is no need to pay them any attention."

Xuan Jin set down his teacup, his voice calm.

"I do not run a charity here. If they want me to act, have them bring something worthwhile to Wutan City and find you themselves."

"As for whether I see them, that depends on my mood."

His words were casual, yet they carried an unquestionable dominance.

Ya Fei's heart tightened, but she also felt that this was only proper.

A Sixth Grade Alchemist ought to possess such bearing.

"Ya Fei understands." She responded respectfully.

"Young Master and Sister Xian'er have traveled far. Ya Fei has prepared a banquet to welcome you both and wash away the dust of the road."

Ya Fei gave a charming smile, and even Xiao Yi Xian beside her was momentarily dazed by her alluring grace.

Big Sister Ya Fei is truly beautiful. No wonder Brother Xuan Jin kept her by his side.

Night fell, and the top floor of the auction house was brightly lit.

The three sat facing one another at the lavish dinner.

Ya Fei frequently poured wine for Xuan Jin, chatting and smiling as she spoke of amusing events that had taken place in Wutan City over the past year.

Xiao Yi Xian had been somewhat reserved at first, but under Ya Fei's deliberate friendliness and Xuan Jin's gentle attitude, she gradually relaxed and curiously asked about all sorts of things in the outside world.

The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Yet what they did not know was that the arrival of a blue Lan Eagle had already stirred monstrous waves in the tiny pond that was Wutan City.

At the same time, news of Xuan Jin's return spread through every street and alley of Wutan City as though it had grown wings.

"Have you heard? Master Xuan, that elusive figure from the Miter Auction House, is back!"

"Really?"

"Of course! My cousin's second uncle's neighbor works as a guard at the auction house. He saw a massive magical beast fly in with his own eyes. That imposing presence, tsk tsk..."

"My heavens!"

The news quickly reached the Xiao Family as well.

Inside the council hall, Xiao Zhan, the Xiao Family Clan Leader, sprang to his feet after hearing the elder's report, his face filled with shock.

Master Xuan had actually returned?

And he had returned just two days before the Xiao Family Coming-of-Age Ceremony!

Xiao Zhan's thoughts immediately began to race.

If they could gain Master Xuan's favor during the Coming of Age Ceremony, its significance would be entirely different!

This would not only be Xiao Yan's personal glory, but also an enormous honor for the entire Xiao Family!

Xiao Family, Xiao Xun'er's courtyard.

Xiao Xun'er sat upright on a stone bench. Her pale green dress made her appear even more elegant and otherworldly.

Her slender fingers held a chess piece, yet she did not place it for a long while.

It had been a year.

Over the past year, she had mobilized the Ancient Clan's resources to investigate Master Xuan's identity thoroughly.

The clues had ultimately pointed to Zhongzhou, the Pill Tower.

One of the Three Great Heads of the Pill Tower, Xuan Yi.

And this Master Xuan was very likely Xuan Yi's personal disciple.

A Seventh-Rank Peak Alchemist around twenty years old, and a Dou Zong expert.

Even Xiao Xun'er's heart trembled at this speculation.

The value of someone like this could no longer be measured in money.

As she pondered, the space behind her rippled faintly, and a black shadow appeared soundlessly.

"Miss." Ling Ying's voice rang out. "Master Xuan Jin has returned."

Xiao Xun'er slowly raised her head.

"Elder Ling, go pay him another visit."

She took out a purple-gold Jade Box from her Storage Ring.

"Bring this with you."

Ling Ying looked at the Jade Box and fell silent for a moment.

"Miss, this person is unfathomable. Last time..."

"I know."

Xiao Xun'er interrupted him.

"But I have to try. Brother Xiao Yan needs help right now."

More importantly, even within the Ancient Clan, there were not many such heavenly talents.

Ling Ying said no more. He accepted the Jade Box, and his figure once again melted into the shadows and vanished.

Xiao Family Back Mountain.

Xiao Yan had just finished a day of extreme cultivation.

At that moment, the subdued discussion of several clansmen drifted up from the foot of the mountain.

"Have you heard? Master Xuan from the Miter Auction House is back!"

"Really? Wasn't he gone for a year?"

Xiao Yan's movements abruptly stopped.

He was back?

That Master Xuan had actually returned!

A year ago, his pride had caused him to miss an enormous opportunity.

He could not wait any longer.

Nor could he rely on Xun Er forever.

"I must go see him."

Xiao Yan clenched his fists. This time, no matter what price he had to pay, he would seize this opportunity.

Miter Auction House, top floor.

The banquet was in full swing.

Every gesture Ya Fei made was filled with charm. She filled Xuan Jin's cup with wine and said softly,

"Young Master, try this. It is Hundred Year Fire Monkey Brew that was just delivered from the Imperial Capital. It is excellent for invigorating the blood and vital energy."

Xiao Yi Xian sat across from them, taking small, somewhat reserved bites of food.

Looking at the woman before her, who smiled so beautifully and controlled the atmosphere perfectly, she felt an inexplicable emotion in her heart.

Big Sister Ya Fei was truly impressive.

Whether it was her manner of dealing with people or her composed bearing, Xiao Yi Xian felt inferior in every regard.

"Sister Xian'er has spent so long in the mountains that she may not be used to such greasy food."

As though she had seen through Xiao Yi Xian's thoughts, Ya Fei pushed a plate of light dishes toward her.

"Try this. Steamed Snow Fish is especially fresh and tender."

"Thank you, Big Sister Ya Fei." Xiao Yi Xian thanked her softly, secretly glancing at Xuan Jin.

Xuan Jin watched the interaction between the two and found it somewhat amusing.

Just then, Ya Fei changed the subject.

"By the way, Young Master, the Xiao Family's Coming of Age Ceremony in Wutan City will be held in two days."

She picked up a gilded invitation from nearby and handed it over.

"Xiao Zhan, the Xiao Family Clan Leader, just sent someone to deliver it. He wishes to invite you... as an honored guest, to attend the ceremony."

Xuan Jin accepted the invitation and casually opened it.

"The Xiao Family Coming-of-Age Ceremony..."

He quickly calculated in his mind.

At the Coming of Age Ceremony, Xiao Yan would test his Dou Qi, followed by Jia Nan Academy's recruitment half a year later.

He had to obtain the Bone Flame Ring before Jia Nan Academy's recruitment.

And attending this Coming of Age Ceremony was the perfect opportunity.

"Reply to them that I will go." Xuan Jin set down the invitation and spoke indifferently.

"Ah?" Ya Fei froze for a moment.

She had thought Xuan Jin would not go.

After all, he could refuse even the Royal Family and the Mu Family.

"Young Master, are you truly going?"

"I have my own plans."

Xuan Jin did not wish to explain further.

Seeing this, Ya Fei did not ask any more questions.