The next day, the sky was a clear azure, devoid of any clouds. The sunlight was warm without being scorching. Occasionally, a gentle breeze blew, taking away the clamor of the city, leaving people feeling refreshed and invigorated. Today was a grand event for the Jia Ma Empire, as the Alchemist Conference, held every eight years, was about to commence!
As the first ray of sunlight pierced through the earth and illuminated this historic city, figures in alchemist robes began to appear on the usually quiet streets. These noble professions were seldom seen by commoners due to their immense power and incomparable importance. Therefore, alchemists were shrouded in mystery and reverence in the eyes of the general public. But today, these high-status alchemists emerged like ants from a nest, pouring out from various accommodations across the capital. Although their routes differed, their destination was the same—the ancient and rustic Alchemist Guild in the heart of the city.
All the shops in Jia Ma Holy City opened earlier than usual. Countless people rose from their warm beds, stood at their doors, and watched the throngs of alchemists hurriedly passing by, their eyes filled with a mix of fervor and respect. The upcoming Alchemist Conference would be the most bustling and exciting time in Jia Ma Holy City for the year. It was rare to see so many alchemists gathered together in such large numbers; only the Alchemist Conference, held every eight years, could attract such a spectacle.
On this special day, Xiao Yan also woke up early. He sat on his bed and meditated for about an hour, ensuring his condition was at its peak before slowly opening his eyes. He lazily stretched his body, and the sound of his bones cracking made him smile. He got off the bed and walked into the inner hall, where he saw Hai Bo Dong standing by the window.
“Up already? The number of alchemists appearing in Jia Ma Holy City today is likely to be extremely terrifying. It’s indeed worthy of the Alchemist Conference. Only such a grand event could summon so many alchemists from across the empire.”
Hai Bo Dong gazed at the alchemists streaming down the street, marveling.
“Alchemists are still human. They too need vanity and recognition. And this Alchemist Conference provides them with the perfect stage,” Xiao Yan said, sipping a cup of hot tea and smiling faintly.
Hai Bo Dong turned and fixed his gaze on Xiao Yan, smiling. “Actually, I’m quite puzzled. With your capabilities, why would you bother participating in the Alchemist Conference? While such an event is rare, it doesn’t seem to fit your strength, does it?”
Xiao Yan smiled, holding the teacup with both hands. “There’s no way around it. The reward for the champion of this conference has caught my interest. The recipe for the Spirit Fusion Pill is very useful to me.”
“You may not be an alchemist, but you must know how tempting a recipe can be for one. A sixth-grade recipe in my eyes is no less attractive than a ground-level Dou Technique.”
Hai Bo Dong shook his head, frowning. “With your strength, participating in this conference is like a Battle Emperor forcibly entering a group of Dou Shi’s competition.”
“Maybe you overestimate me,” Xiao Yan replied, shaking his head. “Before I used the Buddha’s Angry Lotus Flame, winning the championship would have been easy. But now, my soul force has been severely damaged, and my strength is far from what it once was. And in pill refinement, the soul force is crucial. So, I don’t have a surefire chance of winning.”
“Uh…is it that serious? A master alchemist capable of refining sixth-grade pills losing to a bunch of youngsters…?”
Hai Bo Dong looked at Xiao Yan with a peculiar expression.
“Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?” Xiao Yan continued, laughing. “If I don’t even have the mindset to face this, how can I pursue the path of an alchemist any further?”
“Well, it’s almost time. Let’s go…” Xiao Yan set down his teacup and smiled, heading towards the door. Hai Bo Dong, shaking his head, followed.
As they left the room and walked down the inn, Xiao Yan’s second-grade alchemist robe attracted many eyes, but he paid little attention. His gaze casually swept over the alchemists passing by, and then he strolled out.
Walking down the street, the awe-filled and curious glances from passersby made Xiao Yan grin. Elegant young women on either side of the wide street giggled and whispered, their adoring and reverent gazes directed at the alchemists walking by. For these girls in their prime, the mysterious and profound alchemists were like magnets, drawing their attention.
