Swallowing the Heavens with a Single Breath

An Alchemy Pavilion apprentice ushered a refined elderly man into the room.

The old man introduced himself with a smile, “Master Yi, I apologize for the intrusion. I am the chief steward of the City Lord’s Mansion.”

Although Xu Yi was quite excited, he maintained a calm expression. “What business does the City Lord have with me?”

The steward pulled a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Xu Yi. “The City Lord heard of your exceptional alchemy skills and wished to meet you personally.”

“Unfortunately, he is currently tied up with important matters and cannot immediately return to Qingshuang City. He specifically sent this letter, instructing me to deliver it to you in person and to express his regrets.”

Xu Yi took the letter and nodded. “Then, once the City Lord returns, let him come see me.”

His tone carried no hint of reverence for the City Lord.

Yet, the steward showed no signs of offense. After all, Master Yi was rumored to be a level-three alchemist! To such a distinguished figure, a mere City Lord of a small city was hardly someone to fear.

The steward respectfully withdrew.

After the steward left, Xu Yi quickly opened the letter. As expected, it contained apologies for not being able to meet in person and expressed the City Lord’s desire to visit him as soon as he returned.

Xu Yi exhaled deeply, relieved. “I finally have a chance to visit the City Lord’s Mansion and gather information.”

Half an hour later.

Several chests of medicinal herbs arrived, delivered by Jin Lu. Xu Yi shut himself in his room and began refining pills.

As he absorbed Leng Yunshang’s alchemy knowledge, he practiced diligently.

In just one day, he could consistently produce Vitality Pills with two cloud patterns.

Xu Yi also reached a new breakthrough, advancing to the fifth level of Martial Disciple.

His strength had once again increased significantly!

Clenching his fists, Xu Yi felt the surge of power coursing through him. “The inheritance of the True God is truly remarkable. It’s only been a little over a day, and I’ve already broken through again!”

Leng Yunshang was also quietly astonished.

Even with the advantages of a chaotic physique and the Supreme Chaos Method, Xu Yi’s rate of advancement was extraordinary.

Over the next half day, Xu Yi continued refining two-cloud-pattern Vitality Pills, becoming more proficient. However, he had not yet managed to produce a three-cloud-pattern pill.

Determined to improve, Xu Yi continued to learn from Leng Yunshang’s alchemy experience and practiced tirelessly.

Two days later, at dawn, Xu Yi, who hadn’t slept all night, finally exclaimed in delight, “I did it!”

He held a Vitality Pill that now bore three cloud patterns.

During this period, Xu Yi’s cultivation had also solidified. He was now in the late stage of the fifth level of Martial Disciple.

Leng Yunshang nodded approvingly. “Your progress is good. Now you can start using elixirs to further your cultivation.”

Xu Yi was equally excited. “But the herbs Jin Lu sent have already run out. I’ll have to get more from him. As for the payment…”

“There are plenty of one-cloud and two-cloud Vitality Pills I’ve refined over the past two days. Those can be sold.”

Just as he finished speaking, an apprentice knocked on the door.

“Master Yi, are you available? The chief steward from the City Lord’s Mansion is here again.”

Xu Yi quickly donned his mask and cloak before saying, “Come in.”

The same elderly steward entered, bowed, and greeted, “Greetings, Master Yi.”

Xu Yi nodded. “What is it?”

“Master Yi, the City Lord has just returned to Qingshuang City. He is currently visiting Young Master Xu Chi at the Xu family estate. Once he returns to the mansion, he intends to come see you.”

Hearing this, Xu Yi suddenly remembered his seven-day challenge with Xu Chi.

The day had arrived.

“I’ll head over later,” Xu Yi replied.

The steward hesitated, looking somewhat troubled.

“Speak,” Xu Yi said.

“Well… the head of the Xu family, Xu Weiheng, and his eldest son, Xu Mingqing, wish to meet you,” the steward explained. “As you know, ever since Xu Chi was recognized as a prodigy, the Xu family has had closer ties with the City Lord…”

What?

Xu Yi was momentarily surprised, then quickly understood. His grandfather and uncle wanted to meet “Master Yi Xu”—most likely for the sake of Xu Chi.

Seeing Xu Yi’s silence, the steward assumed he was displeased and quickly added, “I’ll go reprimand them at once. You are a busy man with no time to waste on small figures like them. Please don’t be offended.”

