Chapter 247 Return to Gama
Then Xiao Ling slowly filled each person's glass. Each glass was just right, neither overflowing nor not overflowing. Bubbles gently jumped at the rim of the glass, as if inviting everyone to taste it.
Zi Yan's eyes were fixed on the cup of Coke. She picked up the cup impatiently, and the cold feeling instantly spread from her fingertips to her heart. She gently blew the bubbles on the mouth of the cup, then tilted the cup to let the bubbling Coke pour in, and then drank it all in one gulp.
As the last drop of Coke disappeared, Zi Yan let out a satisfied sigh from her throat, and her eyes sparkled with joy, as if she had just experienced a little adventure.
She licked the sweetness that remained on her lips. It was a wonderful feeling mixed with sweetness and excitement, which made people want to do it again.
"It's so delicious!" Zi Yan couldn't help but praise, with a hint of surprise and satisfaction in her voice, "This Coke is sweet and a little stimulating. It's the perfect match for a dinner party."
Xiao Ling looked at Zi Yan's satisfied expression, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips. Since Zi Yan likes sweets, she has always liked drinks like Coke.
After drinking, Zi Yan's eyes became brighter. She raised the empty glass and handed it to Xiao Ling, saying, "I want more. Pour me another glass."
Xiao Ling smiled helplessly and said, "Okay, I'll give you as much as you want to drink, and no one will snatch it from you."
Qinglin and Xiao Yixian also picked up the glass in front of them and savored the drink from another world.
Xiao Yixiang and Qinglin had drunk Xiao Ling's Coke before and they liked the taste very much. There was a look of satisfaction in their eyes.
Xiao Zi's eyes fell on the cup of Coke, with a hint of curiosity and hesitation. She sniffed it gently, and the unique smell made her eyes flash with surprise. For her, such a drink was an unprecedented novel experience.
Qinglin noticed Xiao Zi's hesitation. She smiled slightly, shook her head, and said with a hint of playfulness: "Xiao Zi, this is the young master's exclusive secret cola. You can't see it outside. It tastes very special. You will definitely like it."
Xiao Zi was intrigued by Qing Lin's words. She carefully picked up the cup and took a sip. The cold liquid danced on her tongue, bringing a sweetness and slight stimulation that she had never tasted before. Her pupils shrank slightly, obviously shocked by this sudden feeling.
But soon, the cool feeling turned into an indescribable pleasure, and Xiao Zi couldn't help but drink a few more sips. Her eyes gradually lit up, and she was obviously conquered by this unique taste.
Seeing Xiao Zi's reaction, Qing Lin couldn't help but laugh: "Xiao Zi, I was right, this Coke is really delicious."
Xiao Zi couldn't help but blush when Qing Lin teased her. She lowered her voice with a hint of shyness: "Indeed. It's really good."
Xiao Ling watched the interaction between the two, with a smile in his eyes. Then, he poured himself a full cup of Coke, and then handed it to his sleeve. Rayquaza's shrunken head popped out from his sleeve, and it quickly drank the Coke in the cup, then squinted its eyes in satisfaction, and then swiftly retracted into its sleeve.
The afternoon passed quietly in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Four people and one snake sat around the picnic blanket, enjoying the food and sharing stories with each other. The laughter and conversation echoed in the valley.
As the sun gradually set, the golden sunlight became softer, and golden waves appeared on the lake. Xiao Ling stood up, stretched, and his eyes fell on the distant skyline.
"After resting for such a long time, it's time for us to go back." Xiao Ling said softly, with a hint of anticipation and excitement in his voice. After returning to the Xiao family, it would be time to start refining the Turtle Spirit Earth Fire.
Zi Yan and Xiao Yi Xian also stood up, with a hint of nostalgia in their eyes. Qing Lin and Xiao Zi also packed up their things and came to the group.
Xiao Zi changed back to her demon beast form, her body gleaming purple in the sunlight. The four jumped onto her back again, ready to return.
