.
As Chen Guan mournfully muttered, the Song family's foremost prodigy, the disciple of the Danta's Great Elder, finally closed his eyes in resignation.
It was truly heartbreaking to see such a young, seventh-grade alchemist meet his end here. Had it not been
for today's incident, perhaps in ten or twenty years, he would have become another renowned alchemist.
It was both tragic and lamentable.
Shaking his head slightly, Chen Guan, acting in the spirit of humanitarianism, placed Song Qing's body in his ring.
After all, as fellow Danta members, he didn't mind offering this small favor. It wasn't because he intended to use Song Qing's body to pit the Song family against Qiu Zhang's clan.
With the body in his possession, Chen Guan finally freed himself to examine Qiu Zhang's ring.
Soon, a dark red scroll materialized in his hand, and a smile spread across his face. It was
a stroke of luck; this was the very same fighting technique the opponent had used earlier.
"'Thousand Gold Fire Disk', a primary Earth-level fighting technique, uses the body as a pivot and fire as a grinding wheel, unleashing endless rockets to blanket the enemy, a supremely powerful move for single-handedly defeating many." "
Dispersed as arrows, gathered as a spear, the condensed 'Thousand Flame Spear' is incredibly powerful, capable of incinerating mountains and shattering seas. If the flames themselves are of exceptional quality, their power rivals that of advanced Earth-level fighting techniques!"
Chen Guan unfolded the scroll, reading the description and nodded slightly.
It was much as he had expected.
When he had previously seen Qiu Zhang use this technique, Chen Guan had noticed a similarity between it and his 'Red Star Font'.
Both were equally effective against groups and individuals.
However, in comparison, the 'Thousand Flame Spear' was a bit more powerful and more ornate, like a plus-sized version of 'Red Star Falling'.
Having grasped its essence, Chen Guan was even more satisfied.
This would undoubtedly save him a considerable amount of time in learning this technique.
"Indeed, it's a powerful weapon... a great fighting technique for manifesting one's divine power."
As his strength grew, Chen Guan used the Red Star Pendant less and less. This
wasn't just due to its rank, but also partly due to its appearance.
After all, who wants to play around with a giant fireball? Anyone who didn't know would think they were creating the universe...
Sheathing the scroll, Chen Guan gazed into the gloomy night.
Without wasting any time, he unleashed a surge of mental energy and began searching for the Jade Heart Vase.
The sooner he found it, the sooner they could reach the Myriad Medicine Mountains.
The examples of Song Qing and Qiu Zhang had made him realize that he had underestimated the dangers of the alchemy world.
He didn't much care about others' misfortunes, but Cao Ying needed to be more vigilant.
His mental energy surged like a tide. After successfully reaching spiritual perfection, Chen Guan's mental power could now easily cover an area of dozens of miles.
Therefore, searching for medicinal herbs now, like a human-shaped radar, was significantly easier than for other alchemists.
The desert plains are the perfect habitat for the Jade Heart Copper Root. Thanks to Chen Guan's efficient, blanket search, it only took him about half an hour, and a few scattered blood-red plants came to mind.
"No wonder so many alchemists want to participate in this alchemy conference. Even if they don't make it to the third round, as long as they can enter the Alchemy Realm, their medicinal herb collection will multiply several times over upon exiting."
With a flash of his figure, he arrived at the Jade Heart Copper Root's location and easily collected eleven plants. Chen Guan couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.
You see, the task list only requires one plant each for each of the three medicinal herbs.
As for the extras, there's no need to elaborate.
The Alchemy Realm's area is, perhaps due to its gradual decline, less than one-third the size of the Alchemy Domain.
But don't underestimate this one-third. With the natural resources and treasures within this space, there's no force on the continent that wouldn't be tempted. Possessing such a space is like possessing an inexhaustible storehouse of rare medicinal herbs!
Danta actually used this place as a test checkpoint, allowing the participating alchemists to plunder it. This demonstrates the depth of Danta's resources.
Any other power, possessing such a blessed place, would likely defend it fiercely.
Chen Guan wondered to himself, if the Heavenly Alliance possessed such a place, he wouldn't be so generous.
This is the difference in resources!
Chen Guan had already secured two of the three medicinal herbs required for the mission. He immediately decided not to linger in the desert, choosing a direction and setting off at breakneck speed.
At Chen Guan's speed, traversing the entire Dan Realm would take no more than a day.
However, due to the frequent stops and starts, constantly searching for medicinal herbs, it took him an entire night to reach the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountains, the most prominent feature on the map.
Along the way, Chen Guan encountered many competitors, some working alone, others in groups, and battles were common.
However, because the disparity in strength was mostly minimal, outright deaths were rare.
