Zhao Mingyang stood in the dimly lit hall, his gaze fixed on the retreating backs of Chen An and Xiao Dao, his expression shifting unpredictably.
The Zhao family steward stepped forward cautiously, his voice barely above a whisper. "Master, could it be that those two are here for... that item?"
The steward's words made Zhao Mingyang's eyes flash with a chilling light. His previously composed demeanor dissolved, revealing a cold and calculating visage. "Anyone who dares covet the possessions of my Zhao family will find themselves utterly destroyed."
He turned toward the steward, his tone decisive. "For now, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt and see what they're up to. Notify Ye Han to prepare himself. A month from now, he is to accompany those two to the Venomous Marsh."
The steward bowed. "Understood."
With that, the steward left. However, Zhao Mingyang remained in the hall, pacing back and forth, his brows furrowed as he lost himself in deep thought.
---
Outside the Zhao family estate, Chen An turned to Xiao Dao. "You should know that Zhao Mingyang is unlikely to hand over the item you want so easily. He was merely placating us earlier."
"I'm well aware," Xiao Dao replied nonchalantly. "I never expected Zhao Mingyang to hand it over willingly. All I need is an opportunity."
Xiao Dao had a firm grasp of the situation, just as Chen An did. They were similar in many ways, and what one could perceive, the other could as well.
"What exactly is it that you're after from the Zhao family?" Chen An asked, his curiosity piqued. He couldn't shake the feeling that the item in question was no ordinary treasure, especially considering Zhao Mingyang's drastic change in demeanor when it was mentioned.
Xiao Dao, however, remained tight-lipped. "Knowing won't benefit you. It might even bring you harm. Just remember, we're in this together for now. Once we've hunted the Hundred-Eyed Toad and you get its inner core, we'll part ways for good."
Her words were firm, leaving no room for argument. Chen An decided to let the matter rest. Zhao Mingyang's earlier behavior, though, left him unsettled. The man's affable and accommodating exterior seemed too good to be true.
Chen An couldn't help but feel that Zhao Mingyang's demeanor masked something far more sinister. Whether his charm was genuine or a carefully cultivated facade, Chen An leaned toward the latter. But as Xiao Dao had pointed out, it didn't matter. Once the toad was dealt with, and the inner core obtained, their paths would diverge.
With this thought, Chen An's mind eased.
"I have someone I need to meet. What about you?" Chen An asked as they neared a bustling market street.
"I have my matters to attend to. Let's meet at the edge of the Venomous Marsh in a month," Xiao Dao replied. She quickly vanished into the crowd, leaving Chen An to his own devices.
Chen An's next destination was clear—to pay a visit to the famed Alchemy King. While the materials for the Marrow-Cleansing Pill were not yet complete, he figured an early meeting could help establish goodwill. After all, alchemists held all the cards when it came to pill refinement.
He made his way to a shop called **Seven Treasures Pavilion** and purchased some exquisite gifts. Having just received 150 spirit stones from the Zhao family, he spared no expense. He knew that skimping on presents could ruin his chances of meeting the Alchemy King.
The Alchemy King's residence was a modest courtyard near the Zhao family estate. It looked unassuming, but its simplicity belied the status of the figure residing within.
At the gate, an elderly servant was sweeping the path. Spotting Chen An, the old man frowned, his voice dripping with disdain. "Who are you? Don't you know our master doesn't entertain visitors? Leave at once!"
The servant's rudeness didn't bother Chen An. He understood the power dynamics at play—this man's confidence stemmed entirely from his master's reputation. Offending such a servant would do him no favors.
Keeping his composure, Chen An smiled and bowed. "Elder, I apologize for the intrusion. I've long admired the Alchemy King and couldn't resist coming to pay my respects. I hope you can forgive my ignorance."
With that, Chen An presented all the gifts he had prepared. The servant's eyes gleamed at the sight of the lavish offerings, and his tone softened considerably.
"It's not that I don't want to help you, young man, but our master truly sees no one without prior arrangement," the servant explained. However, he then leaned in and whispered, "That said, our master dines at the City Lord's mansion on the first and fifteenth of every month. If you happen to 'bump into' him then, who knows? He might be in a good enough mood to hear you out."
Chen An's spirits lifted at the information. He expressed his gratitude profusely, even going so far as to promise further rewards should his request be granted.
The servant, thoroughly appeased, beamed at Chen An. "Young man, if you approach him with sincerity, the Alchemy King might just give you a chance."
With this valuable tip, Chen An felt his efforts were paying off. He now had a plan to meet the Alchemy King and a fallback option in the form of the servant's potential advocacy.
All that remained was the hunt for the Hundred-Eyed Toad to gather the final ingredients for the Marrow-Cleansing Pill. The pieces were falling into place, and Chen An could almost taste the impending breakthrough that would set him on the path of true cultivation.