Chapter 167: Hai Bodong

The next morning.

The sky was a clear blue, without a cloud in sight, and the sunlight was warm without being scorching.

Occasionally, a gentle breeze would blow, carrying away the noise of the city, leaving people feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Today was a significant event in the Jia Ma Empire.

The Alchemist Conference, which takes place every eight years, was set to kick off today.

As the first rays of sunlight bathed this ancient city, the once-quiet streets started to be populated by figures dressed in alchemist robes.

These lofty alchemists were difficult to spot on regular days. Due to their power and unparalleled nobility, they appeared quite mysterious and awe-inspiring in the eyes of ordinary people.

Today, however, these high-status alchemists swarmed out from various resting spots in the imperial city, like ants from a nest, losing some of their mystique.

Although they each took different routes, their destination was the same: the grand and ancient Alchemist Guild situated in the city.

All the shops in the imperial city opened earlier than usual today.

Numerous people also rose early, standing at their doorways or on the street, watching the large groups of alchemists who hurriedly gathered in the same direction, their gazes filled with fervor and reverence.

The Alchemist Conference would also be the most lively and bustling period in the Holy City of Jia Ma over the decade.

Such a grand scene could only be seen during the Alchemist Conference, held every eight years.

…

In the courtyard.

Wei Yang also rose early today, a rare occurrence.

It was because last night, Xian'er had put out a "Do Not Disturb" sign.

No matter how Wei Yang tried to tease her, she was unmoved, showing great determination. Wei Yang, seeing this, had no choice but to go to bed early.

The coming days would probably be the same.

Wei Yang: Damn this Alchemist Conference!

If Yao Lao were here, he would surely educate Wei Yang in a sincere tone, saying: "Young people, new to these experiences, just don't know moderation… one should remember that lust is like a bone-scraping steel knife, a soul-absorbing poison…"

Standing in the courtyard.

Breathing in the fresh morning air, Wei Yang lazily stretched his body, causing his joints to crackle softly.

Listening closely, it seemed the entire imperial city had become lively.

Qing Lin, standing behind, attentively tidied Wei Yang's robe, smiling warmly, said: "Young master, the number of alchemists appearing in the imperial city today might reach a frightening amount. Indeed, it's the Alchemist Conference, only such a grand event could gather so many alchemists from across the empire."

"Naturally, alchemists are human too, they also need to pursue fame and profit, and the Alchemist Conference is their prime stage," Wei Yang replied with a smile.

He turned around, looking towards a quiet chamber, and called out with a smile, "Xian'er, are you inside hatching an egg? It's about time to set off."

Xian'er had been up early too, but during the process of getting dressed, Wei Yang launched a retaliatory teasing attack, causing her to feel overwhelmed. Blushing, she hid in the quiet room, sitting quietly in meditation to restore her energy and vitality to peak state.

Watching her take things so seriously, Wei Yang couldn't help but find it amusing.

"Just a small Alchemist Conference, is it really necessary?"

Creeeak~

The quiet room door opened, and a figure in white clothing and white hair gracefully walked out, giving Wei Yang a resentful glare.

"You don't need to be so serious, it's just the first day. The preliminary elimination rounds aren't any challenge for you," Wei Yang commented helplessly.

Xian'er approached and retorted upon hearing his words, "That's not acceptable. Since it's a competition, one has to give it their all to respect the opponents. That's what Brother Yang said."

"Uh..." Wei Yang was momentarily speechless.

Alright, nothing more to say.

"Hehe," Qing Lin softly chuckled, covering her mouth.

Xian'er also pursed her lips, a slight proud curve lifting the corners of her mouth.

Bad guy, teasing me so early in the morning, just wait until this competition is over...

Wei Yang shot them a glare, turned and flicked his robe sleeves, and walked out of the yard, "Hmph, let's go."

The two women followed behind.

...

It was a bit of a walk from the residential area at the back to the guild's front hall.

