A month swiftly passed, one cloaked in the silence that was expected. Even though the Nine Serene Earthly Serpents had joined in the search for news about the Hall of Souls, the results garnered were far from satisfactory. This time around, the Hall of Souls seemed to have completely withdrawn all its power, and even though the scouts of the Nine Serene Earthly Serpents could locate some of the sub-halls, the defense had been increased by tenfold, making it impossible to probe deeper. The atmosphere within the Heavenly Mansion Alliance was somewhat oppressive as a result, but at this juncture, they couldn’t throw all their resources into attacking every sub-hall of the Hall of Souls. Everyone knew that, in such a war, one side would inevitably be erased from the Central Plains—be it the Hall of Souls or the Heavenly Mansion Alliance. This was a gambit neither side could afford to lose, so for now, observing and biding their time seemed to be the only course of action. In the midst of this tense waiting, the day of the Medicine Clan’s Medicine Festival finally arrived…
In the Star Realm, atop the main peak. “This time, I’ll go with Xiao Yan to the Medicine Clan. The Alliance needs to monitor the movements of the Hall of Souls, and others should remain here to handle any emergencies,” said the Elder Alchemist, peering at the high-ranking officials before him on the fog-laden summit.
Despite his reservations about allowing Xiao Yan and Yaoyao to venture alone, seeing the Elder Alchemist’s firm resolve, Honored Wind and others could only nod in agreement. “Take care of the Alliance,” Xiao Yan instructed Cai Lin, who held Xiao Xiao close.
“Uh huh,” Cai Lin nodded slightly. With her current strength, she was nearly unmatched in the Alliance except by Xiao Zun and the Old Forefather of the Dan Tower. Her presence there would make Xiao Yan feel more at ease.
“Hehe, all right, everyone, no need to see us off,” The Elder Alchemist’s figure slowly ascended, smiling at everyone before turning and flying out of the Star Realm. Behind him, Xiao Yan’s form flashed, following closely.
The Medicine Clan, located in the Shen Nong Mountains at the southernmost tip of the Central Plains, was, in a way, beyond the conventional boundaries of the Central Plains, making it rather remote. However, like the old saying goes: “A mountain is not made tall by its height, but by its spirits.” Despite the Shen Nong Mountains being a wild, untamed region filled with venomous creatures and ferocious beasts, the Medicine Clan’s presence made it a thriving and lively place. Known for its abundant rare herbs, many alchemists traveled vast distances to find elixir ingredients, making the Shen Nong Mountains a popular destination.
The Medicine Festival was the most important event in the Medicine Clan, and its timing wasn’t fixed, varying depending on different circumstances. Similar in essence to the Dan Tower’s Alchemy Conference, it was a gathering of the top alchemists on the continent to showcase their skills and determine the best. Attending the Medicine Festival was a privilege, open not only to the Medicine Clan members but also to renowned alchemists from the Central Plains, though such invitations were sparingly given. Only a few alchemists met the stringent criteria of the Medicine Clan.
The Falling Star Pavilion was far from the Shen Nong Mountains, but at their full speed, Xiao Yan and Ya Yao reached the mist-covered mountains in just half a day. “Such dense energy; the Medicine Clan really has found a prime location,” commented Xiao Yan, praising the surging clouds above the mountains, composed entirely of condensed energy, offering a significantly faster cultivation rate.
“This mountain range was nurtured over hundreds of years by an ancestor of the Medicine Clan,” the Elder Alchemist said, his gaze complex as he looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar landscape. For the first time since leaving, he sighed, his figure descending slowly towards a deep ravine. Across it stood a massive stone arch exuding an aura of antiquity. At its center, a swirling portal led to the Medicine Clan. Figures continuously emerged from the skies and deep within the forests, landing outside the stone arch, handing over jade slips to the guards, and then entering.
“Let’s go. The Medicine Festival is the grandest event, and nearby sects allied with the Medicine Clan are allowed to observe. It will be very lively during this period,” the Elder Alchemist said, scanning the people entering the portal.
“Alright,” Xiao Yan nodded, appearing beside the arch where several stern guards immediately challenged him. “This is a sacred site of the Medicine Clan. Who are you?”
These guards were sharp, quickly recognizing Xiao Yan as not part of the local factions. He stepped forward, unleashing a formidable aura that knocked them back. The surrounding sects gasped, and only some of the more experienced heads recognized him. “That’s the Elder Alchemist from the Heavenly Mansion Alliance—the one who defeated the Lord of the Hall of Souls, Xiao Yan. I heard he won the Dan Tower Alchemy Competition. He’s quite the master in alchemy. But challenging the Medicine Clan in alchemy… that might be a bit too much. We shall see.”
Seeing the change in their expressions, Xiao Yan tossed a jade slip to the guards. Checking it, they relaxed, waving a beam of light at the arch, opening the portal. “Please follow us. There will be someone to guide you further once inside.”
Respectfully, the guards directed them. In this world, strength reigned supreme, and Xiao Yan’s power was on par with some of the Medicine Clan’s elders. They dared not offend him. After receiving a nod from the Elder Alchemist, both figures entered the swirling vortex.
As they passed through, the rugged terrain transformed into a lush plain teeming with giant winged beasts. A suited Medicine Clan member hurriedly approached, leading them to a giant bird. Joining the lively crowd, Xiao Yan and the Elder Alchemist found a quiet spot, observing the scene.
After everyone was settled, the bird took off, soaring through the sky, eventually landing on a vast square. Seeing the towering mountain with its many palaces and buildings, the Elder Alchemist stared in a daze. Xiao Yan quietly stood beside him, his eyes slightly narrowed, indifferent to the curious glances.
Amidst the bustling square, the two were conspicuous. Soon, a familiar, sarcastic voice echoed, “I wondered who would be so bold. So, it’s you two. But, Medicine Chen, I’m surprised. To think a banished member would dare return…” The crowd slowed, stepping back as the smirking elder approached.
“Medicine Wanguil…” Xiao Yan’s hands, hidden in his sleeves, tensed, raising his gaze to meet the old man’s, his lips curving into a cold smile.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage