Not long ago, before countless elders and disciples of the Pill Tower, Liu Xi had officially succeeded Xuan Yi as the third Pill Tower Giant.
The coronation ceremony had been grand and magnificent. It had only been a few years since the last Pill Gathering, and everyone still remembered clearly the scene of Liu Xi winning the championship with an 8th Tier pill that triggered Seven-Colored Pill Lightning.
It wasn't an achievement easily surpassed. In fact, there had never been one like it before. That feat alone had earned him immense prestige, making his ascension to the Giant's seat only a natural progression.
His appointment swept away the gloomy atmosphere that had lingered over Holy Pill City since recent events, bringing with it the joy and bustle of celebration. And with news of Xuan Kongzi's breakthrough to the Half Saint realm spreading soon after, the excitement doubled.
It was proof that the Pill Tower was still the same holy land of alchemists, still the symbol of excellence on the Dou Qi Continent. Liu Xi's reputation, alongside the Pill Tower's, soared even higher.
Truly, as the saying went—"Who in the world doesn't know Liu Xi?"
And this was just the beginning. The true reward came when the Pill Tower opened its full archives to him—granting access to every level of knowledge and inheritance, from the basics of alchemy to the most advanced techniques.
He could now study freely up to the level of refining 9th Tier Mysterious Pills. As for the mysterious 9th Tier Golden Pills and the legendary Emperor Pills, even the Pill Tower had no complete record of them.
Dou Techniques, Qi Methods, Soul Training Methods, Soul Techniques—there was so much that even Liu Xi found himself dazzled. Resources poured in endlessly; anything he requested would be personally delivered by the Tower's attendants.
Liu Xi thus set aside routine administrative duties. They weren't important anyway—major decisions still required the approval of the Small Pill Tower's elders.
He devoted himself fully to cultivation and study.
"Hear no gossip, see no distraction—Devote all heart to the path of alchemy."
By day, he studied and refined pills. By night, he cultivated his Dou Qi. In just a short span, both his alchemy and strength had advanced tremendously.
With the aid of the Fire Bead Gel, his Dou Qi was steadily approaching the level of a 4-Turn Dou Zun. Once he reached the peak, consuming a Dou Saint Marrow would allow him to break through immediately.
His alchemy had also reached new heights—though he had yet to attempt it, Eight-Colored and even Nine-Colored Pill Lightning were already within reach.
—
In the study of the Ye Clan manor, the door creaked open.
Qing Lin's graceful figure slipped quietly inside, her voice soft and respectful. "Young Master, that man named Xiao Yan has arrived. He said he wishes to see you. Should I let him in?"
"Oh?"
Liu Xi's eyes lifted from his scroll, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He already knew exactly why Xiao Yan had come—after all, he was the one who had orchestrated it.
"Take him to the sitting room," Liu Xi said casually. "Tell him I'm reading and will come shortly."
"Yes, Young Master."
Qing Lin nodded obediently and departed, closing the door gently behind her.
Liu Xi set down the scroll and straightened up, stretching lazily before murmuring with amusement, "Finally. Looks like Cao Ying did her part well. It took him long enough, though. I suppose the siege on the Falling Star Pavilion must have forced his hand."
The Soul Infant Fruit was of little importance to Liu Xi—but to Yao Chen, it was a treasure of salvation. Something Xiao Yan would give anything for.
And that was precisely the point.
Xiao Yan was trouble—entangled with both the Hun Clan and the Gu Clan, neither of whom were easy to handle. But Liu Xi desired the Bone Chilling Flame, and this was the perfect opportunity.
Still, before making his move, he planned to let Xiao Yan stew for a while—strip him of composure and make him desperate.
Chuckling softly, Liu Xi picked up his scroll again, pretending to read.
Two hours passed.
When he judged that Xiao Yan's patience must have worn thin, Liu Xi finally rolled up the scroll and leisurely rose from his seat.
—
In the sitting room of the Ye Clan manor, Xiao Yan was visibly restless, irritation etched on his face. He glanced at the elegant young woman seated across from him and asked coldly, "Miss, why hasn't Liu Xi come yet? We've been waiting—"
Before he could finish, Qing Lin's gaze turned icy. Her beautiful jade-green eyes flickered with three blooming flower patterns, and an overwhelming wave of spiritual dizziness struck Xiao Yan. His mind spun as his soul momentarily separated from his body.
"Xiao Yan, we've come to ask for help," Yao Chen said calmly, his translucent hand pressing down on Xiao Yan's shoulder. A surge of Spiritual Power steadied him. "We mustn't act rashly and make fools of ourselves."
Xiao Yan's eyes widened in shock as he turned to Qing Lin.
"Teacher, this…"
Yao Chen's ethereal face showed a trace of surprise and wariness. "Jade Snake Three-Flower Pupils, the most mysterious eyes on the continent. They truly live up to their reputation. If this young lady had attacked you, Xiao Yan, you wouldn't have lasted a single round. We can wait."
"My Young Master is reading," Qing Lin said coolly. "You'll have to wait."
Her tone was faint but absolute. Other than Liu Xi, she would show courtesy to no one—and certainly not to Xiao Yan, whose words had bordered on disrespect.
"…Understood."
Xiao Yan sank back into his seat, feeling utterly suffocated. He had known that coming to see Liu Xi would bring nothing good, but the humiliation still stung.
At that moment, footsteps echoed from the corridor.
Liu Xi entered with hands clasped behind his back, his robe fluttering gently. His eyes swept over Xiao Yan and Yao Chen with mild disinterest.
"What brings you to me?" he asked, his tone casual, almost dismissive.
Their relationship had never been good—there was no need for pretense. Politeness between them only made things awkward.
"Young Master," Qing Lin greeted sweetly, her cold demeanor instantly melting into a charming smile as she rose to stand beside Liu Xi.
Both Xiao Yan and Yao Chen blinked in confusion. The possessor of the Jade Snake Three-Flower Pupils, a woman whose pride was legendary, now stood demurely at Liu Xi's side like a loyal attendant.
Liu Xi tapped his fingers lightly on the table—three soft knocks that drew their attention back to him. His expression was calm.
"Speak. What do you want?"
Xiao Yan's fists clenched beneath his sleeves, but one glance at his fading teacher steadied him. He bowed deeply.
"Master Liu, I was reckless and disrespectful before. Please forgive me. I came today because I heard… you possess a treasure capable of restoring a damaged Soul Essence."
Liu Xi's gaze shifted toward Yao Chen, his fingers drumming lazily against the tabletop. "Oh? Word travels fast, I see. Yes—I do have one."
He leaned back slightly. "A Soul Infant Fruit."
'Soul Infant Fruit!'
Yao Chen's ethereal eyes widened in disbelief and delight. It was the rarest of soul treasures, capable of completely restoring a damaged Soul Essence to its pristine, infant-like purity.
He and Xiao Yan exchanged a glance—mutual understanding flashing between them.
"Master Liu," Xiao Yan said earnestly, "this Soul Infant Fruit is vital to my teacher. I beg you to part with it. I'll be eternally grateful."
"Part with it?" Liu Xi repeated, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He rested his elbow on the armrest, chin on his palm, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Tell me then—what is it worth? What treasure can match it? Or, better yet, what will you offer that might make me willing to part with it?"
Xiao Yan's expression darkened.
'Liu Xi… he's not going to be easy to fool.'
(End of Chapter)
---
A Huge Shoutout and Welcome to anas_B9 for Joining us on Patreon and Becoming a Member of Diamond.
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.