Hearing Ao Yuanwu's words, the look of anticipation on Jiang Xiaobai's face grew stronger.
In reality, this was all an act. He had already communicated with the system when Ao Yuanwu wanted to inspect his cultivation aptitude.
The system assured him that it couldn't be discovered by others.
That's what led to the current situation.
"Cough, cough..."
At that moment, Ao Yuanwu suddenly broke into a severe cough. He covered his mouth with his hand, and through his finger gaps, bright red blood could be seen.
That's when Jiang Xiaobai noticed that the man had severe internal injuries.
With his current strength, he couldn't gauge Ao Yuanwu's cultivation level. But one thing was clear: it was only by virtue of his powerful cultivation that Ao Yuanwu could suppress his injuries.
Otherwise, he would have passed away long ago.
Upon hearing the cough, a figure outside the Dragon Hall rushed in swiftly.
"Grandfather, are you alright?" Princess Ao Yan was full of worry, and she hurriedly wanted to call the alchemists in the Dragon Valley for help.
"It's okay, this ailment of mine has been going on for more than a decade, and you're well aware of it," said Ao Yuanwu with a light laugh.
Princess Ao Yan's face was filled with apprehension.
All of a sudden, she couldn't help but look towards Jiang Xiaobai. She hadn't known before that Jiang Xiaobai could refine pills, especially the cleansing pills that could remove fire poison.
But now, a thought suddenly rose in her mind. What if Jiang Xiaobai could cure her grandfather's illness?
However, before she could speak, Jiang Xiaobai had already taken out the Tianyuan Hun Lingdan pill.
The moment the pill was revealed, it emitted a strong aroma that was relaxing just by breathing it in.
Although Jiang Xiaobai didn't know the specifics of Ao Yuanwu's situation.
He was determined that the Tianyuan Hun Lingdan pill could definitely resolve Ao Yuanwu's condition!
"Grandfather, if you take this pill, your injuries should be able to heal," said Jiang Xiaobai calmly.
He didn't say that it would heal completely, as his main intention was to leave a good impression, because, after all, this would determine his survival.
But to everyone's surprise, Ao Yuanwu merely glanced at the pill before ignoring it.
"Put it away. Over the years, I've eaten pills like vegetables and none of them have had any effect. This pill, although its aura is intriguing, cannot cure me," said Ao Yuanwu indifferently.
Jiang Xiaobai was dumbfounded.
He was well-read and such injuries that couldn't be healed by the Tianyuan Hun Lingdan were rare unless the person was already dead!?
Damn old man, don't frame me!
But Ao Yuanwu continued to act as though Jiang Xiaobai's pill was of no use to him, which utterly stunned Jiang Xiaobai.
However, upon thinking deeper, he realized that not everyone had access to the Nine-turn Golden Pill.
"Grandfather, the medicinal power emanating from the elixir is something I've never felt before. It must be a good treasure!" Princess Ao Yan hurriedly interjected.
"Hehe, even if a commoner knows how to refine pills that remove fire poison, what extraordinary things can they produce? I know you gave him this elixir, you just want to fool your grandfather into taking it, right?" Ao Yuanwu said knowingly.
This left both of them dumbfounded.
"Okay, okay, even a half-god-tier elixir couldn't do anything for my injuries. Both of you can leave now."
"Don't forget about the banquet tonight."
And just like that, they were both sent out of the Dragon Hall, still in a daze.
The look on Jiang Xiaobai's face was still full of helplessness, and so was Princess Ao Yan's.
"Don't say much at the banquet."
"They will definitely target you. Just follow my lead."
Princess Ao Yan sighed and told Jiang Xiaobai, then moved ahead.
But after a distance, she paused and came back to Jiang Xiaobai's side.
"What is the origin of this pill of yours?" Princess Ao Yan asked with surprise.
"Oh, this was given to me by an old man. He said it was something I would need during a crucial turning point in my life, so I always kept it," Jiang Xiaobai replied, continuing to play the fool.
"Can I take a look at it?"
"Sure."
The pill flew into Princess Ao Yan's hand. Upon closely examining it, she could feel a mysteriously powerful essence from it, and the spiritual power contained within was frighteningly intense.
Indeed, this was a rare spirit pill.
But … she really had no confidence in it.
