125: left in a hurry

Yao Delong slowly opened his eyes, feeling the soft, warm touch on his arm.

Combined with the faint fragrance emanating from the young girl, he calmly and gently broke free.

His tone remained calm, though tinged with a hint of exhaustion: "It is no matter. The depletion was simply too great; I only need to meditate for a moment."

He raised a hand and beckoned, and the nine revolutions purification elixir floating in the air acted as if summoned.

It transformed into a streak of light, landing precisely into a warm jade bottle he had prepared. He handed the jade bottle toward Han Tianzheng.

"City Lord Han, fortunately, I did not fail the mission."

Han Tianzheng's hands trembled as he took the jade bottle, feeling the surging vitality and purifying power radiating from the Spirit Pill within.

This tormented Nascent Soul City Lord could not help but feel his eyes redden slightly.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his churning emotions, and bowed deeply to Yao Delong once more, his voice carrying unprecedented gravity and gratitude:

"Fellow Daoist Yao's grace of rebirth is something Han Tianzheng will never forget! This kindness shall be eternally remembered by everyone in the City Lord's Manor!

Tomorrow, I shall certainly host a grand victory banquet to thank you for your great kindness, Fellow Daoist!"

"I appreciate the City Lord's hospitality," Yao Delong replied.

Yao Delong shook his head slightly, his voice calm yet carrying an indisputable firmness.

"However, This Yao, truly has an urgent matter of the utmost importance to handle immediately.

Had it not been for Miss Han's repeated pleas, I would have left Biqiu City long ago.

Now that the Medicinal Pill is complete, the City Lord only needs to take it according to the prescription, supplemented by Pure Yang Pills. Within a month, the Devilish Qi and demonic poison will naturally be eradicated.

This Yao, shall take his leave now."

His words were clear; his mind was set on leaving.

Hearing this, Han Tianzheng's brow furrowed subconsciously, but seeing the undeniable solemnity in Yao Delong's eyes, he was instantly relieved.

A person of this caliber, with heaven-defying methods and a mysterious background, would never lie about an urgent matter.

Though he felt regret in his heart, he understood.

"Since Fellow Daoist Yao has important matters, how could I dare to force you to stay?"

Han Tianzheng sighed and then looked toward Madam Liu.

"Wife, present the reward to show our appreciation."

Madam Liu understood and immediately took out a heavy brocade bag from her storage ring, which radiated dense Spiritual Qi.

Inside were clearly high-value Spirit Stones and treasures. She presented it with both hands, saying sincerely:

"Fellow Daoist Yao, this is a small token of appreciation from our City Lord's Manor. We hope you will accept it."

Yao Delong didn't even look at the brocade bag. He simply waved his hand again, his tone carrying a hint of undeniable distance:

"Back then, City Lord Han sacrificed himself to fight the beast tide to protect Biqiu City; you are truly a role model for us Cultivators.

This Yao, acted not for a reward. These Spirit Stones and treasures shall be considered a donation from me to Biqiu City for use in the city's infrastructure.

City Lord, take care of your health. I shall take my leave."

Before his voice had even faded, he had already turned around, his pace seemingly leisurely but actually swift.

The grey-robed figure walked toward the exit of the hall without the slightest hesitation.

"Fellow Daoist Yao!"

Han Ruyi felt a surge of panic and subconsciously chased after him for a few steps, her beautiful eyes filled with reluctance and loss.

Watching the back that was about to disappear at the end of the corridor, she couldn't help but raise her voice to ask:

"I... I have yet to ask for your name, Fellow Daoist?"

Her clear, melodious voice echoed in the hall.

The retreating figure paused slightly, and a calm voice drifted back like a breeze, clearly entering everyone's ears in the hall:

"Yao Delong."

"Yao Delong..."

Han Tianzheng, Madam Liu, and Han Ruyi all whispered the name in unison, as if trying to carve their savior's name into their hearts.

"Yao Delong... Yao Delong..."

Master Zhou also frowned, repeatedly mulling over the name. He felt it was exceptionally familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration hit him. He slapped his thigh hard and cried out in shock, "It's him! It's actually him!"

This exclamation drew everyone's attention.

"Master Zhou, do you know Fellow Daoist Yao?" Madam Liu asked in surprise.

"If I truly knew him, I wouldn't have had a conflict with Master Yao that day!"

