Chapter 204: Starting the Pill Refinement
Seeing Xiao Yan's shameless demeanor, Yun Yun sighed inwardly again. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of bad karma had brought both her and her disciple into the clutches of this rogue.
Nalan Yanran, however, blushed as she saw Xiao Yan extend his hand. Slowly, she stepped closer and sat beside him.
"You scoundrel, are you bullying Teacher again?"
Nalan Yanran's delicate, youthful face tightened slightly, as if trying to mask her embarrassment and nervousness.
But Xiao Yan, being a seasoned rogue, wasn't fazed in the slightest. With a casual movement, he wrapped his arm around the slim waist of the young girl.
In an instant, both the teacher and her disciple found themselves held snugly in his embrace. This situation filled Xiao Yan with an unparalleled sense of achievement.
Yes, this is wonderful. Truly wonderful.
"I'm sorry for being so fickle, but who can blame me when both of you are so beautiful?" Xiao Yan's shameless words flowed effortlessly, leaving both Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran blushing fiercely.
For a moment, the two beauties one mature and elegant, the other youthful and charming rested against his shoulders. Their shared, shy smiles seemed to dissolve the awkward tension in the room.
Unfortunately, with Nalan Yanran still young, the "full course meal" Xiao Yan hoped for would have to wait.
Three Days Later: The Alchemy Square in Jia Ma Imperial City
The square, usually reserved for mid and low rank alchemists of the Alchemist Association, had been specially cleared for Xiao Yan's public alchemy demonstration.
While Xiao Yan intended to refine a seven tier pill for his own advancement, this event was also an opportunity for Jia Ma's local alchemists to witness a grand alchemy process.
A seven tier alchemist was an exceedingly rare existence in the Northwest Continent, and observing such a refinement was a once in a lifetime opportunity for many.
Unsurprisingly, the first group to arrive was Yunlan Sect's alchemy disciples.
Having witnessed Xiao Yan's incredible alchemy skills during his match against Gu He, the alchemists from Yunlan Sect's Medicine Peak were eager to see him in action again. That previous event had not only resulted in Gu He's defeat but had also inspired breakthroughs for many mid tier alchemists present.
In Yunlan Sect's section of the VIP seating, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran sat side by side. One exuded dignified grace, while the other radiated youthful vitality, creating an eye catching sight.
Yet, many noticed that both women's gazes lingered on Xiao Yan, their expressions unusually soft. This observation left many of Jia Ma's men disheartened.
The ones most crestfallen were none other than Gu He and his disciple, Liu Ling.
"Sigh," Gu He murmured, his gaze fixed on Yun Yun, who looked at Xiao Yan with a gentle smile.
Not wanting his teacher to wallow alone, Liu Ling sighed as well, his eyes trailing to Nalan Yanran, who similarly showed no interest in him.
"Sigh!"
These two persistent admirers only managed to draw the pitying glances of Yun Shan, who sat with Yun Po Tian's ancestral tablet in the VIP area. Yun Shan shook his head, while Yun Po Tian's spirit hovered above his tablet, eagerly watching Xiao Yan.
It was rumored that the pill Xiao Yan intended to refine today was related to Yun Po Tian's resurrection, leaving the old spirit brimming with anticipation.
Attention of the Beauties
Aside from Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran, several other stunning women in the crowd also kept their gazes locked on Xiao Yan.
In the imperial family's section, Yao Ye sat beside a lively, adorable young girl who was curiously observing Xiao Yan.
"Sister, is that the brother in law who came to see you at the palace last night?" the girl asked mischievously.
"Yes, Yue'er," Yao Ye replied with a soft laugh, patting the girl's head. "But be careful around him he's a dangerous man."
"Dangerous?" Yaoyue tilted her head, then nodded seriously. "No wonder Sister's cries were so pitiful last night. He must have bullied you badly!"
Hearing this, Yao Ye's face flushed crimson. She immediately grabbed her sister's ear.
"You little brat!" Yao Ye scolded playfully.
"Ow, ow! It hurts! I'm sorry!" Yaoyue wailed, her face scrunched in mock pain.
Satisfied, Yao Ye let go, her delicate face still tinged with embarrassment. Yaoyue dared not tease her sister further but continued to stare intently at Xiao Yan.
He's only a few years older than me, yet he can refine seven tier pills? How is someone like this even possible?
Elsewhere in the crowd, Xiao Yi Xian sat with Qing Lin, while Ya Fei held Hun Xin in her lap. They watched Xiao Yan with bright eyes.
"Will Master's seven tier pills taste good?" Hun Xin asked curiously, turning to Ya Fei.
"This isn't something you can eat, little one. Just enjoy your candy instead," Ya Fei said with an amused shake of her head.
The alchemy platform stood at the center of the square, and Xiao Yan's figure dominated the scene.
