Transaction

Li Xingluo had no choice but to respond to Princess Luo Xin: "Your Highness, such a grand gesture is more than this humble one can bear."

"This gesture is one you can certainly bear."

Princess Luo Xin looked up. Because they were so close, the scent of her presence washed over him, accompanied by a captivating face.

Li Xingluo felt a slight awkwardness and raised his hand to fake a cough, hoping to ease the tension.

"Your Highness, you have yet to say why you summoned this humble one."

"I heard from my teacher that Yan Yun of the Aus Auction House treats you with the utmost respect. He even begged you to refine medicinal pills for him. It seems your standing in the Aus Auction House is quite significant."

A chill ran down Li Xingluo's spine. How could the other party have learned of what Yan Yun said today so quickly?

Li Xingluo's peripheral vision couldn't help but sweep over Elder Mo, who sat quietly to the side. Could it be—though it was only a guess, it still broke him out in a cold sweat.

Elder Mo remained as detached as ever, not involving himself in their conversation, and Li Xingluo began to understand the purpose behind Princess Luo Xin's invitation.

"Your Highness is joking. As the largest auction house in the empire, the Aus Auction House is hardly something I could influence."

Princess Luo Xin couldn't help but exclaim inwardly. Her eyes drifted involuntarily toward Elder Mo, who merely offered a faint smile. Princess Luo Xin then turned her gaze back to focus on Li Xingluo.

"With your abilities, I fear it is not impossible for you to influence the Aus Auction House."

"Since Your Highness already has victory within your grasp, why would you need my assistance?"

As soon as these words left his lips, Princess Luo Xin was completely shocked by Li Xingluo, her eyes filled with wariness.

Whatever she was thinking, she soon let down her guard. The change was subtle, but Li Xingluo still caught it.

It seemed his gamble was correct; this Princess Luo Xin's ambitions were likely far greater than just the Chuyun Empire.

Luo Xin walked slowly back to her seat and sat down, a trace of coldness flashing in her eyes.

"It seems you have investigated me." Seeing Li Xingluo smile without answering, Luo Xin turned her cold gaze slightly.

"Since you know quite a bit about me, then this princess will not hide anything. Just as you suspected, although I have victory in my grasp, would it not be better to have more external support?"

Luo Xin stated the purpose of seeking out Li Xingluo in a straightforward manner.

She continued: "Since you can command the respect of Yan Yun, you must be no simple figure in the way of alchemy. If you are willing to help me, I am prepared to appoint you as the exclusive alchemist for the Imperial Family. All medicinal herbs within the palace shall be at your disposal."

Li Xingluo felt quite strange. Given his age, it was unlikely that he was worth such effort from Luo Xin; it seemed she believed there was someone powerful backing him.

By gaining his support, she could also gain the support of those behind him. One had to admit, Luo Xin's mind was meticulous.

"Your Highness, the empire is not lacking in alchemists, especially with the Alchemist Guild here in the capital. Why look further afield? Furthermore, Your Highness does not know me. Are you not afraid that I might take your money and do nothing, or simply vanish when you need me most?"

At the mention of the Alchemist Guild, Li Xingluo keenly noticed a flash of displeasure on Luo Xin's face.

It was like gathering storm clouds; the wine glass in her hand was nearly crushed. Such an abnormal reaction piqued Li Xingluo's interest.

After a long while, Luo Xin slowly loosened her grip on the glass and let out a long sigh.

"I will not hide it from you: the Alchemist Guild is not of one heart with the empire."

Watching Luo Xin grit her teeth with a sense of deep-seated resentment, Li Xingluo finally understood why she had sought him out.

She not only wanted the support of the Aus Auction House, but she also wanted to use him to contend with the Alchemist Guild. Her calculations were truly shrewd.

"This princess has checked, and you are not a member of the Alchemist Guild. Coupled with your ability to make a Dou King like Yan Yun submit, your alchemy skills must be extraordinary. To be so capable at such a young age, your future is surely limitless."

"Thank you for the praise, but I am naturally a free spirit. I do not wish to be constrained..."

Luo Xin interrupted him: "Rest assured, no one will restrict your freedom. As long as you agree to serve as the Imperial Family's exclusive alchemist, this princess guarantees that you will receive unexpected rewards in the future."

"That sounds like there is no reason to refuse."

"If you are worried, this princess is willing to put it in writing. You only need to act when the situation is critical; at all other times, you are free to come and go as you please."

One had to admit that the conditions offered by Luo Xin were sufficient. Li Xingluo seemed to have no reason to refuse.

Elder Mo chose the perfect moment to assist: "Little friend, this old man also gives you his word of honor."

Li Xingluo looked at the stance of the two; if he didn't agree, it would seem as if he were being ungrateful.

Li Xingluo lowered his head in thought. Perhaps having this status would reduce some trouble while traveling through the Chuyun Empire.

Elder Mo and Luo Xin exchanged a glance, unable to discern what was going through Li Xingluo's mind or what decision he would ultimately make.

"Very well. Your Highness is so sincere, and the conditions offered are truly impossible to refuse."

Seeing Li Xingluo's response, Luo Xin's joy was undisguised.

"Truly?"

"Truly!"

"Good. Mr. Xingluo, rest assured, everything this princess has promised will be fulfilled."

"I hope so."

"Rest assured, little friend, this old man vouches for it, hahaha!" Elder Mo stood up, walked over to Li Xingluo, patted him on the shoulder, and let out a hearty laugh.

After chatting a while longer, before leaving, Luo Xin gave Li Xingluo an Imperial Token. In the future, if he had any matters, he could use this token to enter the palace directly to find her. The token would also allow those who supported Luo Xin to assist Li Xingluo.

Elder Mo personally saw Li Xingluo to the door, and the small building vanished into the night.

"Little friend, this old man will not see you out further."

"Elder Mo, I presume it is not me that you are truly concerned about, is it?"

"What do you mean by that, young friend?"

Seeing Elder Mo feign ignorance, Li Xingluo merely offered a faint smile before turning and vanishing into the night.

At this moment, Luo Xin had caught up, and Elder Mo watched as Li Xingluo disappeared into the darkness.

He muttered, "This young man is truly not simple."

"Teacher, does he really have a powerful expert backing him?"

Elder Mo cast a glance at Luo Xin and said with a gloomy face, "To possess such talent at such a young age, and to be able to make that old fellow Yan Yun submit—do you think he could achieve that on his own? I fear the strength of the person behind him is the primary reason."

Luo Xin felt as if a weight had been lifted from her heart; she had paid a significant price just now, not only handing over the Imperial Token but also offering a generous gift.

If Li Xingluo were not worth such a return, it would have been a great loss.

When Li Xingluo returned to his courtyard, Xiao Yi Xian was waiting anxiously, pacing back and forth.

Hearing the faint sound of footsteps landing, Xiao Yi Xian turned around alertly and asked, "Who is it?"

Li Xingluo slowly stepped out from the shade of the trees: "It is me!"

Hearing Li Xingluo's voice, the worry in Xiao Yi Xian's heart slowly dissipated, and she hurried toward him, looking him up and down.

"Are you alright?" she asked with continued concern.

"I am fine." Seeing Xiao Yi Xian's worried expression, Li Xingluo felt a pang of guilt in his heart.

"As long as you are fine!"

"Rest assured, get some sleep. Once I finish refining the medicinal pills Yan Yun requires tomorrow, we shall leave the Imperial Capital."

"Alright." Seeing that Li Xingluo was unharmed, Xiao Yi Xian naturally set her heart at ease.

Xiao Yi Xian never had any objections to any decision Li Xingluo made; she was always content to follow him with peace of mind.