Within the quietest chamber of the Miteer Family estate, the air hung still.
Liu Xi turned, his calm gaze sweeping over Xiao Yan before stopping upon the black ring on the young man's finger.
"Let your teacher come out," he said evenly. "I've long wanted to meet him."
Xiao Yan's heart skipped a beat. Liu Xi's eyes had gone straight to the ring—straight to him. This was the first time anyone had ever detected Elder Yao's presence.
The ring shimmered faintly, and from it emerged an old man with snow-white hair and a translucent body of soul energy. His expression was calm yet tinged with curiosity as he studied Liu Xi.
A Dou Huang at such a young age—and a 6th Tier Alchemist, no less. That kind of talent existed only in the heart of the Central Plains, where genius bloomed like weeds.
The old man smiled faintly. "Young one, you're quite impressive. The old man's name is Yao Chen… I wonder—have you ever heard of me?"
Liu Xi's gaze deepened slightly. "Of course. The famed Medicine Sovereign—one of the continent's top alchemists, said to have once refined an 8th Tier Pill."
Xiao Yan froze. His teacher had never told him the full story of his past. To learn this now left him stunned. "Teacher, you… you're that Yao Chen!?"
Yao Chen gave a small sigh, eyeing Liu Xi curiously. The youth's reaction was too calm—almost knowing. With a helpless shake of his head, he said, "Seems I've been completely exposed. Since you know my name, you should also know I possess the most profound alchemist inheritance on the continent."
His tone grew measured, deliberate. "As long as you agree to protect my disciple openly, I can teach you the true methods of high-tier alchemy. You've surely realized by now that without proper inheritance, your progress will soon reach a dead end."
He said it with quiet pride. Yao Chen believed his offer irresistible—especially to a young alchemist like Liu Xi. He didn't wish to resort to violence for the Heavenly Flame. If he could win Liu Xi's favor first, gratitude might do what threats could not.
But Liu Xi's expression turned faintly amused, lips twitching into a half-smile.
'He wants me to play bodyguard for his disciple? I was just planning how to catch him alive a moment ago.'
Suppressing a laugh, Liu Xi replied casually, "We can discuss that later, Senior. For now, there's another trade I'd like to propose."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly. "There are rumors that your death back then wasn't… natural. It had something to do with your disciple, Han Feng, didn't it?"
Yao Chen's expression changed instantly. His gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold fury. spiritual power erupted like a tide, crushing the air as he snarled, "How much do you know!?"
That secret should have died with him. Only Han Feng and a few wretches in the mysterious Hall of Souls knew the truth. How could this youth…?
Liu Xi's soul trembled under the immense pressure—but before it could fully descend, a wave of heat rippled through the air. A flame-shaped soul form burst forth from Liu Xi's own ring, radiating pure fire energy.
Yao Tianhuo.
"Careful, young one," Yao Tianhuo said gravely. "This old man's soul is strong—perhaps once belonging to a Dou Zun powerhouse."
Yao Chen blinked, taken aback. Another soul? He glanced between Liu Xi and the fiery apparition, realization dawning. 'So he too carries a soul remnant companion… no wonder he rose so quickly.'
Liu Xi gestured for Yao Tianhuo to stand down. Turning to Yao Chen, he smiled. "I heard it from Han Feng himself. He's known as the Medicine Emperor in the Black-Corner Region. He caused me some trouble before—so I know a thing or two about his past."
Yao Chen's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"I'm not your enemy," Liu Xi continued smoothly. "If you share with me your methods for body refinement and poison pill creation, I'll personally see to it that Han Feng's crimes are avenged."
He deliberately withheld the truth—that Han Feng was already dead. Better to negotiate first, then reveal it later.
Yao Tianhuo's ember-like eyes softened. To him, it sounded like Liu Xi was trying to obtain a way to craft him a body. Gratitude stirred in his heart.
But Yao Chen only stared silently, his expression cycling through pain, anger, and bitter mockery. Finally, he let out a derisive laugh. "The Medicine Emperor? That traitor dares to call himself that?"
Xiao Yan stood dumbfounded beside them, still ignorant of his teacher's past.
Eventually, Yao Chen exhaled deeply, retracting his spiritual pressure. His gaze swept over Yao Tianhuo's blazing, translucent form, understanding dawning.
"So that's it. You wish to craft a new body for him. I do have both the body-refining and poison pill methods. But they are extremely complex. You'll need rare heavenly materials—and multiple Heavenly Flames working in harmony. If you can help my disciple grow, I'll help your companion reconstruct his body."
Liu Xi's smile thinned. His thoughts turned sharp. 'Help Xiao Yan grow? Meaning, hand over my Heavenly Flame as a gift? Heh… this old fox plays a clever game.'
He decided to change tactics—time for a little manipulation of his own.
"I'm not fond of waiting," Liu Xi said lightly. "And words are just words. Let me see these methods first—so I know they're real. Then, I'll help you deal with Han Feng."
Yao Chen hesitated, then smirked. He thought Liu Xi's suspicion meaningless. 'He won't get far without my help. He'll come back to me eventually.'
"Fine," Yao Chen said. "See for yourself. If you truly slay that treacherous disciple, these techniques are yours."
He flicked his wrist. The black ring slipped off Xiao Yan's finger, hovering before Yao Chen's spirit. Two scrolls materialized before him, glowing faintly with soul light. Wrapped in energy, they floated toward Liu Xi.
Liu Xi caught them effortlessly, his smile widening. Things were unfolding even more smoothly than he'd hoped. Handing one scroll—the body refinement method—to Yao Tianhuo, he unrolled the second.
"Senior," he said casually, "I'll gladly accept these two secret arts… since Han Feng has already been dealt with—by me."
"What!?"
Yao Chen's eyes went wide. The room trembled faintly with the surge of his soul force. For a long moment, even Xiao Yan stood frozen in stunned silence.
(End of Chapter)
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