Mittel Tengshan's Decision (43k)

Liu Yu withdrew his flames, rose from the lotus seat, and put it back into his Storage Ring.

Although the Dou Ling Pill had disappointed him greatly, Liu Yu understood why. His reserves of Dou Qi were astonishing—dozens of times those of others at his level, already comparable to a Dou Huang expert's. Naturally, the pill's effect on him was greatly diminished!

Was it truly so hard to have the best of both worlds? His terrifying reserves of Dou Qi allowed him to fight above his level, but also made advancing "difficult." Yet that could not stop him! He still had his final secret weapon—the Origin-Nurturing Art!

The Origin-Nurturing Art absorbed the energy of Heaven and Earth and transformed it into a higher order of power to nourish his origin. Once enough of that energy gathered, it could condense into a strand of Source Power!

Though Source Power and Origin Qi differed by only a single character in their Chinese names, they might... be the same in essence...

The Origin Qi of the Dou Qi Continent was also known as Origin Emperor Qi, a peculiar energy born between Heaven and Earth, and the medium through which a peak Dou Sheng advanced to Dou Di!

Liu Yu believed that Origin Qi's true function was to elevate a peak Dou Sheng's level of existence, turning them into an entirely new, higher form of life—a Dou Di! It was like the difference between lower-dimensional and higher-dimensional life.

Meanwhile, the Origin-Nurturing Art he had received from the system focused on the origin. In essence, it likewise continuously raised a person's level of existence until they achieved that leap!

Liu Yu wondered whether, if he accumulated enough Source Power within his body, he could become a Dou Di in one fell swoop!

Of course, that was merely a thought. Riding a rocket straight from Dou Wang to Dou Di would probably require an astronomical amount of Source Power. By the time he accumulated it all, he might have become a Dou Di already!

At present, for instance, he could accumulate roughly one strand of Source Power a month, purely by absorbing and transforming the Dou Qi between Heaven and Earth. Absorbing certain special forms of energy should speed that up.

So far, he had condensed three strands in total. He had fed two to the Green Lotus Core Flame, while the remaining strand lay within his body. Liu Yu did not know how much that single strand of Source Power could improve his strength. One star? Two? Or three?

Just as Liu Yu was pondering this, a voluptuous figure entered the courtyard.

"Young Master Liu, I've brought what you wanted!"

Accompanied by that sweet, alluring voice, Ya Fei came to Liu Yu's side. With a gentle wave of her delicate hand, a flat, red crystal the size of a cartwheel appeared on the stone table.

The red crystal was clear and glittering, as though it contained the finest spiritual essence of Heaven and Earth. Its interior was covered in wondrous patterns, like flowers and mist, dazzling the eyes and captivating the mind!

Seeing Liu Yu's attention drawn to the red crystal, Ya Fei explained, "This crystal is called Crimson Crystal. It's a marvel nurtured by Heaven and Earth, with all sorts of remarkable effects. Wearing jewelry made from it over a long period can nourish the body, brighten the skin, and even help preserve one's youthful looks! It also carries a beautiful meaning—love unwavering until death!"

"Love unwavering until death..." Liu Yu murmured.

"It seems you have someone you love dearly too, Young Master Liu!" Ya Fei covered her mouth and giggled, undisguised envy shining in her beautiful eyes.

Liu Yu fell silent, his mind filled with every little moment he had shared with his Queen. For some inexplicable reason, Yun Yun's figure also flashed through his thoughts!

"I like this Crimson Crystal very much!"

As though waking from a dream, Liu Yu looked at Ya Fei. She must have put a great deal of thought into this, which gave him another idea. He wanted to bestow a tremendous blessing upon her!

"As long as you like it, Young Master Liu!" Ya Fei smiled. This Crimson Crystal was part of the family's collection and was not for sale. Those old fellows treasured it dearly. Had she not played the fox borrowing the tiger's might, she would never have managed to get it.

Then, as if remembering something, Ya Fei asked softly, "Young Master Liu, the patriarch would like to see you. Would you...?"

"Oh? The old gentleman must have been waiting outside for quite some time. Please, come in!" Only after hearing Ya Fei's words did Liu Yu notice that someone had been standing outside the courtyard all along.

Liu Yu smiled. The Mittel Family's patriarch truly understood the ways of the world. He had shown Liu Yu every possible courtesy! Though various factors were behind it, it certainly made him feel comfortable!

"Haha, I hope you'll forgive this old man for arriving uninvited, Young Master Liu!"

Mittel Tengshan walked into the courtyard. As he looked at Liu Yu, his heart filled with shock. I can't fathom him! And he's so young!

"You jest, sir. How could this count as arriving uninvited?" Liu Yu replied politely.

"I never used to understand the line, 'A man upon the country lane, fair as jade; a young lord without equal in the world.' After seeing you, Young Master Liu, I finally do!" Mittel Tengshan sighed. He meant it sincerely. Having met countless people, he had truly been stunned by someone's appearance today.

