"Try on this Ice Skin first to see its effect. Check if there are any issues so you don't encounter problems later when you need to use it."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan carefully examined the skin mask in his hand and couldn't help but marvel inwardly. It was truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship. He gently placed the mask against his face.
Instantly, a cool sensation spread across his skin. The mask adhered perfectly, and even his facial features seemed to subtly shift, merging seamlessly with his face without any sense of incongruity.
"This is truly a treasure. Its value must be considerable. It appears no less effective than my previous method." Xiao Yan took out a mirror and looked at the slightly ordinary face reflected back, his eyes filled with admiration.
"With your current appearance, and given the rushed parting back then where you didn't even activate your Dou Qi, she won't be able to detect anything unusual. Later, you can use 'special means' to further conceal your aura. Even in close proximity, she won't notice."
Xiao Jietian stroked his chin, smiling.
Xiao Yan naturally understood what "special means" referred to, and his heart settled considerably.
Touching his transformed face, Xiao Yan said calmly, "Indeed. Should I go now?"
"No rush. We'll go tomorrow. It's getting late now. I'll have Fei'er arrange accommodations for you first."
Ya Fei summoned a maid, gave a few instructions, and Xiao Yan followed her out.
"Your brother… does he possess a Unique Flame?"
Ya Fei sat on Xiao Jietian's lap, leaning against his embrace, and asked curiously.
"Yes, the Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked nineteenth on the Unique Flame Ranking."
Xiao Jietian held Ya Fei tighter, inhaling her fragrance, and replied casually.
"You also have a Unique Flame, don't you?"
Ya Fei noticed the calm in Xiao Jietian's eyes, blinked her large eyes, and looked at him brightly.
Xiao Jietian didn't answer verbally. He extended a hand, and a bright silver flame instantly materialized in his palm. A qilin roared skyward, and scorching heat radiated throughout the room.
"Is your family a breeding ground for prodigies? Each of you possesses a Unique Flame and is also an alchemist."
Ya Fei rubbed her forehead, sighing with envy.
"What, envious? Your Frozen Spirit Body is also immensely powerful. Once you reach a certain level, your ice attribute power won't be inferior to some Unique Flames."
Xiao Jietian retracted the flame and said gently.
Ya Fei, of course, knew her physique was formidable. Her envy stemmed from her past desire to become an alchemist herself.
"Fei'er wants to help your family add another alchemist."
Ya Fei's charming, seductive voice whispered in Xiao Jietian's ear.
With a wave of his hand, Dou Qi sealed the main door.
...
Several hours passed quietly.
After the storm subsided, calm returned.
In the silent night sky, a figure carrying another person streaked swiftly across, unnoticed, landing in a courtyard.
The next morning, Xiao Yan consumed the special Illusory Form Pill provided by Yao Lao, transforming into a young man with a slightly handsome and refined appearance.
He left the room arranged by the Mitel Auction House and headed toward Xiao Jietian's courtyard.
At this time, Xiao Jietian had just finished his morning exercises and had washed and changed with Ya Fei's assistance.
Knock, knock.
A knock sounded outside the courtyard. Xiao Jietian knew it was Xiao Yan.
"Fei'er, I'm leaving."
Xiao Jietian kissed Ya Fei, who was lying back on the bed.
He simply donned the Ice Silkw蚕 Skin, and his appearance instantly underwent a dramatic change, becoming a handsome yet slightly lazy-looking face, while maximizing the effect of the Concealment Card.
After exiting, he and Xiao Yan walked toward the Nalan Family's estate.
As for why Xiao Jietian accompanied him, of course, it was to clock in and join the fun.
The Nalan Family resided in the city center. The two soon arrived before a grand and magnificent mansion.
Xiao Yan's heart couldn't help but ripple. In the past, this mansion might have been another home—his father-in-law's home.
The main gate of the mansion was heavily guarded, with a crowd gathered at the entrance.
These individuals all wore alchemist robes, their chests adorned with several brilliant silver ripples that shimmered under the sunlight. These ripples represented not only their identity but also their alchemist rank.
Toward these powerful alchemists, the Nalan Family clearly dared not show neglect. At the entrance, some servants respectfully explained matters to the waiting alchemists. Only after confirming the other party indeed possessed the requisite strength were they permitted entry, while those whose strength was truly lacking were politely refused.
Most of those refused were First and Second-Tier Alchemists, while those allowed entry were Third-Tier or above. Given Nalan Yanran's background, although being refused was somewhat embarrassing for First and Second-Tier Alchemists, they dared not react too strongly.
Xiao Yan pushed through the crowd, clearing a path as he walked inward, with Xiao Jietian following leisurely behind.
Indeed, with someone clearing the way, there was no fear of crowding.
Seeing Xiao Yan approach, an elderly man resembling a steward stepped forward. However, upon noticing the Second-Tier Alchemist emblem on Xiao Yan's chest, a faint, almost undetectable flicker of disappointment passed through his eyes.
Although Xiao Yan's youthful appearance was somewhat surprising, his rank was insufficient. Just as he was about to gently persuade him to leave, a slightly lazy voice sounded.
"I know you require Third-Tier Alchemists and above, but rank doesn't represent everything. Don't let your actions erase the last few chances for your Old Master."
The steward looked at Xiao Jietian, who had spoken and stood beside the Second-Tier Alchemist. Seeing Xiao Jietian's Third-Tier Alchemist badge and his youthful appearance, he thought inwardly, "To be Third-Tier at such a young age… the last time I saw a young Third-Tier Alchemist was Miss's friend."
"Young master, have you also come to attempt treating our family's Old Master, Nalan Jie?"
Xiao Jietian shook his head. "No, I'm accompanying him. Junior Brother Yan Xiao, please present your letter of recommendation."
Xiao Yan took out the letter of recommendation written by Ya Fei and handed it to the steward.
The steward accepted the letter. As the paper unfolded, lines of elegant, slender handwriting came into view. Upon seeing Ya Fei's personal signature at the end, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.
After examining the letter and then glancing at Xiao Jietian beside Xiao Yan, the steward gritted his teeth, stepped aside, and bowed slightly. "Sirs, please enter. If you can cure our Old Master, you will be eternal friends of the Nalan Family."
Hearing this, Xiao Jietian couldn't help but feel disdain inwardly. Now they speak of eternal friendship, but once cured, if we go to the Cloud Mist Sect, it'll be like the phone is unreachable when trouble arises.
The reason would be "considering the family," unlike Hai Bodong, who was far more decisive.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly and entered the Nalan Family estate with Xiao Jietian. Past the main gate, a pretty maid approached and led the two toward the main hall.
Just as Xiao Yan and Xiao Jietian walked along the blue gravel path within the Nalan Family, a woman in a moon-white dress in the distance watched Xiao Yan with a mix of surprise and joy.
Because the woman was relatively far and her position quite concealed, neither Xiao Yan nor Xiao Jietian noticed her.