"Hahaha, I knew Xiao Tian would claim the championship." Hai Bodong burst into laughter upon witnessing his Palace Master secure victory, feeling immensely honored.
"Young friend Xiao Tian, to ascend to the rank of Tier-5 Alchemist at such a tender age is truly humbling. I suspect many factions are already preparing to extend enticing offers. Your Mittel family has truly unearthed a treasure."
Jia Xingtian's mode of address had shifted from "little friend" to "young friend," already placing Xiao Tian on equal footing with himself.
"Merely good fortune, nothing more."
"That young fellow Yan Xiao is not lacking either. He will likely be fiercely contested over as well. To refine the Three-Pattern Azure Spirit Pill, his potential is equally boundless."
Hai Bodong glanced at Xiao Yan, who stood beside Xiao Tian, and spoke with gravity.
As though recalling something, Hai Bodong smiled meaningfully, his eyes glinting subtly in the direction of Nalan Jie and the others in the VIP section.
The first and second places had been claimed by two brothers. Yet such a family and such talent had been driven out by their own people.
---
"Mr. Xiao Tian, congratulations." Princess Yao Yue approached as well, her smile sweet.
"Just a fluke." Xiao Tian responded with a smile, once again borrowing the famous line of the Fluke Brother.
From the distance, Liu Ling also directed a barely amicable expression toward Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan.
Xiao Tian paid him no mind. Presumably, this setback had made him realize that there are always those better than oneself, and there is always a higher heaven. Besides, he belonged to his woman's faction.
That made him one of their own, so there was no need to harbor any grudge.
Xiao Tian packed up all his belongings, glanced at the fervent gazes surrounding him, and turned to walk toward the passage.
Among the participating alchemists, some beamed with joy, while others bore a trace of regret.
Regardless, they were all outstanding individuals in this Alchemist Convention. Many knew they could not seize the championship. Participating was merely an opportunity to be noticed and secure a future.
By showcasing their alchemical skills, they could attract the recruitment of various factions and thereby rise swiftly.
Being an alchemist is the most expensive profession. Joining a faction is the wisest choice for alchemists without a background. Only then can they acquire the resources to improve their craft.
As the alchemists in the arena departed one by one, this grand Alchemist Convention finally drew to a close.
---
After Xiao Tian and the three women successfully reunited and chatted with Otto and the others for a while, they returned to the Alchemist Guild. Two rooms were arranged for Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan to rest and recover their mental strength.
An hour later, Xiao Tian opened his eyes. His depleted soul power had returned to its most perfect state.
"This pill refining technique is truly mentally exhausting. No wonder it has not been widely passed down."
Xiao Tian sighed inwardly. This technique was only manageable for him because of his powerful soul. Had other Tier-5 Alchemists employed it, they would likely have been left utterly drained.
"How are you now? Have you recovered? Do you feel any discomfort anywhere?"
Ya Fei and the other two came to Xiao Tian's side, their hands constantly checking him here and there. One person's hand even mischievously wandered elsewhere.
"Alright, alright. You have all had your fun. It is time for me to collect my reward."
Xiao Tian tapped Ya Fei's smooth forehead, speaking with exasperation.
She was the boldest among them. Ever since that incident in the bath, she seemed to have cast all inhibitions aside.
"I am merely helping to check whether you have recovered properly."
"Then take care. Those people out there are itching to devour you. Do not let them charm your soul away."
"Do not worry. I am not so easily swayed. My heart belongs only to you all."
Upon hearing this, the three women's hearts swelled with joy.
Xiao Tian pinched Ya Fei's small face, kissed Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin on their foreheads, and turned to leave.
"Sister Xian'er, look. He is playing favorites."
"Indeed, he is. He always takes you everywhere he goes."
---
Led by a guild member, Xiao Tian arrived at Fa Ma's office and gently knocked on the door.
After Fa Ma's acknowledgment, Xiao Tian pushed open the door and entered.
Fa Ma, Hai Bodong, and Jia Xingtian were all seated by the desk. They smiled upon seeing Xiao Tian enter.
