Amorousness in the Alchemy Room and Preparations for a Long Journey

Deep within the quiet, secluded reaches of the Miteer Auction House lies a spacious and exceptionally tranquil alchemy room. Stepping inside feels like entering a mysterious realm cut off from the rest of the world.

At the earth-fire vent, a precise array acts like a rigorous guardian, steadily controlling everything. The stable, pale blue flame flickers like a ghostly sprite in the night sky, burning silently beneath the cauldron and emitting a gentle, constant heat that drapes the entire room in a warm, mysterious veil. Inside, a faint, lingering scent of herbs drifts through the air, playing out like a melodious musical score. Moonlight Stones are embedded in the surrounding walls, casting a soft, clear glow like stars scattered across the night, illuminating the neatly arranged herbs and tools with perfect clarity. Compared to the makeshift alchemy space at the Xiao Family, this environment is a hundred times more professional, resembling an exquisite hall of art.

Xiao Zhan stands silently before the waist-high red copper cauldron in the center, his expression so focused that it seems as if only he and the cauldron exist in the world. He does not rush to refine high-grade pills, but instead carefully selects a few basic ingredients—Blood-Coagulating Grass, Bone-Growing Flower, and Vitality Fruit—preparing to refine the most fundamental "Rejuvenation Powder" (a Tier 1 healing medicine). He is like a master craftsman beginning with the simplest strokes to outline a magnificent scroll.

Ya Fei sits quietly on a soft chair to the side, her posture as elegant as a lazy cat. Her beautiful eyes, however, are locked firmly onto Xiao Zhan, as if afraid to miss a single detail, much like a devout believer listening intently to the teachings of a saint. She has chosen to wear a form-fitting, plain-colored dress today; it clings to her body like a second skin, shedding her usual flirtatious flair for a more serene and graceful air. She resembles a lily blooming in a secluded valley, appearing naturally beautiful and ethereal.

"The path of alchemy prioritizes fire control above all else. It is like taming a wild, unruly steed; it requires exquisite skill and a steady state of mind. Next is focus, like finding a tranquil harbor in a noisy world, allowing your spirit to be completely immersed. Finally, there is the fusion of medicinal properties, which is like a delicate dance where various herbs must cooperate to produce the most beautiful melody." As Xiao Zhan processes the herbs methodically, he explains in a calm, magnetic voice, each word falling into Ya Fei's heart like a brilliant pearl.

"If the heat is too intense, the herbs will scorch, much like overcooking a meal until it turns to charcoal. If the heat is insufficient, the medicinal power will be impure, like undercooked rice that is impossible to swallow. Soul power is like the hand that guides the flame; it must delicately perceive every subtle change in the medicinal strength within the cauldron, much like a caring mother constantly attending to her child's needs." As he speaks, his fingers flick gently, and a wisp of Dou Qi, like a nimble sprite, is injected precisely into the earth-fire array.

The previously gentle blue flame instantly becomes agile, as if imbued with life. Under his mental control, it rises like a dragon soaring into the clouds one moment, and coils like a spirit snake lying in wait the next, enveloping the cauldron perfectly as if carefully protecting a precious treasure.

Ya Fei cannot help but hold her breath, fearing she might disturb this dreamlike scene. Her beautiful eyes remain fixed on Xiao Zhan, watching as the soul power flowing from his fingertips—like invisible yet incredibly agile threads—probes gently and precisely into the cauldron. The soul power seems to possess a life of its own, sensing the minute process of the herbs melting under high heat and the miraculous changes as their properties are extracted.

Xiao Zhan maintains an air of effortless composure, his every movement revealing a meticulous mastery of power. His steady temperament is like the deep ocean—calm on the surface, yet containing boundless energy. Ripples stir in Ya Fei's heart; she knows well that this is not the work of someone who only "knows the basics," but the true bearing of a master who has been immersed in the path of alchemy for years.

At this moment, the herbs melt and purify under the heat, which is controlled to the millisecond, like a magnificent and orderly dance. The medicinal liquid swirls and fuses in the cauldron, like a group of nimble sprites playing. The entire process is as smooth as flowing water, without the slightest hesitation or pause, filled with an indescribable beauty, as if a stunning painting is slowly unfolding before their eyes.

