Chapter 20: Xun'er's First Kiss
The Qi Gathering Powder is an entry-level fourth-grade pill, requiring only four types of ingredients. Additionally, Xiao Tian's stone talisman could refine the essence of these ingredients, saving a lot of effort. Therefore, after successfully refining the first pill, he still had enough Dou Qi to refine a second and even a third pill.
Initially, he had requested ingredients for three batches, so this time, Xiao Tian ended up with three Qi Gathering Powders. He selected the best-quality pill and placed it in an exquisite jade bottle, while the other two pills were casually placed in another jade bottle. Once finished, he left the rear mountain.
Before long, Xiao Tian arrived at Xun'er's residence once more.
Upon seeing Xiao Tian, Xun'er immediately looked at him with a face full of grievance and said, "Brother Xiao Tian, do you not love Xun'er anymore? You haven't spent much time with me lately."
"I've been busy refining pills for you, Xun'er!" Seeing the adorably pouting Xun'er, Xiao Tian's heart skipped a beat, and he momentarily lost his focus. Quickly regaining his composure, he took out a jade bottle from his storage ring and tossed it to Xun'er.
Hearing his words, Xun'er sweetly smiled and said, "Brother Xiao Tian, the Foundation Establishment Elixir you gave me last time hasn't been used up yet!"
"This isn't the Foundation Establishment Elixir; it's Qi Gathering Powder!" Xiao Tian said while breathing in the warm, fragrant breeze from Xun'er, "And I made it myself this time!"
"What?" Xun'er exclaimed in shock, "Brother Xiao Tian, did you say this fourth-grade Qi Gathering Powder was made by you?"
No wonder she was surprised. By her calculations, Xiao Tian had been learning alchemy for just about two months. To advance from a complete novice to a fourth-grade alchemist in just two months was unprecedented, even among the renowned alchemist clans like the Yao Clan.
"Of course! Would I lie to you about something like this?" Xiao Tian said, lightly tapping Xun'er's forehead. "Besides, if I want to marry Xun'er, I need to be exceptionally outstanding, so I have to work hard!"
"Brother Xiao Tian, what are you talking about!" Instantly, Xun'er's face turned red, and her heart filled with a hint of joy.
"Also, besides this Qi Gathering Powder, I've made some Yang Essence Pills for you to use during your Dou Zhe stage!" As he spoke, Xiao Tian waved his hand, producing over twenty jade bottles.
"Wow! So many pills!" Seeing the collection of bottles Xiao Tian held, Xun'er's eyes curved into beautiful crescent moons, clearly showing her delight. She casually waved her hand, storing all the jade bottles away. By now, she suspected Xiao Tian had some knowledge about her background, so she wasn't worried about revealing it.
Noticing Xiao Tian's slightly wrinkled clothes, Xun'er reached out with her delicate, fair hand and began tidying his attire like a caring wife. Xiao Tian looked down at her flawless, exquisite face, with a lock of hair gently falling over her smooth forehead. Occasionally, the breeze lifted the strand, revealing her bright, watery eyes, which were incredibly captivating.
As he gazed at Xun'er, Xiao Tian's breath quickened, and a burning heat appeared in his eyes.
"Brother Xiao Tian, what…what are you looking at?" Xun'er, having finished straightening Xiao Tian's clothes, noticed his intense gaze and softly chided him.
Under Xiao Tian's unwavering gaze, her blush deepened, spreading to her ears, while a faint mist gathered in her eyes. Her small, cherry-like lips parted slightly, exhaling a fragrant breath.
Caught in the intimate atmosphere, Xiao Tian lost his calm entirely. He pulled Xun'er into his arms and kissed her soft, fragrant lips. They were tender, sweet, and slightly warm. The moment their lips touched, a tingling sensation spread through both their bodies.
Outside the courtyard, a gentle breeze rustled two intertwined willow trees, adding to the scene's romantic ambiance.
"Miss, pardon me for the intrusion, but it's a direct order from the clan leader," a voice called from a distance. Ling Ying, who had been hiding in the shadows, stepped out, shaking his head. He then picked up a flowerpot and threw it at the wall.
"Crash!" The sharp sound immediately broke the intimate moment between Xiao Tian and Xun'er.
"Brother Xiao Tian, you…" Xun'er covered her face with her hands, too shy to show herself.
Xiao Tian licked his lips and playfully said, "Xun'er, I noticed your lips were dry and just wanted to moisturize them for you."
"You're so bad!" Xun'er stomped her foot lightly, but her red lips curved into a happy smile. After all, she had finally kissed her beloved Brother Xiao Tian.
"Hahaha!" Xiao Tian laughed heartily.
"By the way," Xun'er suddenly remembered something. She looked at Xiao Tian and asked, "Can I see the level of your cultivation technique, Brother Xiao Tian?"
"Well…" Xiao Tian replied, "My cultivation technique surpasses even the Heaven rank!"
"Oh?" Xun'er hugged Xiao Tian's arm and softly said, "Then let me see it, Brother Xiao Tian…"
"Would I lie to you about this?" Xiao Tian replied calmly. "If my cultivation technique were weak, could I have advanced to a three-star Dou Shi so quickly?"
He knew she was concerned about him, but he also feared she might not believe the wonder of the Flame Mantra, so he didn't reveal the full truth.
"Brother Xiao Tian, did you say you've reached three-star Dou Shi?" Xun'er asked in disbelief.
"Look!" Xiao Tian said, releasing his aura.
"It's true! Brother Xiao Tian, you're amazing!" Xun'er praised. But then she became worried, "Brother Xiao Tian, you didn't use any harmful methods, did you?"
Xiao Tian rubbed her head and asked, "Do you think I'm the type to take shortcuts?"
"No," Xun'er shook her head quickly. Her Brother Xiao Tian would never be foolish.
Xiao Tian said, "Exactly, you should always trust me."
"Mm-hmm." Xun'er nodded repeatedly like a pecking chick.
At this moment, she began to envision a future with Xiao Tian. Given Xiao Tian's current talent, he was not inferior to those in her clan.
"However, even so, those elders in my clan who are like toads will certainly try to obstruct Brother Xiao Tian." Xun'er's eyes narrowed dangerously. She thought, "I can't just play around anymore. I must train diligently and help Brother Xiao Tian so he won't have to work so hard."