Chapter 132: Intelligence!
Looking at the solemn Hai Bo Dong, the group's expressions shifted. They exchanged glances. It seemed the matter was no small issue—to make even Hai Bo Dong, a Dou Huang, feel such pressure and show this kind of expression.
"I've been in closed-door cultivation for over a year now, completely unaware of the outside world. Tell me—what major events have occurred?" Jiang Yun turned to Hai Bo Dong, explained briefly, and asked with curiosity.
"So the Master was in seclusion!" Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong suddenly understood why Jiang Yun was unaware of these matters. Logically, with the other's status, he should have known far more than a mere Dou Huang of the Jia Ma Empire like himself!
Because this matter extended far beyond just the Jia Ma Empire—it involved the entire Northwest Continent.
"The Master may not know—not long after you entered seclusion, news suddenly came out of the Chu Yun Empire that the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect had been annihilated. To vie for the position of true ruler of Chu Yun, the major powers within the Chu Yun Empire warred fiercely against one another, causing the empire's strength to suffer devastating losses!"
"And at that moment, the Mu Lan Empire and the Luo Yan Empire made their moves one after another, dispatching great armies to invade the Chu Yun Empire. At this point, the greatly weakened Chu Yun Empire was naturally no match for them. It held out for less than a month before being carved up!"
At this, Hai Bo Dong's tone carried a hint of emotion. After all, a top-tier power had just been wiped out like that. For him, the impact was still immense.
"The Jia Ma Empire didn't make a move?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, somewhat curious. An opportunity involving meat and soup—would the Jia Ma Empire really give it up?
Hearing Xiao Yi Xian's question, Hai Bo Dong shook his head regretfully and continued, "During that period, something unclear happened with the imperial family—the entire city was under martial law. Afterward, the two empires that had swallowed the Chu Yun Empire were still not satisfied, and jointly attacked the Jia Ma Empire."
"At first, the empire was pushed back steadily on all fronts. But just then, that old fellow Jia Xingtian suddenly appeared. Not only were his injuries fully healed, but he had also broken through to Dou Zong. With Yun Shan also intervening, the two Dou Zongs joined forces, and only then did they force the two empires to withdraw!"
After finishing, Hai Bo Dong still wore a look of lingering fear. Clearly, the crisis of that time had left a very deep impression on him.
"I imagine the matter hasn't ended there," Jiang Yun said at that moment, looking at Hai Bo Dong.
Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong immediately showed an expression of admiration. "The Master truly is the Master. After withdrawing their troops from the Jia Ma Empire, the Luo Yan Empire and the Mu Lan Empire did not stop. On the contrary, they began launching campaigns against the surrounding empires."
"According to the Mite'er clan's intelligence network, no one knows when or how it started, but the entire Northwest Continent has now descended into utter chaos, with the flames of war raging everywhere!"
"What!" Suddenly, Medusa rose in shock. Those originally exotic, bewitching eyes now fixed deathly upon Hai Bo Dong. The pressure of a Dou Zun abruptly enveloped him. In a voice full of worry, she demanded, "What about the snake-people?!"
Abruptly shrouded by Medusa's Dou Zun pressure, Hai Bo Dong instantly felt his breathing become ragged, as if the entire heavens were bearing down on him. He couldn't move a single muscle.
He cast a pleading look toward Jiang Yun, inwardly lamenting bitterly: every time he ran into this woman Medusa, nothing good ever came of it!
"Medusa, calm down!" Jiang Yun raised his hand at that moment. A gentle stream of Dou Qi flew out, neutralizing Medusa's pressure. Taking hold of her soft hand, he said gently, "If this continues, he'll die. As the queen of the snake-people, you must remain calm when things arise. Don't let your emotions command your mind!"
Hearing Jiang Yun's reassurance, Medusa also regained her composure. Noticing her hand being held by his, her heart gave a violent leap. Swiftly sweeping a glance around and seeing that no one had noticed this scene, her heart immediately began pounding rapidly. She also chose to ignore that spot and pay it no further mind.
"Huff, huff, huff!" At this moment, Hai Bo Dong was sitting on the ground, panting heavily with a face full of terror, not daring to meet Medusa's gaze. This woman's strength had already exceeded his imagination. He was certain—a Dou Zong could absolutely never possess such terrifying pressure.
Anything deeper... he truly didn't dare to imagine!
That realm—no one in the entire Jia Ma Empire had stepped into it for several hundred years!
"Hai Bo Dong, tell us everything you know. Otherwise, Medusa might just tear down your Mite'er clan headquarters!" Sensing that Medusa had calmed down and Hai Bo Dong had somewhat recovered, Jiang Yun teased.
Hai Bo Dong looked up, met Medusa's eyes brimming with cold light, and his heart wailed endlessly. This truly didn't seem like just talk—this woman would genuinely put it into action.
