The moment of reflection passed. Liu Xi glanced sideways, seeing that the surrounding clan leaders were engaged in lively conversation with Zhu Bei.
A powerhouse of such caliber, backed by the unfathomable Ancient Void Dragon Tribe—forming ties with him could only bring benefit, never harm.
Because of this, all attention in the hall had shifted toward Zhu Bei and the three clan leaders. Liu Xi leaned back lazily in his stone chair, casually picking up the jade cup from the table and sipping the fine wine within. It was a rare moment of leisure.
Time slowly slipped by.
The competition among the younger generation was drawing to a close. In the end, Xiao Yan summoned a five-colored Pill Lightning—an average result, neither high nor low. The best performance belonged to a female disciple of the Yao Clan, who attracted an eight-colored Pill Lightning.
That result was already outstanding. In the outside world, even within the Small Pill Tower, such talent could rival some of the oldest elders.
Indeed, the geniuses of the Yao Clan possessed unique skill and extraordinary talent in the art of alchemy.
As the preliminary rounds concluded, the true contest for the title of the Continent's Number One Alchemist was about to begin.
Suddenly, exclamations echoed across the square. From the distant horizon, a cluster of emerald-green flame floated in, like a cloud of glowing jade. The flame was not hot but exuded a boundless life force that spread throughout the heavens and earth, refreshing and soothing to the soul.
Liu Xi's gaze locked onto it, and he murmured to himself, "Life Spirit Flame…"
Standing atop that emerald cloud of fire was an old man in a coarse hemp robe. He was not tall, his aged face always bearing a gentle smile, his eyes kind and serene. In his hand rested a staff adorned with hanging jade bottles, each containing perfectly round pills that clinked softly like mountain springs running through stone.
The old man moved swiftly, crossing the heavens in an instant before descending gracefully upon the gathering. As he descended, the emerald flame cloud beneath his feet slowly receded.
Elder Wanhuo stepped forward to greet him, his tone filled with rare emotion. "Elder Shen Nong, I didn't expect even you, this old monster, to come. And that flame—is it the Life Spirit Flame?"
The old man chuckled and nodded. "A chance discovery during a herb-seeking journey," he said kindly. His eyes swept across the gathering, pausing briefly on Yao Dan, Yan Jin, and Lei Ying, to whom he gave a courteous nod. They too smiled warmly in return.
Such respect was well-deserved. Elder Shen Nong was a 6-Star Dou Saint and one of the few Alchemy Grandmasters on the continent to reach such a level without any ancient bloodline—purely through talent and perseverance. Even the ancient clans regarded him with courtesy.
When his gaze fell on Zhu Bei, he paused briefly but still smiled and nodded. Zhu Bei, recognizing Shen Nong's extraordinary presence, returned the gesture with equal warmth.
Elder Shen Nong smiled faintly. "To see so many top experts gathered for this Medicinal Ceremony… perhaps this old man should not have come. Yet the day has arrived, and I find myself unable to resist attending—after all, even I am not free from worldly attachments."
Elder Wanhuo laughed as he led Shen Nong to his seat. "Since you're here, that's all that matters. Who wouldn't want a shot at the title of Continent's Number One Alchemist? Our clan has long been prepared for whatever crises may arise."
As Shen Nong took his seat, many sect masters and elders nearby greeted him eagerly. To befriend such a figure could mean obtaining even a single pill that might shatter their long-standing bottlenecks.
Suddenly—Boom!
A deafening explosion thundered from the horizon, followed by an arrogant, mocking laugh.
"Hahaha! Hun Huzi arrives uninvited! Today, I come as an alchemist to compete for the title of the Continent's Number One Alchemist. Tell me, Yao Clan—is this how you welcome your guests?"
The voice of Hun Huzi resounded across the skies, and the crowd erupted in an uproar. The Hun Clan was at war with the Four Clan Alliance, plunging the entire Central Plains into darkness—and now a member of the Hun Clan dared to stride brazenly into the Medicinal Ceremony!
