Xiao Yi Xian (41k)

In a dense forest on the edge of the Magical Beast Mountain Range near Qingshan Town, a boy of almost otherworldly beauty was soaking in a small lake.

Choosing a spot had actually been quick. After all, the only places worthy of being called "treasures of feng shui" were those occupied by sixth-rank magical beasts. After a little fuss, Liu Yu found a lake, heated it himself, and settled in for a hot spring soak. He had to admit, these heavenly flames could boil water, grill food, and even burn people. Truly an essential for traveling away from home! (Green Lotus Core Flame: ...)

I remember there being a "treasure" somewhere around here! A cliff, white orchid fruit, a rock snake, a crooked tree... tsk!

Liu Yu merely entertained the thought. He could not be bothered to go treasure hunting. The only thing in that cave that interested him was the Demonic Flame Remnant Map, but collecting something like that was far too troublesome. He would leave Little Yanzi to gather it piece by piece. Once Little Yanzi obtained the purifying lotus demon flame, Liu Yu could ask him for a wisp of its essence and cultivate it himself with Source Power!

Speaking of which, the Demonic Flame Remnant Map was not actually used to find the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame. After all, practically everyone in the Central Plains could see the Heaven and Earth phenomena when the demonic flame emerged. Rather, it was used to subdue the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame! After all, the map contained a remnant soul left behind by the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint!

"You've been watching for so long. Isn't it time you came out?"

Liu Yu was a little speechless. He had noticed the person hiding in the shadows long ago, but they were so pathetically weak that he had paid them no mind. A glance or two was within his tolerance, but hiding there and peeking at him nonstop was not!

Sensing that the person behind the enormous rock had made no move after hearing him, Liu Yu extended a finger. A blue-green flame instantly sprang up, transforming in moments into a fierce blue-green python several meters long. It flew silently toward the rock, while Liu Yu thoughtfully plugged his ears with dou qi...

"Ah!"

With an earth-shattering scream, a young woman in a pale white dress scrambled out from behind the rock, terror written across her face.

Liu Yu chuckled. Had he not discovered that the person hiding behind the rock was a woman, he would not have stopped at giving her a scare.

Then Liu Yu began studying this "peeping Tom." She wore a pale white dress, with a green sash cinching a willow-slender waist so narrow it could scarcely fill his grasp. Her looks were not breathtaking, but she was certainly a rare beauty. Even with fear on her face, she could not conceal her fresh, ethereal air. That distinctive quality greatly heightened her charm!

That air... Xiao Yi Xian? Liu Yu was rather surprised. Guys, can anyone relate? Xiao Yi Xian is actually a "peeping Tom"! (Xiao Yi Xian: ...)

"Th-there's a huge flying snake!" Having recovered her wits, Xiao Yi Xian shouted to Liu Yu in the lake.

Just then, however, the blue-green python several meters long flew back to Liu Yu's side, turned into a ball of flame, and merged into his body.

At the sight, Xiao Yi Xian froze, biting her lip and looking utterly pitiful.

"You peeked at me, and I scared you. We're even! Also, I'm getting dressed!"

At Liu Yu's words, Xiao Yi Xian, who had wanted to argue, blushed faintly and turned around. How could she have known someone would be in this lake? She had been searching for medicinal herbs when she stumbled upon it, only to see...

Liu Yu shook his head and vanished from the lake in an instant. By the time he appeared behind Xiao Yi Xian, he was already dressed in an elegant white robe.

Hearing no movement behind her for some time, Xiao Yi Xian finally succumbed to her curiosity and turned around. She found herself face-to-face with a beauty so peerless that her mind went blank: a straight, handsome nose, soft pink lips like rose petals, and pure, bewitching red eyes that drew in the soul like whirlpools!

"Seen enough?" Looking at Xiao Yi Xian's expression, Liu Yu's eyes gleamed with amusement. Xiao Yi Xian? More like a little lovestruck fool.

"Who's looking at you?!" Her face flushed with embarrassment, Xiao Yi Xian hurriedly stepped back.

"What's a girl like you doing out here in these deep mountains and old forests? Did you come all this way just to peek at people?" Liu Yu asked.

"You! Who was peeking? I came to look for medicinal herbs! How was I supposed to know you were bathing here?" Xiao Yi Xian was rather angry. How could someone so good-looking have such a nasty mouth?

"Oh? Really?"

Liu Yu's disbelieving expression made Xiao Yi Xian fight the urge to take medicinal powder out of the little pouch she carried and throw it in his face!

Looking at Xiao Yi Xian, who resembled a little punching bag, Liu Yu felt a trace of pity. Possessing the woeful poison body, she could certainly be said to have a rough fate ahead. Ah, I'll play the good Samaritan for once.

Feeling Liu Yu's unblinking stare, Xiao Yi Xian could not help growing shy. With rather little confidence, she asked, "Why are you looking at me?"

