Chapter 520: A Ninth-Grade Mystical Pill as a Gift!
In Xiao Xuan's mausoleum, within the void, the space covered by the roots of the Origin Tree seemed like a separate world, impenetrable by any external presence. Inside the roots, it was as if Xiao Ze had created a small universe himself, inaccessible to others without his permission.
As the roots of the Origin Tree slowly retracted, the figures of Xiao Ze and Xun'er appeared, looking no different than before. Xun'er was still dressed in her light blue gown, her hair cascading down her back, her skin seemingly more radiant and nourished than ever. Xiao Ze stretched lazily, his attire unchanged. If not for the passage of time, it would seem as if nothing had happened between them.
Xun'er glanced around nervously, her gaze settling on the temple. Only when she saw no sign of Xiao Xuan did she relax a bit. "Xiao Ze, were we too impulsive to do this... in the mausoleum of Elder Xiao Xuan?" she started, her cheeks flushing as she stole a glance at Xiao Ze.
"Strictly speaking, the space isolated by the Origin Tree's roots forms its own world, so it shouldn't count as disturbing our ancestor," Xiao Ze said uncertainly. Still, if pushed, he couldn't deny that the golden sphere formed by the Origin Tree's roots was indeed within Xiao Xuan's mausoleum. He now realized they might have been too hasty.
Xiao Ze's face showed a hint of embarrassment. Then, speaking through the golden tree to Xun'er, he suggested, "Otherwise, let's train on the third layer for a while before returning. If the elder doesn't bring it up, we'll act as if nothing happened, and move on."
Xun'er hesitated before nodding. Xiao Xuan hadn't appeared, probably to spare them both any awkwardness. She opened a passage first and left the mausoleum. Xiao Ze bowed in the direction of the temple before leaving as well.
Once the void returned to calm, Xiao Xuan's figure slowly emerged, chuckling to himself. "This young one, why treat me like an outsider? I only wish for the prosperity of the Xiao lineage, especially from a lad like you, the more the merrier!"
Although the golden sphere had blocked Xiao Xuan's perceptions, preventing him from knowing what exactly had transpired between Xiao Ze and Xun'er, the harmony visible between them upon emerging made it clear enough. Xiao Xuan figured out that they had taken their relationship to the final step.
Remembering Xun'er's lineage, Xiao Xuan chuckled, "Gu Yuan, never thought I'd deepen ties with you in such a way." Thinking of his old friend and the sudden jump in generations, he couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, "A little avoidance is good. It will make things less awkward when they meet again."
Knowing that Xiao Ze and Xun'er intended to avoid further interactions for the time being, he appreciated their intention. After Xiao Ze bowed towards the temple, indicating he knew Xiao Xuan was watching, Xiao Xuan agreed with his method. The golden sphere indeed formed its own unique world.
Elsewhere, seeing Xiao Ze emerge from the stele, Xun'er, who had been waiting a distance away, greeted him with a smile. "Why run so far?"
Xiao Ze stepped up to her, and Xun'er naturally took his arm, "Now that we've been intimate, it might be a bit awkward to face Elder Xiao Xuan. I worry he might disapprove."
"Don't worry, our elder is generous. He won't blame us," Xiao Ze reassured her, stroking her hair. "Once we leave the Heavenly Tomb, I'll formally propose to your clan. Whatever challenges or demands the Gu Clan leader has, I'll meet them all!"
"Xiao Ze," Xun'er nestled into his embrace, "Just having you say that is enough for me."
"Given the complications of our times, plus the exposure of your Xiao clan identity, we could be targeted by the Soul Clan. If it's too much, we can even postpone our wedding," she said gently, showing understanding.
Grateful for her considerate words, Xiao Ze held her closer. "Thank you, Xun'er. Revealing my identity does invite trouble, and there might be obstacles, but I promise to give you the grandest wedding!"
Their whispers were a testament to their deepened bond, now more inseparable than ever.
"Speaking of which, my soul realm has reached the peak of the Heavenly Realm, enough to concoct a Ninth-Grade Mystical Pill," Xiao Ze mentioned. "Instead of empty promises, I'll craft such a pill as a betrothal gift when proposing to your clan."
Hearing about the Ninth-Grade Mystical Pill, Xun'er was startled before quickly objecting. Even within the ancient clan, such a pill was unprecedented, a rarity not even accessible to the highest elders.
"The Ninth-Grade Mystical Pill is too precious for me, Xiao Ze. It could greatly enhance your own strength," she argued.
Laughing, Xiao Ze replied, "No worries, the pill as a betrothal gift will surely not be consumed by others in your clan but reserved for you. Whether I refine it or you do, it doesn't make much difference."
"Moreover, the significance of such a gift would not only provide face for your clan externally but also internally validate our relationship, easing some of your burdens."
With a sweet smile, Xun'er clung tighter to his arm, melting further into his embrace. "Since you've thought this through so well, I'll let you decide."
Xiao Ze estimated his success rate at refining the Ninth-Grade Mystical Pill at about fifty percent. Although risky, standing at the pinnacle of the pharmaceutical world in the current era meant achieving the impossible.
"As I was writing today, I realized an issue (which some readers might care about), made several revisions, and patched up yesterday's oversight. I apologize profusely to the readers who have made it this far!"
(End of Chapter 520)
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