Profound Heaven Soul Sovereign

The Xu family, one of the top families in Celestial Capital Prefecture.

Aside from the supremely powerful Yuchi and Xiao families, the next strongest in Celestial Capital Prefecture were families like the Xu, Lin, and Li. Each of these families boasted at least several Tier Eight Martial Emperors, and their power was thus in a class of its own.

It could be said that these families were the true rulers of Celestial Capital Prefecture, controlling every facet of the city.

Upon seeing Elder Xu Zhen of the Xu family arrive at the Profound Light Pavilion, many of those present were instantly shocked.

"What is Elder Xu Zhen doing here?"

"I know! I heard that when Elder Xu Zhen was out training years ago, he was ambushed and his Profound Sea was injured. He must have heard about how capable the Profound Light Pavilion is and came here hoping to get his injuries treated."

"I heard Elder Xu Zhen sustained that injury more than a decade ago. He was on the verge of death when he returned, barely clinging to life. The Xu family spent a fortune and hired many Alchemists to heal him, but his Profound Sea suffered a devastating blow. He can never break through again, and they say he still hasn’t recovered to this day."

"What a shame. In his youth, Elder Xu Zhen was the Xu family’s top genius. His talent was even more heaven-defying than the current Patriarch’s. But after the injury, his potential was exhausted. If the Profound Light Pavilion can actually heal his Profound Sea, that would be absolutely incredible."

The crowd in the hall immediately broke into a flurry of discussion.

"Heh heh, Elder Xu Zhen, your presence brings honor to my humble Profound Light Pavilion."

Having heard the news, Su Xiuyi could no longer sit still. He hurried down from the second floor, a wide smile on his face as he spoke.

The Xu family was a behemoth. No matter how capable the Profound Light Pavilion became, if it wanted to thrive in Celestial Capital Prefecture, it absolutely could not afford to offend such a major family.

"And this is?" Su Xiuyi glanced at the young man beside Xu Zhen.

"You’re too kind, Pavilion Master Su. To think that a man of your caliber would be here in the West District... it is truly a surprise," Elder Xu Zhen said with a smile, showing none of the airs one might expect from a member of a great family.

He then continued his introduction, "This young man beside me is my own grandson, Xu Ping. Go on, greet the Pavilion Master."

The young man, however, was rather arrogant, merely nodding as he said, "Pavilion Master Su."

His tone was utterly nonchalant.

"Ah, Young Master Xu. So young and promising," Su Xiuyi said with a smile. Xu Ping was only in his twenties but was already a Tier Seven Second Layer Martial King, clearly one of the core disciples groomed by the Xu family.

"Xu Ping, be more courteous to Pavilion Master Su," Xu Zhen said, glaring at him.

"It’s no trouble, Elder Xu Zhen. Young people are all like this. Weren’t we the same at that age? You could say he has character." Su Xiuyi laughed it off, then got straight to the point. "If I may ask, Elder Xu Zhen, what business brings you to my Profound Light Pavilion?"

Xu Zhen said, "Well, I heard that your Profound Light Pavilion has some kind of ’premium reservation’ system. So I came to see for myself."

’Just as I thought.’ Su Xiuyi’s heart skipped a beat. He had already guessed the reason for Xu Zhen’s visit. With the Xu family’s power and influence, what Pill or treasure was beyond their reach? He certainly hadn’t come here for a simple purchase.

Thinking of this, Su Xiuyi quickly smiled. "In that case, Elder Xu Zhen, please, come inside."

Soon, Xu Zhen and Xu Ping were led to a reception room. Elder Xu Zhen took a sip of tea, set the cup down, and spoke directly. "Pavilion Master Su, I won’t beat around the bush. You’ve likely heard about my condition. I wonder, is it possible for your Profound Light Pavilion to cure my injuries? As for the price, that is entirely negotiable."

Su Xiuyi replied gravely, "Elder Xu Zhen, I can make no guarantees. I’ll have to ask the masters of our Profound Light Pavilion to examine you before we know for sure. I can only say that we will do our utmost."

"Then I thank you, Pavilion Master Su. Where are the masters of your Profound Light Pavilion?"

"Rest assured, Elder Xu Zhen. I have already notified the two masters, and they will be here shortly."

Indeed, just as Su Xiuyi finished speaking, Ye Xuan and Elder Yao walked in.

Ye Xuan already knew that a second person was requesting the premium service. Although this sort of Alchemy would consume a great deal of his time, he couldn’t help but feel tempted when he recalled the payment he had received from Qiu Wushuang.

The people who could afford this premium, customized service were never poor, and the Spirit Medicines they possessed were usually quite extraordinary.

"Elder Xu Zhen, these two are the premier masters of our Profound Light Pavilion: Master Xuan Ye and Master Yaocheng."

Xu Zhen was slightly surprised to see a young man among the two, but he quickly hid his astonishment.

He had heard that one of the managers at the Profound Light Pavilion was a young man with a very high status, but he never expected him to be quite so young. ’He looks to be about twenty, doesn’t he?’

’A young man in his early twenties is an Alchemy Master?’

He found it hard to believe his own eyes and even felt a twinge of disappointment. However, his confidence was restored when he recalled the Profound Light Pavilion’s recent renown.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Xu Zhen immediately stood up and smiled. "I am Xu Zhen. It is an honor to meet you both, Masters."

