After deciding on the method to dispel the cold poison, Liu Xi, Xiao Yixian, and Luo Yinzhu left the Sound Palace, while Valley Master Luo remained in seclusion.
Perhaps because she was certain Liu Xi could remove the cold poison, Luo Yinzhu seemed much more spirited. She personally arranged accommodations for Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian, walking briskly with a faint sparkle in her eyes.
As they crossed half of Sound Valley, every disciple they passed noticed that the usually serene and refined Miss Yinzhu had suddenly become lively and cheerful.
Creak—
Following the faint groan of the door, Luo Yinzhu's clear voice sounded.
"Master Liu, Venerable Xian, this place is called the 'Tideborne Pavilion.' It's one of the finest residences in Sound Valley. Please stay here for now—whatever you require, feel free to ask!"
Liu Xi clasped his hands behind his back as he stepped into the misty courtyard. The scenery was elegant and serene, and as he swept his gaze around, he found it satisfactory enough.
The only part he disliked was the dominance of water-element energy throughout the entire Sound Valley. Still, since the Azure Flame possessed the traits of the Sea Heart Flame, he didn't particularly mind.
He said casually, "Alright, Miss Yinzhu, you can go ahead and tend to your own matters. Among the materials needed to purge the cold poison, there are quite a few fire-type ingredients. You'd best gather them quickly. I won't be staying in Sound Valley for long."
Beneath her veil, Luo Yinzhu's expression grew solemn. "Please rest assured, Master Liu. With Sound Valley's stores, collecting the ingredients will be no problem. Once my mother's poison is expelled, you will be our valley's most honored guest!"
With that, Luo Yinzhu's robes fluttered as she turned and left the courtyard, clearly taking his words to heart.
After she departed, Xiao Yixian walked up with a hint of worry. "Young Master, the cold energy within Valley Master Luo is terrifying. Even I felt my heart tremble before her. Are you sure you can fully remove it without harming yourself?"
Hearing this, Liu Xi reviewed the method for purging the cold poison once more in his mind before smiling faintly. "It's not that I can't handle it. I simply lack the cultivation to use the easiest method. Still, with some external help, the process won't harm me."
He paused briefly, then said, "Focus on your cultivation. The enemies and powers we'll face in the future will only grow stronger. Your talent surpasses mine—achieving Half Saint or even Dou Saint should be effortless for you."
When Xiao Yixian recalled the overwhelming pressure she had felt in Valley Master Luo's presence, a sense of urgency welled up inside her. If that kind of person were ever an enemy, she couldn't guarantee she could protect Liu Xi. She nodded firmly. "I understand, Young Master."
Liu Xi chuckled softly, raising a hand to gently stroke her smooth hair before leaning close to her ear. "With you by my side, I always feel at ease."
Hearing his warm tone, Xiao Yixian's fair face flushed crimson, her eyes shimmering with renewed determination.
…
Three days passed in a flash.
That day, Liu Xi opened his eyes from meditation and immediately sensed Luo Yinzhu's presence entering the courtyard. He stood, tidied his robes, and murmured to himself, "Only three days to gather everything? Such efficiency truly is remarkable."
With that, he strode toward the door and stepped outside, where Luo Yinzhu was waiting.
When she saw him appear, her eyes brightened. She took a few graceful steps forward and removed a jade ring from her finger, offering it respectfully. "Master Liu, the medicinal ingredients are all prepared. Please begin purging my mother's cold poison."
Liu Xi took the ring, examining it briefly before putting it away with a faint smile. "Besides the herbs, have you prepared everything else I requested?"
Luo Yinzhu hesitated for a moment before replying softly, "Everything is ready. If Master Liu wishes, please come see for yourself."
"Very well. Let's take a look."
"Hmm? Why don't I see Venerable Xian today?"
"Xian'er is close to a breakthrough. She's still in cultivation."
"Oh… Venerable Xian's talent is extraordinary—truly a rare gem in this world. She and Master Liu are a perfect match."
Liu Xi smiled. "Miss Yinzhu certainly knows how to flatter."
"…"
The two chatted as they flew toward the Sound Palace. Before long, they arrived once again at the icy hall where Valley Master Luo resided.
For Liu Xi, protected by the Azure Flame, the surging cold within the hall posed no threat. Luo Yinzhu, however, even with her defenses in place, was still trembling from the freezing air.
They advanced deeper into the hall until they reached the layered curtains. There, they awakened the resting Valley Master Luo.
Her first words were calm yet faintly expectant. "Master Liu, you've come."
Liu Xi smiled. "Indeed. Valley Master Luo, if any unusual reactions occur later, I ask your understanding."
"I know. I won't blame you for whatever happens."
Valley Master Luo nodded gently, then turned to her shivering daughter, her eyes filled with warmth. "Yinzhu, go on outside. Once Master Liu expels the poison, we'll finally be able to meet without worry."
Luo Yinzhu hesitated briefly before making her decision. She could only place her trust in Liu Xi now. Bowing deeply, she said softly, "Mother, I'll leave everything to Master Liu."
Liu Xi responded with a calm smile.
Seeing that, Luo Yinzhu finally exhaled in relief, then turned and departed swiftly.
After she left, Liu Xi turned toward Valley Master Luo. His smile faded, replaced by a composed seriousness. "Miss Yinzhu has gone. Let's begin. Please, Valley Master Luo."
Valley Master Luo gazed at Liu Xi for a long moment—his calm, steady eyes and solemn face instilling an inexplicable sense of trust. Finally, she nodded. "Everything, I leave to you."
Rising slowly from the blazing sunstone bed, she revealed a graceful yet weary figure. Her steps were gentle as she descended, moving toward the space behind the bed's veil.
There, a pool had been carved into the floor—three meters long, three wide, and one deep. But calling it a water pool was inaccurate now; it was entirely frozen.
Valley Master Luo's eyes softened with a trace of helplessness. "Master Liu, the cold within me is too strong. Any water brought here freezes instantly, turning into this… ice pool. But it should still serve for the medicinal bath."
"No problem."
Liu Xi flicked his sleeve. The storage ring Luo Yinzhu had given him flashed, and countless jade boxes appeared in the air, filling the space above the frozen pool until they numbered in the thousands.
He smiled faintly. "After this, it'll be the pool's turn to fear freezing."
(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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