Seeing that Qing Lin could cultivate on her own, Xiao Feng quickly had someone bring a tub of bathwater. He then took out a white jade medicine bottle and poured a bit of Foundation Establishment Elixir into the water.
Xiao Feng had already planned to recruit Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin, so before leaving the Xiao family, he had specifically asked Xiao Yan for two bottles of the elixir.
Originally, Xiao Feng intended to allocate one bottle each to Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin, but he discovered that Xiao Yixian did not need it. For her, consuming highly toxic substances directly could enhance her cultivation much faster.
Thus, Xiao Feng decided not to waste the elixir and planned to give the remaining elixir to Qing Lin.
As the elixir was poured in, the once clear bathwater turned a shade of green.
"Qing Lin, this potion will speed up your cultivation. Soak in it and cultivate," Xiao Feng said, pointing to the bathwater. "You can end your cultivation when the water turns clear again."
"Yes, Young Master," Qing Lin replied obediently.
"I'll leave you to your cultivation then," Xiao Feng said, patting Qing Lin's head before leaving.
After Xiao Feng left, Qing Lin closed the bedroom doors and windows, removed her clothes, and stepped into the half-human-height wooden tub.
Feeling the cool bathwater, Qing Lin closed her eyes comfortably, then formed seals with her hands and started practicing the breathing technique taught by Xiao Feng.
As Qing Lin's small chest heaved slightly, the green liquid in the tub began emitting green vapors that merged into her body with each breath, gradually increasing her Dou Qi. Simultaneously, three small green dots deep in her eyes became more distinct, vaguely forming the shape of flowers.
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng was strolling around Rock Desert City with Xiao Yixian.
As he accompanied Xiao Yixian shopping, Xiao Feng did not forget to scout near the Sand Mercenary Group and Storm Mercenary Group, preparing for the upcoming unification of Rock Desert City.
As night fell and temperatures dropped, Xiao Feng led a still-eager Xiao Yixian back to the Metal Desert Mercenary Group headquarters.
Shortly after their return, they were invited by Xiao Ding to attend a welcome banquet.
Besides Xiao Feng and Xiao Yixian, over a dozen core members of the Metal Desert Mercenary Group were also invited. Xiao Ding took the opportunity to introduce everyone.
Upon learning that Xiao Feng was the genius third brother often mentioned by their leader, the core members became exceptionally enthusiastic, taking turns to toast him.
"Young Master, I, Old Niu, toast you. Bottoms up!"
"Since everyone is being so gracious, let's drink until we drop tonight!"
"Great! Young Master is straightforward…"
Seeing Xiao Feng surrounded by those burly men and subjected to round after round of toasts, Xuelan, sitting beside Xiao Yixian, couldn't help but show a sympathetic expression. "Having caught their attention, Xiao Feng will likely be carried back tonight."
As the saying goes: Men have two main hobbies—persuading fallen women to reform and dragging good women down!
In the eyes of those mercenaries, Xiao Feng was akin to a good woman, and it would be impolite not to drink him under the table tonight.
"Really?" Xiao Yixian smiled playfully. "That's not necessarily the case."
Noticing Xiao Yixian's amused expression, Xuelan became curious. Could Xiao Feng's alcohol tolerance be that good?
In a way, alcohol is also a type of poison, which is why there is such a thing as alcohol poisoning.
With Xiao Feng's body immune to all poisons, it was impossible for him to get drunk, even if he drank himself to death.
As time passed, those burly men surrounding Xiao Feng started dropping one by one under Xuelan's incredulous gaze.
When even Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were drunk, the welcome banquet came to an end.
...
The next morning, Xiao Feng had a simple wash with Qing Lin's help and then went to have breakfast with Xiao Yixian.
"Young Master, good morning!"
"Good morning, Young Master."
"Young Master…"
On their way to the dining hall, the mercenary group members they encountered greeted them warmly.
The previous night's feat of Xiao Feng single-handedly drinking everyone under the table had spread throughout the Metal Desert Mercenary Group.
For most mercenaries, beauty and good wine are indispensable in life.
Therefore, regardless of Xiao Feng's strength, his impressive drinking ability alone was enough to win everyone's respect.
No wonder he's the younger brother of both leaders—impressive indeed!
When Xiao Feng and Xiao Yixian arrived at the dining hall, they did not see Xiao Ding or Xiao Li, only a table full of breakfast.
After taking their seats, Xiao Feng turned to a nearby maid and asked, "Where are my brothers?"
"The two leaders woke up not long ago. They said they had headaches and no appetite, so they told you to start without them."
"I see," Xiao Feng chuckled, then said to Xiao Yixian, "Xian'er, let's eat while it's hot."
"Okay."
After breakfast, Xiao Feng headed alone to the courtyard where Xiao Ding and Xiao Li lived and found them drinking hangover tea.
"Wow! When did you become so good at drinking?" Xiao Li exclaimed, seeing Xiao Feng enter looking perfectly fine. "Did you take some antidote beforehand?"
"Of course not. It's my natural talent!"
"Nonsense!" Xiao Li rolled his eyes. "We know you too well. You used to pass out after half a catty of liquor."
"That was then, this is now," Xiao Feng said, shaking his finger with a smile. "Since successfully forming my Dou Qi Vortex and breaking through to a one-star Dou Practitioner, I've awakened an extremely special constitution with extraordinary healing abilities."
To demonstrate, Xiao Feng bit his finger, showing Xiao Ding and Xiao Li how quickly it healed before their eyes.
Seeing Xiao Feng's finger heal almost instantly, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were both shocked and envious.