In this era, alchemists were even more captivating to young women than the princes in fairy tales. This showed just how high the status of alchemists was in this continent where Dou Qi reigned supreme.
The lively and passionate atmosphere in the city washed away the solemn and strict aura of the imperial capital. Feeling the passion in the air, Xiao Yan’s calm heart quietly accelerated. No matter how composed he was, he was still a young man, and all young men had a bit of recklessness and pride. The youthful spirit of striving for success and perseverance was something to be envied.
As he walked toward the Alchemist Guild, Xiao Yan’s gaze occasionally swept over the alchemists passing by. He murmured softly, “The allure of this conference is indeed strong. Not only are our country’s alchemists flocking here, but even those from other nations have come. I wonder if there will be any dark horses from other countries during the conference… That would make things interesting.”
Though he thought this mischievously, Xiao Yan’s face showed nothing. He strolled through several streets, looking up at the ancient guild at the end of the view, and let out a sigh. Turning, he saw Hai Bo Dong following him, swaying slightly. He then walked towards the guild.
Approaching the guild, Xiao Yan saw the crowd blocking the entrance and shook his head helplessly. Waving at Hai Bo Dong behind him, he squeezed through the crowd, moving like a fish in water.
Thanks to Yao Lao’s training in evasion, Xiao Yan managed to avoid much trouble in such situations. He dodged through the crowd, finally stepping into the guild’s entrance. He took a deep breath, turned, and saw Hai Bo Dong, who was trailing closely behind him, almost in a daze.
“Truly a Battle Emperor, to follow so closely without me noticing…” Xiao Yan marveled inwardly. Entering the guild, he strolled around the hall, then headed for the east section. Just as he reached the stairs, he met Otto and a few others descending. They all paused, then chuckled.
“Come with me, kid. The venue for the conference isn’t here in the Alchemist Guild…” Otto patted Xiao Yan’s shoulder and smiled.
Xiao Yan nodded and greeted Frank and Xue Mei beside him.
“Kid, we’re counting on you to represent the Black Rock City Guild. Don’t lose to Liu Ling and the others,” Frank said cheerfully. After the internal test, he was full of confidence in Xiao Yan.
“Ha, I’ll do my best,” Xiao Yan smiled. Seeing Otto’s surprised gaze at Hai Bo Dong, he introduced, “Master Otto, this is my friend, Hai Bo Dong…”
“Oh… Ha, nice to meet you. I’m Otto, from Black Rock City, and this is Frank…”
Otto and Frank nodded politely. Though Hai Bo Dong had been in seclusion for decades, they felt a vague familiarity with his name. However, sensing the depth of the old man before them, they didn’t dare to be disrespectful.
For the formalities, Hai Bo Dong merely nodded coolly. This demeanor stunned the two, and Lin Fei, who couldn’t stand sand in her eyes, was about to chide him when Otto quickly hushed her.
“Sorry, Master Hai, he’s just like that. No offense meant,” Xiao Yan smiled, trying to smooth things over. Fortunately, Otto and Frank weren’t too bothered, and they changed the subject, leading the group out of the hall through the back door, heading south towards the city center.
“This year’s conference is at the Royal Plaza. The area can accommodate over ten thousand people, providing ample space for the event. According to preliminary estimates, over two thousand alchemists are expected to participate, making it the largest gathering in recent conferences.”
Over two thousand… Xiao Yan whistled, impressed. Alchemists were incredibly rare, almost one in a thousand or ten thousand. These two thousand alchemists must include a significant portion of the alchemists in the Jia Ma Empire.
“The conference will have several rounds. Each round will eliminate many, and the difficulty will increase as it progresses. The final survivors will compete for the championship.”
Nodding, Xiao Yan imagined the sight of thousands of alchemists refining pills in the same square. The scene would be awe-inspiring.
As they spoke, the Royal Plaza came into view. Xiao Yan squinted, seeing only a small part of the vast plaza. The area outside the plaza was guarded by fully armed soldiers maintaining order. Such a gathering of powerful figures required utmost caution from the Jia Ma royal family.
