"Are you two here to participate in the Alchemist Convention this time?"
Upon hearing Otto's words, Frank's eyes lit up with interest.
"What are the benefits of this Alchemist Convention? If it's just a hollow title, then participating would be a waste of time and effort," Xiao Tian said as he adjusted himself into a more comfortable position on the chair.
"Of course there are benefits. First, there's faction recruitment, and then fame and prestige. That's how Gu He rose to prominence back then," Otto explained enthusiastically, listing the advantages.
"Joining a faction? I haven't considered that. I don't need a hollow title either. These things are useless to me. Are there any more substantial benefits?" Xiao Tian rubbed his fingers, feigning disinterest while subtly hinting.
"Without any real benefits, why would I bother? It would just be a waste of time fighting with those people, and there are so many procedures. I hate trouble the most," Xiao Tian added, spreading his hands with a calm expression.
"You brat, you really are…" Otto and Frank shook their heads with bitter smiles. Otto then continued, "The champion of each Alchemist Convention becomes an honorary elder of the Alchemist Guild, enjoying the same level of benefits and authority as the Grand Elders. You'll also have priority access to select medicinal ingredients from every branch."
Xiao Tian thought about it but still felt it wouldn't be very useful. After leaving the Jia Ma Empire, he didn't know when he would return.
Seeing a hint of interest in Xiao Yan's eyes while Xiao Tian still seemed uninterested, Master Otto decided to stop beating around the bush and reveal the real prize.
"This year's champion reward is a scroll containing a sixth-rank pill recipe."
"What kind of pill?" Xiao Tian sat up straighter, unsure if it was the same reward as in the original story.
"The sixth-rank Soul Fusion Pill."
"This sixth-rank pill is rather niche, primarily used for soul bodies. The Soul Fusion Pill allows a soul to merge with a physical body…"
The moment he heard "soul body," Xiao Yan looked up with interest.
"Xiao Tian, I really need this pill recipe. Please help me get it. I can exchange something with you."
Queen Medusa's voice suddenly reached Xiao Tian's ears directly, carrying a barely perceptible hint of pleading.
"I'll have to consider it. We'll talk about the specifics later," Xiao Tian replied.
He knew how urgent Queen Medusa was, so he deliberately kept her hanging for a while. A slight, mischievous smile appeared on his lips as he thought, The fish has taken the bait.
Queen Medusa fell silent upon hearing this.
She wasn't a fool. In fact, she was quite intelligent and knew that to get what she wanted, she would probably have to offer Xiao Tian substantial benefits.
"This reward is quite good. I'll participate," Xiao Tian said after pondering for a moment.
To get a firm hold on Queen Medusa, obtaining this pill recipe was the best bargaining chip.
"What about you, Young Friend Xiao Yan?" Otto asked delightedly after hearing Xiao Tian's decision. He turned to look at Xiao Yan.
"Then I'll participate too," Xiao Yan replied.
He had already been interested in joining such a competition, and with Xiao Tian also participating, there was no reason for him to refuse. He also wanted to compete with Xiao Tian and find out who was stronger in alchemy.
"However, I have one condition: I want to use the name Yan Xiao and my previously disguised appearance," Xiao Yan said while stroking his chin.
"May I ask why you want to do this?" Otto frowned, looking at Xiao Yan with concern.
Xiao Yan shook his head and didn't answer Master Otto's question. He simply looked at him silently.
"Changing names is easy. The convention isn't too strict about that — it only focuses on age," Otto said after a brief thought. Both he and Frank agreed to Xiao Yan's condition.
They had both witnessed Xiao Yan's alchemy skills. During his second-rank assessment, his smooth and fluid operations were something most third-rank alchemists couldn't achieve.
"Then I'll trouble Master Frank and Master Otto," Xiao Yan said as he cupped his hands and bowed in gratitude.
"What about you, Xiao Tian? Will you use your real name and appearance?" Master Otto asked, waving his hand to indicate no further courtesy was needed.
"Yes, just register me with my original information. We'll trouble the two Masters to handle our registration procedures."
"When does the convention begin?" Xiao Tian asked with a smile.
"Nine days from now. I'll be here during this time, so if you have any questions, feel free to come find me. This old man still has some connections in Jia Ma Holy City."
"I'll handle both of your registrations. If there are any changes, I'll contact you."
"Where are you staying now? If you don't have a place, you can stay here," Master Otto offered with concern.
"No need. We're currently staying at the Mittel Auction House. If there's any news, you can find us directly there," Xiao Tian replied, shaking his head with a smile.
After confirming that both would participate, Master Otto stroked his beard and burst into hearty laughter. His entire face bloomed like a chrysanthemum.
"Then, many thanks to the two Masters."
Xiao Tian stood up, bowed to them, put on his Ice Silkworm Mask, and led Xiao Yan — who had taken the reversion pill — toward the door.
Watching their retreating figures, the two old masters' smiles grew increasingly unrestrained.
"With these two prodigies participating, I can already imagine demanding a lion's share of funding from the main guild next year, and even applying for many rare medicinal ingredients. Hehe!"
The two old men, whose combined age exceeded two hundred years, exchanged glances with sinister smiles on their faces.
Xue Mei and Lin Fei, standing nearby, shivered at their eerie laughter.
"These two old fellows are still trying to scheme against the main guild, as always."
…
After leaving the Alchemist Guild, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan returned to the Mittel Auction House and temporarily parted ways, each returning to their own residence.
During this time, Xiao Tian directly tossed an Xuan Ling Pill to Xiao Yan, while Xiao Yan gave Xiao Tian many of his own rare medicinal ingredients in return.
Back in his room, as soon as Xiao Tian sat down, the Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python crawled down from his hand.
After a careful look, he realized it was the little fellow, not Queen Medusa. With a wave of his hand, he took out the accompanying Purple Crystal Source to feed her. This little one was falling into slumber more and more frequently lately — simply eating when full and sleeping when fed.
The fed little python didn't burrow back into his sleeve to sleep as usual. Instead, it stood still, its light purple snake eyes constantly shifting.
Suddenly, the Seven-Colored Little Snake's body emitted a burst of light. When the light dissipated, a beautiful woman in a red brocade robe appeared in Xiao Tian's arms.
Beneath her skirt was a purple, very alluring snake tail.
"Cai Li, you always appear in my arms. I highly suspect you're deliberately taking advantage of me," Xiao Tian said teasingly as he naturally and gently embraced the delicate body, carefully examining Queen Medusa.
"Do you want to possess me? If you give me the Soul Fusion Pill recipe, I can consider giving you a chance."
Queen Medusa leaned close to Xiao Tian's ear. Her hand lightly traced his chest as she spoke with infinite seduction.