Along the way, they encountered many alchemists residing within the guild. Upon seeing Wei Yang, they respectfully approached and greeted him.

Afterwards, these alchemists followed behind Wei Yang as he walked.

Shortly, when Wei Yang arrived at the guild's front hall, dozens of alchemists had gathered behind him, many of whom were above the third tier.

Although most of these people were over thirty and couldn't participate in this conference, it didn't stop their enthusiasm to attend the event.

Entering the east section of the guild's front hall through the back door, they passed through a wide corridor. A lively clamor greeted them from across the way.

Looking around, the spacious front hall was filled with alchemists. Their eyes scanned around, seeing a dense crowd ahead, hard to identify how many there were.

At this moment, a few people started descending from the front staircase.

Among them, Xiao Yan was present.

Accompanying him were several alchemists, including two fourth-tier alchemist elders and two beautiful young women following each elder. Additionally, an elder whose aura was somewhat cold, seemingly not an alchemist, was also present.

"Brother Wei." Xiao Yan's eyes lit up, raising a hand and greeting loudly with a smile.

He wasn't wearing a mask at this moment, showing his true appearance.

He was confident now, with no need to hide.

The three elders and young women walking with Xiao Yan glanced over, slightly startled upon seeing Wei Yang.

One person hurriedly asked Xiao Yan in a whisper, "You know Master Wei?"

Xiao Yan nodded with a smile, "Brother Wei and I are old acquaintances."

To brag and leverage connections, Xiao Yan was the most skilled, doing it with ease.

"You call him... Brother Wei?!" The two elders and young women exclaimed softly, their voices somewhat distorted.

The elder with the cold aura, however, seemed unfazed, assuming it was normal. He always believed Xiao Yan was a sixth-tier alchemist; otherwise, how could the Breaking Pill be refined?

As an alchemist, having an alchemist friend was normal.

"Yes, we've always interacted as equals," Xiao Yan said calmly.

The two alchemist elders and young women were a bit dumbfounded, but also felt a bit envious.

"Introduce us." One of the alchemist elders nudged Xiao Yan with a smile, softly reminding him.

"Sure thing," Xiao Yan readily agreed, leading them forward with a smile.

...

"Xiao Yan."

While standing at the corridor's entrance with the alchemists behind him starting to disperse, Wei Yang smiled and nodded upon seeing Xiao Yan approach.

Xiao Yan returned the smile and slightly turned, introducing, "This is Master Otto, Master Frank, and these are their disciples, Lin Fei and Xue Mei."

"Otto from Black Rock City, Frank, meet Master Wei," the two elder alchemists hurriedly bowed slightly in salute.

"Lin Fei, Xue Mei, pay respects to Master Wei," the two beautiful young women also bowed respectfully, their faces a bit tense.

Understandably so; seeing a likely sixth-tier alchemist master, who wouldn't be nervous?

A single glance was enough for Wei Yang to understand the situation.

Clearly, Xiao Yan was leveraging status.

Yet Wei Yang didn't mind Xiao Yan's small maneuver.

After all, it's human nature.

Plus, in Wei Yang's eyes, such things were mere trivialities.

So Wei Yang nodded with a smile, playing along with Xiao Yan's act, saying kindly, "No need to be so formal. Since you're friends of Xiao Yan, we're not strangers. No need for restraint, be at ease."

Wei Yang's gesture was undeniably gracious, leaving Otto and Frank feeling both flattered and grateful.

Xiao Yan discreetly gave Wei Yang a thankful nod before pointing towards the elder with the cold aura, introducing with a smile, "This is my friend, Hai Bodong."

Facing Wei Yang, Hai Bodong, who usually maintained a cold demeanor, showed a slightly more solemn expression, slightly bowing, "Greetings, Master Wei."

"Hello, Hai Bodong," Wei Yang nodded with a smile.

Hai Bodong, ah, the famous angel investor.

Finally, meeting him today.