"Heh heh, there’s no need for such courtesy, Elder Xu Zhen," Elder Yao and Ye Xuan replied with a smile, having already been briefed on their visitor’s identity.

"Grandfather, this Xuan Ye is so young, and he’s an Alchemy Master? You’ve got to be kidding, right?"

Just then, an ill-timed voice piped up. It was Xu Ping, who was staring at Ye Xuan with a skeptical expression.

"Xu Ping, that’s enough!" Xu Zhen snapped.

"Grandfather, I’m just telling it like it is. This kid looks a few years younger than me, right? Even if he is an Alchemist, how skilled could he possibly be?" Xu Ping’s face was full of scorn. He couldn’t help but feel irritated seeing his own grandfather act so respectfully toward someone younger than himself.

His family, the Xu family, was one of the great houses of Celestial Capital Prefecture. What kind of prominent figures hadn’t they met? Even the famous Medicine Kings of the Prefecture were deferential before them. As for Xu Ping himself, he had been surrounded by flattery and praise his entire life.

Now, seeing a boy younger than him being addressed as a "master," his youthful arrogance immediately kicked in, causing him to speak his mind without any filter.

"Xu Ping, shut your mouth! If you say one more word, you can go home right now."

Xu Zhen glared fiercely at Xu Ping and shouted sharply.

He had intended to come to the Profound Light Pavilion alone, but Xu Ping had insisted on tagging along. Seeing his grandson so adamant, he hadn’t refused.

But he hadn’t expected Xu Ping to be so utterly disrespectful here, and it infuriated him.

’Regardless of whether they have real ability or not, I am the one asking for a favor. The right attitude is essential.’ Xu Ping was too accustomed to life in a great family; he still had much to learn about how to conduct himself in the world.

After rebuking Xu Ping, Xu Zhen quickly cupped his hands in apology to Elder Yao and Ye Xuan. "Masters, my grandson has always been unruly and speaks without a filter. Please, do not take offense."

"No matter," Elder Yao said lightly, though his expression was anything but pleased.

If Xu Ping had insulted him, he wouldn’t have reacted at all. But the insult was directed at Ye Xuan. In Elder Yao’s heart, Young Master Ye’s skill in Alchemy was transcendent, a sacred art that could not be profaned by others.

Ye Xuan, however, merely gave Xu Ping a long, deep look without saying a word.

"Since Elder Xu Zhen has come seeking a cure, let’s get right to it. First, allow us to perform an examination," Elder Yao said directly.

"No problem."

Without the slightest hesitation, Xu Zhen retracted his Profound Energy, allowing Elder Yao to begin his examination.

His decisiveness took Elder Yao by surprise.

For a Martial Artist to completely retract their Profound Energy was to leave themselves utterly vulnerable. It was an enormous risk; if the examiner had malicious intent, they could inflict severe injuries with ease.

"Hm?"

After a moment of probing, Elder Yao let out a soft sound of confusion. His brow furrowed deeply, as if he had encountered a major problem, and he began to shake his head.

"Master Yaocheng, how is it?" Xu Zhen asked, his heart tightening.

"Your Profound Sea was pierced by some kind of powerful Profound Energy, which caused the initial damage. Although the wound itself healed, the tear in your Profound Sea remains. But that’s not the strangest part. I’ve discovered that the previously healed area seems to have become unstable recently, as if it’s about to relapse. But I can’t for the life of me figure out why. It’s very odd."

A sharp glint flashed in Xu Zhen’s eyes. "Are you certain?"

Elder Yao frowned. "It’s highly likely, but I can’t be certain."

At this, Elder Yao turned to Ye Xuan. "Young Master Ye, come take a look. Elder Xu Zhen’s Profound Sea is too strange. I can’t get a clear read on it."

Xu Zhen’s heart jolted. Elder Yao’s attitude toward Ye Xuan was one of utmost deference. He could clearly tell that it was genuine, and his tone even carried a hint of someone seeking instruction.

Xu Zhen was well aware of the hierarchy among Alchemists; it was even more rigid than that of Martial Artists. Elder Yao’s expression and tone were those of an Alchemist addressing a superior.

Therefore, as Ye Xuan began his examination, Xu Zhen dared not show the slightest carelessness.

Xu Ping, on the other hand, still wore a look of utter skepticism.

Ye Xuan’s Profound Sense seeped into Xu Zhen’s body, probing it inch by inch. After the time it takes for half a stick of incense to burn, he finally withdrew his Profound Sense. His expression remained completely placid throughout the entire process.

"Master Xuan Ye, how is it?"

Xu Zhen couldn’t help but ask.

After a long moment of silence, Ye Xuan spoke slowly. "Elder Xu Zhen, I believe you have been poisoned."

"What? Poisoned? Are you kidding me? How could my grandfather be poisoned? Grandfather, I told you this guy was a fraud! There’s no way you’re poisoned!"

Before Xu Zhen could even speak, Xu Ping cried out, his face a mask of contempt and anger.

"Silence!"

But to Xu Ping’s surprise, the moment the words left his mouth, Xu Zhen roared in fury. Xu Ping had never seen his grandfather so stern with him before and was instantly shocked into silence.

"Master Xuan Ye... am I really poisoned?"

Xu Zhen stared at Ye Xuan, his voice trembling as he asked.