"Although the entire Northwest Continent has descended into utter chaos, the snake-people are, for the time being, unharmed. The Mu Lan Empire and the Luo Yan Empire haven't set a single foot into the snake-people's territory!"
Even as he said this, Hai Bo Dong was inwardly puzzled. If these two empires were intent on waging war, the Jia Ma Empire—a tough bone with its two Dou Zongs that couldn't be gnawed down for the moment—it would make sense to bypass them. That was normal enough.
But at that time, the snake-people—Medusa was missing, whereabouts unknown. The snake-people only had four aged, decrepit elders at the peak of Dou Huang. They would have been an excellent, juicy piece of meat!
Yet the Luo Yan Empire and the Mu Lan Empire had actually chosen to pass them over. It was truly incomprehensible.
Of course he couldn't comprehend it—because Yun Yi had specifically instructed to ignore the snake-people entirely. As long as they obediently stayed within their territory and didn't emerge, the flames of war all around would not spread to the snake-people.
Hearing this, Medusa let out a long breath of relief. Then, somewhat hesitantly, she looked at Jiang Yun, wanting to speak but stopping herself.
"If you want to go back, then go. After the Alchemist Grand Meeting, we'll visit the snake-people."
Jiang Yun saw through Medusa's thoughts at a glance. With a gentle smile on his face, he said softly.
"Mm!" Receiving Jiang Yun's reply, Medusa instinctively felt a surge of joy in her heart. Immediately after, somewhat flustered, she pulled her hand free from his grasp.
Calming her emotions, she bade farewell to Zi Yan and the others, then transformed into a streak of light, swiftly flying toward the snake-people's territory.
"Phew!" The moment Medusa left, Hai Bo Dong immediately let out a long breath. Staying in the same space as this woman—the pressure was simply too immense.
Watching Hai Bo Dong's reaction, Jiang Yun chuckled ruefully. Then, he asked quietly, "Does Elder Hai know how Jia Xingtian's injuries were healed?"
Hai Bo Dong was slightly taken aback by this. After pondering, he answered hesitantly, "That, I do not know. However, during that period, a mysterious black-robed figure did frequently enter and leave the imperial palace. But the imperial family kept it extremely well hidden—there are no leads on that person."
"If the Master wishes to know, I can personally go ask Jia Xingtian. Presumably, he wouldn't refuse such a small matter."
"That won't be necessary. I'm merely a little curious. I did meet Jia Xingtian back then. His injuries weren't something an ordinary alchemist or physician could cure."
Jiang Yun shook his head. By now, he was already certain—that mysterious black-robed figure had been Xiao Yan and Yao Chen. With Yao Chen's alchemy skill, healing him wouldn't have been difficult.
He hadn't expected that without Hai Bo Dong, this Dou Huang ally, they had instead latched onto the imperial family.
Moreover, that old fox Yao Chen would surely not have left behind any clues that might expose his identity.
Hearing this, Hai Bo Dong's expression stirred, but he didn't pursue it further.
With a grasp of the events during this period, Hai Bo Dong then took his leave. Jiang Yun also now understood what Yun Yi had been up to during this time.
Overall, it was very much in the style of the Soul Hall—stirring up the flames of war everywhere, wantonly harvesting souls!
Having thought this, Jiang Yun once again looked at Xiao Yi Xian. The other understood, brought out the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron, and began refining pills under Jiang Yun's guidance.
At the pace of Xiao Yi Xian refining one pill and Zi Yan eating one, the day of the Alchemist Grand Meeting soon arrived.
The day of the Alchemist Grand Meeting!
The sky was azure blue, cloudless for ten thousand miles. A gentle breeze drifted by now and then. The sunlight was neither overbearing nor weak—perfect for holding the Alchemist Grand Meeting.
Jiang Yun casually wore a black robe, without any particular adornment. His black hair was simply tied back, yet he still possessed an air of effortless, untethered elegance.
Xiao Yi Xian was dressed in a white dress, her long hair flowing freely. With no makeup applied, she was like a snow lotus atop the Heavenly Mountains—heart-stirringly beautiful.
Zi Yan had tied her long purple hair into a ponytail. Qing Lin had tied hers into two. Today, Xiao Yi Xian was the main character. The two didn't want to steal her limelight and had simply dressed casually.
The four boarded the luxurious carriage arranged by the Mite'er clan, heading toward the venue of this year's Alchemist Grand Meeting—the Imperial Plaza.
On both sides of the street, the scene of coming and going, heads upon heads, was visible. This Alchemist Grand Meeting, held once every eight years, could well be called the Holy City of Jia Ma's most lively and explosively popular grand event.
Even though the outside world was already engulfed in the flames of war, it still could not dampen the people's enthusiasm. Most importantly—the flames of war had not spread here.
Moreover, on a continent where the strong reigned supreme, alchemists—who could forge the strong—were inherently the most popular profession. Mysterious and awe-inspiring. Even a dozen experts of the same level couldn't compare to the popularity of a single alchemist.
