Jia Ma Sacred City.
As the capital of the Jia Ma Empire, the Sacred City's daily flow of people was immense. Yet recently, the influx from all regions had surged dramatically. The reason was simple—Jia Ma Empire's grandest event, the once-every-eight-years Alchemist Grand Assembly, was approaching.
Outside the city, a black-clothed young man walked steadily toward the towering walls. A massive, pitch-black ruler as tall as himself was strapped to his back. The youth's build wasn't tall, his appearance was ordinary, but his expression was firm and cold, and deep within his eyes flickered a trace of gloom and madness.
When he reached the gates and looked up at the towering, heavily guarded walls of Jia Ma Sacred City, his eyes rippled faintly. "So this is the capital of the Jia Ma Empire. Truly magnificent. Its grandeur and scale far surpass any other city."
A calm, aged voice echoed in his mind. "Heh, this is nothing. My disciple won't remain confined to such a small empire. When you see the wider world beyond, you'll find countless places far grander than this."
Hearing this, a spark of fiery determination flashed across the youth's eyes. 'Yes, with Teacher by my side, he, Xiao Yan, was destined to stand at the pinnacle of the Dou Qi Continent. Yunlan Sect… Nalan Yanran… I'll make you regret it.'
Thinking of that stunning girl who had come three years ago to annul their engagement, Xiao Yan's body trembled violently, his face twisting with fury.
"Calm yourself, Xiao Yan," the old voice suddenly barked.
Xiao Yan jolted, gasping heavily before speaking with guilt, "Teacher, I lost control."
The old voice sighed softly. "Yunlan Sect, across the vast Dou Qi Continent, is but a speck of dust. It's not worth your obsession. But that Nalan Yanran has become your heart demon—it will hinder your cultivation. This trip to Yunlan Sect must be completed. Go all out and shatter your inner demon. Whatever happens, your teacher will handle the rest."
Xiao Yan lowered his gaze to the black ring on his finger, his eyes filled with emotion. "Teacher, I won't disappoint you."
"Heh, come on then. The Alchemist Grand Assembly will be interesting. Judging by your current skills, even among 3rd Tier Alchemists, you're no weakling. My disciple must at least take first place."
"I won't fail, Teacher."
Xiao Yan quickened his pace toward the crowded gate. Each step left a faint imprint on the ground, showing the immense weight of the heavy ruler on his back. Yet despite that, he moved as nimbly as a fish in water, weaving effortlessly through the dense crowd.
As he passed through the throng, faint traces of Dou Qi flickered beneath his sleeves. Whenever a sneaky hand reached out from the crowd toward his ring, his sleeve would flick sharply, covered in thin Dou Qi, striking those hands away. Red and swollen welts appeared instantly.
Glancing coldly at the thieves clutching their hands in pain, Xiao Yan's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Teacher, where do we go first?"
"Hmm… let's check the Imperial Auction House first. It's the largest trading hub in the empire. We might find something useful there. After that, we'll visit the Alchemist Association headquarters."
"Understood."
Following his teacher's guidance, Xiao Yan soon found the location of the Miteer Auction House. Standing before the enormous structure that swallowed endless streams of people, his usually calm face revealed a trace of surprise. "So this is the Miteer Family's headquarters. Truly incomparable to the branch in Wutan City… I wonder if Sister Ya Fei is still there."
Thinking of that charming woman, Xiao Yan couldn't help but smile faintly. Her allure was no less than Xun'er or Nalan Yanran, and compared to Xiao Yu or Xiao Mei, her mature grace was far more captivating.
Licking his lips unconsciously, Xiao Yan walked down the wide stone-paved road toward the grand entrance of the auction hall.
——
Within a vast and luxurious estate in the Sacred City, beneath a large parasol, Liu Xi lounged lazily on a reclining chair. Beside him was a small table filled with exquisite snacks, fresh fruit glistening with juice, and chilled sweet drinks.
He lifted his cup, took a long sip, and said leisurely, "Cheng'er, put more strength into your punches. Sweat more in practice, bleed less in battle."
Not far away, a boy of about five or six years old, with a round face and bright eyes, was huffing and puffing as he practiced his punches. His cheeks were drenched in sweat, and from time to time, he glanced pitifully at Liu Xi, who was lying comfortably and giving instructions without moving a muscle.
"Why does Big Brother never train? If he can sit, he won't stand. If he can lie down, he won't sit…"
Ever since Liu Xi's return, little Liu Cheng had learned what "human cruelty" truly meant.
Just then, Xiao Yixian walked over, clearly helpless. She had long noticed Liu Xi seemed to enjoy teasing the boy. "Cheng'er, that's enough for now. Take a break."
Then she turned toward Liu Xi. "Young Master, the Miteer Family sent an invitation. They're hosting a banquet and wish for your presence."
At once, Liu Cheng cheered, "Yay! Thank you, Sister Xian'er!"
Liu Xi sat up and rubbed his forehead, smiling wryly. "They must be coordinating this. Ever since we came back, not a single day has passed without another banquet."
When Liu Xi returned to Jia Ma Sacred City with Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan, the news caused a huge sensation. A 6th Tier Alchemist was already beyond reach—but one who was also a Dou Huang stood at the very summit of the empire.
The Jia Ma Empire had no Dou Zong-level expert publicly known. The Dou Huang realm was the peak, and all major powers were eager to win his favor.
Liu Xi didn't refuse any of their goodwill. One could never have too many allies.
There were less than twenty days left before the Alchemist Grand Assembly, and after that would come Xiao Yan's three-year promise. Liu Xi already held the upper hand. If Medicine Sovereign cooperated, all would be well—but if not, he would not hesitate to use force.
Stretching lazily, Liu Xi smiled faintly. "Xian'er, take Zi Yan out to play for a while. I'll go attend this banquet."
"Alright," Xiao Yixian nodded gently.
(End of Chapter)
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