Chapter 825 - 260: Alchemy Dao Grand Event, Gathering of Heroes (Third Update)
Ji Pianpian smiled sweetly and nodded, saying, "Thank you, Young Master Yao, for your concern. I have already recovered."
"That’s good to hear." Yao Xinghai smiled and nodded.
As the two exchanged pleasantries, Mu Qingge inadvertently noticed the cold aura exuding from Ying Ze and couldn’t help but curl her lips playfully. Ahem, she had to admit that, thanks to Si Mo’s relentless efforts, she finally gained some enlightenment on matters between men and women.
At least, at this moment, she could perceive the subtle displeasure in Ying Ze’s heart.
"Young Master Yao, you’ve come here not just for the sake of hospitality, right?" Ying Ze suddenly said.
His words drew the attention of the other four towards him.
Ji Yaohua blinked inexplicably, somewhat puzzled by what had gotten into Ying Ze. Normally, in such situations, wouldn’t he just sit coolly like an ice block or a log?
Ji Pianpian also looked at him in surprise, and suddenly, a hint of joy appeared in her eyes, which she quickly lowered to hide.
Mu Qingge, on the other hand, showed a look as if she was enjoying the show.
The only one unaware of the reason and unaware of what was wrong with his courteous pleasantries was Yao Xinghai, who simply responded to Ying Ze’s words, "Indeed, I came today for another matter."
Ying Ze pursed his lips, waiting for what he would say next.
At the dining table, there was also a moment of silence.
At this time, Mu Qingge lazily leaned against the chair back, her demeanor leisurely, as if she was an outsider.
Her reaction made Yao Xinghai, who glanced her way, unable to help but smile bitterly.
Clearly, he had initially discussed it with her, but now she showed an expression as if she was washing her hands of the matter, making him feel unwelcomed.
However, regardless, Yao Xinghai still needed to achieve his goal.
He spoke to Ji Yaohua and Ying Ze, "In over four years, the Divine Tomb will emerge, and this news has already spread from the Divine Hall to various Ancient Clans. Both young masters are likely aware of this, right?"
Ji Yaohua nodded with a smile, while Ying Ze remained silent.
In fact, both of them, along with Mu Qingge, had known about this matter much earlier.
According to Ji Yaohua, it was because Xi the Goddess was one of their own.
Yao Xinghai paused, then said, "I hope to form a team with everyone to explore the Divine Tomb together."
He revealed his purpose, but the room remained silent.
Ying Ze pursed his lips in silence, while Ji Yaohua leaned over the table edge, hands propped on the table, playfully fiddling with an empty teacup, saying, "Young Master Yao, I’m not trying to make things difficult for you. As you know, the Divine Tomb is filled with peril, and what kind of people or events we may encounter is something no one can predict. Young Master Yao seeks to join us, naturally attracted by our strength, but why should we agree?"
His words sounded somewhat infuriating.
But, indeed, they were true.
This kind of training can’t simply involve bringing along someone irrelevant due to a personal connection.
Ji Yaohua continued, "In terms of strength and combat power, we, apart from having the top of the Green Talent List, also have me, the third." He then pointed to Ying Ze, "Look, there’s also the fifth."
"If it’s about alchemy, you’re very skilled. However, Qingge is no slouch either! Otherwise, you wouldn’t want to compete with her in Dan Fighting at the Alchemy Conference. In terms of wisdom and strategy, commanding talent, our Qingge is no less than anyone. So, what would your presence add to our team?" Ji Yaohua cheerfully finished his words, but they left little to reply to.
Yao Xinghai, the distinguished first disciple of the Alchemy Institute and fourth on the Green Talent List, was reduced to someone insignificant by Ji Yaohua’s words. If he were more prideful, he might have left in anger by now.
Fortunately, Yao Xinghai, being an Alchemist, maintained a temper of pride yet also valued calmness and harmony. Moreover, he held the expedition to the Divine Tomb in high regard, having carefully calculated and deliberated before deciding to partner with Mu Qingge. Hence, he wouldn’t be deterred by Ji Yaohua’s few words.
So, after Ji Yaohua finished speaking, Yao Xinghai thought for a moment and said with a smile, "After hearing what Young Master Ji said, I almost feel insignificant."
His words caused Ji Yaohua’s eyes to turn mischievous.
