Fires Clouds and mist swirled on the summit of the
Powder Mountain, and a strange, elixir-like fragrance filled the air, bringing a sense of tranquility and tranquility, as if transported to a fairyland. At the summit, vast expanses of medicinal herbs piled like an ocean. Above this sea of herbs, a vast plaza hovered in the air. At its corners, four massive medicinal cauldrons rose from them, their fragrant aroma rising in columns that reached the sky.
Currently, this suspended plaza was bustling with people, and the sounds of animated conversation echoed continuously, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Of the four directions, the north was the most eye-catching. There, stone chairs stood side by side. On either side, beautiful maids flitted like butterflies, their nimble hands constantly filling jade cups on the stone tables with fine wine. In
the center of the highest row of stone chairs, Yao Dan rested, resting with his eyes closed, a trace of worry between his brows.
At that moment, a loud shout echoed throughout the venue.
"Ancient Dragon Clan, Master Zhu Wen and Young Friend Zhu Kong have arrived!"
"Alchemy Alliance, Leader Chen Guan has arrived!"
In reality, Chen Guan had never served as leader of the Alchemy Alliance for even a single day, but anyone with some inside knowledge knew that he was the one who determined the Alliance's direction.
Following Elder Wanhuo, Chen Guan and the other two hovered in mid-air. With every step they took, ripples rippled through the sky, as if space were a curtain of water.
The sight of the three men approaching caused a flurry of discussion in the square.
"Chen Guan and the Ancient Dragon Clan's powerful warriors are here too!"
"How powerful! I saw him from afar when the Pure Lotus Demon Fire was born. I never thought he'd become a Five-Star Dou Sheng in just a few years!"
"That old man from the Ancient Dragon Clan is terrifying. He strikes me as even more domineering than the Yaodan Clan leader!"
"Central China is currently dominated by the Soul Clan, the Ancient Clan, the Three Clan Alliance, and the four factions represented by Chen Guan. Today, the Yaodian, the Soul Clan, the Ancient Clan, and even the other two clans in the Three Clan Alliance only sent representatives, but Chen Guan has arrived in person with the Ancient Dragon Clan's powerful warriors. Is this a joint call?"
"…"
The square was filled with whispers until Chen Guan and his companions stepped onto the square. The whispers instantly died down, and powerful warriors, both familiar and completely unfamiliar, rose one after another, smiling and greeting them.
Even Yaodan, who had been resting on a higher level, hurried to his feet to greet him.
Although he was the head of the Yao Clan, he was only a Seven-Star Dou Sheng—an indelible flaw.
"After over a month, Mr. Zhu Wen is still as charming as ever. Elder Zhu Wen, Young Friend Chen Guan, and this young friend from the Ancient Dragon Clan, please take your seats."
Elder Zhu Wen nodded slightly and took his place next to Yao Dan, followed by Chen Guan and Elder Zhu Kong.
From his vantage point, Chen Guan scanned the room, easily identifying representatives of several ancient races and the distinctive alchemy masters.
He knew quite a few.
The Ancient Clan representatives were Gu Qingyang and Gu Nanhai. The
Thunder Clan representative was a young man, young yet possessing the strength of a three-star Dou Sheng. When Chen Guan approached, he didn't shy away, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit, as if eager to engage him in a fight.
"I heard there's a genius named Lei Dong in the Thunder Clan. He's probably the one."
With a slight smile, Chen Guan looked away.
The Flame Clan representatives were Huo Xuan and Huo Zhi.
The Soul Clan representative was an old man in a black robe, resting his eyes, a cane in hand, oblivious to the sounds of the outside world.
Among the diverse group of alchemists, Chen Guan's most striking figure was an elderly man in plain linen. He leaned on a cane woven like medicinal herbs, adorned with jade bottles, which tinkled as he shook it. It
was undoubtedly Elder Shennong.
Fifth on the Strange Fire List, possessor of the Flame of Life!
Suddenly, three figures caught Chen Guan's attention.
Xiao Yan, Yao Chen, and Xiao Chen!
Why were they here?
After a moment's reflection, Chen Guan nodded slightly.
With Xiao Chen around, helping Yao Chen inscribe his parents' names on the clan monument wouldn't be difficult.
However, until now, the three seemed to have avoided a conflict with Yao Wangui, which was surprising. Perhaps this was due to Yao Dan's early appearance.
"Xiao Yan."
"Brother Guan?"
A voice suddenly reached his ears, and Xiao Yan looked up to see Chen Guan staring at them.
"Leave now and go directly to the Ancient Clan. When I leave the Medicine Clan, I will send you and Xiao Chen into the Heavenly Tomb."
Since they met, Chen Guan also reminded them.
This matter was of grave importance. Even Xiao Chen, a five-star Dou Sheng, wouldn't be enough to protect himself, let alone his master and disciple.
