Chapter 72: Contacting Yun Yun!
As the last rays of sunlight vanished beyond the horizon, the night slowly enveloped the entire city of Jia Ma Holy City. Before long, the curfew began, the city gates closed, and the bustling streets turned silent. The once vibrant outer city plunged into complete stillness.
However, rules are static, and there are always people who evade them, especially in an empire like Jia Ma, where aristocratic families wield significant power.
In the southern inner city, the grandeur of the Nalan family's estate stood tall, illuminated by its red gates. From within came the sounds of festivities and music, a stark contrast to the quiet streets outside. For the prominent noble families, the night's excitement had just begun.
A luxurious carriage bearing the emblem of the Mittel family moved slowly down the main road. Lü Bu glanced at Ya Fei sitting beside him. She was wearing a stunning red cheongsam that hugged her figure perfectly, highlighting her elegant curves. The cheongsam was embroidered with golden edges, and its combination of red and gold enhanced her noble and charming aura. A white fur shawl draped over her shoulders added a touch of refined elegance. Every smile and glance from her enchanting peach blossom eyes could captivate anyone's soul.
"This woman…" Lü Bu sighed softly. If it weren't for her poor cultivation talent, perhaps he might have found it hard to resist her charm.
"Qing Lin is training. Unfortunately, she couldn't join you tonight," Ya Fei said with a light laugh, her tone teasing like a sly fox.
"You really timed it well," Lü Bu replied, rolling his eyes. Two moments before departure, this cunning woman had convinced Qing Lin to immerse herself in training, even going so far as to personally assist her in applying cultivation medicine.
The result? For the next hour, Qing Lin would remain confined in her training chamber.
"Jie Jie… I'm just helping her," Ya Fei chuckled softly, her spring like eyes brimming with charm. "She hasn't rested properly these past few days. If she's not training, she's assisting me with work. This afternoon, I had to beg her to take a break, but she insisted I help her again…"
"This can't be blamed on me!"
"Qing Lin's going to be angry," Lü Bu remarked with a smile, shaking his head.
"Well… we'll deal with that after we return," Ya Fei replied, not overly concerned. With her charm, she was confident in handling the little girl.
"Lü Bu, could you introduce me to that 'Yan Xiao' we met earlier?" Ya Fei suddenly asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Introduce you? Why?" Lü Bu's gaze turned curious. If Ya Fei knew that Yan Xiao was actually Xiao Yan, how would she react?
"You alchemists always make things sound so simple." Ya Fei rolled her beautiful eyes, exasperated. "I manage the auction houses, of course, so I need to network and expand my clientele, especially among second and third tier alchemists."
Her reasoning was straightforward: mid tier alchemists were the backbone of Jia Ma Empire's alchemy scene. They frequently produced pills for sale, unlike higher tier alchemists who often preferred bartering.
"Alright," Lü Bu agreed, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous smile. "But what's in it for me?"
Ah, leveraging someone else's resources? Lü Bu's favorite pastime.
Ya Fei's graceful figure froze for a moment. "Uh… well, I… I…"
It dawned on her that she had nothing substantial to offer except herself.
"T then… I owe you a favor. You can name any condition," Ya Fei stammered, her cheeks slightly flushed as she boldly puffed out her chest.
This wasn't a mere suggestion it was a blatant offer. Lü Bu raised an eyebrow and smiled, following her lead. "Well, I suppose that could work."
Ya Fei's radiant eyes brightened with satisfaction. She wasn't opposed to Lü Bu; in fact, there were things she wasn't unwilling to offer. Besides, it would align with the Mittel clan's plans.
Yes, the clan's patriarch had suggested this arrangement. Now that Hai Bodong had returned, he and Mittel Tengshan had switched titles, with the latter becoming the clan patriarch. The role suited him better for managing the family's affairs.
Their conversation continued until the carriage stopped in front of the Nalan family's estate. Arm in arm, the two entered the grand gates.
As they stepped inside, all eyes turned to them. Ya Fei was a well known figure in the empire, admired by countless individuals. The sight of her holding Lü Bu's arm stirred jealousy among many. Particularly because Lü Bu, dressed in a first tier alchemist robe, appeared to be nothing more than a novice.
Who was this lowly alchemist, and why was Ya Fei walking so closely with him? Jealous whispers filled the room.
"Who's that man? He looks unfamiliar."
"Upset that the woman you like is with another man? Why not go teach him a lesson?"
"Hmph, not so fast. Someone else is bound to deal with him first."
"Who?"
"Have you forgotten about that troublemaker from the Mu family?"
"Oh… right. Hehe, this'll be fun to watch."
"…"
"Ya Fei, I thought you wouldn't come tonight."
A clear and pleasant voice rang out, catching Lü Bu and Ya Fei's attention. It was Nalan Yanran, walking side by side with Yan Xiao. However, Yan Xiao's expression was as indifferent as ever.
"Miss Nalan, it's been a while. You've grown even more beautiful," Ya Fei said with a soft laugh.