In less time than it takes to brew a cup of tea, the medicinal fragrance within the cauldron suddenly intensifies, becoming almost tangible as it fills the air, refreshing everyone who smells it. Just then, Xiao Zhan strikes the side of the cauldron with his palm, producing a crisp, resonant sound.

"Condense!"

Following his low shout, the cauldron lid opens gently, as if lifted by an invisible hand. Immediately after, three round, uniformly colored pale green pills are steadily lifted out by his invisible soul power. Like three brilliant pearls, they trace a graceful arc through the air before landing steadily into the jade bottle in his hand. The surface of the pills is smooth as a mirror, emitting a warm luster as if polished by time; their quality is the pinnacle of Tier 1 pills, leaving one unable to help but marvel.

"So impressive..." Ya Fei sighs softly, her voice filled with wonder and admiration. Her beautiful eyes sparkle, as if countless tiny stars are twinkling within them. She has seen the Tier 2 alchemist employed by her family refine Tier 1 pills, but the process was nowhere near as effortless and graceful as Xiao Zhan's, and the quality of the finished product was far inferior to this.

Xiao Zhan smiles slightly, hands the jade bottle to Ya Fei, and says gently, "Miss Ya Fei, you may take a look. This is the most fundamental fire control and condensation."

Ya Fei takes the exquisite jade bottle gently, her fingertips accidentally brushing against Xiao Zhan's warm palm. In an instant, a surge of warmth spreads through her body from her fingertips, causing her heart to tremble slightly, as if a small deer were bumping against it. She holds the jade bottle carefully, examining the round pills inside with eyes full of admiration. "Clan Leader Xiao's alchemy is truly an eye-opener; it is breathtaking. The medicinal power of this 'Rejuvenation Powder' is extremely pure; I fear even an ordinary Tier 2 alchemist might not be able to refine it so perfectly."

"It is merely practice making perfect," Xiao Zhan says with a calm smile, his expression as warm and genial as the spring sun. His gaze sweeps lightly over Ya Fei's beautiful face, which is close enough to touch—her skin like snow, her brows and eyes like a painting, as if she were a masterpiece carved by the heavens. The faint, unique fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose is like the scent of flowers in spring, fresh and enchanting. In this enclosed space, the atmosphere of focus acts like an invisible net, tightly enveloping them both. That accidental touch was like a tiny spark, quietly breeding a hint of ambiguity in the air, flickering like stars in the night sky—faint, yet heart-stirring.

"Ding! Ya Fei's favorability +5. Current favorability: 60/100." The system's notification sounds in Xiao Zhan's mind, causing his heart to stir slightly. A favorability of 60 points has already far surpassed the boundaries of a normal business partner, officially entering the stage of "strong interest and curiosity," like a flower bud slowly beginning to reveal its charm.

"If Miss Ya Fei wishes to try controlling the fire, why not start with the simplest herb purification?" Xiao Zhan suggests softly, his voice gentle and magnetic, like a murmuring stream, subtly closing the distance between them.

"Is that really possible?" Surprise and anticipation instantly appear in Ya Fei's eyes, shining like stars in the night sky. She is like a child eager to explore a new world, full of longing for the unknown.

"Of course." Xiao Zhan smiles and gestures for her to come to the side of the cauldron, standing right next to him. They are very close, so close that they can almost feel each other's breath. Ya Fei can even clearly sense the steady aura emanating from Xiao Zhan, an aura like a mountain that makes one feel secure and reliable.

Xiao Zhan acts like a patient mentor, guiding Ya Fei step by step. He explains in detail how to use the array to make subtle adjustments to the flame—in his words, the array seems like a tamed sprite that can control the intensity of the fire at will. He also teaches her hand-in-hand how to use that faint, thread-like soul power to perceive every minute change in temperature within the cauldron, as if touching a precious and fragile piece of art.

Ya Fei learns with great seriousness, her focused expression shining like the stars in the night sky. However, as it is her first attempt, her movements are inevitably a bit clumsy and awkward, like a child learning to walk—cautious yet frequently stumbling. When she gathers her courage and tries to control the leaping flame to wrap around a stalk of Blood-Coagulating Grass, her output of soul power wavers. In an instant, the previously docile flame surges high like a wild horse breaking its reins, as if it wants to devour everything in sight, nearly burning the precious herb to ash.

