---
Qi Yuan remained in the fragrant room, using his spiritual sense to scan his surroundings. There was nothing suspicious—Madam Lan seemed sincere about the negotiation.
In the Yuanwu Kingdom, the Stardust Pavilion had always aligned with the righteous path. It was unlikely they'd abandon their stance and side with darkness.
Halfway through his tea, the door creaked open.
Madam Lan entered quietly, stepping out of her embroidered shoes to reveal her fair, delicate feet. She moved gracefully across the room and smiled softly.
"Master Qi, I was wrong last night," she said gently. "Let's have a few drinks today—give me a chance to make amends?"
With a flick of her wrist, two white jade wine glasses and a jade wine pot appeared.
Qi Yuan studied her carefully, unsure of her intentions.
Her hair was tied high with a golden hairpin. Her lightly made-up face was framed by dark eyebrows and soft red lips, striking a delicate balance between elegance and allure. The small earrings highlighted her slender, snow-white neck. Her figure, wrapped in a luxurious palace gown, carried a hint of cool detachment.
"Madam Lan, this seems a little excessive," Qi Yuan remarked. "As long as the price is right, a simple exchange would have been enough."
Madam Lan smiled sweetly, her eyes bright. "Master Qi, are you still upset with me?"
Qi Yuan chuckled dryly. "If you insist on sharing a drink, please pour the wine. It's better to be cautious."
"Of course," Madam Lan replied with a warm smile. She filled his cup. "This is the finest spiritual wine in Jinma City. It strengthens the body and replenishes vitality."
Qi Yuan took the cup, sniffed it briefly, then drank it in one gulp. A soothing warmth spread through his body, and his expression shifted slightly.
The energy he'd held back with Xin Ruyin and Yan Ruyan the night before was now replenished by the wine.
"Good wine," Qi Yuan muttered. "Now that we've had our drink, let's talk business."
Madam Lan clapped her hands lightly. "The Stardust Pavilion is willing to pay the full price for the storage bag from yesterday. Is Master Qi satisfied with this result?"
Zi Lian entered, carrying a tray with a heavy storage bag. She knelt gracefully beside Qi Yuan and presented it.
Using his spiritual sense, Qi Yuan scanned the bag—it was filled with spirit stones. The offer was generous. He chuckled.
"I believe Madam has something else to say," he said. "I'd like to hear it first."
Madam Lan motioned to Zi Lian. "Leave the storage bag here and guard the door. I won't be seeing anyone today."
"Yes, Madam." Zi Lian placed the bag down and quietly left.
Qi Yuan waited patiently.
Madam Lan activated a barrier around the room, ensuring privacy. "That storage bag belonged to the second son of the Hehuan Sect, didn't it?"
Qi Yuan's face remained calm. He took another sip of wine before confirming it.
"For you to offer this price, you must already know the details," he said.
"Master Qi," Madam Lan said softly, "you were able to kill him. That means you're no ordinary cultivator. Just a year ago, you were barely in the early stages of foundation building..."
She moved behind him, placing her hands gently on his shoulders. With a smile, she poured him more wine.
Qi Yuan suspected this negotiation was more than it seemed. He had been working on refining Heavenly Fire Liquid and Snow Spirit Water in the Chaos Cauldron, but progress was slow without enough yin and yang energy. Last night's encounter had helped, but he still needed more.
Sensing Madam Lan's pure yin energy—untainted by any other presence—he realized she was qualified to aid him.
"Madam, why don't you explain your terms more clearly?" he asked.
Madam Lan whispered near his ear, "I want to deepen our cooperation. If you have any 'unofficial' business in the future, I'll pay you fairly for it. All I ask is that you remember my kindness and support me when the time comes."
"Is this your idea or the Stardust Pavilion's?"
"The Pavilion wants to win you over," she said. "But everything else... that's my own decision."
Qi Yuan held her hand gently, smiling. "I accept your offer, Madam."
A smile played on Madam Lan's lips. Her life had just shifted in a way she hadn't anticipated, but she was determined to see it through.
"You must be tired after sitting so long," she said softly. "Why not rest for a while?"
Qi Yuan stood and walked toward the bed without hesitation. Before stepping behind the curtain, he left her with a cryptic remark.
"With enough effort, even forming a core isn't impossible. As for reaching the infant stage... that depends on you, Madam."
Madam Lan's heart trembled. If anyone else had said those words, she would have dismissed it as nonsense. But this man had killed Tian Buque—perhaps there was truth in what he said.
Her memories of her late husband were faint now. The living had to move on.
With quiet resolve, she stepped forward, disappearing behind the curtain.
---
Zi Lian waited outside from morning until afternoon. Her initial surprise turned into silent acceptance.
"Is this man even human?" she muttered under her breath.
A maid passed by, curious. "Sister Zi Lian, what's going on with Madam today? She's been absent all day."
"Madam is cultivating today," Zi Lian said firmly. "Best not to disturb her. Go back to your duties."
The maid nodded and hurried away.
Moments later, the door opened. Qi Yuan emerged, looking refreshed.
"Go in and take good care of your Madam," he instructed with a smile before heading downstairs.
Zi Lian entered the room, her eyes widening in disbelief.
The place was a mess, like a storm had passed through. She hurried to Madam Lan's bedside and whispered, "Madam, are you alright?"
Madam Lan opened her eyes weakly. "Zi Lian... let me rest for a while. I nearly ruined my immortal path just now... for a fleeting memory of my husband."
Zi Lian bowed her head in silence, unsure how to respond.
---
Later, Qi Yuan prepared to return to Yue State. He planned to ask Xin Ruyin if she wished to go with him—if so, he'd arrange for her to stay in Huangfeng Valley for her safety.
On his way out, he passed Yan Ruyan, who wore a ghost face mask. She snorted coldly as he walked by.
Qi Yuan ignored her. He knew her resentment lingered, but with her soul still bound to him, there would be plenty of time to settle things later.
For now, he had other priorities.
(End of this chapter)