Several Elders looked at Xiao Jietian with kind smiles, their fervent gazes making him feel slightly tense.
"Xiao Jietian," one of them said, "if you ever need to refine pills in the future, we'll likely need your assistance. Of course, you won't suffer any loss. We'll provide our own medicinal ingredients—at least three portions. If those fail, we'll provide more."
Elder Hao approached Xiao Jietian and whispered, "If you need medicinal ingredients later, I can offer a little 'small help.' You won't be at a disadvantage."
Xiao Jietian's eyes lit up instantly. Elder Hao was in charge of the Inner Academy's storeroom of medicinal ingredients and prescriptions. Having convenient access to that was a privilege many in the Academy envied. That he personally offered this showed how highly he regarded Xiao Jietian.
After a moment's thought, Xiao Jietian replied generously, "Thank you for your high regard. If you need me in the future, find me, and I'll make time to refine them for you."
The Elders were impressed. At such a young age, Xiao Jietian had avoided being swayed by profit—a rare quality indeed.
Seeing his calm and thoughtful demeanor, they couldn't hide their admiration. Those nearby whispered among themselves, curious about the discussion, but the details remained a mystery.
"The first place this time goes to Xiao Jietian, second place to Xiao Yan, and last to Han Xian," Elder Hao announced, composing himself before looking at the three. "Any objections to this result?"
Xiao Yan and the others shook their heads. The ranking was fair, and first place was well-deserved.
"I hereby declare Pan Gate the winner of this bet," Elder Hao continued, giving Xiao Jietian yet another favor.
"Han Xian," he said, "according to the contract, you have lost and must comply. Your Medicine Gang must merge into Pan Gate within three days."
Han Xian gritted his teeth. The contract had been signed by his own hand—there was no room to regret. He had no choice but to obey.
Yet he wasn't overly resistant. Xiao Jietian's alchemy far surpassed his own, and defeat was inevitable. Perhaps in the future, being part of Pan Gate and under Xiao Jietian's guidance could improve his skills.
His unwillingness came not from losing, but from handing over a faction he had painstakingly built.
"You won't be at a disadvantage by joining Pan Gate. I'll also offer some personal guidance. In the future, you may even be grateful for this bet," Xiao Jietian said, addressing Han Xian and the other Alchemists alike.
In the path of advanced Alchemists, having guidance rather than fumbling alone made all the difference—avoiding detours and reaching higher ranks faster.
Xiao Jietian's words made many junior Alchemists on the high platform look on with envious admiration.
"The competition is over. Everyone, disperse. Don't crowd here anymore," Elder Hao announced. The audience left in orderly fashion, many with lingering smiles of satisfaction.
Elder Hao and the others nodded at Xiao Jietian and departed. Even Grand Elder Su Qian left.
Yet Su Qian felt a familiar aura from Xiao Jietian but couldn't immediately place it. He had intended to speak with him but decided against it, noting Xiao Jietian had already expended much energy refining pills.
Xiao Jietian seemed aware of Su Qian's gaze and smiled faintly.
The Pan Gate members moved onto the stage, admiration evident on their faces. Their Gate Master was not only strong in combat but also unmatched in alchemy. Seeing him, many in Pan Gate felt a sense of pride, convinced their choice to join was the right one.
"Brother Xiao Jietian, I knew you were the best!"
Xun'er happily linked her arm through his, a silent declaration of her closeness to him. Many female students watched, jealousy and admiration mingling in their expressions.
Understanding Xun'er's intentions, Xiao Jietian playfully pinched her nose. Even in this simple gesture, her cuteness shone.
The surrounding women, seeing the affectionate display, couldn't help but envy them—though Xun'er's unique beauty kept jealousy at bay.
Senior Han Yue passed by, offering a faint smile. Xiao Jietian nodded politely before she departed with the Moon Spirit members.
"Hiss~"
Xiao Jietian suddenly felt a soft hand pinch his waist, twisting slightly. Even his Dragon God Body couldn't resist—it was a female-exclusive skill at its finest.
"What? Interested in Senior Han Yue?" Xun'er's voice carried a playful edge, tinged with a hint of jealousy as she fixed her eyes on him.
Xiao Jietian pressed down on her hand lightly, coughing softly. "Xun'er, don't make unfounded accusations. Senior Han Yue and I are completely innocent."
Xun'er pinched briefly, then released, making their interaction look sweet and affectionate to outsiders.
Her gaze remained locked on him. "I don't believe you, this pervert. Senior Han Yue is beautiful and special, and the way she looks at you isn't right."
"Xun'er, you're mistaken. Senior Han Yue and I are just ordinary friends." Xiao Jietian held her hand gently, looking into her eyes filled with infinite affection.
"Xun'er, do you know? You are the most special and beautiful in my heart. No one compares to you."
Xun'er felt a warm glow in her heart, realizing her importance to him. She pouted slightly. "Hmph, you only know how to say sweet words. You're good at tricking girls."
Xiao Jietian stroked her hair gently. "Everything I say comes from my heart. Being able to capture your heart is my greatest fortune and my greatest success."
Her cheeks flushed, and a sweet smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. "I'm also very lucky to have met you, Brother Xiao Jietian."
Recalling her childhood, Xun'er thought of how Xiao Jietian had cared for her—nursing her exotic flame, searching for rare medicinal ingredients, even returning injured after helping her. He had accompanied her in lonely times, telling stories to coax her to sleep, sometimes with deeper meanings hidden within.
Xiao Jietian wiped a non-existent bead of sweat from his forehead. Though he knew Xun'er wasn't truly jealous, he still had to assert his stance.
Later, Xiao Jietian led Pan Gate members back to their base. That night, after arranging matters regarding the Medicine Gang's takeover, Pan Gate held a grand celebratory banquet.
At noon, Xiao Jietian released her slime and gently kissed Xun'er's forehead, admiring her delicate face.
Though he had endured a continuous drinking challenge by the Pan Gate members the previous night, he wasn't completely drunk. Xun'er had cared for him all night, only falling asleep at dawn.
When he arrived on the first floor, he found an unexpected person sitting there…