The next morning, after explaining the situation to his parents and bidding them temporary farewell, Liu Xi departed for the imperial forbidden grounds, accompanied by Xiao Yixian, Zi Yan, and Zi Ling.
Before Zi Yan's breakthrough, Liu Xi planned to remain there in secluded cultivation—unless something unforeseen occurred. Afterward, his next destination would be the Central Plains, where he intended to fully suppress and control Xiao Yixian's Woeful Poison Body.
Inside the carriage, Zi Yan knelt on the cushioned seat, curiosity lighting up her violet eyes as she peered out the window. "Big Brother, where are we going this time?"
"To the place where we'll be training in seclusion," Liu Xi replied with a faint smile. "The energy there is dense—it'll help you break through to the Dou Huang realm. Oh, and these are for you—special enhanced pills."
With a wave of his hand, the glow of his Storage Ring flashed, and several jade bottles appeared on the table before them.
Zi Yan turned her head, her gem-like violet eyes gleaming as she saw the pile of bottles. In an instant, she leaped from her seat, sweeping them all into her arms. "Big Brother, you're the best! I love you to death!"
Xiao Yixian blinked in surprise, her expression stiffening. 'Zi Yan's still a child… she must've said that without thinking,' she told herself silently.
Then her gaze shifted toward Liu Xi, whose calm smile didn't help matters. 'But if she still feels that way when she grows up… what then?'
Her heart tangled in confusion. Both Liu Xi and Zi Yan were important to her—if they ever became more than that, would that make them sisters?
'Forget it. Whatever happens, happens,' she thought, before shooting Liu Xi a brief glare. "You really are getting spoiled," she muttered under her breath.
Liu Xi blinked, confused by her reaction, but chose not to press the matter.
Meanwhile, Zi Yan had already pulled out the bottle stopper. A soft medicinal fragrance wafted through the carriage, and she inhaled deeply, her face melting into bliss. Unable to resist, she poured out a few pills and popped them all into her mouth at once.
"Zi Yan, don't eat so many at once! The potency's quite strong!" Liu Xi quickly warned.
"I'm fine, Big Brother…" she mumbled, cheeks flushed as the intense energy hit her. Her head swayed slightly—those pills were condensed energy in solid form, after all.
"This girl…" Liu Xi sighed helplessly, shaking his head with a faint smile.
At that moment, the scent drew out Zi Ling from Zi Yan's sleeve. The colorful little serpent flicked its tongue and looked timidly toward Liu Xi before slithering over to nudge the nearest jade bottle with its nose, letting out a few soft hisses as if begging.
Amused, Liu Xi retrieved another bottle from his Storage Ring, uncorking it with a smile. A crisp fragrance filled the carriage.
Inside was a specially blended spiritual liquid—Liu Xi had adjusted the formula himself to match the tastes of serpentine magical beasts. It was meant to serve as Zi Ling's personal ration.
Sure enough, all fear forgotten, Zi Ling darted forward in a blur, its violet eyes gleaming as it reached for the bottle. But just as its tongue flicked out, Liu Xi capped the bottle again.
The little serpent froze, then nudged the bottle repeatedly, growing anxious. When that failed, it coiled up and rubbed its head affectionately against Liu Xi's palm, hissing softly in a pitiful tone.
Feeling the smooth, cool texture beneath his hand, Liu Xi chuckled and finally reopened the bottle. 'A Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, once fully grown, would rival even a Dou Saint. Worth nurturing—so long as it's obedient,' he thought. 'Can't raise a rebellious one.'
Zi Ling's crystalline eyes brightened with excitement. It immediately latched onto the bottle and began eagerly lapping at the liquid.
After it had drunk nearly a fifth of the contents, the serpent withdrew, eyes half-lidded with satisfaction. It then rubbed its head once more against Liu Xi's hand—less afraid now, and even a little affectionate.
Liu Xi recorked the bottle and stroked its head with a fingertip. The little serpent stayed still, calm and docile.
"Good. You like it—remember, patience and discipline," he said with a knowing smile. "Slowly, I'll have you trained to perfection… heh."
---
The carriage rolled steadily toward the Jia Ma Imperial Palace. Thanks to the token Jia Xingtian had given him, Liu Xi's passage was unhindered from the palace gates all the way into the depths of the forbidden grounds.
"Master Liu," greeted a middle-aged general clad in gold armor, stepping forward with a respectful bow. Though not fawning, his tone held genuine reverence. "Per His Majesty's orders, we've dispatched three units of a hundred men each to construct your residence. Please, follow me."
"Very well. Lead the way," Liu Xi said calmly.
A quick scan of the man's aura told him the general was a high-level Dou Ling—a sign of the royal family's solid foundation. He even had the potential to reach Dou Wang in time.
After some distance, they arrived near a mist-covered lake surrounded by lush greenery. The air was thick with moisture and the vitality of the world itself. There, basking lazily in the sun, lay a massive beast covered in deep blue scales, its enormous body coiled like a mountain, a single spiral horn protruding from its head.
It was none other than the imperial guardian beast—the Serene Sea Scaly Beast.
"So, this is the alchemist who refined the Mixed Bone Molding Pill?" The creature lifted its head, its voice rumbling like thunder as its lantern-sized eyes fixed on Liu Xi.
"Yes, my lord. This is Master Liu Xi, a 6th Tier Alchemist," the general said respectfully.
"I see…" the Serene Sea Scaly Beast rumbled again, its tone lazy but not unfriendly. "You have my gratitude. Old Jia already told me everything—I'll make sure you're all well protected."
"Hey, big guy, you're too noisy!" Zi Yan suddenly snapped, hands on her hips, violet eyes blazing with impatience.
The Serene Sea Scaly Beast opened its jaws, ready to roar—but froze.
From Zi Yan's eyes, a faint purple glow spiraled outward, radiating a terrifying, ancient pressure that struck directly at the soul.
The guardian beast trembled. Shock and primal fear rippled through its body as it sank into the lake with a heavy splash, its voice now subdued and deferential.
"Such terrifying bloodline aura… That girl—is she a beast too? A descendant of some ancient line? Can't afford to offend… can't afford to offend…"
The gold-armored general stood dumbstruck. The creature that normally ignored even Jia Xingtian's commands had just backed down on its own!
Liu Xi smiled faintly, patting Zi Yan's head to calm her. Then he turned to the general. "Let's continue. Take us to our quarters."
"Yes, sir!" the general replied quickly, still in awe, before leading them deeper into the valley.
Soon, they arrived at a secluded mountain hollow. A newly built two-story pavilion stood amidst ancient trees, tranquil and serene.
"Master Liu, we'll leave you to settle in. Supplies will be replenished every ten days, and no one else will intrude without orders."
The general saluted deeply before departing.
Liu Xi smiled. "Go ahead and pick your rooms. We'll be staying here for quite some time."
"Mm!" Zi Yan nodded cheerfully.
(End of Chapter)
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