Chapter 133: Xiao Yuan's Future
Having already begun studying alchemy, Xiao Yuan instantly recognized that the test in this round required refining a healing-type second-tier pill.
Such pills, commonly found on the market, were typically worth only several hundred or a few thousand gold coins at most—far less valuable than pills that could increase Dou Qi cultivation.
This healing pill required six ingredients, all familiar medicinal herbs primarily used for healing—focused on reconnecting broken bones, repairing internal injuries, and stopping internal bleeding.
Evidently, the pill was meant to treat severe internal trauma.
However, this specific combination wasn't one commonly seen on the market. It was clear that the Alchemist Guild had designed this particular healing formula exclusively for the competition. In a way, they were essentially offering a second-tier pill recipe to every participating alchemist for free—an unusually generous move in the Jia Ma Empire.
Though healing pills came in all kinds, they ultimately served the same purpose. Their refining techniques were largely similar, differing only in complexity. A second-tier pill remained a second-tier challenge—well within the grasp of someone like Xiao Yan.
After all, Xiao Yan was a disciple that even a master like Yao Lao highly approved of. For him, this challenge was easy!
As for Xiao Yuan, while he hadn't yet mastered the fusion of wood-type Dou Qi with fire-type Dou Qi, under Yao Lao's guidance, he had already begun attempting to refine pills directly with Heavenly Flame.
To become an alchemist, one must first possess fire attribute affinity. Secondly, a trace of wood energy must be present in the flame to catalyze the refining process.
According to Yao Lao's research, if one lacked wood attribute entirely, it was still possible to use Heavenly Flame for refining. Although this significantly lowered success rates without the catalytic effect, a strong enough soul force could still allow for successful pill creation—though the result might not match the quality of conventionally refined pills.
However, this approach allowed Xiao Yuan to build valuable refining experience under incredibly demanding conditions.
That said, his current level was barely comparable to a first-tier alchemist. In this assembly, if the contest focused only on ingredient refinement, Xiao Yuan might stand a chance—but when it came to producing a complete pill…
Fortunately, Yao Lao had already devised a specialized refining strategy for Xiao Yuan.
As the only known cultivator on the Dou Qi Continent with five elemental Dou Qi attributes, Xiao Yuan could, depending on a pill's intended effect, add elements beyond fire and wood during refinement to enhance potency.
If successful, Yao Lao believed Xiao Yuan could eventually create pill recipes unique to him—signature formulas no one else could replicate. His future in alchemy would be limitless.
This possibility left Xiao Yuan utterly ecstatic.
Had anyone else suggested such a thing, he'd think them imaginative at best. But from Yao Lao? He knew it was no idle speculation. It was a prediction rooted in decades of elite experience.
And if this truly worked, Xiao Yuan's pills would carry unique qualities and exceptional efficacy.
"Teacher, Xiao Yan doesn't seem too rushed."
Xiao Yuan watched as Xiao Yan calmly examined the information sheet, while others around him were already summoning flames and beginning their refinement. He smiled and asked inwardly.
Earlier that morning, Yao Lao had temporarily transferred his spirit to Xiao Yuan's ring, explaining that he wanted Xiao Yan to compete relying only on his own strength for this competition.
So, Xiao Yan would be fighting for victory using nothing but his raw ability.
"Hehe, sharpening your tools before cutting wood. The pill itself isn't difficult. With Xiao Yan's current level, even a first attempt will likely succeed. And the quality won't be poor, either."
Yao Lao's chuckle echoed with approval in Xiao Yuan's mind.
"Mhm, for someone like Xiao Yan, refining a second-tier pill is nothing. Watching them from up here makes me itch to join in. But I've only been studying for a month or so, and I still haven't resolved my Dou Qi issue. Competing now would just be embarrassing. I'll wait until I reach Dou Ling before giving it serious thought."
Xiao Yuan laughed, though a bit helplessly.
After a moment of silence, Yao Lao replied solemnly:
"With your talent, it's no exaggeration to call it rare in a century. To be born unable to absorb Dou Qi or form a Dou Qi whirlpool, and yet to cultivate a method that transforms your five internal organs into energy centers capable of absorbing five different elemental Dou Qi… That's more than extraordinary. This cultivation technique of yours is just as impressive as the Flame Mantra Xiao Yan uses to evolve via Heavenly Flames.
Honestly, I'm very curious what will happen once you reach Dou Wang, when your five Qi Centers are fully connected, and the five energies flow freely."
Hearing Yao Lao's words, Xiao Yuan sighed. "I've been looking forward to that moment too. But I've just reached three-star Da Dou Shi. Reaching Dou Ling will still take some time—let alone Dou Wang!"
"Hehe, don't be so impatient. Your progress is faster than most young geniuses even when backed by major sects. In just three years, you've gone from having no Dou Qi to reaching Da Dou Shi. That's monstrous."
