Chapter 9: The Alchemist's Arena
Dawnriver City rarely saw such bustle. The Grand Alchemist's Arena, a massive structure of white stone etched with jade inlays of dragons and phoenixes, blazed under the midday sun. Vendors lined the streets, hawking talismans, spirit herbs, and trinkets, while crowds surged toward the arena's towering gates.
Within, thousands filled tiered seats, their voices merging into a tidal roar. The air was thick with incense smoke and anticipation, every cultivator eager to witness the Alchemist Guild's once-a-decade competition.
Among the gathered competitors stood Lin Xuan, his plain gray robes setting him apart from the embroidered finery of sect disciples and clan heirs. His calm, unreadable eyes swept across the rows of contestants adjusting their cauldrons, checking herbs, or muttering incantations.
From the stands, Liu Yue, Luo Shuang, and Liu Yang watched, their nervous energy hidden beneath composed faces. Liu Yue's fingers tightened unconsciously on the railing, her gaze never straying from Lin Xuan.
The booming voice of Master Huo, elder of the Alchemist Guild, silenced the crowd.
"Today's trial: refine a 3rd-grade pill within one hour. Success will prove your worth. Failure… will prove your lack thereof."
Cauldrons flared to life. Flames of all colors—crimson, azure, emerald—danced across the arena floor. The smell of burning herbs, bitter and sweet, wove through the air.
Lin Xuan's palm flicked, igniting his crimson flame. Few noticed the faint restraint in his expression—his true flame, the silver-blue fire, remained hidden. He dropped Spirit Bone Grass and a Starlight Petal into his cauldron, the herbs melting smoothly under his careful control. While others sweated and cursed over clumsy flame control, Lin Xuan's motions were steady, elegant, his qi flowing like water.
Gasps erupted as the pill within his cauldron began to glow faintly, forming a luminous sheen far too pure for a mere 3rd-grade refinement.
Yet in the shadows of the arena, a Zhi Clan spy slipped between competitors, his sleeve brushing against cauldrons, subtly corrupting formations with concealed talismans. A muffled boom erupted as one disciple's cauldron exploded, sparks and smoke engulfing nearby contestants. Chaos spread.
It was then that three figures leapt from the crowd—black-robed assassins, blades shimmering with Qi Gathering 7th Layer might. Their murderous intent locked onto Lin Xuan.
Qi blades howled through the air.
But the Lin Xuan they struck dissolved into mist—his Illusion Diversion Clone. The real Lin Xuan twisted aside, his body sliding like smoke under their strikes. His feet traced the patterns of Celestial Glide, his form weaving gracefully through killing intent.
With a flicker, his Tooth Dagger flashed. A spray of blood burst as he tore across an assassin's chest, collapsing him to the floor.
The second assassin roared, conjuring a qi spear that skewered through Lin Xuan's side. Yet the weapon slowed, deflected by the tempered resilience of the Iron Body Art, leaving only a shallow wound. Lin Xuan's hand surged forward, and his dagger ripped through the assassin's throat.
The last assassin summoned a qi eagle, its talons raking across Lin Xuan's back. Pain burned, blood soaking his robes—but his hand found the creature's heart, the Tooth Dagger piercing deep. The assassin screamed once before falling silent.
The arena froze. Then the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers. They thought it a performance—part of the competition's spectacle.
Lin Xuan straightened, blood still dripping, but his gaze steady.
Master Huo's voice cut across the frenzy.
"The victor… Lin Xuan."
A chest was brought forward, spilling with rare herbs and glittering spirit stones. Master Huo's eyes lingered on Lin Xuan, grave.
"You've gained honor… but also enemies. Be wary."
Lin Xuan inclined his head silently. In the stands, he caught Liu Yue's smile—relief and pride mingled with unspoken worry. His chest tightened, that forbidden ache stirring once more.