The medicinal pill melted the instant it entered her mouth. As its effects spread, Queen Medusa's aura began to change.
Before long, her aura had become completely different from what it originally was.
This was a Sixth-Grade medicinal pill, the Qi-Altering Pill. It could drastically change the user's aura, making it entirely different from their original one. The duration of its effect depended on the user's cultivation level the higher the cultivation, the shorter the duration.
Its formula was a rather obscure one that Lin Yuan had obtained from Han Feng. It was an excellent tool for concealment, assassination, and covert operations.
On the Dou Qi Continent, a person's aura was the most important means of identifying them.
After all, appearance was easy to alter—disguises, secret techniques, or pills could all achieve that. But changing one's aura was extremely difficult.
A cultivator's aura was primarily determined by their physique and cultivation technique. To change it, one would need to switch techniques or alter their physique.
However, opportunities to change cultivation techniques were rare, and altering one's physique was even more difficult.
Queen Medusa sensed her transformed aura, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"Although using a Sixth-Grade pill just to alter one's aura is quite costly and the effect only lasts a day or two, the results are indeed remarkable."
"Even if I were to appear before the elders or commanders now, they likely wouldn't recognize me based on my aura."
With that thought, she felt more at ease.
Regarding the Ancient Emperor Tuoshe Jade, she did not mind placing herself in danger, but she did not wish for the Snake-People Tribe to be dragged into it.
"Alchemy truly wondrous."
Lin Yuan's pill had effectively removed her concerns.
"It's time to head to the designated position, Sector Twenty-Three."
Time passed slowly.
At the Royal Plaza of the Jia Ma Sacred City, the first round of the Alchemist Grand Meeting was nearing its end.
The first round's test required participants to interpret a non-standard handwritten prescription and refine a Second-Grade healing pill called the Bone Growth Pill.
Standard prescriptions required soul power to read, allowing the reader to quickly grasp all the key points and precautions needed during refinement.
The ability to transmit all necessary refining knowledge through soul imprints was one of the reasons high-tier standard prescriptions were so valuable.
However, the handwritten prescriptions used in the competition only provided a rough method. All the finer details had to be deduced by the participants themselves, greatly increasing the failure rate.
After being trained by Yao Lao, Xiao Yan was no longer the novice he once was. Using only a single set of ingredients, he successfully refined the Bone Growth Pill.
When he, Yao Yue, and Liu Ling placed their pills into the testing device, the jade mirror emitted a brilliant emerald-green beam of light.
In an instant, Xiao Yan became the center of attention.
Liu Ling's expression darkened slightly. After staring at the three light pillars, his gaze shifted toward Nalan Yanran in the VIP seats. Seeing her watching Yan Xiao with interest, his lips twitched.
In contrast, Little Princess Yao Yue smiled brightly at Xiao Yan.
"Big Brother Yan Xiao is truly amazing. Yue'er admits defeat."
"Just luck," Xiao Yan replied casually, before glancing toward Lin Yuan.
Following his gaze, Yao Yue saw Lin Yuan applauding along with the crowd. Recalling her earlier encounter with him, curiosity flickered in her eyes.
"Big Brother Yan Xiao, who is that person? Your friend?"
"Friend? Rival?" Xiao Yan pondered briefly, muttering inwardly, "Or perhaps both friend and foe…"
Before he could think further, a sudden change occurred.
A dazzling pillar of light suddenly shot up from a remote corner of the plaza, its brilliance surpassing even Xiao Yan's green light.
In an instant, all attention was drawn toward it.
When the crowd saw that the source of such brilliance was merely a gray-robed figure tucked away in a corner, they were all stunned.
From the VIP seats, Fa Ma checked the registration details and discovered that the gray-robed participant had reported his age as seventeen.
"Seventeen years old registered as a Second-Grade alchemist. Yet his soul power suggests at least a fourth-tier level."
"A seventeen-year-old Fourth-Grade alchemist? President, how is that possible? No matter how talented someone is, alchemy still requires time and experience," the vice president exclaimed.