At the entrance, the Alchemist Guild’s inspectors allowed only guild members and participants to enter, while spectators had a separate entrance. With Otto’s lead, Xiao Yan and the others entered the plaza without any hindrance. Walking up a slope, the enormous plaza unfolded before Xiao Yan.
Standing at the top of the slope, Xiao Yan marveled at the vast stone plaza. The plaza was circular, with countless seats on either side, presumably for the spectators. Opposite the spectator seats were the more luxurious VIP seats, reserved for guild leaders and the heads of major forces in the imperial capital.
Scanning the expansive plaza, Xiao Yan noticed over a thousand evenly spaced stone platforms, arranged neatly like a stationary army of stone. The plaza was already filled with participating alchemists, who sat quietly on stone chairs behind the platforms, waiting for the start of the competition. As time passed, more alchemists flooded in, finding their assigned positions.
Glancing at the sky, Otto said, “Let’s go to the VIP section. The conference won’t start for a while, and there, you might meet some important figures. It might be useful.”
“Yes,” Xiao Yan nodded. Last night, he had met the mysterious guardian of the royal family, the strange old man, Jia La. Therefore, he wasn’t too concerned about the “important figures” Otto mentioned. However, it was still early, so he agreed.
Seeing no objections, Otto and Frank led the group to the VIP section. Approaching the area, Otto pointed to the front row. Sitting there was Qiemil, the vice president of the Alchemist Guild, and an elderly man in a purple alchemist robe.
“That’s Fama, the president of the Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Guild. He rarely appears in the guild, and it’s rumored that he’s close to becoming a sixth-grade alchemist. In the alchemy world, Fama’s reputation rivals that of the Pill King Gu He. Even Gu He shows him great respect. Before Gu He rose to fame, Fama had provided him with much care and support, which can be considered a favor of a lifetime…”
Otto whispered.
“Heh, I didn’t expect this old guy to still be alive? These old monsters, one more monstrous than the other…” Hearing Otto’s introduction, Hai Bo Dong narrowed his eyes and glanced at the old man, muttering.
“Really?” Raising an eyebrow, Xiao Yan looked at the withered, seemingly frail old man, surprised. If that was the case, this old man should be the real leader of the Jia Ma Empire’s alchemy world.
Noticing the gazes, the sleepy-eyed old man turned and looked at Xiao Yan, a friendly smile spreading across his wrinkled face.
Seeing the old man turn, Otto and Frank hurriedly bowed, then cautiously approached, greeting, “Lord Fama, it’s been years. You look as energetic as ever.”
“Ha, is it you, Otto and Frank from Black Rock City? You’re doing well too, having become fourth-grade alchemists. Great progress,” Fama laughed, his cloudy eyes scanning the two.
“All thanks to your last lecture, Lord Fama,” Otto said humbly.
“I can only share my experiences. The most important thing is your own effort,” Fama shook his head, then turned to Xiao Yan, smiling. “This young man must be the one who achieved the best results in the guild’s internal test, right? Your name… is it Yan Xiao?”
“President Fama, I’m Yan Xiao,” Xiao Yan replied, showing due respect to the esteemed old man.
“Ha, heroes truly come from the younger generation. At such a young age, you can refine Ironwood Spirit Leaves to the eighth level. I don’t think Gu He could have done that in his youth,” Fama’s voice was unhurried, though slightly hoarse, carrying a certain gravitas.
Xiao Yan smiled, not responding further.
Fama smiled at Xiao Yan, his gaze lingering on his ordinary face. Sensing his scrutiny, Xiao Yan was startled. Had he seen through his disguise?
Seeing Xiao Yan’s unease, Fama chuckled, “Young man, as long as you’re not here to cause trouble, I won’t meddle.”
Xiao Yan relaxed, grateful for Fama’s understanding.
“Tsk, old coot, you’re getting more talkative in your old age,” a cold laugh suddenly broke the silence, causing faces in the VIP section to change. Qiemil, sitting beside Fama, glared, “Who was that?”
