Several Elders looked at Xiao Tian with kind smiles, their fervent gazes making Xiao Tian's hair stand on end. "Xiao Tian, if you need to refine pills in the future, we'll probably need your help. Of course, we won't let you suffer a loss. We'll provide our own medicinal ingredients, at least three portions. If they all fail, we'll provide more."
Elder Hao came to Xiao Tian's side and whispered, "If you need medicinal ingredients in the future, I can give you some 'small help.' You definitely won't be at a disadvantage."
Xiao Tian's eyes instantly lit up. Elder Hao was the Elder in charge of the Inner Academy's medicinal ingredient storeroom and prescriptions. His convenient access was something the entire Inner Academy envied. It was well-known that he was always fair and just, so making this decision showed how highly he regarded Xiao Tian and how much effort he was putting into recruiting him.
Xiao Tian thought for a moment, then generously replied, "Thank you for your high regard. When you need me in the future, come find me, and I'll make time to refine them for you."
Elder Hao and the others saw that Xiao Tian didn't immediately agree, but rather thought it over before accepting, which made them look at Xiao Tian in a new light. At such a young age, he was already able to avoid being swayed by profit — a rare quality indeed.
The Elders heard Xiao Tian's words and smiled as brightly as chrysanthemums, unable to stop.
Others couldn't hear what they were discussing, but seeing both parties looking very satisfied, they were all puzzled for a moment.
The surrounding people: I really want to know what they're conspiring about, darn it!
"The first place this time goes to Xiao Tian, second place to Xiao Yan, and last is Han Xian."
Elder Hao composed himself and announced loudly, then looked at Xiao Tian and the other two. "Do you have any objections to this result?"
Xiao Yan and Xiao Tian both shook their heads. First place was well-deserved, with no sense of disparity at all.
"I announce that Boundless Gate wins this bet." Elder Hao decided to give Xiao Tian another favor. "Han Xian, according to the contract agreement, you have lost and must comply. You need to merge into Boundless Gate within three days."
"Yes." Han Xian gritted his teeth. The contract was signed by himself, leaving no room for regret, so he could only comply obediently.
However, Han Xian wasn't particularly resistant. After all, Xiao Tian's alchemy skills far surpassed his own, and he was convinced of his defeat. Perhaps in the future, Xiao Tian, seeing him as one of his own, might offer some guidance, which could lead to improvement.
His unwillingness wasn't due to losing, but because the faction he had built with countless efforts was ultimately handed over by his own hand.
"You won't be at a disadvantage by joining our Boundless Gate. I will also take out some of my personal belongings to cultivate you. Perhaps in the future, you will be very glad for this bet."
Xiao Tian's words were not only for Han Xian but also for the other Alchemists. In the path of advanced Alchemists, having guidance versus fumbling around on one's own is a world of difference, allowing one to avoid many detours and reach higher ranks. Xiao Tian's words made many Alchemists below the high platform's eyes glow green.
"The competition is over. Everyone, disperse. Go do what you need to do, don't crowd around here anymore."
As Elder Hao's words fell, the audience left in an orderly fashion, with lingering expressions of satisfaction. Afterward, Elder Hao and the others all smiled and nodded at Xiao Tian, then left the scene. Even the Grand Elder in the void also departed.
However, Su Qian felt a familiar sensation from Xiao Tian today, but couldn't recall it for a moment. He had originally planned to chat with Xiao Tian, but thinking that Xiao Tian had expended a lot of mental energy refining pills today, he temporarily gave up.
Xiao Tian seemed to sense something, looking toward where Su Qian disappeared, a strange smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
The people of Boundless Gate all walked onto the stage, looking at Xiao Tian with faces full of admiration. Their backs straightened even more. Their Gate Master was not only strong in power but also in alchemy skills. Watching the surrounding crowd look at their Boundless Gate badges, envious tears flowed from the corners of their mouths. The people of Boundless Gate wore expressions of having no regrets about joining.