"Heh, that's hard to say," Hai Bo Dong chuckled. "On the Dou Qi Continent, true geniuses can easily break conventions. Who knows? Maybe there's even a seventeen-year-old Sixth-Grade alchemist out there."
The vice president forced a smile.
"Your imagination is too much, Ice Emperor. I cannot imagine someone matching President Fa Ma or Pill King Gu He at seventeen."
"Heh, your imagination is lacking," Hai Bo Dong laughed lightly, subtly glancing at Lin Yuan.
"Enough joking," Fa Ma said gravely. "Even if such a genius exists, it wouldn't be that person below. I have a feeling he's here to cause trouble."
"Fair enough," Hai Bo Dong nodded. "Then let's see who he really is."
With that, a faint stream of cold energy slipped from his fingertips, silently weaving through the air. Soon, an invisible current hovered above the gray-robed figure.
The figure was calmly packing his items when his hand suddenly stiffened. His body moved to retreat.
But with a soft "shatter" from Hai Bo Dong, the conical hat atop his head exploded into dust, revealing a youthful face beneath countless gazes.
A collective gasp spread through the audience.
"That guy is from the Chu Yun Empire?" the Little Princess exclaimed, spotting the emblem on his chest.
"Someone from the Chu Yun Empire? Now this is getting interesting…" Liu Ling murmured.
Xiao Yan stared at the youth, his gaze sharpening.
"This person will be my greatest opponent for the championship."
Inside the ring, Yao Lao pondered briefly before a look of understanding appeared in his eyes.
"This aura this soul power. Not a natural genius like Tian Shu, but someone who altered his appearance and age to participate?"
"But Xiao Yan still has a chance," he thought, a smile forming. "Heh good. This makes things more interesting."
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan narrowed his eyes as he looked at the gray-robed youth.
"So, you've arrived… Good. This guy holds a high enough position in the Chu Yun Empire to access plenty of information. That means I can get detailed intelligence from that side. Little Fairy Doctor…"
Amid the crowd's differing thoughts, the second round of the competition began.
The second test of the Alchemist Grand Meeting provided all participants with a flawed third-tier pill formula, challenging them to identify the errors and successfully refine the pill.
As flames ignited one after another, the second round officially commenced.
Below, numerous alchemists began refining their pills.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan immersed most of his consciousness into the Sky Network, rapidly receiving and processing incoming information while continuously fine-tuning the details.
Suddenly, two messages arrived:
"I've arrived at a valley with Protector Wu. There are five Soul Hall members here, all at the Dou King level."
"Yun Shan's aura has been detected in Sector Seventeen."
Lin Yuan's gaze sharpened, a flicker of excitement flashing through his eyes.
"They've finally arrived."
In the valley, six masses of dark mist swirled ominously. Only Yun Shan, dressed in plain white robes, stood out starkly among them.
At this moment, Protector Wu had already regrouped with Yun Shan and the Soul Envoys, beginning the final deployment.
"You follow me." Protector Wu pointed at one of the Soul Envoys. "The rest of you, wait near Wu Tan City for my signal. Once I give it, capture the key members of the Xiao Clan, especially the clan head. He must be taken alive."
"As for the others, do not act yet. Await further orders. Go."
"Yes, Protector."
With that, several dark figures shot toward Wu Tan City.
"Heh heh heh, Yun Shan, let's move as well. Go to the position I mentioned. Don't let anyone pass, no one leaves either, except the Soul Envoys. Once this operation is complete, the Soul Hall will further support your Misty Cloud Sect."
"Many thanks, Protector Wu." Yun Shan bowed respectfully.
The two then set off toward Wu Tan City.
At the same time, all of Protector Wu's arrangements were transmitted outward through a subtle fluctuation from Yun Shan's sleeve.
Receiving the message, Lin Yuan smiled faintly. "With this, all positions are basically confirmed."
"Sector Seventeen is only half an hour from Wu Tan City. Everyone can begin preparations."
