When the two groups below met, the Five-Star Dou Master young man who had recognized Yan Xiao excitedly stepped forward toward Xiao Yan.
"Big Brother Yan Xiao, long time no see."
"Mm." Xiao Yan nodded and replied indifferently, "Long time no see, Jia Teng."
This man was a member of the imperial family whom Xiao Yan had met while training in the military to gain combat experience and temper his Dou Qi. Though of royal blood, he lacked the arrogance common to nobles and was instead a highly sociable and tactful person.
"Jia Teng, could you introduce this gentleman to me?" Nalan Yanran's voice sounded from nearby.
Hearing this, Jia Teng slapped his forehead and laughed.
"Look at my memory. I was so happy to see Big Brother Yan Xiao that I nearly forgot to introduce everyone."
"This is Big Brother Yan Xiao, whose name now resounds throughout the Imperial Capital..."
"This is Miss Nalan Yanran, Young Sect Mistress of the Misty Cloud Sect..."
"This is Master Liu Ling, disciple of Pill King Gu He..."
With clear admiration in his tone, Jia Teng introduced Yan Xiao, Nalan Yanran, and Liu Ling, then briefly introduced the other young nobles accompanying them.
Facing the cold-faced man before her, the sense of familiarity in Nalan Yanran's heart deepened even further.
At the same time, she silently repeated to herself, Heavenly Flame. Thinking of the Branding Poison that had been removed from Nalan Jie, she looked at Yan Xiao in confusion.
Could it have something to do with him?
With that thought, Nalan Yanran nodded first in greeting, stared into Xiao Yan's eyes, and softly asked.
"Yanran greets Mister Yan Xiao. May I ask where you are from, Young Master? I cannot help but feel that you seem somewhat familiar."
At those words, Liu Ling's eyes immediately darkened, and the hostility he felt toward Xiao Yan increased.
Xiao Yan himself was also slightly surprised.
But remembering that he had already prepared his disguise, he quickly regained his composure and replied coldly.
"No comment."
Nalan Yanran frowned.
Because of her status and beauty, very few people of her age had ever spoken to her in such a manner.
Seeing this, Liu Ling immediately glared at Xiao Yan and said coldly.
"Yan Xiao, your attitude is inappropriate. Yanran is the Young Sect Mistress of the Misty Cloud Sect. Speaking with you is already giving you face. How can you be so rude?"
Xiao Yan glanced at Liu Ling and instantly understood.
This disciple of the Pill King was clearly one of Nalan Yanran's suitors.
Recalling how the two had been chatting and laughing together earlier, Xiao Yan felt somewhat displeased.
Though he held no affection for the woman before him, no matter what, she had once nearly become his wife. Seeing her now walking and laughing beside another man naturally left a slight knot in his heart.
However, despite all these thoughts, Xiao Yan's expression remained utterly calm.
He merely said indifferently.
"Master Liu Ling, the conversation between Miss Nalan and myself hardly requires your interruption. Besides, this is simply my nature. If I have offended you, then forgive me."
Liu Ling's face completely darkened.
Ever since becoming the disciple of the Pill King, this was the first time someone of his own generation had shown him so little respect.
"Yan Xiao, how dare you be so arrogant? Who is your master? Or is the Heavenly Flame what gives you the confidence to act this way?"
"Who knows?" Xiao Yan replied calmly. "I know your teacher is the Pill King. As for mine hehe..."
"You...!"
Seeing that the conflict between the two was escalating, Nalan Yanran suppressed her own faint displeasure and changed the subject.
"Earlier, I was too abrupt. It seems Mister Yan Xiao is also heading to the Alchemist Association. Are you going to register for the competition?"
Xiao Yan slightly raised his head and looked at Nalan Yanran's beautiful face and bright eyes.
Though he harbored deep hostility within, his outward expression remained calm.
"That's right. I have matters to attend to today, so I won't accompany you further."
With those words, he walked past everyone expressionlessly and headed toward the Alchemist Association.
At that moment, the silent Jia Teng suddenly called out.
"Big Brother Yan Xiao, come visit the palace sometime. Elder Sister Yao Ye and Younger Sister Yue'er have been missing you lately."
