. On the top floor of Danta, the familiar office remained.
Xuan Kongzi sat in the main seat, to his left were Xuan Yi and Venerable Feng, and to his right were Master Yao Chen and his apprentice, who hadn't seen Chen Guan for a long time.
The gathering of three semi-Venerables in such a small room was a rare sight.
Because Yao Chen needed to be resurrected, Venerable Feng didn't take them directly to Xingyun Pavilion, but instead brought them to Danta first.
On the way, Yao Chen had mentioned the necessary conditions for resurrection.
Chen Guan, possessing three different flames, was essential, and he happened to be in the Dan Realm. As for the other elixirs, the body, and other items, with Xuan Yi and Venerable Feng present, they were naturally not a problem, and resurrection was thus put on the agenda.
It had been quite a while since they returned to Danta, but the old men seemed to have endless reminiscences. Xiao Yan felt exhausted watching them every day, and could only hope for Chen Guan's arrival so he could have someone to talk to.
After waiting day after day, finally, just as he was drowsy, there was a knock on the door.
Xuan Kongzi responded, and in walked the person Xiao Yan had been longing for.
"Brother Guan!"
Like a ray of light in the darkness, Xiao Yan's spirits jolt, and he's the first to rise and greet him.
Chen Guan chuckled and nodded, bowing to the elderly men.
"Greetings, seniors,"
Xuan Kongzi and the others responded with smiles and nods, seemingly in good spirits.
Feng Zun and Xuan Yi, in particular, looked at him with a familiarity.
Yao Chen, who knew him best, was slightly taken aback, a sigh of regret evident on his face. He
still remembered their first encounter in the desert. He was only Dou Ling strength, a restless, impulsive kid who, after 'accidentally' disturbing his puppet, would launch into a fight and kill, refusing to listen to anything he said.
However, with every subsequent encounter, he'd become even more assertive. Now, at Dou Zong strength, he exudes the aura of a calm and powerful warrior.
What a shame, it wasn't his own disciple...
Glancing at the slightly excited Xiao Yan beside him, Yao Chen suppressed his inappropriate emotions.
"Chen Guan, long time no see. It's thanks to you this time that I was able to return to Zhongzhou so quickly."
"You're too polite, Yao Lao. Honestly, I relied on your reputation to ask for the two Venerables' help, and that's how I was able to escape."
This matter was purely a transaction, and Chen Guan didn't want to take credit.
Yao Chen shook his head. "Judging by deeds, not intentions, I've heard from Feng Xian and Xuan Yi that they weren't really of much help. However, this isn't the first time we've dealt with each other, and we know each other's personalities. Let's not waste any more polite words. The main reason I asked you to
come here this time is to prepare for my resurrection." "Yes, I heard from Miss Cao Ying on the way to Shengdan City. I'm available anytime, Yao Lao, just let me know when you're ready."
Yao Lao's resurrection was slightly more complex than that of Skyfire Venerable, but since he hadn't fallen into the hands of the Soul Palace, his soul was undoubtedly in much better shape than it had been in its original trajectory.
Therefore, it wasn't as difficult as I'd imagined.
With the Dan Tower's vast resources, restoring his soul wouldn't be difficult.
The next step would be to gather herbs and refine the Bone-Growing and Blood-Melting Pill. The day the pill was completed would be the day of his resurrection.
"Very good! You can settle down in Shengdan City for the next few days and help Xiao Yan familiarize himself with the surroundings of Zhongzhou. When you have free time, you can come to the Dan Tower to cultivate and improve your alchemy skills. If you can register your name, more of the Dan Tower's tome will be accessible to you. I believe it will be helpful, am I right, old man?"
Yao Chen stroked his illusory beard and expounded on the Dan Tower's advantages.
Xuan Kongzi rolled his eyes, too lazy to speak and acquiesced.
"As a sacred place for alchemists, I will definitely not miss the Dan Tower. Then, we won't bother you seniors reminiscing."
Chen Guan didn't refuse. He had come to the Dan Tower with the goal of improving his alchemy skills. He wouldn't leave empty-handed after entering a treasure trove.
Yao Chen nodded slightly and watched the three juniors leave.
Only after sensing the three auras had left the top floor did Xuan Kongzi, who had been acting as if nothing had happened in the main seat, turn a suspicious eye towards Yao Chen.
"This kid's soul strength is just a hair's breadth away from reaching the peak of the Spirit Realm. At his age, he's truly a freak. Does he really have no master?"
