Chapter 107: Xiao Yan's Good Fortune
"The Alchemist Convention isn't being held at the Alchemist Guild — it's being held at the Royal Square."
Xiao Tian explained with a smile as they walked down the street.
"The Royal Square? Isn't that place reserved only for the imperial family's grand ceremonies? Why would they hold the Alchemist Convention there?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Xiao Yan's eyes.
"This is an unprecedented event, and the imperial family stands to gain a great deal from it. Naturally, they're lending their full support. According to the records, more than two thousand alchemists have registered — only a place like the Royal Square can hold such a crowd."
"That makes sense."
"Two thousand people… that's staggering. But just imagining two thousand alchemists refining pills side by side — it stirs something in me." Xiao Yan clicked his tongue and licked his lips, unable to hide his excitement.
"What — feeling your blood boil already?"
Seeing Xiao Yan's expression, Xiao Tian knew the boy was more than ready for this competition. In truth, Xiao Tian himself was eager too — this was the perfect stage to shine in these early days.
"You two have the right spirit. I can't wait to see you both light up the arena. If you take the championship, even I get to save face in front of Elder Fa Ma — haha."
The three chatted as they walked, drawing ever closer to the Royal Square. Behind them, the three women followed, speaking quietly among themselves.
Outside the square, fully armed troops stood guard, keeping order. Even from a distance, a massive crowd had already gathered, their voices rising in a ceaseless hum.
"Come. Let's witness this grand event with our own eyes."
It was Xiao Tian's first time attending something of this scale, and even he — usually so composed — couldn't help the thrill stirring in his chest.
The group first sought out Master Otto and briefly introduced the others to him. Under Otto's guidance, they passed through the contestants' private channel without trouble.
After climbing an entry ramp, the colossal square unfolded before their eyes like a slumbering giant. Thousands of bluestone platforms stood in perfect formation at its center, many already occupied by seated contestants.
"There's still time before the competition begins. Let me take you to the VIP section — I'll introduce you to a few important figures. It may prove useful."
Following Otto, they reached the VIP area. He pointed toward an old man in a purple alchemist's robe standing beside Mitchell.
Xiao Tian followed his gaze. That purple-robed elder must be Fa Ma, President of the Alchemist Guild. Old Yao once guided him in passing — I wonder if he still remembers.
"That is the pride of our Alchemist Guild — Elder Fa Ma. Rumor has it the President is on the verge of stepping into the ranks of a Sixth-Pattern Alchemist."
Otto spoke with reverence written plainly on his face.
Just as Otto was making the introduction, the drowsy-eyed old man seemed to sense something and turned his gaze toward them. Otto bowed at once, and after a brief exchange, the old man's eyes settled on Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan.
"I take it you two are the ones who scored highest in the internal trials?"
"This junior, Xiao Tian, greets President Fa Ma."
"President Fa Ma, this junior is Yan Xiao."
Both inclined their heads slightly, answering with respectful smiles.
"Full of spirit. I think highly of you both. To refine a black iron spirit leaf to such a degree — even Gu He couldn't have done it at your age."
"I hope this convention brings you both something of value."
Fa Ma spoke gently, his expression warm and kind. Thanks to Old Yao's concealment, he noticed nothing unusual about Xiao Yan.
Then Fa Ma's gaze swept casually over those behind Xiao Tian — and the moment it landed on Xiao Yi Xian, his drowsy eyes snapped wide open.
This… this girl — what kind of strength is this? I can actually feel a fatal threat emanating from her.
Xiao Yi Xian and the others noticed his reaction, but she only offered a faint smile.
"She's simply accompanying me."
Xiao Tian spoke at the right moment. The others didn't understand the weight of his words — but Fa Ma did.
"That's good. With your word, I can set my heart at ease."
Fa Ma released his hidden unease and returned to his calm demeanor.
"You old fossil — the older you get, the more you talk."
"Who dares—" Mitchell, seated beside Fa Ma, shot to his feet, ready to shout — only to freeze as a figure suddenly appeared at Fa Ma's side.
"Old Ice — so you really didn't die. I thought Medusa had finished you off. And I heard you even crossed blades with Old Jia last night."
Fa Ma looked at Hai Bodong in surprise.
"You two old fossils — it's rude to gossip about people behind their backs."
A voice rang out from the VIP section's entrance.
Everyone turned. Three figures stepped in — one man and two women.
The man, of course, was the imperial family's guardian, Jia Xingtian. The women were Princess Yao Yue and the Little Princess.
The third woman wore luxurious brocade robes. Tall, poised, her features bore a faint resemblance to the Little Princess — yet she carried a cold, mature elegance and the solemn dignity cultivated only within the imperial family.
This must be Yao Ye, Xiao Tian thought, the future heir of the Jia Ma Empire.
Otto's face broke into a cold sweat. Why are all these old monsters appearing today?
He had only glimpsed Jia Xingtian from afar once or twice. The old man was a pillar of the Jia Ma Empire itself.
"Little friend Xiao Tian, little friend Yan Xiao — you two arrived early."
Jia Xingtian chuckled as he sat down beside Hai Bodong. But when his eyes fell on Xiao Yi Xian standing behind Xiao Tian, his expression shifted slightly.
"May I ask who this young lady is?"
"Old Jia — you're not late yourself. This is my wife. She's simply accompanying me."
Xiao Tian answered with a calm smile.
Everyone turned toward Xiao Yi Xian in quiet confusion, wondering why she had drawn the attention of two of the highest figures in the room.
Through Old Jia's introduction, she was indeed confirmed as Yao Ye, the future heir of the imperial family.
Xiao Tian admired Yao Ye — but only her abilities. As a person, she held no real interest for him. Those raised within the imperial family were often shrewd to the bone, measuring everything first by gain and loss.
After brief introductions and polite greetings to the three elders, Xiao Tian led the three women to a quiet side seat and waited for the convention to begin.
Xiao Yan found a seat of his own. After a moment's thought, Yao Ye sat down beside him — clearly aware that Xiao Tian already had several women at his side, and their bonds ran deep.
As time passed, more alchemists streamed into the arena, the atmosphere growing louder and more alive.
The three women whispered among themselves, while Xiao Tian listened quietly, gently playing with Xiao Yi Xian's jade-white hand.
"System check-in."
Suddenly, a commotion stirred at the VIP entrance. In walked the patriarchs of the three great families — Miteer Tengshan, Nalan Jie, and Mu Chen of the Mu Family.
Nalan Yanran's expression shifted the moment she saw Yao Ye seated beside Xiao Yan. At a subtle signal from Nalan Jie, she crossed the room and took the seat on Xiao Yan's other side.
Xiao Yan glanced at the two women now vying for his attention — and let out a bitter smile.
Meanwhile, in the row behind him, Liu Ling glared at Xiao Yan with gritted teeth, her eyes burning with deep resentment.
Xiao Yan turned his head and met her stare — a silent, helpless struggle passing between them.
Watching Xiao Yan wear that bitter smile as he fumbled to answer Nalan Yanran and Yao Ye at once, Xiao Tian could barely hold back the curve tugging at his lips.
Xiao Yan shot him a pleading glance.
"Tian-ge… help. Please — help me."