Xiao Yan waved his hand without turning back.
"I understand."
Then he continued walking toward the Alchemist Association without another glance.
Nalan Yanran looked at Xiao Yan's retreating back. That feeling of familiarity grew even stronger, and an interested smile appeared on her face.
She had never met such an indifferent man—someone who could remain so calm even in the face of her beauty and status.
Meanwhile, seeing how interested Nalan Yanran seemed in Yan Xiao, the jealousy in Liu Ling's heart burned even more fiercely.
Looking in the direction Xiao Yan had left, Liu Ling secretly swore that during the Alchemist Grand Meeting, he would utterly defeat Yan Xiao and make him lose all face.
Seeing the scene below disperse, Lin Yuan and Qing Lin atop the pavilion reluctantly withdrew their gazes.
"Well?" Yao Lao looked at the two of them. "Did my disciple handle the situation as you expected?"
Lin Yuan shook his head. A trace of regret surfaced in his eyes as he sighed.
"This sudden meeting, yet Xiao Brother didn't create some classic scene like 'Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river.' Quite disappointing, honestly."
Beside him, Qing Lin also gave an almost imperceptible nod.
Seeing their reactions, Yao Lao did not know what to say. He could only glance at the two of them and shake his head helplessly.
"You brat, you truly thrive on chaos."
"Hehe." Lin Yuan chuckled. "Human nature, Senior. Weren't you enjoying the show just as much as I was?"
"But now that the entertainment is over, we can discuss proper business. I really do have quite a lot of medicinal ingredients on hand. What herbs does Senior require?"
As he spoke, he led the two into the VIP room inside the pavilion.
After entering, Yao Lao first listed a batch of medicinal ingredients he needed, none of them particularly high grade.
Hearing the list, understanding flashed in Lin Yuan's eyes.
These are the ingredients for the Qing Yuan Spirit Forging Pill. It seems Xiao Yan plans to use this to contend for first place in the competition.
The Qing Yuan Spirit Forging Pill was a peak Fourth-Grade pill. Not only could it raise a Dou Grandmaster's strength by one to two stars, but it could also temper Dou Qi and strengthen one's foundation. Its value was no less than that of the Three-Pattern Green Spirit Pill.
Lin Yuan had obtained the formula from Han Feng's collection.
"Do you have these herbs on hand?" Yao Lao asked.
"Senior is fortunate. I happen to have them."
As he spoke, Lin Yuan took out three full sets of the required ingredients from his Storage Ring, placed them into an empty low-tier Storage Ring, and handed it to Yao Lao.
Yao Lao did not accept it immediately.
"Shouldn't you first say what you want in return? Perhaps I don't have what you seek."
Lin Yuan smiled lightly.
"What I want, Senior can certainly provide."
"Oh?" Yao Lao said with amusement. "Let's hear it."
"These medicinal ingredients shall be exchanged for some of Senior's time."
Lin Yuan cupped his hands in a respectful junior's salute.
"From now until Xiao Brother finishes registering for the competition and arrives here, would Senior be willing to speak with me about matters related to alchemy?"
"You brat really are clever." Yao Lao looked at him with appreciation and accepted the Storage Ring. "Very well, I agree."
"Go ahead. Tell me the doubts you have regarding alchemy. In this field, I still have confidence that I can answer a few things."
"Then this junior shall gladly accept."
After that, the two began discussing alchemy. Lin Yuan presented the doubts and theories he had accumulated regarding the craft.
The two exchanged questions and answers with remarkable efficiency.
An hour passed quickly.
Their discussion flowed as smoothly as running water. Yao Lao truly deserved his reputation as a grandmaster of the alchemy world. His explanations were profound yet easy to understand, benefiting Lin Yuan immensely.
When Xiao Yan arrived at the pavilion according to the soul-message he had received, the exchange between Yao Lao and Lin Yuan had just come to an end.
This time, Lin Yuan had gained greatly.
Many of the problems that had long lingered at the edge of breakthrough in his mind had now been resolved by Yao Lao.
In an excellent mood, Lin Yuan looked at Xiao Yan and smiled.
"We haven't met for a few days, Brother Xiao, yet your progress is impressive."