Upon seeing Chen Guan, most of these alchemists consciously kept their distance, clearly fearing he might suddenly attack.
However, many, recognizing him, approached and greeted him.
In the alchemy world, conflict is not uncommon. After all, everyone is a competitor. Eliminating one person greatly improves one's chances, potentially increasing the amount of medicinal herbs one can plunder.
However, the status of a disciple of a Danta master still carries considerable credibility.
They assumed that Chen Guan, with his status, would likely disdain such shady dealings.
Otherwise, it would tarnish Danta's reputation!
Chen Guan paid no heed to these subtle thoughts. Normally, he maintained a principled approach. "If
no one offends me, I will not offend.
" "Fourteen Dou Zong masters..."
He mentally counted the number of Dou Zong masters he encountered along the way, gaining a better understanding of the overall level of those entering the alchemy world this time.
Dou Zong masters are already considered the top tier. He
just wondered what the strength of the Soul Palace's troops was.
...
The rabbit disappeared, and the dark clouds sank. Dawn dispelled the darkness.
An endless, green mountain range, brimming with spiritual energy, appeared before Chen Guan's sight.
This was the Myriad Medicine Mountains, home to the richest and most complete collection of medicinal herbs in the Dan Realm!
Unleashing his soul power, he visualized scenes spanning dozens of miles. He could see groups of alchemists desperately battling it out, and scores of others fleeing in panic, pursued by the mountain's demonic beasts.
High-level medicinal herbs often grow in places guarded by magical beasts, and this iron law of nature is no exception here.
Although the magical beasts' spirituality may be limited by the raging energy of heaven and earth, driven by instinct, they will not miss any natural treasures that could benefit their advancement.
"Roar! Roar! Roar!"
A series of furious beastly roars echoed, as if warning any humans who intrude.
However, this was mostly just instinct.
Daybreak had arrived, and it was time to return to their respective caves for sleep.
They preferred the night to the day.
Chen Guan hovered in mid-air at the edge of the mountain range, gazing at the mist-shrouded mountains. A bamboo flute fell into his hand.
The next moment, the clear sound of the flute echoed like rippling water, filling the mountain.
This continued for several minutes, attracting more and more alchemists. The colorful wings of fighting spirit made the area even more dazzling, giving the impression of fans cheering at a concert.
After playing for a while, Chen Guan shook his head slightly, feeling a hint of disappointment. He wasn't just idling around to attract attention. His actions were simply to confirm whether the little dragon was in the Wanyao Mountains.
As long as the girl was there, she'd surely be able to sense it and respond.
Unfortunately, aside from the onlookers, there was no response.
"Senior Brother Chen, magical beasts are rampant in the Wanyao Mountains. Sixth-tier magical beasts are everywhere, and seventh-tier ones are quite common. There are even rumors of eighth-tier beasts. It's an extremely dangerous place for us. Over 70% of those who ventured deep into the mountains yesterday encountered danger, forcing them to crush the space stone and end the alchemy conference prematurely. Dozens died on the spot, never having a chance to leave."
Chen Guan was just thinking about the little dragon when a handsome young man stepped forward and spoke.
He held his head high, neither humble nor arrogant. The brand-new seventh-grade alchemist badge on his chest shone brightly, gleaming in the morning sun.
"Are you... Cao Dan?"
Chen Guan recognized him; he had been following Cao Ying's group at the beginning of the alchemy conference.
At that moment, everyone's gazes at him and Cao Ying were intense, but this guy was the odd one out. He turned his head away and completely ignored them, like a child at odds with his parents.
Chen Guan hadn't asked before, but because of Cao Ying, he had a good understanding of the Cao family.
Besides Cao Ying, he was the only other seventh-grade alchemist of his age.
"Indeed,"
Cao Dan replied with a bow upon being recognized.
When he looked at Chen Guan again, a hint of recognition suddenly filled his eyes.
He knew my name!
Doesn't that mean he recognized my skill?
What is respect? To Cao Dan, that's respect!
Unlike that shrewd girl in his family, who had always been superior to him since he was a child, and the elders used her as a role model for repeated admonitions.
In truth, Cao Dan held no ill will towards Cao Ying; it was just that he had heard so much about her that his own thoughts naturally formed.
It was probably like the thoughts of a rebellious child...
Chen Guan, now widely regarded as a genius on the same level as Cao Ying, was a great pleasure for Cao Dan to earn his approval, and his goodwill was undeniable.
"You're right. The Myriad Medicine Mountains are indeed fraught with danger. Well, even I'm not sure I can get in and out easily. But since you've stepped forward, you must have some ideas. Just say it. Cao Ying and I are senior sisters, so you're not an outsider."
Chen Guan, perhaps guessing his intention, chuckled in response.
