Chapter 134: Dispatch to Jia Ma!

With the strength of a nine-star Dou Practitioner, coupled with his evolved middle-class Xuan-level Flame Art, Xiao Yan's power had already surpassed that of the same period in the original work. Moreover, the flame within his body was the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame!

Having confirmed Xiao Yan's current state, Jiang Yun's gaze shifted away. He was not yet certain if everything was a coincidence and needed to observe further.

As time passed, bursts of explosions began to resound across the square. "Bang, bang, bang..." The first round was to test the basic skills of the alchemists. Evidently, among these more than two thousand participants, many were just filling up the numbers or were first-grade alchemists, struggling with second-grade pills.

Additionally, even some of the second-grade alchemists failed to meet the basic skill requirements, having a very low success rate in refining second-grade pills. With the pressure of such a large gathering, those with weak mental fortitude found their refining success rates even lower.

As two sets of ingredients were exhausted, numerous alchemists, with darkened faces and cursing under their breaths, reluctantly left the square amidst sympathetic glances from all sides.

"Condense!"

When half of the sand had fallen through the hourglass, a delicate shout from Little Doctor Immortal was heard. Instantly, from the cauldron in front of her, a perfectly round pill flew out. She beckoned with her hand and caught it easily.

Little Doctor Immortal was the first to successfully refine a pill, astounding the spectators in the VIP seats. No one expected that the first person to refine a pill would be the silent woman beside Jiang Yun. Although the speed of refining does not necessarily indicate the alchemist's skill level, being quick to refine a pill is still a talent.

Truly, a master produces outstanding disciples!

Everyone showered Jiang Yun with compliments, but he paid no heed. Such a competition was beneath his notice, but Little Doctor Immortal had never competed alongside other alchemists before. This chance encounter served as a diversion for her.

Were it not for this coincidental opportunity, they would have already been on their way to Central Plains.

After Little Doctor Immortal, more alchemists like Liu Ling, Princess Yao Ye, and those with solid basic skills successfully refined their Bone Growing Pills. After this round of elimination, only about one-third of the original contestants remained. The host, Xemil, began to announce the method for examining the pills.

During the examination, without interference from the Cloud Empire's alchemists, it was unsurprising that Little Doctor Immortal, Xiao Yan, and Liu Ling took the top three spots. Princess Yao Ye, who failed to place, looked displeased at Xiao Yan, the only 'ordinary person' among the three.

"From what I can observe, Little Doctor Immortal seems to be at the level of a third-grade alchemist. To have such a gifted third-grade alchemist at her age proves what an excellent disciple she is!" remarked Farma in amazement, recalling the effortless pill refining by Little Doctor Immortal.

"Third-grade alchemist? It's only so-so!" Jiang Yun shrugged indifferently. Seeing the constipated looks on Jia Xingtian and a few others, he couldn't help but tease, "In Central Plains, only an eighteen-year-old Dou Emperor can be considered a top prodigy, and only a sixth or seventh-grade alchemist can be called a pill refining genius. Furthermore, there's always someone better out there; Little Doctor Immortal still has a long way to go!"

As Jiang Yun revealed a glimpse of Central Plains, Jia Xingtian, Hai Bodong, and several clan heads and elders couldn't help but feel insignificant. Nalan Yanran, with flashing eyes, felt a sudden sense of defeat. Her once-proud talent seemed worthless now.

"Central Plains... Truly a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!" Jia Xingtian remarked bitterly after a long silence.

Amidst the shocked reactions to Jiang Yun's information, the contestants began the second round of the competition. With the solid foundation laid by Jiang Yun, Little Doctor Immortal successfully refined the third-grade pill, Gale Pill. After pondering their failures, Xiao Yan and company also managed to refine it.

As time ticked by, the number of alchemists on the square rapidly dwindled. By the end of the allotted time, fewer than a hundred alchemists remained. With the conclusion of the second round, the host Xemil announced, "Today's competition ends here. To all those who have advanced, please rest well. Tomorrow, we will commence the final round to determine the champion."

As the competition ended for the day, Jiang Yun and his group declined Jia Xingtian's invitation. They took Little Doctor Immortal and headed towards the Mitel Family Estate.

"How did I do today?" As soon as they returned, Little Doctor Immortal eagerly awaited Jiang Yun's evaluation of her performance.

"Well," Jiang Yun pondered for a moment before smiling, "Ninety-nine points. We'll save the last point for when you win the championship."

Hearing Jiang Yun's response, Little Doctor Immortal beamed with pride. "Just wait and see. I'll surely win the championship for our sect!"

While Jiang Yun continued to study a resurrection method scroll from Yao Chen, he softly laughed at her spirited words. He had promised to revive Tian Huo Reverent (Skyfire Venerate) when the opportunity arose, and now with a Dou Zun's (Dou Emperor) strength, it was time to study and find a way.