Seeing Xuan Kongzi's intention, Yao Chen wasn't surprised.
Even he had entertained the idea of taking in a disciple more than once, let alone Xuan Kongzi, who was completely focused on the Dan Pagoda.
"He's used Soul-Pregnant Dust, and certainly in significant quantities. This is why his soul strength far surpasses that of an average person. Xiao Yan should be able to enter the Spirit Realm within a few months, thanks to his influence." "
As for a teacher, he probably doesn't have one. I've known him for years, and I've never heard of him. There's no one in the Jia Ma Empire who could be his teacher, either. Besides, even if there's a mysterious teacher lurking in the dark, it wouldn't conflict with anything. If you have any ideas, it's best to act quickly. This kid's growth rate is astonishing. In another year or two, I'm afraid he won't be interested in you anymore."
Yao Chen was still quite supportive of Xuan Kongzi.
He had no chance of accepting a disciple himself. There had been some misunderstandings, but once they were resolved, they had become familiar with each other quickly, to the point where it wasn't appropriate to accept a disciple. At best
, they could be acquaintances regardless of age difference. He was very optimistic about Chen Guan's potential. If Xuan Kongzi could accept him, given his relationship with Danta, he and Chen Guan would be completely on the same page, becoming much closer and less complex to get along with.
"Tsk, I'm going to be rejected as a disciple? You're kidding! Let's see. There's no rush."
Xuan Kongzi glared at Yao Chen with disdain, his thoughts on his own.
Yao Chen was helpless. Why wouldn't he believe the truth?
Opportunities are fleeting, understand?
Elsewhere,
Chen Guan and his two companions were walking through Shengdan City, Cao Ying on the right and Xiao Yan on the left.
He was supposed to help Xiao Yan get acquainted, but in reality, Cao Ying was the guide.
After all, this was only Chen Guan's second time in Shengdan City, so he was far from familiar with it.
"In Shengdan City, alchemists are both the least valuable and the most valuable. There are always at least 3,000 alchemists gathered here year-round, if not 5,000. It's no exaggeration to say they're a dime a dozen. But correspondingly, as long as your skill level is high enough, above the sixth rank, you'll receive even more distinguished treatment."
Cao Ying acted as a temporary guide, introducing the two to the unique characteristics of Shengdan City.
Chen Guan and Xiao Yan observed the frequent glances cast at Cao Ying along the way, as well as the endless greetings, and they understood deeply.
"I've already felt it."
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Cao Ying smiled and continued, "Although there shouldn't be a hierarchy, within Shengdan City, this is most evident. Ordinary alchemists are first-class, members of the five major families are yet another, and above that, there are Danta disciples and core disciples. Basically, one can roughly judge a person's alchemy proficiency by their status."
Listening to Cao Ying's introduction, Chen Guan and Xiao Yan gained a basic understanding of Shengdan City.
When they reached the junction of Shengdan City's outer and inner regions, the vast and magnificent trade fair came into view.
At the entrance to the fair, two men in the robes of fifth-grade alchemists, seemingly fighting over a single herb, engaged in a heated argument, their faces reddening, spit flying, and they pored over each other's family tree. Despite this, they managed to maintain control.
This would have been unimaginable in the Black Horn Territory.
Sensing that the two men were both Dou Wang-level strong, Chen Guan treated it as a spectacle, but Xiao Yan was deeply moved, pouring out his bitter feelings.
"Back in the Northwest, I still thought I was a big shot, but when I arrived in Zhongzhou, I realized my meager skills were completely inadequate. Master Feng said that after Master is resurrected, I'll return to the Xingyun Pavilion and become the Young Master. Brother Guan, do you think a mere Douling Spirit like me can truly handle that?" Huo
Huo was undoubtedly struck by another blow.
Chen Guan also understood why he had been holed up in Danta, unwilling to come out.
Honestly, he understood.
After all, having been constantly fighting in the small-time game, achieving top-tier results every time, to suddenly be shoved into a high-level game by a power leveler, where he was constantly outperforming opponents, the emotional gap must have been enormous.
It was embarrassing. Chen Guan was the culprit...
"Yes, of course not. If you don't lose your spirit, anything is possible. They're stronger than you now, but so what? It's nothing special. They just grew up with better resources than us. If you were born in Zhongzhou, you'd be no worse than them!"
"You should believe in yourself and your talent. You've been training hard in the northwest for so many years, waiting for this opportunity. You need to fight for it now, not to prove you're better than others, but to show them you're no worse than anyone!"