"Big sister, you're teasing me again," Nalan Yanran replied with a smile before turning to the man beside her. "This is Yan Xiao, my friend."
"Nice to meet you, Yan Xiao," Ya Fei said warmly, bowing slightly. Xiao Yan rolled his eyes but remained composed, unwilling to reveal his true identity at this time.
"And this gentleman is…?" Nalan Yanran's gaze landed on Lü Bu, her face showing mild confusion.
"Lü Bu, my friend," Ya Fei introduced with a smile.
"Hello, Miss Nalan. I've heard much about you." Lü Bu extended his hand for a handshake.
"Mm, hello," Nalan Yanran replied with a polite nod, completely ignoring the handshake. Ya Fei covered her mouth, stifling a giggle, clearly enjoying the situation.
To Nalan Yanran, shaking hands with every stranger would be a waste of time. As a proud disciple of Yun Yun and the heir to the Yun Lan Sect, such gestures were unnecessary.
Unfazed, Lü Bu turned to Xiao Yan, clapping his hand against his. "See? Even I get snubbed sometimes."
Xiao Yan grinned mischievously, enjoying the rare sight of Lü Bu being brushed off. "Jie Jie Jie, serves you right for once!"
Nalan Yanran's eyes widened. "You two… know each other?"
"Of course. This brat? I've known him for years," Lü Bu said, smirking. "He's a complete troublemaker, the kind of kid who'd sneak into…"
"Shut up!" Xiao Yan cut him off, his face flushing with embarrassment. Igniting his battle energy, a fiery wolf's head surged toward Lü Bu, who casually slapped it away, pinning Xiao Yan's hand in a mock grip.
"Relax, I wasn't going to spill," Lü Bu said with a hearty laugh.
Nalan Yanran's expression shifted. How had Lü Bu, seemingly a mere first tier alchemist, so effortlessly subdued Yan Xiao, a rising talent in the empire?
This man was far from ordinary.
Xiao Yan flicked his arm, breaking free from Lü Bu's grip, and rolled his eyes in annoyance. He couldn't win, so he chose silence.
"Oh, so you two are that close," Nalan Yanran said, covering her mouth in surprise, her delicate face filled with astonishment.
"No, we're not!" Xiao Yan immediately denied it.
"Really? Then I'll leave," Lü Bu replied with a shrug, acting as if he was ready to walk out of Jia Ma Holy City.
Xiao Yan panicked and quickly grabbed Lü Bu's arm. If Lü Bu really left, he'd be in big trouble.
Nalan Yanran's eyes gleamed with curiosity. For some reason, Yan Xiao (Xiao Yan) had always been cold toward her. Perhaps this Lü Bu could serve as a breakthrough to strengthen her relationship with him.
"Ahem… Lü Bu, let's talk. There's something I need to discuss with you," Xiao Yan said, his tone serious as his expression turned grave.
For the past three or four days, while treating Nalan Jie, Xiao Yan had discovered something alarming: the poison from the Flame Mark (烙毒) had somehow transferred into his body.
"Ahem… Nalan, let's head somewhere else," Ya Fei interjected with a tactful smile as she addressed Nalan Yanran. "It's been a long time since we last caught up."
"No need to avoid the topic," Lü Bu said with a mischievous grin. "Yan Xiao, did you get infected with the Flame Mark poison?"
"What?! Yan Xiao, you've been poisoned by the Flame Mark?" Nalan Yanran gasped, covering her mouth in disbelief. Her beautiful eyes widened as she stared at Xiao Yan.
At that moment, she even dropped the usual formalities, no longer calling him "Mr."
Ya Fei was equally shocked. The Flame Mark poison was terrifying. Just look at what it had done to Nalan Jie a once mighty high rank Dou Wang (Battle King), reduced to a state of misery, teetering on the edge of death.
If Yan Xiao hadn't appeared and used his Heavenly Flame to save him, the Nalan family wouldn't be hosting tonight's lively banquet. Instead, they'd be mourning with funeral dirges and preparing to send the old patriarch off.
"Tsk, tsk… I'm curious. Why are you pushing yourself so hard?" Lü Bu said, clicking his tongue. He then casually glanced at Nalan Yanran, catching her gaze for a brief moment before quickly looking away.
It was as if he was deliberately avoiding Xiao Yan's detection.
Nalan Yanran's heart skipped a beat. Her delicate hand unconsciously clenched into a fist, and her gaze subtly changed.
Xiao Yan's face darkened as he sensed Nalan Yanran's intense gaze. He had always been determined to keep his relationship with the Nalan family strictly transactional. Emotional entanglements were messy, and if they got involved, how could he carry out the Three Year Agreement with a clear conscience?
But Lü Bu's words… that damn troublemaker was trying to ruin him again!
Xiao Yan glared at Lü Bu with unrestrained anger. He's doing this on purpose!
"Why are you staring at me?" Lü Bu replied shamelessly, feigning innocence. "Hurry up and release the Flame Mark poison. Let me take a look."
