Half a month passed.
Xiao Xun'er had been taking good care of herself and her unborn child at the residence during this time. Her belly had grown another size, and her complexion had become considerably rosier.
Moreover, after taking that seventh-tier pill earlier, her strength had settled firmly at the level of a Nine-Star Great Dou Master, and the Dou Qi within her was abundant and stable.
It had to be said that Xiao Xun'er was very satisfied with her cultivation progress, and she also deeply admired Lu Changfeng's pill-refining abilities.
A single pill had sent her soaring to Nine-Star Great Dou Master. Such methods might not amount to much in a great clan, but at least in the Jia Ma Empire, few people could accomplish such a thing.
That morning, Lu Changfeng walked out of his room. Xiao Xun'er was sitting in the courtyard, basking in the sun. When she saw him emerge, she asked with a smile, "Brother Changfeng, do you have any plans for today?"
As he heard this, Lu Changfeng walked over and sat beside her. After thinking for a moment, he said, "A couple of days ago, I gained an understanding of a new pill formula. Its grade isn't high-it's only a sixth-grade pill."
"But after you take it, you'll be able to break through to Dou Ling, and the baby in your belly will grow stronger too. One of its medicinal ingredients is rather special. I heard Yao Ye mention it before. It seems their Imperial Family has it."
The moment he finished speaking, Xiao Xun'er's eyes lit up at his words. "A sixth-grade pill can let me break through to Dou Ling? Brother Changfeng, you're incredible."
At that moment, Lu Changfeng smiled. "I'll make a trip to the Imperial Family and ask for the ingredient. Stay home and rest. Once I return, I'll refine the pill for you."
Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er nodded obediently. "Mm, take care on the way, Brother Changfeng."
Not long afterward, Lu Changfeng stood up and left the residence, heading toward the imperial palace of the Jia Ma Empire. People bustled along the streets of the imperial capital, but the walk did not take him much effort.
When he reached the palace entrance, he spotted Yao Ye from afar, leading a squad of soldiers on patrol outside the palace. Dressed in military attire with a longsword at her waist, she strode at the head of the squad, cutting a valiant figure.
When she saw Lu Changfeng approaching, Yao Ye's eyes instantly lit up. She hurriedly quickened her steps to greet him. "Lord Lu!"
At that moment, Yao Ye stopped before him, a pleasantly surprised smile on her face. "What brings you to the palace? Do you need to see Great-Grandfather about something?"
Looking at Yao Ye before him, Lu Changfeng nodded. "There is indeed something I'd like Elder Jia's help with. I need a medicinal ingredient. I heard you mention before that the Imperial Family seemed to have it."
Upon hearing this, Yao Ye immediately perked up and hurriedly asked, "What ingredient? Please, just tell me, Lord Lu."
Lu Changfeng then named the ingredient. After hearing it, Yao Ye nodded. "The Imperial Family does indeed have that ingredient. If I remember correctly, there should still be some in the storehouse. Don't worry, Great-Grandfather will certainly agree. Come, I'll take you inside."
After saying this, Yao Ye turned and walked into the palace, and Lu Changfeng followed her through the palace gates.
As Yao Ye walked, she thought to herself, This is a perfect opportunity to get closer to Lord Lu. Great-Grandfather has been worrying about how to build a good relationship with this seventh-tier alchemist. Now that he's come to our door himself to ask for an ingredient, the Imperial Family certainly can't miss this opportunity.
Never mind a single medicinal ingredient-even something more precious would be worth it, as long as it could win Lord Lu's goodwill.
After passing through several palace gates, the two reached the depths of the palace. Yao Ye led Lu Changfeng to the entrance of a grand hall. "Please wait a moment, Lord Lu. I'll go inside and inform Great-Grandfather."
Lu Changfeng nodded upon hearing this, and Yao Ye quickly walked into the hall.
Inside the hall, Jia Xingtian was sitting cross-legged on a cultivation cushion, looking somewhat dejected. He had been pondering one question all this time: just how could he build a good relationship with Lu Changfeng?
The last time he had invited him to visit the palace, Lu Changfeng had outright rejected his attempt to win him over and was only willing to be ordinary friends. Of course, Jia Xingtian was not content to be merely an ordinary friend, but the other party had made his position clear, and he did not dare press him.
Thus, he had been worrying over it all this time, turning various approaches over and over in his mind, but none seemed quite suitable.
Give him gifts? He was a seventh-tier alchemist-what fine things had he not seen?
Arrange a marriage alliance? The only women of suitable age in the Imperial Family were the sisters Yao Yue and Yao Ye, and he might not even take a liking to them. Thus, the more Jia Xingtian thought about it, the more his head ached, and he could not help sighing.
Just as he was filled with frustration, the doors to the hall were suddenly pushed open.
Jia Xingtian looked up and saw Yao Ye hurrying inside, her face carrying a hint of excitement. "Great-Grandfather! Lord Lu is here!"
Upon hearing this, Jia Xingtian sprang to his feet from the cushion, the dejected look on his face vanishing without a trace. "What? Lord Lu is here? Quick, quick, quick, invite him in! No, I'll go welcome him myself!"
The instant he finished speaking, Jia Xingtian hurriedly straightened his robes and strode toward the hall's entrance. He had just been worrying about how to build a good relationship with Lu Changfeng, only for the man to come to his door of his own accord a moment later. This was like being handed a pillow just as he was getting sleepy!
Thus, Jia Xingtian was immensely excited. He pushed open the hall doors and saw Lu Changfeng waiting outside. "Lord Lu! Welcome, welcome!"
His face wreathed in smiles, Jia Xingtian hurried forward and cupped his hands in greeting.
"What brings you to visit the palace today, Lord Lu? Please, come in, come in!"
Faced with his enthusiasm, Lu Changfeng showed no particular reaction. He merely nodded lightly. "You're too kind, Elder Jia. I have indeed come today because there's something I'd like your help with."
Upon hearing this, Jia Xingtian hurriedly waved his hand. "What are you saying, Lord Lu? There's no need to speak of help! Whatever it is, just say the word! As long as it's within the Imperial Family's power, we will give you our full support!"
After saying this, Jia Xingtian stepped aside to clear the way and gestured for him to enter.
Lu Changfeng stood on no ceremony and stepped into the hall.
At that moment, Yao Ye followed them inside, her face also carrying a hint of anticipation.
Then, as Jia Xingtian invited Lu Changfeng to sit, he rapidly weighed things in his mind. Lord Lu has come to our door himself to ask for help. I absolutely must seize this chance to make a good showing.
Whatever he wants, as long as the Imperial Family has it, we'll offer it up without another word!
In any case, as long as it could win Lord Lu's goodwill, any price would be worth paying. At this thought, the smile on Jia Xingtian's face grew as radiant as a flower in bloom.