"Yun Shan's interception point is Sector Nine?" After a moment's thought, Lin Yuan transmitted: "Have the Queen move to Sector Eleven. Conceal her aura and stand by."
"Qing'er, have your subordinates assist my clone in tracking the locations of the Xiao Clan's First Elder and Clan Head. Also, have my clone disguise itself as a Soul Envoy and await orders. Once my signal is given, immediately subdue the First Elder."
Unlike the Soul Hall, which targeted Xiao Zhan, Lin Yuan had chosen the Xiao Clan's First Elder as his primary objective.
The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade stored soul imprints. Each successive clan head would leave behind a trace of their soul within it, allowing others to determine their life or death.
Under such circumstances, it made little sense for the clan head to carry the jade. Instead, the First Elder was the most suitable custodian, ensuring the clan could monitor the clan head's condition in times of crisis.
And indeed, in the original timeline, the jade was in the First Elder's possession.
After receiving the order, Qing Lin immediately relayed it.
Within the Xiao Clan residence in Wu Tan City, the First Elder, Xiao Lie, sat in his quiet study, leisurely sipping tea while reviewing the past few months' accounts.
He took a sip of fragrant tea, flipping through the ledgers with a satisfied smile.
"These past two years, with the pills left behind by Xiao Yan and his teacher, plus the support from the Mittel Family, the clan has flourished more and more. Now that Xiao Zhan has become the City Lord, it seems Wu Tan City will soon belong entirely to the Xiao Clan."
"Ever since Xiao Yan regained his talent, everything in the clan has gone smoothly. Harmony really is the key."
"I should write to Ning'er and Yu'er sometime tell them to get along better with Xiao Yan. The clan's growth comes first. It's not yet time to compete with Xiao Zhan's branch for leadership."
Lost in thoughts of a prosperous future, Xiao Lie even began humming softly.
Meanwhile, in the City Lord's Mansion, Xiao Zhan was handling official documents. He was highly capable, and within just a few days of taking office, he had earned the trust of those around him.
After finishing the last document, he leaned back into his chair, smiling to himself.
"Heh, Yan Xiao, that must be my son, Xiao Yan." A grin spread across his face. "That brat even picks fake names so casually, no wonder he got exposed. This City Lord position must be the royal family's way of currying favor."
"I didn't expect Yan'er to grow so quickly I can no longer protect him."
Thinking of Xiao Yan's growth, his heart filled with pride."Yan'er, do your best in today's Alchemist Grand Meeting."
Not far from the Xiao residence, in a dilapidated courtyard, a hidden chamber lay a hundred meters beneath a dried well.
A Moonlight Stone illuminated the space with a soft glow, revealing a mass of churning black mist.
Within it, Lin Yuan's clone locked onto the aura of the Xiao Clan's First Elder, waiting for the signal to act.
Half an hour later, deep in a secluded valley behind the Xiao Clan, a mass of black mist approached.
Suddenly, a mocking voice rang out from the shadows of a tree:
"Oh? A Soul Hall dog. Didn't expect to run into one again in such a remote place. Heading toward the Xiao Clan? Where do you think you're going?"
Before the words even finished, a middle-aged man with the aura of a two-star Dou Emperor burst out, black wings spreading as he chased the fleeing Soul Envoy.
Ten minutes later—
A chain pierced through the Dou Emperor's body. With a pull, his soul was instantly torn out.
In the valley, a black-robed elder opened his eyes, frowning deeply. "Hm? Ling Tong's aura has vanished? What happened?"
His figure disappeared instantly.
Minutes later, he arrived to see the lifeless body of the Dou Emperor and the soul bound to a chain.
Gazing coldly at Protector Wu within the black mist, he said indifferently: "So, a Soul Hall Protector. Return Ling Tong's soul. Do you even know who you're dealing with?"
Protector Wu remained unconcerned, casually storing the soul into a soul pouch.
