---
Madam Lan glanced cautiously at Xiao He, noting his grim expression. Quietly, she prayed things wouldn't spiral out of control.
"Xiao Qian," Xiao He said, his tone heavy, "you must find this man. Anyone capable of killing Tian Buque must hold significant status in the six sects of Yue Kingdom. If you can build a connection with him, it could prove invaluable in the upcoming conflict between the two nations. As for the treasures in the storage bag... raise the price and keep them."
Madam Lan cupped her hands respectfully. "Understood. No matter what it takes, I'll fulfill your request."
Xiao He gave a satisfied nod and motioned for her to leave.
Back in her own luxurious room on the fifth floor, Madam Lan poured herself a cup of hot tea. She took a slow sip, her mind unsettled.
For all her public charm, her life was far from easy. Her late husband had perished in a secret realm, leaving her a widow. His family, convinced she was a jinx, cast her out without a second thought.
Despite several suitors hoping to marry her, Madam Lan had turned them all away. She knew her three-spirit-root aptitude was average at best. Without some extraordinary opportunity, her path to forming a Core was unlikely.
Her thoughts turned to Qi Yuan.
If he had the strength to kill Tian Buque, his background must be formidable. Aligning with him could change her fate — perhaps even provide her the resources to reach Core Formation someday.
But how to approach him?
"Someone come!" she called.
The maid outside answered promptly. "What can I do for you, Madam?"
"Find out where Master Qi is staying. Quickly."
The maid nodded and left without delay.
---
*Unknown Hill*
Qi Yuan descended the narrow mountain path, his mind preoccupied. He needed to find Xin Ruyin and persuade her to leave for Yue Kingdom with him. With Tian Buque's storage bag exposed at the Stardust Pavilion, staying in Yuanwu Kingdom was no longer safe.
As he reached the courtyard, he spotted Xiaomei pacing anxiously.
"Xiaomei," Qi Yuan called. "What's wrong?"
"Senior, you're back!" Xiaomei rushed forward, clutching his arm tightly. "The young lady's illness flared up again. Miss Bai is inside trying to suppress it!"
Qi Yuan's expression darkened. The Dragon Roar Body's outbursts required rare spiritual medicines to control — medicines Xin Ruyin didn't have.
Was she in danger?
"Stay here," Qi Yuan said firmly. "I'll handle it."
He rushed to Xin Ruyin's room. As he reached the door, he turned back. "Xiaomei, wait outside. Don't let anyone disturb us."
Xiaomei stood guard by the door, her mind suddenly recalling something — Yan Ruyan had mentioned that dispersing Yang energy required removing clothing to maximize the treatment's effect.
Her face turned bright red.
Did that mean… both the young lady and Miss Bai…
And now Senior Qi Yuan had just walked in...
Flustered, Xiaomei hurriedly set up soundproofing formations and returned to her post.
---
*Inside the Room*
Yan Ruyan's face flushed with embarrassment and frustration.
"What are you doing here?" she snapped.
Qi Yuan, unfazed, spoke calmly. "I came to help Miss Xin. Don't misunderstand my intentions."
Yan Ruyan scowled. "I don't need your help! Leave!"
Xin Ruyin's pale face turned even redder as she overheard the exchange. Though too weak to speak, she understood what was happening — and it only made her more embarrassed.
Qi Yuan's gaze shifted from Yan Ruyan to Xin Ruyin.
"You've been caught in the backlash of her Yang energy," he explained. "If this continues, both of you will be in danger."
Yan Ruyan's silence confirmed her awareness of the situation.
Without hesitation, Qi Yuan retrieved a thousand-year Yin-Yang Elixir from his storage bag and stepped to the bedside.
"Miss Xin," he said gently, "I have a way to stabilize your condition, but it requires your trust. Are you willing to let me help?"
Xin Ruyin's weak eyes flickered with hope. "Please… do whatever you can."
Yan Ruyan gritted her teeth, muttering under her breath, "Taking advantage of the situation... what a beast."
Qi Yuan ignored her, fed the elixir to Xin Ruyin, and began applying a secret technique to suppress her condition.
---
Hours later, Qi Yuan emerged from the room, his face pale from exhaustion.
"Senior!" Xiaomei hurried to him. "How's the young lady?"
"Her condition is stable now," Qi Yuan assured her. "Miss Xin and Miss Bai both need rest. Let's not disturb them."
Xiaomei's face tinged pink at his words. Miss Bai needed rest too… she knew what that implied.
As they walked down the corridor, Qi Yuan suddenly spoke.
"Xiaomei, is there anything to eat? I'm starving after all that effort."
"Of course!" Xiaomei beamed. "Please wait in the living room. I'll prepare something right away."
A while later, Qi Yuan sat in the hall, enjoying the warmth of a simple yet delicious meal.
"Xiaomei," he said between bites, "your cooking is excellent."
"If you like it, I can cook for you every day," Xiaomei offered, her voice hopeful.
Qi Yuan grinned. "I might just tell Miss Xin that I'm taking you as my personal cook."
Xiaomei's face turned pink, her hands fidgeting shyly.
Before she could respond, the protective formation outside flickered.
"Someone's here," Xiaomei said. "I'll go check."
Moments later, she returned with a familiar figure in tow.
"Senior," Xiaomei announced, "Miss Zi Lian is here to see you."
Qi Yuan paused, surprised. "Miss Zi Lian?"
(End Of Chapter)