Yao Lao chuckled.
Xiao Yuan smiled but didn't explain that his urgency came from concerns about future unknown enemies.
"Teacher, the continent is full of powerful people. When I was younger, seeing my peers grow while I couldn't cultivate… I pretended not to care, but I always felt regret.
Now that I know I have talent, I want to catch up—make up for everything I lost.
Only the strong have the right to walk this land freely. I can't predict when disaster will strike, but I can prepare for it. Becoming stronger is the only way I'll face it calmly."
"Is this about Nalan Yanran?"
Yao Lao asked thoughtfully.
"Partially. Since birth, my father has cared deeply for us brothers. Even when the Xiao Clan was under pressure from the Jia Lie and Oba Clans, I never had to endure anything too terrible.
Back then, I thought Nalan Yanran and the then-talented Xiao Yan were a good match—two geniuses. When Xiao Yan's cultivation weakened, I gave up on the idea. But in the end, the one who got dumped was me.
Sure, she was still young and would have accepted an apology. But she brought Ge Ye along—clearly planning to use pressure. That kind of pressure wouldn't come from the Nalan Clan… It had to be from Misty Cloud Sect.
Yun Yun is too soft-hearted. If Nalan Yanran pressed hard enough, she'd agree to the annulment.
Even now, I still feel uncomfortable remembering how humiliated I was back then. I never want to feel powerless like that again. I'll become strong enough that no one can threaten me or my family."
Though Xiao Yuan's tone was light, his words carried a heavy weight. Yao Lao silently reflected on how similar Xiao Yuan's feelings were to his own in the past.
Moments later, Yao Lao declared firmly:
"Since you've made your choice, I'll respect it. I may not be able to guide your cultivation, but I swear—when it comes to alchemy, I'll make sure both you and Xiao Yan become top-tier alchemists. Anyone who tries to cross you will have to think twice about offending someone of your caliber."
"Thank you, Teacher," Xiao Yuan said sincerely.
"Heh, no need for thanks. Taking you both in as disciples is just me trying to shelter others from the same storm I once faced. Your future still depends on your own effort—I can only help so much."
Yao Lao's words ended with a wistful smile.
But Xiao Yuan could sense the hidden sorrow in it.
Since Yao Lao wasn't ready to share his story, Xiao Yuan didn't pry. He shifted his attention back to the arena—just in time to notice Xiao Yan using the Green Lotus Core Flame.
Ah, right. Xiao Yan couldn't use the violet flame anymore. That flame had been created using the Heaven-Swallowing Python's saliva and its companion crystal source. But the python was now with Xiao Yuan, still asleep and obviously not producing any more saliva.
Still, with a Heavenly Flame, refining the healing pill should be effortless.
No wonder the little princess had taken a liking to Xiao Yan. A person who possessed a Heavenly Flame surely had powerful backing—worthy of the royal family's attention.
But last night, Xiao Yuan had also revealed his own Heavenly Flame. Two brothers, both wielding such terrifying power, was bound to shake the empire's power structure. No surprise Mu Chen came to apologize personally—he must have realized the truth behind Xiao Yuan's mysterious strength.
Even Jia Xingtian had shown up today with the princess and treated them more warmly than the night before.
As Xiao Yuan mused, the competition neared its end.
As expected, though Xiao Yan started later than Liu Ling and the little princess, his Heavenly Flame allowed him to finish first.
Clang!
A crisp sound echoed across the square.
Xiao Yan's palm slapped his cauldron. The lid flew open, and a flawless pill shot into the air, which he caught in a jade bottle.
Clang! Clang!
Moments later, Liu Ling and the princess completed their refinements as well.
Clang, clang, clang…
One after another, cauldron lids popped open across the plaza. Hundreds of pills, some beautiful and others misshapen, shot into the air as their creators caught them with joy.
Xiao Yuan scanned the scene, then looked away, unimpressed. Most of what was produced couldn't be called "pills" at all—more like medicine balls.
Xiao Yan's, unsurprisingly, had the best appearance.
Soon, the match timer reached its end, and the final grains of sand fell in the massive hourglass. Red lights lit up at the stone platforms of those who hadn't completed their pills.
Sighing, these alchemists collected their cauldrons and left the field in defeat.
Xiao Yuan curled his lip. The very first round had eliminated nearly a third of the competitors—this competition was strict! If he'd participated without help from Yao Lao, he'd probably be among those disqualified.
Yao Lao offered no comment. From his view, Xiao Yan had easily passed as expected—he was, after all, Yao Lao's disciple.
Hai Bodong nearby looked equally bored. To him, Xiao Yan entering this competition was like a max-level character smashing through a beginner zone. Of course he'd come in first.
But that was because they all knew Xiao Yan's strength. The tournament still had to play by its own rules.
(END CHAPTER)
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