Yao Dan, Yan Jin, and Lei Ying exchanged grim looks, seeing the same cold resolve in one another's eyes. For the Hun Clan to still dare appear here…
Then, silent smirks crept across their faces. Each discreetly crushed the rings on their fingers, releasing faint waves of energy—the silent signal that the plan had begun.
Yao Dan slowly rose to his feet, hands clasped behind his back, his eyes coldly fixed on the distant black-robed figure speeding through the air. He turned to the restless elders around him and said, "Let him come. Though Hun Huzi is despicable and shameless—a disgrace to all alchemists—the Yao Clan still acts with reason. Let no one say we are as cruel as the Hun Clan."
"Yes!" the gathered elders answered in unison.
"Heh heh…"
Hun Huzi's sneering voice grew closer as he appeared above the plaza, his gaunt face twisting into a sinister grin. "Ah, Clan Leader Yao Dan, you are indeed reasonable. When the day comes that the Hun Clan crushes your Yao Clan, as long as you swear fealty, I, Hun Huzi, shall ensure your bloodline survives."
"Arrogant fool!"
Yao Dan's expression darkened, his aura flaring violently. The pressure of a 7-Star Dou Saint swept across the skies like a crashing mountain, forcing Hun Huzi back through the air.
At his side, Yan Jin and Lei Ying both let out cold chuckles. The Hun Clan dreamed of destroying the Yao Clan? With the Four Clans united, even the Hun Clan couldn't bleed them dry forever. If this war truly dragged on, the final victor was far from certain.
Hun Huzi's mocking smile faded. The power he revealed was that of a 6-Star Dou Saint—beneath Yao Dan's might, he was suppressed, forced to retreat under the weight of the man's aura.
"Come now, Clan Leader Yao Dan," he croaked, trying to maintain composure. "No need to be angry—it harms the body. The Medicinal Ceremony is about to begin, isn't it? I'm only here to claim the title of the Continent's Number One Alchemist, not to fight."
"Hmph!"
Yao Dan snorted coldly and withdrew his aura, his calm voice spreading throughout the plaza like a divine echo. "Then let it begin. I hereby announce—the Medicinal Ceremony officially starts! Those who wish to compete for the title of the Continent's Number One Alchemist, enter the field!"
Thunderous cheers erupted instantly. Whatever hatred they bore toward the Hun Clan, the Medicinal Ceremony's prestige—and the dream of becoming the greatest alchemist alive—was enough to ignite every heart.
Elder Wanhuo shot Hun Huzi a cold glare before sweeping his sleeves and rising gracefully into the air, landing upon the plaza like a drifting flame. His presence was elegant yet commanding.
Elder Shen Nong stood as well, smiling faintly. Without even glancing at Hun Huzi, he stepped forward onto the air, walking toward the plaza with calm dignity.
To him, and to many others, the Hun Clan—and Hun Huzi—were beneath contempt. The Hun Clan's cruelty and Hun Huzi's treachery were infamous. Their Hall of Souls captured and devoured countless souls, with alchemists being their prime targets. There was not an alchemist alive who did not loathe them.
Finally, Hun Huzi sneered, rolling his shoulders before soaring toward the arena. His eyes gleamed darkly. 'Today, this entire gathering of alchemists will be nothing more than prey for the Hun Clan.'
Meanwhile, Liu Xi lazily took another sip of wine and yawned. The lively crowd, the blazing excitement—it all had nothing to do with him. Compared to achieving the realm of the Dou Di, such empty titles meant little.
'The Continent's Number One Alchemist?' He smiled faintly. 'Not worth the effort.'
His gaze shifted between Elder Shen Nong, Elder Wanhuo, and Hun Huzi. A faint, knowing smile curled on his lips.
'The Life Spirit Flame, the Nine Serene Wind Flame, and the Void Devouring Flame… aren't they all coming to me on their own?'
(End of Chapter)
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