The day of the Alchemist Grand Assembly arrived—under the clearest of skies.
The heavens seemed to favor the event: no clouds, a soft breeze, and warm sunlight neither harsh nor faint—perfect weather for a day of alchemy.
As the Alchemist Association's Grand Elder, Liu Xi naturally wore his 6th Tier Alchemist robe that day. He hadn't bothered with elaborate grooming; his long black hair was tied loosely behind him, yet that simple gesture lent him a serene and otherworldly grace.
Beside him, Xiao Yixian wore a snow-white dress. Her long white hair fluttered gently in the wind, her face untouched by makeup—pure and breathtaking, like a snow lotus blooming atop Tianshan's peak.
Zi Yan, of course, couldn't be left behind. Her long violet hair was tied into a lively ponytail, and the moment she learned she could tag along, her excitement wiped away all traces of sleepiness.
They gathered Liu Xi's parents and younger brother, then boarded a luxurious carriage bound for the Royal Plaza—the site of the Alchemist Grand Assembly.
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The streets along the way bustled with energy. People thronged both sides of the avenue, chattering, laughing, jostling for a view. This once-in-eight-years event was the grandest spectacle in all of Jia Ma Sacred City.
On this continent where strength ruled above all, Alchemists—those who could create power—were revered as near-divine figures. Their mystery and influence eclipsed that of many warriors; even a dozen experts of equal cultivation could not compare to the esteem of a single skilled Alchemist.
Today, these usually aloof figures gathered en masse, and the thought of watching one refine a pill live was enough to set the city ablaze with excitement.
The crowds blurred past the carriage windows, and before long, the vast Royal Plaza came into view—surrounded on all sides by heavily armed soldiers maintaining strict order.
Even Alchemists affiliated with the Association had to queue for inspection before entering.
Liu Xi, of course, simply walked through. One glance at his face, and every guard stepped aside.
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Once inside, Liu Xi headed straight for the VIP section. Naturally, there were levels even among VIPs. Liu Ming and Li Yue took seats among the secondary guests, while Liu Xi, accompanied by Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan—both Dou Wang—made his way to the highest tier of seats.
The moment he appeared, several Elders of the Association—including Vice President Qie Mi'er and a group of 4th Tier Alchemists and above—rose to their feet.
"Grand Elder!" they greeted respectfully, bowing in unison.
Though young, Liu Xi's position placed him above even President Fa Ma himself. His status was beyond reproach.
Liu Xi raised his hands lightly and smiled. "Everyone, please, sit. There's no need to be so formal. Vice President—how come President Fa Ma isn't here yet?"
Qie Mi'er chuckled wryly. "Because you agreed to attend, he said he could relax. He's buried himself in research again. Ever since breaking through to 6th Tier two years ago, he's been as obsessed as a beginner, spending every day refining without rest. All Association affairs have been left to me!"
Liu Xi laughed. "With such dedication, he might one day reach 7th Tier. Still, he's certainly gotten comfortable handing off responsibility. You'll have your hands full hosting this event."
Qie Mi'er sighed helplessly. Indeed, neither the President nor the Vice President of the Association seemed willing to act their age.
Seats were quickly rearranged to accommodate Liu Xi's companions. He took the central chair—fitting, since he was the day's true pillar of prestige.
Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan sat on either side of him. Zi Yan leaned forward excitedly. "Big Brother, there are so many people! It's so lively!"
Liu Xi smiled. "An event backed by an empire was bound to be. Enjoy the view—there's a lot to see today."
The blue-stone arena below was already filling with contestants. Hundreds of Alchemists, each holding numbered plaques, settled cross-legged beside their respective stone platforms, eyes closed in quiet focus.
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"Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke from Black Rock City pay respects to the Grand Elder!"
The sudden call drew Liu Xi's attention.
Two gray-haired men bowed deeply before him, four silver stripes gleaming on their robes—4th Tier Alchemists. Behind them stood two women and one man. The women looked nervous but reverent, their eyes bright with admiration. The man, however, was unfamiliar—his face hidden beneath a mask.
Liu Xi's eyes narrowed slightly. He sent out a thread of Spiritual Power and easily pierced the disguise.
'So, he's entered under another name again?' he mused with amusement.
He smiled faintly. "These three must be your branch's chosen participants?"
Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke nodded quickly, then turned toward the young man behind them. Under Liu Xi's gaze, Xiao Yan felt a chill run down his spine. Taking a steadying breath, he stepped forward, cupped his fists, and bowed.
"Junior Yan Xiao greets the Grand Elder."
Liu Xi's lips curved faintly. "Not bad. Don't disgrace your teacher's reputation."
Xiao Yan's pupils widened in shock before softening into gratitude. He clasped his hands tighter. "This junior will remember your words."
"Go prepare, then," Liu Xi said casually, turning away.
To the others, the exchange seemed brief, but the weight of his words transformed their view of the young man. Eyes once dismissive now held quiet respect.
Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke beamed, leading Xiao Yan to seats among the participants, chatting excitedly while Xiao Yan could only offer a helpless smile.
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Moments later, a hearty laugh echoed through the hall. "Haha! Little friend, to think you're the one standing in for that old codger Fa Ma today!"
Turning, Liu Xi and the others saw an elderly man in plain hemp robes strolling down the central aisle—Jia Xingtian himself—followed by the royal sisters: the playful Princess Yao Yue and her elder sister, the proud and regal Princess Yao Ye.
"Elder Jia," Liu Xi greeted warmly. "I'm only here to enjoy the excitement. Hosting duties fall to the Vice President—I trust him completely."
Qie Mi'er nearly groaned aloud. Fa Ma said the same thing! Neither the President nor the Grand Elder wanted the job.
The royal sisters' gazes swept toward Liu Xi—and then to the women beside him. When Yao Ye's eyes met Xiao Yixian's calm poise and Zi Yan's youthful radiance, a faint bitterness flickered in her expression.
After all, she had once been rejected by this very man. Though she was proud and beautiful, how could she compare to the mysterious young master who now sat at the pinnacle of both power and prestige? Still, as she looked at his two companions, a spark of competitiveness stirred within her—a battle born from the quiet rivalry only women understood.
Yao Ye smiled gracefully. "Three years apart, yet Master Liu's presence only grows more striking. Truly admirable." Her etiquette was flawless, every movement exuding noble grace.
Though similar in age, Liu Xi's strength and influence rivaled even Jia Xingtian's. The princess clearly knew how to read the winds of power.
Just then, a soft warmth encircled Liu Xi's left arm—Xiao Yixian's gentle hold. Her calm eyes met Yao Ye's across the distance. She said nothing, but her intent was crystal clear.
Enjoying the comforting touch, Liu Xi simply nodded, acknowledging her silent claim.
Yao Ye's beautiful face tightened with unspoken frustration, but under Jia Xingtian's stern gaze, she composed herself and quietly took her seat.
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Before long, the plaza roared with noise. The VIP seats filled, the spectator stands overflowed, and the collective cheers surged like thunder.
Then, the three major families of the capital made their entrance.
Hai Bodong led the procession, followed by Miteer Tengshan, Nalan Jie, and Mu Chen—each a Dou Wang powerhouse. Behind them walked two stunning women: Nalan Yanran and Ya Fei.
The crowd erupted. The two beauties—one noble and graceful, the other seductive and bright—captivated every eye.
Each was accompanied by a young man Liu Xi didn't recognize. Through polite introductions, he learned they were Gu He's disciple Liu Ling and Mu Family's descendant Mu Zhan.
Even among such company, Liu Xi was undeniably the center of attention. His presence alone anchored the entire VIP section.
Ya Fei seemed on the verge of speaking, lips parting, but she hesitated. In her shimmering eyes lingered admiration—and a touch of awe.
Nalan Yanran, however, smiled confidently and stepped forward. "Master Liu, I wonder if you still remember Nalan Yanran of the Yunlan Sect?"
Liu Xi chuckled, his gaze sweeping over her refined form. "Of course I remember. Three years ago, you were that little girl standing beside Sect Master Yun. You've grown into quite the elegant lady. Truly, time works wonders."
A bright smile blossomed on her face, clearly delighted that he remembered her at all.
But Liu Xi's attention soon drifted toward the contestants below. His eyes lingered momentarily on Xiao Yan—who, since Nalan Yanran's arrival, wore an expression half resentment, half melancholy, filled with emotions that could neither be spoken nor resolved.
(End of Chapter)
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