That night, the atmosphere at Kienga Sunrise Hotel became noticeably livelier. News that the esteemed "Alchemy Empress," who had passed the Grandmaster Tier 4 Alchemist test, was staying there drew cultivators in droves.
Some simply wanted to see her in person.
Others hoped to establish connections. After all, there were only two Tier 4 alchemists in the entire country—Grandmaster Lu Qing, who had been missing for quite some time, and Bai Fanxian. For cultivators, elixirs were invaluable treasures. Knowing a high-level alchemist could shave years off one's cultivation journey.
But what truly drew the major powers was the Heaven-Defying Revival Pill demonstrated publicly, now the hottest topic in the cultivator world.
Beyond its unmatched healing abilities—superior to any elixir in the current era—what captivated them most was how users could advance multiple cultivation stages in an instant, as if by miracle.
Possessing several such pills would propel any faction far above its rivals in no time.
Representatives from nearly every major power rushed to Village Beneath the Clouds, desperate to meet Grandmaster Bai Fanxian, the only person in the world who could create such pills.
If they could recruit her, they'd spare no expense or offer!
But there was one major problem.
Why was a Grandmaster-level figure sitting guard at the door?!
Anyone trying to see Bai Fanxian—whether crowds or official representatives—was blocked by Sword Saint Zheng Renyi. The old man sat cross-armed before the door with an imposing presence, his beloved sword resting on his shoulder while sharp, cutting pressure radiated around him at all times.
He didn't care what others thought. The old man had made his choice. For his granddaughter's happiness, he would follow this young Grandmaster Tier 4 alchemist anywhere.
"Grandmaster Zheng, please." The sliding door behind him opened, and the elderly butler emerged with a smile. In his hands were a small plate of sweets and a fragrant cup of tea.
"Oh... you don't need to fuss over me so much." Though Zheng Renyi protested, he accepted the old man's kindness, lifting the hot tea to sip gently.
"It was your granddaughter who asked me to bring this, actually." Uncle Huang chuckled. The butler's answer made Zheng Renyi turn to peer through the slightly open door.
He saw his granddaughter sitting in the middle, flanked by two children. Though Meiying was older, her body remained painfully thin. Tang Yeye had brought out a table full of snacks she'd bought to share.
He watched his granddaughter's awkward expression. The girl had never had friends her own age before. Though her eyes showed confusion, he could still sense her happiness.
Bai Fanxian hadn't accepted his request to follow her, but she hadn't refused either. He glanced at the exceptionally beautiful young woman lounging lazily on a reclining chair on the balcony, with none other than the Red Widow Queen massaging her shoulders.
"You have a good master..."
The Sword Saint lifted a faint smile as he closed his eyes. Uncle Huang didn't respond, merely laughing heartily with happiness.
.
.
.
The next morning arrived swiftly. Some who'd waited since last night gave up and dispersed, but many remained steadfast.
Bai Fanxian opened her eyes and glanced at the three children sleeping together. She moved quietly to avoid waking them, heading to the sitting area where Uncle Huang, Tang Tianjie, and Zheng Renyi were already waiting.
Tang Tianjie was conversing excitedly with the Sword Saint. Knowing the Tang Clan belonged to Bai Fanxian, Zheng Renyi didn't stand on ceremony. They chatted about everyday matters, especially their granddaughters, like ordinary old men.
"Tea, Grandmaster Bai." Uncle Huang served tea without her needing to ask.
"Any news of the Divine Doctor?"
Bai Fanxian sipped her tea while asking. Tang Tianjie answered with an uneasy expression.
"This morning, the higher-ups in Village Beneath the Clouds were even more agitated than before. I think something must have happened with Divine Doctor Wu Jia."
The old man speculated. Since the news wasn't confirmed, he didn't want to worry Bai Fanxian unnecessarily.
Bai Fanxian pondered. Zheng Renyi, who had considerable worldly experience, joined the conversation.
"Young lady... is it possible the Divine Doctor encountered problems during cultivation?"
"Mm..." Bai Fanxian murmured.
Cultivation didn't always proceed smoothly. Both in ancient times and now, there were examples of cultivators experiencing qi deviation or mistakes while practicing martial techniques. Minor cases might heal in a few days, but severe ones could result in lost cultivation or even death.
The possibility of such an incident with Divine Doctor Wu Jia couldn't be dismissed.
But while they were debating, footsteps sounded outside. The footsteps stopped right at this room's door.
Everyone inside was at least a 5th-stage Martial Master. They could clearly sense the newcomer's presence.
"Just because I'm not guarding for a moment, someone dares to disturb again?"
Zheng Renyi frowned. He'd sat guard all night until people gave up. He'd barely rested when someone bold appeared again.
"I'll check myself..."
Uncle Huang walked out to open the door, his face cold and expressionless. If this was another troublemaker, he was ready to send them packing.
But when he opened the door, his face showed surprise.
"Uh... how did you end up here?"
"General Liu..."
Because the person standing there with an indescribable expression and dry smile was someone familiar—General Liu Yianfei!
The young man sighed. His worries hadn't been misplaced at all. After just one night, orders came from above for him—the one supposedly "closest" to the Grandmaster Tier 4 Alchemist—to travel to Village Beneath the Clouds personally!