Today, noble alchemists, ordinarily a rare sight, were appearing in droves. And one could even witness alchemists refining pills on the spot—how could that not stir and fascinate people?
The vista of heads upon heads flickered past outside the window. Before long, the sprawling Imperial Plaza gradually came into Jiang Yun's line of sight. The plaza was surrounded by fully armed troops maintaining order on the scene.
Jiang Yun's arrival, accompanying the Mite'er clan, naturally caused a stir. The crowd looked at Jiang Yun with excitement. They hadn't expected that the vanished Master Jiang had reappeared.
With his arrival, the already-seated alchemists, as well as Jia Xingtian and others, all rose to their feet and hurriedly bowed in salute: "Master Jiang!"
Jiang Yun chuckled lightly and waved his hand. "Today's main character is not me. Everyone, please be at ease. As things are now, I'm somewhat stealing the host's thunder!"
If possible, Jiang Yun would have preferred to simply watch from a corner. However, Xiao Yi Xian's identity was known to a few of them, so they had no choice but to appear openly.
Under Jiang Yun's deliberate hinting, the crowd could only proceed with the Alchemist Grand Meeting as planned. Since Master Jiang had already appeared in the Jia Ma Empire, there would be plenty of time in the future!
As the Alchemist Grand Meeting was about to begin and the time for contestants to enter arrived, Jiang Yun looked at the entering contestants and said to Xiao Yi Xian beside him, "Go on. Keep a relaxed mindset. Even if you don't believe in yourself, you must believe in me!"
"Oh, go on! Just watch me bring back the championship to show you!" Rolling her eyes at Jiang Yun, Xiao Yi Xian headed toward the competition grounds.
Sweeping his gaze around, Jiang Yun didn't spot that alchemist from the Chu Yun Empire. But he did see several familiar figures—Liu Ling, Yao Yue, Xiao Yan under the alias Yan Xiao, and others.
Just then, a somewhat soft, gentle voice drifted over. "A year unseen, and the Master's presence is even more distinguished than before. Truly captivating!"
Yao Ye had, unbeknownst to them, arrived beside the three. Her cool, alluring face revealed a smile as she bowed in greeting—etiquette so flawless it was nearly impossible to find fault with.
"Princess Yao Ye also grows ever more beautiful and moving!" Jiang Yun replied with equal politeness.
"Then, I wonder if—"
"Xiao Yun, look! Xiao Yi Xian is on stage!" Right at that moment, Zi Yan's outburst suddenly interrupted Yao Ye's words, making her expression stiffen slightly.
Jiang Yun simultaneously felt both his arms caught in gentle, enfolding embraces—it was Zi Yan and Qing Lin.
Zi Yan was now enthusiastically watching Xiao Yi Xian in the arena. Jiang Yun, full of doting affection, followed her gaze, occasionally discussing their respective impressions.
Qing Lin watched the two of them with a serene, gentle smile. Then, her gaze fell placidly upon Yao Ye. Though she spoke no words, the meaning she conveyed was abundantly clear!
A look of clear disappointment surfaced on Yao Ye's pretty face. But as the imperial princess, in broad public view, she still had to consider the imperial family's dignity. Full of unwillingness, she could only slowly withdraw to the side, seating herself beside Jia Xingtian.
Looking straight ahead, acting as though he was completely unaware of everything that had just transpired, Jia Xingtian sighed inwardly.
As time passed, the moment for the meeting to begin finally arrived under the gaze of the multitudes.
With Fa Ma's announcement, the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Grand Meeting finally commenced.
The first round of screening required refining a second-tier pill, the "Bone-Growing Pill."
The pill formula was casually scribbled onto paper, testing the participants' fundamentals. The association provided only two sets of ingredients—meaning only two chances.
After the competition began, all the alchemists in the plaza earnestly studied the "Bone-Growing Pill" formula, but their expressions were far from identical. Some were dismissive, some were wide-eyed in shock, some were panicked and uneasy...
As the hourglass began counting, the two thousand-plus alchemists present—no matter what mindset they held—all summoned their flames and began refining pills.
For a moment, over two thousand flames blazed to life together, directly pushing the atmosphere to a climax.
In the plaza, after reviewing the formula, Xiao Yi Xian waved her hand. The Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron appeared in the arena. Pink peach blossom flame flew into it, and she began refining the pill with methodical precision.
The appearance of the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron didn't cause an uproar. After all, how many among those present were discerning enough?
Only Xiao Yan stared blankly at the cauldron before Xiao Yi Xian, practically drooling, his heart full of resentment.
For a mere second-tier pill—what virtue or ability did it possess to warrant being refined in a cauldron from the Heavenly Cauldron Rankings?!
Casting a somewhat envious glance at Xiao Yi Xian—for the first time, he felt the malice of the wealthy.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan also summoned his flame and began refining in earnest.