The searing heat spread from the dark red cauldron, drying the air in this patch of sky. The refining of eighth-grade elixirs is extremely intricate. There are hundreds of types of medicinal ingredients needed; ordinary alchemists cannot even keep them afloat, let alone refine them. Yet, in front of Yan Xiao’s soul force as vast as an ocean, such a task posed no problem.
One after another, these high-ranking medicinal herbs, which most of the attending alchemists had never seen or heard of before, were continuously fed into the cauldron. With just a casual whirl, the fire extracted the pure essence needed, causing it to rise and float inside the cauldron, densely packed and exuding an astonishingly pure energy.
The Initial Origin Pill was known to attract Five-Colored Elixir Lightning. For the current Yan Xiao, however, it did not present much of a challenge. Over the years, his soul force had grown far more formidable through cultivation compared to during the Alchemist Assembly. Thus, though it was complicated, the concocting of the Initial Origin Pill flowed smoothly in the hands of Yan Xiao, like water in the clouds. The refining of elixirs, especially those of the eighth grade, is an extremely time-consuming affair. Even with Yan Xiao’s unique fires, once he finally refined all the herbs, half a day had silently slipped by.
The alchemists on the plaza had been deeply absorbed in his fluid performance, utterly oblivious to the passing of time. Their eyes brimmed with growing admiration for what was, in their views, an extraordinary display of skill. Few of the alchemists they had encountered ever attained Yan Xiao’s level.
During this tranquil period, nearly three days passed without the attendees realizing. In that time, the number of onlookers swelled; many who originally didn’t belong to the Elixir Hall but were residing at the Xuanhuang Outpost came flocking in. It resulted in the area around the Elixir Hall being jam-packed, people crowded from the ground to the heavens above.
As the crowd increased, many powerful individuals also joined, not just the alchemists. Due to events surrounding the Lion’s Soul Sect, a considerable portion of influential forces had aligned themselves with the Flame Alliance. Some, disillusioned by the defeat of the Lion’s Soul Sect, departed, but plenty of others remained and now found themselves drawn in by the scene here. As the crowd grew, Cai Lin could not help but rally stronger members of the Flame Alliance to maintain order, thereby ensuring Yan Xiao’s alchemy proceedings weren’t disturbed. Under the countless watchful eyes, another near-three-days sailed by…
**BAM!**
On about the eighth day, under a clear blue sky, there unexpectedly emerged a deep, muffled thunder. Perceptive strong figures immediately sensed a surge in the energy within this space, becoming wildly erratic…
Just as everyone grew mildly agitated, the sky suddenly thickened ominously with heavy, low-lying clouds, amidst which one could just barely make out silver lightning serpents dancing…
Witnessing the sudden change from cloudless sky to storm, unrest also arose amongst Xuanhuang’s guards. They understood the terrifying power harbored in the thunderclouds; if left unchecked, these could wreak unimaginable destruction. Amidst all this, Yan Xiao, having sat cross-legged and eyes closed atop the dais, slowly opened his orbs. At this moment, the storm clouds responded en masse. Their swirling patterns became dazzling, shifting from pitch black to colorful, a stunning transformation watched in shock…
“Could this be the fabled Five-Colored Elixir Lightning?” All alchemists looked up, faces reflecting devout reverence at seeing this lightning they may never summon across lifetimes. “Indeed, a polychromatic elixir bolt…” Gu He and Fahma gazed upwards, the former heaving a sigh. Looking at that slender frame, Gu He felt a pang of failure. So, Cloud Yun couldn’t resist falling for him. No, Yan Xiao’s innate potential lay out of his reach.
**CRASH!**
Roaring thunder broke out over the clouds’ rumbling. Suddenly, a vast, rainbow-bolt of several hundred yards tore down directly towards Yan Xiao, shocking all spectators. Even the usually unperturbed group — including Cai Lin — found their countenances changing at sensing the monstrous power embodied within. Gradually lifting his head, Yan Xiao stared straight ahead at the massive light-serpent tearing down the sky. Raising one finger and flickering slightly, an amber shadow rocketed forth to collide mightily with the beam, only to seemingly vanish without a trace. Peering curiously, however, revealed nothing amiss, except for that figure: an emotionless, dead-eyed marionette, Tian Yao Kui, a puppet of Xia Yan.
**BOOM! BOOM!**
Upon absorbing part of the lightning, the overhead storms howled furiously, unleashing further bolts, none successful past Tian Yao’s staunch shield. This chaos raged solid minutes, dimming eventually while the horrifying mass overhead dispersed amid collective awe. “How intimidating indeed… such power even grandmasters find daunting.”
As the dissipating light subsided, Xia Yan summoned Tian Yao Kui, snapped shut the lid with his fingertip, then snatched something flashing from within the cauldron, containing its radiance within a jade vial. “Hail, our Lord!”
The surrounding audience erupted into triumphant cheers. Numerous alchemists turned beetroot, staring adoringly forward — beholding such grandeur, truly unforgettable. Grinning warmly in answer, Xiao scanned the assembled, pausing notably on Liuchang and Wu Zhen — both now visibly ill-at-ease, too nervous for face-meets.
“Elixir refinement isn’t my sole objective here…”
His cool words silenced the crowds, instilling palpable discomfort.
“Our Elixir Hall holds parity alongside other factions within the Flame Coalition; yet, lately, some have grown arrogantly dismissive. Recklessness led internal discord. Such transgression invites grave charges!” Stern warnings resonating, Xiao produced an unrolled scroll flinging it at Cai Lin for names readout aloud.
“First section: Hu Gu defied orders, delaying crucial medicine, costing hundreds allies.” Second part, Ge Mingyang secretly hoarding herbs, lashed back upon exposure…” One name after another echoed sharply. Certain alchemists blanched, Liuchang and Wu Zhen pale, incredulous.
“One’s merits don’t offset misdeeds. Lawless behavior undermines stability within Flame Coallition — thus, strict punishment,” Xiao coldly intoned, undeviating. Laws bind us. Violations will invite full consequences per Coalition laws!”
Enraged, Liuchen and Wuzhen leaped forth shouting, “We hold Seventh Level proficiency… We’ve propelled our Hall significantly — Is this ingratitude?”
Xia rebuked, unfazed, “Past accolades irrelevant here. Rules must stand!”
“Insults… we’ll quit!” Spinning dramatically, Liuche harrumphed scanning the crowds, challenging followers. Several loyalists promptly followed.
Smug smiles creasing Liuchans and Wuzhen’s face, turning scorningly to Xiao, declaring farewell, “Our lord, fare well. Goodbye.”
Eyeing them coldly retreating, Xiao’s lips split in smile, questioning Cai Lin pointedly, “What does coalition law dictate traitors?”
Icing glare, Cai Lin replied briskly, “Death warrants issued!”
Turning heads instantly frozen.
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