Before leaving, Xiao Ling looked back in the direction of the remains of the "Turtle Spirit Venerable", and recalled the Abyss Water Crocodile King who had been guarding that place. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "I hope you can live happily in the future."
The Purple Flame Wind Winged Snake flapped its wings and flew high, carrying them through the clouds. Under Xiao Ling's guidance, they flew towards the direction of the Jia Ma Empire. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, stretching their shadows very long.
……
Three days later, a purple figure streaked across the sky above the Jia Ma Empire, passing by as fast as a meteor. The huge wings of the Purple Flame Wind Wing Snake flapped in the air, bringing up gusts of strong wind. Its speed was so fast that it was almost impossible to see its entire appearance.
As the distance got closer, the majestic walls of the Jiama Empire gradually became clearer. The walls were towering into the sky, built of solid black rock, and the surface was full of traces of time, witnessing countless storms and wars. On the walls, soldiers patrolled vigilantly, their eyes were sharp, and the long spears in their hands flashed coldly in the sun.
The three-day flight was just a brief moment for them who were used to long-distance journeys.
Standing on the head of the Purple Flame Wind Wing Snake, Qing Lin looked at the looming walls of the Gama Holy City and said softly, "It looks like the Gama Empire is coming soon."
The Little Medical Fairy beside her nodded, her silver hair fluttering gently in the wind, "Indeed, it hasn't been long since I returned to the Holy City of Gama."
Zi Yan looked back at Xiao Ling behind her. At this moment, Xiao Ling was sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, as if meditating. She said helplessly, "I don't know how long it will take Xiao Ling to wake up. Don't wait until we reach the Jia Ma Empire and he's still like this."
Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian also turned their eyes to Xiao Ling. Since he set out to return to the Jia Ma Empire, Xiao Ling has been meditating, saying that he is absorbing the memory of "Turtle Spirit Venerable". Now three days have passed, and there has been no response.
As if he had heard the conversation between several people, Xiao Ling, who was originally sitting cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes. A gleam of light flashed in his eyes, and a look of joy that was hard to conceal appeared on his face.
Have we reached the Jiama Empire so soon? How many days have passed? "Xiao Ling's voice was filled with a hint of uncontrollable excitement. He stood up from the back of the Purple Flame Wind Wing Snake and stretched his body, and the bones of his body made a crisp sound.
Qing Lin turned around, his eyes fell softly on Xiao Ling's face, and replied with a smile: "Yes, Master, we are close to the Holy City of Gama. You have been meditating for three days, and it seems that you have gained a lot."
Xiao Ling nodded, a deep light flashed in his eyes, and his voice was filled with a hint of excitement that was difficult to conceal: "Indeed, this meditation has benefited me a lot. The memory of 'Turtle Spirit Venerable' is a huge asset to me, especially those exquisite techniques on alchemy. With my current soul power, I only need a little practice to integrate this knowledge, and soon I will be able to refine an eighth-grade pill."
Hearing Xiao Ling's words, everyone's faces showed joy. They were sincerely happy that Xiao Ling could make such great progress.
Qing Lin's eyes sparkled with admiration for Xiao Ling, and her voice was filled with a hint of excitement that was difficult to conceal: "Congratulations, young master, on having such an achievement. I believe it won't be long before you can become a true eighth-grade alchemist."
Little Medical Fairy gently tidied up her silver hair that was messed up by the wind, and her voice revealed a hint of expectation: "Eighth-grade elixirs are extremely precious. Some of the poisons recorded in the "Heavenly Poison Codex" can be refined into poison pills, and their toxicity can be enhanced several times. When the time comes, I will have to rely on your skills."
Zi Yan's face was filled with excitement, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity and longing for new things: "Xiao Ling, when you refine the eighth-grade elixir, you must let me taste it first."
A gentle smile appeared on Xiao Ling's lips. His eyes gently swept over everyone, and finally stopped at the Purple Flame Wind Wing Snake. He gently patted Xiao Zi on the back, and said with gratitude: "Xiao Zi, you have worked hard this time. When we return to the Xiao family, I will definitely reward you well."
