The Ring Was in Hand!

At the very least, he now had a clear goal, a direction worth striving toward!

Break through to become a Dou Zhe!

Test his Dou Qi!

An unprecedented fighting spirit blazed fiercely within his chest.

Seeing the light rekindled in Xiao Yan's eyes, Xuan Jin felt quite satisfied as well.

His fellow townsman Xiao Yan was indeed not bad.

He could bend and yield, knew when to advance and retreat, could endure setbacks, and could seize even heaven-sent opportunities.

But there was no helping it. The known opportunities on the Dou Qi Continent were limited. He needed to benefit from them too, so Xiao Yan would just have to suffer a little.

Xuan Jin set down his teacup and took out two scrolls from his Storage Ring.

Two crimson scrolls, red as fire, appeared before Xiao Yan.

"I heard Ya Fei mention that you and Nalan Yanran of the Misty Cloud Sect had a Three-Year Pact?"

Xiao Yan's body trembled, and his fists clenched tightly.

"Yes."

Xuan Jin placed the two scrolls on the table as well.

"Since you call me Master, and since I have accepted this ring, I will give you another helping hand."

Xiao Yan stared at the two scrolls on the table, which radiated astonishing energy fluctuations, and was already completely numb.

The shocks he had suffered today surpassed everything he had experienced in the past fifteen years combined.

Xuan Jin picked up the first crimson scroll.

"This is a Profound Tier High-Level cultivation method, the Crimson Flame Art."

He picked up the other scroll.

"This is a Profound Tier High-Level Dou Skill, the Blazing Hell Palm."

Profound Tier High-Level!

Xiao Yan's pupils suddenly contracted.

His family's inherited cultivation method, Raging Lion's Wrathful Aura, was only Profound Tier Mid-Level!

Yet Master Xuan had casually produced a Profound Tier High-Level cultivation method and Dou Skill!

Such generosity was simply unheard of!

"If you test positive for fire-attributed Dou Qi in the future, this cultivation method and Dou Skill will be able to help you."

Xuan Jin's tone remained calm.

"If you cannot become an alchemist and do not possess fire-attributed Dou Qi, then take these two items, along with that manual, to the Miter Auction House."

"Ya Fei knows what to do. She will help you exchange them for resources that suit you best."

Thoughtful!

Far too thoughtful!

Xuan Jin's arrangements had practically eliminated every possible mishap.

Whether Xiao Yan had the talent to become an alchemist or not, this trip had been an absolute windfall for him!

Holding the three items in his arms, Xiao Yan felt as though they weighed a thousand catties.

He opened his mouth, only to discover that any words of gratitude seemed pale and powerless before such precious gifts.

In the end, he bowed deeply—deeply—to Xuan Jin.

That bow contained gratitude, reverence, and even more, a promise.

"Rest assured, Master Xuan. Xiao Yan will never disappoint you!"

After saying that, he did not linger. Hugging the three treasures to his chest, he turned and hurried out of the small courtyard.

He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would be unable to stop himself from kneeling and kowtowing.

The small courtyard returned to silence.

Xuan Jin watched Xiao Yan's departing figure, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

He had not given Xiao Yan any pills because he knew that Xun Er had long prepared everything on her side.

An alchemist's manual, a cultivation method, and a Dou Skill—those were what suited Xiao Yan best at this stage.

Xuan Jin's gaze slowly fell upon the lonely black ring on the stone table.

He reached out and pinched the ring between his fingers.

It felt ice-cold to the touch.

"Yao Chen..."

Xuan Jin stared at the Bone Flame Ring before casually reinforcing the seal on it.

Only after finishing all that did he lean back contentedly in his recliner and close his eyes.

It was time to head for the Tagor Desert.

He wanted both the Green Lotus Core Flame and that little girl with the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.

Xiao Yan hurried all the way back to his room.

He shut the door, leaned against it, and panted heavily. His heart was still pounding wildly.

The three things in his arms felt terrifyingly hot.

He carefully placed the manual and scrolls on the table. Looking at them, his face still carried the unreal feeling of being in a dream.

He pinched his thigh hard.

"Hiss!"

The sharp pain made him grimace, but it also completely woke him up.

All of this was real!

He, Xiao Yan, had truly obtained a heaven-sent opportunity!

An overwhelming surge of joy washed over him like a tide.

He picked up the crimson cultivation-method scroll, both hands trembling.

A Profound Tier High-Level cultivation method!

