Qingyang City.
Outside the Zhao Clan Manor, the wide street on both sides was already crowded with powerhouses and wealthy merchants. Many stared enviously at the open gates of the Zhao Clan. Though the doors seemed unbarred, most were still turned away; only a select few were permitted entry.
As the ruling family of Qingyang City, the Zhao Clan boasted the highest-ranked alchemists within a thousand-mile radius, drawing endless waves of visitors each day seeking pills or ingredients.
Liu Xi, accompanied by Zi Yan and Xiao Yixian, strode down the street toward the manor gates.
"Look—another few here to beg for pills. Do they think the Zhao Clan is so easily approached?"
"Heh, don't say that. Those two beauties are stunning. If that young man offers them up, maybe he could even trade for a 6th Tier pill!"
"..."
When they neared the gate, two black-clad guards immediately stepped forward, blocking their way.
These guards were not weak—the lowest among them was a Dou Ling, and the leader was a 9-Star Dou Wang.
That Dou Wang guard, sensing that Liu Xi and his companions were far from ordinary, tempered his arrogance slightly. Still, his gaze lingered on Xiao Yixian's beautiful face as he asked in a perfunctory tone,
"Three guests, do you have an appointment today?"
Those worth the Zhao Clan's attention always sent word ahead. Without such notice, even powerful strangers would be stopped.
'The Ye Clan's gates didn't stop me, but now the Zhao Clan does…' Liu Xi thought lightly before replying, "No appointment. I wish to purchase a medicinal ingredient. Inform your clan head or elders—I will speak to them directly."
The guard frowned. "No appointment, no audience! Do you take the Zhao Clan for a public market? If you wish to see an elder, first register here. State your name, background, and purpose. Then wait. If the elders choose to see you, they will."
'The arrogance of alchemist families truly knows no bounds…' Liu Xi sighed inwardly. He didn't bother wasting more words. Instead, he shot Xiao Yixian a sidelong glance.
She understood instantly. A faint pressure spread from her body—vast, unstoppable. It swept across the entire street like a collapsing sky. Space itself thickened like liquid mercury; everyone nearby felt their limbs stiffen, unable to move.
The black-clad guards froze in terror, their faces paling.
"Wh-what level of expert is this? A... Dou Zong?"
None dared even imagine a Dou Zun. Powerhouses of that realm were rarer than phoenix feathers across all of Central Plains.
The Dou Wang leader was the first to recover, though his voice shook uncontrollably. "Don't act rashly! Our Zhao Clan's Great Elder is a Pill Tower deacon! If you dare cause trouble, you'll—"
"Silence!"
A sharp voice thundered from afar. A white shadow streaked across the sky like lightning, halting just outside the gate.
The newcomer had snow-white hair and beard, wearing an ornate white robe embroidered with golden threads. Upon his chest gleamed a badge—its flame-shaped emblem formed a tower surrounded by six purple-gold stars radiating dazzling light.
He glared fiercely at the trembling guards before turning toward Xiao Yixian. His expression grew solemn as he cupped his hands respectfully.
"Honored Dou Zun, Zhao Shou failed to greet you properly. Please forgive my negligence!"
Xiao Yixian glanced at him briefly before retracting her aura. Stepping back, she quietly stood beside Liu Xi with Zi Yan.
Zhao Shou exhaled deeply, relief washing over him. Outwardly he remained calm, but inside his heart pounded wildly.
'A Dou Zun...! Had that overwhelming pressure contained even a hint of killing intent, I'd have fled for my life.'
Yet seeing the Dou Zun quietly stand behind the young man made him even more cautious. Clearly, the one in command was not the woman—but the youth before him.
Zhao Shou studied Liu Xi carefully: tall, poised, with finely carved features. His relaxed smile and calm, starry eyes radiated a quiet confidence that made others instinctively feel he was no ordinary man.
'Such bearing... truly extraordinary.'
"Sir," Zhao Shou said cautiously, "may I ask the purpose of your visit? If my Zhao Clan has shown disrespect, I beg your forgiveness."
'Non-violence, non-cooperation… In the end, strength speaks loudest,' Liu Xi thought, amused by how quickly the elder's tone had changed. "It seems meeting Master Zhao isn't easy."
Zhao Shou forced a bitter smile. "Not at all, not at all…"
Liu Xi cut him off. "Enough talk. Let's go inside and speak properly."
"Of course, please!" Zhao Shou nodded repeatedly, relieved that the youth wanted to talk instead of fight. Stepping aside, he gestured respectfully.
"Please, Young Master, ladies—this way."
"Mm."
Liu Xi led the way in, Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan following gracefully behind. Zhao Shou quickly trailed after them.
Once the four figures vanished beyond the gate, the guards collapsed to the ground, their legs trembling uncontrollably.
"A Dou Zun... we just stood before a Dou Zun! We're doomed..."
"What kind of day is this? How could such a powerhouse come here of all places?"
"..."
---
Before long, Zhao Shou guided them through a polished stone path into the reception hall. He sat opposite Liu Xi, leaving the main seat at the head of the table respectfully empty.
Liu Xi didn't bother with formalities. "I heard the Zhao Clan possesses a Blood Essence Demon Fruit. I need it. Name your price."
Zhao Shou froze. Indeed, his family did own one. The Blood Essence Demon Fruit was a key ingredient for refining high-grade 7th Tier pills—far beyond his ability as a 6th Tier alchemist to use.
He had intended to trade it at the next Pill Gathering for a 7th Tier pill recipe, hoping to reach that level before his life ended.
But the youth before him...
Could he possibly refine 7th Tier pills himself?
Zhao Shou's heart skipped a beat, disbelief flashing in his eyes. 'Impossible. He's far too young.'
Still, this was no time to question. The woman's overwhelming strength and the youth's composed demeanor made clear that they were not to be trifled with.
After a long silence, Zhao Shou raised his head and said cautiously, "A 7th Tier—no, a 6th Tier pill recipe I've never seen before. In exchange for the Blood Essence Demon Fruit."
Teaching a man to fish is better than giving him one.
That was acceptable. To Liu Xi, crafting a 6th Tier pill formula was simple given his Spiritual Power.
After a brief thought, he retrieved a scroll from his storage ring—the Azure Life Longevity Pill formula—and tossed it to Zhao Shou.
The scroll's soul imprint allowed three readings. Han Feng had used it once, Liu Xi once more—one remained.
Enough for Zhao Shou to study and inherit.
(End of Chapter)
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