The disturbance came quickly and faded just as fast. Before long, the surging Heaven and Earth energy gradually calmed, and a vast aura flared briefly before vanishing once more.
"Breakthrough successful. That girl's talent is truly terrifying—she's already mastered the newfound power so quickly."
From that brief surge of energy, Valley Master Luo had already discerned most of Xiao Yixian's condition. As expected of a Half Saint, her insight and perception were exceptional.
Liu Xi's lips curved in a faint smile. "Valley Master Luo flatters her. Xian'er's talent goes far beyond that."
In the blink of an eye, a white figure flashed across the courtyard, revealing Xiao Yixian in her white dress. Her every movement flowed seamlessly, grace and calm fused as one.
Joy from her breakthrough flickered in her heart, and she wanted nothing more than to share it with Liu Xi immediately. But with so many eyes around, she restrained herself and merely met his gaze. The happiness hidden deep in her eyes softened her tone. "Young Master, I've broken through…"
Her voice paused slightly as her gaze swept across Valley Master Luo, Luo Yinzhuk, and the three Dou Zun Elders. "Did you all come for me?"
Sensing her wary tone, Valley Master Luo smiled gently. "Little one, your breakthrough is a good thing. And besides, if not for Master Liu's treatment, this Seat would not even be able to move freely now. We came merely to offer our congratulations."
Perhaps because of Liu Xi's earlier words, Xiao Yixian already regarded Valley Master Luo as a goal she needed to surpass. Thus, her words carried a faint edge of defiance.
Liu Xi turned toward Valley Master Luo and said, "Valley Master Luo, if there's nothing else, we'll leave it at that. As for the required ingredients, I hope your esteemed valley can gather them as soon as possible. I do not plan to stay here for long—I imagine Valley Master Luo also wishes to recover completely soon."
After all, there were only about six months left before the upcoming Pill Gathering. Liu Xi still needed to study the method of Spirit Convergence in earnest. Of course, if he could break through to the Dou Zun realm before then, that would be even better.
If nothing major changed, that troublesome old fool Mu Gu would definitely appear at the Pill Gathering. Without successfully refining a pill capable of summoning Five-Colored Pill Lightning, there would be no chance of seizing first place.
Fortunately, Liu Xi's Spiritual Power was already equivalent to a Mid-Level Spirit Realm soul. As long as he perfected Spirit Convergence, there would be no issue in refining a Five-Colored Pill Lightning pill.
The three Dou Zun Elders glanced toward Valley Master Luo. Liu Xi's words were, in essence, dismissing them, but as an 8th Tier Alchemist accompanied by a Dou Zun, such confidence was understandable.
Valley Master Luo smiled mildly, her tone firm yet elegant. "That is true. Master Liu is an 8th Tier Alchemist—his time is invaluable. How could this Seat keep him idling here? Elders, did you hear? Gather another full set of ingredients as quickly as possible. Also…"
She turned to her daughter. "Yinzhu promised that if Master Liu could expel my cold poison, he could freely choose from the treasures of Sound Valley. Now that he has proven himself capable, it's time that promise be fulfilled."
Hearing her mother's words, Luo Yinzhu nodded lightly, her bright eyes curved in acknowledgment. "Understood, Mother."
The three old women, however, frowned slightly, finding such a promise too generous.
At a glance from the First Elder, the Second and Third Elders immediately caught on. The Third Elder forced a smile and said, "Valley Master, this…"
Valley Master Luo's gaze turned icy. With just a faint look toward the speaking elder, an overwhelming chill and terrifying pressure descended upon her. The old woman immediately shut her mouth, trembling as that oppressive force vanished as swiftly as it appeared.
The Half Saint's might was not something a mere Dou Zun could bear.
Valley Master Luo's expression softened again as she looked at Liu Xi with quiet appreciation. Talent, strength, composure—everything about this young man was worth investing in. "A promise is meant to be kept. What my daughter promised, I promise as well. Even the Sound Valley's secret core technique—if Master Liu wishes for it, he may take it, so long as it is not leaked beyond these walls."
The three elders fell silent. Even Dou Zun powerhouses dared not challenge a Half Saint's authority. When Valley Master Luo had sealed herself away before, they had held some influence—but now, as her health visibly improved, her power was effortlessly reclaimed.
Liu Xi couldn't help but glance at her in mild surprise. She was unexpectedly easy to speak with. He hadn't even needed to ask, and she had already offered such generosity.
Smiling calmly, he replied, "Valley Master need not worry. I have little interest in your valley's core techniques. What I prefer are rare medicinal ingredients or precious pill recipes. Qi Methods… not so much. Dou Techniques, perhaps, might catch my interest."
Valley Master Luo nodded. "Yinzhu, since you made the promise, you shall escort Master Liu. Let him freely choose any treasure he likes from the Sound Valley treasury."
She was clearly willing to honor her word completely—letting Liu Xi select his reward before the second round of detoxification even began.
Since the opportunity was before him, there was no reason to refuse. Liu Xi cupped his hands politely toward Valley Master Luo, then turned to Luo Yinzhu. "Then I'll trouble Miss Yinzhu to lead the way."
Having removed her veil, Luo Yinzhu's flawless, delicate features were revealed, her expression serene yet radiant. At her mother's slight nod, she turned to Liu Xi and said softly, "Master Liu, please follow me. I'll take you to the treasury to choose what you desire."
With that, she turned gracefully and left the courtyard. Liu Xi glanced at Xiao Yixian, signaling for her to follow, and together they departed alongside Luo Yinzhu.
Once they were gone, the First Elder finally spoke, frowning deeply. "Valley Master! The Sound Valley treasury holds countless secrets. Allowing an outsider to enter so freely—this isn't appropriate! And granting him free choice of our Qi Methods or Dou Techniques—no matter how much we owe him, isn't that too much?"
Valley Master Luo turned away, her gaze following the distant path where Liu Xi had disappeared. No one was in sight anymore, but her eyes lingered with quiet confidence.
She neither refuted nor agreed with the elder's words. In her heart, she had already weighed the decision. Liu Xi's potential was limitless—if fate did not end his path early, he would undoubtedly become a peak powerhouse or a supreme Alchemist in the future.
"Broaden your vision," she said calmly. "No matter how precious the treasures in the vault are, they're lifeless things. Trading lifeless things for a living future—don't you think that's worth it?"
She did not voice the other thought in her mind: if Liu Xi remained unmarried, she wouldn't mind pairing him with her daughter. A young man of such talent and integrity was indeed a match worth considering.
Still, with someone like Xiao Yixian at his side—gifted, beautiful, and devoted—Valley Master Luo knew better than to force such matters. As a Half Saint, she had no need to curry favor through marriage. Strength was her true foundation, and everything else was merely fleeting.
(End of Chapter)
---
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_.
Your support helps keep the stories coming! Please remember to leave a 5-star Review and a Power Stone to help the book grow