Once he reached the Dou Zhe level, with this, his cultivation speed would be several times faster than before!

He then picked up the Dou Skill scroll.

A Profound Tier High-Level Dou Skill!

With it, his combat strength would undergo an earthshaking transformation!

Finally, his gaze landed on the thick Beast Skin Manual.

An alchemist!

As long as he possessed the talent to become an alchemist, he could one day become an alchemist admired by countless people, someone capable of stirring the power of heaven and earth with a mere wave of his hand!

The Three-Year Pact!

Nalan Yanran!

Xiao Yan's fists suddenly clenched.

At that moment, all the confusion, resentment, and helplessness in his heart were swept away.

In their place came boundless confidence and fighting spirit!

"Just wait! I, Xiao Yan, will definitely leave every last one of you utterly shocked!"

Just then, a gentle knock sounded from outside the door.

"Brother Xiao Yan."

It was Xun Er's voice.

Xiao Yan hurriedly put away the items on the table, calmed his emotions, and then went to open the door.

Xun Er stood prettily at the entrance with a food box in hand, her autumn-water eyes watching him with a hint of concern.

"Xun Er." Xiao Yan opened the door and let Xiao Xun'er in.

"Brother Xiao Yan, did you go see Young Master Xuan?" Xun Er placed the food box on the table and asked softly.

"Mm." Xiao Yan nodded.

Looking at the girl who had always silently cared for and supported him, warmth rose in his heart, and he did not hide anything from her.

He told Xun Er everything that had happened at the Miter Auction House today, exactly as it had occurred.

When she heard that Xuan Jin had not accepted him as a disciple but had still given him such valuable gifts, a clear look of surprise appeared on her exquisitely beautiful face.

She picked up the Crimson Flame Art and sensed the immense fire-attributed energy contained within. Then she nodded.

"Young Master Xuan truly is an outstanding man. Even Xun Er feels inferior before such broad-mindedness and generosity."

She looked at the alchemist's manual again, a glimmer of brilliance flashing through her beautiful eyes.

"With this manual, as long as Brother Xiao Yan truly has the talent to become an alchemist, his future achievements may even surpass Pill King Gu He."

"The Profound Tier High-Level cultivation method and Dou Skill are also perfectly suited to you right now."

Xun Er set down the scroll, looking thoroughly satisfied.

"Xun Er, thank you," Xiao Yan said sincerely.

He knew that a large part of the reason Xuan Jin had treated him differently was because of Xun Er.

Yet Xun Er shook her head and smiled softly.

"What matters most is that Brother Xiao Yan has regained his confidence."

Her smile was like a hundred flowers blooming, brightening the entire room.

Looking at her, warmth surged through Xiao Yan's heart.

He secretly swore that he would become strong enough in the future—strong enough to shield her from wind and rain, so she would never have to worry about him again.

At the Miter Auction House, in Xuan Jin's small courtyard.

After dealing with Xiao Yan's affairs, Xuan Jin was in quite a good mood.

He had finally gotten his hands on this Bone Flame Ring.

Still, he would have to wear down Yao Chen's patience for a while. Once he cultivated the Burning Art Fragment, Yao Chen would surely recognize it at a glance.

If Yao Chen truly failed to appreciate his situation, then Xuan Jin would deal with him and claim the inheritance Yao Chen had left within the Bone Flame Ring.

As for taking Yao Chen back to the Pill Tower?

How would he explain the Burning Art then?

Success comes through secrecy; failure through disclosure.

Success lies in careful thought, and plans are born of deep consideration.

Xuan Jin considered his scheme. Aside from the major issue surrounding the Tou She Ancient God Jade from back then, there were no other major flaws.

As for the Tou She Ancient God Jade, he could toss it to Xiao Xun'er before leaving and count it as forming a good connection.

After all, he could not let anyone know that he possessed the Tou She Ancient God Jade, much less let them know that he could recognize it.

Next, he needed to carefully plan his journey to the Tagor Desert.

Just then, the door was pushed open, and Ya Fei walked in gracefully.

After a night of consolidating her strength, she had completely adapted to the power of a Nine-Star Dou Master.

At that moment, she wore a fitted wine-red qipao that outlined her already voluptuous figure with even more breathtaking effect.

As she walked, her snow-white legs flickered in and out of view through the slit of her dress, while her entire body exuded the seductive charm of a woman in full bloom.

She walked behind Xuan Jin and naturally extended her slender jade-like hands to massage his shoulders with just the right amount of force.

"Young Master, has everything been handled?"

