Mist enshrouded the peak of the Medicine Mountain, the fragrance of countless pills drifting across the air, intoxicating enough to make one feel as though they had stepped into an immortal paradise.
Countless medicinal herbs formed a sea of colors across the landscape, and above that vast medicinal ocean floated an enormous suspended square. At each of the four corners stood a colossal cauldron, emitting rising waves of medicinal scent as columns of smoke spiraled into the clouds.
Now, many figures had already gathered upon the floating plaza. Lively voices and bursts of conversation echoed one after another, filling the air with bustling vitality.
In the northern section, rows of stone chairs were neatly arranged, and on both sides of the seats, graceful maids flitted about like butterflies, refilling the jade cups with fine wine.
Three elderly men sat in the central seats. The one in the middle wore a white robe and bore a kind expression, a faint medicinal fragrance constantly lingering around him. To his left sat a man in a noble crimson robe embroidered with endless flame patterns, as though the blazing fire wished to break free and burn the heavens. On the right sat another in a silver robe, arms crossed with an arrogant air; within his dark eyes, streaks of lightning faintly flickered.
The three were conversing quietly. Though faint smiles lingered on their faces, hidden within their gazes was a trace of concern.
At that moment, a loud voice broke through the air, causing the trio to halt their discussion and look toward the distant horizon.
"Elder Zhu Bei of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe has arrived!"
Behind Elder Wanhuo, Zhu Bei and the disguised Liu Xi appeared, their figures suspended in midair. Each step they took rippled the very space itself, as though the heavens had been pressed into solidity.
Instantly, countless gazes filled with varying intent swept toward them.
"This old man's aura… unfathomable. The Ancient Void Dragon Tribe truly lives up to its name!"
"With the Hun Clan and the Four Clan Alliance at war, only the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, which reigns supreme over the Beast Region, remains uninvolved. Could this appearance signal an alliance with the Four Clans?"
"If the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe joins the fray, whichever side they stand on will decide the fate of the Central Plains. Heaven help us—may this endless chaos soon end."
Zhu Bei and Liu Xi descended upon the high platform. Even the three seated elders rose to their feet, their smiles deepening as respect naturally took over their expressions.
Facing such a powerhouse as Zhu Bei, none dared act dismissively—especially when he represented the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, a mysterious and mighty race that had long unified the Beast Region.
The white-robed elder in the middle showed a hint of surprise but quickly bowed respectfully. As a 7-Star Dou Saint, even he felt pressure before this 8-Star Dou Saint.
"I am Yao Dan, Clan Leader of the Yao Clan. To think that the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe would send such a formidable senior—your presence truly brings glory to this Medicinal Ceremony."
As the host of this event, Yao Dan was the first to speak, greeting them with a wide smile before gesturing toward the others beside him. "This is Yan Clan's Clan Leader, Yan Jin, and this is Lei Clan's Clan Leader, Lei Ying. With the three of you gathered, this Medicinal Ceremony shall be the grandest in history."
The Medicinal Ceremony was organized by the Yao Clan and, though similar to the Pill Tower's Pill Gathering, its prestige was far beyond comparison. The champion of this gathering would truly be recognized as the continent's number one alchemist.
Alchemists were divided into nine tiers; those above the 8th Tier were known as grandmasters. Beyond the 9th Tier lay another level entirely—Treasure Pill Master, Mysterious Pill Master, and Golden Pill Master.
Liu Xi had refined a 9th Tier Mysterious Pill—the Lightning Calamity Pill—thus he could already be considered a Mysterious Pill Master. If he were to compete here, obtaining the title of the continent's top alchemist would not be difficult, though the risks would be great.
Therefore, he did not intend to participate, even if this Medicinal Ceremony might be the last of its kind.
Yan Jin, the crimson-robed elder, studied Zhu Bei carefully, his eyes filled with gravity. The aura emanating from the old dragon was no weaker than his own—an Late 8-Star Dou Saint.