Reluctantly, Xiao Yan complied. With a nod, he summoned his crimson Heavenly Flame, forming a lifelike wolf head in his palm.
The Beast Flame naturally excelled at manifesting beast shapes, but this trait offered little in terms of combat power.
The wolf head's snout was dyed a deep black, exuding an ominous, malevolent aura that made the two women instinctively take a step back.
"Well? Can you cure it?" Xiao Yan asked in a low voice.
Nalan Yanran glanced between Xiao Yan and Lü Bu with a peculiar expression. No matter how close they might be, wasn't it a little absurd for a second tier alchemist to consult a first tier alchemist for help?
After carefully observing the Flame Mark poison clinging to the Beast Flame, Lü Bu nodded. "It's not a big issue. The poison's potency has already been mostly neutralized. The version in your body is essentially third hand barely warm, let alone dangerous."
"Besides, with the Heavenly Flame protecting you, the Flame Mark poison can't hurt you. In fact, Nalan Jie's Dou Qi within the poison might actually benefit your cultivation."
"Can it be expelled?" Xiao Yan asked urgently.
"Just refine it directly," Lü Bu replied matter of factly. "Ultimately, this is your own fault you're too weak to completely purify and eliminate it."
Xiao Yan: "…"
Even in this situation, this guy couldn't resist taking a jab at him.
As he spoke, Lü Bu flicked his finger, and a serpent of blue flame shot forth from his hand. The Green Lotus Core Flame surged forward, wrapping around the wolf head. With two sharp sizzling sounds, the blackened snout disintegrated into a foul smelling black smoke that rose into the air.
Xiao Yan immediately felt a weight lift from his body, as if an invisible pressure had suddenly vanished.
"What?" Nalan Yanran's expression shifted dramatically. The Flame Mark poison, which had caused her grandfather so much pain, had been so easily dealt with by this first tier alchemist?
Xiao Yan's face lit up with joy. The crimson Heavenly Flame still flickered in his palm, but all traces of black had vanished.
In the original storyline, Xiao Yan had to endure the Flame Mark poison for years, eventually having it burned away in the underground magma world by the Fallen Heart Flame. Strangely, he never told Yao Lao about the poison.
"Yan Xiao, Yanran, so this is where you two are."
A warm voice rang out as a young man dressed in alchemist robes approached. Though he wore no rank insignia on his chest, his demeanor exuded confidence.
The man's face was handsome while not as striking as Lü Bu's, he was noticeably more attractive than Xiao Yan. Honestly, Xiao Yan really had it tough.
"That's Liu Ling, the disciple of Dan King Gu He, a third tier alchemist," Ya Fei whispered softly into Lü Bu's ear, her breath warm against his skin.
Her intimate gesture made the men observing her grit their teeth in jealousy. They wanted nothing more than to punch Lü Bu, but none dared to make the first move.
Gu He, huh? I've beaten him before. He didn't feel special kind of like Hai Bodong. Moonlight was more fun to fight, Lü Bu thought as he glanced at Liu Ling with a faint smile.
"I sensed flames earlier. Were you two competing with your fire abilities?" Liu Ling asked, addressing Lü Bu and Xiao Yan instead of focusing on Nalan Yanran.
He had arrived a little late and was too far away to witness much. All he'd seen were flashes of red and blue flames.
"Haha, yeah," Lü Bu lied with a laugh, shamelessly making up a story. "But Yan Xiao's flame is a Heavenly Flame, so I lost instantly."
"I see. Yan Xiao's Heavenly Flame is indeed impressive," Liu Ling said with a polite smile.
"You guys chat. I'll take a walk with Ya Fei," Lü Bu said, leading her away.
"You don't seem to like them," Ya Fei remarked softly.
"Not really. I just don't want to disturb Yan Xiao and Nalan Yanran," Lü Bu replied with a mischievous grin.
Nalan Yanran sure is lucky, he thought. She has me as her matchmaker, working so hard to sort out her love life.
Wait… should I call her my junior sister or sister in law? Forget it. Let's just go with both. She can call me "Master" if she wants, while I call her "sister in law."
Lü Bu chuckled to himself, growing increasingly eager to see how things would play out when Nalan Yanran met Xiao Xun'er.
"What scheme are you plotting now, Lü Bu?" Ya Fei asked, noticing the strange smile on his face. Her interest was piqued it looked like fun.
"Ah, nothing much. Just thinking of becoming a matchmaker," Lü Bu replied casually, waving her off with a grin.
"When does the Alchemist Grand Meeting start?" Lü Bu asked, swiftly changing the subject to avoid further questioning.
"It starts the day after tomorrow," Ya Fei answered with a smile. "Today's internal tests just finished. Yan Xiao took first place."
"I see…" Lü Bu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. With the competition approaching and the Three Year Agreement only ten days away, it was time to contact Yun Yun.
Flicking his wrist, Lü Bu retrieved a jade token from his sleeve. With a soft crack, he crushed it, signaling Yun Yun.
He needed her help to deal with Protector Wu.
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