"It doesn't matter if you fall behind now. Once you reach Xingyun Pavilion, Yao Lao and Feng Zun will have countless ways for you to quickly catch up and surpass them. Becoming a Dou Zong in three years, a Dou Zun in five years is not a dream. But if you lose your spirit, everything will be in vain."
Without hesitation, Chen Guan poured him several large bowls of chicken soup.
A decadent Huo Huo was useless. Huo Huo should fight tooth and nail, bravely charging into the front lines against the Soul Palace!
The chicken soup was full of flattery, but it must be said that sometimes, when one is lost, what one needs is a voice of affirmation. Whether it can actually be achieved or not is irrelevant; just tell him that it can be achieved.
Just like Xiao Yan at this moment, his face brightened and his eyes lit up after hearing
these words! Facts aside, Brother Guan had a point!
"I understand, Brother Guan. I suddenly feel like I'm on the verge of a breakthrough. I won't accompany you guys anymore, Brother Guan, I'm going to practice."
As if it were a gesture of affirmation from heaven, Xiao Yan's aura suddenly fluctuated, a call to a breakthrough.
A smile crossed his face, and he hurried back with a word.
Watching the cheerful figure, Chen Guan breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, his spirit hadn't been lost.
Otherwise, wouldn't the training opportunities he had prepared for him with the Ye Family and Soul Palace be in vain?
As the saying goes, a bystander sees more clearly, but Cao Ying couldn't help but laugh at their exchange.
These words, even a child would find childish, actually worked?
"This disciple of Master Yao, well, has quite a personality. Your relationship is a bit strange, too."
"What's so strange about that? We're as close as brothers, respectful and respectful to each other."
Chen Guan walked towards the trade fair with a satisfied look on his face. Today was another sunny day.
This seemed to be the second time he had tried to convince Huo Huo.
Cao Ying, lagging behind, curled her lips slightly. She had noticed something, but they weren't close enough yet to say it directly.
She mentally complained before catching up.
"This is Shengdan City's largest alchemist trading venue, similar to those auction houses. There's a larger trade fair every month. If you're looking for a bargain, this is the best time. Today's items probably won't be very good, and there are requirements for entry."
"I know this place, but with you, a seventh-grade alchemist, here, you should be able to take me up there."
Master Tianhuo had been setting up a stall on the second floor for over a month, so Chen Guan was no stranger to it.
He hadn't been to the top-tier third floor yet, though, so he thought he'd take this opportunity to check it out.
Cao Ying smiled, and with a flick of her hand, the Seventh-Rank Alchemist badge suddenly appeared. She pinned it to her chest, her entire being seeming more confident.
"Of course, no problem. You should take the Seventh-Rank Alchemist exam. Having such a badge will be incredibly convenient in Shengdan City. With your skill level, it shouldn't be a problem."
"Tomorrow."
Without rushing to find Skyfire Venerable, they followed Cao Ying and headed straight for the top floor.
Cao Ying's presence was proof enough. The guards guarding the door didn't dare approach to inspect her, only greeting her and respectfully stepping aside.
The staircase, about twenty meters long, wasn't particularly long, but Chen Guan sensed six or seven hidden gazes scrutinizing him from hidden corners.
Sensing no ill intentions, Chen Guan ignored them and carefully surveyed the top floor of the legendary Alchemist Fair.
Compared to the two floors below, it wasn't spacious.
Yet, the decoration was meticulously crafted. The floor was paved with a pale green, warm jade, creating a subtle yet luxurious atmosphere. Stepping on it, a gentle coolness flowed through the soles of the feet, bringing a strange sense of comfort. The
number of people on the top floor was extremely small. At a glance, there were only a handful of twenty or thirty people. However, it was certain that if these twenty or thirty people were outside, they would each be a truly powerful individual or alchemy master, capable of causing quite a stir.
The appearance of Chen Guan and Cao Ying naturally caught the attention of some on the top floor, and their gazes immediately shifted.
Seeing this enchanting woman from the Cao family personally leading the group, many people couldn't help but secretly speculate about Chen Guan's identity. A few well-informed individuals had a rough idea of his identity.
"Most of the items traded here are extremely valuable; gold coins have lost their value. They prefer barter. If you fancy something, it's best not to show your excitement, lest you be taken advantage of by these people."
This wasn't Cao Ying's first time here, and she was familiar with the rules. Seeing Chen Guan's interest, she sent a voice message to remind him.
"Understood."
(End of Chapter)