Outside the spatial barrier that enclosed Sound Valley—
Liu Xi summoned the Black Feather Eagle hidden among the distant mountains. After he and Xiao Yixian mounted the great bird's back, he turned to glance toward the valley one last time.
Valley Master Luo, Luo Yinzhu, and three Dou Zun Elders had all come to see him off—a gesture that spoke volumes of Liu Xi's status within Sound Valley.
Smiling, Liu Xi clasped his hands respectfully. "Valley Master Luo, Miss Yinzhu, Elders—no need to see me off any farther. I'll be heading out today. The Pill Gathering is only a few months away. If you happen to have time, you should come watch."
Valley Master Luo smiled and nodded slightly. "Since Master Liu invites us, we shall certainly come. With your talent and skill, there are few across the continent who could compare. I daresay this Pill Gathering's champion will be you."
Behind her, the three Dou Zun Elders echoed her sentiment, their words of praise flowing effortlessly.
Luo Yinzhu stood beside her mother without her veil, their resemblance uncanny—two women like sisters rather than mother and daughter, one mature and stunning, the other youthful and refined.
After a pause, Luo Yinzhu added softly, "Once you claim the Pill Gathering's championship, Master Liu's name will spread throughout the continent. The famed Medicine Sovereign has long vanished from the world—perhaps you shall inherit his title?"
Liu Xi chuckled, the corners of his lips lifting with that familiar, youthful arrogance. He and Yao Chen had no ties; what use was inheriting another's name?
Standing tall upon the eagle's back, his bearing radiated confidence.
"The Medicine Sovereign was indeed a predecessor to be respected, but I have no intention of inheriting his title. What I want is to surpass him—to let the world know my name, not that of a second Medicine Sovereign."
In that moment, Liu Xi shone brilliantly—so dazzling that all eyes were drawn to him, unable to look away.
Beside him, Xiao Yixian stared in quiet awe, her violet eyes shimmering with admiration and affection.
Even Valley Master Luo, Luo Yinzhu, and the three Dou Zun Elders were momentarily stunned by his ambition.
The Medicine Sovereign had once been hailed as the greatest alchemist on the continent. Yet Liu Xi was not content to reach that height—he sought to surpass it.
Had anyone else spoken such words, they would have been mocked. But when Liu Xi said them… it no longer seemed impossible.
Valley Master Luo's gaze softened with appreciation. She smiled faintly.
"Such boldness befits a man of your skill, Master Liu. Yinzhu and I will come to watch your triumph with our own eyes."
Liu Xi laughed heartily. "Then I'll be waiting. Farewell!"
He gave the Black Feather Eagle's back a light tap. "Let's go."
"Skreeee!"
With a sharp cry, the great eagle spread its massive wings. A fierce gust swept across the cliffs as it shot into the sky like a released arrow, soaring toward the Pill Region.
Within moments, the eagle became a black speck in the distance before vanishing into the horizon.
Valley Master Luo turned toward her daughter, her gaze teasing.
"Yinzhu, what do you think of Liu Xi? Would you consider trying to get closer to him? I almost feel the urge to be his mother-in-law. With your looks—my looks—I doubt he could resist."
Instead of blushing, Luo Yinzhu appeared thoughtful, then shook her head softly.
"Master Liu is indeed an extraordinary man—few across the continent could compare. But… he already has someone by his side."
Valley Master Luo looked back toward the empty sky where Liu Xi had disappeared. Memories of his calm, resolute expression during the cold poison treatment flashed through her mind. "He's quite the gentleman, at least. But if you've no interest, so be it. As long as I live, I'll make sure you never suffer injustice."
Warmth flickered in Luo Yinzhu's eyes. "Thank you, Mother."
Valley Master Luo smiled and reached out, her delicate fingers slicing a narrow rift in the spatial barrier. "There's no need for such talk between us. Let's return. Remember, true freedom comes only through strength—especially for women."
Mother and daughter stepped through the rift together, followed by the three Dou Zun Elders. The tear in space sealed seamlessly behind them, leaving no trace.
---
High above the clouds, Xiao Yixian leaned softly against Liu Xi's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Her voice was gentle as spring wind.
"Young Master, are we heading straight to Holy Pill City? The Pill Gathering champion will definitely be you."
Her tone was so sure it was as if victory had already been written in stone.
Liu Xi's arms circled her slender waist as he rested his chin upon her fragrant shoulder, chuckling.
"Of course it'll be mine. But we still have some time before the gathering begins. Let's make a stop at Ye City first. They sent word before, and I never found out what it was about. I also don't know if Elder Yao has resolved the matter yet."
His smile softened. "A man's promise carries weight. Back then, the Ye Clan lent me the Sun Fire Ancient Altar to help you suppress the Woeful Poison Body. I swore to repay them once—and that promise still stands."
At his words, Xiao Yixian's eyes misted. Memories of their journey from Qingshan Town to this very day flashed before her eyes—how she had followed Liu Xi through heaven and hell, all the way until the Ye Clan finally helped her control her poison body.
Her body melted softly against his embrace. "Having you… is the best thing in my life."
Liu Xi chuckled quietly.
---
Half a month later.
Pill Region.
Ye City.
Liu Xi walked openly through the bustling streets of the city he had not seen in years. No faction dared list him as wanted anymore; there was no longer any need for disguise or concealment.
He and Xiao Yixian walked side by side among the crowds of mercenaries and traders. None of them recognized that the young man passing by was the same Liu Xi whose name now echoed across Central Plains.
Before long, the two reached the most prosperous district of Ye City, where the vast Ye Clan manor sprawled across half the avenue.
"Master Liu Xi? That's Master Liu Xi! Quickly—inform the elders! Master Liu Xi has returned!"
The eight guards stationed before the gates recognized him instantly, their voices rising in excitement.
The middle-aged captain hurried forward, bowing deeply with a bright smile.
"Master Liu, you've finally arrived! Please, this way. Elder Ye Zhong and Elder Yao have been waiting for quite some time!"
'Elder Yao is still here?' Liu Xi thought in mild surprise. Judging by the commotion, they'd been waiting for him all along.
He nodded. "Lead the way."
The captain nodded repeatedly and took the front, though he remained a step behind Liu Xi out of respect as they walked the stone path toward the inner courtyard.
Before they had gone far, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed ahead—and soon, a familiar voice called out warmly from the distance.
"Master Liu! You've finally returned!"
It was Ye Zhong.
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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