Xiao Yan stood beside Yao Lao. A trace of fighting spirit appeared in his calm eyes as he said in a deep voice.
"I had no choice but to improve. Ahead of me lies the Three-Year Agreement, and after that, Brother Tian Shu saw fit to challenge me to decide matters at the Pill Gathering. I have no choice but to grow stronger."
Lin Yuan nodded.
"Seeing Brother Xiao's fighting spirit burn so fiercely puts my mind at ease."
Afterward, he turned toward Yao Lao and continued discussing their future transactions.
In the end, Lin Yuan exchanged some of his medicinal ingredients for two precious Sixth-Grade pill formulas, both of which had not appeared in Han Feng's collection.
Once the trade was complete, both Lin Yuan and Yao Lao were highly satisfied.
Before Lin Yuan departed with Qing Lin, he also informed Xiao Yan of a piece of intelligence.
"Brother Xiao, as far as I know, for your Three-Year Agreement with Nalan Yanran, the Misty Cloud Sect has invited many of the major powers of the Jia Ma Empire to witness it."
"This includes the Alchemist Association, the Jia Ma Imperial Family, the Mittel Family, the Mu Clan, and various other factions."
"So don't lose that battle."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan pondered briefly before a cold glint flashed through his eyes.
"They want to use me and the Three-Year Agreement to display the prestige of Nalan Yanran and the Misty Cloud Sect?"
"Then I'll make sure they lose more than they gain by defeating Nalan Yanran in front of everyone."
Lin Yuan added.
"I have also already spoken with the Mittel Family. They will stand behind you during the Three-Year Agreement. Their strongest expert is an ice-attributed Dou Emperor. You may discuss the details with them yourself."
Xiao Yan was silent for a moment, then cupped his hands gratefully.
"Many thanks for this matter, Brother Tian Shu."
"No need for thanks." Lin Yuan waved it off. "Today, thanks to Senior Yao's guidance, I gained greatly."
"Brother Xiao, having a teacher like Senior Yao is truly your blessing. It is enviable."
"Heh heh, I think so too." Xiao Yan looked toward Yao Lao with a proud grin. "Meeting Teacher was my great fortune."
"Then, the two of you, I shall take my leave for today."
With that, Lin Yuan waved his hand and departed with Qing Lin.
At that moment, the sound of rushing wind rang out as something flew toward Lin Yuan.
"Young friend Tian Shu, take this."
Lin Yuan caught it with a backhanded motion. A scroll landed in his palm.
His eyes swept over it, it was precisely the scroll recording the method of refining a perfect body.
"Senior?" Lin Yuan looked at Yao Lao in confusion.
"Since you have shown sincerity, this old man will not be stingy either." Yao Lao chuckled lightly.
"I trust you will not violate our agreement. Giving it to you in advance is no issue."
"In that case, many thanks."
Lin Yuan cupped his hands, then left with Qing Lin.
After the two departed, Yao Lao said to Xiao Yan:
"Come, Xiao Yan. If you wish to ensure victory in both the Alchemist Grand Meeting and the Three-Year Agreement, you must be able to refine the Qing Yuan Spirit Forging Pill."
"I have already prepared the ingredients, but I will not intervene."
"How things turn out next will depend entirely on your own fortune."
"Yes, Teacher."
After parting with Yao Lao and Xiao Yan, Lin Yuan continued sightseeing around Jia Ma Sacred City with Qing Lin, purchasing gifts for everyone along the way.
Only at dusk did the two finally return to the Mittel Family.
After returning, Lin Yuan synchronized progress reports with his clones, then took out the scroll on refining a fleshly body and prepared to study it.
At that moment, Qing Lin approached with a solemn expression.
"Young Master, Yun Shan requests communication."
Hearing this, amusement flashed through Lin Yuan's eyes.
"It seems he has already chosen the candidates."
"Open the connection."
Thus, the two began communicating. Over ten minutes later, the conversation ended.
Afterward, Lin Yuan sighed with mixed emotions.
"Yun Shan truly is a qualified Sect Leader."
"To ensure the plan proceeds more smoothly, he is actually willing to sever his own tail to survive."
