"So, little fellow, will you hand me that egg?" the old man asked, a wide grin stretching across his wrinkled face.
A spark of greed ignited in Xue San's eyes. In an instant, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind. "These are legendary immortals—true immortals who can fly," he marveled. "If I play this right, I could gain something far greater than mere money from selling this egg. I must be careful with what I say."
Carefully laying his sister on the ground, Xue San kept his eyes fixed on the old man and the young woman. He had heard tales of legendary immortals who lived beyond his village—beings who could flatten mountains or summon rain and thunder with a mere gesture. Such myths had always seemed distant and unreal, but now two of these exalted figures stood right before him.
"Think, Xue San, think," he told himself. "First, they are immortal beings with unimaginable power—they slew the King of the Skies as effortlessly as killing a chicken. Second, they didn't kill me or little Xue Si when they saw the eggs. Third, they saved us—but was it to protect us or just to retrieve the egg we have? And fourth—and perhaps most importantly—when figures of their immense power and prestige deal with someone of lowly status like mine, they don't need to kill us. Maybe it's because they don't want to dirty themselves with something so beneath them. That might be why they're asking for the egg instead of taking it by force. If they're asking, they might be willing to pay something, even if its something useless to them I don't mind, even a low-rank item from these immortals would be worth a fortune. Yes, I should take the risk. After all, it's not as if I would truly be selling the egg; it would be more like them throwing a bone to a dog."
His mind raced, thoughts tumbling over one another in rapid succession. Ever since he was little, Xue San's intellect had been sharper than that of his peers; at the tender age of six, he already knew how to seize every possible opportunity. Now, his instincts screamed that this was a chance he couldn't afford to miss.
"Hey, little fellow, what are you pondering so deeply? Hand over that egg," the old man demanded again, his keen eyes locked onto Xue San.
Xue San gritted his teeth and with a trembling voice said "N... No."
The old man was visibly taken aback by Xue San's response; after all, for someone of his status, refusal was a rarity—a word he hadn't heard in ages.
Though surprised, he felt no anger or irritation; instead, a faint amusement flickered in his eyes as he regarded the boy standing before him. The same, however, could not be said for the young woman at his side.Her delicate features hardened into a frown, and she let out a disdainful snort. "Hmph!"
The mere sound of her contempt sent a jolt through Xue San's body, as if he'd been struck by an invisible hammer. He staggered backward, his face draining of color, a thin stream of blood seeping from his nose and mouth. Damn it, I've miscalculated—they'll kill me and Xue Si. Damn it, damn it! He screamed silently within his mind.
"Huo Xing, stand down," the old man commanded, turning to the young woman with a stern gaze.
"We saved their lives, and yet this one demands payment for something we could obtain without effort," she retorted, her voice dripping with contempt.
"Ah, Huo Xing," the old man sighed, "I've told you before—you excel in every way but for that icy demeanor of yours. Mark my words, you'll end up alone like this old man if you don't soften your ways."
Huo Xing's frown deepened, but she held her tongue. The old man then turned back to Xue San, waving a hand gently. A soothing warmth enveloped the boy, washing away his pain in an instant.
"Little boy, my apologies. This little lass can be quite fierce at times, but she has a good heart beneath that stern exterior."
"Master!" Huo Xing protested, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop," he chuckled. "So, little boy, you wish to sell me that egg. But consider this: my apprentice is correct—we saved your life and that of your sister. Shouldn't you offer me the egg as a token of gratitude? Moreover, I just healed you after you angered my disciple. Don't you think you owe me?"
Observing the unfolding scene, Xue San felt a surge of relief—perhaps his gamble was paying off. Noting the glint of amusement in the old man's eyes, he realized there was a chance his boldness might bear fruit.
"That's true," Xue San conceded, "but I also heard you only found the King of the Skies because of us. You were able to kill him because we stole his egg. From your conversation with the immortal goddess beside you, it seems it would have been impossible without our distraction."
The old man's grin widened at Xue San's words. He cast a sidelong glance at his disciple, who appeared somewhat mollified by the boy's reasoning, before turning back to face him.
"Well then," he said amiably, "no need for this old man to quibble with a young lad. Tell me, what do you desire in exchange for that egg?"
Yes, success! Xue San thought, elation stirring within him. But I must tread carefully. To this old man, I'm likely no more than a performing monkey or a clever dog.
"Then... could you make me an immortal like yourself?" Xue San asked, hope lighting his eyes.
The old man raised an eyebrow at the bold request, then burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Little one, you're asking for a kingdom in exchange for a mere chicken egg. It would be simpler for me to take the egg and be on my way." His voice grew colder, a chilling edge creeping into his words.