"However," Yao Xinghai paused, "Sometimes, some seemingly insignificant forces can have immense value at crucial moments. For you, my presence may seem superfluous, but if you encounter danger, could it be that what you’re missing is just my slight strength? Conversely, if I join another team, won’t that have an impact on you? Instead of pushing me to another camp and increasing your competitive difficulty, why not keep me by your side for peace of mind?"
Ji Yaohua was left speechless, glancing at Mu Qingge as if asking, ’Isn’t his face too thick?’
Mu Qingge found it amusing, transmitting his thoughts: ’Now you see his resourcefulness.’
Ji Yaohua silently nodded.
Yet, he swiftly collected himself, straightening his posture as he addressed Yao Xinghai, "If you put it that way, I won’t argue with you. But if you want to join our team, what can you offer?"
What can he offer?
They had no rapport, naturally they could only discuss benefits.
If neither was present, Yao Xinghai might instead worry about their intentions by bringing him along.
Therefore, when Ji Yaohua posed the question, Yao Xinghai thought it through carefully before responding, "Regarding elixirs, I’ll take on half the responsibility. In addition, during our actions, I’ll share all the firsthand information I possess. Should we encounter other teams, I will naturally fight alongside you."
"And one more thing!" Ji Yaohua added.
Yao Xinghai raised an eyebrow, "Please, go ahead."
Ji Yaohua clenched his fists, leaning on the table edge as he stood, his gaze fierce upon Yao Xinghai, and said slowly, "That is, no matter what happens, everyone must follow Qingge’s lead! Never make decisions on your own or keep ulterior motives to yourself!"
"Agreed! It’s a deal!" Yao Xinghai also stood up and responded earnestly.
Seeing him readily agree with candor, Ji Yaohua returned to his playful persona, "That’s more like it!"
"I have a suggestion." Suddenly, Yao Xinghai spoke.
"What is it?" Ji Yaohua sat down and looked at him.
Yao Xinghai replied, "To cultivate a sense of camaraderie among us, I suggest finding a trial ground where we can train and bond before entering the Divine Tomb. The Divine Demon Ancient Battlefield is a good choice."
But, just as he finished speaking, he noticed the three faces of Mu Qingge, Ji Yaohua, and Ying Ze, besides Ji Pianpian, showed strange expressions.
"No need." It was Ying Ze who said those words.
His refusal made Yao Xinghai furrow his brow slightly.
Then, Ji Yaohua casually remarked, "Indeed, there’s no need for that."
Their reactions left Yao Xinghai confused, ultimately leading him to look towards Mu Qingge.
His gaze conveyed inquiry.
Mu Qingge raised her eyes to look at him, revealing a smile, "We just returned from the Divine Demon Ancient Battlefield not long ago."
"..." This answer made Yao Xinghai’s mouth twitch.
He sat down gloomily, smiling helplessly in his heart. It seemed that in this team, the only person who needed to develop harmony and integrate was him.
Mu Qingge stood up at this moment and said to the few people: "Before entering the Divine Tomb, let’s each train on our own. Strive to improve your cultivation to the greatest extent before entering."
...
As night fell, after bidding farewell to the few people, Yao Xinghai returned to the Inner Courtyard.
He didn’t go back to his place to rest but headed to his master’s residence.
"Master." Yao Xinghai knelt on the ground, respectfully performing the disciple’s rite to the head of the Alchemy Institute, who was sitting cross-legged at the head seat.
The head of the Alchemy Institute slowly opened his mouth, "Hmm, coming here so late, what is the matter?"
Yao Xinghai raised his head, his hands flat on his knees, "Disciple met Ji Yaohua and Ying Ze, and also agreed with them that we will go to the Divine Tomb together."
"And Mu Qingge, right?" The head of the Alchemy Institute’s seemingly sleeping eyes subtly trembled.
"Yes," Yao Xinghai replied.
After a moment of silence, the head of the Alchemy Institute slowly said, "Hmm, with you accompanying them, I can be more at ease. Do you remember the place I specifically instructed you to go to after entering the Divine Tomb?"
"Disciple dares not forget," Yao Xinghai nodded and said.
"Good." The head of the Alchemy Institute responded, sighed, and said, "After thousands of years, the Divine Tomb is finally open. Whether you can resolve the ancestors’ longing depends on you. Xinghai, do not let your master down."
"Disciple will faithfully observe the master’s command!" Yao Xinghai bowed his head to the head of the Alchemy Institute.