"Ah!" Startled by the sudden change, Ya Fei lets out a soft cry and instinctively takes half a step back, her movements flustered like a frightened little deer.

At this critical moment, a warm and powerful hand acts like a guardian deity descending just in time, firmly supporting her waist and stabilizing her swaying figure. The warmth of his palm, transmitted through her thin clothing, seems to carry a magical power that instantly calms her flustered heart. At the same time, his other hand strikes out like lightning, and a powerful surge of soul power, like an invisible torrent, instantly smooths out the restless flames. The Blood-Coagulating Grass, on the verge of being incinerated, is lifted by this force like a light feather and placed steadily back under the gentle heat, continuing to undergo the baptism of refinement.

"Be careful." A low, magnetic voice rings softly in Ya Fei's ear, like a melodious musical score carried on the night breeze, tinged with concern. The hand supporting her waist does not immediately pull away; the heat from his palm, transmitted through her thin clothing, feels like an electric current spreading along her skin. Ya Fei's body instantly tenses, and her heart beats like a drum, violently and rapidly.

She can clearly sense the masculine aura coming from behind her, an aura like mellow wine, carrying a unique charm. The strength and stability contained in that palm feel like a solid barrier built for her, making her feel incredibly secure. A blush involuntarily rises to her cheeks, like the brilliant sunset in the sky, spreading all the way to her fair neck, adding a touch of shyness and allure.

"Th-thank you, Clan Leader Xiao." Ya Fei's voice carries a trace of imperceptible trembling, like a flower petal swaying in the wind. She turns her head slightly to meet Xiao Zhan's deep eyes, which are close enough to touch. His gaze is as calm as water, yet seems to contain an endless vortex, threatening to pull her in entirely and leave her intoxicated, unable to extricate herself.

Time seems to be held still by an invisible hand, freezing at this moment. In the alchemy room, the faint scent of herbs already present seems to take on a more romantic quality. The temperature seems to rise a few degrees, warm and cozy, making one feel slightly dizzy. The surroundings are deathly quiet, with only the faint crackling of the earth-fire beneath the cauldron—a sound like a meteor occasionally flashing across the night sky, brief yet clear—and the sound of their breathing, close enough to be heard, intertwining like a silent yet moving melody.

Xiao Zhan lowers his head slightly, his gaze falling on the shy, blushing face of the beauty in his arms. Ya Fei's cheeks are like the brilliant clouds of the sunset, red and delicate, and the shyness and allure flowing between her brows and eyes are like flowers blooming in spring, filled with spirit and charm, causing ripples to stir in Xiao Zhan's heart as well. But he knows his limits; the corners of his mouth lift slightly into a gentle, natural smile, and he slowly withdraws his hand with an elegant and composed motion, as if the support just now were the most ordinary of life's trivialities.

"Fire control requires a calm heart. Soul power is like breathing; it must be steady and long. Like a mountain stream, neither rushing nor slow, only then can it flow for a long time." Xiao Zhan's expression remains unchanged as he continues to guide her patiently. His voice is low and magnetic, like the most beautiful melody in nature, instantly burying the brief moment of ambiguity as if nothing had ever happened. "Try again. Concentrate and cast all distracting thoughts to the back of your mind."

Ya Fei takes a deep breath, the fresh air flowing into her body through her nasal cavity, seemingly carrying a magical power that helps her suppress the agitation in her heart. She tries hard to refocus her attention on the cauldron, but the lingering warmth on her waist is branded deeply into her memory; the low, charming voice in her ear also echoes in her mind for a long time, refusing to fade. This man is like a mysterious and towering mountain—powerful enough to inspire awe, mysterious enough to make one want to explore, unfathomable as the vast universe, and carrying a fatal attraction that makes her feel like a moth. Even knowing that a scorching and dangerous flame lies ahead, she cannot help but want to approach it at all costs.