The next day at dawn, Jia Ma Holy City stirred awake with sounds of bustling activity spreading through every corner. The atmosphere around the competition platform was intense as the final round of the alchemy competition began under Xemil's announcement.

Watching the ingredients Xiao Yan's group was preparing to refine, Jiang Yun quickly understood. Liu Ling and Princess Yao Ye were preparing ordinary fourth-grade pills, while Xiao Yan, interestingly, was refining a Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pill instead of the Three-striped Green Spirit Pill.

"Does he not intend to aim for first place?" Jiang Yun mused as he shifted his gaze to Little Doctor Immortal and chuckled upon noticing her refining a fifth-grade pill, Qi Condensing Pill. Although simpler among the fifth-grade pills, it was still more precious compared to fourth-grade pills.

On her third attempt, Little Doctor Immortal successfully refined the Qi Condensing Pill. Seeing this, Xiao Yan and the others, who had already completed their refinement, sighed regretfully but accepted the result.

With Farma's announcement, Little Doctor Immortal secured the first place, winning the champion's prize—a sixth-grade pill recipe for Soul Merging Pill.

Jia Ma Holy City, in a secluded courtyard, Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes, encased in a solid Dou Qi armor.

"Not bad, you've successfully become a Great Dou Practitioner. Utilizing the Purple Heart Barrier Breaking Pill's effects, you've even advanced to a two-star Great Dou Practitioner. Although Nalan Yanran may be stronger, with your exotic flame, you stand a chance!" Yao Chen encouraged.

"Time to go; the journey to Misty Cloud Mountain awaits." Xiao Yan shouldered the Heavy Xuan Ruler and walked out slowly.

In a vast stretch of ruins, a black war chariot, pulled by two majestic magical beasts, stood silently. Inside, the oppressive aura made the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King tremble. "Young Lord," a black-robed figure respectfully greeted from outside the chariot.

"We've settled everything?" An emotionless voice responded from inside, sending shivers down one's spine.

"The remnants of the Sacred Light Dynasty have been eradicated. What are your next orders, Young Lord?" Qin Tian asked with greater reverence.

"Head to Jia Ma Empire. I have a feeling we'll encounter some interesting individuals this time," Yun Yi's voice commanded after a moment of silence.

"Yes!" Qin Tian nodded, going to make arrangements. Having spent over a year together, his respect for Yun Yi had turned into fear due to Yun Yi's growing strength. A four-star Dou Zun (Dou Emperor) within a year was impressive, but Yun Yi's advancement to a nine-star Dou Zong (Dou Ancestor) and his killing of a three-star Dou Zun was fearsome.

As Qin Tian departed, Yun Yi incinerated the intelligence report from the Soul Clan with a black flame. The report revealed that recently, a squad of the Gu Clan's Black Abyss Soldiers had departed for the northwestern continent.

On the day of the three-year promise, Jiang Yun, accompanied by Zi Yan and two others, concealed themselves atop Misty Cloud Sect's main hall, where they could observe everything clearly. Setting up a simple concealing array, they went unnoticed.

"Misty Cloud Sect is making such a grand show to deal with one Xiao Yan!" remarked Zi Yan, noting the ten figures below, including Yun Yun, Nalan Yanran, and the eight elders led by Yun Leng. Misty Cloud Sect revealed its true strength: four Dou Wang (Dou Kings) and four peak Dou Lings (Dou Spirits), plus Yun Shan and Yun Yun.

This lineup explained why Jia Ma's royal family felt uneasy about Misty Cloud Sect.

"They're not just targeting one Xiao Yan; it's a show of strength to the world," Jiang Yun commented. Considering Yun Yun's gentle temperament made her an unfit leader, a Dou Huang (Dou Emperor) under the control of a Dou Wang elder revealed the irony of her position.

Zi Yan nodded, surveyed the surroundings, and then snuggled up to Jiang Yun, fixating her gaze on his chiseled face. Smiling gently, Jiang Yun tightened his embrace on Zu Yan.

Admiring the scene, Little Doctor Immortal and Qing Lin felt no jealousy, for they believed Zi Yan deserved it.

At that moment, Xiao Yan's footsteps echoed as he walked in carrying the Heavy Xuan Ruler, ready to face Misty Cloud Sect elders and disciples.

Observing from the giant ancient treetop were Jia Xingtian and Hai Bodong, silently watching below.

"Isn't he the 'Coffin Back Boy' from that day?" Zi Yan realized, recognizing Xiao Yan. "So, he's the legendary Xiao Yan!"

"He's something else, indeed…" Little Doctor Immortal noted Xiao Yan's calm demeanor despite the overwhelming odds.

"Indeed, he is remarkable!" Zi Yan commented with an experienced tone.

"Does the Nalan family have such high standards? They don't want such a prodigy?" Hai Bodong questioned Jia Xingtian.

"Young people have their own perspectives. Don't impose your old ways on them!" Jia Xingtian responded subtly, protecting his royal family's pride.

Hai Bodong just sneered, thinking ill of the royal family's ways. "Heh!"