. Thoughts and imaginations vanished as time flew by.
Two months later, at dusk,
a group of more than ten hurriedly emerged from the Holy Alchemy City wormhole, instantly attracting numerous glances. Even the alchemists who had traveled from afar could tell from the scene that these people were extraordinary.
"Hello, Patriarch Ye."
"Patriarch Ye, your demeanor remains as strong as ever."
"As expected of one of the five great families, the Ye family, no matter how downtrodden it may be, possesses a legacy unmatched by ordinary families. Look at these young people; they are all supremely talented. I couldn't believe I couldn't see through three of them."
As soon as they stepped into the square, compliments echoed.
The fallen Ye family was not something anyone could ignore, let alone now that they had passed the assessment. Restoring their former glory was not impossible.
As the center of their conversation, Ye Chong was sweating profusely. "
Shut up! Stop talking!" He paused, chuckling,
and stared at the young man beside him. Ye Chong felt as if his toes were digging into the ground.
Fortunately, he was familiar with Chen Guan and the others and knew they wouldn't mind such a thing; otherwise, he would have been furious.
Seeing his refusal to continue leading the charge, Chen Guan chuckled softly and, without further ado, led Yun Yun, Little Medical Immortal, Skyfire Venerable, and the others forward to take the center position before continuing toward the inner reaches of Holy Dan City.
This action immediately caught the attention of the onlookers, and for a moment, suspicions arose.
"Who is this young man?"
Clearly, not many in this outer realm, where the "weak" gathered, knew Chen Guan.
He trotted along, drawing plenty of attention, and after more than ten minutes, he finally reached the relatively central inner realm.
"This year's Alchemy Conference will likely be the largest ever, but I believe that with your strength, you'll definitely be the one standing at the end!"
Ye Zhong exclaimed, gazing at the crowded streets already filled with countless participants.
"Do your best," Chen Guan replied with a smile.
He didn't want to make any promises before the results were known.
The thirty-yearly Alchemy Conference attracted more than just the younger generation of alchemists. Even renowned veterans were brazen enough to join in the fun for the Three Thousand Flames.
"Haha, you're too modest! Young friend, you're bound to make a splash. Now that we've reached the Inner Realm, we'll head to the Ye family's quarters. See you tomorrow, everyone,"
Ye Zhong chuckled, bowing and bidding farewell.
As one of the Five Great Families, they had a place to stay within Shengdan City, so they weren't worried about accommodations.
The other Ye family elders and Ye Xinlan who had accompanied them also bowed and followed.
After watching them leave, Chen Guan and the other four didn't linger, heading straight for their own courtyard.
Eight months after their absence, the elegant courtyard remained pristine, clearly well-maintained.
"Chen, young man, go and take care of yourself. We won't need you to worry about anything. Phantom Poison, let's go play chess."
Upon arriving at their quarters, Venerable Skyfire eagerly dragged Phantom Poison towards his room.
Ever since he started playing chess with the old monster Youdu, he hasn't lost a single game. Now he has fallen in love with this little toy to pass the time.
Chen Guan nodded. It's okay for them to do whatever they want.
"You go and pay your respects to the teacher first. My sister Xian'er and I don't have to worry about it."
Yun Yun's bright eyes turned and paused on Chen Guan's face. She pulled Xiao Yixian and said with a chuckle
. Xiao Yixian's beautiful eyes were also slightly curved, like a crescent moon, and she smiled coquettishly.
In the past two months, and driven by the two girls' intention to get closer, their relationship is now very good. They spend more time together than with Chen Guan alone.
Chen Guan nodded slightly and then went up alone.
He had been gone for more than half a year. On weekdays, if he wanted to inquire about his news, he had to ask the eldest disciple. So when he saw him again, Xuan Kongzi couldn't help but hum, and the word "anger" was almost written on his face.
Seeing this, Chen Guan remained unfazed. He leisurely removed a fine mutton-fat jade bottle from his ring and placed it on the table. Inside was a personally refined eighth-grade elixir.
As expected, Xuan Kongzi's expression instantly changed, and he beamed.
"Since you've been quite capable, I'll let this go for now. Prepare for tomorrow's alchemy meeting. I've received word that several veterans have arrived in Shengdan City. While the younger generation isn't a concern given your and Ying'er's abilities, these veterans must be treated with caution."