"You flatter me, sir! Haha!" The corners of Liu Yu's mouth rose despite himself. Talking to someone who knew how to speak was, in a word, delightful!

Ya Fei suppressed her laughter as she quietly watched the two heap praise upon each other. How had she never realized her grandfather was such a flatterer?

"Sir, I happen to have some free time today. How about I refine a few batches of pills for you?" Liu Yu looked at Mittel Tengshan with a broad smile. Their "conversation" had thoroughly satisfied his "little" vanity. As the saying went, good people deserved good rewards. He had to show his appreciation.

"Were you refining medicine just now, Young Master Liu? Why not rest for a while first? Alchemy takes quite a toll on the mind!"

Mittel Tengshan was delighted, but he knew that refining medicine was not something to rush!

"No need. I merely refined a Dou Ling Pill on a whim!"

Liu Yu's expression remained calm. Refining pills might be time-consuming and mentally exhausting for others, but for him, it was merely a question of whether he wanted to!

"A Dou Ling Pill!" Hearing Liu Yu admit it himself, Mittel Tengshan could not conceal his shock, even though he had prepared himself. The young master before him truly was an alchemist—a Grade Six Alchemist! He had even refined a Dou Ling Pill just moments ago!

Beside them, towering waves also surged through Ya Fei's heart. In the brief time she had spent visiting the Mittel Family's collection pavilion, Young Master Liu had become a Grade Six Alchemist?! And he had even refined a Dou Ling Pill along the way!

A Grade Six Alchemist! There was only one in the entire Jia Ma Empire: Pill King Gu He. Now there was another, Liu Yu, who was even more terrifying!

"You truly are a dragon and phoenix among men, Young Master Liu! I'll prepare the ingredients at once!" Mittel Tengshan regained his senses and hurried away without another word.

"You've really fooled this poor girl, Young Master Liu!" Ya Fei's gaze brimmed with tender affection, ripples stirring endlessly in her heart. Why did such a perfect person exist in this world?

"When did I ever say I wasn't a Grade Six Alchemist?" Looking at Ya Fei, who resembled an adoring little fangirl, Liu Yu felt rather pleased with himself. Don't fall for me, girl. I'm just a legend!

Ya Fei pouted her vivid red lips. Who would have guessed that a handsome, lavishly generous young man was a Grade Six Alchemist? Who would believe it? Had she not witnessed it herself, she would not have believed it either!

"I said earlier that if you found something that satisfied me, you could make one reasonable request. But now, you can exchange that request for a fortuitous opportunity! So, what's your choice?"

Liu Yu looked at Ya Fei and chuckled. In truth, the answer was already obvious!

"I choose the opportunity!" As expected, Ya Fei chose the opportunity. In her eyes, as a Grade Six Alchemist, Liu Yu would surely offer something beyond imagination!

"I'll give it to you after I finish refining medicine for your patriarch!"

"Can't you do it now?" Ya Fei's beautiful eyes filled with anticipation.

"No!" Liu Yu refused outright. What he intended to give her was not a pill, but a blessing, and that blessing would take a little time!

"Hmph, fine!"

As she spent more time with Liu Yu, Ya Fei gradually let her true self show. She became less reserved around him, and their interactions grew more natural!

Liu Yu changed the subject and began chatting with Ya Fei.

At that moment, Mittel Tengshan returned and handed Liu Yu a brown Storage Ring.

Liu Yu took the ring and inspected it, discovering three sets of ingredients for Dou Ling Pills, as well as a Medicine Cauldron!

The Medicine Cauldron was purple throughout, engraved with red flowing-cloud patterns resembling flames. Those cloud patterns gave off a wondrous glow, as though red flames were burning! A glance was enough to tell that this cauldron was of excellent quality! At any rate, it was certainly better than the ancient-looking cauldron he had been using!

Mittel Tengshan explained from beside him, "Young Master Liu, these three sets of Dou Ling Pill ingredients follow the customary rules for alchemists. The Medicine Cauldron is your payment!"

"I already said you only needed to prepare one set of ingredients. There's no need for payment!"

Liu Yu felt helpless.

“Young Master Liu, we cannot abandon the rules! Besides, this Purple Cauldron can only gather dust in our Mittel Family! Only you can allow it to fulfill its true purpose!”

Mittel Tengshan spoke with heartfelt sincerity. He truly did not want the Purple Cauldron to gather dust, and he truly wanted to befriend Liu Yu!

Liu Yu gave Mittel Tengshan a long look, then made his decision.

He brushed a finger over the brown Storage Ring, and the enormous Purple Cauldron and all three sets of ingredients appeared.

Ya Fei and Mittel Tengshan stepped aside, excitement filling their hearts. They understood Liu Yu's unspoken intent: he was allowing them to watch! They would witness a Grade Six Alchemist refining medicine with their own eyes!

With practiced ease, Liu Yu completed the preliminary steps. Unlike before, however, he intended to refine three pills at once!

