The next morning.
Xiao Jietian sensed someone entering his room. The aura was familiar, gentle, and carried a faint fragrance.
He slowly opened his eyes and saw a charming woman standing beside his bed.
She wore a tight black gown that outlined her graceful figure. Her delicate face was flawless, and her long, narrow peach blossom eyes seemed capable of hooking one's soul. A gentle smile curved upon her lips.
In her hands was a refined copper basin filled with clear water.
"Sister Ya Fei? Why are you here?"Xiao Jietian sat up, a trace of surprise in his eyes.
Ya Fei placed the basin on a wooden stand and smiled teasingly."Of course, to serve our Young Master Xiao Jietian with his morning wash. You are the Mittel Clan's most honored guest. I was worried others wouldn't serve you well. What—do you dislike me attending to you?"
"How could I?" Xiao Jietian laughed."Waking up to see such a beauty first thing in the morning already puts me in a good mood. If it were like this every day, I'd gladly accept."
Ya Fei shot him a glance, half-amused, half-helpless.
With her help, Xiao Jietian changed into his outer robes. Whether certain hands lingered a little too long… only the two of them knew.
After washing up, the two parted ways. Ya Fei had only made time to visit him despite her heavy workload as the new elder of the auction house.
Xiao Jietian soon arrived at Hai Bodong's courtyard.
"Old Hai, have the medicinal ingredients been gathered?"
As a proper hall master, he naturally cared for his subordinates. Hai Bodong would become a core pillar of his future faction.
He had already decided the positions of vice hall masters and grand elders long ago. Those people were perfectly suited.
As for himself?Naturally, the boss should enjoy life.
Ben Biao: Is that something a human should say?!
"They've been found," Hai Bodong replied. "But for now, we only managed to collect one complete set. We're still searching for more."
"One set is enough. Give them to me."
Hai Bodong's eyes trembled slightly.A fifth-grade pill, and Xiao Jietian was confident of succeeding on the first attempt. His alchemy was even more terrifying than imagined.
"Thank you, Lord Hall Master."
"Old Hai, no need for formalities. We've known each other long enough."
Xiao Jietian accepted the ingredients and returned to his room.
Inside the separate chamber, Xiao Jietian summoned the Purple Heaven Cauldron and placed the medicinal ingredients neatly beside it.
He took a deep breath, clearing his mind.
The cauldron was preheated.
One by one, the ingredients were placed inside according to sequence. Under the burning of the strange flame, the herbs quickly transformed into refined powders and glowing liquids.
Xiao Jietian's fingers moved like flowing water, controlling heat, timing, and fusion with extreme precision.
The Purple Heaven Cauldron trembled faintly.
The medicinal essence swirled within, slowly condensing.
Minutes passed.
Finally, the liquid gathered into a perfectly round pill.
At that instant—
Boom!
A powerful energy ripple spread outward.
Hai Bodong, who was guarding outside, immediately opened his eyes in excitement.
This was the phenomenon only produced when a fourth-grade or higher pill was successfully formed.
Success.
The commotion attracted many from the Mittel Clan. Even Tengshan was drawn over, but Hai Bodong personally sent everyone away. This final stage could not be disturbed.
Five minutes later, Xiao Jietian stepped out after resting briefly.
The sky had already darkened.
He stretched slightly at the doorway.
"I did not fail you."
He tossed a jade bottle toward Hai Bodong.
Inside were the Soul-Restoring Purple Pills.
Hai Bodong held the bottle as though it were sacred treasure. His voice trembled."From today onward… my life belongs to you."
"Go test the effects first."
Hai Bodong didn't hesitate.
Half an hour later, a powerful Five-Star Dou Huang aura surged above the Mittel Clan.
An old man within the imperial palace opened his eyes in shock.
"That aura… Old Ice?"
"It vanished for decades… and now it returns?"
He nodded slightly.
"Good. The empire gains another strong pillar. The Cloud Mist Sect and neighboring empires have been restless lately. I'll have to visit him soon."
He closed his eyes once more.
"Hahahaha! I'm finally back!"
Hai Bodong's laughter echoed through the training chamber.
Xiao Jietian, hearing this from afar, rubbed his temple.
"He's gone mad from excitement…"
Deciding to avoid the noise, Xiao Jietian left and headed toward Ya Fei's office.
At the same time, Ya Fei had just finished her duties and was about to go look for him.
She opened the door and froze slightly upon seeing him standing there.
Her eyes brightened."You came first? I was just about to go find you."
"Isn't this fate?" Xiao Jietian smiled, one hand resting against the doorframe."Beautiful Ya Fei, would you be willing to show me around Jia Ma Holy City and let me experience its customs?"
Ya Fei's heart skipped subtly.
This boy… with that immortal-like face and that smile… even she found it hard to remain calm.
"Hmph. Since our chemistry is so good today, I'll reluctantly accompany you."
Her tone was playful, but the anticipation in her eyes betrayed her.
"Then I thank Sister Ya Fei."
The two walked side by side through the bustling streets.
Ya Fei introduced the scenery while Xiao Jietian listened casually, occasionally glancing around.
Though he had lived in the Jia Ma Empire for over ten years, this was his first true visit to the capital.
Under the glow of the setting sun, the two looked like a painting—handsome man, beautiful woman.
They drew countless gazes.
Fortunately, no brainless villains appeared. Perhaps Xiao Jietian truly wasn't a so-called "Son of Destiny."
Eventually, they arrived at a peaceful riverbank adorned with lanterns.
The two stood quietly.
Xiao Jietian leaned against a willow tree. A gentle breeze lifted strands of Ya Fei's hair.
Silence lingered.
Then Ya Fei softly spoke:
"Little Brother Xiao Jietian…"