Xiao Zi let out a low roar, as if in response to Xiao Ling's words. She did not slow down and continued to fly towards the direction of the Gama Empire.
As the distance shortened, the outline of the Jiama Empire became clearer and clearer. The majesty and solidity of the city walls made people feel awe for the city's past.
On the city wall, the soldiers' figures are like guards dotted in the historical picture scroll. Their constant vigilance is the guarantee of the peace of the city.
Seeing that they were getting closer and closer to the Holy City of Gama, Xiao Ling turned around and said to Qinglin, "Qinglin, we are not far from the city gate. Let Xiao Zi go back and rest first. We can fly in by ourselves." Qinglin nodded without asking any more questions. She did whatever Xiao Ling told her to do.
As Qinglin chanted a spell softly, a green light flashed in his eyes, and the huge figure of the Purple Flame Wind Wing Snake slowly disappeared into the air and was taken into the pupil technique space of Qinglin's Green Snake Three Flower Pupils.
Afterwards, Xiao Ling, Zi Yan, Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin spread out their fighting spirit wings one after another. The fighting spirits of different colors were like four streams of light crossing the sky and flew towards the gate of the Holy City of Gama.
As Xiao Ling and his companions got closer and closer to the gate of the Holy City of Gama, the guards on the city wall vigilantly clenched their weapons, their eyes nervously fixed on the four rapidly approaching streams of light.
These days, the top leaders of the Gama Empire have issued orders to strengthen vigilance to prevent foreign enemies from invading the Holy City of Gama.
The crowd at the city gate also felt the tense atmosphere and stopped in their tracks, with curiosity and worry intertwined on their faces. They didn't know what was going to happen, so they could only hold their breath and stare at the four streams of light gradually becoming clearer.
However, when the light gradually slowed down and the figures of Xiao Ling and the other three appeared clearly in front of everyone, the guards' tension instantly dissipated.
They immediately recognized Xiao Ling, the "No. 1 Alchemist of the Jia Ma Empire" who was known to everyone in the Jia Ma Empire.
The crowd around him also burst into low exclamations and discussions. Their eyes looking towards Xiao Ling were full of respect and admiration.
"Isn't that Master Xiao Ling from the Xiao family?" A young voice spoke with excitement that was hard to conceal.
"I didn't expect to meet Master Xiao Ling. I'm so lucky today." Another person echoed.
"I am sixteen years old this year and have reached the level of a fighter. Can I become Master Xiao Ling's disciple?" asked a young man full of longing.
"You think too much. Master Xiao Ling broke through to this level when he was half your age. How could he possibly look down on you?" The person next to him criticized.
As Xiao Ling and his three companions landed at the city gate, the originally bustling crowd seemed to be driven by some kind of magic and spontaneously made way for them. The sunlight sprinkled on the stone road, casting mottled light and shadows, adding a bit of solemnity to the scene.
Seeing the crowd parted, Xiao Ling took the little medical fairy Qinglin and Zi Yan and walked towards the city gate.
Xiao Ling walked in the front, his steps were calm and firm, and every step seemed so confident. Xiao Yixian followed closely behind, her silver hair fluttering gently in the breeze, like a fairy descending from the sky. Qing Lin and Zi Yan were on both sides, one playful and lively, the other gentle and lovely.
When the city gate guards saw Xiao Ling, the nervous expressions on their faces were instantly replaced by awe. One guard stepped forward quickly and saluted respectfully, with a tremor in his tone: "Master Xiao Ling, welcome back to the Holy City of Gama."
The guards had no complaints about Xiao Ling's arrival, which disrupted the order at the city gate. Instead, they seemed a little flattered.
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, his eyes swept across the guards, and then turned to the people who seemed a little confused because of his sudden appearance.
He took out a fourth-grade pill from his storage ring and gently threw it to the guard, saying in a calm but dignified tone: "Since I have delayed these people's time, I will pay for today's entrance fee."
