Chapter 1569: Seeking Guidance

The Medicine Clan, which had thrived through their alchemy, possessed the largest number of alchemists on the continent. Although the Medicine Clan had some arrogance when facing the alchemists of Central Plains, this pride was not without merit. Perhaps due to their bloodline, the clansmen of the Medicine Clan seemed especially adept at alchemy. Additionally, there were many among them with exceptional talent for cultivation. Therefore, renowned alchemy masters from Central Plains, while not abundant, were a common sight in the Medicine Clan. With such a foundation, it was only natural for them to feel proud when compared to other alchemists.

Of course, this was only true for the mid-level alchemists. For the top-tier alchemists, the ones at the pinnacle of the alchemy pyramid, the Medicine Clan did not have a significant advantage. The power of their bloodline, though helpful, did not guarantee they would reach the summit of the alchemy world. Sometimes, this innate talent could even hinder their ascent to the top tier.

This might be considered a minor drawback of their bloodline power.

Alchemists are ranked from one to nine stars. The ninth-star alchemists are further divided into three levels: Treasure Pill Master, Mystical Pill Master, and Golden Pill Master!

Xiao Yan, after successfully refining a ninth-star Treasure Pill, had already reached the level of a Treasure Pill Master, though this wasn’t verified by any organization. At this level, no single force could verify their rank, as they were already among the top echelon of the alchemical world.

Mystical Pill Masters were the cream of the crop in the alchemy world, with very few achieving this rank. As for Golden Pill Masters, none had reached this level in nearly a thousand years, as no one had been able to refine a ninth-star Golden Pill…

Above the Golden Pill Master was the legendary Emperor Pill, the ultimate pinnacle, unattainable by anyone…

For most of the audience, the opening act of the Medicine Scripture was quite entertaining. The young generation of the Medicine Clan truly possessed the enviable talent of ordinary alchemists. Each participant was at least at the sixth star or higher, and the sight of their pill cauldrons rising was quite spectacular.

Naturally, such alchemy was like watching children fight for someone of Xiao Yan’s caliber. Thus, when the entire square was buzzing with the debut of the pills, he simply closed his eyes to rest.

The prelude to the Medicine Scripture lasted several days before finally coming to an end. Fortunately, none of the attendees were ordinary; many hadn’t even moved during those days.

As the opening act concluded, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes and observed the young alchemists of the Medicine Clan, nodding in approval. Over the past few days, he had seen the clan’s strength. Many of the young alchemists had high potential, and with good fortune, they could carve out a place in the alchemical world. With such talented new blood, the Medicine Clan could continue to thrive. Of course, if a Dou Emperor did not appear in the clan over time, their bloodline would gradually weaken, and they would become like any other humans.

That time would come, but it was still far off. It was a bit premature to worry now.

During these days, Xiao Yan had also seen some familiar faces, including Yao Xing Ji, who had once given him the Medicine Scripture invitation. Yao Xing Ji, after years of practice, had improved significantly, placing fifth in the competition, a commendable result. The first place, unsurprisingly, went to Yao Tian, whom Xiao Yan had seen outside the Demonic Flame Space. He was the most outstanding of the young generation, capable of refining a pill that summoned nine-colored pill lightning, outshining everyone, including the elders of the clan.

However, when their eyes inadvertently glanced at Xiao Yan, who was resting beside Elder Medicine, their triumphant smiles vanished, replaced by a mix of frustration. They had heard rumors that Xiao Yan could refine ninth-star pills, and his pill lightning was the more potent Black Demon Lightning. In comparison, Yao Tian’s nine-colored pill lightning paled.

When the test of the young generation concluded, the atmosphere in the square did not calm down. Instead, it grew more intense. Countless eager gazes shifted from the arena to the stone seats, understanding that the main event featured the most distinguished figures in the alchemical world.

“Ah, it’s finally starting,” Elder Medicine opened his eyes, feeling the sudden surge of energy, smiling.

Xiao Yan smiled and rubbed his jade cup. After watching for days, he felt a bit restless.

“The final competition, aside from you, will likely include Hun Xu Zi, Shennong Old Man, and Wan Huo Elder. None of them are easy opponents. In terms of experience, even I can’t match them,” said Elder Medicine.

“Medicine Dan isn’t participating?” Xiao Yan glanced at Medicine Dan, who sat at the head seat.

“As the clan leader, he must maintain some pride,” Elder Medicine chuckled, then continued solemnly, “But his alchemy skills are not inferior to any of the four of you.”

“Clan leader of the Medicine Clan, the head of the largest alchemist group on the continent, if he didn’t have real skills, he wouldn’t be credible,” Xiao Yan smiled, understanding that even with arrogance, Medicine Dan wouldn’t underestimate a powerhouse like a seven-star Dou Sage.

As Xiao Yan and Elder Medicine spoke, Medicine Dan stood up, drawing all eyes to him.

“Ah, now that the appetizer is over, it’s time for the main course. Everyone’s thoughts, I understand,” Medicine Dan smiled, addressing the audience, “This Medicine Scripture will have four participants, and their final winner will claim the title of the Number One Alchemist on the continent. I believe no one will object to the victor’s claim.”

“Please enter, the four of you.”

“Ah, Medicine Dan, you’re straightforward. I’ve long heard that the Medicine Scripture is the premier gathering of alchemists. I’m here today to learn from all of you. The title of Number One Alchemist interests my Soul Clan, so I hope to take it back,” said Hun Xu Zi, his voice echoing as he appeared in the air, his demeanor somewhat domineering.

“Hmph, the Medicine Clan specializes in alchemy. This title might be better left with us!” Wan Huo Elder snorted, appearing in the air, unyielding.

Wan Huo Elder’s appearance drew cheers from the crowd, as the Medicine Clan did not want to see the honor of the title go to the Soul Clan.

“While I have no desire for such empty titles, letting a non-clan member like you claim the title of Number One Alchemist would be a disgrace,” Shennong Old Man, floating in the air, his staff clinking, added, clearly displeased with Hun Xu Zi.

“Medicine Elder, Hun Xu Zi, and Shennong Old Man, these three are the giants of the alchemical world. This competition will be interesting,” the crowd buzzed, their enthusiasm evident.

Hun Xu Zi, eyeing Wan Huo Elder and Shennong Old Man, smiled, displaying the bearing of a master. Despite his personality, his alchemy skills were truly formidable.

“Three have appeared, who is the last one?” The gazes of the crowd shifted to the black-robed young man on the stone seat.

Under the numerous gazes, Xiao Yan stood up, a smile on his face. His body flickered, and he appeared in the air, his clear laughter spreading.

“I’ve heard that Senior Hun Xu Zi once stole alchemy techniques from the Dan Tower. Now, the Dan Tower is part of the Heavenly Mansion. As a member of the Heavenly Mansion, Xiao Yan would like to challenge Senior Hun Xu Zi on behalf of the Dan Tower. Please, do not hesitate to share your wisdom!”