In the grand Medicine Clan Hall, the air was unusually solemn.
Normally, after the Pharmacopoeia, the clan's elders would have long since retreated to their respective peaks. But today was different.
Every elder who wasn't in seclusion had gathered.
There were nearly a hundred present — of whom twenty-seven were Dou Shengs, the pillars of the Medicine Clan. The rest were Semi-Saints, most still young or recently ascended.
Even so, the mood was grim.
It was clear that the Medicine Clan — though still formidable — was slowly walking the path of decline.
Still, compared to the Spirit and Stone Clans, their situation was far better. Those two had long fallen from grace, their patriarchs barely at the level of Five- or Six-Star Dou Shengs.
"I've gathered you all here for a single reason," said Yao Dan, the patriarch, his deep voice echoing through the hall.
The gathered elders stirred.
Elder Wanhuo, his red beard flickering faintly with heat, spoke first. "Patriarch… don't tell me this is about a marriage alliance with the Thunder Clan?"
Yao Dan paused. His silence was answer enough.
Instead, he asked quietly, "What do you all think of the Thunder Clan's Lei Qi?"
A scoff broke the silence.
Yao Wangui, one of the more senior elders, crossed his arms. "Talented, yes — but still a child. The Medicine Clan need not concern itself with such people. He'll plateau sooner or later."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the hall. The Yao Clan, proud as ever in their mastery of alchemy, rarely looked up to others — even other Dou Di clans.
Another elder leaned forward. "Patriarch, are you suggesting a… marriage proposal?"
Yao Dan nodded slowly. "Yes. It is one of the options I'm considering."
Wanhuo frowned. "And what happens if Lei Qi truly rises to prominence? Would we not risk losing our standing as equals?"
Yao Dan's expression remained unreadable. "That will depend on how he rises… and through whom."
While the elders debated alliances and politics, Lei Qi himself was blissfully unaware — enjoying a far more casual day in the Medicine Realm.
At the invitation of the Yao Tian siblings, he had joined them for an outing in one of the realm's outer cities — a small, lively town populated by distant descendants of the Yao Clan.
Though their bloodline was faint, these people still carried the clan's name with pride. Their lives were simple — work at sunrise, rest at sunset — a peaceful rhythm rare in the cultivation world.
The streets bustled with vendors, and music drifted from taverns.
Lei Qi's sharp eyes scanned the crowd, a hint of amusement curling his lips. "Seriously… why are all the women here so beautiful? Back home, every girl thinks muscles are the peak of beauty."
He sighed dramatically.
Yao Tian blinked in confusion. "Brother Lei Qi, is there anything you'd like to do today? The drinks are on me."
Lei Qi grinned. "How about some music in a brothel?"
Yao Tian froze. "...A what?"
Even Yao Ling, usually as composed as an ice sculpture, turned to him with raised brows.
Lei Qi chuckled. "Relax. I was joking."
He wasn't — not entirely.
But judging from Yao Tian's expression, the man clearly had never heard of such "worldly pleasures."
Alchemy has truly ruined this man, Lei Qi thought, amused.
As they walked, Lei Qi studied Yao Ling discreetly. Her long azure hair shimmered under the sunlight, her every step calm and graceful. Her frosty demeanor only heightened her allure.
According to Mang Tianchi, the Medicine Clan likely invited them to stay as "honored guests" for one reason: a marriage alliance.
If that were true, the candidate was obvious.
Still, Lei Qi wasn't thrilled by the idea.
Arranged marriages weren't his style.
He wasn't opposed to women — far from it — but the thought of being told whom to cherish left a sour taste.
Besides, he found little point in marriage if he couldn't touch what was his.
"Let's just wander for now," Lei Qi said lightly. "Actually, I had a few questions about alchemy, if you don't mind."
Yao Tian's eyes lit up. "Oh? Then let's discuss it over drinks."
They entered a small tavern, the faint scent of fruit wine mixing with herbs.
After settling in, Yao Tian raised a brow. "Brother Lei Qi, forgive me for asking, but… have you truly never studied alchemy before?"
Lei Qi shook his head. "Not once. I only got interested after watching your clan's competition. I tried it on a whim."
Yao Tian stared at him, speechless.
"Unbelievable…" he muttered.
At that moment, Yao Ling — who had remained silent until now — finally spoke. Her voice was cool yet melodic, like the sound of water over ice.
"You're too impatient," she said softly. "Even in our Yao Clan, no one advances so quickly. Focus on stabilizing your second-tier pill refinement before rushing to the third. And without real flame, failure is only natural."
Her calm analysis caught Lei Qi off guard — but what caught him more was her voice.
It was… beautiful.
He found himself staring, a smile tugging at his lips. "I've never seen a beauty like you before, Miss Yao Ling. Forgive me if I stare — I'm just… moved."
Yao Ling blinked, color rising to her pale cheeks. Her icy composure cracked, just slightly, revealing a faint blush that made her even more radiant.
"Ahem!" Yao Tian coughed loudly, glaring at Lei Qi.
His sister quickly turned away, flustered, though the pink on her cheeks lingered.
Lei Qi chuckled inwardly. So the iceberg can melt after all.
Yao Tian's expression darkened further.
"Brother Lei Qi," he said stiffly, "please remember you're in the Medicine Realm."
Lei Qi smiled faintly, unfazed.
He wasn't a fool — he knew that any conflict between two Dou Di clans would be disastrous.
Even if the Thunder Clan had the advantage, the price would be steep.
So he restrained himself — outwardly polite, inwardly amused.
After chatting a while longer, the three returned to their quarters.
When they arrived, Mang Tianchi was already waiting.
"The Medicine Clan seems… uncertain," he said quietly. "It's best if we leave tomorrow."
Lei Qi nodded without argument. "Understood."
A marriage alliance held no real value to him.
He had other goals — far greater than politics or romance.
His eyes flickered faintly with electric light.
The Fallen Heart Flame…
And the Black Lightning within me…
He clenched his fist slowly.
"I need to know," he murmured, "if that power can truly devour a strange flame."