"The true power of an alchemist is something I don't understand?" Xiao Ting almost laughed out loud.
An alchemist's true power did not lie solely in their soul or their ability to summon helpers.
Xiao Ting wasn't the least bit afraid of the former. Han Feng was just a nobody — only a 6th-tier alchemist. His soul realm wasn't high; he couldn't possibly possess powerful soul techniques.
As for calling for reinforcements…
What an idiot! Did he really think Xiao Ting had only scolded him to defend Yao Lao?
A traitor. An ingrate. Even in the lawless Black-Corner Region, such a person would be despised.
Those who wished to expand their influence here feared betrayal and backstabbing the most. Because of the harsh environment, they valued loyalty even more.
Han Feng was about to become the most hated man in the entire Black-Corner Region!
"Everyone!"
Han Feng clearly didn't realize this. He shouted to the surrounding experts, "Please help me capture this person! I, Han Feng, will refine any pill below 7th tier for free — not a single coin charged!"
Many people's eyes lit up with greed.
If what Xiao Ting said was true, then Han Feng really was a complete fool.
Had he not betrayed Medicine Venerable, he would likely already be a Dou Venerate-class expert and an 8th-tier alchemist by now.
Even so, he was still the number one alchemist in the Black-Corner Region — the only 6th-tier advanced alchemist capable of refining 7th-tier pills.
Even the legendary "Emperor Pill" and "Breaking Zong Pill" that could make Dou Emperor experts go crazy were merely 6th-tier pills. The Dou King and Dou Emperor experts present found it extremely difficult to resist such temptation.
Most importantly — it was completely free.
Requesting an alchemist to refine pills usually required either personal connections or extremely generous rewards. One also had to prepare at least two sets of medicinal ingredients. The first set was for the guest. Whether the refinement succeeded or failed, the transaction was considered complete. Any leftover ingredients belonged to the alchemist as the handling fee.
The higher an alchemist's success rate and the better the quality of pills they produced, the higher the reward and fee.
For example, even the old alchemist Yao Chen — a peak 8th-tier alchemist — would require impressive rewards and three full sets of ingredients (or equivalent value) to refine an 8th-tier pill.
Alchemists were wealthy, high-status, had countless friends, and were not easily provoked.
Everyone would need an alchemist's help someday. Naturally, everyone wanted to minimize the cost.
Compared to that, being a bodyguard or thug was the cheapest form of payment.
Han Feng's offer was indeed tempting.
However, because of his character and reputation as an ingrate, everyone hesitated.
Xiao Ting slowly raised his hand and clapped. "Before you decide to suppress Han Feng, think carefully whether it's worth it. I'm not fighting alone."
Click!
A seven-colored light shot out from Xiao Ting's sleeve. The tiny Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python rapidly expanded. With a flash of light, it transformed into Queen Medusa — Cai Lin in a red dress. She stood in the void, emitting the aura of a 2nd-stage Dou Ancestor, shaking the surrounding space.
"The barrier is complete. It took quite a bit of effort."
Cai Lin placed one hand on her waist and pointed at the sky with the other.
Seven-colored beams of light shot upward. At roughly 300 feet high, they formed a massive seven-colored energy shield with a radius of three miles, completely sealing the area.
The real reason Xiao Ting had dragged the conversation out was to buy time for Cai Lin to set up this Dou Ancestor-level barrier and prevent Han Feng's escape.
"If any of you still want to help Han Feng, you'll first have to break the Dou Ancestor-level energy barrier set up by my Dao companion. It's extremely difficult — I almost feel embarrassed to mention it. If you participate, you'll incur my wrath. Don't be surprised if I bring my companion and raid your homes later."
Xiao Ting's eyes narrowed. An aura far surpassing Dou King spread out.
Yun Yun, who had recovered somewhat after taking medicine, gripped her sword and soared into the sky. At that moment, she released the aura of a peak Dou Emperor, sharp as a sword cleaving the heavens.
Now standing before everyone were:
A 2nd-stage Dou Ancestor expert who had transformed from the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python.
A peak Dou Emperor sword cultivator famous for her terrifying combat strength
An unparalleled genius at the peak of Dou King who had nearly single-handedly killed Elders Gold and Silver.
Should they really fight these three just for the chance to have pills refined?
The answer was obvious.
"This Su Mei will never cooperate with a fool who betrayed his master — not even for the chance to have a 6th-tier alchemist refine pills!"
Luo Sha Gate Master Su Mei, a 4-star Dou Emperor, was the first to speak.
She was a smart woman. She had never intended to accept Han Feng's offer. Seeing that he was in grave danger, she immediately switched sides and stood with Xiao Ting.
Considering Xiao Ting's appearance, temperament, and monstrous talent in both cultivation and combat at such a young age, if he didn't die prematurely, he would undoubtedly become a famous expert on the continent.
An opportunity to befriend such a genius must never be missed.
The other faction leaders who had established themselves in the Black-Corner Region were no fools either.
Su Mei's words emboldened the previously hesitant Wild Lion Gang. Even Dark Sky Sect's Grand Elder Yin Gu agreed. All of them were 4-star Dou Ancestor.
Black Emperor Sect Master Mo Tian Xing, also a 4-star Dou Ancestor, declared that his auction house had no involvement with any individual Dou Ancestor.
Blood Sect Master Fan Lao, who had originally wanted to help Han Feng, now found it difficult to speak.
"Everyone, thank you for giving me face." Xiao Ting smiled and took out a 4th-tier alchemist badge. "This badge is outdated. In truth, I am already a 5th-tier alchemist. I will soon advance to 6th tier — and 7th tier won't be far behind either."
"What Han Feng can give you, I can also give you."
"What he cannot give you, I can give you."
Shhh—!
When Xiao Ting revealed his identity as an alchemist, everyone showed shocked expressions.
A person with such terrifying cultivation and combat talent was also an alchemist…
Moreover… his talent in alchemy was equally frightening.
Su Mei and the others felt a surge of joy. Their gamble had been correct.
Fan Lao and the others who had stayed silent now felt regret and quickly distanced themselves from Han Feng.
Xiao Ting ignored them. Revealing his identity was merely a means to end this conflict.
"Xiao Ting!" Han Feng's eyes turned blood-red, killing intent surging. He deeply regretted protecting Elders Gold and Silver, which had led to his current desperate situation.
But right now, his strongest desire was to kill Xiao Ting.
"Don't think you've won!" Han Feng took out a jade token and crushed it. "I still have allies!"
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