Chapter 26: The Death of Liu Xi

In Wutan City, within the residence of the Jialie clan, the atmosphere was so oppressive it felt as if it could drip with water.

Jialie Bi paced back and forth in the great hall, his brows knit tightly, his face etched with anxiety. Beside him, Liu Xi sat in a chair with his legs crossed, his eyes betraying a hint of impatience.

"Alchemist Liu, tell me, how exactly are we to counter the Xiao clan’s Coagulation Powder?" Jialie Bi stopped his pacing, staring directly at Liu Xi, as if hoping to find a solution in him.

Liu Xi curled his lip and said with disdain, "Clan Leader, the Xiao clan is merely lucky. They found an alchemist with a bit of skill. The Jialie clan has operated in Wutan City for years with deep foundations; why should we be afraid of them?"

Jialie Bi sighed slightly and replied, "That may be so, but our business in Rejuvenation Powder has plummeted. The customers at the marketplace have all been snatched away by the Xiao clan, and the Mittel Auction House has cut off our supply of medicinal herbs. This situation is far from optimistic."

Liu Xi stood up, patted his chest, and said with full confidence, "Do not worry, Clan Leader. I have thought of a plan. We can secretly send men to sabotage the business at the Xiao clan’s marketplace and create chaos, leaving them no time to attend to the sale of their pills. At the same time, I will accelerate the refinement of an improved version of Rejuvenation Powder, striving to surpass the efficacy of the Xiao clan's Coagulation Powder."

A flash of hesitation crossed Jialie Bi's eyes. "Would that be too risky? If the Xiao clan discovers it, I fear it could trigger a greater conflict."

Liu Xi sneered, "We have reached a life-or-death moment; how can we find an opportunity without taking risks? The Xiao clan is currently riding a wave of momentum. If we don't resort to some measures, we will be squeezed out of Wutan City sooner or later."

Jialie Bi pondered for a moment before finally nodding. "Very well, let it be done as you say. However, proceed with extreme caution; leave no trace of evidence."

The corners of Liu Xi’s mouth curled into a sinister smile. "Rest assured, I know what I am doing."

Just as the Jialie clan was plotting against the Xiao clan, Xiao Yan was also closely monitoring their movements. Having learned of Liu Xi's plan from Ya Fei, he became immediately vigilant.

"Teacher, this old wretch Liu Xi actually wants to sabotage our Xiao clan’s marketplace business. It is truly detestable."

"This Liu Xi has an evil heart; keeping him around will always be a hidden danger. However, we cannot act rashly. We must think of a foolproof plan."

Xiao Yan frowned in thought for a moment before saying, "Teacher, I don't think we can wait any longer. Since Liu Xi dares to strike at our Xiao clan now, he will surely commit even more excessive acts in the future. We must eliminate the root of the trouble, otherwise, the Xiao clan’s pill business will struggle to develop stably."

Looking at Xiao Yan’s determined eyes, Yao Lao sighed softly. "Very well. Since you have decided, we shall find a way to eliminate Liu Xi. However, as a first-tier alchemist, he will certainly have many guards by his side. We must act carefully."

Xiao Yan nodded and said, "Do not worry, Teacher. I already have a plan."

That day, as night fell, Wutan City was shrouded in darkness. Liu Xi took several guards and headed quietly in the direction of the Xiao clan’s marketplace, intending to strike that very night to give the Xiao clan a warning.

However, he did not know that Xiao Yan had already set an ambush along his path. When the group reached a remote alley, Xiao Yan suddenly jumped out from the shadows.

"Liu Xi, you really did come."

Seeing Xiao Yan, Liu Xi was momentarily stunned, then sneered, "Xiao Yan, do you think you can stop us all by yourself? How truly overestimating your own capabilities."

With a wave of his hand, the guards charged toward Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan’s eyes sharpened. He channeled his Dou Qi, his hands moving rapidly through seals to execute the martial skill left behind by Jiu You—the Nether Palm.

A fierce ray of Dou Qi flashed, and the guards were instantly sent flying, crashing to the ground and losing all ability to resist.

Seeing this, Liu Xi was startled; he had not expected Xiao Yan’s strength to be so formidable.

"Xiao Yan, what are you trying to do? I am an alchemist hired by the Jialie clan! If you dare to touch me, the Jialie clan will not let you off!"

Xiao Yan walked toward Liu Xi step by step, a hint of killing intent in his eyes. "Liu Xi, you have repeatedly worked against the Xiao clan. Today, I shall rid the world of a pest for the sake of my clan. As for the Jialie clan, I will have my own ways of dealing with them."

Seeing that Xiao Yan was ruthless, Liu Xi suddenly panicked. He turned to flee, but Xiao Yan caught up in an instant, grabbing him by the collar.

Terrified, Liu Xi stammered, "You... you cannot kill me..."

Xiao Yan looked at him coldly. "People with a heart as twisted as yours are nothing but a disaster if left alive."

Having said that, Xiao Yan gathered his Dou Qi and struck Liu Xi in the chest with his palm.

Liu Xi felt a sharp, piercing pain in his chest, spat out a mouthful of blood, and collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

Looking at Liu Xi’s corpse, Xiao Yan sighed slightly, a complex mixture of emotions in his heart. He knew that by taking this action, he would inevitably provoke the anger of the Jialie clan, but he also understood that for the future of the Xiao clan, this had to be done.

Yao Lao then looked at the fallen body and used a strange flame to incinerate Liu Xi into nothingness.

After disposing of the body, Xiao Yan returned to the Xiao clan. Although Xiao Zhan was worried upon learning the sequence of events, he understood that Xiao Yan had acted for the benefit of the clan.

Xiao Zhan patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder. "Yan’er, you did the right thing. This Liu Xi was indeed a hidden threat; removing him means one less enemy for our Xiao clan."

"Furthermore, my own cultivation level is not what it used to be. I am not afraid of them at all!"

"Father, I know that doing this might trigger retaliation from the Jialie clan, but I believe our Xiao clan has the ability to handle it. Moreover, I will continue to work hard at my cultivation to increase my strength and protect the clan."

Watching Xiao Yan’s firm gaze, Xiao Zhan felt immense relief. His son had grown up, possessed a sense of responsibility, and had the ability to protect the Xiao clan.

Meanwhile, the Jialie clan fell into chaos upon receiving news of Liu Xi’s death.

When Jialie Bi heard the report, he was incensed, slamming his hand onto the table so hard the cups rattled. "The Xiao clan has gone too far! To dare kill someone from my Jialie clan—does Xiao Zhan truly think I, Jialie Bi, am easy to bully?"

The elders of the Jialie clan were also filled with righteous indignation, clamoring to send troops immediately to teach the Xiao clan a painful lesson and make them realize the consequences of offending the Jialie clan.

However, once his initial fury subsided, Jialie Bi fell into deep thought.