Xiao Yan wasn't a fool. Hearing Chen Guan's voice transmission, combined with recent rumors, he immediately guessed the tip of the iceberg.
"Brother Guan, are you saying the Pharmacopoeia is in danger?"
Chen Guan's silence spoke for itself without a response.
"No, I'm not leaving, Brother Guan. My teacher's lifelong wish is to have his name inscribed on the clan tablet. I wasn't capable enough before, but now that ancestor Xiao Chen is here, it's time for me to fulfill my wish. Once this matter is resolved, we'll leave immediately."
After all, he still didn't understand the gravity of the situation. If the time came, it wouldn't be easy to leave.
"Let's go. I'll take care of the clan tablet for you. Once the Pharmacopoeia is finished, you can leave as many names as you want, even a thousand or eight hundred,"
Chen Guan replied with a slight shake of his head. He feared Yao Chen wouldn't be interested in leaving his name by then.
If the Yao Clan no longer existed, what was the point of leaving a name on the clan tablet?
Xiao Yan turned to look at Yao Chen, presumably communicating via telepathy.
Soon, the three of them stood up and left. As they departed, Yao Chen bowed solemnly in Chen Guan's direction.
From Yao Chen's perspective, Chen Guan's assistance was easier than risking the lives of Xiao Yan and Xiao Chen. Since Chen Guan had urged them to leave, the potential dangers lurking within the pharmacopoeia must be significant. For the sake of Xingyun Pavilion, for the safety of his own disciples, a favor wasn't a big deal.
It wouldn't be the first time...
Chen Guan didn't mind; he could just pack up the Yao Clan's clan tablet and take it away.
"I heard that young friend Chen Guan is also an alchemist, having won first place at the Zhongzhou Alchemy Competition. I wonder if you'd be interested in showing off your skills with our Yao Clan's pharmacopoeia. With your skills, I believe you're no match for these old monsters."
Yao Dan's voice came to his ears, inviting Chen Guan to the stage to show off.
The Pharmacopoeia, held by the Medicine Clan, is similar to the Alchemy Conference held at the Dan Tower, but its value is incomparable. Compared to the champions of the Alchemy Conference, the champions who emerge from the Pharmacopoeia are the true greatest alchemists on the continent.
As everyone knows, alchemists are divided into nine ranks.
Those above the eighth rank are called Grandmasters.
Beyond the ninth rank, there's another realm: Treasure Pill Grandmaster, Mysterious Pill Grandmaster, and Golden Pill Grandmaster.
The Thunder Tribulation Pill refined by Chen Guan is the pinnacle of the ninth-grade Mysterious Pill. In other words, his current level is among the best among Mysterious Pill Grandmasters.
If he truly desired, claiming first place in the Pharmacopoeia would be a piece of cake.
Unfortunately, Chen Guan was here to be the scapegoat, not to perform for them.
"Alchemy is like drinking water; only the person who drinks it knows whether it's hot or cold. I'll just observe."
"To be able to say that, your state of mind is truly beyond the reach of ordinary people. In my opinion, you're far superior to these fame-seeking old freaks."
"..."
Time slipped by silently.
Under the presidency of Elder Wanhuo, the Pharmacopoeia finally began. Suddenly, flames of various colors began to rise above the square.
The first competition was between the younger generation, serving as an appetizer.
However, for many present, the foreplay of the Pharmacopoeia was still a highly entertaining experience.
After all, the younger generation of the Yao Clan truly possessed talents that ordinary alchemists coveted. Every one of those who took the stage was at least a sixth-rank alchemist or even higher.
In the past, in the northwest, they would all be considered "Alchemy King Guhe." The spectacle of everyone gathering together to compete was truly spectacular.
This foreplay of the Pharmacopoeia lasted nearly ten days before concluding. The winner was a young man named Yao Tian, who attracted nine-colored elixir thunder.
What intrigued Chen Guan was that he also possessed a strange fire within him, the same Turtle Spirit Earth Fire as the one Xiao Yan possessed.
Following Yao Tian was a woman named Yao Ling, who also attracted eight-colored elixir thunder.
Their outstanding performance drew praise from several Medicine Clan elders. Even Yao Dan, perched on the platform, beamed with satisfaction, his brows fading slightly.
"Haha, if we weren't comparing them to Young Friend Chen Guan, Yao Tian and Yao Ling would be considered exceptional among their peers. It's a shame..."
Chen Guan chuckled, remaining silent.
After the Yao Clan's younger generation concluded their tests, the atmosphere in the square didn't cool at all; instead, it suddenly heated up.
Almost scorching gazes shot across the field, finally gravitating towards the stone chairs.
Everyone knew that these prominent figures, at the pinnacle of the alchemy world, were the true heart of the Pharmacopoeia!
(End of Chapter)