19: Chapter 19 An Xiaotong

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

The Xiao Family had hung up red lanterns once again... yet again.

This time, the guests' expressions could no longer be described as "numb," but rather—

"Again?"

Significantly fewer people came than last time, and many seats were empty. One must know that in the past, whenever the Xiao Family held a banquet, every seat was filled, and those who arrived late wouldn't even have a place to stand.

"Damn, is that old ghost Xiao trying to make a fortune off of gift money?" one guest muttered, looking at the empty tables. "With him playing it like this, who can afford to keep sending gifts?"

“Exactly. So many people didn't come this time; they just can't afford the gift money anymore.”

“It’s not for the money. His Xiao Alchemy Pavilion earns gold daily; he's not short on this bit of gift money. It’s just... isn’t this a bit too frequent?”

Someone counted on their fingers: “Let me see, this is the seventh time. Seven times in less than two years—who could possibly put up with that?”

While they were chatting, the master of ceremonies shouted loudly, and Xiao Ye appeared, leading his new bride.

Everyone's gaze simultaneously fell upon that petite figure—

Less than 1.6 meters tall, wearing twin tails, with a face the size of a palm—she looked like a doll.

“Damn!” someone cursed directly. “That old ghost Xiao is a real beast; he won't even let a little girl go!”

“Right? She's so small, how could he even lay a hand on her?”

“Pervert, he's a total pervert!”

“I don't think he's a pervert; he just can't find anyone else. The three great beauties of Qingshan Town have all been taken home by him, so he had to go to the countryside to find someone.”

“Even so, he shouldn't find someone so young. She hasn't even fully developed yet, has she?”

“What's it to you? He's willing, and the girl is willing. Besides, look at that girl; she was so poor. Being able to enter the Xiao Family is a blessing for her.”

Whispers circulated among the tables—some were cursing, some were sour, and some spoke up for Xiao Ye. Xiao Ye turned a deaf ear, holding Li Longlong's hand as they sat at the main table, the smile on his face not fading one bit.

Say whatever you want.

In any case, he was happy right now.

That night.

Xiao Ye finally understood the meaning of the "Profound Truth of the Loli."

Soft voice, supple body, and easy to push down—those words were truly no exaggeration.

Those twin tails were an especially big bonus; swinging left and then right, they maxed out the attack speed, making the experience incredible.

Of course, it wasn't without its drawbacks.

When the battle ended, Xiao Ye leaned against the headboard, lit a self-made post-activity cigarette, and squinted through the clouds of smoke, looking thoroughly satisfied.

Beside him, Li Longlong was wrapped in the quilt, her small face buried in the pillow, her shoulders twitching as she continued to sob.

Xiao Ye glanced at her, then at the cigarette in his hand, suddenly feeling that the scene was a bit subtle.

He was puffing on a cigarette.

She was... sobbing.

Forget it, never mind.

Ding! Congratulations to the host for upgrading your Spiritual Root to—Mystic Grade Medium Grade. Reward: Medium Grade Spiritual Artifact—one seven dragons chasing stars sword.

Wow, what a great sword!

Excitement aside, Xiao Ye didn't forget to comfort her.

Stubbing out the cigarette, he reached out and patted the small figure under the quilt: "Alright, stop crying. I'll provide you with good food and drink from now on, and you'll grow up slowly."

A muffled voice came from under the quilt: "Really?"

"Really."

"Then... can I eat chicken?"

Xiao Ye was stunned for a moment, then smiled: "Not only can you eat chicken, you can even eat eight."

"Thank you, Master..."

————

As the fame of the Xiao Alchemy Pavilion grew, many Young Masters from noble families and Loose Cultivators came after hearing the news.

It was just that the Medicinal Pills they wanted were simply not in the Xiao Alchemy Pavilion. So, one by one, they began to ask—where is the Alchemist? Could they ask the Alchemist to open the furnace and perform Alchemy?

On this day, a rare guest arrived at the Xiao Family's reception hall.

“Ding—High-quality beauty detected: An Xiaotong, comprehensive score 84 points.”

Xiao Ye's eyelid twitched as his gaze fell upon the visitor.

The person before him had exquisite features and skin as white as snow. She had long black hair flowing over her shoulders and wore a blue silk dress that just covered her knees, revealing slender, fair calves.

Her chest was full; although her scale didn't match Bai Susu's, her talent was still decent and her future was promising.

This young woman was named An Xiaotong, the Young Miss of the An Family from the neighboring Dashi Town.

This beauty and temperament made Xiao Ye's heart, which was so old it barely beat, thud twice.

“Master Xiao?” An Xiaotong frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure already in her tone. “Could you tell me where the Alchemist is? I wish to ask him to refine some pills.”

As she spoke, her eyes flickered to the side.

This little old man's eyes hadn't left her body since she entered the room, staring at her incessantly, making her feel uncomfortable and disgusted.

Old lecher.

A flash of loathing passed deep within her eyes.

She had long heard that this old man from the Xiao Family in Qingshan Town was extremely lustful, having taken five concubines in a single year.

Seeing him today, his reputation was indeed well-deserved. To be so improper at such an age was truly nauseating.

“Master Xiao?” she called out again, her voice rising slightly.

Only then did Xiao Ye snap back to his senses, looking at her blankly: “Ah? What did you say?”

An Xiaotong took a deep breath and repeated herself patiently: “I wish to find the Alchemist to refine some pills. I would appreciate it if you could introduce us. There will be a generous reward afterward.”

She emphasized the words "generous reward" heavily.

She was already calculating in her heart—once she met the Alchemist, she would have to get him to cancel his cooperation with the Xiao Family and switch to the An Family instead. How could an old lecherous thing like this be worthy of associating with an Immortal Master?

“You want to find the Alchemist to refine pills?” Xiao Ye leaned back in his chair and spoke slowly. “That's simple.”

An Xiaotong's eyes lit up.

Xiao Ye pointed at himself: “I am the Alchemist.”

“What?”

An Xiaotong froze in place, her mouth slightly agape, unable to close it for a long time.

She looked at the white-haired, wrinkled, and somewhat wretched-looking little old man before her, and her head buzzed.

Him? The Alchemist?

That Immortal Master who can perform Alchemy?

“Impossible,” she blurted out.

Xiao Ye wasn't angry either; he smilingly fished out a bottle of Medicinal Pills from his robes and placed it on the table.

“Marrow Cleansing Pill, fresh from the furnace. Does Miss An want to inspect the goods?”

An Xiaotong stared at the pill bottle and then at Xiao Ye's old face. Could it really be true?