Dashing Student

Upon hearing Chen Nan's inquiry, Qing Yao almost thought he was mocking them.

But seeing Chen Nan's earnest expression, and him seeming to have little knowledge about the Nine Provinces Continent, she decided not to overthink it.

"Is the gentleman teasing me? Everyone knows the identity of an Alchemist is prestigious and extremely rare."

"Even the lowest-ranked Ninth Grade Alchemist is treated as a guest of honor in third-rate sects, and receives very good treatment even in second-rate sects."

"Although our Medicine Immortal Valley can cultivate Spiritual Medicine, the grade is quite low, and the sect lacks the prestige and resources to attract Alchemists to come, so we are truly powerless."

Upon hearing her explanation, Chen Nan's heart was filled with joy, as this situation was perfect for him to leverage: "In that case, Fairy Qing Yao, why not collaborate with me?"

Qing Yao seemed inclined towards this idea and was not surprised but rather asked with some delight: "How does Chen Nan propose we collaborate?"

"It's simple. Your Medicine Immortal Valley will provide all Spiritual Medicine to our Qingshan Sect, and I will give you a tenth of the profits from the Elixir Pills I refine."

Chen Nan extended one finger.

A tenth may not sound like much, but the value of Elixir Pills lies not in the materials but in the Alchemist. Thus, even a tenth far exceeds the value of Spiritual Medicine.

"Really?"

Qing Yao was overjoyed; this meant their sect would be as if they gained an Alchemist, how could one not be pleased?

The only downside was that the initiative was in Chen Nan's hands, and if he wanted to play any tricks, their Medicine Immortal Valley had no means to resist.

"Of course, this not only saves Qingshan Sect the time of searching for Spiritual Medicine, but I can also refine more Elixir Pills, allowing both our sects to grow together."

"Alright!" Qing Yao quickly agreed, then raised a cup to Chen Nan and said, "Then let's toast to the prosperity of our two sects!"

With the goal achieved, Chen Nan was also very pleased, raising his cup and drinking it in one gulp.

But at that moment, a voice came from outside the courtyard.

"Very good, but not good enough!"

Chen Nan and Qing Yao both turned to look, and saw a middle-aged man slowly walking in from outside, his face gaunt and pallid.

Who else could it be but Qing Xuan?

"Father, you are awake?"

Qing Yao ran over excitedly, fearing she might be mistaken.

Seeing the excited expression on his daughter's face, Qing Xuan smiled and patted her head, saying: "Yao'er, you've had a hard time during this period."

"Being able to awaken is all thanks to Chen Nan and the Spirit Cold Pill he refined, which has an efficacy three times greater than ordinary Spirit Cold Pills, allowing me to get up and walk around."

"That's wonderful!"

Qing Yao wiped her tears, seeing her father able to stand up for the first time in years.

Chen Nan also walked over, bowing to Qing Xuan: "Chen Nan of Qingshan Sect, greets Uncle."

"Good, truly a young talent. To be a Seventh Grade Alchemist at such a young age is promising for the future!"

Qing Xuan's eyes were full of admiration, pulling Chen Nan to the table in the courtyard, growing more satisfied upon looking.

This enthusiastic gaze made Chen Nan somewhat uneasy; Qingshan Sect disciples looking at him like this was understandable since he gave them hope for progress.

But with Qing Xuan, with whom he was unrelated, this gaze felt very unsettling.

"Uncle, I and Fairy Qing Yao are kindred spirits, if there's anything, you may speak directly," Chen Nan finally couldn't resist, bowing and asking.

"Haha, there's no need to be nervous, young friend," Qing Xuan laughed twice, "I merely see you have exceptional appearance and talent, how could you be without a Dao companion by your side?"

"I see you and Yao'er are well-matched, a match made in heaven. Why don't I take charge today..."

Before finishing his words, Qing Yao's face turned as red as a ripe apple, hurriedly pulling her father aside.

"Dad, what are you doing?"

Qing Xuan sighed slightly: "Yao'er, I am worried about you. Although I look better now, my own body condition is something I know best."

"I won't live much longer."

Upon saying this, Qing Yao's tears flowed out, holding her father's hand tightly and refusing to let go.

Qing Xuan gently wiped away his daughter's tears, continuing: "Yao'er, I know this is harsh, but you must learn to accept."

"After I die, you only have the cultivation of Peak Foundation Establishment, and I cannot guarantee that surrounding sects won't covet you and Medicine Immortal Valley, so father wants to find you a support."

"I see this Chen Nan as extraordinary. Although currently he is only at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, given time, he will surely soar high. Entrusting you to him, I can rest assured."

"Father..." Qing Yao was overcome with sadness, dreading the thought of a life without her father.

Yet the thought of being betrothed to Chen Nan also made her shy.

"But I'm decades older than him, would he agree?"

Qing Yao also has feelings for Chen Nan; after all, he is young and promising, with tremendous potential, and remarkably handsome, surely the ideal Dao companion for many women.

"Haha, don't worry, this matter leave to father, I have a way to match you two."

Qing Xuan changed from his solemn demeanor and even winked at Qing Yao.

Making Qing Yao feel that her father said those words just to coax her into agreeing to the matter.

The two returned to the dining table, Chen Nan feeling quite embarrassed, not knowing others would think he was coveting Fairy Qing Yao.

He was no lustful ghost, seeing a beauty and wanting to pounce. This time he came mainly for the Spiritual Medicine.

"Uncle, Fairy Qing Yao is of heavenly beauty, I am but a small cultivator at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, unworthy, please do not jest."

Chen Nan bowed with sincerity as he said.

Qing Yao originally felt shy, but upon hearing Chen Nan's words, she was inexplicably angry. Did Chen Nan look down on her?

The name Medicine Fairy is not without merit; countless cultivators desire to become Dao companions with her.

"Just a blockhead, doesn't get it at all!" she muttered quietly.

Qing Xuan smiled slightly: "Alright, alright, let's set this matter aside for now. In the future, with Medicine Immortal Valley and Qingshan Sect advancing and retreating together, you and Yao'er must talk well."

"Come, I toast to you both."

Chen Nan hurriedly raised his glass, while Qing Yao snatched the glass from Qing Xuan's hand, huffing: "Don't you know your own health condition? Yet dare to drink?"

"This cup I will drink with Chen Nan, you better hurry and go back."

Qing Xuan was somewhat stunned but then smiled comfortingly.

"Alright, alright, I truly am getting old, not welcomed anymore. I won't disturb you youngsters any further, will I?"

With only Chen Nan and Qing Yao left, the atmosphere was somewhat awkward, and they could only keep drinking.

But as he continued to drink, Chen Nan started feeling something was not right.

Not only did his body become warmer, but his vision also grew increasingly blurred.

Why was Fairy Qing Yao getting closer and closer to him?