Chapter 850: The Desolate Ancient Clan, Huang Qiu
Xiao Ze could feel countless gazes locked onto him. With a faint smile, he clasped his hands in greeting toward the Azure Clad Sword Saint.
"I've long admired the Sword Saint's reputation. Meeting you today is truly a pleasure."
Hearing Xiao Ze's voice, the gathered crowd turned their respectful eyes toward him.
Over the past months, Xiao Ze's name had spread throughout the Great Thousand World. His journey to fame was nothing short of legendary:
Rising as a Heaven Supreme, defeating stronger opponents and earning his title.
Establishing the Origin Realm as a haven for alchemy and elevating it to a world renowned sanctuary for alchemists.
Achieving the rare Saint Physique, defeating Maha Tian, and compelling the Maha Ancient Clan's leader to swear an oath of retreat.
These accomplishments solidified Xiao Ze's position as a pinnacle existence within the Great Thousand World equal to legends like the Azure Clad Sword Saint and the Keeper of the Undying Lands.
Today, seeing him in person sent waves of awe through the gathered crowd, from fledgling cultivators to seasoned Heaven Supremes.
At the Summit of Myriad Sword Mountain
Under the gaze of thousands, Xiao Ze and the Sword Saint ascended to the summit of Myriad Sword Mountain.
In a serene courtyard atop the peak, the two sat at a stone table while the First Domain Master stood nearby, serving tea.
Even an expert at the late Heaven Supreme stage like the First Domain Master showed the utmost respect, standing at attention as a servant. Of course, his loyalty stemmed from more than hierarchy the Sword Saint had personally raised him and nurtured his growth to this peak.
Hearing this story, Xiao Ze couldn't help but admire the Sword Saint. "To personally foster a late Heaven Supreme… Truly admirable."
The Sword Saint, ever humble, waved his hand with a smile.
As the two conversed, the Sword Saint eventually brought up the reason for Xiao Ze's visit.
"This time, I must trouble Lord Xiao Ze to refine a Heaven Barrier Breaking Pill for my disciple."
With a sweep of his sleeve, three jade boxes appeared on the table.
"The Heavenly Essence Lotus is rare beyond measure. Despite the Sword Domain's best efforts, we could only procure three flowers. Lord Xiao Ze, I hope you can refine one successful pill. Whether successful or not, the Sword Domain will reward you handsomely."
"I will do my utmost," Xiao Ze replied, taking the jade boxes without hesitation.
He glanced at the ingredients and nodded inwardly. While refining such a pill was challenging, it was well within his abilities.
"Since there's still time before the Myriad Sword Spiritual Domain opens, shall I begin the refinement now?"
The Sword Saint waved his hand in dismissal. "Lord Xiao Ze, you've traveled far. Rest first there is no rush."
"There is no need," Xiao Ze said firmly. "A promise made is a promise kept. I shall begin immediately."
The Refinement Begins
Xiao Ze secluded himself in a room within the courtyard, where he meticulously prepared to refine the Heaven Barrier Breaking Pill.
Three sets of ingredients were laid before him. Though confident in his success, Xiao Ze appreciated the redundancy alchemy was never a guaranteed art.
With a flick of his wrist, a golden cauldron materialized, and Xiao Ze began refining.
As Xiao Ze worked, the Sword Domain was abuzz with activity. Heaven Supremes arrived from far and wide to witness the opening of the Myriad Sword Spiritual Domain, while countless sword cultivators gathered for a chance to claim its treasures.
For many, this grand event was an unparalleled opportunity a chance to obtain a sword that could elevate their destiny.
A Surprise Guest
As the Sword Saint waited outside the courtyard, he suddenly turned toward the horizon, sensing a powerful presence approaching.
A tall, broad shouldered man in black robes appeared, radiating an aura of boundless strength. His mere presence felt like standing before an immovable mountain or an ancient dragon.
The Sword Saint's lips curled into a smile. Before he could speak, the man stepped forward and clapped a hand on the Sword Saint's shoulder.
"It's been too long. You've grown harder to read, old friend."
The Sword Saint chuckled, unperturbed by the man's boldness. "Huang Qiu, still as straightforward as ever. But let's keep it down Lord Xiao Ze is refining a pill in the courtyard."
Huang Qiu, leader of the Desolate Ancient Clan, raised a brow in surprise.
"Xiao Ze, the one who bested Maha Tian and forced him to retreat? Interesting."
Before he could inquire further, a wave of dense medicinal fragrance wafted from the courtyard, signaling the pill's completion.
The Pill is Complete
The door opened, and Xiao Ze stepped out, holding a jade bottle. "The task is complete, Sword Saint."
Handing the bottle to the Sword Saint, Xiao Ze turned his attention to the newcomer. The man's robust physique and overwhelming aura immediately marked him as a Saint level expert with a similarly perfected Saint Physique.
Xiao Ze clasped his hands respectfully. "You must be?"
"Haha! I'm Huang Qiu," the man boomed. "And you, Xiao Ze, are as remarkable as they say!"
Realization dawned on Xiao Ze. "The leader of the Desolate Ancient Clan? Forgive me for not recognizing you sooner."
The Sword Saint introduced them formally, explaining the deep alliance between the Sword Domain and the Desolate Ancient Clan a relationship built on mutual exchange of resources and techniques.
As they conversed, Xiao Ze couldn't help but ponder.
Perhaps this alliance could provide him access to the Desolate God Physique, the Original Physique guarded by the Desolate Ancient Clan.
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