The ones who reacted fastest were naturally the three Giants of the Pill Tower. The instant Liu Xi appeared, Xuan Kongzi and the other two had already torn through the void and descended at his side.
"Liu Xi? You're out? Good—so it wasn't the Three Thousand Burning Flame breaking free."
Seeing that it was Liu Xi, Xuan Kongzi finally exhaled, his tense expression softening. For a moment he had thought the Three Thousand Burning Flame had burst through its seal—if that were the case, it would have spelled utter catastrophe for Holy Pill City.
Xuan Yi, being more meticulous, noticed the spatial rift slowly healing behind Liu Xi and the traces of the flame's withdrawal. Her brows knitted slightly. "The Three Thousand Burning Flame followed you out, didn't it? But you managed to force it back?"
Liu Xi nodded lightly in acknowledgment. This was something he couldn't possibly hide.
Xuan Kongzi's eyes widened slightly. Even for him, subduing the Three Thousand Burning Flame required full effort. For Liu Xi to drive it back so effortlessly could only mean one thing. "You've refined the Three Thousand Burning Flame… which means you can now control it. And your cultivation…"
The flame surrounding Liu Xi still burned in a deep azure hue, and the surge in his aura was impossible to conceal. He had to give them a plausible explanation—and with the Pill Tower backing him, it would make things far simpler later on.
He paused for a moment, feigning hesitation, before smiling as though resigned. "I subdued the Three Thousand Burning Flame's Origin Flame," he said calmly. "Then, using my familiarity with the Green Lotus Core Flame, I guided it to devour the Three Thousand Burning Flame. My rise in strength is simply the result of the Green Lotus Core Flame's feedback. After all, it's been with me for years. I couldn't bring myself to abandon it, so I took the risk—and fortunately, things went just as I predicted."
It wasn't the most believable story, but facts spoke louder than words. The three Giants had no choice but to accept it—they couldn't exactly slice him open for study, after all.
Xuan Kongzi, Tian Leizi, and Xuan Yi all exchanged looks of astonishment. No wonder—while none of them possessed Heavenly Flames, they had read enough ancient records to know one thing clearly: two Heavenly Flames could never coexist within one body. Yet Liu Xi had done what the world believed impossible.
Xuan Kongzi pointed at him, incredulous. "So you fed the Three Thousand Burning Flame to the Green Lotus Core Flame—and it actually succeeded? You strengthened your flame and advanced your cultivation at the same time?"
Liu Xi smiled. "That's one way to put it."
'Though The Green Lotus Core Flame and I are one now—it is me, and I am it.'
Even the stoic Tian Leizi revealed faint traces of surprise and regret upon his dark features. It was hard to tell whether he mourned the loss of one Heavenly Flame or marveled at Liu Xi's audacity and fortune. Xuan Kongzi and Xuan Yi, meanwhile, wore expressions that could only be described as those of elders watching a prodigal squander treasures—but they couldn't fault him. As the champion of the Pill Gathering and a rising star of the Pill Tower, how Liu Xi handled the Three Thousand Burning Flame was entirely his affair.
Regaining his composure, Xuan Kongzi smiled lightly. "What matters is that you've returned safely and even eliminated the threat of the Three Thousand Burning Flame. That alone is a great achievement. You're already recognized as the successor to us, The Pill Tower Giants—your authority now ranks just below ours. Personnel, resources, secret records—everything is open to you. Study what you wish, and if you encounter difficulties, come to us. We can still give you a few pointers in the art of alchemy." His tone carried a trace of pride before softening. "Also, don't wander too far. The Hall of Souls won't give up so easily. For now, return and rest. There's someone who's about to turn to stone waiting for you."
By the end, a teasing smile curved across Xuan Kongzi's face. He, of course, knew that ever since Liu Xi had entered the Star Region, Xiao Yixian had been coming there every single day to wait for him.
Hearing that, Liu Xi's expression softened into a warm smile. He clasped his hands respectfully. "Then I'll take my leave first."
With that, he stepped past the three Giants and flew toward his residence. Behind him, Xuan Kongzi's faint sigh drifted through the air. "To turn the impossible into reality… truly unbelievable—but there it stands, plain as day."
Liu Xi smiled quietly. 'That's exactly the effect I wanted.'
As he flew through the skies, he sensed more than a dozen Spiritual Perceptions brushing over him. But once they recognized his aura, each one quickly withdrew. It was proof enough that his status within the Pill Tower had risen to astonishing heights—he could now cross the entire Holy Pill City without a single person daring to stop him.
In the distance, a white figure streaked through the air toward him. The next instant, a familiar fragrance enveloped him as Xiao Yixian threw herself into his arms.
"Young Master, you're back."
Liu Xi's smile was gentle as he patted her back. "I'm back. You don't have to worry about me—I wouldn't throw myself into danger without absolute confidence."
Looking up, he saw Zi Yan descending a bit slower, arms crossed and lips pouted, though her amethyst eyes shone with obvious relief.
Liu Xi chuckled. "And I have you to thank, Zi Yan. That Dragon Seal of yours helped me a great deal."
"Of course it did." Zi Yan lifted her chin proudly, a mischievous smile curving her lips.
"Come on," Liu Xi said softly. "Let's go back. I have something to discuss with you both."
"Mm."
Back at the residence, Liu Xi looked at Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan, his voice carrying a trace of nostalgia. "We've been in the Central Plains for four years now. The Pill Gathering is over… I think it's time we returned home."
"Return home?"
The two girls exchanged glances before both nodded without hesitation. Xiao Yixian's tone was firm. "Wherever the Young Master goes, I'll follow."
Zi Yan waved a hand nonchalantly. "I'm going too. All the Ancient Void Dragon dou techniques are in my head anyway—it doesn't matter where I train."
Liu Xi's smile deepened. Still, he wasn't the same man who could leave without a word. With his current status, he owed both the Pill Tower and his friends a proper farewell. Simply vanishing would have been irresponsible—to them and to himself.
He reported his decision to Xuan Kongzi first. After some thought, the old man nodded understandingly. "It's only natural to return home in glory," he said with a faint smile, though he reminded him to be cautious. "The Hall of Souls' focus may be on the Pill Tower, but they haven't forgotten you. Be wary of their tricks."
Liu Xi assured him he would.
He then visited Ye Zhong and Ye Xianlan. The Ye Clan had long regained its former status—but at the cost of becoming Liu Xi's representative faction within the Pill Tower. Given that everything the clan now possessed came through Liu Xi, Ye Zhong had no objections—in fact, he was delighted.
As for Ye Xianlan, Liu Xi stuffed her mind full of advanced alchemical theory and practice that she couldn't yet comprehend, telling her to study diligently. "When I come back," he said with a teasing smile, "I'll be checking your progress." The pressure was enough to leave her both nervous and motivated.
Yao Tianhuo, meanwhile, laughed and waved off the idea of going along. "I'll stay in the Central Plains a while longer, see more of the world. You, brat, have your fun on the way." His tone carried its usual mischievous flair.
Liu Xi smiled and let the remark pass.
(End of Chapter)
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