Chapter 318: Imperial Elixir Plan

No one was more perplexed than Nalan Yanran; she was now unquestionably the most sought-after star in the Jia Ma Empire, second only to Xiao Yan.

Not long ago, the three empires secretly dispatched five Dou Huangs to assassinate him.

Five Dou Huangs surrounding a Dou Wang—anyone would think it an absolute kill—but she broke through their encirclement by force, holding out until Hai Bodong and Yun Yun arrived, and ultimately, four of those Dou Huangs were slain by Jia Xingtian after he broke through to Dou Zong.

Moreover, after that life-or-death battle, she unexpectedly broke through to Nine-Star Dou Wang; she had thought she might finally close the gap with Xiao Yan, only for Xiao Yan to return and leap directly from Seven-Star Dou Wang to Three-Star Dou Huang!

How could anyone not grit their teeth in frustration!

Seeing Nalan Yanran biting her lower lip with her upper teeth, looking as if she wanted to devour herself, Xiao Yan protested: "I'm different—I've just eaten too many elixirs; my Dou Qi is all fake."

Xiao Yan again employed his topic-shift tactic and hurriedly asked: "Is there a limit on the number of participants?"

After a lengthy explanation, Xiao Yan finally understood the meaning of the Sect Grand Meeting: in short, it assessed a sect's three generations—young, middle-aged, and elderly—and only if the entire sect was vibrant, with its top experts, backbone, and young geniuses all among the strongest in the Northwest Region, could it possibly command all sects in the region.

Although called a "sect meeting," empires like the Jia Ma Empire and Chu Yun Empire, which contain multiple powerful sects within their territories, compete as united coalitions—just as the original Ten Strongest of Jia Ma were mostly from different factions, they answered the call and joined together.

This time, however, it's different: instead of the Jia Ma Empire, it's the Yan Alliance, a new faction, participating for the first time, aiming to make its debut mark.

The Yan Alliance consists of four factions: the Jia Ma Royal Family, Yun Lan Sect, Tian She Empire, and Xiao Clan.

Naturally, this Sect Grand Meeting requires each of the four factions to send representatives.

The Xiao Clan and Yun Lan Sect are the weakest of the four; perhaps only Xiao Yan, or if you count Zi Yan, two people. Yun Lan Sect will naturally send only Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran.

The Tian She Empire should have been the strongest, but because Mei Du Sha is still below the Tian Fen Lian Qi Ta refining her Heavenly Flame body, the Tian She Empire could only send Hua She Er, a Dou Huang, and Yue Mei, a Dou Wang.

At least on the surface, Jia Xingtian, who has clearly reached Dou Zong, is the strongest in the Yan Alliance.

Hearing this, Yao Ye replied: "There's no limit on the number of Dou Zong-level experts in the Sect Grand Battle—meaning you can have none, because generally, having even one Dou Zong barely qualifies a sect as top-tier. No sect in the Northwest Region has more than ten Dou Zong; even the deepest-rooted Tian She Mansion has only four or five."

"As for the same-level contests between Dou Wangs and Dou Huangs, the limit is ten participants."

Xiao Yan suddenly understood and shook his head helplessly: "No wonder it's called the Ten Strongest."

Xiao Yan still remembered that when he tried to seize the Qing Lian Di Xin Huo, he heard Yan Shi claim he had once defeated a Dou Wang from the Tian She Empire—likely from one of the earlier Sect Grand Meetings.

It's easy to imagine how weak the Jia Ma Empire once was: its Ten Strongest consisted of three Dou Huangs and seven Dou Wangs—they couldn't even muster ten Dou Huangs. Compared to sects like Tian She Mansion or Lei Dian, which each had several Dou Zong, it was utterly humiliating.

Back then, Hai Bodong defeating two Dou Huangs of the same level was indeed worthy of pride.

Of course, the Chu Yun Empire, Luo Yan Empire, and Mu Lan Empire were merely peripheral empires of the Northwest Region—basically, weaklings fighting each other, still no match for the Dou Huangs of Tian She Mansion.

"And only one representative may compete in the young generation's champion defense match."

Hai Bodong added: "That's also why that little girl might represent Tian She Mansion—her physique guarantees she won't be weak."

Tian She Mansion has always harbored ambitions to dominate the Northwest Region; it's said the very idea of the Sect Grand Meeting originated from a serpent of Tian She.

To secure total victory in this Sect Grand Meeting, they'll undoubtedly spare no effort in cultivating Qing Lin.

"So you're putting me in the young generation?" Xiao Yan asked.

Xiao Ding denied: "No, after discussion, we've decided to send Nalan Yanran for the young generation match; you, third brother, have another assignment."

Hearing Xiao Ding's words, Xiao Yan's eyes flickered: "The Alchemist contest?"

Xiao Yan had heard before that the Jia Ma Empire was weak and had nearly been destroyed several times; it survived without major wars only because, in the previous Sect Grand Meeting, Gu He reached Sixth-Rank Alchemist, while none of the three empires had a Sixth-Rank Alchemist, making them wary.