The crowd buzzed with excitement as they waited for the process to begin. All eyes, young and old, alchemists and laypeople alike, remained glued to the black robed youth preparing to showcase his mastery.
Today, Jia Ma Imperial City would witness a legend.
"Alright," Hun Xin nodded indifferently and pulled a charred chicken leg from his pocket, extending it toward Xiao Yi Xian.
"Big sister, would you like a chicken leg?"
"Thank you, but no," Xiao Yi Xian replied with an awkward yet polite smile.
"Who is this young man, exactly? To be a seven tier alchemist at such a young age, and to have so many beautiful women by his side!"
In the crowd, whispers spread not just among people from the Jia Ma Empire, but among strong individuals from neighboring nations as well.
"Shh! Are you out of your mind? Talking about him?" one Dou Wang slapped his companion's arm, lowering his voice.
"Do you remember the upheaval in the Tagger Desert not long ago?"
"The Tagger Desert's upheaval?" The other Dou Wang's eyes widened in shock.
"Are you saying this young man is...?"
"That's right. He's the one who, with only the peak of Dou Huang strength, overwhelmed an entire group of Dou Zong without giving them a chance to fight back!"
"Not only that his personal strength is astounding enough, but his protectors are even more terrifying. It's said that the sect master of the Lion Nether Sect, Shi Tian, a Dou Zun powerhouse, was killed as easily as one might kill a chicken by one of his guards."
The two Dou Wang whispered nervously, and their words caused the surrounding foreign powerhouses to reveal expressions of fear and disbelief.
As the alchemy square buzzed with energy and chatter, a sudden, overwhelming aura descended upon Jia Ma Imperial City. The sheer presence of this aura made many strong individuals stiffen in shock.
It was the aura of a Dou Zun!
A moment later, a round and plump figure appeared in the sky. The figure flashed again and instantly landed before Xiao Yan.
"That's Venerable Fu Ding! One of the most well connected powerhouses in the Northwest Continent. My heavens, even Venerable Fu Ding has come to this alchemy gathering?"
Those who recognized him exclaimed in shock.
Meanwhile, Venerable Fu Ding remained calm, offering Xiao Yan a polite smile and even bowing slightly.
"Young Master, I've arrived as you instructed," he said respectfully.
However, as his spiritual sense swept over Xiao Yan, the calmness on his round face was replaced by astonishment.
"Young Master... You've already reached the level of a five star Dou Zong?"
It had only been two months since their last meeting. Back then, Xiao Yan had just broken through to Dou Zong. Now, not only had he solidified his realm, but he'd advanced to five star Dou Zong!
At this rate, wouldn't Xiao Yan surpass him within a year?
Even Venerable Fu Ding, a seasoned Dou Zun, felt a shiver run down his spine. This young man was truly a monstrous talent.
"Hehe, so you've noticed," Xiao Yan said, grinning mischievously. "So, what do you think about my earlier proposal?"
"Young Master, I've always enjoyed a free spirited life," Fu Ding replied, his plump face showing a hint of reluctance. But then, his tone shifted, and he smiled. "However, since it's your request, I suppose I can manage being the head of a Pill Hall."
He chuckled. "Especially when you've promised that Venerable Yao will personally guide me in becoming an eight tier alchemist. How could I refuse such an offer?"
Xiao Yan's smile widened. The conditions he offered were indeed irresistible to someone as passionate about alchemy as Fu Ding.
"In that case, Venerable Fu Ding, please take your seat," Xiao Yan gestured toward the VIP section, where a special seat had been prepared for him.
Once Fu Ding was seated, Xiao Yan turned his attention back to the platform. He had waited long enough. Everyone who needed to be here was present. Now, it was time to begin.
With a flick of his finger, a simple yet ancient pill cauldron appeared before him.
As soon as it emerged, Xiao Yan opened his mouth and spat out a dazzling seven colored flame. It coalesced into a vibrant fire lotus that perfectly matched the size of the cauldron. At the center of the lotus, a yin yang symbol of two fish swirled, one black and one white, exuding a profound balance of energy.
"An... Heavenly Flame? How could such an extraordinary Heavenly Flame exist in this world?"
The audience was in an uproar. The sight of Xiao Yan's fire stunned countless spectators. Even the alchemists present, who were familiar with flames, couldn't help but feel their hearts race.
Ignoring the commotion, Xiao Yan calmly waved his hand. A row of high quality medicinal ingredients appeared in front of him, each radiating potent energy.
"The first pill: the Primordial Bone Molding Pill. Let's begin!"
With those words, Xiao Yan's hands moved in a blur, drawing countless intricate seals in the air as the alchemy process commenced. The flames surged, and the square fell silent. All eyes remained fixed on the young alchemist as he demonstrated his unparalleled skill.
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