Chapter 713

The judges then wore expressions of regret, sighing: "Your master truly took on a fine disciple—even though he is deceased, the disciple still abides by his past words, forsaking such an excellent opportunity. Alas, what a pity..."

He had little doubt about the truth of Yan Chen's words.

First, the other party is young, has experienced little, and has not yet cultivated a steady mind—who would dare lie before a master alchemist like myself?

Second, Xuan Dan Sect is one of the Four Great Alchemical Powers of the Yuehua Empire, with deep roots and extensive traditions; if Yan Chen truly had no backing, he could never possibly refuse the temptation to learn vast amounts of alchemical knowledge.

Third, and most importantly—

He is not merely a master alchemist, but also a Primordial Spirit cultivator!

With such a cultivation base, he could naturally see at a glance whether the other was lying.

And the result showed that every word Yan Chen spoke carried no significant spiritual fluctuation—it did not resemble deception.

Precisely because of this, he dared to conclude that every word the other spoke was true.

Otherwise, he was an old hand—how could he possibly believe based solely on these few words?

Meanwhile,

Jiang Yan also exhaled a breath of relief.

He knew the one he was facing was a powerful force with several Primordial Spirits, plus a Celestial Immortal stationed within!

Moreover, as an alchemical sect, Xuan Dan Sect had extremely wide connections and deep ties with multiple Celestial Immortal-level powers.

Thus, to avoid trouble and prevent the other from becoming enraged,

he could not directly refuse outright, so he fabricated an excuse on the spot.

As for how he had deceived the other, it naturally relied on his master.

His own master, after all, had once been a fully cultivated Celestial Immortal, even worthy of being called a Semi-Sage—an ultimate existence!

Even now, with his physical form obliterated, the methods he employed were beyond the comprehension of a Primordial Spirit cultivator.

At this moment, after sighing a few times, the judge turned his gaze back to Jiang Yan.

Although the other could not join his sect,

in a certain sense,

the other could not join any other alchemical sect either, destined to become a lone cultivator, posing no threat whatsoever to his sect.

In that case, what was there left to worry about?

"Since you cannot join any sect, now that you have yet to rise to prominence, it would be wise to establish a good relationship early, make an investment—if you one day attain the rank of Alchemical Master, then perhaps my Xuan Dan Sect may yet gain an ally..."

The judge's eyes flickered, and he instantly devised a plan.

He then spoke gently: "Young friend, your alchemical talent is unparalleled in history—I have never seen its like in all my life. Once today's gathering ends, your name will resound across Yuehua, drawing the fierce competition of countless sects to recruit you. Your future is boundless!"

"The Xuan Dan Sect's love for talent is known throughout Yuehua; even our Ancestor is desperate for worthy disciples. Now, I wish to represent the sect and invite you to visit Xuan Dan Mountain, to forge a deep friendship."

"Of course, Xuan Dan Sect will not let you make this trip in vain—just stay seven days, and we shall treat you to fine cuisine and fine wine. When you depart, you may enter our sect's treasure vault and choose any three treasures..."

"Young friend, what do you think of this arrangement?"

Upon hearing such a favorable offer, Jiang Yan's eyes instantly lit up.

He knew that to brew the Shangqing Pill, besides Blue Silver Grass, he needed several other rare medicinal herbs.

Given Xuan Dan Sect's deep resources, a single visit to their treasure vault would surely yield many of the needed herbs.

Perhaps even all of them at once—this was not impossible.

As for the danger of going to Xuan Dan Mountain, he paid it no mind.

For the judge's words were true: Xuan Dan Sect had indeed extended many such courtesies to talented individuals.

This was one of the key reasons Xuan Dan Sect had risen to rival the other Three Great Alchemical Powers!

Thus, Jiang Yan bowed and said: "I am deeply honored by your esteem, Elder. If I were to be ungrateful now, would I not betray your kindness? In that case, I humbly accept your invitation."

Hearing this, the judge extended his right hand, stroking his beard, and laughed heartily.

Immediately, he could hardly wait to take Jiang Yan away.

Seeing this, Zhou Yan's face darkened, and intense killing intent spilled from the depths of his pupils.

"Visit Xuan Dan Mountain as a guest? Heh, rest assured—in seven days, I will meet you at the mountain's base."

"In these days, you'd best eat as much as you can—otherwise, you won't get to eat again..."

The next day.

Cangwu Mountain, Bai Yu Jing.