Because you're pitiful, Liu Yu added inwardly. Then he took a handwritten book out of his storage ring. It was the "Alchemy Compendium" he had recently compiled among the Snake-People Tribe, based on the alchemy knowledge supplied by the system, along with some insights of his own.

This "Alchemy Compendium" was currently divided into two parts. The first covered alchemy knowledge from grades one through five, though it did not include pill formulas and the like. The second covered alchemy knowledge for grades six and seven.

This "Alchemy Compendium" could be considered Liu Yu's secret weapon for enticing alchemists to willingly become alchemists for the Snake-People Tribe! The tribe had already reproduced many copies by hand. Liu Yu had two: one he had written himself, and one copied by someone else.

"Since we've met, you could say we share a little fate. This book is yours!" Liu Yu tossed the book to Xiao Yi Xian. She was a physician, and every physician dreamed of becoming an alchemist. In a way, he was fulfilling her dream. Besides, the knowledge of medicinal herbs covered in his "Alchemy Compendium" would be very helpful to her as well.

After a moment's thought, a ball of blue-green flame suddenly sprang from Liu Yu's hand. Under his control, it plunged straight into Xiao Yi Xian's body, making her cry out in alarm.

Paying no further attention to the bewildered Xiao Yi Xian holding the book, Liu Yu formed Dou Qi Wings and turned into a streak of blood-red light that vanished into the horizon, leaving only a stunned Xiao Yi Xian behind...

Beneath the pitch-black night sky lay Jia Ma Holy City.

After several days of travel, Liu Yu finally reached the Imperial Capital. Without pausing to rest, he intended to head straight to the palace to find Jia Xingtian. As long as he "dealt with" Jia Xingtian, everything that followed would be simple.

As he neared the palace, Liu Yu released his aura. Soon, a white-haired elder in a plain hemp robe, his complexion full of vitality, appeared silently before him. Once the elder saw Liu Yu's face clearly, he looked surprised. "Elder Liu!"

"Elder Jia, it seems you've successfully broken through to Dou Zong. Congratulations!" Liu Yu said with a smile, looking at Jia Xingtian standing in the air.

"Haha, it was all thanks to that Sect Breaking Pill of yours, Elder Liu! Otherwise, in a few years, I would have been nothing but a mound of yellow earth..." Jia Xingtian sighed with emotion. He had finally reached the realm that had eluded him for so many years! He was deeply grateful to Liu Yu!

"You've stood at Peak Dou Emperor for many years, Elder Jia. Even without the Sect Breaking Pill, I'm sure you would have broken through to Dou Zong eventually!" After this pleasantry, Liu Yu changed the subject. "I've come uninvited this time because there's something I'd like to discuss with you!"

"What are you saying, Elder Liu? As long as it lies within my power, I, Jia Xingtian, will never refuse your request!"

Jia Xingtian offered his assurance as well. His stance toward Liu Yu was that he absolutely had to maintain good relations with him and must never offend him. After all, what did it mean for a young Grade Six Alchemist to be able to casually refine any Sixth-Grade Pill while also possessing strength comparable to a Peak Dou Emperor?! And beyond his own abilities, he was also the Grand Elder of both the Mittel Family and the Alchemist Guild!

"With those words from you, Elder Jia, I can rest easy!" Liu Yu was not particularly surprised by Jia Xingtian's response. This was exactly how a sensible leader of a major power would act!

In a quiet courtyard deep within the palace, Jia Xingtian personally brewed tea and poured a cup for Liu Yu.

"Elder Liu, these leaves are called Jade Sun Tea. I've kept them in my collection for many years. They dissolve upon contact with boiling water, then release energy to cool it. The flavor is both like tea and unlike tea, and it has the miraculous effect of gently nourishing the body. It truly is wondrous!" Jia Xingtian explained after pouring the tea.

Looking at the fragrant vapor curling from the Jade Cup, Liu Yu gently picked it up and took a sip. His first impression was sweetness, followed by a warm sensation throughout his body. It really was excellent! Seeing Jia Xingtian watching him expectantly, Liu Yu gave his verdict. "Excellent tea!"

"Haha, as long as you like it, Elder Liu!" Jia Xingtian laughed. Then an exquisite jar-shaped box appeared in his hand, and he passed it to Liu Yu. "Since you like it, Elder Liu, this box of tea leaves is yours!"

"Then I'll gladly accept your kindness, Elder Jia!" Without hesitation, Liu Yu put the box into his storage ring. For one thing, the tea really was excellent. For another, accepting gifts was sometimes part of navigating human relationships.

As he sipped his tea, Liu Yu steered the conversation toward the matter at hand...

As Liu Yu explained, even Jia Xingtian, with all his practiced composure, revealed an expression of disbelief! Elder Liu belongs to the Snake-People Tribe?!

Liu Yu naturally noticed Jia Xingtian's expression, but it was only to be expected. Who could have imagined that he belonged to the Snake-People Tribe?