Ya Fei's voice was soft and bone-meltingly alluring.

"Mm." Xuan Jin closed his eyes and enjoyed her service.

Seeing this, Ya Fei grew bolder. She leaned forward slightly, her warm breath intentionally or unintentionally brushing against Xuan Jin's ear.

"Then... when are we setting out?"

There was a barely perceptible anticipation in her voice.

The three matters her young master had assigned required time.

Gathering poisons, searching for Heavenly Flames, and collecting soul treasures—none of these could be accomplished overnight.

She could not wait to mobilize the Mite'er Family's power and ease her young master's burdens.

Xuan Jin opened his eyes and turned to glance at her.

Her lovely face was inches away, her seductive eyes soft as silk and her red lips delicate and alluring, radiating a fatal temptation.

"What is the rush?"

Xuan Jin smiled and reached out to pinch her smooth chin.

"Handle those three matters slowly. There is no need to hurry."

Ya Fei's heart stirred. Taking advantage of the moment, she pressed her entire weight against Xuan Jin, her voice becoming even more coquettish.

"Then... when does Young Master plan to leave Wutan City?"

Seeing her utterly seductive appearance, a wave of heat rose in Xuan Jin's heart as well.

This enchantress truly was becoming better and better at seducing people.

He released her chin and rose to his feet.

"After some time, I plan to make a trip to the Tagor Desert."

The Tagor Desert?

Ya Fei froze for a moment. It was one of the most dangerous regions in the Jia Ma Empire, with a harsh environment and magical beasts everywhere.

"What is Young Master going there for?"

Xuan Jin looked at her without concealing anything.

"To find something."

"The Green Lotus Core Flame."

The moment those five words left his mouth, Ya Fei instantly felt as if even breathing had become difficult.

A Heavenly Flame!

The young master actually had definite information about a Heavenly Flame!

Having followed Xuan Jin for so long, she naturally understood what a Heavenly Flame meant to an alchemist.

She also understood just how perilous the search for one could be.

"Young Master, that place is too dangerous. How about... having the family send some people..."

"No need."

Xuan Jin waved a hand, cutting her off.

"Below the Dou Emperor realm, no matter how many people go, they would only be walking to their deaths."

Ya Fei parted her lips, but in the end, she swallowed the words of persuasion she had meant to say.

She knew that no one could change the decision of her young master.

"Then... what can Ya Fei do for you?" she asked softly.

Xuan Jin pondered for a moment.

"Prepare the most detailed map of the Tagor Desert for me. Then help me take care of Xian'er."

Listening to Xuan Jin's instructions, the joy Ya Fei had felt over her sudden increase in strength instantly settled.

She understood that everything she had now came from the man before her.

"Rest assured, Young Master. Ya Fei will remember."

Ya Fei answered respectfully, a trace of solemnity hidden in her voice.

"As for the map, I will immediately send someone to handle it and make sure to find the most detailed version for you."

"I will also take proper care of Sister Xian'er."

As soon as she finished speaking, a figure rushed out from the room next door. It was Xiao Yi Xian, who had just changed her clothes.

"Brother Xuan Jin!"

Xiao Yi Xian's face was filled with anxiety. She ran several steps to Xuan Jin's side, her grayish-purple eyes gazing at him pleadingly.

"This time... aren't you taking me with you?"

Her voice was quiet, carrying a hint of grievance and the fear of being left behind.

Xuan Jin looked at her and felt somewhat helpless.

This girl was far too clingy.

He sighed, and his tone softened considerably.

"Xian'er, the Tagor Desert isn't a place for sightseeing. Its environment is harsh, and even ordinary Dou Wang experts would not dare venture too deeply inside."

"Your current strength is still insufficient."

At his words, Xiao Yi Xian lowered her head dejectedly, her hands anxiously twisting the corner of her clothes.

She knew Xuan Jin was telling the truth, but she still felt miserable inside.

Ya Fei stepped forward and gently put an arm around her shoulders, comforting her softly.

"Sister Xian'er, the young master is doing this for your own good."

"If we stay here, cultivate diligently, and avoid causing trouble for him, that will be the greatest help we can give him."

Xiao Yi Xian nodded gloomily.

Seeing her dejected look, Xuan Jin continued, "I won't be leaving immediately, so there's no need to look like that."

Then his tone shifted, and his expression turned serious.

"Xian'er, I must remind you that although your Calamity Poison Body can rapidly increase your strength by consuming poison, it is also a double-edged sword."

