Hearing those words, Liu Xi stopped in his tracks. Cao Ying also came to a halt, her phoenix eyes locking onto him with a mixture of playfulness and provocation.
Liu Xi turned to her, studying that charming face—half teasing, half serious. Resting his chin on his palm, he couldn't help but click his tongue in mild amusement.
Cao Ying, rather than showing embarrassment, lifted her chest proudly, her figure as alluring as ever, every subtle motion carrying deliberate temptation.
"Master Liu, do you find me unattractive? Or perhaps my figure isn't good enough?" she said sweetly, her voice dripping with confidence. "My talent isn't inferior to yours either. If we were to combine our strengths, even our descendants might possess gifts surpassing both of us."
Liu Xi chuckled softly. Her reasoning was impeccable—he had to admit, many men would find it hard to refuse such an offer sent straight to their door. But a man should command his desires, not be ruled by them.
If one's lower body dictated their will, what Dao could they still hope to pursue? What Emperor could they still become?
With a faint smile, he said, "Quite the change of heart. Weren't you determined to become a Pill Tower Giant? Even if I've won the Pill Gathering and became a successor, there are still three Giant seats. With your talent, claiming another position shouldn't be that hard."
Cao Ying laughed, her laughter rippling like waves, her slender fingers brushing casually across her chest as if unintentionally, yet every motion brimmed with seduction.
"Indeed. The Pill Gathering champion only inherits my teacher's seat, which was my original goal. But there are two other Giant positions. With some maneuvering and my talent, earning one is hardly impossible."
Her eyes softened, turning hazy with a teasing gleam. "But Master Liu… you're even more challenging than the Pill Tower's Giant seat. I've simply changed my target. When you get serious, you're utterly mesmerizing, you know that?"
'Ah, the one who conquered her first goal was conquered himself—so now she wants to conquer the one who conquered her first conquest.' Liu Xi sighed inwardly. 'What twisted logic.'
"So you've set your sights on me now—your next 'goal' to conquer. Well, that's fine logic, I suppose," he said dryly. "A fine effort, but no reward. Best give up while you still can. The deeper the waters here, the easier it is to drown."
With that, Liu Xi turned and walked off, no longer entertaining her game.
Cao Ying clearly had no intention of giving up. She followed gracefully, her every step poised, every sway of her hips exuding charm.
"Just like during the Pill Realm trial," she said softly. "You said you disliked my temperament, suspected my motives… and so you've been guarded against me."
Liu Xi only smiled faintly and said nothing, but the meaning was plain. She was perceptive enough to understand it.
And she did. Not every man could be swayed by her beauty; not every man bowed at her beck and call. Liu Xi might have found her attractive, but he wasn't the sort to act on impulse—especially not toward someone who had left a poor impression. When he didn't like someone, he didn't pretend otherwise.
They continued in silence—Liu Xi walking ahead, Cao Ying following behind. Along the way, every young alchemist they passed stepped aside respectfully, eyes filled with awe and envy.
To walk beside Cao Ying was the dream of countless men, yet the man before her—whom she was trying so hard to charm—barely even looked her way.
When they arrived back at Liu Xi's residence, the wooden doors creaked open. A slender figure in white robes stepped gracefully out. It was Xiao Yixian.
Her gaze flickered with mild surprise when she noticed Cao Ying following behind Liu Xi. She had already accepted several women's presence in his life, but she wasn't eager to see another—unless, of course, Liu Xi truly wished it.
"Young Master, you're back," Xiao Yixian said sweetly, stepping forward and gently taking his arm. "Miss Cao Ying, would you like to come in and rest a while?"
Cao Ying smiled faintly. This gentle, elegant woman—no less beautiful than herself—was clearly staking her claim. Seeing Liu Xi remain calm, Cao Ying immediately understood. This was no ordinary servant; a Dou Zun needed no such attendants.
Liu Xi turned to her and said simply, "Miss Cao Ying, you'd better change your goal."
Cao Ying lifted her chin proudly, her bearing that of a phoenix. "I, Cao Ying, have known failure, but I have never known surrender. You may doubt my intentions, but I'll prove my sincerity. When my alchemy surpasses yours, when I become one of the Pill Tower's Giants, when my beauty, strength, and influence reach their peak—you'll see my true heart."
She gave him one last lingering look before turning away. As the Cao Clan's famed enchantress, pride was her nature. And when she set her sights on a goal, she never gave up.
Liu Xi watched her leave, a trace of surprise flickering in his eyes. For once, he felt she might not be joking—she truly meant every word.
As Xiao Yixian led him inside, her delicate hand still on his arm, she spoke softly, "Young Master, I think Miss Cao Ying wasn't lying. If she truly does what she said—becomes a Pill Tower Giant and still devotes herself to you—it might actually help you gain control over the Pill Tower's power."
Liu Xi's eyes showed a flicker of amusement. Xiao Yixian's thoughtfulness never failed to impress him. "We'll see. I've tried to dissuade her, but somehow she's more serious than before. I've never been fond of her type."
"Big Brother!"
A delighted voice rang out. A petite figure came running toward him and leapt straight into his arms.
Xiao Yixian smiled warmly. "Young Master, after you left, Zi Yan came by not long after. It's been quite some time."
Zi Yan snuggled into his chest, and Liu Xi laughed softly, ruffling her hair. "Yes, we met in the Pill Realm already—and you helped me a great deal. By the way, Brother Xiong Zhan came out too, didn't he?"
Zi Yan released him and tilted her chin proudly. "Of course! That broken space couldn't trap me. And this time, I came prepared. I know Big Brother wants the Three Thousand Burning Flame, so I brought something for you—a dragon seal I copied from one of our clan's elders."
"The Three Thousand Burning Flame was once captured by our Tribe's Elder, but it was too weak back then and the Elder let it go. Luckily, we left behind that seal to aid in future subjugations."
Liu Xi smiled at her smug expression, clearly waiting for praise. He couldn't bring himself to dampen her enthusiasm—after all, her effort came from genuine concern for him.
He wasn't afraid of Heavenly Flames to begin with. With his current Spiritual Power, he could easily suppress the Three Thousand Burning Flame.
His tone softened. "You've done wonderfully, Zi Yan. With your dragon seal, I'll have no problem taming the flame."
Zi Yan scratched her head shyly. "It's not that simple, Big Brother. Using the dragon seal to subdue the flame is like a battle of wills. If you win, the Three Thousand Burning Flame is yours. But if you lose… things could get messy."
Xiao Yixian frowned in concern. "It's that dangerous? Zi Yan, isn't there another way?"
Liu Xi, however, showed no worry at all. "It's fine. I trust Zi Yan. If she brought it to me, it must be the best method."
"Big Brother," Zi Yan said, eyes shining with excitement as she grabbed his hand. "Come on, I'll plant the dragon seal for you right now!"
(End of Chapter)
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