Xian'er chose to enter seclusion immediately to absorb and refine the Soul Nourishing Liquid.
By the next morning, after successfully refining the potion, she was pleasantly surprised to find her soul strength had increased more than she had anticipated.
She estimated that her current soul strength was comparable to that of an ordinary high-tier peak Dou Wang expert.
Currently, she was only a three-star Dou Ling, yet her soul strength had reached such a level, making her not much different from some naturally gifted alchemists.
It seemed she had managed to bridge some of the gap through acquired effort.
Excited, she shared the news with Wei Yang.
«Oh, it seems the Soul Nourishing Liquid's effect is even better than I imagined,» Wei Yang said softly, stroking his chin.
«Yes, the effect is indeed very good,» Xian'er nodded excitedly, «Brother Yang, with my current soul strength, I feel I can soon reach the peak of the third rank. Perhaps when I reach the Dou Wang stage, becoming a fourth-rank alchemist isn't impossible!»
«Hehe,» Wei Yang chuckled, patting her head, «You're thinking too small. Even if I have to pile on the heavenly materials and earthly treasures, I'll at least make you a peak sixth-rank, maybe even a seventh-rank alchemist!»
«Peak sixth-rank? Seventh-rank?!» Xian'er's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
This level was something she never dared to dream of before.
Could she truly have a chance to reach it now?
The next morning, after tidying up, Wei Yang left the small valley alone.
Unfurling his black wings and hovering in the air, he glanced back at the small valley shrouded in white mist, a thoughtful expression in his eyes.
«The terrain here is quite peculiar; it's rare to see such a large concentration of precious herbs growing together in the wild.»
«And for some reason, the energy here is exceptionally pure and dense, almost like a miniature medicinal realm!»
«Perhaps, deep beneath this valley, some secrets are hidden. It might be worth exploring underground someday…»
With a shake of his head, Wei Yang stopped pondering and with a flap of his black wings, turned into a black and red streak of light, shooting off into the distance.
Looking ahead in the direction of Wu Tan City, a hint of anticipation flickered in his eyes.
Yesterday was the annual Dou Qi examination day for the Xiao family's younger generation.
If he remembered correctly, the day after the examination was when Nalan Yanran would come to annul her engagement.
And that would be today.
A famous scene indeed! An annulment! And Xiao Yan, on this day, would utter that somewhat melodramatic yet legendary line: «Three years from now, I will become a king. Don't underestimate a youth's resolve!»
I wonder, as Xiao Yan, a man of two lives, now over thirty or forty years old, shouts this line in public, will he feel a faint sense of embarrassment?
Haha~ Wei Yang chuckled to himself.
He, for one, could never shout such words in public.
Even if he was publicly rejected, no matter how angry or humiliated he was, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
But how could he miss witnessing such a classic scene?
Whoosh~ A black and red streak of light flashed across the sky!
In the blink of an eye, it had been twelve years since he came to this world…
The plot is finally about to officially begin!
Wu Tan City.
The Xiao family.
Today, the Xiao family seemed to be in a rather solemn mood.
At the front gate, several spirited guards stood tall and straight.
Wei Yang walked up and stopped in front of the gate.
Several guards from the Xiao family turned their eyes to him, noticing his extraordinary attire and bearing. Just as they were about to courteously inquire, they suddenly froze.
They seemed to recognize Wei Yang's face.
«Are you… Master Wei, the alchemist?» One guard stepped forward, his tone respectful yet hesitant.
«I am Wei Yang,» he nodded.
«It really is Master Wei! Please come in,» the guards immediately became extremely respectful.
One guard gestured invitingly while another quickly turned and rushed inside to announce his arrival.
Wei Yang nodded and followed the guard into the Xiao family mansion.
Clearly, these guards had been informed that Wei Yang's arrival required no prior notice.
The Xiao family had guests today.
In the main hall.
Xiao Zhan and three elders were warmly conversing with an old man in a moon-white robe.
The old man wore a cheerful smile, his small eyes occasionally flashing with sharp light. On his robe's chest was an embroidered silver crescent moon surrounded by seven glittering golden stars.
Clearly, this old man was a seven-star Dou Shi.
Such a powerful figure could easily overpower the entire Xiao family.
Beside the old man sat a young couple, also dressed in moon-white robes.
The young man, around twenty years old, had handsome features and a tall, charming stature, attracting many glances from the Xiao family's young women.
On his chest were five golden stars, indicating his status as a five-star Dou Zhe.
To reach the level of a five-star Dou Zhe at around twenty years old was impressive not just in Wu Tan City, but throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire.
With his handsome looks, significant strength, and talent, it was no wonder some of the Xiao family's young women were smitten, casting him admiring glances.
However, the young man ignored these glances, focusing all his attention on the beautiful young woman beside him.
The young woman, around fifteen years old, looked similar in age to Xian'er.
Her beauty was stunning.
In terms of appearance, only the quiet girl reading a thick book in the corner, Gu Xun'er, could compare.
The young woman exuded a subtle aura of nobility. Dangling from her delicate ears were exquisite green jade earrings that tinkled softly with her movements.
Additionally, on her modestly developing chest were three golden stars.
A three-star Dou Zhe.
A fifteen-year-old three-star Dou Zhe, with exceptional talent and stunning looks, it was no wonder the young man ignored the other girls' glances.
The atmosphere in the hall was harmonious, creating a sense of mutual enjoyment.
However, the old man seemed to have something difficult to say, repeatedly swallowing his words with a helpless expression.
Every time this happened, the noble young woman would shoot him a glare.
Xiao Yan was also present, just recently turned fifteen, sitting next to Gu Xun'er, whispering occasionally.
But Xiao Yan's face seemed a bit tense, his fists subtly clenched.
Through his conversation with Gu Xun'er, Xiao Yan had somewhat guessed the purpose of these three guests.
Especially the noble young woman, who turned out to be his fiancée: Nalan Yanran! Suddenly, Xiao Yan's expression changed, growing darker.
Because, under the urging glances of the noble young woman, the old man finally stood up.
«Ahem.» The white-robed old man coughed awkwardly, bowing slightly to Xiao Zhan, ready to speak.
Creak~ At that moment, the main hall door was pushed open from the outside. An elderly steward with white hair and beard walked in quickly, heading straight to Xiao Zhan, bowing slightly and whispering, «Master, Mr. Wei is here!»
The white-robed old man frowned slightly, looking helplessly at the noble young woman.
The noble young woman was frustrated, but could only calm herself.
«Mr. Wei?» Xiao Zhan was initially stunned, then his face lit up with joy.
The three elders also showed signs of excitement, asking the steward, «Is it the Mr. Wei?»
The steward nodded, confirming, «Yes.»
With the confirmation, Xiao Zhan and the three elders were visibly thrilled, «Great, Mr. Wei has finally arrived.»
Xiao Zhan then looked at the white-robed old man, apologetically saying, «I'm sorry, but an important guest has arrived.»
The white-robed old man waved his hand, smiling, «No problem at all.»
Xiao Zhan smiled apologetically once more, then signaled the chief elder with a glance, softly saying, «Chief Elder, please go welcome him.»
He also softly instructed the steward, «Serve the finest tea.»
«Understood.»
The chief elder stood up, smiling apologetically at the three guests, then hurriedly left the hall.
The young man and the noble young woman frowned, feeling dissatisfied.
The white-robed old man, however, was not displeased. Instead, he was curious, wondering what kind of important guest could warrant such attention from the Xiao family!
Judging by their reaction, this guest seemed to be as important as the three guests from the Yun Lan Sect.
(End of Chapter)