Liu Xi naturally knew that Xiao Yan wouldn't surrender easily. Yet he wasn't in any rush—the one who should be anxious was Xiao Yan.
According to the latest reports, the Falling Star Pavilion was trapped in dire straits. Endless black mist shrouded its mountains, and soul experts from the Hall of Souls had surrounded it in numbers beyond counting.
If Xiao Yan didn't show up, the pavilion would inevitably be reduced to rivers of blood. Even a peak Dou Zun like Venerable Feng could never hold off such vengeance. But if Xiao Yan did appear, he would only be walking to his own death. A single rescue attempt would exhaust every connection he had left—and no one would risk their lives to help him again.
'Xiao Yan, what will you do?'
Liu Xi watched him with amusement, his gaze shifting between the silent Xiao Yan and the wary Yao Chen.
He was well aware of the distrust in their eyes—after all, he had earned it. Years ago, Liu Xi had deceived the young Xiao Yan and the desperate Yao Chen, stealing their revival method and the Poison Pill Method.
Now history repeated itself, except that this time, the advantage was his in every way.
Xiao Yan finally looked up, his tone heavy.
"My teacher, Yao Chen, possesses profound alchemy knowledge and countless Pill Recipes. If Master Liu desires, he can share them all with you."
Liu Xi's expression remained indifferent. "The Pill Tower's archives are now open to me. Those things I no longer lack. Even Medicine Sovereign's vast collection can't compare to what the Pill Tower holds."
Xiao Yan's face darkened. He had once coveted the Pill Tower's Giant seat himself, but fate—and talent—had favored Liu Xi. In truth, even Cao Ying or Dan Chen could outmatch him in skill.
"I also have Qi Methods and Dou Techniques—dozens of them above Di Class. Many were once secret techniques of the ancient Xiao Clan. The Skyfire Three Mysterious Change, the Emperor Seal Technique… all can be offered in exchange for the Soul Infant Fruit."
Liu Xi didn't even raise an eyebrow. Xiao Yan still hadn't realized that none of this would work. Skyfire Three Mysterious Change was valuable, yes, but it wasn't unique; the Burning Flame Valley had similar methods. And the Emperor Seal Technique—Liu Xi nearly scoffed aloud. Did Xiao Yan really think he could hand over an Gu Clan's top-tier Dou Technique without consequence?
If the Gu Clan discovered it, Liu Xi wouldn't just lose a deal—he'd lose his life.
Xiao Yan, misreading his silence, grew anxious. He thought Liu Xi was underestimating these treasures and hurriedly explained, voice rising with frustration.
"This Skyfire Three Mysterious Change channels special flames through the meridians to amplify strength directly. The rarer the flame, the greater the power! And the Emperor Seal Technique—it contains five seals, each building upon the last. When combined, they can overturn mountains and swallow the heavens!"
But Liu Xi remained unmoved.
Yao Chen, on the other hand, felt a pang of emotion. Seeing his disciple so desperate—offering up their most precious inheritances without hesitation—warmed his old heart, even if the gesture was futile.
He turned toward Liu Xi, disapproval flickering in his eyes. If he still had a body, his beard would have bristled in anger. 'This brat is greedier than a Hall of Souls Elder,' he thought sourly.
Qing Lin, standing beside Liu Xi, let her Jade Snake Three-Flower Pupils flicker faintly to life. The crushing aura she released was enough to make Xiao Yan and Yao Chen stiffen instantly, neither daring to move an inch.
The air grew tense. Silence filled the room, heavy and suffocating.
Liu Xi sat there calmly, patient as ever, his fingers drumming leisurely against the table.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan grew increasingly restless—his eyes darting, breath uneven, killing intent faintly leaking through his Dou Qi.
At last, after half an hour of fruitless waiting, he snapped.
"You refuse everything—then what is it you want? Are you toying with us?"
He barely finished before Qing Lin's gaze snapped to him. The world spun violently as Xiao Yan's body went numb, his consciousness nearly ripped from his soul.
"Easy there, young lady," Yao Chen intervened, voice aged yet steady. A flicker of Spiritual Power enveloped Xiao Yan, pulling him back from the brink. "We're here to talk, not to fight."
Had this been a real battle, that single moment of confusion would have spelled death—a hundred times over.
Xiao Yan regained focus, dazed at first, then furious, then finally subdued. He lowered his head, anger and humiliation seething beneath the surface.
If he couldn't calm himself, Qing Lin would help him calm down.
Yao Chen flicked his sleeve, his aura steady and dignified once again, embodying the grace of the continent's former top alchemist.
"Little friend," he said evenly, "speak frankly. The Soul Infant Fruit is indeed something this old man requires. What do you wish for in exchange?"
Liu Xi smiled faintly. Then, very slowly, he raised his hand.
With a soft whoosh, a small azure flame ignited at his fingertip.
It swayed gracefully, like a living spirit, dancing between his fingers. Its energy was pure, fluid, and terrifying—radiating heat, destruction, and mystery in perfect harmony.
Both Xiao Yan and Yao Chen's eyes locked onto the flame, their pupils contracting. Though it was small, the pressure it exuded was overwhelming.
"A Heavenly Flame!" Xiao Yan blurted, unable to stop himself. From the depths of his soul, his own Bone Chilling Flame trembled faintly—as if intimidated.
Liu Xi closed his hand, the azure flame vanishing back into his body.
"Now you understand."
His tone was calm, but his meaning was clear.
Xiao Yan's expression twisted—he hadn't expected Liu Xi's appetite to be this monstrous. A Heavenly Flame for a Soul Infant Fruit? That was daylight robbery.
Even Yao Chen's illusory face darkened. That azure flame… it wasn't just any Heavenly Flame. Its power had caused the Bone Chilling Flame itself to recoil in fear.
He recognized it immediately—the Green Lotus Core Flame.
Liu Xi's fingers tapped against the table once more, each thud echoing like a hammer striking Xiao Yan's chest. Cold sweat slid down Xiao Yan's temples. His calm façade had completely shattered; his defenses were crumbling.
'Xiao Yan is mine now. Not even Yao Chen can save him.'
Yao Chen's eyes flashed. He could see the turmoil consuming his disciple. Taking a deep breath, he said sharply, "Little friend, such greed may choke you. The Bone Chilling Flame cannot be compared to a single Soul Infant Fruit."
Liu Xi stopped tapping and smiled faintly. "I'm not forcing anyone," he said lightly. "If you wish to trade, we trade. If not—then we don't."
He rose slowly, his gaze calm yet carrying quiet dominance.
"I nearly died retrieving that Soul Infant Fruit. If you can't offer something that satisfies me, I won't part with it."
"And as for you, Medicine Sovereign—consider carefully which holds greater weight… your Soul Essence, or the Heavenly Flame."
(End of Chapter)
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