Xiao Yan strode into the main hall of the Pan Gate headquarters, finding Hu Jia buried in paperwork.
"Call me 'Tiger Girl' one more time, and I'll make sure your precious Xun'er has a very 'interesting' day," she said without looking up, her voice a low growl. The pen in her hand squeaked in protest under her white-knuckled grip.
"Understood, Tiger Girl," Xiao Yan replied breezily, moving beside her to glance at the reports. "Anything interesting?"
"Ah! Xiao Yan! I challenge you to a duel!" Hu Jia exploded from her chair, launching herself at him like an enraged feline.
Xiao Yan merely raised a hand, planting it firmly on her forehead. She flailed, her attacks falling short, her face flushing crimson with impotent fury. She looked like an angry kitten held at bay.
"Tsk. Pointless. We're allies, aren't we? Fighting is so uncivilized," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Hu Jia took several deep, shuddering breaths, forcibly calming herself. He's a monster, a bully, the worst! She sat back down with a huff.
Seeing her stand down, Xiao Yan's expression softened. He retrieved a jade vial and placed it before her with a soft clink.
"What's this? Some new trick?" Hu Jia eyed the vial warily.
"Just open it."
Cautiously, she uncorked it. A dense, earthy aroma wafted out, and a milky-white liquid shimmered within. Her eyes, initially suspicious, widened as she studied it closely. She shot to her feet, her gaze darting between the vial and Xiao Yan.
"This… this is Earth Core Body Tempering Liquid?!" Her voice was a sharp whisper of disbelief.
"Correct. Consider it a benefit for your hard work. Serve the Pan Gate well, and your Gate Master will not be stingy with rewards." Xiao Yan crossed his arms, enjoying her stunned reaction.
Hu Jia clutched the vial, her initial shock melting into rapturous joy. "Such a rare treasure! Why give it to me? Why not use it yourself?"
"I have my share. That one is yours. Don't ask how; just use it." He reached out and flicked her forehead.
Tok!
"Ow! What was that for?" she yelped, rubbing the spot.
"To prove you're not dreaming. The method for using it is in your head now," he said, having transmitted the knowledge with the flick.
The pain confirmed the reality. Her anger forgotten, exhilaration took over. "Thank you, Xiao Yan!" In a burst of impulsive gratitude, she hugged him tightly, then immediately jumped back as if scalded. "D-don't get the wrong idea! I only like women! That was just… a moment of overwhelming gratitude!"
She grabbed the vial, then gestured wildly at the pile of documents on her desk. "You handle all of this! I need to go test this right now!" Before he could protest, she had already dashed towards her private chamber.
Xiao Yan stared at the administrative mountain left behind, a single drop of cold sweat tracing down his temple. I've been hoist by my own petard.
Shaking his head, he began sorting through the paperwork. Most was routine, but one report caught his eye: The Medicine Gang had taken note of Pan Gate's pill sales. Due to the deterrent of his Dou King strength, they had yet to make a move, but their interest was clear.
"The Medicine Gang… Han Xian…" Xiao Yan murmured, a calculated gleam in his eyes. "Since you're so interested in our pills, perhaps I should pay you a visit. Ready to become a tool for my cause, alchemist?"
Incorporating the Medicine Gang was essential. For Pan Gate's growth, and for the future foundation of the Boundless Heaven Realm, a dedicated pillar of alchemists was non-negotiable. They would become the future Pill Hall.
As he worked, Xiao Yu and Wu Hao returned. He presented them with their portions of the Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid. After their grateful, excited reactions, they too retreated to begin their refinements.
Finally, Xiao Yan returned, a faint smell of smoke and a few scuff marks on his robes.
"Been to the Fighting Arena?" Xiao Yan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, Brother Xiao Yan. A minor… disagreement in the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower," Xiao Yan replied with a tired but confident smile.
"Did you hold your own?"
"I'm fine. They were just clowns. I can handle it."
"Good. But if they overstep, you tell me." Xiao Yan's finger tapped the table once, decisively. He would let Xiao Yan handle his own battles—pressure bred strength—but he wouldn't stand for any true bullying.
He then tossed two jade vials to Xiao Yan. "For you. The milky one is the diluted solution. The emerald one is the pure essence. As for how to use it…" His gaze briefly fell to the ring on Xiao Yan's finger. The message was clear: Your teacher will know.
Xiao Yan nodded in understanding, his curiosity about the potent energy within the vials evident. He excused himself to seek guidance.
An hour later, his administrative duties finally complete, Xiao Yan ascended to the third floor. The sound of Hu Jia's off-key humming drifted from her room. He smiled and entered Xun'er's chamber.
He went straight to her bathing tub, filled it with water, and warmed it with a surge of Dou Qi. Then, with great care, he added nearly ten drops of the precious, emerald-green pure Earth Core Body Tempering Fluid, followed by a blend of auxiliary herbs to temper its fierce potency.
Just as he finished, the door opened.
"Brother Xiao Yan? You're back!" A flash of initial alarm on Xun'er's exquisite face melted into pure delight. She flew into his arms.
He held her close for a moment. "There will be time for that later. First, I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise?" She pulled back, noticing the prepared tub. Her eyes went from the shimmering green water to his face, and a blush instantly ignited across her cheeks, spreading down her slender neck. "You… you're not suggesting… we…?"
Seeing her misunderstanding, Xiao Yan leaned close, his voice a warm whisper by her ear as he explained the liquid's true, incredible purpose.
The blush faded slightly, replaced by a touch of chagrin. "Brother Xiao Yan… I'm sorry for misunderstanding." But it's your fault for always being so mischievous! she thought.
He gently ruffled her hair. "It's ready now. The timing is perfect."
"Brother Xiao Yan…" Xun'er looked at the tub, then back at him. She lowered her head, the blush returning full force. "Then… could you… please go out first? I… I'd be too embarrassed with you here." Her words were a soft, flustered stammer, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her sleeve.