Returning the jade bottle to Chen Guan, Xuan Kongzi's expression grew serious, offering a warning.
"Although you are my disciple, for the sake of fairness, I cannot do anything dirty. The process of the Alchemy Conference is no secret, so I can tell you a little bit."
"At each Alchemy Conference, the most basic qualification for contestants is to reach the level of a fifth-grade alchemist. After the Alchemy Conference begins, the Alchemy Tower will use the illusionary space as a screening. This is the first test, and you just need to have hands."
"The second round of tests requires entering the ruined Alchemy Realm. It was once opened up by a Dou Sheng powerhouse. Due to various reasons, it is now dilapidated and used as a testing ground. Even so, the Alchemy Realm is still a treasure land that countless alchemists dream of. Inside, there are countless natural treasures and many rare medicinal herbs that are hard to find in the outside world. Alchemists who are qualified to enter will be given a list of some rare herbs. You will need to rely on your own abilities to obtain all of these herbs within the Alchemy Realm. Then, you can exchange them for a space stone at the exit and leave the Alchemy Realm. Only then will you be considered to have passed the test."
"We generally don't interfere with what happens in the alchemy world. Consequently, many shady alchemists resort to unconventional methods to gather medicinal materials, and casualties are common. Your strength is sufficient to protect you, but as for your senior sister..."
"Don't worry, Master, I understand."
Chen Guan nodded in agreement. In fact, he would have done the same even if Xuan Kongzi hadn't said so.
He clearly remembered this alchemy conference; the original trajectory had been quite dangerous.
"Well, it's not just Ying'er. If other alchemists encounter unconventional dangers, if you can, help them, if you can. In a sense, we alchemists are one."
Recalling the Soul Palace's previous words, Xuan Kongzi felt a little worried.
He had a premonition that this alchemy conference would not be peaceful.
"Do this within your capabilities, and don't put yourself in danger for others."
"As for the final round of assessment, it will undoubtedly be alchemy. There won't be any designated questions. Contestants will each perform to their full potential, refining the highest-quality elixirs. This has been the case throughout every round, and it's the most direct way to assess an alchemist's overall level."
This comprehensive level encompasses not only the grade of ingredients capable of being refined but also the alchemist's extensive collection.
The second round of assessments is actually intended to prepare for the third.
After all, not all alchemists can gather the herbs they desire.
The Alchemy Realm offers a convenient place to address these concerns, allowing participants to gather materials while completing the assessments.
After discussing the three rounds of assessments, Xuan Kongzi addressed some precautions, particularly regarding the Soul Palace!
Then, he waved Chen Guan away.
"Wait, here are the recipes for you,"
he said, and three eighth-grade recipes floated out .
Chen Guan took them and examined them, recalling the encouragement Xuan Kongzi had given him and Cao Ying.
But was he really the first to reach eighth grade?
Chen Guan doubted it. With Cao Ying's aptitude, she was still stuck at seventh grade.
"Thank you, Teacher,"
he said, shaking his head inwardly. He dismissed the matter, declaring they could be studied together later.
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After returning to their residence from Xuankongzi's study, Yun Yun and Xiao Yixian had already tidied their rooms and were leisurely chatting on the grass in the courtyard, enjoying the night view.
The moonlight shone brightly, and the beauty was as beautiful as jade, a truly rare sight.
After a brief moment of admiration, Chen Guan, without hesitation, squeezed between the two women and embraced them, embracing the pinnacle of life that countless people dream of.
Seeing that he didn't act excessively, Yun Yun and Xiao Yixian offered no resistance, only a coquettish glance before letting him go.
Chen Guan suddenly felt a step closer to his grand dream. Just as he was thinking about striking while the iron was hot, a slender figure entered his sight.
Seeing the three of them, Cao Ying's face froze.
"I think I've come at the wrong time."
Her teasing smile immediately made her blush. Yun Yun and Xiao Yixian quickly stood up, knowing she must have something to ask Chen Guan about. With a simple greeting, they each returned to their rooms.
Chen Guan sighed softly, his mind drifting away from idle chatter.
"Sister, you don't have to make this extra trip."
"I was just thinking of giving you the herbs sooner,"
Cao Ying said, spreading her hands in innocence. She took out a
storage ring and handed it over. Preparing herbs for the Alchemy Conference was essential.