As the cold laugh echoed, Xiao Yan sighed internally. Who else but Hai Bo Dong could be so rude?
The cold laugh also made Fama pause, but he soon turned to Xiao Yan’s side, muttering, “This aura… so icy, like a glacier… could it be… Ice Old Man?”
His face showed evident surprise.
“Heh, Old Fama, didn’t expect you to remember me. Impressive,” Hai Bo Dong stepped forward, sitting beside Fama, grinning.
“You’re alive? I heard you were… taken by the Queen Medusa,” Fama exclaimed, staring at Hai Bo Dong in shock.
“Luckily survived,” Hai Bo Dong said, still visibly shaken.
“Such a tenacious life… glad you’re still around. At least this old man won’t feel too lonely, ha,” Fama’s withered face twitched, laughing loudly.
The conversation between the two made the previously indignant guild elders step back. Realizing this stranger was also a formidable figure, they backed off.
Lin Fei and Xue Mei stared in amazement as Hai Bo Dong casually chatted with Fama. They realized this seemingly ordinary old man was also a hidden powerhouse.
“How do you always meet such monstrous people?” the two girls looked at each other, then at Xiao Yan, who was helplessly shaking his head.
Hai Bo Dong and Fama’s familiar banter also stunned Otto and Frank. Moments later, Otto’s face changed, whispering, “Hai Bo Dong? The Ice Emperor, one of the Ten Great Strongest?”
Otto and Frank exchanged glances, both shocked. They hadn’t expected such a legendary figure to still be alive, and to be so close to Xiao Yan.
“This young man is hiding quite a lot…” Otto and Frank also eyed Xiao Yan curiously, wondering how a young man, new to the alchemy world, could befriend such powerful figures.
Xiao Yan stood, bearing the curious gazes. Suddenly, he noticed Fama’s gaze on him again. Fama was frowning, his eyes scanning Xiao Yan, searching for something.
“What is it?” Hai Bo Dong asked, surprised.
“Odd, I sensed a familiar aura from young Yan Xiao,” Fama coughed, puzzled.
“Familiar?” Xiao Yan’s mind raced. “Did he sense the presence of the Queen Medusa?”
“Perhaps it’s just a mistake. Growing old makes one more prone to illusions,” Fama scanned Xiao Yan again, but felt nothing. He leaned back, lost in thought.
When Fama was young, he traveled and encountered a deeply mysterious old man. Over three days, the old man taught Fama, whose teachings helped him immensely. Thanks to those lessons, Fama, who was once unknown, rose to his current status. Now, he realized how terrifyingly powerful that old man was. The aura he sensed from Xiao Yan was similar…
Realizing Fama’s distraction, Xiao Yan didn’t press the topic. Just then, a laughter came from the aisle, “Heh, Old Hai, young Yan Xiao, you came early.”
Turning, they saw Jia La, who had met them the night before, accompanied by Princess Yue. Dressed in a specially tailored light green alchemist robe, the princess exuded a refined elegance. But Xiao Yan knew she was a playful and quirky character.
His gaze shifted to a tall, elegant woman beside the princess, whose face bore a resemblance to the princess. She exuded a cold and regal charm, reminiscent of Xue Mei.
Compared to the petite and cute princess, this woman radiated a mature and seductive allure.
“Princess Yue, you must already know Yan Xiao. This is her sister, Yao Ye. She’s in charge of the five thousand troops maintaining security for the conference,” Jia La introduced, pointing to the regal woman.
Xiao Yan was surprised. Five thousand troops, if he were in charge, would be a disaster. But the orderly troops at the entrance proved she was competent.
“Yao Ye, this is the young man, Yan Xiao, I told you about. His strength is extraordinary, and he’s a strong contender for the championship,” Jia La said, smiling.
The princess, hearing this, pouted and mumbled under her breath, clearly disagreeing.
“Greetings, Mr. Yan Xiao,” Yao Ye extended her hand, smiling. Her smile made the surrounding nobles swoon, rarely seeing such warmth from the normally cold First Princess.
