Chapter 155: The Alchemist Convention Begins

In an instant, blood sprayed everywhere, but as it was about to splatter onto Xiao Yan, Black Flame surged forth, and all the blood instantly turned to nothingness.

"Aaaah!!"

In the silent hall, where a pin could be heard dropping, only Mu Zhan's screams echoed.

Xiao Yan never let anyone who attacked him go unpunished. Especially since he had merely sat quietly, chatting and drinking, never provoked anyone—yet Mu Zhan came over to attack him.

If it weren't for the crowd here, Mu Zhan's price wouldn't have been just one hand.

"You're not even as good as Nalan Yanran—no strength, no backbone, just screaming like a child." Xiao Yan casually dropped these words.

Actually, since arriving in Jia Ma Sheng Cheng, Xiao Yan had vaguely sensed that, besides himself, Nalan Yanran seemed to be the strongest among the younger generation of the Jia Ma Empire, unmatched by anyone else.

No wonder Yun Yun had taken notice of her—and dared to come so arrogantly to break off the engagement.

Confidence comes from strength.

But against all odds, he ran into Xiao Yan, this monstrous anomaly.

Hearing Xiao Yan treat her as a mere combat unit, Nalan Yanran was furious. What do you mean "not even as good"? Why does this man always speak with barbs?!

Picking up the napkin on the table, she wiped the blood from her hands, then smiled at Ya Fei: "It seems today's banquet is nearly over—I won't disturb your elegance anymore."

Xiao Yan slowly walked up to Nalan Jie and said: "Grandfather Nalan, I'll return to cultivate. I won't disturb you all further."

"Why not stay a little longer? It's just a minor matter." Nalan Jie said.

Xiao Yan slowly shook his head; he had only stepped out to get some air and eat something. Now, he was just a step away from Five-Grade, and his entire focus was on Pill Alchemy.

And Mu Zhan was indeed a minor matter—given the Mu Clan's resources, finding an Elixir to regrow a severed limb wouldn't be difficult.

Nalan Jie stared straight at Mu Zhan and said sternly: "Mu Zhan, I'll make this clear here and now: the Xiao Clan has always been an alliance of the Nalan Clan. I won't tolerate any harm to Xiao Yan. Though your Mu Clan has many hotheads, the Nalan Clan isn't defenseless!"

The Miter Clan's distant Mount Teng also let out a cold snort: "Forget about Ya Fei—you're a madman we Miter Clan don't welcome."

Mu Zhan was stunned—he was the one who got beaten!!

Watching the two heavyweight figures protect Xiao Yan, Liu Ling frowned slightly, for he didn't want Xiao Yan to be held in such high regard.

Beside him, the young princess furrowed her brows, her eyes piercing through the crowd toward Xiao Yan, murmuring softly: "Even the Miter Clan Leader values Xiao Yan this much? He's openly challenging the Mu Clan!"

"Let me see you off," Ya Fei said, stepping up to Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan nodded and followed Ya Fei out of the hall. As for what the Mu Clan would do, he didn't care at all—he hadn't bowed to Yun Lan Sect or Mei Du Sha; what was the Mu Clan to him?

"I'm sorry—it's all because of me," Ya Fei whispered in apology after leaving the hall.

"It's nothing. I've encountered this 'beauty brings disaster' nonsense countless times since childhood," Xiao Yan chuckled bitterly, recalling his days in Wutan City.

Whether due to the Xiao Clan's superior genes or not, they often produced handsome men and beautiful women—beauties like Xiao Mei and Xiao Yu would rank among the top even in the Jia Ma Empire.

As the Xiao family's prodigy, Xiao Yan frequently faced baseless challenges since childhood.

Not long after they left the hall, they suddenly sensed something—Xiao Yan turned his head toward the northwest of the capital. Two aura signatures of Dou Huang level suddenly surged into the sky.

"Huh? A Dou Huang battle?" Xiao Yan murmured.

