The announcement of Tianyan's success hadn't just silenced the hall—it had drawn attention from the upper levels of the Jade Cauldron Pavilion. Elders from behind spirit veils peeked down with narrowed eyes, and even the assistant alchemists at nearby counters paused their tasks to glance over.
But one gaze burned hotter than all the rest.
Qing Yue, who had lingered just beyond the exit, turned around at the sound of the elder's proclamation.
"Seventy-eight percent purity...?"
She returned, walking softly into the hall once more, her eyes narrowing as she approached. The crowd parted for her—not because she commanded authority, but because her aura was too sharp to ignore.
"You," she said, stopping a few steps away from Tianyan. "You're not even part of the Alchemy Hall. Where did you learn to control flame like that?"
Tianyan calmly looked at her. "I watched someone once. Then I tried."
Qing Yue frowned. "No one just 'tries' and produces a 78% purity pill. That's above most certified 3rd-tier spirit alchemists."
He said nothing, which only seemed to frustrate her more. She studied his flame again—though it had vanished, she could still feel its residual pressure in the air. Not destructive… but ancient, dominant.
"…You're hiding something," she said slowly.
The elder alchemist, still stunned from the purity result, finally cleared his throat. "Lady Qing Yue, as per the rules, he is now a certified 3rd-tier Spirit Grade alchemist. His identity matters less than his skill."
Qing Yue gave a small, reluctant nod. "That may be true, Elder Lin." Then she turned back to Tianyan. "I'll remember your name, Long Tianyan."
Tianyan inclined his head politely. "As you wish."
She stared at him for a second longer, then turned and walked away, her steps quiet but purposeful.
The crowd slowly dispersed, but Qing Yue had not truly left. Instead, she paused just beyond the stone pillars of the inner hall, as if debating something.
Finally, she turned back.
Long Tianyan was just exiting the herb counter, a small pouch of spirit herbs now tied to his waist. His steps were quiet, but sure.
"You," Qing Yue called out again, her tone more measured this time.
Tianyan turned, expression calm. "You remembered already?"
She walked closer, arms crossed. "Don't flatter yourself. I didn't come to praise you. I came to ask—can you teach me that flame control technique?"
Tianyan raised a brow. "You, asking to be taught?"
Qing Yue gave a light snort. "I don't care about pride when it comes to the dao of alchemy. Your flame—though I don't understand it—has terrifying precision. Not just heat, but rhythm. Even most elder-tier alchemists fail at that."
Tianyan studied her for a moment, then gave a slight nod. "I'll teach you next time we meet."
Qing Yue blinked, as if she hadn't expected him to agree so easily.
"…You don't want anything in return?" she asked suspiciously.
Tianyan shook his head. "You're already offering something more valuable—genuine curiosity."
For a second, her lips parted, but no words came out. Then she laughed softly—just once.
"You're not like the others," she said. "Strange, quiet… dangerous. But not arrogant."
She paused, then added with a note of pride, "My grandfather says flame control is the soul of alchemy. He's one of the three Saint-tier alchemists in the Eastern Domain. If he saw your flame today, even he might have paused."
Tianyan's gaze flickered slightly. "Your grandfather?"
"Qing Yuntian," she said. "He's a Dharma Body Realm expert and a 7th-tier Spirit Grade alchemist. He can refine 8th-tier pills with over 50% purity. The elders here practically kneel when he visits."
"…Impressive," Tianyan said simply.
Qing Yue narrowed her eyes. "If he ever asks to meet you, don't offend him with your usual cold silence."
"I don't offend people," Tianyan replied, adjusting the pouch on his waist. "They offend themselves by expecting things."
Qing Yue actually smiled at that.
"I'll hold you to your word," she said. "Next time, I'll come find you—and you'll teach me flame control."
"Next time," Tianyan echoed, already turning.
She watched him leave, the soft glow of his presence still lingering long after he vanished beyond the pavilion steps.
Qing Yue remained there a moment longer.
She wasn't sure why—but a feeling had rooted itself in her chest.
It wasn't admiration.
It wasn't envy.
It wasn't quite affection.
But it was enough to ensure—she would see him again.