Xiao Li released Xiao Zhitian and glanced at the alchemist robe on his body.
"How did you suddenly become an alchemist? And a Third-Rank one at that? When I first heard your name, I thought it was just a coincidence."
"My talent is too outstanding. I just kept refining pills and somehow became an alchemist," Xiao Zhitian said shamelessly with a grin.
"Go, go, go! Your skin has been thick since you were a child." Xiao Li waved him away impatiently. But when he turned around, he discreetly wiped the corners of his eyes, unable to hide the pride in his heart.
Xiao Zhitian walked into the main hall and looked at the man standing there.
Xiao Ding.
His eldest brother.
"Little Tianzi… you've really grown up. You're even taller than Big Brother now," Xiao Ding said warmly, a gentle smile on his face.
"Big Brother is becoming more and more handsome too. You must be charming plenty of ladies here."
Xiao Ding laughed. "You dare tease your elder brother? You really haven't changed."
Xiao Zhitian smiled before turning toward the entrance.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, let me introduce two people to you."
The Little Fairy Doctor and Hai Bodong walked inside.
"This is the Little Fairy Doctor… also my girlfriend," Xiao Zhitian said calmly. "And this is Elder Hai Bodong."
Then he turned to them.
"This is my eldest brother, Xiao Ding. And my second brother, Xiao Li."
The Little Fairy Doctor's face flushed slightly, but she still smiled brightly.
"Hello, Big Brother Xiao Ding. Hello, Second Brother Xiao Li."
Hai Bodong gave a slight nod.
"Mm."
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were slightly stunned by the way she addressed them, but they quickly smiled back politely.
Xiao Ding then introduced the core members of the mercenary group. His gaze briefly paused on Xue Lan as well. Xiao Zhitian also took a look.
Tall, long-legged, wearing a short leather skirt and fitted top—she indeed looked like the classic mercenary beauty.
After brief greetings, Xiao Ding dismissed everyone and had Xue Lan arrange rooms for the Little Fairy Doctor and Hai Bodong.
Once the hall quieted down, Xiao Li finally asked:
"Little Tianzi… this is your girlfriend. Then what about Xun'er?"
"Xun'er is naturally mine too," Xiao Zhitian said calmly.
The hall fell silent.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged glances.
"…You've grown up," Xiao Ding sighed. "Just… don't hurt Xun'er."
"Enough talk," Xiao Li waved his hand. "We finally reunited. Tonight, we drink!"
That night, the three brothers drank until late.
Halfway through, Xiao Li wrapped an arm around Xiao Zhitian's shoulder.
"If only Xiao Yan were here too… then all four brothers could drink together. Big Brother and I think about you two all the time."
"Second Brother, you're drunk," Xiao Zhitian laughed. "And Xiao Yan has already recovered his talent. He's training outside now. Who knows? He might show up here any day."
"Good… good…" Xiao Li grinned. "Then I'll wait."
The three brothers raised their wine jars and drank heartily.
Late at night.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were both passed out.
Xiao Zhitian shook his head helplessly and had servants carry them back to their rooms.
He himself held a wine jar and flew onto the rooftop.
The moonlight bathed Stone Desert City in silver.
With a slightly dazed mind, memories from fifteen years of transmigration surfaced in his heart.
He lifted his cup and murmured softly:
"When did the bright moon first appear?I raise my cup and ask the sky…In the heavenly palace above,What year is tonight…"
A soft presence appeared beside him.
Little Fairy Doctor.
"Why are you here?" Xiao Zhitian smiled. "Want some?"
She took the jar and tried copying him.
One gulp.
"Cough! Cough!"
Her face turned instantly red. Dizzy, she swayed.
"Why… are there two Xiao Zhitians…" she murmured before collapsing straight into his arms.
Xiao Zhitian sighed helplessly.
He held her gently, covering her with his outer robe.
Then, in her haze, she whispered softly:
"Xiao Zhitian… I know you'll have many women in the future… but… don't abandon me…"
His hand froze.
He looked down at her for a long time.
Then softly:
"I will never abandon you. Not in this life."
She smiled in her sleep.
Carefully, Xiao Zhitian sent her back to her room before returning to his own.
The next morning.
Xiao Zhitian woke feeling unusually refreshed.
"It's been a long time since I slept this well…"
Knock knock.
"Young Master Xiao Zhitian… are you awake?"
A timid voice sounded.
"Come in."
The door opened.
A petite girl in a light green dress walked in carrying a copper basin. Her face was delicate, slightly nervous, but her figure was unexpectedly mature.