The time that follows passes slowly in this subtle and ambiguous atmosphere. Under Xiao Zhan's careful guidance, Ya Fei stumblingly completes the first herb purification of her life. Although the process is full of twists and turns and the result is a bit rough, the novelty and sense of accomplishment shine in her heart like brilliant starlight, making her as happy as a child who has received a beloved toy. Xiao Zhan maintains the posture of a gentle and patient mentor throughout, and the occasional accidental physical contact is like a breeze brushing across a lake, stirring up ripples; his low words, like warm sunshine, fall into Ya Fei's heart, always causing her heart to skip a beat.

When Ya Fei leaves the alchemy room with the slightly scorched Blood-Coagulating Grass liquid she purified herself, her face is flushed with excitement—a flush as beautiful and moving as the sunset in the sky. The way she looks at Xiao Zhan is already filled with obvious worship, like a believer looking at the deity in their heart, along with a hint of emotion she has not yet fully realized, growing quietly like a seedling breaking through the soil in spring.

"Ding!" A crisp system notification sounds, like a meteor streaking across the night sky, breaking the brief silence. "Ya Fei's favorability +3. Current favorability: 63/100. Intimate interaction achieved. Reward: Earth-tier low-grade movement technique Flowing Cloud Steps." This sound echoes in Xiao Zhan's mind like a beautiful musical score, causing the corners of his mouth to lift involuntarily.

After seeing Ya Fei off, the gentle, sun-like smile on Xiao Zhan's face gradually fades, like the light of the setting sun slowly receding. He walks back to the Xiao Family with a steady gait. Just as he steps into the study, he sees Xiao Yan already waiting inside, his face filled with excitement and anticipation, looking like a young champion about to embark on an adventurous journey. Yao Lao floats to the side like a light cloud, his expression somewhat grave, as if contemplating something important.

"Father!" As soon as Xiao Yan sees Xiao Zhan, he rushes up like a happy little bird, his eyes flashing with fiery light, saying impatiently, "Teacher says I need to go out for training, to find some special herbs and opportunities, so I can truly begin practicing the Burning Mantra and rapidly improve my strength! We are already prepared to venture into the Magical Beast Mountain Range!" His voice is filled with firmness and determination, as if he is about to break through all obstacles.

Xiao Zhan looks at the fighting spirit burning in his son's eyes—a spirit like a raging fire illuminating his path forward. He nods slightly, his eyes full of encouragement and trust. "Hmm, flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand the baptism of wind and rain; only through the tempering of nature can one grow strong. It is time to go out and venture, to experience the baptism of wind and rain, and to feel the vastness of the world." Having said this, he turns to look at Yao Lao, his gaze filled with a hint of earnestness. "Venerable Yao, I entrust Yan'er's safety to you. You are experienced, and with you by his side, I can rest easy."

Yao Lao's illusory face wears a serious expression, like an unshakeable mountain, providing a sense of security. He bows slightly and says, "Clan Leader Xiao, rest assured. This old man will naturally protect him. However, regarding the goal of this trip, besides searching for some basic herbs, I have recently sensed a faint, fluctuating aura of a Heavenly Flame deep within the Magical Beast Mountain Range... Although that aura is extremely faint and distant, like a dim star flickering in the night sky, it is worth exploring. Perhaps a great opportunity lies hidden there."

Xiao Zhan understands in his heart, as if he had seen through everything long ago, knowing that what Yao Lao refers to is the mysterious and powerful Green Lotus Core Flame—the news he has been waiting for. He remains calm on the surface, like a still lake without a ripple, and says slowly, "A Heavenly Flame? That is a wonder of the world, like a rare treasure, containing boundless energy. However, danger and opportunity always coexist, like two sides of a coin. Yan'er, are you really sure you want to go? This is not an easy journey, but an adventure full of unknowns and challenges."

"Father, I must go!" Xiao Yan's gaze is like a torch, his eyes full of resolution and firmness, his tone as unshakeable as a rock. "For the three-year agreement, even if there are mountains of blades and seas of fire ahead, no matter how dangerous, I must go and try! This is the path I must take; it is the challenge I issue to fate!"

"Good! Worthy of being my son!" A flash of gratification and pride crosses Xiao Zhan's eyes, the approving expression like the warm sunshine of spring, illuminating Xiao Yan's path forward. Immediately, he lifts his hand gently and slowly takes several items from his storage ring, each one filled with his deep love and expectations for his son.

