Feng Lao saw the change in Bai Shengyi and was even more pleased. Perhaps there would be a successor to the alchemists.
"Six months from now, the Feng family will hold a Dou Dan competition in Hongfeng City. If you are free, young friend, you can come and broaden your horizons," he said, handing Bai Shengyi something.
Bai Shengyi accepted it with both hands and was excited to find it was an invitation from the Feng family!
"I will definitely go! Thank you, Elder Feng, for your kindness!" she exclaimed. This was truly an unexpected joy. Although she might have received such an invitation in the future, the fact that Elder Feng gave it to her now held a different meaning.
It not only showed Elder Feng's regard for her but also gave Bai Shengyi a signal that the alchemist community seemed to have a very good atmosphere, with seniors cherishing juniors.
Feng Lao's subsequent actions further reinforced Bai Shengyi's conjecture.
As the waiting time was uncertain and Qing Buli remained silent, Elder Feng engaged Bai Shengyi in conversation, discussing some herbal knowledge.
Bai Shengyi seized the opportunity to ask some questions about the medicinal knowledge from the original owner's memories. Elder Feng not only patiently explained them but also offered advice on what was needed to prepare for introductory alchemy…
As they were talking, a attendant reminded them, "Elder Feng, it's your turn."
Bai Shengyi fell silent and followed the attendant with Elder Feng and Qing Buli.
They continued through a long, dimly lit passage. As the fiery candlelight suddenly illuminated their path, the attendant announced, "We've arrived."
Bai Shengyi observed her surroundings and noticed a change in the decor, instantly transforming from classical elegance to opulent splendor.
Golden sheer fabrics of glazed gold danced in the air, and a plush carpet covered the entire room. Rare ice-cloud sandalwood was casually placed about, emitting wisps of curling smoke.
"It's you. Then I've come for nothing. I can't resolve your illness."
Elder Feng's voice pulled Bai Shengyi back to her senses. From his words, it seemed Elder Feng knew the owner of the Nine Nether Desolate Fire and had previously treated their illness, but without success.
Was this illness so severe?
As Bai Shengyi pondered this, she inadvertently looked up and got a clear view of the patient's appearance, and was instantly startled.
It was him?
The patient wore a very ordinary mask. They leaned back lazily yet elegantly against a massive Profound Eye Tiger, clad in fiery red robes that billowed wildly, exuding an aura of casual arrogance, much like their owner.
The Profound Eye Tiger was no less impressive, exuding an air of a pampered noblewoman. Its fluffy, golden fur was luxuriant and soft, making Bai Shengyi intensely desire to pet it.
"Vice Principal, may I have a look?"
While Bai Shengyi was lost in thought, Qing Buli had already stepped forward and approached the person.
"Feel free," came a deep, indifferent voice, as if unconcerned about their own illness and showing no special consideration for Qing Buli being a key subject of observation for the academy's assessment.
Qing Buli stepped forward silently, touched Qin Si's wrist, frowned deeply after a moment, and then shook his head helplessly.
"I was overconfident. I cannot resolve this. Here is the spirit stone." Qing Buli reluctantly gave up.
Bai Shengyi felt a sense of familiarity from this Vice Principal but couldn't place it. However, she couldn't dwell on it at this moment.
Seeing Qing Buli step back, she slightly focused her attention and approached the person, only to feel a prickle of her hair stand on end!
Who was staring at her?
She suspiciously glanced at the Vice Principal in front of her.
"You want to touch too?" The person extended a hand, but did not open their mouth. Their voice was projected using spiritual energy.
Bai Shengyi had a feeling that this Vice Principal was not in a good mood and seemed impatient with her. Had she offended them somehow?
She remained composed, extending her hand to take the pulse. However, while doing so, her gaze couldn't help but fall upon those fingers as fair as congealed fat and as delicate as jade.
These hands could be used for hand modeling! The proportions, the skin tone… Stay calm, Bai Shengyi, you're not that kind of person. You're here to treat an illness…
Bai Shengyi forced herself to focus on the patient's condition. With this concentration, she quickly discovered something amiss within the person, though she needed to confirm it with mental energy.
She thought for a moment and said, "Can I use my spiritual energy to enter your meridians and observe the specific situation?"
This method was generally avoided by most cultivators, and Qin Si was no exception. Moreover, the way Bai Shengyi had looked at his hands earlier had made him feel extremely awkward and uncomfortable.
More importantly, he did not want Bai Shengyi to discover his identity.
Bai Shengyi sensed the person frowning deeply, radiating an aura of displeasure.
She couldn't help but say, "Vice Principal, my request is to better understand your illness. Please do not be afraid of seeking treatment. If you are worried about me doing anything else, I can make a Dao oath…"
"No need!"
Qin Zhao's tone was extremely calm, but beneath the mask, his brows were knitting tightly, filled with immense reluctance.
However, what he said was, "You may proceed."
Relieved that the patient was cooperating, Bai Shengyi's heart eased. Green spiritual energy appeared on her hands, and mental energy followed, surging into Qin Zhao's meridians…
She did not notice that the Profound Eye Tiger sitting beneath Qin Si suddenly opened its eyes and looked at her with surprise. Just as it was about to move, Qin Si grabbed the fur on its head and gently pushed it down.
As her mental energy entered, Bai Shengyi's face turned pale.
She could clearly feel that within the person's body, several toxins had fused into a new form of fiery poison. Blistering heat and bone-chilling frost fought like entwined dragons.
The flames seemed to grow from the meridians, yet they continuously burned and tore at them. The frost rapidly froze and repaired, burning and repairing in a cycle. The entire spiritual energy circulation was on the verge of collapse!
If the person were a fire spiritual root cultivator, it would be different. But they were an ice spiritual root cultivator. Wait… ice spiritual root? Several poisons? A mask?
Bai Shengyi looked at the person in surprise, feeling that this situation seemed familiar.
"If you can't cure it, hurry up and hand over the spirit stone!"
The person's eyes were too bright, and Qin Si subconsciously avoided them.
Elder Feng smiled and mediated, "Young friend, you don't need to force yourself. The Vice Principal's condition is indeed tricky. You are still young, and it's alright if you can't solve it."
Qing Buli stood by indifferently, remaining silent.
"What are you still standing there for?"
Qin Si suddenly raised his voice, startling both Elder Feng and Qing Buli.
However, Bai Shengyi, who was in the midst of it, remained unfazed, as if she hadn't heard. She even smiled, "Vice Principal, please do not get angry. If I can cure your illness, will the Nine Nether Desolate Fire truly be mine?"
Elder Feng frowned slightly, "Young friend, you must not joke about this matter."
Qing Buli also couldn't help but glance at Bai Shengyi, his gaze filled with deep thought and scrutiny.
"Elder Feng, I am serious. This illness, or rather, the poison within the Vice Principal, I can resolve. Therefore…" Bai Shengyi looked at Qin Si with a half-smile, "Vice Principal, do you dare to try?"
Qin Si was furious. Was this woman truly that audacious? Or had she already recognized him?