In the end, frowning at the same spot for a while, she wanted to return the Tianyuan Hun Lingdan back to Jiang Xiaobai.
"No need, you keep it. When there is really no way out, it may come in handy." Jiang Xiaobai said with a grin.
After saying that, he walked away without paying attention to Ao Yan's stupefied expression.
At the same time, he was secretly overjoyed with his excellent strategy of feigning withdrawal to lure the enemy!
It's not easy to gain someone's trust, but he believed that when the time comes, this nine-revolution golden pill will definitely play a very important role.
Time flew by like this and it was already evening.
The banquet was held in the Dragon Hall.
Jiang Xiaobai thought he would see Ao Cheng here, but the other party did not appear.
There weren't many people who came, but they were all the top people among the younger generation in Dragon Valley.
Among them was Ao Tianheng.
Ao Tianheng was sitting in his seat, his eyes dark and unhidden, staring fixedly at Jiang Xiaobai.
"Yo, isn't this the famous mortal son-in-law from our Dragon Valley?"
A sarcastic voice came from the entrance, and the speaker was a seductive woman with a curvaceous figure.
"Ao Xinran." Ao Yan narrowed her eyes with a look as cold as ice.
Despite Ao Yan's warning, the woman shrugged it off and sneered even more boldly.
"Hehehe, what's wrong, Princess Ao Yan?"
"Don't you know how big a loss Dragon Valley has suffered this time because of your wilfulness?"
"You dared to do it, but you can't stand others' criticisms?"
Ao Xinran's face was full of contempt as she directly sat opposite Ao Yan.
As for Ao Yan, she sat there with a frosty face, radiating a frigid aura that warned others to keep their distance.
After sitting down, Ao Xinran turned her gaze to Jiang Xiaobai again.
"Although his appearance is not bad, he is ultimately a useless mortal. I wonder what goes on in some people's minds. Even if they are unreasonable and domineering beneath the indulgence of their elders every day, there should still be some limits to such disgraceful behaviour."
Ao Xinran sneered: "Even if you found a pig demon to be your partner, it would at least have some cultivation. Surely that's much better than a mortal?"
These words were truly venomous to the extreme.
Did she just say that Jiang Xiaobai was even worse than a pig demon?
He could no longer stand by.
"Is every woman in Dragon Valley as crude as this, constantly calling others waste? Compared to Ao Yan, aren't you just another piece of garbage?" Jiang Xiaobai retorted with a sneer.
"You bastard! Do you really think you have a say here?"
Ao Xinran instantly exploded: "Ao Yan, control your dog! The simple fact that our venerable ancestor allowed him to attend the banquet is already a great concession to you. Don't be ungrateful."
"Another word of insolence, and believe me, I will chop off your mouth."
"How dare you!" Ao Yan huffed, her battle aura immediately erupting.
No matter how useless Jiang Xiaobai is, no matter how little cultivation he has, no matter how much he is from two different worlds.
He is still her husband, and it is not the place of a nobody to defame.
Sensing the horrifying battle aura emanating from Ao Yan, Ao Xinran's face turned red immediately.
After realizing that she got rattled by Ao Yan, her eyes were filled with hatred.
"Ao Yan, you are just relying on the fact that our forefather dotes on you. The heir of the Ancient Clan will be arriving at Dragon Valley in less than a month. I'd like to see how you explain yourself then!"
"Dragon Valley and the Ancient Clan have already agreed for a marriage alliance. You are just inviting trouble by acting so unruly!"
Ao Xinran said coldly.
"None of your business." Ao Yan replied.
"How can it be none of my business? Once anything happens, it would cause a war between two big forces!"
"Your mouth sure is hard. Do you know the loss Dragon Valley is going to suffer this time? The heir of the Ancient Clan is now the Holy Son of the Ancient Clan, with high respect. You just go on being wilful and reckless, let's see how you die when the Ancient Clan puts on the pressure!"
Ao Xinran sneered sarcastically.
Speaking, she looked at Jiang Xiaobai again: "I guess by that time, your mortal pet will die very miserably. I wonder if you will cry for him."
At her words, the atmosphere in the Dragon Hall plummeted to freezing point, many of the Dragon Valley's young talents furrowed their brows, and Ao Yan's face was even colder.
It was then a calm voice came.
"I finally understand what the difference is between you and Ao Yan. Compared to her, you really are a hopeless waste."