Looking at the elder, roughly a two-star Dou Ancestor, he sneered, "Heh heh heh A member of the Gu Clan? Not so impressive. Today, not just him you will die as well."
The elder's expression darkened, unease rising within him. "They know my identity and still dare act, this must be planned. Is their target the Xiao Clan? The Ancient Jade?"
"That killing of Ling Tong, it was to lure me away? Damn it!"
Realizing his duty, he moved to rush toward the Xiao Clan.
"Trying to leave?" Protector Wu blocked his path instantly. "You think I went to all this trouble just to let you interfere?"
"Then I'll kill you first," the elder said coldly, forming a black spear of energy. "Demonic Serpent Devour!"
"Arrogant. A mere two-star Dou Ancestor dares boast?" Three black chains shot out. "Triple Soul Lock."
A Dou Ancestor battle erupted.
Elsewhere, a small snake emerged from the ground, its green eyes gleaming intelligently as it watched the distant battle.
Back at the Royal Plaza in Jia Ma Sacred City, the second round of the Alchemist Grand Meeting was nearing its end.
Xiao Yan, Liu Ling, and the remaining contestants had already identified the flaws in the formula. Having deduced the correct version, they were fully focused on refining their pills.
At the same time, Lin Yuan received an urgent report from Qing Lin:
"Subordinates in Sector Six report a Dou Ancestor battle there."
"Yun Shan reports that Protector Wu is fighting a Dou Ancestor. He is currently in Sector Seven, blocking all movement except for Soul Hall members."
"The five Soul Envoys have reached Sector Four. They will arrive at Wu Tan City in about ten minutes."
The moment he received the information, Lin Yuan issued his commands through the Sky Network, his expression grave:
"The operation begins. Clones move out immediately. Primary objective: capture the Xiao Clan's First Elder and seize the Ancient Jade. Also lock onto Xiao Zhan's location—if the jade cannot be obtained from the First Elder, proceed immediately to the City Lord's Mansion."
"Medusa Queen, head to Sector Seven. Prepare to engage Yun Shan, put on a show and assist his withdrawal."
"Clone One (Dou Emperor-level) moves to Sector Two as backup. Be ready to intervene at any time. If Clone Two runs short on time, disguise as a Gu Clan member and stall the Soul Envoys."
Deep beneath the dried well, Lin Yuan's clone received the command and shot out like an arrow.
In moments, he reached the surface and rushed toward the First Elder's residence. Within a few breaths, he appeared like a ghost inside the courtyard and silently approached the study.
As the door opened, Xiao Lie looked up in shock at the sudden black mist.
"Who—" Before he could finish, a wave of soul force and illusion struck him, knocking him unconscious.
The clone sealed the room with soul power, then fed him a Phantom Soul Pill and lit Phantom Soul Incense.
Under their combined effects, Xiao Lie fell into a deep trance, his expression relaxed.
Forming a seal, Lin Yuan used a rare illusion technique, High Black-Class Dou Technique: Illusory Sound Bewitchment.
"Awaken, Xiao Lie."
Xiao Lie slowly opened his eyes, blank and lifeless.
"Where is the Ancient Jade stored, the one containing the clan heads' soul imprints?"
Under the combined effects, Xiao Lie answered without resistance:"The jade after the clan head gave it to me, I placed it in a box and buried it fifty meters beneath my room."
After confirming three times, Lin Yuan proceeded.
He put Xiao Lie into a deeper sleep, then dug up the box.
Opening it, a jade fragment appeared—emerald green, with a faint light drifting within, as if alive.
"Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade finally in my hands."
Far away, Lin Yuan steadied himself and had the clone store it in a storage ring.
Back in the study, the clone looked at the sleeping Xiao Lie. Both Lin Yuan's main body and clone spoke at once, cold and calm:
"Thank you, First Elder Xiao Lie. And farewell."
Though their lips moved, no sound was produced.
The clone placed a hand on Xiao Lie's soulless body. A strange flame erupted, reducing it entirely to nothingness.
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