That means the Sect Grand Meeting includes an Alchemist competition.

But it makes sense—strength of a sect isn't just about powerful disciples; possessing a powerful Alchemist is also a factor in its strength.

Sects like Tian She Mansion and Lei Dian established empires precisely because they needed Alchemists.

The Alchemist profession is exceedingly rare—hardly one in a million—and even rarer is one with great talent.

So the only solution is to build an empire, raise vast numbers of Dragon Clan Subordinates, and sift through the masses to find promising Alchemist candidates for cultivation.

The larger the territory and the more Dragon Clan Subordinates, the higher the chance of producing Alchemists.

It's easy to see the status of Alchemists—establishing sects merely to increase the odds of producing more Alchemists.

"Yes, this Alchemist competition only appeared in recent editions, because a strange sect called Yao Gu Zong emerged in the Northwest Region. This sect isn't strong, and its Sect Master is only a Dou Zong Yi Xing—but he has another identity: a Seventh-Rank Alchemist."

Upon hearing about Yao Gu Zong, Yun Yun, Jia Xingtian, and Yao Ye all wore strange expressions.

Originally, Alchemists had nothing to do with the Sect Grand Meeting, but because of this sect's appearance, everyone suddenly realized a powerful Alchemist could alter so much—and thus concluded that the strongest sect must also possess a powerful Alchemist.

No one dared underestimate Yao Gu Zong, even though their Sect Master was weak—even weak for his level—but who dared ignore the influence of an Alchemist? Even the leaders of Tian She Mansion and Lei Dian treated him with courtesy.

This caused each Sect Grand Meeting to grow increasingly contentious—meeting all these conditions is simply asking too much. No, asking too much of powerful sects.

Thus, the Northwest Region remains a scattered mess, with no true dominant power emerging.

Yao Ye glanced at Yue Er, who was fidgeting beside him, and said: "The Alchemist competition in the Sect Grand Meeting resembles the Alchemist Convention, except it requires two Alchemists: one under thirty representing the sect's young Alchemists, and one the sect's strongest Alchemist."

"For the young Alchemist, after discussion, we've decided to send Yue Er; Master Xiao Yan, you will represent the Yan Alliance's highest Alchemist level."

After this complex explanation, Xiao Yan pinched his temples and shook his head—choosing a "Martial Alliance Leader" to unify the Jianghu was incredibly complicated, far more so than the Hua Shan Duel.

After further deliberation, the delegation to attend the Sect Grand Meeting in Tian She Empire was finalized.

Representing the Yan Alliance's highest Alchemy level: Xiao Yan; highest cultivation: Dou Zong Jia Xingtian; young generation: Nalan Yanran and Princess Yue Er.

The remaining ten slots included five Dou Huangs: Zi Yan, Hai Bodong at Eight-Star Dou Huang, Yun Yun at Seven-Star Dou Huang, Hua She Er at Two-Star Dou Huang, and the Jia Ma Royal Family's guardian beast, You Hai Jiao Shou.

The remaining five were Dou Wangs: Yue Mei of the MaiSheTribe, two Dou Wang Elders from Yun Lan Sect, and Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, who reached Dou Wang level thanks to elixirs given by Xiao Yan.

"Don't we need to leave some people to guard the Yan Alliance?" Xiao Yan said, seeing this massive roster—excluding Zi Jing Yi Shi Wang and Xiao Yixian, nearly all the Yan Alliance's strongest were departing; if Chu Yun Empire raided them now, it'd be disastrous.

"Don't worry—during the Sect Grand Meeting, no empire may invade another, or face joint annihilation by all sects and empires."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan finally relaxed.

That night, under cover of darkness, Xiao Yan donned his Soul Robe and flew toward Yun Lan Sect—more precisely, toward the Hun Dian.

Yun Lan Sect Hun Dian.

"Venerable!! Salute to Yan Zunzhe!"

"Yan Zunzhe!"

"It's Yan Zunzhe! Salute to Yan Zunzhe!"

To facilitate entry into the Space Lock, Xiao Yan hung his Soul Token at his waist; as he walked through, the Soul Envoys within the Space Lock knelt down in droves.

This Hun Dian is under Xiao Yan's control, of course—he's merely a hands-off boss; most affairs of the Xiao Clan and Hun Dian are handled by his two elder brothers.

Xiao Yan ignored these Soul Envoys; with his Soul Force, their Soul Robes naturally could not block his perception.

Xiao Yan sensed that a small fraction of these Soul Envoys were disciples of the Yun Lan Sect and the Xiao Clan.

If ranked by level, although Xiao Yan held the status of a Venerable, this Soul Temple was still the lowest and weakest branch, lacking both in numbers and strength.

