Upon opening the jade box, two small jade bottles lay quietly inside, faint residual herbal fragrance drifting from the bottle tops, invigorating her senses.
"I'm not an alchemist; I wouldn't know what this is."
Seemingly teasing Xiao Yan, she shook her head in disdain.
"This is called Foundational Spirit Liquid, a second-grade elixir," Xiao Yan said calmly, ignoring her act.
"Its effect is simple: it accelerates cultivation in the Dou Qi stage.
Simply soaking yourself in water with this liquid increases cultivation speed by at least double."
The simple explanation made Yafei's initially dismissive expression gradually become serious. Her eyes held a subtle, unspoken meaning.
For wealthy families, such elixirs were very tempting. Normally, the fastest cultivation occurs before thirty.
After thirty, the body declines, slowing the rate of progress.
Many talented cultivators devoted themselves entirely to Dou Qi cultivation, ignoring worldly matters.
But in the Dou Qi stage, increasing cultivation speed was extremely difficult.
Most powerful pills could not be consumed safely at this stage.
Yet the Foundational Spirit Liquid could accelerate cultivation for Dou Qi-stage practitioners.
If three years could be saved in this stage, after ascending to Dou Zhe, it could potentially increase by six stars.
That was why families highly valued young people becoming Dou Zhe before twenty....they had better chances of reaching Dou Shi or even Great Dou Shi.
"Although these two bottles haven't been auctioned yet, their value surely exceeds the five sets of herbs," Yafei said, her gaze lingering on Xiao Yan's youthful face with curiosity.
"Second-grade elixirs? You didn't make these yourself, did you?"
"I don't have the ability to make second-grade elixirs now," Xiao Yan replied.
"Not now… so in the future you will?"
Yafei quickly caught the meaning in his words. Xiao Yan nodded without confirming, making her heart skip a beat.
"Looks like this kid has the talent of an alchemist."
After thinking it over, Yafei imagined a young genius apprentice under a skilled alchemist.
Her gaze toward Xiao Yan became more appreciative and focused.
Given Xiao Yan's talent, as long as he survived, the chances of becoming Dou Wang or Dou Huang were high.
Even in the worst case, he could reach Dou Ling's peak.
His master's level, inferred from the clues, might be third-grade or higher, possibly fourth or fifth-grade.
Such talent, a good mentor, and maturity at such a young age made his future limitless.
"If I could win this kid over to my side, he'd be an extraordinary asset," Yafei thought, her eyes shining with excitement and attention.
"Sister Yafei, your gaze is… intense. You don't have any… special tastes, right?"
(Sexual tension: Flirty/Implication)
Xiao Yan playfully covered his chest, feigning helplessness.
"Special tastes?" Yafei was slightly stunned, then giggled.
"Hehe, I'm growing more interested in you, little one. Coming to Wutan City has really been a treasure."
"Don't get too excited. Maybe I'll turn the tables on you someday," Xiao Yan teased, making Yafei blush.
Her mature, seductive face leaned closer.
"The tables turning… wait a few years. At your age, you probably haven't even grown fully yet," she murmured.
Xiao Yan twitched his mouth slightly at her face being so near.
"Damn it! I, the creator of the Endless Fire Domain, the strongest on the Dou Qi continent, the Flame Emperor of the Flame Path, am being mocked by this woman!"
Just as Xiao Yan was about to playfully swat her, a commotion came from outside.
"Move! I want to see Yafei!"
"Do you know who I am? I'm an alchemist! How dare you block me, servants!"
"Miss Yafei, I know you're in there! Let me see you!"
Hearing the voice, Yafei's smile faded. After putting the two bottles of Foundational Spirit Liquid aside, she nodded to Xiao Yan.
"I need to deal with a problem. Have some tea."
"Alright. I can help if needed."
Xiao Yan nodded. For some reason, the voice outside sounded familiar, but even with his memory, he couldn't recall it.
Yafei opened the door, and a young man in white with slightly dark eye circles rushed in, his eyes fixed on her impressive figure.
Seeing this youth, Xiao Yan was slightly stunned, staring intently at his face before recalling a long-forgotten name from his past life.
"Liu Xi??"
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