Liu Shan stepped forward and respectfully handed the jade box to Xiao Jietian.
"This is a Seven-Star Ganoderma my father obtained by chance many years ago. Our family has never had any use for it, so today I am specially offering it to Young Master Xiao as a small token of our gratitude."
At the words "Seven-Star Ganoderma," even Xuan Yi, who usually remained indifferent to such things, raised her head and looked at the jade box.
Xiao Jietian was also slightly surprised. He had not expected the Liu Family to offer something so valuable. He reached out and accepted the box.
When he opened it, a ganoderma lay inside. Seven star-like patterns dotted its surface, forming the shape of the Big Dipper. It was clearly no ordinary item.
The Seven-Star Ganoderma could be considered a medicinal ingredient, yet not quite. It was rarely refined into pills on its own. Instead, it served as an extremely powerful auxiliary material.
Its only effect was to dramatically increase the success rate of pill refinement. Even for ninth-grade Nine-Color Pills, it could raise the success rate by one to two tenths—an incredibly high boost.
In the alchemy world, it was one of the most coveted treasures. Even Xuan Yi could not ignore such a rare ingredient.
Everyone knew how difficult it was for eighth-grade alchemists to gather the necessary materials, and failure still carried a high risk. A single failed refinement meant all previous effort and resources were wasted.
If word of this Seven-Star Ganoderma leaked out, countless alchemists would swarm the Liu Family the very next day, and some might even resort to underhanded methods.
Liu Shan knew Xiao Jietian was an alchemist, which was exactly why he had brought out this family treasure—to cater to his interests and deepen their relationship.
At that moment, Liu Qing also stood up and said earnestly, "This item has always been unsafe in our hands. Only someone like Young Master Xiao has the ability to truly make use of it. Please, do not refuse."
Although the Seven-Star Ganoderma was currently the Liu Family's most valuable possession, it was completely unsuitable for them. There were no alchemists among their direct bloodline, and using it to refine low-grade pills would be an unforgivable waste of a heavenly treasure.
Keeping it was like holding a hot potato. If its existence were ever exposed, the Liu Family would be wiped out overnight.
As for selling it, Liu Shan didn't even dare to consider the idea. The item was valuable enough to drive people to desperate risks.
"Since that's the case, then I'll shamelessly accept it," Xiao Jietian said without further refusal. The item held immense appeal for him as an alchemist—something almost impossible to turn down.
A flicker of satisfaction flashed in Liu Shan's eyes when he saw Xiao Jietian accept calmly. He had brought it out precisely to befriend him.
"Haha, it's good that Young Master Xiao likes it. As the saying goes, a sharp sword belongs to a hero. This medicinal ingredient can only truly fulfill its purpose in your hands."
After chatting for a while longer, the welcoming banquet prepared by the Liu Family was quickly ready.
Amid the clinking of cups and lively conversation, the banquet lasted until the end of the Xu hour. Afterward, Liu Fei personally led Xiao Jietian to the guest room that had been prepared in advance.
…
In the main hall, Liu Shan watched the receding figures of Xiao Jietian and the others, a look of awe lingering in his eyes.
"Father, how was it? I wasn't exaggerating before, was I? You still didn't believe me," Liu Qing said excitedly as he walked up to his father.
Previously, when he had spoken about Xiao Jietian, his father had thought he was overstating things.
"Unfathomable." That was the only word Liu Shan could think of to describe Xiao Jietian. Nothing else came close.
"Indeed. Back then, he completely overshadowed the entire Jia Nan Academy. No one could even hope to catch up to him," Liu Qing sighed with emotion.
"Someone like him cannot be taken as a goal to chase after," Liu Shan said, patting his son's shoulder. "Even a lifetime of effort might not let you see his shadow. He is not someone ordinary people can compare to. Just take things one step at a time and do your best."
"Father, I understand." Liu Qing took a deep breath and nodded. There was no discouragement in his eyes—only determination.
Liu Shan nodded in satisfaction at his son's expression. He gazed deeply into the night sky outside and spoke in a low voice:
"There's another point that cannot be overlooked. The woman beside him is also extremely extraordinary. I can sense that her strength is not weaker than Xiao Jietian's. Although she doesn't speak much, her words and bearing show that her background is definitely not simple. It's even possible she comes from a power on the same level as Burning Flame Valley."
"Therefore, during these next few days, treat them well and do not show any neglect."
"Qing'er understands!" Liu Qing nodded heavily.
He suddenly remembered the rumors from when the Black-Corner Region had invaded Jia Nan Academy. The powerful leader who had brought Boundless Heaven Hall to provide support was said to be one of Xiao Jietian's women.
But considering Xiao Jietian's strength and appearance, it was only natural that he would attract the affection of outstanding women. If Liu Qing were a woman, his own standards for a partner would naturally be someone like Xiao Jietian.
Xiao Jietian (in his heart): Brother, there's really no need for that kind of comparison!!
…
After Liu Fei first arranged a guest room for Xiao Jietian, she led Xuan Yi and the two little girls to the room right next door.
Normally, Xiao Ling and Xiao Meng slept with Xuan Yi, so when arranging rooms this time, the two girls immediately insisted on staying with her.
"Do you think this room is alright?" Liu Fei pushed open the door and asked Xuan Yi with a gentle smile.
She looked at Xuan Yi's peerless beauty and mature, intellectual aura, and couldn't help feeling a moment of envy.
"This one is fine." Xuan Yi surveyed the room. It was clean and tidy overall. She nodded with satisfaction.
"I'm glad you like it." Liu Fei flipped her hand, and a jade card appeared in her palm. "This is our Liu Family's exclusive jade card. With this, you can purchase any item for free at any shop marked with the Liu Family emblem."
Xuan Yi did not refuse the kind gesture and accepted the jade card. In truth, she had no intention of using it—her own wealth was more than enough to buy every shop in the entire Tianhuang City.
"Then I won't disturb you any further." Seeing Xuan Yi accept the card, Liu Fei smiled gracefully. She bowed elegantly and left.
…
Inside the guest room, Xuan Yi couldn't help smiling as she watched the two little girls rolling around and playing on the bed.
"Thump! Thump!"
A knock sounded at the door.
Xiao Ling and Xiao Meng immediately stopped playing and looked toward the door. Xuan Yi sensed for a moment, realized it was Xiao Jietian, and got up to open it.
She looked at the man standing in front of her and asked softly, "Why are you here?"