Before the spatial passage was a rather spacious open ground. The space around the open ground was twisted and distorted, clearly showing that it had been forcibly constructed by a powerful alchemist as a resting place. Such techniques and grandeur were quite remarkable; ordinary forces, even the Ice River Valley, might not be able to muster such ability and resolve.
At this moment, there were already many figures standing or sitting on the open ground, each emitting a strong aura, clearly participants who had passed through the illusionary gate. These figures were mostly scattered, watching each other with guarded eyes. Only a few grouped together in small clusters, but their gaze towards others was still filled with caution. In such a place, there were no friends, only competitors.
Xiao Yan’s sudden appearance naturally caught the attention of everyone on the open ground. A series of gazes, filled with various emotions, were cast upon his body. Sensing the wary and somewhat hostile gazes, Xiao Yan remained unperturbed. His gaze slowly swept over the open ground, and he even spotted Cao Ying and Song Qing.
When Xiao Yan saw Cao Ying and Song Qing, the two of them also noticed his gaze. Cao Ying was slightly taken aback before a seductive smile appeared on her lips, one that would undoubtedly cause the hearts of many men to waver. Song Qing, however, frowned slightly.
From a distance, Xiao Yan smiled at the two, but he did not approach. Instead, he took a step back, finding an empty spot and sitting cross-legged. He did not want to get too close to these two, and since he did not fully know them, he couldn’t be sure if they would ultimately betray him. Over the years, he had seen many such betrayals, and it was wise to be cautious.
Moreover, although the test in the Dan World was ostensibly just to find some celestial materials and treasures, everyone knew that this second round of tests would be crucial. Many people would be eliminated in this round, highlighting the difficulty of the test. Xiao Yan knew that the greatest enemy in this second round was not the environment, but the other participants. Therefore, it was wiser to act alone than to cooperate with someone you couldn’t fully trust.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s actions, Song Qing felt relieved, but Cao Ying’s delicate brows furrowed. This guy, repeatedly humiliating her, even the most patient person would have a bit of temper flaring.
“Let’s see how you manage once we enter the Dan World,” Cao Ying grinded her teeth like a little wild cat, feeling quite aggrieved.
Xiao Yan, of course, didn’t know what Cao Ying was thinking. After sitting down, his gaze turned to the spatial passage not far away. Before the passage was an old man dressed in simple clothes, riding a giant black tortoise. The old man sat cross-legged on the tortoise’s back.
From the badge on the old man’s chest, it was clear that he was from the Pill Tower, though no one had heard of such a character within the Pill Tower.
As Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the old man, he felt a chill in his heart. He could not see through the old man’s strength at all.
“Truly, the Pill Tower is a place of dragons and tigers hidden in its depths.”
As Xiao Yan discreetly withdrew his gaze, the old man, who had been in a half-drowsy state, suddenly opened his eyes. As his eyes opened, Xiao Yan felt his soul power in the center of his brows tremble.
The old man glanced indifferently at Xiao Yan, then looked around, and said in a listless voice, “It’s about time. You can now enter the Dan World. Each person must come to me to receive a task herbal list, a map of the Dan World, and a spatial stone. The herb list is your compulsory task. You will only successfully pass this round when you collect all the herbs listed.”
“The map will guide you to the exit of the Dan World. After collecting all the herbs, go there…”
“As for the spatial stone, it is for your life. If you encounter a life-threatening situation, you can crush the spatial stone, and you will be automatically sent out of the Dan World. However, crushing the stone means you lose the qualification to continue participating. Do you understand?”
The crowd nodded slightly. Those who had arrived at this speed were no ordinary individuals.
“The Dan World, due to its dilapidated state, is not suitable for prolonged stays. You have ten days to search for the required herbs. Herb identification is basic for alchemists, so I assume you don’t need a lesson on it.”
The old man added, “Also, while the Dan World is unsuitable for humans, it is a paradise for some magical beasts. Over the years, the magical beasts in the Dan World have become extremely powerful. If you encounter them, be cautious, and don’t lose your life. No one will save you. You should have prepared yourselves mentally for this. The Alchemy Assembly is not a game, nor an ordinary competition. This is a true arena of blood and struggle!”
“The one who stands at the end of this blood-soaked path will be the champion of the Alchemy Assembly. A general’s success is built on ten thousand bones. The Alchemy Assembly is no different.”
By the end, the old man’s voice had become cold and harsh.
“Enough talk. Those who are prepared should come and get their items. If you want to leave now, it’s still not too late.”
The old man’s gaze swept over the crowd, but no one stepped back. Everyone present was a formidable individual.
Soon after the old man’s words, a middle-aged man in an alchemist’s robe stood up expressionlessly, walked over to the old man, received his items, and stepped into the slowly rotating spatial passage, disappearing quickly.
Others followed, receiving their items and entering the spatial passage briskly.
Xiao Yan did not rush in but watched coldly. From the old man’s words, the Dan World was clearly no safe place. But it was normal, as this place could sift out the best alchemists from all over the Dou Qi Continent. If it weren’t dangerous, no one would believe it. Let the others lead the way, thought Xiao Yan.
After about a hundred people entered the spatial passage, Cao Ying and Song Qing stood up, received their items, and entered the passage. Before entering, the enchantress turned to glare fiercely at Xiao Yan, leaving him rather helpless.
Shortly after Cao Ying and Song Qing entered, Xiao Yan stood up. Just as he was about to move, a ripple appeared in the space behind him, and a young figure slowly emerged.
As this figure appeared, Xiao Yan sensed something, and turned his head, his black eyes flashing with a cold gleam. This person was none other than Chen Xian, who had clashed with Xiao Yan at the Alchemist Trading Fair and later sold information about him to Elder Ghost Bone.
Chen Xian, still wearing white, held a purple iron fan, looking quite dashing. On his chest was a new rank badge, with seven purple gold stars, indicating he was a mid-tier 7th-grade alchemist.
As Chen Xian entered, his gaze, after sweeping around, paused on Xiao Yan. He was slightly surprised, then a teasing smile spread across his face.
Gently tapping his purple fan against his palm, Chen Xian walked toward the spatial passage. As he passed by Xiao Yan, he paused, and said softly, “Xiao Yan, didn’t expect you to survive. Not even that person could take your life.”
Xiao Yan, looking at Chen Xian, smiled meaningfully, and said, “Young Lord Chen Xian, in the Dan World, you’d better hide well. Otherwise, the Xuánmíng Sect will be extinguished.”
With a thud, the purple fan struck Chen Xian’s palm. He stared coldly at Xiao Yan, then nodded slowly, “I’ll say the same to you. Don’t let me find you in the Dan World, or I’ll make you understand what it means to wish for death.”
His cold words ended, and Chen Xian’s sinister smile grew. Without another word, he walked past Xiao Yan, received his items from the old man, and stepped into the spatial passage.
Watching Chen Xian’s shadow disappear, Xiao Yan smiled, but the smile was icy. He had made up his mind: this Chen Xian’s life was his.
“Hope you don’t die at the hands of others. That would be too boring.”
Xiao Yan walked forward, received his items, and entered the spatial passage, his figure gradually vanishing.
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