Ye Xinlan's face was filled with stubborn determination. She shook her head hard, glancing first at Liu Xi and then at Xiao Yixian beside him. Then, biting her silver teeth tightly, she suddenly bent her knees, intending to kneel before him.
Her voice trembled with sadness as she said, "I know I'm not worthy of you, Senior Liu, but once you help the Ye Clan regain its elder seat, I'll leave on my own. I promise I'll never bother you again…"
Before her knees could touch the floor, Liu Xi flicked his sleeve, and a soft wave of Dou Qi lifted her up gently, making it impossible for her to kneel. It wasn't right to let a girl abase herself before him.
He looked at Ye Xinlan helplessly and said, "Judging from your tone, you must also be a student from Jia Nan Academy. So, you're the one pretending to be engaged to me, huh?"
Rubbing his forehead with slight frustration, he added, "As your senior, I wouldn't mind helping if it were just a small favor. But with my current reputation, once such a title is attached to me, it'll be impossible to explain — for me, for you, and for the Ye Clan. Are you really willing to sacrifice yourself for your clan?"
Encircled by his soft Dou Qi, Ye Xinlan could no longer kneel. Though her face appeared delicate and frail, her eyes shone with resolve as she whispered timidly, "I know it's unfair to you, Senior Liu, and to this elder sister, but I'm a daughter of the Ye Clan. I can't stand by and watch my clan fall into ruin. It's my duty to repay what the family has given me, even if I'm not strong enough."
At this, Liu Xi's gaze hardened slightly as he turned to Ye Zhong. Was this old fox really trying to use a beauty trap?
Feeling the weight of Liu Xi's stare, Ye Zhong coughed awkwardly and scratched his nose before sighing. "Xinlan is my granddaughter. Unfortunately, despite my full efforts to train her, she's only a 5th Tier Alchemist. In the assessment, she'd rank at the bottom. If the clan weren't on the brink of crisis, I would never have let her bear such a burden."
Ye Xinlan quickly interjected, "Don't blame Grandfather, Senior Liu. This is my own choice. The clan raised me and sheltered me. Now that it's in trouble, I must do what I can."
Liu Xi sighed and rubbed his temples again. This matter was both simple and troublesome. He was, after all, a renowned 8th Tier Alchemist. Everyone could see he'd be acting as the Ye Clan's hired champion — whether he acknowledged it or not. Once he agreed, it would mark the Ye Clan as his, and himself as theirs.
And with Ye Xinlan tied into the matter, things could easily spiral into rumors and complications. Ideally, he'd rather train her into a capable 7th Tier Alchemist over time — but time was exactly what he didn't have.
Seeing Liu Xi's silence, Ye Zhong and the gathered elders all looked at him pitifully, as if clinging to their last hope. Ye Xinlan, still wrapped in Dou Qi, struggled to bow again, her lips trembling.
Even Xiao Yixian, watching from the side, looked pained. Turning toward Liu Xi, she leaned slightly forward and said softly, "Young Master, why don't we help them? After all, the Sun Fire Ancient Altar once helped us greatly."
Liu Xi exhaled slowly, picked up his teacup, and took a quiet sip. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he said evenly, "Fine. I'll accept this condition. In addition, I can help your Ye Clan's alchemists improve their skills. But in return, from now on, the Ye Clan must fully stand on my side within the Pill Tower."
If he were to help the Ye Clan publicly, it would mean in everyone's eyes that he was sheltering them — and he had no intention of doing so for free. If he wanted to rise step by step to the level of the Pill Tower's supreme giants, he'd need solid allies. The Ye Clan, with its existing foundation and familiarity, would be a suitable faction to begin with.
His words left the room momentarily silent. The Ye Clan members blinked in confusion until Ye Zhong, stammering slightly, asked, "M-Master Liu, what do you mean by that?"
Liu Xi smiled faintly. "It means the championship of the Pill Gathering will be mine. Once I become a candidate for the Pill Tower's upper seat, I want the Ye Clan's unconditional support."
At first, the room went still — then excitement flared. One by one, their eyes began to shine. Liu Xi's self-confidence was contagious. He was, after all, a genuine 8th Tier Alchemist; winning the championship wasn't beyond reach.
Supporting Liu Xi would be mutually beneficial — the Ye Clan would gain the protection of an 8th Tier Alchemist, while Liu Xi would gain the backing of one of the Five Great Families.
Ye Zhong immediately slapped the table and declared solemnly, "No problem. From now on, within the Pill Tower, the Ye Clan will support you unconditionally. Our resources, contacts, and personnel — all are at your disposal."
Liu Xi nodded. Though the Ye Clan had fallen on hard times, its heritage as one of the Five Great Families still ran deep. More importantly, it was a clan he could easily control — unlike the other four.
"Good. Then let's prepare to depart. If I remember correctly, participants must arrive at Holy Pill City four to six months before the Pill Gathering begins."
Ye Zhong's face lit up with joy. Not only could this restore their elder seat, it could even return the Ye Clan to its former glory. "Perfect timing! The internal test among the Five Families takes place before the Pill Gathering. We'll leave now and should arrive just in time. Master Liu, leave everything to us. You only need to conserve your strength and win the championship."
After a pause, he turned to the elders. "Everyone, you may leave. Xinlan stays. I have something important to discuss with Master Liu."
The elders exchanged puzzled looks but said nothing. After bowing respectfully, they all withdrew from the hall.
When only Ye Zhong, Ye Xinlan, Liu Xi, and Xiao Yixian remained, Ye Zhong spoke earnestly, "Master Liu, your willingness to shelter the Ye Clan is a grace beyond measure. My clan's ancestor was once an 8th Tier Alchemist as well. Before he perished, he left behind an inheritance ring."
"Unfortunately, our descendants have been too weak to unlock it. None know what legacy lies within. Today, in gratitude for your promise, I wish to present this inheritance ring to you. Furthermore, Xinlan is the most talented among our younger generation…"
"If possible, could you take her under your tutelage? That way, she can assist you in the future."
'An 8th Tier Alchemist's inheritance…' Liu Xi's eyes gleamed. As expected, the Ye Clan still had its hidden depths. He happened to be short on high-tier inheritances himself — if not for the Bai Clan gifting him three 8th Tier Pill Recipes, even his own breakthrough might have been uncertain.
Smiling faintly, Liu Xi turned to glance at Ye Xinlan. She met his gaze timidly, her posture cautious, like a sparrow before a storm.
"I accept. Let Xinlan follow me for now — I'll consider it as fulfilling your ancestor's wish to pass on his teachings. Whatever I gain from the inheritance ring, I'll eventually pass on to her."
Overjoyed, Ye Zhong gestured quickly for Xinlan to express her thanks.
Bowing gracefully, Ye Xinlan said softly, "Thank you, Senior Liu. I'll work hard and never disappoint your expectations."
(End of Chapter)
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