His vacation request seemed a bit too late.
It had been a rushed trip. He'd brought only a few attendants and traveled since dawn to arrive on time.
When would they stop thinking he was close to Grandmaster Bai?!
When had his negotiations with her ever succeeded?!
But working for the military, orders were absolute. Despite his displeasure, he could only follow them.
That's why he stood here awkwardly, not knowing what expression to make.
"...Come in first."
The elderly butler felt oddly sorry for this general. He opened the door to let him in. Liu Yianfei sighed with relief. He entered the room alone to avoid disturbing anyone, leaving Jin Ling outside with his two or three other assistants.
But once inside, the young general was surprised. He hadn't expected a Grandmaster-level figure like Sword Saint Zheng Renyi to be sitting in the room.
The old man scrutinized the newcomer considerably. Liu Yianfei understood—Sword Saint Zheng had recently clashed with Ma Fufeng, who held the same general rank as him.
"...Hello."
After thanking Butler Huang for preparing a seat, Liu Yianfei turned to greet the only young woman in the room, sipping tea.
"Mm..."
Bai Fanxian remained unchanged as ever. She paid little attention to anyone besides the teacup in her hand—not even a general could draw her gaze.
"...General Liu, what brings you here?"
Fearing the conversation would go nowhere, Tang Tianjie—feeling increasingly awkward—tried to keep things moving.
But before that, commotion erupted outside again. This time it was a large group.
Blocked by Jin Ling and his people, the newcomers couldn't enter.
"Please remain calm. I can't let you in."
Jin Ling spoke. At least two Grandmaster-level figures were inside. How could he let people disturb them?
"I have business with the Alchemy Empress."
The speaker was a young man in a cloak. He was the young master of the Xie Clan from the north. With a Grandmaster-level figure in the clan, he always received warm welcomes at cultivator-related venues.
He wasn't a bad person, but being raised in such a clan made him slightly overconfident. Still, he never used the clan's power to bully or oppress others.
This time, his father had ordered him to negotiate with the recently famous "Alchemy Empress" regarding the Heaven-Defying Revival Pill, or even to invite her to join the Xie Clan.
Being blocked at the door made him slightly displeased. Representing his father, he couldn't afford mistakes.
"Grandmaster Bai is receiving guests." Jin Ling knew who stood before him but didn't back down. His own leader was also a Grandmaster, and so close by—what did he have to fear?
"Hmph!"
It wasn't the young Xie master who was angry, but one of his followers who stepped forward. They came as a pair—both 6th-stage Martial Masters holding high positions as elders in the Xie Clan. Normally they wouldn't work such jobs personally, but this matter was important enough for the clan head to send them with the young master.
Jin Ling broke into a cold sweat. Even combining forces with his companions, he couldn't withstand two 6th-stage Martial Masters cooperating.
"What's all this noise?"
The one stepping out was Liu Yianfei. Hearing his trusted subordinate and the commotion, he frowned and came to see for himself.
Grandmaster-level pressure emanated from his body, completely suppressing both elders. They quickly withdrew their power and lowered their stance.
"My apologies. We didn't know you were here."
One of them spoke. The faces and power of the military's four generals were naturally known among major clans. Even if the two of them combined with nearly ten more followers outside, they couldn't handle this general.
"Hmph. If this young man weren't here, you think you could barge in?"
The one following out was Sword Saint Zheng Renyi. His eyes were sharp as blades. Everyone outside felt a stinging sensation as if something was cutting them.
"The... the Sword Saint is here too?"
They all startled. Before arriving this morning, they'd heard Sword Saint Zheng Renyi would be guarding the door, but when they arrived and found him absent, they'd assumed he'd left.
"...Xie Zhetao?"
Before they could recover from their shock, a woman's voice rang out from the doorway for the third time.
Red Widow Queen, Grandmaster Xie Suyao!
Though she'd just woken up, Grandmaster Xie's manner was now extremely cold upon learning people were making a commotion at the door, disturbing her Elder Sister so early.
"Au...Auntie!"
The young man cried out joyfully as if finding salvation. Though Xie Suyao rarely contacted the Xie Clan much, her exploits and reputation continued to spread. She'd once ordered the Xie Clan not to bother her too much. Even the young man himself hadn't seen this aunt for two or three years.
When news spread of her defeat to Grandmaster Bai Fanxian, the Xie Clan merely investigated. Seeing she was safe, they didn't interfere further.
But this time, because of the Heaven-Defying Revival Pill's power, even the Xie Clan felt they needed to make some move.
From rumors, his aunt was extremely close to the Alchemy Empress. That was a golden opportunity for the Xie Clan. Initially he'd thought this negotiation would be easy and smooth. If his aunt helped speak for them, the chances of the Alchemy Empress agreeing would increase.
Bu...but why did his aunt's eyes look so terrifying, as if she'd devour blood and flesh?!
"Did Xie Zizhou send you here?" Xie Suyao asked while frowning. The young man nodded repeatedly in confirmation.
"Yes! Father sent me to negotiate with the Alchemy Empress..."
"Tell him to come himself! He's just my younger brother—how dare he disrespect his Elder Sister like this?!"
"...!?"