“I will see them. Have them wait at the Alchemy Pavilion this evening.”

Underneath the mask, a sly smile appeared on Xu Yi’s face.

“Yes, Master Yi. As you command.”

After the steward departed, Xu Yi stepped outside and instructed the waiting apprentice, “I’m heading out. You don’t need to follow. Do not allow anyone into my room.”

“And if the Xu family comes, let them wait.”

“Understood, Master Yi.”

In Qingshuang City, at the Xu family estate.

Servants were bustling about, cleaning and decorating. The entire household was in a celebratory mood.

Xu Weiheng stroked his beard happily and said to Xu Chi, “Chi’er, the City Lord heard about your awakening of a level-seven martial soul and came back specifically to see you.”

“He even sent someone to inform me that Wang Fuzi from the Green Vine Academy intends to take you as a disciple. He’s planning to come and see you personally.”

Xu Chi furrowed his brow in confusion. “Grandfather, what is Green Vine Academy? And who is Wang Fuzi?”

“Chi’er, Green Vine Academy is no ordinary place! It is the top academy in our Heavenly Origin Nation, open only to those with exceptional talent and potential!”

“And Wang Fuzi is a renowned instructor. Every martial artist he has taught has become a formidable expert.”

Hearing this, Xu Chi’s eyes lit up. He grinned. “Don’t worry, Grandfather. I have a match with Xu Yi today, and I’ll be sure to impress Wang Fuzi and secure my place at Green Vine Academy!”

“Good, good. You truly are my fine grandson.”

Xu Weiheng patted Xu Chi’s head with pride.

Half an hour later.

A distinguished man dressed in fine clothes and a middle-aged man in a simple dark robe appeared outside the Xu family estate.

Xu Weiheng, who had been waiting with the family members at the gate, hurried forward to greet them. “This humble old man greets Wang Fuzi and the City Lord.”

“To have you both visit the Xu family brings us great honor!”

The City Lord, Huangfu Linzhu, nodded with a smile. “No need for formalities, Patriarch Xu. Where is your young prodigy? Bring him out for Wang Fuzi to see.”

Xu Weiheng quickly explained, “There’s something you may not know. Another junior from the family insisted on challenging Chi’er, and today is the day of their match.”

“Chi’er is currently preparing at the martial arts field. If the two of you don’t mind, you can go watch.”

Wang Zhongheng became intrigued and said with a smile, “That works out. I’d like to see how much progress Xu Chi has made since awakening his martial soul.”

“Please, this way, Wang Fuzi.”

As they walked, the City Lord, Huangfu Linzhu, curiously asked, “Who is this junior daring to challenge Xu Chi? Does the Xu family have another prodigy?”

Xu Weiheng sighed and waved his hand dismissively. “The Xu family is not fortunate enough to produce two prodigies. The one challenging Chi’er is no genius—in fact, he is a martial soul-less wastrel.”

“Enough about that. There’s no need to air our dirty laundry. Just consider it entertainment.”

Huangfu Linzhu lost interest upon hearing this and simply accompanied Wang Fuzi to the viewing platform near the martial arts field.

By then, the area around the martial arts field was already crowded with Xu family members.

Xu Yi’s parents, Xu Minghai and Li Shushen, were among them.

Xu Chi stood proudly at the center of the martial arts field, looking full of confidence.

As time ticked by, Xu Weiheng’s brows gradually furrowed.

The appointed time was drawing near, yet Xu Yi was nowhere to be seen.

Did he not realize how important today was for Xu Chi? He was ruining everything!

Just then, a figure dressed in white rushed in.

Xu Yi finally arrived, albeit a bit late.

Upon seeing him, his parents, Xu Minghai and Li Shushen, who had been anxiously waiting, brightened momentarily before their concern deepened.

“Yi’er, if it doesn’t seem possible, just concede. Don’t push yourself too hard,” Li Shushen urged.

Xu Yi felt a warmth in his heart. “Don’t worry, Mother. I know what I’m doing.”

As he was about to step onto the martial arts platform, a soft “Hm?” sounded in his ear.

It was Leng Yunshang’s voice.

With a hint of amusement, she remarked, “Xu Yi, your cousin’s martial soul is quite intriguing. He doesn’t have many days left to live.”