The Deal

Li Xingluo had no choice but to reply to Princess Luoxin. "Your Highness, I could never accept such a grand gesture."

"You deserve it."

Princess Luoxin lifted her head. They were standing close, and her scent wafted over him, along with the sight of her enchanting face.

Li Xingluo awkwardly raised a hand and pretended to cough to ease the tension.

"Your Highness, you still haven't told me why you asked me to come."

"I heard from my teacher that Yan Yun of the Aus Auction House treats you with the utmost respect. He even asked you to help him refine pills. It seems you carry considerable weight at the Aus Auction House."

A chill ran down Li Xingluo's back. Yan Yun's words from earlier that day had already reached her?

Out of the corner of his eye, Li Xingluo glanced at Elder Mo, who sat quietly nearby. Could it be—? Though it was only a guess, it still sent a cold sweat running down his back.

As usual, Elder Mo stayed out of their conversation. Li Xingluo seemed to understand why Princess Luoxin had summoned him.

"Your Highness must be joking. The Aus Auction House is the empire's largest auction house. How could I possibly influence it?"

Princess Luoxin was inwardly astonished. Her gaze involuntarily flicked toward Elder Mo, who merely smiled faintly. Then she turned back to Li Xingluo.

"With your abilities, influencing the Aus Auction House wouldn't be impossible."

"Your Highness already has victory in hand. Why would you need my help?"

Li Xingluo's words left Princess Luoxin utterly stunned. Her eyes grew wary.

Then, as if she had thought of something, she let her guard down. The change was slight, but Li Xingluo still caught it.

It seemed he had guessed right. Princess Luoxin's ambitions likely reached beyond 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've looked into me." Seeing Li Xingluo smile without answering, Luo Xin turned her cool gaze on him.

"Since you already know so much about me, I won't beat around the bush. Just as you suspect, although I already have victory in hand, wouldn't it be even better to have more outside support?"

Luo Xin stated plainly why she had summoned Li Xingluo.

Then she continued, "Since you have Yan Yun's respect, you must be quite skilled in alchemy. If you're willing to help me, I'll appoint you as the Imperial Family's exclusive Alchemist. You'll have access to all the medicinal ingredients in the Imperial Family's stores."

Li Xingluo found it rather strange. Given his age, he shouldn't be worth so much trouble to Luo Xin. It seemed she believed someone stood behind him.

By gaining his support, she could also gain the support of the person behind him. Luo Xin certainly had a meticulous mind.

"Your Highness, the empire has no shortage of Alchemists. The Alchemist Guild is right here in the imperial capital. Why look farther afield? Besides, you don't know me. Aren't you afraid I'll take the money and do nothing, then disappear when you need me?"

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

Her expression darkened like a sky full of storm clouds, and she nearly crushed the wine cup in her hand. Her unusual reaction piqued Li Xingluo's interest.

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

"To be honest, the Alchemist Guild isn't on the same side as the empire."

Luo Xin's clenched teeth and pained expression made it seem as if the matter cut her to the bone. Li Xingluo understood why she had approached him.

She wanted not only the Aus Auction House's support but also to use him to counter the Alchemist Guild. She certainly knew how to kill two birds with one stone.

"I've looked into you, and you're not a member of the Alchemist Guild. On top of that, you've managed to win over someone like Yan Yun, a Dou Wang. Your alchemy skills must be astonishing. To have achieved so much at such a young age, your future must be limitless."

"Thank you for the praise. It's just that I've always been a free spirit, and I don't want to be tied down..."

Luo Xin cut in before he could finish. "Rest assured, no one will restrict your freedom. As long as you agree to become the Imperial Family's exclusive Alchemist, I promise you'll receive rewards beyond your expectations."

"That doesn't sound like an offer I can refuse."

"If you're still worried, I'm willing to put it in writing. You only need to step in when the time comes. Otherwise, you'll be free to come and go as you please."

There was no denying that Luo Xin's offer was generous. Li Xingluo seemed to have no reason to refuse.

Elder Mo added his support at just the right moment. "Young friend, I'll vouch for her with my own reputation."

Seeing the two of them pressing him, Li Xingluo felt that refusing would make him seem ungrateful.

Li Xingluo lowered his head in thought. With this status, perhaps he could avoid some trouble while traveling through the Chuyun Empire.

Elder Mo and Luo Xin exchanged a glance. Neither knew what Li Xingluo was thinking or what decision he would make.

"Fine. Your Highness has been so sincere, and your offer is truly difficult to refuse."

Li Xingluo's answer sent Luo Xin into undisguised delight.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Good. Don't worry, Mr. Xingluo. I'll honor every promise I've made."

"I hope so."

"Don't worry, young friend. I'll vouch for her. Hahaha!" Elder Mo stood and walked over to Li Xingluo, patting him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.

After they chatted briefly, Luo Xin gave Li Xingluo an Imperial Token before he left. From then on, whenever he had business, he could use it to enter the imperial palace and see her. The token would also let those who supported Luo Xin assist him.

Elder Mo personally escorted Li Xingluo to the door. The small building disappeared into the night.

"Young friend, I won't see you off any farther."

"Elder Mo, surely I'm not the one you care about?"

"What do you mean, young friend?"

Seeing Elder Mo play dumb, Li Xingluo merely smiled faintly, turned, and disappeared into the night.

At some point, Luo Xin had also followed them out. Elder Mo gazed at the spot where Li Xingluo had vanished into the night.

"This young man really isn't simple," he murmured.

"Teacher, is there really a powerful expert behind him?"

Elder Mo glanced at Luo Xin and said gravely, "He's so talented at such a young age, and he even won over that old Yan Yun. Do you think he could have done that on his own? The strength of the person behind him is probably the real reason."

Luo Xin felt as if a weight had lifted from her heart. She had just paid a considerable price, not only handing over the Imperial Token but also giving him a generous gift.

If Li Xingluo didn't deserve such a reward, she would have lost a great deal.

Li Xingluo returned to the courtyard where he was staying. Xiao Yi Xian was anxiously waiting, pacing back and forth.

Hearing the faint sound of someone landing, Xiao Yi Xian warily turned and asked, "Who's there?"

Li Xingluo slowly stepped out from beneath the tree's shadow. "It's me."

Hearing Li Xingluo's voice, Xiao Yi Xian's worry gradually eased. She hurried over and looked him up and down.

"Are you all right?" she asked, still full of concern.

"I'm fine." Seeing Xiao Yi Xian so troubled and worried, Li Xingluo felt a little guilty.

"That's good."

"Don't worry. Get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll finish refining the pills Yan Yun needs, and then we'll leave the imperial capital."

"All right." Seeing that Li Xingluo was unharmed, Xiao Yi Xian finally felt at ease.

Xiao Yi Xian never objected to any decision Li Xingluo made. She was always content to follow him.