Xiao Tian exchanged pleasantries with them for a moment, then accepted a purple-silver scroll and a token from Fa Ma's hand.
The purple-silver scroll was this occasion's reward: the Tier-6 medicinal formula, the Soul Fusion Pill.
The instant Xiao Tian received the scroll, the Seven-Colored Sky Swallowing Python coiled around his arm stirred slightly.
The token was an honorary elder token of the guild. It granted special privileges without requiring obedience to anyone's command.
This was, in a manner of speaking, a hidden investment. One enjoyed the privileges, but should the guild ever encounter trouble in the future, one could not stand idly by. By accepting it, an invisible label was affixed.
Nevertheless, possessing this made many things more convenient. Many matters required status to facilitate.
"Then I shall take my leave. I imagine you three are also growing impatient."
After a lighthearted remark, Xiao Tian departed the room.
"It seems this young fellow has guessed our intentions."
Fa Ma was startled by Xiao Tian's words.
The three then vanished from the room. Yan Li, who had fled Gama Holy City, was, outside the city, torn to pieces by the three vengeful old men, much to Yan Li's horror.
---
The following morning, within the Eternal Dream Realm, Xiao Tian awoke from his slumber. He released his embrace of the two women, dressed, kissed them on their foreheads, and exited the room.
Stepping outside, he saw Qing Lin standing beyond the door, holding a copper basin.
"Did I not say you need not come today? Why are you still here?"
Xiao Tian lifted the face towel from the copper basin and simply wiped his face.
"I am Young Master's maid. Serving Young Master is my foremost duty."
Xiao Tian dotingly ruffled Qing Lin's hair. "Come, keep me company for a walk."
A flicker of joy sparkled in Qing Lin's eyes. She happily stowed the copper basin away with quick steps.
Now, the entirety of the Eternal Dream Realm, particularly his palace, had been managed by the three women to even greater beauty.
Even the palaces of the three women had been planted and designed to their personal tastes.
It truly felt like paradise on earth.
After spending time with Qing Lin and a brief wash in the bath, Xiao Tian emerged from the Eternal Dream Realm.
---
A streak of light cut across the sky, descending upon the forbidden area in the back mountains of the Misty Cloud Sect.
"I wondered why the magpies outside would not cease their chirping today. As it turns out, we have a distinguished guest."
The moment Xiao Tian landed, Yun Shan's voice drifted out from within the cave dwelling.
"I apologize for disturbing Sect Leader Yun's cultivation."
Xiao Tian walked into the cave dwelling and seated himself upon a chair before Yun Shan.
"It appears Sect Leader Yun has been in excellent spirits lately. You look even more vigorous than before."
"Haha, that is also thanks to young friend's assistance. Should you ever require anything in the future, you need only speak the word."
Yun Shan replied with a smile, his eyes gleaming with admiration for Xiao Tian.
"I have come today to discuss two matters with Sect Leader Yun, so as to avoid any unpleasantness later."
Xiao Tian lifted the tea Yun Shan had poured on the table and took a sip.
"Oh? What matters?"
Yun Shan composed his expression. He had once been defeated by him, so naturally, he wished to avoid any falling out.
Were they to become enemies, Xiao Tian would beat him as though it were child's play.
"Tomorrow, my younger brother will have a duel with Nalan Yanran, your sect leader's direct disciple. Should my younger brother defeat her, and your sect's disciples and elders lose face, an escalating conflict would be undesirable. Do you not agree, Sect Leader Yun?"
Xiao Tian leaned back in his chair, smiling at Yun Shan.
"Oh? Such a matter exists? What is the reason for this duel?"
Yun Shan grasped the implication behind Xiao Tian's words. If the conflict between both sides were to escalate, he might intervene. Then, owing to his position, he might end up opposing him.
"It is simply a matter of a marriage engagement, an agreement made between the two families."
"Oh, a marriage engagement? Emotional entanglements among the young can indeed become rather complicated at times."
"However, this was not a wise choice. It is a pity. We could have been in-laws with young friend."
Yun Shan remained silent for a moment, then shook his head and spoke slowly.
"That is not a pity, because of the second matter I am about to discuss..."