Unaware of the Yan Clan's upheaval or the success of his pawn, Han Shen, Lan An lounged at the Earth Battle Grand Assembly, bored by the lackluster matches of Bai Lie's group. His occasional flirtatious glances with Bai Lian Hua drew twitching scowls from the Bai Sha Emperor's faction, who seethed, itching to gouge out his eyes.
Inside the Spirit Realm Pearl, Wan Rong chatted with Ling Long and Ming Yue, awaiting the emergence of the secluded women.
"Master, these fighters are decent, but they're not giving their all!" Little Lion poked its head from Lan An's robe, eyeing the arena below with suspicion.
"They're holding back. Those two are princes—nobody dares offend them," Lan An yawned, dismissing the farce.
After the first round, ten became five. An awkward situation arose: a single-elimination format would leave one unpaired. As if prearranged, Qi Ming tactfully withdrew, leaving two semifinal bouts.
Yu Chen versus Bai Lie.
Bai Yang versus Da Ling.
Lan An watched Yu Chen's match with disappointment. Despite Yu Chen's talent, his subservience to the imperial family limited his potential. A true powerhouse bowed to no authority, unshackled by external pressures. Yet Yu Chen, facing Bai Lie, fought halfheartedly, faking an injury to concede.
The crowd sighed, unsurprised. No one dared strike a prince too hard.
Bai Lie advanced effortlessly to the final round.
The ongoing match pitted Bai Yang against Da Ling. Lan An quietly admired Da Ling's ferocity. The brutal woman fought with a true cultivator's heart, heedless of Bai Yang's royal status. Her relentless assault, unleashing the True Earth Body—a massive, impregnable form—forced Bai Yang into a desperate struggle.
But Bai Yang, a Golden List prodigy, wielded superior experience and high-grade techniques despite suppressed cultivation. He shattered Da Ling's True Earth Body, claiming a hard-fought victory.
The final match—Bai Lie versus Bai Yang—was predictable. Bai Yang, drained from his bout, crumbled under Bai Lie's onslaught. The crowd shook their heads, already knowing the outcome. Bai Yang's frustration boiled over, blaming Da Ling for his loss.
"This is the dullest Earth Battle Grand Assembly I've ever seen," a spectator muttered, bored.
"Haha, at least Wen Lang's prelims were worth it!" another consoled, patting his shoulder.
"True. Wen Lang's performance made this trip worthwhile," the crowd agreed, their gazes shifting to the youth lounging on a rock, filled with admiration.
Lan An nodded politely, a faint smile his only response.
The scene infuriated Bai Lie, nearly making him spit blood. He was the star today, crushing all foes, yet no one spared him a glance. Turning to Bai Lian Hua, hoping for her comfort, he froze. Her gentle eyes never left Wen Lang.
Why? He'd triumphed, yet her gaze belonged to another.
Bai Lie's face twisted, fists clenching until bones cracked. Jealousy consumed him. He swore Wen Lang would die miserably. Catching Bai Tian's eye, the brothers nodded secretly. If their plan succeeded, Bai Lian Hua would be his.
"Well done. The Earth Battle Grand Assembly results are set: Wen Lang as Champion, Bai Lie as Runner-Up, and Bai Yang among the top three!" Emperor Bai Sha rose, nodding at Bai Lie before announcing the rewards, his voice echoing through White Emperor City.
"In three days, the Second Elder will guide the top ten and the Champion to the Imperial Library to select a technique. The Champion may choose a Spirit-Grade technique, the Runner-Up a Heaven-Grade, and the rest Heaven-Grade Low-Tier or below!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Qi Ming and the others bowed, thrilled. Even a Heaven-Grade Low-Tier technique was a rare prize—their initial goal.
Bai Sha nodded magnanimously, then declared the next reward. "After selecting techniques, the top three—Wen Lang, Bai Lie, and Bai Yang—may enter the Scenic Land to cultivate!"
"Thank you, Father!" Bai Lie and Bai Yang exchanged glances, bowing respectfully.
Yu Chen's face darkened. His goal was the top three, trailing only the princes, but Wen Lang's emergence ruined it.
The crowd, hearing Bai Sha's proclamation, cast envious glances at Wen Lang, expecting jubilation. Their expressions soon turned odd.
Where was Wen Lang?
Lan An had slipped away after the announcement. Though the matches were dull, he'd attended to prove the Champion still lived, ensuring no one could steal his title. With three days until the rewards, he had preparations to make.
"Such insolence!" elders muttered, while Bai Sha's face darkened, his killing intent thickening. Let the brat gloat for a few days, he thought. As an emperor, he could afford some patience.
"I declare this Earth Battle Grand Assembly concluded!" Bai Sha waved, leading his entourage into the void.
The name Wen Lang etched itself into every heart.
As for the rewards in three days, that was no longer their concern.
Within the Spirit Realm Pearl…
A fragrant aroma filled Lan An's senses, invigorating his spiritual energy. "Heaven-Grade Pill?" he exclaimed, eyes gleaming as he turned toward the source.
