Li Xuanxiao returned from the alchemy room and had just stepped into his courtyard when he caught a captivating fragrance in the air.

It was an utterly mesmerizing scent.

As Li Xuanxiao entered, he noticed candles had been lit inside the room.

Under the flickering candlelight, the entire chamber was bathed in a dim, yellowish glow, creating a hazy and somewhat somber atmosphere.

Li Xuanxiao focused his gaze and saw in the corner of the room,

a woman sitting quietly there. She was dressed in extremely vibrant red attire,

the crimson color blazing like fire, particularly dazzling and eye-catching in the dim surroundings.

The woman's legs were crossed, gently swaying—those legs slender and pale, as smooth and delicate as mutton-fat jade.

With each subtle movement, her skirt fluttered lightly like a blooming flower, radiating an enchanting charm.

"You've finally returned."

Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself: "What kind of game is this now?"

"Who are you? Why are you in my room?"

"You've made great contributions in alchemy. Uncle was worried you might feel lonely at night, so he sent me to keep you company." Follow current novels on ɴovelfire.net

"Uncle?"

"Miao Zhishun is my uncle."

Li Xuanxiao couldn't help but smile.

Was this another test for him? Was it really necessary?

Li Xuanxiao sat down on a stool. "Miss, please leave. I'm not that kind of man."

"It's Uncle's order. He said we're all family now."

Li Xuanxiao waved his hand. "Miss, my heart already belongs to someone. Besides, we've never met before and know nothing about each other."

"What does that matter? A spring night's pleasure is worth a thousand pieces of gold~"

"Miss, please watch your language!"

Li Xuanxiao declared with righteous dignity.

"Please maintain your dignity. I'm not that kind of person."

"Really now?"

A wave of fragrance enveloped him as the woman moved closer, but Li Xuanxiao stepped back two paces.

He deftly avoided the woman's attempt to throw herself into his arms.

Thus began a game of cat and mouse within the room.

Li Xuanxiao's movements were agile and unpredictable—the woman couldn't lay a finger on him.

After what felt like an eternity, the woman grew tired and leaned against the wall.

"Tell me, am I really that terrifying?"

"No, it's just that I maintain my moral integrity," Li Xuanxiao said calmly.

"Very well, it seems you truly are a gentleman of principle."

With these words, the woman withdrew from the room.

Li Xuanxiao waved his hand to disperse the lingering fragrance in the room, finding Miao Zhishun's antics quite amusing.

One test after another.

But upon reflection, the other's caution mirrored his own approach.

Test, then test again, and test some more.

Thinking this, Li Xuanxiao came to understand the other's perspective.

".........."

"Mmm, very good, quite excellent."

Miao Zhishun nodded approvingly.

The woman said indignantly: "If that guy isn't interested in men, then he must be impotent."

Miao Zhishun replied: "Not everyone in this world is tempted by beauty. This person's character is truly remarkable."

"What? Uncle, have you taken a liking to this young man?"

"Yes."

Miao Zhishun spoke in a serious tone.

"I intend to make him our family's distinguished son-in-law."

"Him? Is he worthy?"

"From what I've seen so far, he appears to be qualified."

"I never expected this guy to catch Uncle's favor. Who knows what incredible luck he's stumbled upon."

Miao Zhishun smiled. "That's how life is—you never know when fortune might smile upon you. It's like a buried treasure that only reveals its true value when it reaches someone who truly understands its worth."

And so, in the following days,

Li Xuanxiao not only continued his alchemy work but also faced various inexplicable tests from Miao Zhishun.

Sometimes he was sent to conduct business negotiations, other times to handle accounting matters.

Or simply to share drinks and conversation...

Li Xuanxiao found these activities rather time-consuming, but since he was under another's roof, he couldn't very well complain.

Finally, on this day, Li Xuanxiao proactively sought out Miao Zhishun.

He had already prepared sufficient alchemy pills for Snowveil Commerce, and thanks to the gains from his recent alchemy work, Li Xuanxiao had fully restored his condition.

Without further delay, he planned to begin the crucial refinement process.

He just needed to inform Miao Zhishun first, to prevent any unexpected complications.

Miao Zhishun knew that Li Xuanxiao's initial purpose in seeking Snowveil Commerce's assistance was to refine a specific pill, for which he had even ventured into the Frigid Secret Realm.

Without hesitation, he agreed immediately.

"After you complete your alchemy work, I also have an important matter to discuss with you."

Miao Zhishun affectionately patted Li Xuanxiao's shoulder.

The previous arrogance and haughty attitude had completely vanished.

After this period of observation, Miao Zhishun had discovered that Li Xuanxiao was undoubtedly a talent with great potential.

Setting aside cultivation and combat prowess,

just Li Xuanxiao's achievements in alchemy and his business acumen alone greatly satisfied Miao Zhishun.

Li Xuanxiao didn't dwell on what major matter Miao Zhishun referred to.

After completing the pill for Di Nü Feng, if he could successfully resolve the issue of her severe poisoning,

Li Xuanxiao planned to leave Cangzhou and certainly wouldn't be staying here longer than necessary.

Li Xuanxiao returned to the courtyard where he resided.

Caishen was waiting in the courtyard, apparently for him.

"You're back." Caishen turned around with a slight smile. "I brought some pastries for you."

As Li Xuanxiao looked, he heard excited puffing sounds coming from inside the room.

Initially, Caishen had assumed Di Nü Feng and Li Xuanxiao must be involved romantically.

But after spending time together and making subtle inquiries,

Caishen realized she had completely misread the situation—

the two were clearly just friends.

This discovery delighted Caishen greatly.

"What did you discuss with my father...?"

Caishen asked, gently pursing her lips.

"All preparations are complete. It's time to begin the alchemy process," Li Xuanxiao said.

"Oh, just that?"

"Yes, just that."

"Did my father say anything else to you?" Caishen inquired.

Li Xuanxiao thought for a moment. "Uncle Miao mentioned he has an important matter to discuss with me after I finish the alchemy."

"...Mmm."

After making this sound, Caishen quickly ran off.

"Let's talk more another time then."

She suddenly stopped and called out loudly:

"Congratulations, you passed my father's tests."

Li Xuanxiao stood still, scratching his head as he muttered to himself:

"You and your father... equally peculiar~"

However, Li Xuanxiao didn't dwell on this father-daughter pair for now.

Whether he could save Di Nü Feng remained his utmost priority.

This might be his most dangerous alchemy attempt yet.

Li Xuanxiao couldn't quite describe his feelings—he had experienced too many misfortunes over the years. He could only hope his luck wouldn't fail him this time.