Xue San felt an icy chill envelop him, the air growing heavy with an unspoken threat. "Wait... then could you at least teach me something that might help me become an immortal... please?" he implored, his voice tinged with desperation.
"Now, now, little one," the old man said, the coldness dissipating. "Don't speak as if I intended to harm you. This old man has a reputation to maintain. Very well, give me your hand; let me examine something." He took Xue San's hand, placing two fingers on his wrist.
After a few moments, a frown creased his brow before he released the boy's hand.
Yes! Xue San thought triumphantly. Always ask for the impossible first; then, when you settle for something less, they're more likely to concede.
"Little boy, you're in luck—I see you have great talent, you even have the potential to become an alchemist," the old man announced, a grin spreading across his face. "Alchemists are among the most revered professions in our world. They craft pills that can transform even the lowliest of mortals into a mighty immortal," he added, his voice grave with significance.
The young woman was taken aback by the old man's words. She stepped forward and grasped Xue San's hand, placing her fingers lightly on his wrist. After a moment, she released him, casting a peculiar glance between Xue San and the old man. Without a word, she retreated to her original position, her expression once again indifferent.
Xue San noticed the look she gave him but couldn't decipher its meaning, so he chose to ignore it.
"Well, pay no mind to my disciple here," the old man said with a grin. "She was just too excited to see another person with the talent to become an alchemist. Let's see... ah, here we are." With a move if his hand, a thick book materialized in his hand.
The tome was bound in deep crimson silk, and adorned with intricate gold runes and jade motifs symbolizing elemental forces. Its delicate parchment pages featured scripts and vivid illustrations of mystical ingredients and alchemical symbols. The book emanated a faint herbal fragrance, exuding timeless wisdom and immortal magic.
"This book is called The Compendium of Alchemy: Volume One. It's the very book that guided me when I embarked on my path of cultivation as an alchemist. I stand here today because of it," the old man said solemnly.
Xue San's eyes lit up at the sight. He reached out eagerly, but the old man held up a hand.
"Listen well, little fellow," he said sternly. "If anyone discovers you possess this book, not only you but your entire village will be destroyed in the pursuit of it. So, no matter what, do not show it to anyone."
His eyes widened, hands trembling slightly, but he accepted the book nonetheless. He then retrieved the egg from the still-sleeping Xue Si and handed it over to the old man.
"Thank you very much, Immortals, for granting me this opportunity. One day, I promise I will repay this kindness tenfold," Xue San said, bowing deeply to the two cultivators before him. He carefully wrapped the book in a piece of cloth, hoisted Xue Si onto his back, and began his descent down the mountain, aware that his life would never be the same—that he now had a chance to reach beyond his village, beyond this kingdom, perhaps even beyond this world.
As Xue San made his way down, the old man and Huo Xing departed as well, carrying the two eggs.
While traversing the skies, Huo Xing frequently glanced at her master, then back toward Xue
San, as if wanting to speak but unsure how to begin.
"You're curious as to why I gave that book to the boy, aren't you?" the old man finally said.
"Yes, Master, besides, that book... " she hesitated.
"Well, I don't need anymore so."
"But Master..." Huo Xing began hesitantly.
"I know what you're thinking—his talent," the old man said thoughtfully.
"Yes, it's abysmal. His constitution is simply too weak to withstand the demands of cultivation. No sect in this entire world would invest resources to nurture such meager potential. Plus, his meridians are all clogged... even the book you gave him may bring him more trouble than benefit"
The old man chuckled softly. "Ah, you little lass, so you were harsh on the boy, yet you actually care about him."
"As for giving him the book... you needn't worry. It's not as if it's a rare item for us" he continued.
"But if someone finds out, that boy and his entire village could be doomed," Huo Xing protested.
"Hmph," the old man snorted. "Who cares? Little Huo Xing What do you think would happen if word got out that a mortal dared to negotiate with me, the great Huo Ming, a four-star alchemist? A price must be paid. So let my little joke be that price "his lips parting into a develish grin." And who knows, perhaps he'll get lucky"
"Nothing will happen master, and you know it. With that level of talent, he will never be able to cultivate, giving him hope is just.... cruel."
Then looking back Huo Xing couldn't help but to leave a few words of pity.
"An open door to one who will not leave,
A truth revealed to those who won't believe.
Giving gold to someone who won't use it,
Is like planting seeds on a rocky hill."
While the two were flying away, Xue San was going down the mountain, towards his home, The Silverbery village, his heart pounding inside his chest with excitement, dreaming of the day when he two would become a great immortal and Grand Master Alchemist.