"How’s your preparation for the Alchemy Conference? This time, are you confident in creating a Holy Level Elixir?" the head of the Alchemy Institute asked again.
Yao Xinghai’s expression was calm, he smiled and said, "Disciple’s own Alchemy Dao has achieved some success, and I already have seventy percent confidence in the Holy Level Elixir. The remaining thirty percent depends on fate."
"Fate." The head of the Alchemy Institute slowly raised his head, his gaze piercing through the dome’s round opening, looking at the ancient stars. He muttered, "The higher the elixir level, the more it defies the heavens. Since it’s an act against destiny, why care about fate? Xinghai, your cultivation is still lacking!"
The master’s words rendered Yao Xinghai silent.
He did not refute in his heart but carefully contemplated every word his master said.
...
The day of the Alchemy Conference finally arrived.
This grand event shook the Five Continents. Regardless of whether they received the Alchemy Institute’s invitation or not, all rushed from various places.
However, the number of people truly able to enter and witness this alchemy skill competition remained limited.
Surrounding the venue of the Alchemy Conference, the tiered arc-shaped stands could only hold a hundred thousand people.
And the number of people in the Middle Ancient Realm cannot be described by mere hundreds of thousands. Even a small city has more than a hundred thousand people. So, only those families of prestigious status and high standing could truly watch this Dan Fighting.
Those unable to enter could only crowd in the market towns of the Outer Court of the Alchemy Institute, watching the events through the Mystic Light Mirror.
On the day of commencement, there were no participating Pill Masters yet in the venue of the Alchemy Conference. Outside the Outer Court, people were already crowded. Whether the streets or taverns and tea houses, all were packed to capacity.
In the skies above the Outer Court, a giant Mystic Light Mirror had been arranged early.
Suspended high in the air, this Mystic Light Mirror could show the scene within from any angle to the people here. This Mystic Light Mirror is one of the treasures of the Alchemy Institute, said to be brought by the founding master from the Divine Demon Continent.
It not only shows images but also transmits sound.
Most importantly, there is not just one Mystic Light Mirror. There is a smaller one, hung within the Inner Courtyard of the Alchemy Institute, allowing the Alchemy Masters to watch simultaneously.
Traditionally, the head of the Alchemy Institute and the respected Pill Masters watch in the Inner Courtyard and only appear after the competition concludes.
Everything is ready.
The people standing in the town around the Outer Court all raised their heads, looking at the Mystic Light Mirror. Inside the mirror, the competition field was empty, with only the pre-arranged Alchemy Platforms.
It seems that the participants of this Alchemy Conference have not yet entered.
However, the ten thousand seats around the venue were already filled with families from various continents. Among these families, the Ancient Clans constituted the majority, with only a few being aristocratic families that rose later.
No matter how lofty these families are, in the eyes of the Ancient Clans, they are still treated as parvenus.
All held their status and were reluctant to converse much with people from these families.
Besides the family representatives, there were the envoys from the Divine Hall.
This time, the representative from the Divine Hall was not Xi Qianxue, but a Divine Envoy. He brought the people from the Divine Hall, sitting at the very central stand, flanked by the most influential Ancient Clans from the Five Continents.
Southern Continent, Luo Clan.
West Continent, Ying Clan and Sang Clan.
Northern Continent, Ji Clan.
Eastern Continent, Yao Clan.
Central Continent, Xi Clan.
The Sang Clan from the West Continent, if not for having Mu Qingge, a Holy Level Refiner, naturally would not be qualified to sit here. This time, the representative from the Sang Family was King Sang Shun himself, along with Mu Xuewu. How could he not come personally when his granddaughter is participating in the Alchemy Conference?
If not for the need to care for Mu Liancheng’s remains placed in the Sang Family by Mu Qingge, even Sang Lanruo might have come along.
As for the Xi Clan, the representative was not Xi Qianxue, but an Elder of the Xi Family.
Around them were slightly less influential families.
Han Caicai represented the Han Family, sitting near the center position, just a step away from the very center.
Luoxing City also sent representatives, Mu Feng and Mu Chen. Their presence here not only proved Luoxing City’s status in the Middle Ancient Realm but naturally also aimed to cheer for their Young Master.
"Grandfather, will the leader win the championship today?" The grandeur of the Alchemy Conference caused Mu Xuewu’s heart to feel vaguely uneasy.