Feng City—named after Han Feng himself—was one of the few peaceful havens within the chaotic Black-Corner Region. Even those with names on the Black Ranking, be they sect masters or clan heads, would restrain their tempers upon setting foot here.
At the very center of the city stood a serene bamboo grove, its emerald green hue exuding a faint fragrance. Deep within that grove rose a simple bamboo pavilion—the private retreat of Han Feng, the Medicine Emperor himself.
But today, the quiet air of that retreat was broken by tension.
Seated at the head of a bamboo table, Han Feng's handsome face was calm yet commanding. A faint medicinal fragrance lingered around him. His sharp gaze swept across the room before he spoke in a cold, steady tone.
"Gentlemen, today you will give me an answer. Otherwise, in the future, none of you should come begging for my alchemy again."
The other three men exchanged glances. Finally, a middle-aged man with blood-red hair and a cruel, twisted face gave a hollow laugh and clasped his hands.
"In the past, whenever the Medicine Emperor gave orders—whether to invade an empire or to slaughter an enemy—I, Fan Lao, have never hesitated to follow. But this time…" His eyes flickered uneasily. "The one you wish to target is also a 6th Tier Alchemist. That puts me in a rather difficult position."
Before Han Feng could respond, a tall man in blue robes with a dignified presence gave a wry smile.
"Indeed. My Eight Gates Sect intercepted several spies from Jia Nan Academy recently. It seems the Academy already suspects something. If that Liu Xi leaves the Academy under escort by one of their powerhouses, we may fail to strike—and worse, offend him outright. That would bring more loss than gain."
"Exactly! Medicine Emperor, please reconsider!" boomed a short, stocky man with a voice like thunder—the Sect Master of the Earth Flame Sect.
Han Feng's lips curved into a cold smile. His tone dropped several degrees. "You three—unruly overlords of the Black-Corner Region—since when did you become so timid? Let's be honest: you're not afraid of the Academy's powerhouses… you just think the reward isn't worth the risk."
He raised his right hand and extended three fingers, his voice sharp and clear. "Three 6th Tier Pills. You may choose whichever types you wish. The boy has less than two months before his graduation. That will be the best time to strike. Decide quickly."
With that, Han Feng closed his eyes, leaning back to rest as though the conversation no longer concerned him.
'Green Lotus Core Flame... I, Han Feng, must have it.'
'Liu Xi... to reach the level of a 6th Tier Alchemist at such a young age—your talent rivals my own. In another life, perhaps I would have taken you as my disciple. But you… you claimed the Heavenly Flame that should have been mine.'
'Since Heaven birthed Han Feng, it should not have birthed you.'
After Han Feng fell silent, the three sect masters exchanged long looks, each seeing the same glimmer of greed reflected in the others' eyes.
Three 6th Tier Pills—of any kind they desired. The value was beyond measure. The offer itself was enough to make even saints tremble.
In this world, there was only one choice to make. Between two 6th Tier Alchemists, they could side with only one—and neutrality no longer existed.
One was a long-familiar Medicine Emperor. The other, a stranger from Jia Nan Academy.
Even Yuan Yi, the Eight Gates Sect Master who had once met Liu Xi in passing, knew which side to take.
"Ha ha ha! Since the Medicine Emperor is determined, then for the sake of our long-standing friendship, I, Fan Lao, shall go mad with you once more! No matter who stands in our way, my Blood Sect will stand at your side!"
Fan Lao's grin stretched into something feral. Murder gleamed in his scarlet eyes.
'Liu Xi... such a pity. You could've been a fine ally. But since the Medicine Emperor wants you gone—then for the price of three 6th Tier Pills, you'll just have to die.' Yuan Yi sighed inwardly, though his eyes betrayed anticipation.
"I'll join as well," Yuan Yi said aloud, stepping forward.
"As will I," rumbled the Earth Flame Sect Master, following suit.
Only then did Han Feng reopen his eyes, his expression filled with satisfaction as he looked at the three men who had pledged their allegiance.
"Good. I, Han Feng, will not shortchange my allies."
...
Jia Nan Academy – Inner Academy
After returning from the Grand Elder's loft, Liu Xi's thoughts were heavy.
'That cunning Han Feng... until the Fallen Heart Flame fully erupts, he probably won't risk coming to the Inner Academy. Still, once he learns I plan to remain here as an Elder, I wonder how long his patience will last.'
His brows furrowed slightly as he walked, lost in thought.
Before long, familiar laughter drifted from within his courtyard—the bright, bell-like voice of Zi Yan mixed with Xiao Yixian's gentle tone.
A smile tugged at Liu Xi's lips. His worries eased instantly. 'Whatever Han Feng's plans, I'll face them when they come. For now, Xian'er's strength rises by the day, and Zi Yan's talent is beyond compare. Once they both mature, I'll have allies worthy of any challenge. When that day comes, we'll see who dares trouble whom.'
"Young Master, you're back!"
"Big Brother! Zi Yan's pills are all gone again, hehe…"
Both girls turned toward him with bright smiles as he stepped inside.
"Mm. I stopped by the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower, then went to meet the Grand Elder. Took a bit longer than expected."
Returning home to such warmth made Liu Xi feel a rare sense of peace—an echo of what home was supposed to be.
"That old man," Zi Yan piped up immediately, puffing her cheeks. "Did he bother you, Big Brother? If he did, I'll go teach him a lesson!"
Liu Xi laughed softly. 'The man haunting the Black-Corner Region could crush you with a breath, little one.'
Aloud, he said, "No, nothing serious. We just discussed my upcoming graduation in two months and my appointment as an Elder after that."
He paused, smiling playfully. "Speaking of which—once I graduate, Zi Yan, you'll officially be ranked number one on the Strong Ranking. Happy now?"
"Hmph! Those guys aren't even fun to fight. Being first isn't that special!" Zi Yan pouted, though the flicker of pride in her eyes betrayed her words.
Liu Xi turned toward Xiao Yixian with a grin. "And you, Xian'er—you've already reached 6-Star Da Dou Shi. I could probably get you an Inner Academy student identity if you'd like."
Xiao Yixian shook her head gently. "Young Master, you know I don't need those Academy resources. This is fine for me."
Then, as if remembering something, she added quickly, "Oh, right! Earlier, Elder Hao came by. He wanted to ask if you could refine a Bruise Healing Pill for him."
"Bruise Healing Pill?" Liu Xi smiled knowingly. "A 5th Tier pill—quite effective for internal injuries."
He nodded. "Understood. I'll make time to see him soon."
With his current alchemy mastery, refining 5th Tier pills was a trivial matter. Many Elders from the Inner Academy sought him out for that reason.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.