Chapter 270: Huh? You… You're Senior Xiao Yan?!
Tianshan Platform was a flat stone platform located halfway up Tianmu Mountain. Only those who reached Tianshan Platform were qualified to compete for a spot in the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool.
Within Tianmu Mountain, there was a naturally occurring maze formation. Once inside, visibility was nearly zero one could not even see their own hand in front of them. Only Spirit Foxes or special methods could navigate through it.
It seemed difficult, but… any faction with decent strength knew how to pass through the maze.
In just a few hours, figures continuously flickered onto Tianshan Platform. Now, over twenty people had gathered, all eligible to compete for the remaining eight spots in the Blood Pool.
"Ahem… Time's up. Let's begin!"
In the crowd, a slightly short middle aged man in a gray robe scanned the area before speaking slowly.
"I am Jin Shi. You all know the rules of Tianmu Mountain. Anyone who passes the Gold Swallowing Mouse Clan's trial will earn a spot in the Blood Pool."
"However…" Jin Shi paused, then said indifferently, "This time, only six spots are available, because two have already been reserved."
"What?!"
Everyone was stunned. The sudden change made their expressions shift drastically.
With nearly twenty competitors, the original eight slots were already scarce, making the competition fierce. Now, with two fewer spots, how could they not panic?
Feng Qing'er's gaze slowly moved toward the edge of the stone platform. There, two figures stood one small and one tall.
The smaller one was delicate, with pale purple hair and an innocent appearance. The taller one, though concealing her face, exuded a noble and elegant aura that could not be faked.
Before Feng Qing'er arrived at Tianshan Platform, these two had already been present, accompanied by Jin Shi and two Dou Huangs from the Gold Swallowing Mouse Clan.
Feng Qing'er frowned. She could not sense the woman's strength at all, and the little girl… For some reason, her presence made Feng Qing'er feel an intense, inexplicable dislike.
Meanwhile, other young talents from the Four Pavilions such as Mu Qingluan, Tang Ying, and Wang Chen also noticed the two figures, their gazes subtly shifting toward them.
"Enough noise! If you have complaints, take them to my clan's Grand Elder!" Jin Shi waved his hand dismissively.
The expressions of several people turned ashen in an instant. Talk to the Gold Swallowing Mouse Grand Elder? That's no different from seeking death!
"Senior Jin Shi, we don't mind the reduced spots, but could we at least see who these two exceptional talents are?"
"Don't misunderstand we're simply curious to meet them."
At the edge of the platform, Zi Yan scratched her head, looking slightly impatient. So noisy. So annoying!
Yun Yun smiled softly and gently patted Zi Yan's head, soothing her mood.
"You're not worthy!" Jin Shi sneered, showing no politeness. "If anyone is dissatisfied, they can leave!"
Silence.
The entire platform fell into stunned silence. Was the Gold Swallowing Mouse Clan breaking its previous agreements?
"Ahem… Senior Jin Shi, I believe they make a valid point. There's no harm in letting us meet them," Feng Qing'er said coolly. Her crisp, icy voice echoed across the platform.
Jin Shi's face darkened instantly. At the same time, the crowd grew emboldened. With Miss Feng speaking on their behalf, what was there to fear?
Nearby, Tang Ying, Mu Qingluan, and Wang Chen exchanged amused glances. What's wrong with Feng Qing'er? Why is she picking a fight with an unknown opponent?
Feng Qing'er's cold gaze flickered with a hint of distaste. She didn't know why, but every time she looked at that little girl, she felt an overwhelming sense of irritation.
"Why all the noise?"
A childish voice rang through the platform. Zi Yan took a step forward, standing in full view of the crowd.
"The spot is mine. What are you going to do about it?"
"Huh? It's just a little girl?"
"What is the Gold Swallowing Mouse Clan trying to pull?"
"This is ridiculous… Hahaha!"
"…"
"Hissss…"
In the crowd, a man who saw Zi Yan immediately gasped and quietly retreated to the back.
But at that moment smack! he bumped into someone behind him.
"Senior Lin Yan, where are you sneaking off to?" a teasing voice asked in a hushed tone.
"Obviously, I'm getting out of wait… huh?! Xiao Yan?!" Lin Yan turned sharply, his face filled with shock as he saw the person behind him.
At the center of the platform, a group of Dou Huangs pointed at Zi Yan, laughing uproariously.
Her petite figure and adorable face didn't deter them at all in fact, they mocked her even more.
Feng Qing'er's gaze remained calm as she observed. What was this little brat's background?
"Annoying insects!" Zi Yan snorted.
She lifted her foot and stomped hard on the ground.
Boom!
A deafening explosion erupted.
Violent shockwaves blasted outward from her foot, instantly splitting into two, then four, then eight.
Like a barrage of gunfire, razor sharp energy streaked across the stone platform, carving deep, bottomless marks into the surface.
"What?!"
The laughing Dou Huangs' expressions changed drastically.