First to catch the eye is an exquisite jade bottle, the bottle body emitting a warm luster, filled with various healing and energy-restoring pills. These pills are like brilliant pearls, flickering with a soft glow in the bottle; they are the life-saving medicines Xiao Zhan has prepared for his son in times of crisis.

Next is a scroll emitting a mysterious aura—the very Flowing Cloud Steps movement technique scroll just rewarded by the system. The runes on the scroll seem to be flowing, faintly emitting a dim light, as if telling of its mysteries. "This movement technique, Flowing Cloud Steps, is an Earth-tier low-grade skill. Once mastered, it can greatly enhance your speed and evasion, allowing you to be as elegant and agile as flowing clouds in battle. You must master it as soon as possible." As Xiao Zhan speaks, he carefully places the jade bottle and the scroll into Xiao Yan's hands, his movements filled with tenderness and solemnity.

Finally, Xiao Zhan picks up a seemingly unremarkable gray jade shard. This jade shard is dull in color and rough on the surface, as if it were just an ordinary stone, yet it contains immense power. "Yan'er, keep this jade shard close to you." Xiao Zhan's voice becomes exceptionally serious, carrying an unquestionable majesty. "When you encounter a life-or-death moment, a crisis you cannot resolve, crush it. Remember, only use it when you are truly in despair!"

Within this small jade shard lies a soul imprint and pure Dou Qi of Xiao Zhan's Dou Zong level. The soul imprint is like a sleeping giant; once awakened, it will erupt with astonishing power. The pure Dou Qi is like a surging tide, capable of instantly forming a defensive barrier comparable to a Dou King, blocking fatal attacks for Xiao Yan. At the same time, once the jade shard is crushed, Xiao Zhan can instantly sense Xiao Yan's exact location, no matter how far apart they are, and arrive to rescue him at the first opportunity. This is the ultimate life-saving trump card he has prepared for his son as a father, his deep love and protection for him.

Xiao Yan takes the gray jade shard with both hands, and as his fingertips touch it, he truly feels the strange energy contained within, like a mysterious torrent surging faintly inside the shard. Hearing the heavy weight in his father's words, he nods heavily without hesitation, gripping the jade shard tightly with both hands as if holding the hope of life and the glory of the family, and says solemnly, "Father, rest assured, Yan'er will remember! I will certainly not fail your expectations!"

Yao Lao's gaze is like a sharp eagle's eye, lingering on the gray jade shard for a moment. With his powerful and keen soul perception, he is actually unable to fully see through the secrets of this small jade shard. He only vaguely senses that it contains an extremely obscure power, a power like a sleeping beast that, although not yet awakened, has already caused his soul, which has experienced the vicissitudes of life, to feel a tremor, as if facing an insurmountable mountain!

This Clan Leader Xiao... what kind of existence stands behind him? The protective talisman he gives his son so casually is so astonishing; such means are definitely not something an ordinary person could possess... Yao Lao's heart is in turmoil, his wariness and curiosity toward Xiao Zhan growing like wild grass, reaching an unprecedented height.

"Prepare yourself; we depart tomorrow morning." Xiao Zhan pats his son's shoulder gently, his movements filled with strength and encouragement, as if injecting infinite courage into his son. "Remember, come back alive! The past shame of the family needs you to wash it away with your own hands. Let those who look down on us see that the sons of the Xiao Family are no cowards!"

"Yes, Father!" Xiao Yan's fighting spirit is high, the light in his eyes like a burning flame illuminating his path forward. He straightens his back, as if he is already prepared to meet all challenges.

Watching his son's firm and resolute back gradually disappear from sight, Xiao Zhan's gaze becomes deep, like the most mysterious stars in the night sky, hiding endless thoughts and plans.

The Magical Beast Mountain Range... a place fraught with crises, yet full of opportunities; Green Mountain Town... a place full of stories; Xiao Yi Xian... that pure, fairy-like woman... everything will be the tempering on his son's path to growth.

"Yan'er, your path has begun. It is a path full of thorns and challenges, but it is also the only way for you to reach glory." Xiao Zhan mutters to himself, then slowly looks toward the direction of the Tagor Desert, his gaze as sharp as a knife, as if it could pierce through a thousand miles. "Queen Medusa... it is time to meet you as well. This fated duel is, after all, unavoidable."