Chapter 85: The Dagger Revealed
Jia Xingtian.
The protector, ruler, and emperor of the Jia Ma Empire. Known as "Old Man Jia in Hemp Robes," he possessed the peak strength of a Nine-Star Dou Huang. Within the empire, he was undoubtedly among the top-tier powerhouses. His age even exceeded Hai Bodong's, making him part of the same generation as Yun Shan and Fa Ma—a true old relic.
Perhaps due to his age, the man had become hesitant in decision-making, lacking the courage to burn bridges. In the original story, he was the quintessential fence-sitter, always siding with whoever was stronger.
This sharply contrasted with men like Hai Bodong and Teng Shan.
Still, it was somewhat understandable.
As emperor, Jia Xingtian had to consider the entire empire in his every move. He couldn't afford to act as boldly as Hai Bodong. The greater the responsibility, the more carefully one had to weigh every word and action.
Yao Yan recalled all the information he had about Jia Xingtian and made a few predictions about the upcoming meeting.
He didn't have to wait long before Teng Shan arrived with an elderly man.
The man had white hair and wore a form-fitting martial outfit. His back was straight, his steps steady and forceful—a man used to being in power. His demeanor was one of elegance and confidence. But that lofty aura vanished almost instantly.
The stern look on his old face softened the moment he saw Yao Yan. Smiling kindly, he greeted, "You must be Young Master Yao."
Even as he spoke, his sharp eyes scanned Yao Yan up and down, clearly calculating something.
Political men are always full of schemes… Yao Yan made a quick judgment the moment he laid eyes on Jia Xingtian: this old man wasn't a good person. But that was only natural—how else could someone monopolize the throne for nearly a hundred years? He had sons and grandsons, yet somehow outlived them all.
With that thought, Yao Yan even felt a flicker of sympathy for three seconds.
In the world of fantasy, heirs were often just for show.
"You came for something?"
Yao Yan cut straight to the point. He had no interest in playing games of diplomacy with Jia Xingtian. With men like him, you just got down to business.
Jia Xingtian was slightly taken aback and glanced at Teng Shan. He hadn't expected Yao Yan to be so blunt. From what Teng Shan had told him, the boy was supposed to be easygoing. Why the sudden change?
Did Teng Shan deliberately deceive me?!
Of course, he couldn't question that in front of Yao Yan. Forcing a laugh, he replied, "I'm an old acquaintance of Hai Bodong. I heard about you from him and was stunned by what I learned. When I found out you were in the capital, I came to pay my respects."
Yao Yan listened quietly, then raised a brow with a smirk. "Just to pay respects?"
He didn't buy it. Someone like Jia Xingtian wouldn't go out of his way to socialize unless he wanted something. A Nine-Star Dou Huang didn't lower his tone for nothing.
Jia Xingtian swallowed his words. After a long sigh, he said bitterly, "To be honest, I came to ask for your help. I wonder if you know of any alchemists capable of refining a sixth-grade pill. I'm willing to pay generously to have one made."
Now they had arrived at the real reason for his visit.
A sixth-grade pill.
Such pills occasionally appeared in the Jia Ma Empire, but they were always imported from other regions. No one in the empire itself could refine them. Even across the entire northwest region, few factions could hire a sixth-grade alchemist—and such factions certainly wouldn't do Jia Ma any favors.
In the broader northwest, the Jia Ma Empire was only a second- or third-tier force. Only those with Dou Zong-level experts could be considered first-rate.
"A sixth-grade alchemist? A servant in my clan happens to be one."
Yao Yan smiled as he spoke, a reply that made both Jia Xingtian and Teng Shan mentally shut down. Yao Yan himself remained unfazed and continued, "Unfortunately, I can't reach my clan at the moment. But if you have the right materials, I can refine a sixth-grade pill for you myself."
"Aren't you a fifth-grade alchemist?!"
Jia Xingtian swallowed hard, staring in disbelief at the young man before him. Was it really possible for someone not even seventeen to reach the level of a sixth-grade alchemist?
Even if he'd started in the womb, it shouldn't be possible!
Thinking back on what Yao Yan had just said, his heart quivered. A sixth-grade alchemist… as a servant. He didn't even know how to react. His curiosity about Yao Yan's background grew stronger—if the junior was already this monstrous, then his elders must be unimaginably powerful.
A Dou Zun? Or perhaps… that word he didn't even dare to think about.
Yao Yan sighed faintly. "I tried a while back, and to my surprise, I could barely refine one. But only the more basic sixth-grade pills. As for the higher-grade ones, my current Dou Qi isn't strong enough."
The Purple Crystal Core Pill he made for the young Amethyst Winged Lion was a legitimate sixth-grade pill—the resulting vision during refinement was undeniable proof.
Teng Shan remained silent but stared at Yao Yan with growing admiration. He was more convinced than ever that befriending Yao Yan would be the greatest opportunity in the Miteer Family's history. In this, he had to admit—Hai Bodong's eye for talent was still as sharp as ever.
Jia Xingtian's previously upright posture subtly lowered. Even his smile took on a hint of flattery. "I have all the materials ready. This is the formula for the 'Primordial Bone Molding Pill,' Young Master, please have a look."
As he spoke, he took out a scroll from his storage ring and moved to hand it over.
Yao Yan didn't take it. He calmly eyed the scroll and commented, "I already have the recipe. It's a sixth-grade pill meant for healing injuries in magical beasts. The medicinal effects are extremely intense—ordinary human bodies can't handle it."
As a member of the Yao Clan, with Hun Xu Zi as his teacher, Yao Yan's mind was filled with pill recipes—especially from grade one to six. This one, naturally, was among them.
In the sixth-grade category, it was fairly standard—less valuable even than the Purple Crystal Core Pill he had created. It was strictly a support-type healing pill with heavy limitations due to its potency. Unless you were a magical beast, it was practically unusable.
Hearing this, Jia Xingtian was finally convinced and grew more respectful. His smile softened even further. Facing a not-yet-seventeen sixth-grade alchemist, even a peak Dou Huang had no issue bowing his head.
"Would you be willing to give it a try, Young Master? The Jia Ma Empire is prepared to offer any price."
He spoke sincerely.
Never mind that the pill was for an old friend—just winning Yao Yan's favor would be worth any cost. Even if they failed to form a close alliance, offending him was absolutely out of the question.
"Any price? I happen to be heading to the Snake-People's territory today, to meet the current Queen Medusa. I'm still missing a proper gift. Would your empire be willing to cede a piece of land suitable for the Snake-People to inhabit—and present it to her?"
Yao Yan calmly revealed his true demand.
(END CHAPTER)
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