They hurriedly released their Dou Qi, forming layers of defensive techniques.
But…
They were too late!
Boom!
In an instant, all of them trembled violently as they were struck head on.
Blood spurted from their mouths as they flew backward, their chests caving inward from the impact.
In just one attack, the number of people left standing on the platform had dwindled to only a few.
Feng Qing'er's pupils shrank sharply, her expression changing.
Who was this little girl?
Her strength was undoubtedly on par with Feng Qing'er's own!
The other three young talents from the Four Pavilions also revealed looks of shock, subconsciously taking a step back away from Zi Yan.
"It's been a long time since I've seen the brute force queen get mad," Lin Yan muttered, feeling nostalgic.
"This is my first time seeing it," Xiao Yan chuckled.
"Xiao Yan, are you really the one with the potential to become a Dou Di?" Lin Yan elbowed him, his eyes flickering mischievously as he lowered his voice.
"…"
Xiao Yan's smile instantly froze. The corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Damn you, Lu Bu! Curse you, Lu Bu!
Just you wait!
"Ahem… Just a joke…" Lin Yan laughed awkwardly, scratching his head.
Meanwhile, Jin Shi scanned the platform before announcing, "Now only six people remain. There's no need to continue the trial. Congratulations you have all earned the right to enter the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool!"
Lin Yan and Xiao Yan exchanged glances.
Ah… Thank you, Senior Zi Yan!
Senior Zi Yan is the best!
"Wait."
Just as Jin Shi finished speaking, Yun Yun suddenly interjected.
Her tone was calm, but her gaze had already locked onto Feng Qing'er.
Jin Shi paused, then nodded slightly. This woman wasn't someone he could afford to offend.
The three other young talents from the Four Pavilions also noticed Yun Yun's change in demeanor. Their expressions turned amused.
Looks like Feng Qing'er was in for some trouble.
"What do you mean by this?" Feng Qing'er's expression darkened.
Even without considering this mysterious woman, the little girl alone was already an opponent she dared not underestimate.
"It's nothing," Yun Yun said lightly. "I just feel like hitting you."
With that, her jade like hand lifted, forming a palm strike surrounded by swirling green light.
Then she swung it down.
"You !" Feng Qing'er's face twisted in anger.
But the moment the palm wind howled toward her, her expression changed drastically.
Smack!
A crisp smack echoed through the air.
Feng Qing'er's body spun uncontrollably before crashing to the ground. Her hair was in disarray, her once pristine white face now flushed red, and a thin line of blood trailed from the corner of her lips.
"Hehehe… Serves her right!" Mu Qingluan of the Falling Star Pavilion covered her mouth and chuckled softly. That was absolutely satisfying!
Not far away, Tang Ying of the Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion and Wang Chen of the Yellow Spring Pavilion exchanged glances, their eyes flickering. However, neither said a word. That woman actually dared to hit Feng Qing'er… and could hit her. Regardless of her background, her strength alone was clearly beyond theirs. It was best not to provoke her.
"Let's go to the Blood Pool. Congratulations, you've all secured your spots," Jin Shi said indifferently, glancing at the embarrassed and disheveled Feng Qing'er. Without further ado, he turned and led the eight qualified individuals and two massive Gold Swallowing Mice toward the Blood Pool.
In a secluded estate within the mountain range, Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian were deep in cultivation when a small Gold Swallowing Mouse scurried over, tapping lightly on the doorframe.
Both women raised an eyebrow simultaneously, then disappeared from their spots, reappearing in a nearby pavilion.
"Honored guests, we've found traces of the person you're looking for," Jin Gu said. Normally, this would be handled by Jin Shi, but since he was managing the Blood Pool trials, Jin Gu had taken over.
"Speak!" Xiao Yi Xian's eyes glowed sharply, her voice carrying a hint of urgency.
"He is most likely in the Fallen God Ravine within the Pill Region," Jin Shi explained. "The exact location is unknown, but he is very likely there. Furthermore… it appears that others have also been searching for him recently."
"Hmm?" Xiao Yi Xian's gaze sharpened, a trace of worry flickering in her beautiful eyes.
"Oh… We understand," Medusa said calmly. She took Xiao Yi Xian's hand and slowly walked away.
"Lu Bu is in danger…"
"He's capable of killing Dou Zuns. What are you so nervous about?" Medusa rolled her eyes. "Let's wait until Zi Yan and Yun Yun finish their training. Then we'll go find him."
Under her veil, Xiao Yi Xian's eye twitched.
You're not nervous?
Then why is your palm sweating?
Sacred Pill City!
Located in the heart of the Pill Region, Sacred Pill City was revered as the holy land of alchemists. Every alchemist in the continent dreamed of entering the Pill Tower, considering it the pinnacle of their craft.
This city was also the site of the grandest event in the alchemy world the Pill Gathering. Here, even alchemists who were rarely seen elsewhere were commonplace. Sixth tier alchemists were as common as stray dogs, and seventh tier alchemists were everywhere.
