Su Qian quickly regained the demeanor of a Dou Ancestor. After tidying his clothes, he walked alongside Han Feng.
From what he saw and heard along the way, he had to admit that the governance of Feng City was quite good.
Especially in the past few months, he had heard that the city had updated its laws and regulations, clearing out some lawless elements. When the Maple Forest Guard made a move, they were much more ruthless than ordinary cultivators.
Thinking that he had also been lectured by Han Feng just now, Su Qian's mood was not very pleasant.
He had a faint premonition that the Han Feng before him was not so easy to deal with.
The three of them made their way to the elegant reception hall of the City Lord's Mansion.
Han Feng beckoned for a servant to bring a tea set.
"A distinguished guest has graced my door today, so I will show off my skills."
He took out fifth-grade Green Spirit Tea Leaves, placed them in the tea set, and began to brew the tea personally.
Similar to the path of alchemy, brewing tea also had its own intricacies. How to perfectly bring out the fragrance and effect of the tea leaves depended on the water temperature and brewing time.
Elder Huo watched in awe as Han Feng inadvertently revealed his technique, his eyes fixed in a state of learning.
Su Qian smelled the fragrance of tea wafting in the air and immediately felt refreshed. His unpleasant mood seemed to have calmed down.
"Medicine Emperor, this tea is not simple," Su Qian commented.
"Fifth-grade Green Spirit Tea Leaves can be used in medicine for alchemy. How can it be a cheap item?" Elder Huo subconsciously retorted. Although Su Qian was higher in rank, the two were good friends, so pointing out this old fellow's ignorance was not out of line.
Su Qian's brow twitched. Old fellow Huo had been getting a bit cocky lately.
"Gentlemen, come and try my Green Spirit Tea. See if it suits your taste."
Han Feng smiled faintly, poured three cups of tea, and served them to the two with his Dou Qi.
"So fragrant~"
Elder Huo sniffed it and let out an intoxicated sound of praise, which made Su Qian, who was on the side, frown.
Exaggerated!
Su Qian picked up his teacup and took a sip.
Mm... it was indeed not bad.
After a few more sips, Su Qian put down his teacup and looked at Han Feng.
"Medicine Emperor, let's be frank," Su Qian said, getting straight to the point.
"I know very well who you are. I have also occasionally heard about the things you have done in secret. When you said you wanted to join Jia Nan Academy, the first thing that came to my mind was a weasel paying a New Year's visit to a chicken—with ill intentions."
Han Feng nodded slightly.
"Elder Su, let's not talk about what I've done in the past for now. Do you think I, alone, would come to Jia Nan Academy with malicious intent?"
Su Qian frowned.
"What are you trying to say?"
Han Feng smiled. "Headmaster Mang's cultivation is profound. I am just a mere Dou Emperor. If I wanted to cause trouble in the academy, wouldn't I be asking for trouble?"
Su Qian and Elder Huo looked at each other, both remaining silent.
After a moment of thought, Su Qian finally spoke, "It's not a matter of high or low cultivation. In fact, as long as one's character is upright, even if they only have the cultivation of a Dou Master, my Jia Nan Academy would still welcome them. But you, Medicine Emperor, I don't trust you."
Han Feng silently drank his tea without responding.
The atmosphere between them instantly grew cold. Elder Huo, caught in the middle, wanted to ease the tension but didn't know what to say.
Su Qian was speaking in riddles. Elder Huo did not know the details. Plus, Han Feng was a seventh-grade alchemist, so of course, he would be happy for him to join Jia Nan Academy.
But due to his position, Elder Huo could not help.
If Han Feng really had malicious intentions, he could not bear the responsibility.
Su Qian was actually hesitant in his heart as well.
First, they were now in Feng City, so it was not good to be too blunt. Second, the title of a seventh-grade alchemist was indeed formidable.
If he let Han Feng develop on the outside, and Jia Nan Academy was his target, he would have to face Han Feng sooner or later.
At that time, it would not be unexpected for a few Dou Ancestors to appear by Han Feng's side.
"Medicine Emperor, you are now a seventh-grade alchemist. You would be an honored guest anywhere. Why do you want to join my Jia Nan Academy? If you can give me a suitable reason, I am not completely unwilling to consider it."
After much struggle, Su Qian finally said something to ease the tension.
Instead of letting Han Feng develop on the outside, it was better to first probe his needs.
If he really posed a great threat to Jia Nan Academy, Su Qian still understood the concept of "luring the wolf into the den."
This time, Han Feng had used an open conspiracy to lure them here, and Su Qian had no choice but to take the bait.
Once they got to Jia Nan Academy, hmph, the tables would be turned.