"You must control how frequently you consume poisons."

"If you sense any sign that the Poison Dou Qi within your body is becoming uncontrollable, you must stop immediately! Tell me as soon as possible, understand?"

Xuan Jin's words made Xiao Yi Xian shudder all over.

She immediately suppressed the mad thought she had earlier of frantically devouring poison to catch up with Xuan Jin.

She knew very well that if her poison body were to erupt completely in a place like Wutan City, the consequences would be utter devastation.

"I... I understand, Brother Xuan Jin."

The days that followed were unexpectedly peaceful.

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

The small courtyard atop the Miter Auction House had become the most leisurely and mysterious place in all of Wutan City.

Xuan Jin's daily life was quite orderly. In the mornings, he refined some medicinal pills, while in the afternoons, he sat cross-legged in cultivation, consolidating his Five-Star Dou Zong realm.

From time to time, he also guided Ya Fei in her cultivation.

Ya Fei's wind-attributed Dou Qi was also quite an excellent attribute.

She lived up to Xuan Jin's expectations and found a Profound Tier High-Level cultivation technique called the Wind Scroll Art in the Mite'er Family treasury, a technique perfectly suited to her.

Cultivating it gave her twice the results with half the effort.

In the courtyard, one could often see a graceful, fiery-red figure dancing in circles alongside the breeze, stirring up fallen leaves across the ground in a beautiful sight.

Xiao Yi Xian's progress, meanwhile, could only be described as terrifying.

Under Xuan Jin's guidance and with a supply of poisonous herbs, in just one month, her strength had soared from a Five-Star Dou Grandmaster to the level of a Six-Star Da Dou Shi.

This rate of cultivation made Ya Fei, who trained hard every day, endlessly envious.

"Sister Xian'er, if you keep eating like this, my little bit of cultivation will truly become nothing worth mentioning."

Ya Fei teased her more than once.

Whenever that happened, Xiao Yi Xian would merely chuckle before holding a piece of roasted magical beast meat up to Ya Fei's lips.

During this time, Xiao Xun'er had also become a frequent visitor to the small courtyard.

Almost every two or three days, she would come calling, sit with Xuan Jin over tea, and chat for a while.

The things they discussed covered everything under the heavens, from the customs and landscapes of the Northwest Continent to the strange tales and curious events of Zhongzhou.

Xiao Xun'er could always find topics that interested Xuan Jin, while the knowledge Xuan Jin occasionally revealed—far beyond what someone his age should possess—also made Xiao Xun'er increasingly certain that her decision to befriend him had been correct.

Perhaps she was doing it as an investment, or perhaps she simply wanted to win over another source of support for Xiao Yan.

But no matter what, this was precisely the outcome Xuan Jin hoped to see.

That troublesome Tou She Ancient God Jade would have to be returned to its true owner at a suitable opportunity.

That day, just after Xuan Jin finished cultivating, the young woman in the purple dress arrived at the courtyard once more.

Ya Fei and Xiao Yi Xian had long grown accustomed to it. They familiarly prepared tea and snacks for the two before quietly retreating to the side.

Yet there was a faint trace of resentment in both their gazes.

The afternoon sunlight was warm, filtering through the gaps between the leaves and scattering flecks of light across the stone table.

Xiao Xun'er held her teacup with elegant poise. Her cool, detached temperament and the courtyard's leisurely atmosphere formed a breathtakingly beautiful picture.

"Brother Xuan's insights into the art of alchemy have truly broadened Xun Er's horizons."

Xiao Xun'er set down her teacup and sighed sincerely.

Just moments ago, the two had happened to be discussing certain changes in medicinal principles.

Xuan Jin smiled but did not respond.

He lifted his own teacup and took a light sip, his gaze falling upon the verdant bamboo swaying in the wind within the courtyard.

The atmosphere in the courtyard was tranquil and peaceful.

After a moment, Xuan Jin set down his teacup.

The cup struck the stone table with a crisp, soft sound that seemed especially clear in the quiet surroundings.

Xiao Xun'er's gaze also returned from the distance.

"Xun Er, chatting with you truly is quite interesting."

Xuan Jin's voice was as calm as ever.

Xiao Xun'er smiled faintly, about to speak.

But Xuan Jin suddenly changed the subject.

"However, I will be leaving Wutan City tomorrow."

The smile on Xiao Xun'er's face froze instantly.

The hand holding her teacup paused in midair for a moment, and faint ripples spread across the clear tea within.