The class continued as usual.
Shen Xiu, although maintaining her elegant composure as a teacher, occasionally cast glances in Ye Qingtian's direction, a mix of curiosity and caution shining in her eyes.
Next to him, Ye Ziyun held his hand firmly under the desk, her cheeks still slightly flushed with jealousy.
Every time Shen Xiu looked at Ye Qingtian, Ziyun squeezed his hand a little tighter, as if wanting to mark her territory. Ye Qingtian found it adorable but couldn't resist teasing her, leaning in to whisper:
"Yun'er, if you keep squeezing my hand like that, I'll end up losing this hand before the class ends."
But she just huffed, turning her face away but without letting go of his hand. "You deserve it, Qing-ge. You shouldn't be looking at her that way."
Ye Qingtian laughed softly, rubbing her hand lightly with his thumb. "Alright, alright. I promise I won't look at her anymore. Only at you, okay?"
The blush on Ye Ziyun's face deepened, but a small smile escaped her lips before she returned her attention to the front, trying to look serious.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
When the Institute's bell finally rang, signaling the end of the class, the students began to stand up, gathering their materials. Shen Xiu dismissed the class with an elegant wave, but her eyes lingered on Ye Qingtian a moment longer before she turned to organize her things.
"Come on, Yun'er," said Ye Qingtian, standing and pulling out a chair for her. Ye Ziyun rose gracefully, adjusting her short kimono that highlighted her curves, attracting the glances of some boys in the room.
Ye Qingtian naturally noticed this and cast a cold glance their way, causing them to quickly look away.
As they walked through the crowded hallway of the Institute, Ye Ziyun held his hand again, their fingers intertwined as always.
The crowd of students naturally parted for them, some out of respect, others out of envy. Ye Qingtian walked with a confident posture, his cloak billowing with each step, while Ye Ziyun looked like a delicate flower at his side.
"Qing-ge, did you see Ning'er in class?" Ye Ziyun asked softly, but with a hint of concern. "She seemed so... distant. I think she's very sad about that horrible engagement."
Ye Qingtian nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "I know. But don't worry, Yun'er, I promise I'll find a way to help her."
In fact, he already had a plan in mind. It involved his visit to the Alchemists' Association today.
Ye Ziyun looked at him, her eyes shining with admiration. "Really? You always have a solution, don't you? My Qing-ge is the best."
He laughed, tousling her hair affectionately. "Of course. Even though she has distanced herself from us for a while, I'm still her big brother Qingtian, aren't I? So naturally, I need to take care of her."
Ye Ziyun pouted but soon smiled, squeezing his hand tighter as they left the Institute heading toward the Wind Snow Mansion.
---
When they arrived at the entrance of the Wind Snow Mansion, Ye Zhiqian was already waiting for them on the veranda, with a warm smile. "You two arrived just in time. Dinner is almost ready. How was your first day of class?"
"It was great, Mom!" Ye Ziyun stepped forward, running to hug Ye Zhiqian. "Qing-ge was amazing, as always!"
Ye Zhiqian raised an eyebrow, looking at Ye Qingtian proudly. "Is that so? I expected nothing less from my little genius. And you, Yun'er, did you behave yourself?"
Ye Ziyun blushed, looking away. "Of course, Mom! I'm a perfect lady."
Ye Qingtian laughed, joining the conversation. "A perfect lady who almost broke my hand out of jealousy today."
"Qing-ge!" Ye Ziyun exclaimed, hitting his arm, while Ye Zhiqian laughed loudly, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Alright, alright, come inside and get ready for dinner," said Ye Zhiqian, still smiling.
Ye Qingtian shook his head. "I won't. I still have to stop by the Alchemists' Association before it gets dark. I need to check on some things with Director Yang Xin."
Ye Zhiqian nodded, though her eyes showed a slight worry. "Alright, but don't take too long. And be careful."
Ye Qingtian nodded. He tousled Ye Ziyun's hair one last time before saying goodbye and heading toward the Alchemists' Association.
---
His purpose for going to the Alchemists' Association was, of course: to negotiate with Yang Xin, the Director, to secure 30% of the profits from the pills and guarantee discreet protection for the Dragon Wing Family, without anyone knowing he was behind it, as well as having an almost unlimited supply of resources.