Hearing this, Cao Dan relaxed even more, his arrogance subsiding.
"Brother Chen, we discussed this last night. Relying on one person is too dangerous. But if we gather a group and explore together, while the search for medicinal herbs will be slower, it's safer. So, I'd like to invite you, Brother Chen, to join us. With you, we'll all be more collaborative!"
Sure enough, Cao Dan's words confirmed Chen Guan's suspicions.
There are always more solutions than problems. Without Song Qing, others will step up to organize the operation.
I have to admit, this method does have some effect.
However, it's limited.
This kind of improvised alliance doesn't hold much binding force. No matter how well-spoken the words, when danger strikes, there are always those who will slack off. They
'll dawdle when it comes to effort, but rush to act when there's an advantage. Turning against each other isn't
out of the question. This is likely the future of the alliance.
The so-called leader is merely the one who stands at the forefront when danger strikes. This thankless task can only fool the "simple" Cao Dan, but it's completely useless for a sly old man like him.
Chen Guan, looking at the expectant eyes, shook his head without hesitation.
"I won't be joining you. For some reason, I need to go deep into the Wanyao Mountains. There's a high chance I'll encounter the legendary eighth-tier beast. Joining you would only bring danger. You should lead this alliance. I believe that as long as you work together, ordinary monsters won't be able to harm you."
Chen Guan always avoided such troublesome matters whenever possible.
However, if the opportunity arose, and he could do so, he wouldn't mind offering a helping hand. It would be fulfilling Xuan Kongzi's instructions
. Upon hearing about the eighth-tier beast, the expressions of the alchemists standing far behind Cao Dan changed slightly.
Facing a seventh-tier beast, they might have a chance of defeating it with their combined strength.
An eighth-tier beast...
it might even be difficult to crush the interstellar stone.
"That's a shame. Well, in that case, we won't force it. Brother Chen, take care. I'm 90% certain there's an eighth-tier beast in the depths!"
Seeing that Chen Guan didn't seem to be lying, Cao Dan had no choice but to give up.
He bowed and said goodbye, lowering his voice to offer another warning.
Then, he turned and led the hundreds of alchemists out.
Chen Guan smiled slightly. This second-generation Cao family member, who had a bad reputation in their original trajectory, now made a rather favorable impression on him.
"I didn't expect the usually rebellious and impulsive Cao Dan to be so polite in your presence."
A familiar chuckle echoed behind him, and Chen Guan knew who was speaking simply by the scent.
"It's just the right remedy for the right situation. There's no such thing as someone who's difficult to get along with. Senior Sister, have you found the Millennium Earth Fire Lotus and the Lake Heart Blood Ganoderma?"
Chen Guan turned and gave Dan Chen a slight nod. Then, leading Cao Ying toward the mountains, he asked. "
There's still a lot of people watching here, so it's not a good time to talk. "
Cao Ying's wings fluttered slightly as she followed closely behind.
"I'm lucky. It didn't take much effort, but I've noticed. Everyone on this task list has the same tasks. Two herbs are relatively simple, and the remaining one is more common in places like the Ten Thousand Medicine Mountains where magical beasts gather. It's clearly intentional."
As a core disciple of Danta, Cao Ying's complaints were unabashed.
Such directness made Dan Chen, the little tail, envious.
"Of course. If it were that easy, wouldn't the second level have lost its meaning? Never mind. Let's go search for herbs first. There might be danger along the way, so just follow closely."
"Haha, Danchen and I are leaving our lives and fortunes in your hands today. Just don't lead us into the belly of a monster, Danchen, am I right?"
"Ah, yes, yes, no, that's not what I meant."
Chen Guan and Cao Ying couldn't help but laugh at Danchen's flustered explanation.
With someone like that, even the slightest joke feels guilty.
...
Inside the Myriad Medicine Mountains.
In a spacious cavern that would have been a truly luxurious palace in the Warcraft world, a burly man stood erect, his torso brimming with bitterness as he watched a girl in white sitting on a platform, her feet dangling in the air as she clung to a giant ginseng plant.
"Don't be so stingy, big man," he said, "it's just a few herbs. There's no point in keeping them. Wait until Chen Guan gets here, and I'll have him refine them all into elixirs for you. I sensed him just now. Hehe, I pretended not to hear you. I'll give him a surprise later."
The towering figure forced a smile as the girl muttered.
Was he stingy? He
didn't think so, anyway.
His gaze swept across a vast plaza in the center of the right corner. There, he saw a variety of rare herbs piled up there, laid out haphazardly like cabbage, the air thick with the rich aroma of the herbs.
However, a closer inspection revealed that the herbs weren't perfectly preserved.
Furthermore, each had a noticeable small tooth mark!
(End of Chapter)