He had often played around with refining several pills at once while among the Snake-People Tribe. Though he called it playing, his success rate had still been one hundred percent!

As Liu Yu refined the pills, Ya Fei and Mittel Tengshan were deeply shaken by the green flames they saw!

Even from far away, they could feel the terrifying heat within those flames, as well as their unmistakable sentience! A heavenly flame!

Although astonished, Ya Fei and Mittel Tengshan gradually began accepting Liu Yu's monstrous talent! People were different, after all!

Compared with other alchemists, Liu Yu's refining process was entirely different. Most alchemists wore solemn expressions and concentrated intensely, devoting their whole being to the sacred process of alchemy.

Liu Yu, however, was relaxed and effortless. His refining flowed like drifting clouds and running water, pleasing to the eye! His long, strong, well-defined hands shifted constantly, as though plucking flowers and leaves, their movements wonderfully graceful.

Ya Fei and Mittel Tengshan felt that they were not watching alchemy, but enjoying an artistic performance!

Boom!

A tremendous surge of energy raged, spreading outward in ripples that struck the Purple Cauldron's inner walls and made it tremble violently!

Fortunately, the Purple Cauldron was a high-quality Medicine Cauldron. Had Liu Yu used his previous ancient-looking cauldron, its “honor in its twilight years” would probably have been lost! (Ancient-looking cauldron: ...)

Soon, beneath Liu Yu's “flashy maneuvers,” three plump, perfectly rounded blue-green pills fully formed! An intensely rich medicinal fragrance swirled around them. When Ya Fei and Mittel Tengshan caught its scent, their spirits lifted. Ya Fei in particular felt as though merely breathing in that fragrance could advance her cultivation!

Had Liu Yu known what Ya Fei was thinking, he would certainly have scoffed. Girl, you must be dreaming! From a mere Dou Ling Pill? (Dou Ling Pill: ******)

Immediately afterward, the three pills “joined forces” to release an exceptionally powerful surge of energy, which seemed to resonate with the energy between Heaven and Earth! An enormous pillar of light shot from the Medicine Cauldron into the sky, as though seeking to pierce the heavens!

This pillar of light reached an astonishing height, unlike the “short and feeble” one produced by Liu Yu's previous Dou Ling Pill! For a moment, the entire Jia Ma Holy City stirred. Those with considerable knowledge were left dumbstruck at the sight!

With a thought, Liu Yu drew the three pills into his hand. He then took an exquisite ancient jade box from his Storage Ring and placed them inside. Originally, he had not wanted to waste a jade box. They were only Dou Ling Pills; a bottle would do. But things were different now. Since they were a gift, Liu Yu decided to grant them a little dignity!

Turning, Liu Yu walked over to Mittel Tengshan and offered him the jade box, his tone brooking no argument. “Sir, you must accept these three Dou Ling Pills!”

Liu Yu spoke that way because he feared Mittel Tengshan would insist on further courtesies. He had already received many benefits from the Mittel Family. He always repaid kindness—and repaid it generously!

"This..."

Mittel Tengshan hesitated. These were three whole Dou Ling Spirit Pills refined with a heavenly flame. They were far too precious! But seeing Liu Yu's unyielding expression, he finally accepted the jade box with trembling hands.

Carefully putting the jade box into his Storage Ring, Mittel Tengshan took a deep breath. As though making an important decision, he declared solemnly, "Young Master Liu, for as long as I, Mittel Tengshan, remain in the Mittel Family, the Mittel Family will be yours to command!" (Hai Bodong: ?)

By making such a decision, Mittel Tengshan was practically declaring his loyalty to Liu Yu. This was no impulsive act, but the result of numerous considerations!

Their Mittel Family's Grand Elder had disappeared decades ago. Though the family had searched for him both openly and secretly, they had found no news whatsoever, as though he had evaporated from the face of the earth!

Although the Mittel Family still had him, a Dou Wang, they ultimately lacked the deterrent of a Dou Huang expert. Undercurrents stirred within Jia Ma Holy City, and he could not rest easy!

If Young Master Liu became their Mittel Family's backer, however, their family might even rise another step! The deterrent of a Grade Six Alchemist far exceeded that of a Dou Huang!

Moreover, the young master before him was no ordinary Grade Six Alchemist. At least, Mittel Tengshan had never seen or heard of any Grade Six Alchemist who could refine three Dou Ling Spirit Pills at once! If Liu Yu wished, he could easily draw a whole group of Dou Huang experts to him with pills!

That was one aspect. If Young Master Liu had free time, they could also ask him to refine pills and split the results eighty-twenty, with their share naturally being twenty percent. Even with only twenty percent, they could still earn enough to fill their pots and bowls to the brim!

Of course, the influence of a Grade Six Alchemist extended far beyond that. Whatever the case, if Liu Yu was willing, their Mittel Family would follow his lead!

Thanks to Renzai for the monthly ticket!

Thanks to Mingxin Ruoxiangyi for the tip!

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