But of course, no one should know about this trade.
He walked for a few minutes before arriving.
The Alchemists' Association building looked even more majestic under the moonlight. Its tall columns and engraved alchemical symbols exuded an exceptional aura of mystery.
At the entrance, Xiao Lan, the young apprentice with gentle eyes, greeted him with a warm smile. "Master Qingtian! You came so late today. Are you here to refine some pills or...?" She greeted him enthusiastically, very different from when he came asking to take the Master Alchemist test.
"Good evening, Xiao Lan. I want to speak with Director Yang," said Ye Qingtian, smiling. "It's an important matter."
Xiao Lan blinked in surprise but quickly nodded. "Of course, Master Qingtian. I'll take you to her courtyard. Director Yang is there now."
She led him through corridors lit by glowing crystals, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly.
Soon they reached an ornate double door that opened to an inner courtyard. Xiao Lan gently knocked before opening it.
"Director Yang, Master Ye Qingtian is here to see you," announced Xiao Lan, then bowed and left, leaving Ye Qingtian alone.
Ye Qingtian nodded in thanks and entered, immediately noticing the elegant and natural appearance of the courtyard. It was decorated with trees, flowers, a pond, and even a small medicinal garden.
In the center of the courtyard, seated on a jade bench under the moonlight, was Yang Xin.
At 25 years old, she was a breathtaking sight, even more provocative than Ye Qingtian remembered. She wore a blue silk dress that revealed her legs and shoulders, with a deep neckline that showcased the generous curve of her large breasts, attracting any man's gaze like a magnet.
Her lightly purple hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her sharp eyes shone with a mixture of curiosity and mischief. She held a feathered fan, moving it slowly as if she were very warm.
"Well, well, if it isn't our little brother Qingtian," she said, her melodious voice carrying a provocative tone.
She rose, walking toward him with deliberately slow steps, each movement causing the blue fabric to ripple over her curves.
She stopped just a few steps from him, leaning slightly forward, which made her neckline open even more, giving a clear view of her white breasts.
Ye Qingtian smiled, his purple eyes fixed on her breasts, unafraid to look, fully aware of the effect she wanted to cause.
"Sister Yang, the night is the best time for important business, isn't it? And I brought something that will interest you... a lot."
Yang Xin raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but without losing her seductive posture.
"Business, huh? And here I thought you came for my company." She took a step closer, her feminine fragrance invading his senses. "So tell me, little brother Qingtian, what does a young genius like you have to offer this older sister?"
She raised her hand and traced a finger along the collar of his cloak, the touch light but full of provocation.
Ye Qingtian did not pull away, letting her finger stay for a moment before gently taking her hand, holding it firmly but without force.
"Sister Yang, if you can resist what I'm going to show you, I don't mind spending the night as your company," he said, his voice low with a touch of provocation, his eyes shining with contained desire.
Yang Xin narrowed her eyes, trying in vain to pull her hand back.
"But I must say, what I bring is far more tempting than any game you want to play." He finally released her hand and took out the scroll from his interspatial ring, unrolling it over the jade bench.
"These are five ancient pill formulas, lost since the Age of the Sacred Empire. Soul Nourishing Pills, Soul Concentration Pills, and Soul Tempering Pills, as well as Scarlet Body Enhancement Pills and the Nine Transformation Pills."
He said it all at once.
"What?! Soul Nourishing Pills, Soul Concentration Pills, and Soul Tempering Pills? Scarlet Body Enhancement Pills and the Nine Transformation Pills?"
Yang Xin quickly leaned over the scroll, the movement causing the blue dress to slip slightly, revealing even more of her fair skin.
Her eyes scanned the formulas seriously, and the surprise was evident, although she quickly tried to mask it with a seductive smile.
"You are full of surprises, little brother Qingtian," she murmured, looking up at him with parted lips.
"You must know their value. These formulas could change everything, not only for the Association but also for the entire City of Glory itself. But..." She moved closer again until their faces were just inches apart, her warm breath brushing his skin. "What do you want in return? Money? Influence? Or maybe..." She left the sentence hanging, the fan now lightly brushing his chest.
Ye Qingtian leaned in a little closer, just enough to feel her warmth, whispering in her ear, "What are you willing to give me, Sister Yang?"