"What a twist of fate, the first person he intends to purge is actually Yun Leng, the one most loyal to him."
"Qing'er, I'm going out for a while."
After informing Qing Lin, Lin Yuan spread his wings and flew toward the northwest of the Misty Cloud Sect.
The Next Morning
Three streaks of green light shot out from the Misty Cloud Sect and sped northwestward.
These three figures were the Misty Cloud Sect's three elders.
First Elder Yun Leng
Third Elder Yun Du
Fourth Elder Yun Sha
Among them, Yun Leng was a Five-Star Dou King, while Yun Du and Yun Sha were both Four-Star Dou King.
Together, they could be considered the backbone of the Misty Cloud Sect.
After flying for some time, Yun Du looked ahead at Yun Leng and asked.
"First Elder, you summoned us so urgently to head northwest. What exactly is our objective this trip?"
"We are carrying out an assignment for the Sect Leader."
"Ask no more questions. I will explain when we arrive."
Yun Leng replied calmly.
The three continued flying at full speed.
Yet inside Yun Leng's mind, he continuously replayed yesterday's conversation with Yun Shan, and fiery excitement flashed in his eyes.
"Yun Leng, this Sect Leader has observed you for a long time."
"You possess the talent to become Sect Leader. I intend for you to inherit the position of next Sect Leader. What do you think?"
"Sect Leader, Yun Leng has no such ambition. I only wish to serve under you."
"There is also Yanran. Perhaps in a few years, she can shoulder such responsibility."
"Yanran is too young. You are steadier than she is."
"You will take one term first."
"As for Yanran, let her succeed you afterward."
"N-No, Sect Leader Yun Leng cannot bear such a heavy responsibility!"
"If I become Sect Leader, I will never fail the foundation passed down by the ancestors!"
"I will preserve the Misty Cloud Sect's prestige and lead it to greater glory. Sect Leader, I will definitely complete this task and pass your test!"
As Yun Leng flew with all his strength, he fantasized about becoming Sect Leader... unifying Jia Ma dominating the northwest region.
At that very moment, a concealed yet vast aura suddenly entered his perception.
Ahead, upon a mountain peak, stood a green-robed figure with hands clasped behind his back near the cliff's edge.
His face could not be seen clearly.
Yet his heavy gaze seemed to pierce through space itself, landing directly upon the three elders.
They could even sense the mockery hidden within that gaze.
The three members of Misty Cloud Sect halted instantly in perfect tacit coordination.
Yun Du and Yun Sha flew to Yun Leng's left and right, forming a battle formation that could both attack and defend.
Feeling the terrifying aura of the other party, Yun Leng cupped his hands.
"May I ask which friend you are?"
"I am Yun Leng, First Elder of the Misty Cloud Sect."
"Misty Cloud Sect?"
"Die."
The instant the word die fell, silver light flashed.
Lin Yuan's figure appeared before Yun Leng in an instant. Before the latter could react, Lin Yuan's right hand had already seized his throat.
"Yo—"
Yun Leng wanted to speak, but Lin Yuan had no interest in listening.
He condensed force with Soul Qi in his hand and released it.
Yun Leng's throat was instantly shredded.
He died on the spot.
Seeing this, Yun Du and Yun Sha immediately understood this was an opponent beyond anything they could face.
The two instantly fled in opposite directions, hoping to escape separately.
Lin Yuan chuckled.
He casually tossed Yun Leng's corpse aside.
Then a faint rumble of thunder echoed through the sky.
Several breaths later, Lin Yuan landed beside Yun Leng's corpse.
In his hands, he carried the corpses of Yun Du and Yun Sha by the necks.
With a casual flick, he threw them beside Yun Leng.
Looking at the three corpses before him, Lin Yuan pondered for a moment, then took out a pitch-black box from his Storage Ring.
With a wave of his hand, several dark chains shot out from his sleeves, piercing the three bodies.
With another pull, the chains dragged out the souls of the three elders.
Just as their consciousnesses were dissipating, Lin Yuan sealed their souls into the black box in his hand.
"Done."
"Next, it's time to deliver a gift to the Misty Cloud Sect."
----
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