"Yan Jin greets Elder Zhu Bei. To think the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe harbors such strength and still chooses seclusion—truly admirable."
Lei Ying, the silver-robed elder, grinned fiercely. The Lei Clan had always been battle-hungry, and as its leader, his fighting spirit burned all the brighter. "Elder Zhu Bei's strength is astounding. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to exchange a few blows someday."
Hidden behind Zhu Bei, Liu Xi quietly observed Yao Dan, Yan Jin, and Lei Ying. They were much as he remembered—Yao Dan was a Mid 7-Star Dou Saint, while the other two were Late 8-Star Dou Saints.
He sensed the faint presence of a Heavenly Flame on Yan Jin's body and pondered silently how to take it from him. Compared to Yan Jin, Liu Xi's Dou Qi appeared weaker, yet his true strength surpassed the man's by far. Possessing sixteen Heavenly Flames, he feared no one beneath the 9-Star level and could even contend with those above.
As for Elder Wanhuo, Liu Xi could also detect a Heavenly Flame—most likely the Nine Serene Wind Flame. 'I'll need to find an opportunity…' he mused quietly.
Noticing Liu Xi's distracted expression, Zhu Bei gave him a subtle glance before speaking calmly. "This old man is merely here on behalf of the Dragon Emperor to observe. But tell me—why gather so openly? Shouldn't this meeting be hidden from prying eyes?"
The three clan leaders exchanged a brief smile before Yao Dan explained, "If only the Yao Clan appeared at the Medicinal Ceremony, wouldn't that seem like an obvious trap? Now that the Yan and Lei Clans' leaders are here as well, it lessens suspicion and eases tension. Besides…" He sighed softly. "Were it not for necessity, I would never allow the Yao Clan to become a battlefield. Once war breaks out, the losses will be devastating."
Yan Jin and Lei Ying both gave bitter smiles. To persuade the Yao Clan to host this plan, they had paid no small price. The Yao Clan's agreement had not come easily.
Yao Dan waved his hand wearily. "Enough of that. Elder Zhu Bei, please feel free to relax. The Medicinal Ceremony hasn't truly begun yet—these are just the early rounds between the younger generation. The real event comes later."
Mentioning the younger generation, Yao Dan's expression grew gloomier. His clan's two greatest prodigies, Yao Tian and Yao Ling, had been trapped in the Flame Space due to the schemes of the Hun Clan.
He had long regretted coveting the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame. Not only had he failed to obtain it, but he had also lost two peerless talents—especially Yao Ling, who had the highest chance of achieving the Emperor Realm Soul.
Since the Hun Clan's betrayal, all blame had been laid upon them. Yet ironically, the one who truly deceived the ancient clans—the unassuming Liu Xi—now stood before them unrecognized, freely walking the halls of the Yao Clan.
Zhu Bei made himself comfortable, taking a seat with little ceremony. Liu Xi followed suit, after altering his appearance and concealing his aura until his presence seemed utterly unremarkable, few would pay him any mind.
As the elders resumed their discussion, Yao Dan, Yan Jin, and Lei Ying grew increasingly warm toward Zhu Bei. Representing the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, he was a valuable ally, and his strength alone inspired awe.
For Yao Dan—merely a 7-Star Dou Saint—it was natural to seek goodwill. In times past, his strength had sufficed, but now, with the Hun Clan's power surging and the Ling and Shi Clans struck down one after another, fear had taken root in every heart. Aligning with the dragons was only wise.
With nothing else to do, Liu Xi idly swept his gaze across the grand plaza. Among the countless young alchemists refining pills, his eyes suddenly paused—on a familiar figure.
Xiao Yan.
The Medicinal Ceremony's preliminary rounds were meant for the younger generation. Those who excelled might earn the favor of the elders, receive resources, inheritances, or even be taken as disciples.
Xiao Yan had likely come for that reason, but his situation seemed poor. He was refining an 8th Tier Pill—something far too common among the Yao Clan's prodigies to stand out.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.