Although Headmaster Mang Tianchi was not present, Jia Nan Academy still had two powerful guardians. Su Qian was not afraid of Han Feng's martial threat at all.
Hearing Su Qian's words, Han Feng was a little surprised.
He had originally thought of using other methods, but he hadn't expected the other party to open the door himself.
"The reason is simple. I want my disciple to live a healthy and happy life in Jia Nan Academy, instead of growing up in the chaotic Black-Corner Region. Here, she won't meet any friends."
Han Feng said in a sincere tone.
He had a clear conscience, because this was of course... one of the reasons, right?
"Oh? The Medicine Emperor has also taken a disciple?"
This was the first time Su Qian had heard this news.
Generally speaking, for a major figure like Han Feng, it should not be unknown when he takes a disciple.
"Yes, a very cute little girl."
When Han Feng spoke of Lin Xian'er, a natural smile appeared on his face.
Su Qian's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at Han Feng.
"The Medicine Emperor is not the same as before."
"Why do you say that?"
Han Feng looked at Su Qian, his eyes frank.
Su Qian pondered for a long time and shook his head.
"Perhaps it's just my imagination."
In any case, as the current acting head of the academy, he had to be responsible for the safety of the students.
He would tentatively agree to his request. When they returned to Jia Nan Academy, he would debate with him in detail.
Su Qian's thoughts had, by a strange twist of fate, fulfilled Han Feng's wish.
This meeting between the two sides was a complete success.
Han Feng got what he wanted, permission to enter Jia Nan Academy. Su Qian also stabilized Han Feng, ensuring the safety of Jia Nan Academy's teachers and students during this competition.
After seeing the two of them off, a faint smile appeared on Han Feng's lips.
Elder Su was still a bit too naive. A seventh-grade alchemist was not some small fry that you could dismiss at will.
When he entered the Inner Academy, whether he stayed or left would no longer be up to you, Su Qian.
———
Returning to the inn, Elder Huo wanted to play a game of chess with Su Qian, but he was directly refused.
Su Qian sat in his chair, carefully deliberating. He felt that he had been too rash just now.
He had actually been intimidated by Han Feng's silent aura and had been the first to speak!
He shouldn't have. He really shouldn't have.
Su Qian would not have been too wary of Han Feng originally; after all, he was just a Dou Emperor. But who would have thought that the other party would put him in his place as soon as they met, which had slightly affected his mentality.
And old fellow Huo had been slacking off during the entire negotiation, and even holding him back.
"A seventh-grade alchemist."
Su Qian murmured softly.
"Forget it. Let's take it one step at a time."
———
The next day.
The Black-Corner Region Alchemy Competition officially began.
Han Feng brought the women with him to watch.
Medusa was very interested in pills now, so she also chose to rest for a few days, wanting to see how others refined them.
After seating the women in a private box with an excellent view, Han Feng himself needed to go and preside over the event from the highest stone stage.
Many factions had come to observe this alchemy conference. Old factions like the Black Emperor Sect and the Demon Flame Valley had all sent people, which was enough to show the importance they attached to this conference.
Su Qian and Elder Huo, as the representatives of Jia Nan Academy, also sat on the high stage. Su Qian was even only one seat away from Han Feng.
"Medicine Emperor, it's been several months. You look more magnificent than ever," Mo Tianxing said as he strode over, his voice hearty, as if he wanted to show that his relationship with Han Feng was very good.
Han Feng nodded slightly and smiled at him.
"Sect Master Mo, I trust you've been well."
Su Qian turned his head and looked at Mo Tianxing.
The gazes of the two Dou Ancestors met, and the air seemed to become much heavier.
"This must be the Great Elder of Jia Nan Academy, Su Qian. I've long admired your name."
"I have also long heard of Sect Master Mo's great reputation," the old man replied.
The two of them commercially flattered each other for a bit, and then the atmosphere quickly cooled. They turned their heads and sat down in their respective seats.
They were both bosses of top-tier factions, but neither was willing to submit to the other.
In a sense, the Black Emperor Sect was also under the control of Jia Nan Academy. Maintaining the balance of power in the Black-Corner Region and not letting any one party become too strong was also one of Jia Nan Academy's responsibilities.
This work was specifically carried out by Jia Nan Academy's law enforcement team, which, like Feng City's Maple Forest Guard, were both the elite of the elite.
Han Feng maintained a faint smile and looked ahead. More and more faction leaders arrived, greeting Han Feng with salutes.
Su Qian now finally understood the value of a seventh-grade alchemist.
Not a single person had a long face. Even the Great Elder of the Demon Flame Valley, Fang Yan, was all smiles towards Han Feng.
