31) The hint to ice calamity lotus

Zhao Fan extended his hand, offering the glowing golden pill to Cici, who stood there speechless.

The pill was a masterpiece, and its very existence made her feel as if she had been struck by a thunderclap.

A grade 8 pill for free?

Would she even believe it?

Is there a hidden motive?

Cici hesitated, her mind thinking of possibilities on why he would give it to her.

What's more the pills even have pill clouds and pill intent.

The best among best quality pills.

"Take it, Senior," Zhao Fan said, his voice steady as he placed the pill in her hand with a polite gesture. "A token of appreciation for your concerns,"

Her fingers brushed the smooth surface of the pill, and she could feel the powerful energy contained within it.

It felt like the very essence of life itself.

The vitality boosting pill.

It can even increase someone's life by 100 years.

She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.

"You... You're truly something else, Young Master Zhao," Cici said, her voice soft but laced with awe. "But still... even with such power, you must understand that the world is vast. There are always forces that might wish to see you falter."

Zhao Fan's eyes glinted with a strange, knowing light. "Forces? The world is filled with them, Senior. But they are also filled with opportunities."

His tone was neither arrogant nor dismissive; it was simply the calm confidence of someone who understood the chessboard of the world too well.

"Also, I simply wish to be familiar with Ice Jade Peak as I will also be going to the secret domain of ice with the beautiful maidens of Ice Peak. Your peak master must have notified the news," Zhao Fan spoke.

Ooh?

He wants to be familiar with Ice Jade Peak because he would also be joining the ice domain; the secret realm.

That explains why he handed the pill.

Cici thought realizing the situation.

However, she haven't heard about someone else coming to the secret realm from peak master.

But come to think of it, it seems the sect master owes something to the great Zhao ancestor so, it's possible.

And the target might be ice flame, which is a powerful spiritual flame, and on alchemy, it can help refine the best quality pills without failure.

Yes, no failure.

...

"I have been enlightened..." Cici nodded her head.

"Then we will be in the care of Young Master Zhao during the exploration... Then, I presume, Young Master Zhao wishes to follow us right now?... Umm, that might not be a problem because we don't believe we can obtain Ice calamity lotus, however, it would be an interesting journey,"

Luo Yi who was watching from the sideline also nodded.

It's best that someone like young master Zhao accompany them.

Formation master and alchemist.

...

[Ding! Female lead Cici has a good impression of you, her affection has increased by +10 ]

[Ding! Female lead Luo Yi has a good impression of you, her affection has increased by 10 ]

[Their current affection: 20 ]

..

0-9 means Stranger: No interaction or knowledge of each other and just meeting each other.

10-19 means Familiar Face: Recognized but no personal connection.

20-25 means Passing Acquaintance: Brief conversations, knows the name. ( Won't let you smash. )

26-35: great Acquaintance: Occasional small talk, neutral feelings. ( Won't let you smash. )

36-40: Friendly Terms: More frequent interactions, minor trust. (Might let you smash, depending on women)

41-50: Good Friend: Regular communication, trust starts forming. ( might let you smash )

51-55 - Close Friend: Emotional support, deeper trust and understanding. ( Might )

55-59: Trusted Confidant: Shares personal matters, a high level of trust. ( might )

60- 74: Deep Bond: Feels a strong connection, willing to go out of the way for them. ( might )

75-90 - Cherished Person: Almost like family, strong emotional ties, deep loyalty. ( will let you smash anytime, any day )

90-100 - Soulmate / Lifebond: Deepest level of connection, unbreakable trust, and devotion. ( Will let you smash in any position, anywhere. Will even let you smash her friend )

It is easy to reach affection level 40 with anyone but after that, it will increase very slowly.

---

"Well, I am honored... However, I heard Senior needs the three ice Yin peaches so, I will be taking two,"

Slightly waving his hand, he released his Qi and picked two peaches.

He handed one of them to Ming'er and took one for himself.

Without waiting, he ate it.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Few women watched with open mouths seeing him eat it just like this.

They didn't get any treasure and almost offended alchemy association and now this man was enjoying it like it was some apple on the roadside.

Zhao Fan, however only felt his body becoming cold.

It felt like his blood was freezing.

A cold Qi swept across his dantian.

It felt like he had already reached the middle stage of first grade.

A blue icy light appeared in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Ming'er didn't immediately take the peach.

Like the name suggests it is an "Ice Yin peach" which means once you take this peach, the yin energy will overflow thus, you need Yang energy.

Males can easily digest it but it works as an aphrodisiac for women.

Of course, it can easily be counter-attacked by something like Divine Sunflower, Yin-suppressing pills, etc.

And right here, how can she get such plants or pills to counter attack the effect of yin?

Maybe she can take it when they reach a cave.

...

"Divine Son Zhao, I suppose you are looking for Calamity Ice lotus to rebuild your spirit root, I know where it is... It isn't at the center but at the north, however, it is protected by two Tier 8 beasts and there might even be a Tier 9 beast hidden somewhere," Cici spoke up.

"Indeed, We all have seen it however the snowfall over there is strange, it eats ours Qi," Luo Yi spoke this time trying to show her presence.

"Yes!"

"Yes! Yes!"

"Umm hmm"

The other women also nodded their heads and confirmed their words.