I Became the Alchemy Master by Picking Up Trash-Chapter 148 - 146: Moon Cherry in Full Bloom at Night (Part 1)-2

This feeling, he had only seen it in the Ten Great Elders, but how could a barely eighteen-year-old common girl possess such majesty? To verify his suspicion, Lin Zhian purposely approached Li Xing.

He discovered that Li Xing naturally possessed an affinity that could make people feel good with just a look or a word. Moreover, the vibrant vitality she emanated was truly uplifting, as if the air became noticeably fresher when around her.

Li Xing, being agreeable, picked up a large piece of roasted venison and, as Lin Zhian said, it was fresh, tender, juicy, and very delicious. With gourmet food as an excuse, the two chatted while eating, enjoying each other’s company.

Lin Zhian was a popular figure at the banquet, with many people seeking to socialize and converse with him. Before long, he was invited to dance by a noble lady and had to bid farewell to Li Xing.

Li Xing almost swept through the buffet area, and after she had her fill, the servants in charge of the dining area wiped their tears as they hurried to replenish the dishes that had been emptied.

At this moment, the banquet was at its peak, filled with the clinking of glasses and laughter, song, and dance. Ye Qingting, Cui Tianxiao, and Qi Ming were lively in their social circles, being noble family scions, mingling was essential for them.

On the other side of the banquet area, Chu Yunyi was having a casual chat with the commander of the Second Army, Jiang Yishan.

Jiang Yishan’s face had three long claw marks, scars that ran across his entire left cheek, marring his originally handsome appearance.

"Yun Yi, what do you think about Uncle Jiang’s proposal?"

Chu Yunyi slowly rotated the wine glass, lowering his gaze and staying silent.

Jiang Yishan exhibited a meaningful smile and continued,

"Yun Yi, I know you most desire to join the First Army, but you should understand that no mountain can accommodate two tigers."

"Your aunt has high prestige in the First Army, and the senior leaders there are all her trusted aides."

"The military is not a family business. Soldiers only recognize strength, not bloodline. They are willing to follow Chu Ying’s orders but may not necessarily heed yours. Even if you are a Heaven Rank talisman master, establishing your influence in the First Army is not an easy feat."

"Moreover, Chu Ying is in her prime and doesn’t need to cultivate a successor so early. If you go, she might even harbor resentment towards you, thinking you intend to seize power."

Seeing that Chu Yunyi did not show any disapproval, Jiang Yishan continued,

"I’m getting old and it’s time for me to retire and enjoy a peaceful life. Yue Sheng is impulsive and lacks stability. I wouldn’t be at ease handing the Second Army over to him. After much consideration, you are the most ideal successor for the Second Army!"

"If you came to the Second Army, you wouldn’t need to worry about winning hearts. After the Southern Beast Tide incident, the Second Army has been shrinking in numbers and lacks a backbone. For your parachuting in, the soldiers in the Second Army would not only have no hostility but would swiftly rally and pledge allegiance to you."

"If you’re willing to come, both Yue Sheng and I will fully support you in becoming a commander, and the Jiang Family will continue to back the Second Army financially."

Seeing that Chu Yunyi remained expressionless, Jiang Yishan tried to appeal to family ties.

"Yun Yi, you’ve grown up with Yue Sheng since childhood, and I see you as my own son. Now, as your uncle is asking for your help, how could you reject it?"

Chu Yunyi raised his gaze, smiling faintly: "Uncle Jiang, you overstate it. This matter is clearly advantageous to me. Why use the word ’ask’? However, I have already informed the ancestor and father that after the military academy competition, I will travel around the Qianyuan Continent to broaden my life experiences. As for joining the Second Army, I’ll give you an answer after my travels."

Jiang Yishan laughed heartily: "Alright! I’ll await your good news then!"

————

Li Xing, feeling a bit full, politely declined several dance invitations and walked out of the banquet hall to stroll in the garden.

The Chu Family residence is truly vast, akin to the Imperial Palace. Li Xing moved leisurely away from the hustle and bustle of the banquet hall, unknowingly straying further and further away.

Rounding a traditional-style corridor, a blooming Moon Cherry unexpectedly appeared before her eyes.

"Wow! So beautiful—!"

The Moon Cherry is a rare plant with great spiritual significance. Li Xing had only ever seen its 3D images in the library, never expecting to have the opportunity to admire it in person today. Moon Cherries rarely survive when artificially cultivated, much less bloom, especially in full crowning glory.

The Moon Cherry tree was quite tall, its canopy the size of a tennis court. Its branches were soft and slender, almost touching the ground, with each limb adorned with small bell-shaped flowers, each the size of a fingernail.

The flowers emitted a radiance as lustrous as moonlight, and when the evening breeze blew, the flower branches chimed crisply, spreading a faint and elegant fragrance.

Li Xing walked into the canopy of branches, immersing herself in a sea of floral colors, sounds, and scents.

The flower-laden branches layered densely like a thick curtain, and as Li Xing walked, she gently parted the lush, heavy branches. Suddenly, a figure appeared opposite her, startling Li Xing.

The other person did not expect to find someone else there and froze momentarily. When their eyes met, Li Xing was the first to speak.

"What are you doing here?" Li Xing immediately regretted asking, realizing that this was his home, and she was the uninvited intruder, with no right to question him.

However, Chu Yunyi didn’t seem offended and replied good-naturedly:

"It was too noisy, so I came out to get some fresh air."

Li Xing awkwardly touched her nose, "Oh."

Chu Yunyi’s earlier demeanor remained in Li Xing’s mind: a refined young man with a gentle and clean gaze, unmarred by any trace of dust.

Although Chu Yunyi usually wore a smile, appearing warm, Li Xing’s intuition told her that it was merely a social facade, fake. The unprepared face she saw for a split second earlier was his true appearance, devoid of any guard.

Handsome like an immortal, his eyebrows and eyes carried a touch of indescribable melancholy.