The guard took the pill and could not hide the joy on his face. He knew that the value of this pill far exceeded his annual salary, and this was undoubtedly a great opportunity.
He nodded quickly and thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you Master Xiao Ling, we will always remember your generosity. Please come in, gentlemen."
The people around also cast grateful eyes, whispering and praising Xiao Ling's good deeds. In their minds, Xiao Ling, as a distinguished sixth-grade alchemist, would actually compensate ordinary people like them for such a small thing. This would never happen to other people in high positions.
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, and without stopping for too long, he led Xiao Yixian, Qinglin and Ziyan slowly into the city. Their figures gradually disappeared in the shadow of the city gate, and the order at the city gate was quickly restored under the command of the guards.
The guard at the city gate put away the pill and the smile on his face became even brighter. He felt so lucky to have seen the legendary Master Xiao Ling in person and received his reward.
He secretly rejoiced in his heart: "Haha, that brother guarding the gate of Shimo City really didn't lie to me. Master Xiao Ling is really generous. I really picked up a treasure this time."
Then, his expression became serious, and he regained his dignity as a guard. He shouted loudly to the crowd that was slightly confused by the arrival of Xiao Ling and his party: "Okay, okay, everyone calm down, line up, and enter the city in order."
……
Xiao Ling walked through the familiar gate of the Xiao family, and took Xiao Yixian, Qinglin and Ziyan along the bluestone path, all the way to his own courtyard.
The surrounding scenery remained the same, every stone and every tree was exactly the same as when they left. Their footsteps echoed in the quiet courtyard, breaking the tranquility of the afternoon.
As soon as Zi Yan entered the courtyard, she couldn't help stretching. There was a hint of satisfaction and relaxation in her voice: "I'm finally back. I was really exhausted on the way."
The little medical fairy gently brushed away the dust on her clothes. Her silver hair shone with a soft luster in the sun. A faint smile appeared on her face, and she looked relaxed and comfortable.
Qinglin looked around, a trace of relief in her eyes. She said softly, "It's still the same as before, nothing has changed."
Xiao Ling stood in the middle of the courtyard and took a deep breath. The air was filled with a faint floral scent, which made him feel a long-lost tranquility. He turned around and said to the three women, "Everyone has worked hard during this period. Let's take a good rest first."
Zi Yan nodded, her eyes wandering around the courtyard, and finally fell on the swing in the corner of the courtyard. She walked over lightly, sat on the swing, swaying gently, enjoying the comfort of returning home.
Qinglin walked to the stone table in the courtyard, took out a set of tea sets from her ring, and began to prepare tea. Her technique was skillful and elegant, and every movement seemed so natural.
The Little Medical Fairy walked to Xiao Ling's side and asked softly, "Xiao Ling, what are your plans next?"
Xiao Ling pondered for a moment, then said: "I need some time to sort out the memories of 'Turtle Spirit Venerable' and start refining the Turtle Spirit Earth Fire. During this time, you can also use this opportunity to practice well."
Zi Yan sat on the swing. As Xiao Ling finished speaking, she turned her head with a glimmer of expectation in her eyes: "Xiao Ling, before you go into seclusion this time, remember to prepare some pills for me. Don't be like last time, forcing me to take the pills made by the old medicine man."
In the Bone Inflammation Ring, Yao Chen was originally leisurely flipping through the alchemist's notes obtained from the remains of the Turtle Spirit Venerable, intending to draw some inspiration from it. Although the alchemy skills of the Turtle Spirit Venerable were not as good as his level when he was alive, it was a skill from ancient times after all, and perhaps it could bring some new inspiration.
However, after hearing Zi Yan's words, Yao Chen's mouth twitched slightly, but in the end he just shook his head and said nothing more, muttering to himself: "Alas, this girl, she always forgets my kindness."
Xiao Ling smiled gently and nodded, with a hint of pampering in his tone: "Okay, don't worry, I will definitely refine it for you before this retreat."
(End of this chapter)