Master Zhou's face was full of unbelievable shock. He took a deep breath, looked at everyone, and said with a hint of excitement:

"Profound Dao Pill! Have you all heard of the Profound Dao Pill?"

"Profound Dao Pill?"

Madam Liu was slightly taken aback, then nodded.

"Of course I have! This pill caused quite a stir in the Ba Xia Dynasty!

It is said to help Golden Core Cultivators break through their Bottlenecks and can even increase the probability of Nascent Soul formation by ten percent.

Its medicinal effects are miraculous, making it a top-tier Spirit Pill that is a must-have for Golden Core Cultivators!

I once thought of seeking one for Yi'er, but unfortunately, this pill is too rare.

In the entire Dynasty, there seem to have been only two confirmed sales!

One appeared at the White Cloud City auction and sold for an astronomical price;

The other was released in a large market within the Yin Yang Sect's sphere of influence..."

Her tone was filled with deep regret, clearly still troubled by her failure to obtain the pill for her daughter.

"It is exactly that pill!"

Master Zhou's voice rose a few notches, his eyes gleaming.

"When I went to the Royal City to certify my Sixth-Rank Alchemist qualification some time ago, I spoke with Master Mo of the Alchemist Association.

Master Mo personally said that this Profound Dao Pill was made by an alchemist named Yao Delong!

At that time, Master Mo praised him highly, saying his alchemy attainments were brilliant and his future achievements would be limitless!

I thought Master Mo was exaggerating or that it was a pseudonym for some hidden old monster... I never expected it would be this Master Yao before us! And... he actually looks so young!"

Boom!

Master Zhou's words were like a thunderclap exploding in the hall!

"What? The Profound Dao Pill was refined by Fellow Daoist Yao?!"

Madam Liu and Han Tianzheng exclaimed simultaneously, their faces filled with extreme shock!

They finally understood why a seemingly ordinary Golden Core Loose Cultivator possessed such miraculous alchemy skills and that quality of Pill Fire!

The attainments of an alchemist who could refine a marvelous pill like the Profound Dao Pill had already surpassed the scope of an ordinary sixth-rank!

Han Ruyi's beautiful eyes instantly burst with dazzling brilliance, like the brightest stars in the night sky!

She looked in the direction where Yao Delong had disappeared, a massive wave surging in the lake of her heart.

It turned out he hadn't just saved her father; he himself was a legend capable of shaking the entire alchemy world of the Ba Xia Dynasty!

That originally hazy admiration was now like being watered with celestial dew, instantly becoming clear and fiery!

"Father! Mother!"

Han Ruyi could no longer hold back. She ran a few steps to Han Tianzheng and Madam Liu, pulling on Madam Liu's sleeve.

Her voice carried an unprecedented mix of playfulness and urgency.

"You must help me find out! Yao Delong... which Sect is he from? Or where does he live?

Our City Lord's Manor must thank him properly! How can we treat the grace of saving a life so lightly?"

Looking at their daughter's unhidden, sparkling eyes and her "I won't stop until I find out" attitude.

Han Tianzheng and Madam Liu looked at each other, both seeing deep helplessness and a hint of knowing laughter in each other's eyes.

"You silly girl..."

Madam Liu doted on Han Ruyi as she tapped her forehead, shaking her head with a sigh.

"A daughter truly can't be kept at home once she grows up! Your thoughts are written all over your face."

Han Tianzheng also stroked his beard with a wry smile:

"Fine, fine. Fellow Daoist Yao's kindness to me is like rebirth. Such a person is indeed worth befriending.

Wife, once my injuries have recovered slightly, you all shall set off to return to the Moyang Sect.

At that time, use the Sect's power to make sure you find out Fellow Daoist Yao's origins and whereabouts.

The grace of saving a life—my Han family will certainly repay it generously!"

"Thank you, Father! Thank you, Mother!"

Hearing this, Han Ruyi immediately beamed, her disappointment replaced by great anticipation.

Master Zhou was also filled with emotion as he watched this scene.

He cupped his hands to the City Lord and his wife:

"City Lord, Madam, now that the matter here is settled, this old man shall also take his leave. To have seen Master Yao's divine skills is already the fortune of a lifetime.

If we are fated to meet again in the future, I will certainly ask the Master for guidance."

"Master Zhou, take care. The City Lord's Manor will remember your assistance this time."

Madam Liu and Han Tianzheng hurried to return the gesture and see him off.