"Brother Xiao Tian, I knew you were the best."
Xun'er happily came to Xiao Tian's side, linking her arm through his in a gesture of declaring ownership. This was because many female students were showing intense affection toward Xiao Tian. In fact, if Xiao Tian just crooked his finger, those women would definitely pounce on him recklessly and devour him.
Xiao Tian understood Xun'er's thoughts and dotingly pinched her nose. This side of Xun'er actually had a unique cuteness. The surrounding women saw Xiao Tian and Xun'er's intimate appearance, and a hint of envy appeared on their faces. As for jealousy, there was none, because Xun'er's beauty was enough to crush their thoughts, completely preventing any trace of jealousy from arising.
Feeling a gaze, he turned to see Senior Han Yue giving him a faint smile. Xiao Tian nodded at her, and then Senior Han Yue left with the members of Moon Spirit.
"Hiss~"
Xiao Tian suddenly felt the soft flesh at his waist being firmly pinched by a small hand, which even twisted. As expected of a female-exclusive skill, even his World Purifying Divine Body couldn't resist it — it directly broke through his defenses.
"What, interested in Senior Han Yue?"
Xun'er's voice carried a hint of playfulness, and also a barely perceptible trace of jealousy, her eyes fixed on Xiao Tian without blinking.
Xiao Tian pressed down on the small hand that was "tormenting" him and lightly coughed. "Xun'er, you can't just throw around such unfounded accusations. Senior Han Yue and I are completely innocent."
Xun'er only pinched for a while before letting go, not intending to embarrass Xiao Tian. To outsiders, the two looked like a loving couple, incredibly sweet.
Her eyes were fixed on Xiao Tian, as if trying to see through him. "I don't believe you, this pervert, could be so innocent. And Senior Han Yue is so beautiful and special, and the way she looks at you is clearly not right."
"Xun'er, you're wronging me. Senior Han Yue and I are just ordinary friends right now."
Xiao Tian held Xun'er's hand, looking gently into her eyes, which were filled with infinite affection. "Xun'er, do you know? You are the most special and beautiful in my heart. No one can compare to you."
Xun'er clearly felt her importance in Xiao Tian's heart, and her heart warmed slightly. She pouted slightly. "Hmph, you only know how to say these sweet words. You're just good at tricking girls."
Xiao Tian gently stroked Xun'er's hair. "Everything I say is from the heart. The luckiest thing in my life is being able to trick your heart, and it's also my greatest success."
Listening to Xiao Tian's words, Xun'er's cheeks gradually flushed, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but reveal a sweet smile. "I'm also very lucky to have met you, Brother Xiao Tian."
Listening to Xiao Tian's sweet talk, Xun'er's cheeks gradually flushed. She lowered her head slightly, but still couldn't help but reveal a sweet smile at the corner of her mouth.
Xun'er couldn't help but recall her childhood — Xiao Tian's care for her, how he always tried to find ways to alleviate her discomfort due to her Heavenly Flame, even searching everywhere for medicinal ingredients to nourish her body and brewing them for her. Once, he even returned covered in injuries. When she first arrived at the Xiao Family, he accompanied her during her loneliest times, even telling her stories to coax her to sleep. Although sometimes the stories he told held deeper meanings.
Xiao Tian wiped away the non-existent sweat from his forehead. Although he knew this little girl wasn't truly jealous, he still had to express his stance.
Xiao Tian led the Boundless Gate members back to their base. That night, after Xiao Tian arranged the matters for taking over the Medicine Gang, Boundless Gate held a grand celebration banquet.
At noon the next day, Xiao Tian released Xun'er from his embrace and looked at her delicate face, gently kissing her forehead. Although he had been subjected to a continuous drinking challenge by the entire Boundless Gate last night, he wasn't completely drunk. Xun'er took care of him all night, only falling asleep at dawn.
Xiao Tian came to the first floor and saw an unexpected person sitting there.