Atop the Palace Tree, within the Acceleration Array, a graceful figure refined pills with focus. The Nether Ghost Flame roared, striking the Jade Treasure Cauldron, spinning it mid-air. Inside, pills took form, their scent permeating the space.
The Acceleration Array's tenfold time dilation made Tuo Qing Xuan's movements a blur of afterimages.
"Tuo Qing Xuan has stabilized her cultivation, officially becoming a Mid-Sixth-Grade Alchemist!" Wan Rong's clear voice, tinged with pride, announced as she approached, holding a ring containing Tuo Qing Xuan's master's soul.
"Her alchemy talent is remarkable," Jin Ni praised, a rare compliment from one with such high standards.
"The woman I chose could never be ordinary," Lan An grinned. Tuo Qing Xuan's achievement, earning Jin Ni's nod, was no small feat.
A Mid-Sixth-Grade Alchemist could craft Mid-Heaven-Grade Pills and, with the right materials, the Fire Fusion Pill to forge Yan Hong Lian's Great Sun Divine Body.
"Husband, Qing Xuan is incredible!" Wan Rong said, gripping his hand, her eyes admiring Tuo Qing Xuan's elegance.
A Mid-Sixth-Grade Alchemist rivaled a Mid-Void Refinement expert, capable of founding a sect.
"Haha, all my women are incredible!" Lan An kissed Wan Rong's cheek, vowing to find complete Bloodlines for his wives, ensuring none fell behind.
Under their expectant gazes, the Jade Treasure Cauldron glowed emerald, seven radiant Mid-Heaven-Grade Pills bursting forth, pristine in quality.
Tuo Qing Xuan exhaled, relieved. Her first attempt at such high-grade pills had been nerve-wracking. She carefully stored them in a jade box, caressing the cauldron fondly. Using such a precious tool, one of two Lan An bought her, felt like a dream.
Stowing the cauldron in her storage ring, she stepped out of the Acceleration Array.
Strong arms enveloped her, a warm voice murmuring, "Well done, Tuo Qing Xuan. I'm proud of you."
Her heart fluttered, his familiar scent intoxicating. She melted into his embrace, whispering, "Little Nam…"
Fresh from refining, her body carried the pills' fragrance, utterly enchanting.
"Ahem…"
As Lan An lifted her chin, poised to kiss her delicate lips, a cough interrupted. Tuo Qing Xuan jumped, blushing, and nodded to Wan Rong, accepting the ring and slipping it onto her finger.
Lan An's expression turned odd. Her master had clearly sabotaged his moment.
"Breaking through to Mid-Sixth-Grade Alchemist and advancing your cultivation—impressive," the master said, her strict tone softening with praise.
During seclusion, Tuo Qing Xuan not only elevated her alchemy but also reached Late Spirit Transformation, bolstered by the legacy of a former Holy Spirit Academy headmaster.
"Thanks to Master's guidance!" Tuo Qing Xuan, usually resolute, turned playful around her master.
"Tuo Qing Xuan, I haven't found a female Transcendent's bones yet…" Lan An sighed. Even the Treasure Pavilion had no leads.
He'd promised to rebuild her master's body but hadn't succeeded.
"We understand. We'll find a way together," Tuo Qing Xuan said, squeezing his hand reassuringly.
"Don't stress, boy. Fate decides life and death. Just treat Qing Xuan well," her master said nonchalantly.
"No, I'll save you at all costs!" Lan An declared, a spark of inspiration flashing. "If Việt Dragon Star lacks a female Transcendent's bones, I'll search other stars!"
"Other worlds?" The women looked at him, puzzled.
Lan An smiled, revealing his upcoming journey with Wu San Niang to Savage Star for training. "A high-grade star with near-Immortal experts—Transcendent bones shouldn't be hard to find."
"Wonderful!" Tuo Qing Xuan's eyes shimmered with tears, hugging him tightly.
Even amidst his preparations, he hadn't forgotten them.
"Eighth-Grade Body Cultivator bones would be even better," her master added, a hint of excitement in her voice.
She had unfinished business and no desire to die. For a Transcendent like her, the bones needed to withstand her restored power. Eighth-Grade Body Cultivator bones would ensure stability, possibly even boosting her strength.
"I'll do my best," Lan An vowed.
He'd scour Savage Star to keep his promise.
"Little Nam, Wan Rong, what's happened while I was away?" Tuo Qing Xuan asked, curiosity burning.
Wan Rong smiled, about to answer—
BOOM!
An explosion erupted from the Palace Tree.
ROAR!
A primal roar, like a beast from ancient times, shook the space.
All eyes turned to the source. Even Little Lion, nestled in Lan An's chest, peeked out curiously.
"The Ice Spirit Palace…" Wan Rong said gravely, sensing a pressure like a slumbering beast awakening.
Lan An grinned, murmuring, "Bing Ling Er's about to emerge!"