"You should try on this Ice Silkworm Mask first to check its effect. That way, if there are any problems, we can fix them before you actually need to use it."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan carefully examined the thin mask in his hand and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It truly was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. He gently placed the mask over his face.
Instantly, a cool sensation spread across his skin. The mask adhered perfectly, merging with his face as if it had become part of him. There was no sense of discomfort or incongruity at all.
"This is truly a good item. Its value must be considerable. It looks no worse than my previous disguise method," Xiao Yan said as he took out a mirror and looked at the slightly ordinary face reflected in it. His eyes were filled with admiration.
"With your current appearance, and since it was a hurried parting back then where you didn't even use Dou Qi, she won't be able to sense anything unusual. Later, you can use 'special means' to further conceal your identity. Even if you get close to her, she won't notice anything," Xiao Tian said while stroking his chin with a smile.
Xiao Yan naturally understood what "special means" referred to, and his heart settled considerably.
He touched his new face and said indifferently, "Indeed. So, should I head over now?"
"No rush. Let's go tomorrow. It's getting late. I'll have Feier arrange accommodation for you first."
Ya Fei called over a maid, gave her a few instructions, and Xiao Yan followed the maid out of the room.
"Does your brother possess a Different Flame?" Ya Fei asked curiously as she sat on Xiao Tian's lap, leaning comfortably against his chest.
"Yes, the Green Lotus Core Flame — ranked nineteenth on the Strange Fire List," Xiao Tian replied, tightening his arms around her and inhaling her fragrant scent.
"You don't have one too, do you?" Ya Fei blinked her large eyes and looked at him brightly.
Xiao Tian didn't answer with words. Instead, he extended his hand, and a dark purple flame instantly appeared in his palm.
"Is your family a nest of prodigies? Both of you possess Different Flames and are alchemists," Ya Fei rubbed her forehead and sighed enviously.
"What? Are you envious?" Xiao Tian retracted the flame and said gently. "Your Frozen Spirit Body is also extremely powerful. Once you reach a certain level, the power of your ice will be no weaker than some Different Flames."
Ya Fei naturally knew how strong her physique was. Her envy came only from the fact that she had once dreamed of becoming an alchemist herself.
"Feier wants to help your family add another alchemist," Ya Fei's charming and seductive voice whispered into Xiao Tian's ear.
With a wave of his hand, Dou Qi sealed the main door.
…
Several hours passed quietly.
After the calm, in the silent night sky, a figure carrying another person swiftly streaked across the darkness, unnoticed by anyone, before landing in a quiet courtyard.
The next morning.
Xiao Yan consumed the special Illusionary Form Pill provided by Yao Lao, transforming into a young man with a slightly handsome and refined appearance.
He walked out of the room arranged by the Mitel Auction House and headed toward Xiao Tian's courtyard.
At this time, Xiao Tian had just finished his morning training and had washed and changed with Ya Fei's assistance.
"Knock, knock."
A knock sounded from outside the courtyard. Xiao Tian knew it was Xiao Yan.
"Feier, I'm leaving."
Xiao Tian leaned down and kissed Ya Fei's cheek as she lay back on the bed.
He then put on the Ice Silkworm Mask. His appearance instantly underwent a dramatic change, becoming that of a handsome but slightly lazy-looking young man. He also wore a fourth-rank alchemist robe.
Previously, he had only been registered as a third-rank alchemist, but he had asked Hai Bodong to update his alchemist identity to fourth-rank. After all, he could already refine fifth-rank pills, and a higher rank would bring more influence and respect.
After stepping out, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan walked together toward the Nalan Family.
The reason Xiao Tian decided to accompany him was simple — he wanted to check in and watch the show.
The Nalan Family estate was located in the city center. Soon, the two arrived in front of a magnificent mansion.
Xiao Yan's heart couldn't help but ripple. In the past, this mansion might have become his father-in-law's home.
The main gate was heavily guarded, and many people had gathered outside.
All of them were dressed in alchemist robes, with several brilliant silver ripples embroidered on their chests that gleamed in the sunlight. These ripples represented both their identity and their alchemist rank.
The Nalan Family clearly did not dare to neglect these powerful alchemists. At the entrance, several servants respectfully explained the situation to the waiting alchemists. Only those who proved they had sufficient strength were allowed inside. Those whose abilities were truly lacking were politely turned away.
Most of those refused were first-rank or second-rank alchemists, while those permitted entry were at least third-rank. Given Nalan Yanran's background, even if they felt embarrassed, the lower-ranked alchemists did not dare to cause a scene.
Xiao Yan pushed through the crowd, clearing a path as he walked forward, while Xiao Tian followed slowly behind him.
Indeed, having someone clear the way made things much easier.
Seeing Xiao Yan approach, an old man who looked like the butler stepped forward. However, when he noticed the second-rank alchemist badge on Xiao Yan's chest, a hint of undetectable disappointment flashed in his eyes.
Although Xiao Yan looked rather young, which surprised the butler slightly, his rank was still insufficient. Just as the butler was about to politely ask him to leave, a slightly lazy voice suddenly sounded.
"I know you need third-rank alchemists and above, but rank doesn't represent everything. Don't erase your old master's last few chances just because of your own judgment."
The butler looked at Xiao Tian, who was standing beside the second-rank alchemist. When he saw the fourth-rank alchemist badge on Xiao Tian's chest and his young appearance, he thought to himself:
To reach fourth-rank at such a young age… The last time I saw such a talented young alchemist was Miss's friend, but he was only third-rank. This young man is already fourth-rank. Even the family head must show him respect.
"Young brother, you've also come to try treating our Old Master Nalan Jie, haven't you?" the butler asked.
Xiao Tian shook his head. "No, I'm just accompanying him. Junior Brother Yan Xiao, please show your letter of recommendation."
Xiao Yan took out the letter Ya Fei had written and handed it to the butler.
The butler unfolded the paper. Elegant and slender handwriting came into view. When he saw Ya Fei's personal signature at the bottom, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
After reading the letter and glancing at Xiao Tian once more, the butler gritted his teeth, stepped aside, and bowed slightly. "Sirs, please come in. If you can cure our Old Master, you will be eternal friends of the Nalan Family."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Tian couldn't help but feel disdain in his heart. Now they talk about eternal friends, but once he's cured, if anything happens, they'll act as if the phone is unreachable.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly and walked into the Nalan Family estate alongside Xiao Tian. After passing through the main gate, a pretty maid came forward and led the two toward the main hall.
As Xiao Yan and Xiao Tian walked along the small blue-gravel path inside the Nalan Family grounds, a woman in a moon-white dress stood in the distance. She looked at Xiao Yan with a mix of surprise and joy.
Because she was quite far away and her position was well hidden, neither Xiao Yan nor Xiao Tian noticed her presence.