He was suddenly a little glad that he had agreed to Han Feng's request yesterday.
Otherwise, if he had angered him, who knew how much trouble would arise in the future.
After the spectators had basically entered, the venue was packed.
The host of the competition began to stir up the excitement in the venue, announcing the prizes for this competition, which made everyone's blood boil.
Although they were not participating, it did not affect their excitement.
The participants entered the venue one by one. Most of them were exclusive alchemists cultivated by the major factions.
Factions like the Demon Flame Valley and the Black Emperor Sect had sent quite a few young alchemists, among whom five had reached the third grade.
To be able to reach this realm before the age of thirty could be said to be quite talented.
Feng City also had people participating, and there were six third-grade alchemists under the age of thirty.
Elder Liu's arrangements were relatively stable. After all, they were the host. If their performance was too poor, it would be embarrassing.
The main event was still on Jia Nan Academy's side.
The alchemy department had sent dozens of alchemists this time. Although not many had reached the third grade, in terms of momentum and vitality, they surpassed everyone else present.
After the host had said enough, he officially introduced Han Feng, the seventh-grade alchemist.
"Let us welcome the organizer of this alchemy competition, and also the only seventh-grade grandmaster alchemist in the Black-Corner Region, the Medicine Emperor—Han Feng!"
Han Feng slowly stood up, looked at the crowd below, and said, "An alchemist is a sacred profession. It requires a talent bestowed by the heavens, and also requires diligent study and practice. The fact that you can come here already shows your talent. Let me see who can stand at the end of this competition!"
"I declare the first Black-Corner Region Youth Alchemist Competition officially open!"
Clang!
A thick and long bell rang. The host took over the script and began to read out the content of the first match.
...
Half a day passed, and one-third of the participants below had been eliminated.
The difficulty of the first match was moderate, testing one's mastery of pharmacology and practical experience.
On each contestant's table were three portions of the same type of medicinal ingredient, but the alchemists needed to carefully distinguish them, rule out the one that did not meet the age requirement, and then extract the essence of the medicinal liquid to the specified concentration.
For experienced alchemists, this was not difficult. Even alchemists with excellent soul power only needed a light scan to find the difference and could complete the tempering in less than two quarters of an hour.
But for some alchemists with a weak foundation, they might not be able to pass.
The alchemists sent by the several factions were more or less eliminated.
But what was worth pondering was that among the alchemy department of Jia Nan Academy, more than a dozen people were eliminated.
Among them, even a second-grade alchemist was eliminated.
Han Feng glanced at Su Qian and Elder Huo and noticed that their faces were a little dark.
The alchemists from Feng City had the fewest eliminations, with only two first-grade alchemists being eliminated symbolically.
After all, they were the organizers and had a slight information advantage.
Perhaps Elder Liu had paid great attention to the basics when selecting people.
Without giving the promoted contestants a break, the competition quickly moved to the second round.
The difficulty was still moderate.
Refine a second-grade pill, the Blood Replenishing Pill.
The difficulty of refining this pill was not great, but no formula was given. Only hints about which ingredients were needed were listed.
The specific quantities and refining methods had to be figured out by the alchemists themselves.
Another half a day passed, and this time, half of the contestants were eliminated.
The number of people from Jia Nan Academy had been reduced by nearly half.
Han Feng nodded. He had figured it out. The level of the Jia Nan Academy's alchemy department was very average.
Su Qian couldn't bear to look and cast a "I'm going to kill you" look at Elder Huo.
Elder Huo returned a "stay calm" look.
By now, he was also mentally prepared.
Those students in the alchemy department, the serious ones were indeed serious, but most of them had already mastered how to pass the alchemy exam with the least amount of effort.
If these bastards weren't pulled out for a real test, they would really think they were invincible.
Now there were only a dozen or so people left on Jia Nan Academy's side.
They had completely lost their initial vitality, and a hint of fatigue could be seen between their brows.
The second match, in addition to alchemy skills, was also a test of the alchemists' stamina.
For those who had exhausted all their energy to pass the first round, unless they had refined the Blood Replenishing Pill before, they would not have that much energy to keep trying and failing.
The alchemists from Feng City were symbolically eliminated by another four or five people, leaving nearly ten people to participate in tomorrow's finals.
Han Feng glanced at Elder Liu, who was nodding with a profound expression, as if everything was under his control.
Fortunately, he didn't overdo it.
Han Feng shook his head.
As the second match came to an end, today's competition also came to a close.
The crowd left one after another. Han Feng also took the women back to the bamboo building. The city dispatched a large number of Maple Forest Guards to patrol everywhere.