Walking to the front of the pitch-black hall, Xiao Yan looked up and saw a figure clad in a Human-Rank Guardian Soul Robe sitting cross-legged atop the pitch-black Spiritual Energy Sealing Chains, black lightning occasionally flashing across his body.

Sensing a wave of heat, the lightning figure slowly opened his eyes; a streak of lightning flashed through his gaze, and the ferocity and cruelty in his eyes made one shudder at a single glance.

But when the black-robed man saw the Soul Token hanging at Xiao Yan's waist, and the character "Yan" glowing on his Soul Robe, his ferocity and cruelty instantly turned to fondness.

"You finally came back," the black-robed man ceased his cultivation, leapt down from the chains, and affectionately patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder.

Without doubt, the only one here who dared to pat Xiao Yan on the shoulder was his second brother, Xiao Li.

"I'm back, Second Brother." After sensing his cultivation, Xiao Yan was somewhat surprised and said: "It seems your Cultivation Realm has advanced significantly."

His eldest brother, Xiao Ding, was the most strategic; his second brother, Xiao Li, had a ferocious nature. In terms of cultivation talent, Xiao Li surpassed Xiao Ding.

"Heh, it's all thanks to you. What brings you here?" Xiao Li asked.

"I need to borrow some Altars."

Seeing Xiao Yan had serious business, Xiao Li said no more and resumed his cultivation. This time, he represented the Yan Alliance in the Sect Grand Meeting—he couldn't afford to lose face.

Walking straight ahead, Xiao Yan soon reached the Altar of Soul Offering; with a hiss, his Soul Token flew onto the altar, and instantly, a strange black mist surged forth from it.

"Jie jie jie, Xiao Yan." The mist gradually took the shape of an old man, and Hun Xu Zi's voice echoed from within.

"Hun Xu Zi." Facing this man who claimed to be the Continent's Number One Alchemist, Xiao Yan, the stronger he became, the more he realized how unfathomable the man was—his claim to be the First Alchemist of Dou Qi Continent might not be a joke at all.

Xiao Yan had no intention of playing word games with Hun Xu Zi; a wisp of Black Flame appeared in his palm, and he reached inside to pull out a Blood Bottle.

"What is the connection between Void Swallowing Flame and the Spirit Swallowing Clan?" Xiao Yan asked bluntly.

"Jie jie jie, that is my clan's secret—but I suspect you've already guessed it." Hun Xu Zi chuckled coldly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at Xiao Yan.

"The origin of Void Swallowing Flame once devoured the Spirit Swallowing King and absorbed its power, so its offspring flames also possess the Spirit Swallowing Clan's ability—to absorb bloodline power." After that battle, Xiao Yan had come to understand some of it.

Seeing Hun Xu Zi remain silent, Xiao Yan continued: "How do I use this?"

Although Xiao Yan possessed these Dou Di Bloodlines, he did not know how to use them!

"You wish to cultivate the Emperor Soul Technique?" Hun Xu Zi saw through him at once—Xiao Yan had no intention of joining the Soul Sovereign, yet he sought their highest Soul Cultivation Technique.

"Naturally. Otherwise, why would I trade Ancient Jade for it?"

Looking at Xiao Yan's calm expression, Hun Xu Zi fell silent for a moment, then shook his head: "You are not qualified. Each Dou Emperor Family holds an Adult Ceremony once a year, during which disciples' Dou Di Bloodlines are tested."

"Dou Di Bloodlines activate gradually as the cultivator grows; the Adult Ceremony is the ritual to examine bloodline purity. Those reaching Four Grade may etch the Clan Mark; Six Grade advances further still, and the highest is Divine-Star. My Soul Sovereign is no exception."

"The method to use Dou Di Bloodlines is simple: during the Adult Ceremony, use the ritual Secret Technique to enhance bloodline concentration."

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed—Hun Xu Zi had said he was not qualified, meaning Xiao Yan was not a member of the Soul Sovereign and thus ineligible for their Adult Ceremony.

Immediately, Xiao Yan pulled down his Hood, revealing a cold smirk: "Hun Xu Zi, stop beating around the bush. Since your goal is to partner with me in pill alchemy and you need my Soul Force to reach Emperor Realm, there is no other way but to cultivate the Emperor Soul Technique. Do you have conditions—or a Trial?"

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Hun Xu Zi grinned with bared teeth: "Jie jie jie, correct. You are merely one candidate for the Imperial Pill Plan. My clan needs only one person to partner with me, so you must defeat the other Alchemists and prove you truly have the qualification."

"You defeated Han Feng, but Han Feng was merely a pawn. His uncle, Mu Gu, is an Eighth-Grade Alchemist and one of the candidates for the Imperial Pill Plan."

Han Feng's uncle! That meant he was from the same sect as the Pill Sovereign!

"He will participate in the next Pill Gathering hosted by the Dan Tower. I want you to enter as well—and win the Champion title to enter the Xiao Dan Ta and retrieve a certain Pill Formula!"

(End of Chapter)