Cao Ying slowly stood up, brushing dust off her body as she curved her lips into a faint smile. Her long, narrow phoenix eyes fixed on Liu Xi, blazing with intent. With a soft laugh, she said, "I owe my life to you, Master Liu. How could I still continue fighting you? I admit defeat for this assessment, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up. You are the greatest rival of my life. Before I defeat you, you're not allowed to lose to anyone else. When the Pill Gathering comes, we'll settle this once and for all!"
'You're already a woman, what kind of "once and for all" are you talking about…'
At the side, Dan Chen also stood up, tidying her slightly disheveled robe that had been wrinkled when Liu Xi had carried her earlier. Only after restoring her appearance did she lift her head, timidly meeting Liu Xi's gaze. Her eyes shimmered faintly with light. Dan Chen knew she possessed an unusual constitution—one that could draw in and devour others' souls. Yet just moments ago, she realized Liu Xi wasn't afraid of her strange body. Instead, he had shielded her without hesitation. That small act sparked a faint warmth within her heart.
"Dan Chen admits defeat. Thank you, Master Liu, for your rescue."
Seeing both women yield without fuss, Liu Xi finally relaxed, stretching lazily with a smile. He had expected this assessment to be dull, but with Cao Ying and Dan Chen's participation, things had turned out far more interesting.
Cao Ying and Dan Chen—both truly gifted talents. Though their starting points had been much higher than his, being able to reach the level of 8th Tier Alchemists at their current age was nothing short of astonishing. Indeed, both possessed genuine Spirit Realm Souls. Based on the original course of their growth, they could already refine 8th Tier Pills—their natural talent was even greater than Liu Xi's.
After all, Liu Xi had relied on his Heavenly Flames. It wasn't until he was around 26 or 27 years old that he finally broke through to the Spirit Realm Soul. Only later, after fully mastering the Pill Recipe of the Zun Shi Pill, did he become an 8th Tier Alchemist.
Turning to Elder Sheng, Liu Xi offered an apologetic smile and said, "Elder Sheng, you may announce the results now. Also, sorry for wrecking the venue—it wasn't intentional."
Elder Sheng chuckled as he approached from afar, visibly relieved to see that none of the three had been injured or held grudges. That was a blessing in itself. Given the current circumstances, the three of them—Liu Xi, Cao Ying, and Dan Chen—were not only the brightest contenders for the Pill Gathering but also the future pillars of the Pill Tower. Losing any of them would be a tremendous loss.
Stroking his beard, Elder Sheng's eyes shone with approval as he looked at Liu Xi. Not only was his alchemy mastery extraordinary, but his composure and heart were equally remarkable. He wasn't just good material—he was already fully formed.
Elder Sheng laughed warmly. "Hehe, no harm done. It's our Pill Tower's fault for not preparing a venue strong enough to withstand a clash between 8th Tier Alchemists' Spiritual Power. Anyway, no need to dwell on it. The Five Great Families' internal assessment has concluded. Based on the overall results of the three rounds, the first place goes to the Ye Clan representative, Liu Xi. Second place, Cao Ying of the Cao Clan. Third, Dan Chen of the Dan Clan."
As the assessment ended, the Bai and Qiu Clans quietly withdrew, their expressions heavy. Though they had passed and avoided being removed from the Five Great Families, their low rankings left them too embarrassed to remain.
The Cao, Dan, and Ye Clans stepped forward. Ye Zhong's hands trembled slightly with excitement—this time, the Ye Clan had finally secured their Elder Seat again.
Elder Sheng turned toward Ye Zhong, nostalgia flickering in his eyes as he sighed.
"Congratulations. The Ye Clan has preserved its position among the Five Great Families. You've found yourself a true prodigy—cherish this opportunity."
Elder Sheng's words were practically a hint in plain sight. Ye Zhong understood them instantly and silently praised his own foresight from back then. Now more than ever, he resolved to hold tightly to Liu Xi's thigh for the future.
"Thank you, Master Liu. The Ye Clan will never forget your kindness." Ye Zhong's voice carried genuine reverence and conviction.
Liu Xi responded with a faint smile and a nod. For him, this was a perfect outcome: he had fulfilled his old promise, gained the Ye Clan's ancestral inheritance, and secured the full support of one of the Five Great Families. Whichever way he looked at it, he hadn't lost anything.
Ye Zhong then turned toward Elder Sheng, his face softening with gratitude. "I must also thank Elder Sheng for taking care of the Ye Clan all these years. Without you, we wouldn't even have the right to stand here today. I'll never forget this favor."
Elder Sheng waved dismissively with a laugh. "We're old friends—no need for such words."
"Thank you, Master Liu, for your mercy. Had you not held back, my sister's condition would've been unimaginable. The Dan Clan will remember this favor."
A gentle voice came from the side. Liu Xi turned and saw the refined and handsome Dan Xuan bowing respectfully. His calm demeanor and gentle tone left a good impression—someone like that was hard to dislike.
As the saying went, you don't strike someone offering a smile.
Liu Xi wasn't one to be arrogant. Meeting sincere gratitude, he naturally responded politely. "Think nothing of it. It was just a contest, not a life-or-death battle. There's no need for anyone to suffer serious injuries over it."
Hiding behind Dan Xuan, Dan Chen peeked out shyly, her small head emerging just enough to reveal a sweet, timid smile. It was disarmingly cute.
Liu Xi smiled and nodded in return. The Dan Clan wasn't like the Ye Clan—they were one of the most powerful families in the Pill Tower. And with Dan Chen's rare talent, befriending her could only be advantageous.
"Master Liu," Cao Ying's charming voice rang out again. "I noticed you also used the Soul Mystic Palm earlier. Though your version was grand and overwhelming, your technique still seemed a little raw—more reliant on Spiritual Power than form. Since you saved me today, I'd be happy to exchange insights on Soul Techniques sometime. Perhaps you might even gain something from it~"
She approached gracefully, followed by Cao Shan and Cao Xiu. Her delicate figure leaned slightly forward, emphasizing her curves, while her bright eyes rippled with playfulness and allure.
Looking at the enchanting Cao Ying, Liu Xi only smiled faintly. He'd long learned to keep his distance from women with too many schemes—no matter how strong or beautiful they were. Even now, with his strength and mastery both far surpassing hers, he maintained that principle.
Getting close was fine. Getting too close was trouble.
With a polite smile, Liu Xi replied, "Of course. Cao Ying, your control over the Soul Mystic Palm has indeed reached perfection. If not for my Spiritual Power being somewhat denser, I might've struggled against you."
Hearing this, Cao Ying's phoenix eyes narrowed as her lips curved upward. Outwardly she seemed pleased, though no one could guess what she was truly thinking.
"Then it's settled. When I visit to exchange pointers, Master Liu, you mustn't turn me away."
Liu Xi pondered for a moment before nodding. "Hmm… I'll be quite busy preparing for the Pill Gathering, but if I have time, I certainly won't refuse."
Cao Ying's laughter chimed softly. "That's fine. It seems you truly intend to claim the Pill Gathering championship—not just talk about it. But don't think I'll hand it over easily."
Liu Xi smiled. "Then we'll see."
Cao Ying responded with a playful glint, "We'll see."
As the two exchanged smiles, Cao Shan remained composed, but Cao Xiu's expression darkened slightly. He tilted his head down, hiding the flash of frustration and the hint of deMaster Liue in his eyes.
'Tch… what's so special about him? Just because he's an 8th Tier Alchemist? I don't care. I still refuse to accept it…'
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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