Chapter 179: Eve of the Third Round

The next day, because it was the final round of the Alchemist Grand Meeting, the number of people in the entire spectator stand had surged significantly compared to the previous two days.

Many top figures of the Jia Ma Empire, who were rarely seen in the past, appeared one after another. The area surrounding the Imperial Plaza was packed so tightly by a sea of people that not even water could trickle through. Those dark, dense heads of people stretched all the way to the edge of the horizon.

However, this was not a problem at all for the contestants; they had long since entered the competition grounds through a dedicated passage.

Compared to the tense atmosphere on the competition field, the mood in the spectator stands was clearly much more relaxed.

"Fama, are you sure your backup plan is foolproof, you old fellow?" But there was clearly one figure among them who was an exception. Jia Xingtian was quite dissatisfied with Fama's behavior of keeping him in suspense.

"Oh? It seems something has happened that I am unaware of!" At this moment, the temperature on the field suddenly dropped, and Hai Bodong said this with the attitude of someone waiting to watch a good show.

"Hai Bodong, I hope you can still maintain this good mood after you hear it," Jia Xingtian said in a low voice.

"Then the old man is even more interested," Hai Bodong said with the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

Jia Xingtian let out a cold snort and informed Hai Bodong of what he and Fama had discovered last night.

Sure enough, after hearing Jia Xingtian's account, Hai Bodong's face turned dark instantly, and he said with killing intent: "This Chu Yun Empire really doesn't want to live anymore!"

Afterward, he looked at Jia Xingtian with a sarcastic tone, "You old fellow are getting old too, acting so indecisively."

Hai Bodong and Jia Xingtian held the same thought: when dealing with the bastards of the Chu Yun Empire, just finish them off!

"Old brat, what did you say?" Jia Xingtian frowned; if it were not a public occasion, he would have insisted on having a bout with Hai Bodong.

At this time, Fama acted as a peacemaker, "The two of you, do not be so worried; there is still a turning point."

"Hmph!" Jia Xingtian said unhappily, "Fama, if you are wrong this time, all the responsibility will be on you."

Suddenly, Jia Xingtian noticed an extra seat next to Fama and asked in confusion: "Fama, who is this prepared for?"

And Hai Bodong also cast a puzzled gaze over.

"Hehe~" Fama stroked his long beard and said with a smile:

"In a while, before the competition begins, the two of you will be able to see this honored guest. At that time, you will understand everything."

"This old man would like to see what kind of medicine you are selling in this gourd." Although he said that, Jia Xingtian felt mostly reassured inside and stopped pursuing the matter.

As the scorching sun gradually moved higher, the time for the competition drew closer. The spectator seats were almost completely filled.

And while the contestants and audience were waiting for the competition to start, a middle-aged man, who was extremely familiar to the top brass of the Jia Ma Empire, appeared on the second floor of the venue.

That person walked forward with a dragon-like and tiger-like stride; before he arrived, his voice came first, "It seems I, Xiao, have not arrived late!"

"Hm?" Hearing this voice, Fama immediately stood up to welcome him, and after Jia Xingtian and Hai Bodong exchanged a glance, they realized who it was and stood up as well.

Looking with surprise at this seemingly ordinary middle-aged man, even though they were quite puzzled in their hearts, their hands moved without delay: "Clan Leader Xiao!"

"Zhan greets all the seniors!" Xiao Zhan bowed and said with a face full of smiles.

And the Nalan Clan in the distance naturally also saw Xiao Zhan, who was chatting and laughing with many powerhouses.

"Sigh!" Nalan Jie let out a complicated sigh, but he did not say anything, nor did he have any intention of going forward.

When Nalan Yanran went to the Xiao Clan to break off the engagement back then, their Nalan Clan and the Xiao Clan had already become strangers.

And Nalan Yanran also saw the ever-changing expressions on Nalan Jie's face; regarding her impulsive behavior from years ago, Nalan Yanran had also gradually realized the impropriety of it.

However, the pride in her heart kept her from going to the Xiao Clan to apologize, and she just quietly waited for the arrival of the Three Year Agreement.

Xiao Zhan was naturally unaware of the psychological activities of the Nalan Clan members, nor would he care.

He had come specifically today to watch his precious son's competition.

"Clan Leader Xiao, could you inform us old fellows where the Grade 5 Alchemist sent by the Xiao Clan is?" Fama asked quite curiously.

He had observed carefully these past few days, yet he had gained nothing. The only one who performed impressively was that young man named Yan Xiao, but he certainly did not believe it was him.

Because that person was not even twenty years old!

"Grade 5 Alchemist!" Jia Xingtian exclaimed, then suddenly realized,

"No wonder you old fellow are not anxious at all; it turns out there is a Grade 5 Alchemist there to hold down the fort!"

Jia Xingtian's heart was completely at ease now; that Yan Li was only a Fourth Grade Alchemist, so what kind of trouble could he stir up under the hand of a Grade 5 Alchemist?

"Old man Jia, you are really embarrassing me; you should be thanking Clan Leader Xiao. This Grade 5 Alchemist is the trump card he provided to our Alchemist Grand Meeting!

Hahaha~"

"I dare not accept, I dare not accept!" Xiao Zhan repeatedly declined.

"Then is Clan Leader Xiao here this time to watch that Grade 5 Alchemist compete?" Jia Xingtian had no doubts about the strength of the Xiao Clan and turned to other topics.

"I suppose so!" Xiao Zhan gave a vague answer, which effectively brushed the question aside.

Afterward, he said with some pride,

"In fact, even without that Grade 5 Alchemist from my Xiao Clan, that Yan Li from the Chu Yun Empire would not have been able to succeed."

A look of shock appeared in the eyes of Jia Xingtian and the others, "Did Clan Leader Xiao already know the identity of this person, Yan Li?"

"I just investigated a little," Xiao Zhan said modestly, which was taken as an admission.

However, regarding what Xiao Zhan just said, Fama recalled something, "It seems Clan Leader Xiao thinks highly of that young man named Yan Xiao!"

Xiao Zhan smiled and explained: "After all, he is a young man with the ability to subdue an Exotic Fire; does he not deserve this praise?"

"Clan Leader Xiao speaks the truth!" Although the others were still drumming in their hearts, it was not appropriate to slight the other party's face.

Compared to the friendly scene on the spectator stand, many contestants were nervously preparing and adjusting their states; Xiao Yan was no exception, as the things Yao Lao told him last night made Xiao Yan not dare to slack off for even a moment.

"Little fellow, you must do your best this time!" Yao Lao's voice rang out in his mind.

Xiao Yan was stunned, "Teacher, what happened?"

"Look above!"

Because Xiao Zhan did not hide his figure, Xiao Yan only had to look up at the second floor to see that figure he had been separated from for nearly two years; for a moment, the excitement in his heart was beyond measure.

And Xiao Zhan seemed to have noticed Xiao Yan's gaze, looked over in this direction as well, and smiled.

"Father!" Xiao Yan's emotional fluctuations were even noticed by those around him; Yao Yue and the others also came forward to show concern, but were brushed off by Xiao Yan.

But at this moment, Xiao Yan's determination to win the championship was already far greater than ever before.