. Ever since Xiao Ling's breakthrough to the four-star Dou Huang realm, word of his breakthrough had inadvertently spread.
Many people wanted to visit him, but Xiao Ling only met with Hai Bodong once, explaining the details of the Soul-Restoring Purple Pill and leaving him to prepare the ingredients and payment.
After his retreat, Xiao Ling's life became more relaxed. He
spent most of his time studying alchemy with Yao Chen, occasionally taking Qing Lin and the others on shopping trips through the Holy City of Jia Ma.
The streets of Jia Ma were bustling with activity, bustling with people and the sounds of hawking.
Xiao Ling used his "disguise" skill to minimize his presence, weaving through the crowds with Qing Lin and the others, his face radiating a sense of ease and joy.
Zi Yan curiously surveyed the various street vendors, stopping occasionally to pick out some novelty item.
Qing Lin's innocent smile warmed the heart like the warm spring sun, while the other two women were equally charming, drawing the attention of passersby.
As the saying goes, an old man in the family is like a treasure. Having Grandpa Yao Chen has indeed brought many conveniences to Xiao Ling's life.
Yao Chen's vast knowledge and rich experience are like an endless treasure trove.
Whether it's a bottleneck in cultivation, questions about fighting skills, or even the subtle techniques of alchemy, Yao Chen is always there to answer any questions Xiao Ling and the three women have.
Under Yao Chen's guidance, Xiao Ling's understanding of alchemy has deepened.
Unfortunately, Xiao Ling has not yet gathered the ingredients for a seventh-grade elixir, preventing him from personally refining it.
Talking about it is better than experiencing it firsthand. Rapid improvement in alchemy is impossible without abundant resources.
Yao Chen's ring contains only a few medicinal herbs; most of the precious materials he once possessed were taken by Han Feng.
Xiao Ling had mentioned Han Feng's situation to Yao Chen, saying that when he reaches sufficient strength, Xiao Ling will definitely open Han Feng's experience package.
Yao Chen was surprised to learn that Han Feng had escaped from Zhongzhou to the Black Horn Territory. Yao Chen made only one request: that Xiao Ling hand Han Feng over to him.
Xiao Ling naturally agreed. While Han Feng's soul was quite impressive, this small gain pales in comparison to Yao Chen's assistance to Xiao Ling. During these
leisurely and fulfilling days, Xiao Ling's bond with his companions grew deeper. Every moment they shared became a cherished memory.
Xiao Ling knew these moments were rare moments of peace and beauty, and he cherished them immensely, looking forward to the exciting future they would explore.
...
In Xiao Ling's courtyard, Xiao Ling was instructing Xiao Yan on alchemy.
Two months had passed since Xiao Ling emerged from seclusion. During this time, Xiao Yan had periodically sought Xiao Ling's guidance, seeking to improve his skills.
Gazing at the turquoise and gold-tinged strange fire in Xiao Ling's hand, Xiao Yan then glanced at his own sixth-rank Nethersea Dragon Beast fire, feeling a pang of envy.
This sixth-level dark sea dragon beast fire was naturally obtained by Xiao Yan from the royal family through Yaoyue's relationship.
Looking at the beast fire in Xiao Yan's hand, Xiao Ling's lips curled up and he teased, "It seems you have a good relationship with that little princess of the royal family. They even got you a beast fire from the royal guardian beast."
Xiao Yan scratched his head and turned his head away unconsciously. By now, everyone in the imperial capital knew that the third young master of the Xiao family and Nalan Yanran had broken off their engagement.
Because the details of the incident had not been spread, according to folk rumors, Nalan Yanran broke off her engagement with the Xiao family because Xiao Yan and the little princess of the royal family, Yaoyue, were too close.
Seeing Xiao Yan's expression, Xiao Ling shook his head. Xiao Ling had met the two little princesses of the royal family, Yaoyue, several times. Both sides must have had some ideas. If the Xiao family and the royal family became relatives, it would definitely be of great benefit to the development of both parties.
Just then, a maid entered Xiao Ling's courtyard and bowed to the two. "Master Xiao Ling, Master Xiao Yan, Marshal Lionheart is here to visit." Xiao Ling
raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. He had assumed that after the Nalan Yanran incident, Nalan Jie would be too embarrassed to come and ask for his help.
In a few days, Xiao Ling would be leaving the imperial capital. He had originally planned to go directly to the Nalan residence that night and take the Seven Illusions Azure Spirit Saliva, leaving behind some elixirs as compensation.
Xiao Ling had no fondness for Nalan Jie. In the original novel, he repeatedly promised Xiao Yan that he would help him if he needed anything, but then Xiao Yan was invited to tea by the three Dou Wang of the Yunlan Sect, while Nalan Jie sat by and didn't dare to say a word.
Xiao Yan, standing by, cast a curious glance at the maid upon hearing this. Nalan Yanran had made the decision to break off the engagement on her own initiative, and Xiao Yan hadn't actually gone to ask for a divorce. While relations between the Nalan and Xiao families had become somewhat awkward, thanks to the Nalan family's efforts to foster a friendly relationship, relations between the two families remained relatively healthy.
Seeing Xiao Ling didn't respond, the maid, assuming she'd disturbed them, asked cautiously, "Marshal Lionheart has arrived at the Xiao family's living room. Should we invite him over?"
With a slight nod, Xiao Ling said calmly, "In that case, then please have him come."
"Yes," the maid said, bowing and departing.
After the maid left, Xiao Yan stood up. "Since my cousin has matters to attend to, I'll take my leave."
"Well, remember to reflect on what you've learned today."
Shortly after Xiao Yan left, a thin, white-haired, bearded, old man entered the courtyard.
"Hahahaha, Master Xiao Ling, please forgive me for disturbing you this time!"
Along with the sound of footsteps came Nalan Jie's bold words.
"Mr. Nalan, you are too kind. I happened to be free now, so I didn't bother you." Xiao Ling looked at Nalan Jie and said lightly.
Seeing that Xiao Ling didn't show any obvious displeasure, Nalan Jie's uneasy mood eased slightly. He
clasped his fists towards Xiao Ling and said, "In fact, the Nalan and Xiao families have a good relationship in the past, and I, your Xiao family's old patriarch, Xiao Lin, am a close friend. However, my grandson Yanran previously trespassed in your mansion, damaging the friendship between our two families. I hereby apologize. Alas, this is all my fault. I didn't teach Yanran well. I hope Master Xiao Ling will forgive me..."
Waving his hand, Xiao Ling's face remained calm. "Since this matter has passed and both parties have received a satisfactory response, let's not mention it again."
(End of this chapter)