The usual arrogance of alchemists their "I am the heavens, the earth is second, and I am third" attitude was nowhere to be seen. Instead, everyone was surprisingly humble and polite.
On a broad street within the inner district of Sacred Pill City, two figures strolled leisurely. One was lean and slender, the other large and imposing.
"Lu Bu, since you're interested in the Heavenly Flame in the Star Region, why don't I just take you there directly?" Hei Qing grumbled, clearly displeased as he followed behind Lu Bu.
The Three Thousand Burning Flames was originally nurtured by an elder of the Ancient Dragon Clan. Hei Qing could retrieve it anytime.
After spending time together, Hei Qing had become fairly certain that Lu Bu wasn't the type to slaughter dragons and refine their essence blood. While he didn't fully trust him, he no longer held any suspicions.
Moreover… this man was an eighth tier alchemist.
Such individuals were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns. Befriending him would be a great boon to the Eastern Dragon Island.
However, Hei Qing glanced at Lu Bu's face with a puzzled expression.
Why did you change into such an average looking face?
"It's unwise to make enemies of the Pill Tower," Lu Bu shot him a look, annoyed. He had already provoked the Soul Hall there was no need to add the Pill Tower to his list of enemies.
"Besides, I need the Pill Tower's assistance," he said, touching his altered face. He noticed Hei Qing's confusion but didn't bother explaining.
For now, his name was Xiao Yan.
"So where are we going now?" Hei Qing grumbled. He didn't like crowded places.
"I'm going to get an alchemist's badge," Lu Bu shrugged. Come to think of it, he had never officially tested for one.
Wait, no back in the Jia Ma Empire, he had taken the test for a first tier alchemist badge…
Lu Bu planned to approach the Pill Tower's three leaders through proper, peaceful means. The Three Thousand Burning Flames was actually a nuisance for the Pill Tower an unstable burden. If Lu Bu personally stepped in to solve their problem, they would likely welcome the help.
After getting his badge, he would challenge the eighth tier test. That should attract one of the three Pill Tower leaders. Then, through logic and diplomacy, he would negotiate for the Heavenly Flame.
Once he obtained the Three Thousand Burning Flames, he would reunite with his queen and the others.
By now, his five girlfriends were probably on their way to the Pill Region.
Power and girlfriends were the most important things in the world!
"Is that so?" Hei Qing glanced around. "Well, your timing isn't great…"
Nearby, every alchemist badge examination center had long lines of people waiting. It was clear that getting tested would take a while.
"This… Didn't they say alchemists were rare?" Lu Bu's eye twitched. Wasn't this supposed to be an elite profession?
"Why not just ask?" Hei Qing grabbed an old man who was passing by and asked, "Excuse me, what's going on today?"
The old man was about to erupt in anger, but before he could speak, Hei Qing clapped a hand on his shoulder.
Boom!
A vast, overwhelming pressure crushed down on him.
His breath caught in his throat. His face turned red, veins bulging as he struggled to breathe.
"A Ah… Great Elder…" a young girl beside him gasped in shock.
"Brother, let go!" Lu Bu quickly pulled the old man free from Hei Qing's grip.
If he hadn't intervened, the poor man might have suffocated on the spot.
The young girl beside the elder looked at Lu Bu with gratitude.
Cough, cough… The elder took several deep breaths before replying, "Today is the examination day for the young generation of the Five Great Clans of the Pill Region."
As he spoke, his expression darkened slightly, and he even forgot his anger at Hei Qing.
Of course, the main reason was that he didn't dare be angry.
That big, burly brute was definitely a Dou Zun. Not someone he could afford to offend!
"Huh?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow in surprise.
The Five Great Clans' assessment already?
Doesn't that mean the Ye Clan is doomed?
Wait…
What does that have to do with me?
Lu Bu shrugged. Saving the Ye Clan is Xiao Yan's job, not mine.
He turned his attention to the long lines at the testing centers. For now, he needed to figure out how to get his badge quickly and meet the three Pill Tower leaders. That was the real priority.
"Huh? You… You're Senior Xiao Yan?!"
The young girl beside the elder suddenly pointed at Lu Bu's face, her eyes wide with shock.
"Uh…" Lu Bu's mouth twitched.
What's going on?
Even Xiao Yan's face is recognizable?
"Xiao Yan? The one who claims to have the potential to become a Dou Di?"
"He's Xiao Yan? What's he doing at the Pill Tower?"
"Dou Di potential? He looks so… ordinary. He probably wouldn't last a single exchange against me. What a joke!"
"Then go test him."
"Hah! Who are you to tell me what to do?"
As the whispers spread, countless eyes shoop snapped toward Lu Bu's newly disguised face.
Shock, doubt, mockery, and amusement filled the air.
But not a single trace of respect.
(End of Chapter)
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