“Greetings, Princess Yao Ye,” Xiao Yan smiled, gently shaking her hand, admiring her soft touch. He quickly released her hand, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
“I hope Mr. Yan Xiao performs well. I’ll personally host a banquet in celebration if you do, assuming you don’t decline,” Yao Ye said, smiling.
“This woman… sharp and cunning… seems formidable,” Xiao Yan thought, impressed. Even he, with his strong composure, was put at ease by her few words.
Satisfied, Yao Ye stepped back, standing behind Jia La. Her attitude was solely due to the high praise from her great-grandfather. If Yan Xiao truly had the potential, befriending him wouldn’t be a waste of effort.
Her eyes roamed over Xiao Yan’s calm face, pleased. He maintained composure in front of so many high-ranking officials and powerful figures, a rare feat. Unlike the nervous nobles, he remained unperturbed.
After a brief chat, Yao Ye bowed to Fama and Hai Bo Dong, her impeccable manners even warming the usually cold Hai Bo Dong.
After the greetings, they all sat in the VIP section. By coincidence, or perhaps design, Princess Yao Ye sat beside Xiao Yan, her subtle fragrance wafting, distracting him.
Sitting upright, Xiao Yan focused on the vast plaza below. As time passed, more alchemists entered, and the stands filled with a sea of spectators. The excitement and cheering were palpable.
In this atmosphere, Xiao Yan felt a rising thrill, eager to witness the grand spectacle of thousands of fires rising in unison.
As the sun moved, more guests arrived, mostly from influential families in the imperial capital. The stands were packed, and the roar of the crowd surged to the sky.
Seated, Xiao Yan closed his eyes, half-listening to the chatter. Suddenly, he sensed a commotion. Turning, he saw the source—three prominent families, including Nalan Yanran and Yafi, whose combined beauty and poise attracted many eyes.
As they greeted acquaintances, Xiao Yan noticed an unfamiliar old man walking with Nalan Jie and Mitter Tengshan. Behind him was Mu Zhan.
Listening to their greetings, Xiao Yan learned the old man was Mu Chen, another Dou Wang.
Yafi, after greeting the elders, slipped beside Xiao Yan, smiling, “Brother Yan Xiao, make sure to get a good result. Many are watching.”
“With Mr. Yan Xiao’s strength, a top-three finish is within reach,” Nalan Yanran added, smiling.
Princess Yao Ye, sitting beside Xiao Yan, noted Yafi and Nalan Yanran’s closeness to him. Their beauty matched her own, and she knew their identities. Her eyes flashed with surprise. “This Yan Xiao, despite his ordinary looks, attracts such admiration. Grandfather’s assessment is correct. This Yan Xiao is a valuable gem, given Yafi’s acumen and Nalan Yanran’s pride.”
Three beautiful women clustering around Xiao Yan made some envious and jealous, especially the young nobles, who glared at him with hostility.
Sighing, Xiao Yan rubbed his forehead, surrounded by fragrances, wanting to laugh. The intense gazes made him uneasy. He couldn’t understand why these women gathered around him. Was it another petty contest?
Smiling wryly, Xiao Yan sat straight, waiting for the conference to begin. Suddenly, he noticed Liu Ling, sitting in the row behind, glaring at him like a snake ready to strike.
Meeting Xiao Yan’s gaze, Liu Ling, emboldened by the imminent start of the conference, sneered, raising his middle finger, mouthing, “I’ll make you lose in front of Yanran!”
Xiao Yan smiled, his lips moving, then turned back.
Watching Xiao Yan’s back, Liu Ling took a deep breath, knowing Xiao Yan’s lip-reading message. “I’m waiting…”
As time ticked, the awaited moment finally arrived. A clear bell rang, and the uproar in the plaza fell silent.
Listening to the resonant bell, Fama, trembling, stood and walked to the front of the VIP section. His gaze swept over the thousands of alchemists below.
“By the authority of the President of the Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Guild, I declare the Seventh Alchemist Conference, officially begun!”
The entire plaza erupted in cheers, the sound reaching the heavens.
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