Xiao Yan’s face was grave as he nodded. If Cao Ying was indeed as Ye Zhong had described, then she would truly be a formidable rival… “Cao Ying…” murmuring her name under his breath, some passion welled up in Xiao Yan’s dark eyes. Since he began practicing alchemy, he had never encountered a peer who was overwhelmingly strong. Even at the Alchemists’ Assembly in the Jia Ma Empire, the only one who caused him some trouble was the Vice Chairman of another empire’s Alchemists’ Guild, disguised. Among those of his age, even Liu Ling, had not posed any threat to Xiao Yan. But this Cao Ying was indeed a real contender…
From Ye Zhong’s description, Xiao Yan understood that Cao Ying must be someone with a monstrous talent for alchemy. Compared to him, she might even have the upper hand. After all, the series of accolades on her head were something Xiao Yan did not possess.
“Indeed, the pressure is great. It’s no wonder this gathering is the most prestigious in the alchemy world…” Sighing internally, Xiao Yan felt the power of the Alchemist Convention even more. Right now, just this single demonic woman from the Cao Clan was giving him a hard time. Who knows if there were other such freakishly talented individuals lurking elsewhere? The vastness of the mainland made it unsurprising if a few monstrously talented youths emerged.
“Back then, for Teacher to win the championship of this Convention, it truly shows that he has quite a few tricks up his sleeve. Otherwise, how could he have suppressed so many talents?” Xiao Yan smiled inwardly, remembering that Pharmacist Elder seemed to have once been a champion of a previous Alchemist Convention. But for some reason, he did not use his reputation to enter the Pill Tower. Otherwise, with such a background and his family’s strength, he might have become one of the Pill Tower’s powerhouses. Then, they would not need to fear the Soul Temple anymore.
Of course, such thoughts could only stay in his mind. With the Elder’s laidback nature, he probably did not like the life of being in a high position either.
“Ha ha, but Sir Xiao Yan, you don’t need to worry too much. Though Cao Ying is not weak, it’s still unknown who will come out on top. As long as she hasn’t reached the level of an 8th Rank Alchemist, there’s no guarantee of absolute victory. Alchemy also requires good condition and luck. Failure is common for everyone,” Ye Zhong laughed reassuringly, seeing Xiao Yan’s silence.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly. An 8th Rank Alchemist and a 7th Rank Alchemist were two completely different levels. In recent years, the only one who could refine 8th Rank pills, apart from Xiao Yan, seemed to be Teacher Yao Lao… 7th Rank Alchemists, though he had seen several since coming to Central State, 8th Rank ones were a different story. People of such a level should be treated with respect, even by Dou Zun experts, just like how Yao Lao was regarded in Central State years ago.
The scarcity of 8th Rank Alchemists showed how difficult it was to reach that level. A 7th Rank Alchemist could do well in Central State, but to make Dou Zuns willing to be your bodyguards, one must at least reach the 8th Rank…
Reining in his thoughts, Xiao Yan smiled, “Don’t worry, I am determined to win this gathering. No matter how strong my opponents are, I will do my best…”
Ye Zhong nodded, smiling, “Sir Xiao Yan, the examination of the Five Great Clans is less than a month away. We should arrive at Sacred Pill City early, so we’ll have to leave in about twenty days.”
This abrupt schedule made Xiao Yan frown, but he could only agree. Time was tight, and he could not afford to waste any. Fortunately, his alchemy practice was improving. Although he still hadn’t succeeded in refining a 7th Rank high-tier pill, the success rate of low and mid-tier pills had increased significantly. At this rate, Xiao Yan could eventually refine a 7th Rank high-tier pill successfully.
“If it’s time to leave, tell me. I’ll rest for a day and then go into seclusion for a while…”
Hearing that Xiao Yan would again undergo self-punishing cultivation, even Ye Zhong couldn’t help wiping off a cold sweat. Alchemy was exhausting and, normally, even a 7th Rank Alchemist couldn’t keep refining pills throughout the day. The energy consumption was too significant. According to convention, a 7th Rank Alchemist could only refine three sets of pills in a day, but Xiao Yan, with his strong soul and strange fire, could manage six, ten, or even more!
In other words, one day of his intense cultivation could match several days for others. Of course, this kind of extreme training was extremely exhausting, but after years of hardship, Xiao Yan had developed a resilient character. His present achievements were the result of gradual accumulation, not a sudden burst of skill.
Wiping off the cold sweat, Ye Zhong respected Xiao Yan. “Alright, Sir Xiao Yan, focus on your cultivation. If you need any medicinal ingredients, let me know. I’ll exhaust my clan’s collection to support you!”
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, and after chatting a bit more about the convention, he headed back to his room with Little Healer Immortal and the others. The next day, after dealing with the Cao Family’s troubles, Xiao Yan entered the refining room, announcing his retreat into seclusion. Soon, rare medicinal ingredients were moved from the Ye Family’s warehouse, piling up inside the refining room…
Because of Xiao Yan’s appearance, the Ye Family temporarily avoided harassment from the Cao Family. Additionally, occasional appearances by Little Healer Immortal and Heavenly Fire Venerable made other covetous forces more cautious. Two Dou Zun experts were not something ordinary forces could challenge.
Without external disturbances, the Ye Family became more peaceful. Time passed quietly, like sand through an hourglass…
Perhaps due to the nearing Alchemist Convention, the entire Pill Domain became increasingly lively. Every place saw a surge in people, including those with somewhat different accents, who were clearly there for the convention. The convention was a major event for both the alchemy world and Central State. When it began, the Pill Domain would become the focal point of the entire continent, drawing countless people and forces like hungry wolves.
Alchemy, the most revered profession on the Continent, was envied for its capabilities and power. Some alchemists might not be strong in combat, but a small pill could make other powerful figures fight for them. Thus, alchemists, especially high-ranking ones, should not be provoked. They, like wasp nests, would cause endless trouble if upset.
High-ranking alchemists were highly coveted by various forces, who would offer all sorts of tempting conditions, even fighting to the death for their services. The prestige of alchemists made the convention incredibly significant. All knew that the ones who stand out here must be highly capable. Recruiting them could greatly enhance a force’s power, leading to a rapid influx of people into the expansive Pill Domain as the exam approached.
At the entrance of the refining room, all Ye Family members waited respectfully, led by Ye Zhong, Xinyan, and several elders. Today was the last day before they left for Sacred Pill City, and it was the day Xiao Yan emerged from his seclusion. For the past twenty days, Xiao Yan hadn’t stepped outside the refining room. The intense heat inside deterred even those delivering herbs. They would silently leave after placing the ingredients.
During these days, dark clouds and thunder often gathered over the Ye Family’s rear courtyard, but they would suddenly dissipate. This phenomenon attracted Ye Zhong’s attention. They felt surging energy whenever the thunder was about to strike, similar to forming 7th Rank high-tier pills.
Though they didn’t understand why the energy vanished at critical moments, they sensed Xiao Yan was intentional. Regardless, his intensive cultivation seemed to have greatly benefited his alchemy skills.
As they thought, the stone door slowly opened, and a wave of heat spread out. A thin, disheveled figure with messy black hair and sparse stubble walked out. His black eyes, however, shone brightly. Looking at Xiao Yan, Ye Zhong and the others felt something was different about him.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage