Outside the Miteer Family estate, a luxurious carriage rolled to a stop. From within, Liu Xi stepped down leisurely, the morning light reflecting off his robes.
A middle-aged man dressed as a steward hurried forward, bowing deeply with an eager smile. "Master Liu, you've finally arrived! The Grand Elder and the Supreme Elder have been waiting for quite some time!"
Liu Xi's expression remained calm, the faint trace of a polite smile touching his lips. "Lead the way."
"Yes, of course!"
The steward quickly took position half a step behind, respectfully guiding Liu Xi through the gates.
The Miteer estate was vast—its manicured gardens and winding corridors a clear display of the family's wealth. Even without releasing his Spiritual Power, Liu Xi could sense the hidden defenses embedded across the manor—strong bows, powerful mechanisms, and faint traces of killing intent in the shadows. Though known as merchants, the Miteer Family clearly possessed great martial strength.
Before long, Liu Xi spotted Hai Bodong and Miteer Tengshan waiting at the main hall, surrounded by several family Elders.
"Haha! Little friend, it's been three years—today, we must drink to our reunion!" Hai Bodong laughed heartily. His voice was bright, his demeanor relaxed; in truth, he was inwardly relieved that he and Liu Xi had never turned enemies.
Liu Xi returned his smile. The old man had indeed left him with a favorable impression. During his time away, Liu Xi had learned that, thanks to Hai Bodong's quiet help, the Miteer Auction House had been supplying the Liu Family with resources at generous rates.
"Haha, Elder Hai looks even more vigorous than before," Liu Xi said with an easy smile.
Hai Bodong's laughter grew louder. "You jest! Compared to you, I'm the one who should be ashamed. In just three years, you've broken through to the Dou Huang realm! I truly have no face left—Tengshan here can't even compare, he's practically useless!"
Miteer Tengshan forced a dry laugh. He, too, was a Dou Wang, but his progress over three years amounted to only a single star. Compared to Liu Xi's meteoric rise, he really did feel like a "waste."
Liu Xi merely smiled, shaking his head. "I've had my share of luck—and quite a few resources that could bankrupt a small empire," he said lightly. "Anyone with a bit of talent could have done the same."
Then his tone softened. "Elder Hai, I brought you a small gift this time. How has your Dou Qi recovery been?"
Hai Bodong blinked in surprise. His smile turned slightly bitter.
"My peak was at 5-Star Dou Huang. When the seal was broken three years ago, I recovered only up to 2-Star. Now, I'm barely at 3-Star Dou Huang. Little friend, could it be that your gift is related to this?"
His eager gaze said everything. Regaining his peak strength was his greatest desire.
With a faint smile, Liu Xi waved his hand, and a jade bottle appeared in his palm. The fragrance that escaped from it instantly drew every gaze in the room.
"Spirit Recovery Purple Pill," Liu Xi said lightly. "A 5th Tier pill. The ingredients are rare, but the effect is simple—it can help one recover any strength lost due to injury or seal."
The moment the words left his mouth, Hai Bodong's pupils shrank, his eyes blazing with excitement. The other elders exchanged thrilled looks; after all, Hai Bodong was the Miteer Family's anchor. The stronger he was, the more secure their family became.
Hands trembling slightly, Hai Bodong took the jade bottle, his breathing unsteady. "Little friend… this… I can't possibly accept it without offering something in return. Name your price!"
Liu Xi chuckled. "Elder Hai, you're treating me like a stranger. It's just one pill."
Hai Bodong's eyes grew moist. "You truly are generous. This is no small favor. From this day forth, you need only call, and both I and the Miteer Family will answer without hesitation!"
Liu Xi's smile deepened. 'That's exactly what I wanted to hear.'
"Haha, I'll hold you to that, Elder Hai."
"Good! Good! Come, come—join us, we shall drink tonight! Tengshan, bring wine, food, music!"
Soon, the hall was filled with lively music and the scent of exquisite dishes. Dancers moved gracefully, the musicians strummed strings and flutes, and the warm laughter of the hosts filled the air.
Liu Xi's life, as usual, was simple, quiet… and delightfully untroubled.
But before long, a maid approached Hai Bodong, whispering softly into his ear. The old man paused briefly, then chuckled. "It seems we have an interesting coincidence today."
Liu Xi glanced over. "What's the matter?"
Hai Bodong replied, still smiling, "It appears a young Alchemist has arrived outside the manor. He claims to possess a pill recipe that can restore my strength. But now, thanks to you, I have no need for it."
A flicker of surprise crossed Liu Xi's eyes. 'A pill that restores strength? Could it be…?'
Feigning casual interest, he said, "I'd like to take a look at that young Alchemist."
Hai Bodong raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Of course. He's waiting outside. Since you're curious, I'll have him brought in."
Moments later, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor.
A young man entered, dressed in a black alchemist's robe, a massive black ruler strapped to his back. Beside him walked a charming woman in a tight red gown, every curve accentuated by the fine silk.
The young man's expression was calm yet sharp, his eyes cold and focused. The badge on his chest identified him as a 2nd Tier Alchemist. That giant black ruler on his back made his identity unmistakable.
Liu Xi's gaze lingered with interest. 'So it's really him.'
The woman—graceful, alluring, and confident—stepped forward first. Her seductive eyes swept across the hall, and a sweet smile touched her lips.
"Greetings to the Supreme Elder and Master Liu," she said with practiced courtesy. "Forgive me for interrupting your banquet, but I happened to learn of a pill recipe that could help the Supreme Elder restore his strength. In my excitement, I brought an old friend to present it personally."
Her gaze shifted to the young man beside her. "This is my old friend—Xiao Yan."
All eyes turned to him. Though his heart raced, Xiao Yan forced himself to appear composed. With his Teacher's calm presence in his mind, he took a steady breath, clasped his fists, and said in a low voice:
"Junior Xiao Yan greets the Seniors."
(End of Chapter)
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