Although Jia Xingtian was shocked, he still listened attentively as Liu Yu finished explaining the Snake-People Tribe's migration.

From Liu Yu's explanation, Jia Xingtian summed up two points: the Snake-People Tribe would form an alliance with the Jia Ma Empire, and the tribe would relocate from the Tagor Desert to the depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

Watching Jia Xingtian ponder, Liu Yu quietly sipped his tea. He believed Jia Xingtian would not refuse, because this matter offered nothing but benefits to the Imperial Family! Not only would they gain the friendship of the Snake-People Tribe, but they would also gain his friendship!

The supposed negative consequences amounted to nothing more than some commoners finding it hard to accept, and resistance from a few factions that profited off female Snake-People. Perhaps certain hidden interests would be affected as well, but did any of that count as a problem for those in power? Especially for Jia Xingtian, who had now broken through to Dou Zong!

"The Jia Ma Imperial Family will be the Snake-People Tribe's eternal friend!" Jia Xingtian drew a deep breath and spoke to Liu Yu with a solemn expression.

"Haha, you certainly won't regret today's decision, Elder Jia!" Liu Yu laughed.

Afterward, Liu Yu discussed matters relating to the Snake-People Tribe's relocation with Jia Xingtian, such as exchanges between the Jia Ma Empire and the tribe. They would begin in the Imperial Capital, then gradually spread to the surrounding areas...

Once the relevant arrangements had been discussed, Liu Yu took his leave first. Jia Xingtian gazed at the Jade Cup in his hand, remaining silent for a long time...

The arrival of dawn also heralded a new beginning!

After leaving the palace the previous night, Liu Yu had visited the Mittel Family and the Alchemist Guild, informing Mittel Tengshan and Fa Ma of the Snake-People Tribe's migration. Although they were surprised by Liu Yu's identity, they immediately declared that he could use the resources of the Mittel Family and the Alchemist Guild as he pleased!

And so, the two major powers began operating at full capacity. Large numbers of personnel were dispatched into the depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, while the Imperial Family secretly assigned people to assist the Mittel Family and the Alchemist Guild.

At the same time, the Imperial Family announced the alliance between the Jia Ma Empire and the Snake-People Tribe. Public opinion erupted, with all manner of voices rising one after another. But this was, ultimately, a world where the strong devoured the weak. The weak had no right to choose! Some of those voices were swiftly suppressed by the Imperial Family with blood and iron.

Meanwhile, the heads of the Nalan Family and the Mu Family in the Imperial Capital went straight to the palace, hoping to learn why the Jia Ma Empire had allied with the Snake-People Tribe. The Emperor, however, stated that this was the ancestor's decision and he was merely carrying it out. This left Nalan Jie and Mu Chen rather frustrated. How were they supposed to guess what a Dou Zong expert was thinking?

The two frustrated men then visited the Mittel Family. After all, the Mittel Family had been making some rather large moves lately, right after the Imperial Family announced the alliance with the Snake-People Tribe. Perhaps the two were connected.

Upon arriving at the Mittel Family, the two directly asked Mittel Tengshan about the matter. Mittel Tengshan did not conceal it and gave them a rough explanation. This prompted Nalan Jie and Mu Chen to loudly protest that he was "not sharing the good fortune"! They strongly demanded to join in!

Although they were surprised by Elder Liu's identity, what did that matter? His title of Grade Six Alchemist alone was enough for them to mobilize their forces to help him. Besides, Elder Liu now held quite a number of positions, and not a single one was insignificant!

Mittel Tengshan gladly accepted, taking the opportunity to remind them, "The Magical Beast Mountain Range currently lacks experts to oversee things. Elder Liu is there."

Nalan Jie instantly understood Mittel Tengshan's meaning. Only Mu Chen was slow to catch on.

Time slipped leisurely by, and before anyone knew it, more than two months had passed.

Over those two months, Liu Yu first gave the fifth-rank magical beasts of the Magical Beast Mountain Range a "loving" lesson, making them keep the magical beasts under them in line. Then, after Nalan Jie and Mu Chen arrived, he returned to the Snake-People Tribe and sent Xiao Zi to oversee things, while also taking all those fifth-rank magical beasts under Xiao Zi's command. Together, the fifth-rank magical beasts that had served the dead sixth-rank magical beasts formed a considerable force!

Now, large numbers of flying magical beasts arrived and landed in the Snake-People Tribe's territory. Under the direction of their various leaders, the Snake-People climbed onto the flying magical beasts' backs in an orderly fashion.

High in the sky, five figures silently watched it all. Four of them had no Dou Qi Wings and instead stood upon empty air!

Clearly, all four elders of the Snake-People Tribe had successfully broken through to Dou Zong! After all, each had spent a long time at Peak Dou Emperor and could be considered a Half-Step Dou Zong, only one step away from Dou Zong! With the Sect Breaking Pills Liu Yu had given them, their breakthroughs came as naturally as water flowing into a ready-made channel.