"Dou Huang experts!!?" Ya Fei gasped. Immediately, Nalan Jie and Miter Tengshan spread their wings and flew out. Even Nalan Yanran activated her Body Technique and rushed northwest, eager to see who was fighting.

"Aren't you going to watch?" Ya Fei asked, seeing Xiao Yan unmoved.

Xiao Yan shrugged: "What's there to see in a Dou Huang battle? Besides, it's Hai Bodong and Jia Xingtian of the Imperial Family. Neither is going all out—they'll exchange a few blows and be done."

"I'd rather go back and continue refining Pills, preparing for tomorrow."

Xiao Yan didn't bother with these matters—he simply returned to his room. Though his strength far surpassed Liu Ling and others, Xiao Yan was never one to grow careless.

Even if this convention held no challenge for him, Xiao Yan would still prepare thoroughly.

The next day, the sky was a clear blue, without a single cloud; the sunlight was warm, not scorching, filling one with a refreshing clarity.

As soon as the first ray of sunlight touched the earth and shone upon this ancient city, solitary figures clad in Alchemist Long Robes began appearing on the quiet streets.

Today, these esteemed Alchemists poured out like ants from a nest, heading toward the royal Guang Chang at the heart of Jia Ma Sheng Cheng—the venue of the Alchemist Convention!

"Without doubt, the champion this time will be you," Hai Lao said with a smile in Xiao Yan's room.

Early this morning, Hai Lao had come to find Xiao Yan—he would serve as Xiao Yan's bodyguard, protecting him from any attacks.

And because of last night's incident, Hai Lao had also been invited by the Jia Ma Empire's Imperial Family as a guest to the Alchemist Convention.

Xiao Yan stretched and said: "I've already claimed the Sixth-Rank Formula as mine."

"Hahaha, you kid really don't know what humility means."

"I don't know humility—I only know strength."

Sitting in the Nalan Clan's exquisitely prepared carriage, Xiao Yan looked out the window and saw crowds lining both sides of the road—slender, graceful young maidens giggling and teasing.

Many women even tossed notes out the window, filled with all sorts of suggestive, dream-inducing words.

"Truly insane," Xiao Yan burned all the notes to ash and shut the window.

"Any Alchemist who qualifies for the Elimination Tournament isn't weak—of course they attract attention," Hai Bodong said, unfazed—he had seen women's madness even when he was still a Dou Ling.

In his youth, he had been quite the playboy.

Soon, Xiao Yan's carriage entered the Guang Chang. He stepped out and surveyed the entire square. It didn't resemble a square—it looked more like a football stadium, with spectator stands all around; clearly, the stands would soon be packed.

As the top-ranked qualifier, Xiao Yan had a seat in the VIP section.

After entering the VIP section, Hai Bodong walked behind the white-haired old man seated in the center and said: "Old man, you're still alive?"

The Alchemist Guild's senior officials nearby were startled—Hai Bodong was speaking to Fa Ma, the Guild's president!

A Five-Grade peak Alchemist, just one step from Six-Grade, Fa Ma's prestige among Alchemists even surpassed Gu He!

Fa Ma didn't take offense at Hai Bodong's words; he said calmly: "Ice Old Man, seeing you return is a joy indeed."

Hai Bodong sighed and shook his head: "Pure luck—I went through some things, but at least I made it back alive. That woman… she's terrifying."

"Hehehe, as long as you're alive, at least this old man won't be too lonely."

Hai Bodong pulled Xiao Yan forward and said: "Let me introduce you—Xiao Yan, this convention's Champion."

Xiao Yan glared at Hai Bodong—how could anyone introduce someone like that?!

"President Fa Ma, greetings. I'm Xiao Yan, a participant in this convention," Xiao Yan said politely.

Fa Ma glanced at Xiao Yan with his cloudy old eyes and chuckled, "I know—you topped the internal test. Purifying medicinal substances to this purity in a single attempt isn't something just anyone with a Strange Fire can do. You're excellent."

(End of Chapter)