Back when they were at the Ye Clan, Chen Guan had Yun Yun write a letter asking Cao Ying to use the Alchemy Tower to gather the necessary herbs.
So, upon seeing Cao Ying approach, Chen Guan knew what she was up to.
"Thank you, Sister."
Chen Guan took the storage ring and immediately took out two eighth-grade pills in exchange.
Just as he knew his sister's skill, Cao Ying wasn't surprised by the pills he offered.
"It's just a small favor. Once you pass on the list, there will naturally be plenty of people to help. Junior Brother, don't be shy at the Alchemy Conference. I want to see how far you've come."
Putting away the pills, Cao Ying chuckled softly.
Her words were thick with anticipation.
Opportunities like this, where you can go all out, don't come around often.
"I won't let you down," Chen Guan replied with a slight nod.
For a genius like Cao Ying, giving his all is the highest form of respect.
Furthermore, with the threat of the Soul Palace looming, he couldn't afford to compromise.
"That's fine. I won't bother you then. Junior Brother, get some rest tonight and recharge your batteries."
Cao Ying's smile remained unchanged, but her words always made Chen Guan feel a deeper meaning...
The next day.
As the first rays of morning light streamed down from the sky, piercing the shrouded night, the entire city of Shengdan erupted in excitement.
Today, Shengdan City would be the center of attention. The eyes of all of Zhongzhou converged, awaiting the one who would stand firm until the final moment.
And whoever emerged from this sea of alchemy geniuses from across the Dou Qi Continent would undoubtedly be a true darling!
Every Alchemy Contest champion has left a glorious legacy in the history of the Dou Qi Continent, without exception. It is precisely because of this that the significance of the Alchemy Contest is infinitely magnified.
Whoever emerges as the final champion will surely be immortalized in the history of the Douqi Continent.
This honor is enough to drive anyone wild. After all, who wants to be a mediocre person?
…
"Creaky."
In a small courtyard within the Dan Tower, a door suddenly opened slowly, and a slender figure stepped out, followed by two stunning women, each with a radiant look.
Don't get me wrong, Mr. Chen's grand plan still hasn't panned out.
However, given the grandeur of today's occasion, Yun Yun and Little Medical Immortal arrived early to wake Chen Guan and personally groom him—a welcome treat.
Today, Chen Guan wore a set of Dan Tower-issued purple alchemist robes. On his chest, a Dan Tower-issued rank badge, still unreplaced, shone with seven radiant purple-gold stars.
This attire was probably the most formal Chen Guan had ever worn.
The alchemist's robe was slim-fitting, and besides that, its most significant feature was its luxury. It was also cool and breathable, effectively protecting against flames, and paired with Chen Guan's handsome appearance... he
looked both handsome and flamboyant. He
was incredibly eye-catching.
This was evident in the uniquely radiant eyes of Yun Yun and Little Medical Fairy.
Chen Guan, by nature, didn't particularly enjoy the feeling of constantly turning heads.
However, he now represented not only himself but also the Danta behind him, so he couldn't be too casual; he needed to be more formal.
"Didn't you change your badge to an eighth-grade one when you met with the teacher last night?"
Stepping forward to straighten Chen Guan's robe, Yun Yun discovered a blind spot.
Every part of his body captivated her.
Only the seventh-grade badge caught her eye, leaving her slightly unsatisfied.
Unlike Chen Guan, Yun Yun, aware of her husband's abilities, felt the badge was no longer worthy of him.
Little Medical Fairy shared the same sentiment.
They wished that all their eyes would be focused on Chen Guan alone. Women's minds are always unique.
Chen Guan shook his head slightly and smiled freely, "There is no need to change anymore. After the Alchemy Conference is over, I will rely on this face. It is better than any badge. There is no need to prove anything to others."
Confident people seem to be radiating light from head to toe. At this moment, Chen Guan was like this in the eyes of Yun Yun and Xiao Yixian.
"Let's go. Elder Yao and the others have been waiting for a long time."
After speaking, Chen Guan took the lead and walked towards the outside of the courtyard.
Afterwards, Xiao Yixian and Yun Yun smiled at each other and quickly followed.
The Alchemy Conference, the most noble conference in the hearts of countless alchemists, finally opened its curtain today, which made many alchemists admire and crazy.
The east wind has arrived, and we are just waiting for the wind and clouds to move!
(End of this chapter)