Zhao Shou rose to his feet. His withered palm extended, Dou Qi surging as a powerful suction force burst forth.
The scroll Liu Xi had tossed into the air was pulled instantly into Zhao Shou's grasp. A strand of Spiritual Power flowed from his brow, entering the scroll. Moments later, his eyes snapped open, a fiery gleam flashing within them.
"Azure Life Longevity Pill—a pill that can extend one's lifespan by ten years!"
Aside from those ancient monsters with deep cultivation, who wouldn't crave a longer life? Even Zhao Shou himself couldn't resist such temptation.
He tightened his grip on the scroll, eyes burning as he looked toward Liu Xi. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "Young Master, you mean to exchange this Pill Recipe for the Blood Essence Demon Fruit?"
Liu Xi sat calmly, holding a steaming cup of tea. The rising fragrance swirled before his eyes as he smiled faintly. "What's wrong? If you're unwilling, just return the scroll."
Zhao Shou almost clutched the scroll to his chest. A single Blood Essence Demon Fruit for such a rare Pill Recipe—more than worth it! His hesitation vanished instantly.
"Exchange! Of course, we'll exchange!"
He turned toward the door and shouted, "Someone, pass down my order! Go to the herb vault at once and retrieve the family's Blood Essence Demon Fruit—deliver it to this Young Master!"
"Yes, sir!"
The response came immediately, followed by the sound of rushing wind as someone sped off.
Zhao Shou carefully tucked the scroll into his storage ring. Before a Dou Zun, there was no room for petty tricks—or foolish thoughts.
A warm smile creased his aged face as he chatted politely with Liu Xi, though his eyes occasionally flicked toward Xiao Yixian, curiosity gleaming in their depths.
To meet a Dou Zun was a rare fortune; they were like divine dragons—glimpsed only by chance, never up close. And today, one stood before him.
Xiao Yixian had directly opened a Space Passage to bring Liu Xi and Zi Yan to Qingyang City. News of the events in Ye City hadn't yet reached this far.
As a Pill Tower deacon, Zhao Shou had met Dou Zun powerhouses before, but never from such close proximity. His rank barely allowed him to retain a shred of dignity in the presence of one.
For most Dou Zong powerhouses, standing before a Dou Zun meant surrendering everything—offering even their treasures in exchange for survival.
Soon, a richly dressed old man of the Dou Huang realm floated in from outside the hall, holding a delicate jade box in both hands.
He cast a reverent glance toward Xiao Yixian—the mere aura of a Dou Zun could erase the Zhao Clan from existence in an instant.
Stepping forward, he bowed slightly and opened the jade box before Liu Xi. "Young Master, this is the Blood Essence Demon Fruit. Please, examine it."
Liu Xi looked down and nodded in satisfaction.
Inside the box lay a crimson, oval fruit quietly radiating vitality. A faint mist of blood energy surrounded it, pulsing like a living heart.
He took the box, snapped it shut, and stored it within his ring.
'At last, all the ingredients for the Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill are gathered.' His Spiritual Power had grown sharp and refined—refining even a peak 7th Tier pill now posed little difficulty.
'With all external matters settled, it's time to address my own cultivation…'
He glanced toward Xiao Yixian, a faint smile playing on his lips. Having her accompany him in "cultivation" was, of course, an unexpected blessing.
He had long since planned his future path. No background, no bloodline, no system—just a man of three "nothings."
In this continent teeming with powerhouses, to one day stand among the ancient clans as a Dou Di, he had only one road: use every resource, every advantage, and every ounce of ingenuity to forge his own destiny.
Standing abruptly, Liu Xi smiled at Zhao Shou. "This Blood Essence Demon Fruit pleases me. Farewell, Master Zhao."
Without further words, he turned and walked out. Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan rose immediately, following closely behind.
Within the hall, Zhao Shou watched their departing backs. He opened his mouth as if to speak but found no words.
The Zhao Clan had no right to forge ties with a Dou Zun.
---
Leaving the Zhao Manor, with the Blood Essence Demon Fruit secured, nothing in Qingyang City could hold Liu Xi's interest any longer.
Outside the city, Zi Yan clung playfully to Liu Xi's arm, her delicate hands looped around his neck as she cooed, "Big Brother, where are we going next?"
Liu Xi, a Dou Zong, and Xiao Yixian, a Dou Zun, both traveled by flight. Zi Yan, still at the Dou Huang level, simply nestled in Liu Xi's arms—something that had long become a habit.
"We're going to refine the Bone Growing Blood Fusing Pill. It's a peak 7th Tier pill and will draw down Pill Lightning when completed. To ensure success, we'll find a secluded mountain range far from prying eyes."
Zi Yan was light and soft in his arms, her body warm and full of spring-like elasticity.
'Hard to imagine this delicate girl can unleash power rivaling a Dou Zong,' Liu Xi thought with amusement.
"I'll guard the surroundings," Xiao Yixian said seriously. "No one will disturb your refining."
She showed no objection to Zi Yan's closeness. To her, they were family—had been for a long time. They cultivated together, lived together, and would continue to do so.
The nature of their relationship had changed, but their bond had not.
A sly light flickered in Xiao Yixian's eyes. She was the first woman to truly share body and soul with Liu Xi—and for now, the only one. That alone secured her place beside him. She wanted companionship, not fleeting romance.
She loved Liu Xi and wouldn't let jealousy make her own heart ache.
---
As dusk settled, the trio reached a vast forest north of Qingyang City.
Among the dense trees, countless magical beasts lurked, but none dared approach.
They pressed deeper until they found a hidden valley—surrounded by cliffs and ancient trees, its seclusion perfect for pill refinement.
Landing in the valley, Liu Xi surveyed the surroundings. Jagged stones jutted from the cliffs, and the ground was littered with giant beast bones.
Suddenly, a violent aura erupted from one corner. The earth trembled as a massive, ten-zhang-tall ape strode forth.
Its crimson eyes locked on the trio, wariness glinting within. Its thunderous voice rolled across the valley:
"Humans, this is my territory. Leave now, and I may spare your lives!"
"Bone Demon Ape? A 7th rank magical beast—no wonder the area's so quiet," Liu Xi murmured. "Xian'er, talk to it. If it listens, spare it. If not—kill it."
Turning away, he led Zi Yan toward the center of the valley, clearing a space with a surge of Dou Qi.
Behind him, Xiao Yixian softly replied, "Understood."
Her aura flared—gentle yet crushing, vast as the heavens themselves.
The Bone Demon Ape's knees buckled instantly.
Boom!
The ground shook as the massive beast slammed down in submission. Its deep voice quavered, "Respected one, I understand! I'll leave immediately!"
Xiao Yixian's gaze remained cool. "Guard the perimeter. Let no other beasts approach."
(End of Chapter)
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