The sky was a clear blue, without a single cloud in sight. Warm sunlight blanketed the land, gentle rather than scorching, while a soft breeze swept through the streets, carrying away the clamor of the city and leaving behind a rare, refreshing calm.
Today was a day of great celebration—the most momentous event the Alchemist Association had seen in decades.
On this day, the already-prestigious Association would welcome its first ever Grand Elder.
At the very heart of the Jia Ma Sacred City, where the busiest streets converged, the usually solemn and ancient building—long wreathed in the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs—was festooned with banners and lanterns. The once-quiet halls now thrummed with excitement.
By dawn, the streets surrounding the Association had been packed to the point of suffocation. And this wasn't a crowd of mere commoners—most of those gathered radiated Dou Qi, many being Dou Shi or even Da Dou Shi.
They had come to catch a glimpse of the man called Liu Xi.
To prevent chaos, the Imperial Family had dispatched nearly ten thousand elite soldiers to maintain order. Only then was the crowd held back from erupting into a frenzy.
At the Association's grand gates, even those who were usually lofty and proud—Alchemists of notable repute—stood in neat rows along both sides, smiles lighting their faces as they greeted guests.
The qualification for entry today was nothing less than Dou Ling level strength—a rank that could easily establish a medium-tier force outside.
One by one, powerful figures lined up, presenting lavish gifts to the attendants in exchange for a chance to step through those sacred doors.
"Haha! How could I not be the first to congratulate Master Liu?" A booming laugh echoed across the plaza. Striding forward in high spirits was Clan Leader Nalan Jie, his vigor restored since Liu Xi had purged his Searing Poison.
With his son Nalan Su in tow, the marshal cut through the crowd via a reserved passage. The nearby experts instinctively stepped aside, bowing slightly as the pair approached the gates.
From his finger, Nalan Jie removed a spatial ring and handed it to the attending alchemist, grinning broadly. "In celebration of Master Liu's appointment as Grand Elder of the Alchemist Association, I, Nalan Jie, offer fifty thousand gold coins, one Xuan Class Qi Method, and one Xuan Class Dou Technique!"
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"What generosity! That's easily worth more than fifty thousand in gold!"
"Well, of course—Clan Leader Nalan isn't just a Dou Wang, he's also the Empire's Marshal. If he doesn't offer a gift worthy of his rank, how could he ever win favor with a 6th Tier Alchemist like Master Liu?"
Laughter spread among the guests as Nalan Jie followed a middle-aged alchemist inside.
---
Within the Association's grand hall, all eyes were on Liu Xi—the unquestioned center of attention.
He stood beside President Fa Ma, surrounded by Alchemists of 3rd Tier and above. Those beneath that rank had been sent to assist with crowd control outside.
Clad in the deep violet ceremonial robe prepared for him, Liu Xi stood tall and composed. His sharp features, straight brows, and deep gaze carried a quiet confidence that made him unforgettable to any who looked his way.
"President Fa Ma, Master Liu—no, perhaps I should say Elder Liu now!" Nalan Jie said cheerfully as he entered, his voice ringing across the hall.
Liu Xi turned to glance at Fa Ma, who smiled faintly but said nothing—leaving the choice of words to his protégé.
Liu Xi responded with an easy smile. "Clan Leader Nalan, you've gone to great effort. I'll remember this kindness."
Nalan Jie waved it off. "Nonsense! Compared to the grace of saving my life, this gift is nothing at all!"
Before they could say more, a stir erupted outside once again. Moments later, Miteer Tangshan arrived—accompanied by Hai Bodong, now proudly representing the Miteer Clan once more. The former respectfully allowed Hai Bodong to lead the way, a gesture of deference that did not go unnoticed.
At the entrance, Miteer Tangshan announced loudly, "Miteer Tangshan, together with Elder Hai, comes to congratulate Master Liu! We offer one million gold coins and three 5th Rank Fire Attribute Monster Cores!"
A collective gasp swept the hall.
"One million gold coins! Three 5th Rank cores!" someone whispered. "The Miteer Auction House truly lives up to its name."
It was clear that Tangshan's generosity was more than friendship—it was a declaration of allegiance. With Hai Bodong's return, the Miteer Clan's position had grown stronger than ever.
"Please, both of you, come in," an attendant said, bowing deeply.
As they entered, Hai Bodong chuckled. "Little friend, you truly shine today. I must admit, I'm a little envious."
Liu Xi smiled. "Elder Hai jests. Back in your day, your name shook the entire Empire. Even now, the Ice Emperor's reputation is enough to make others tremble."
Hai Bodong laughed proudly. "If not for you, I would never have returned to this city. Everything I have now is thanks to you."
Liu Xi's lips curved. "So the million gold coins and those cores were your idea, then? Aren't you afraid the Miteer Clan will accuse you of abusing your authority?"
Before Hai Bodong could respond, Miteer Tangshan interjected with a laugh.
"Master Liu, this was a unanimous decision of the entire Miteer Clan. Elder Hai is our pillar of strength. Compared to his return, mere wealth is nothing."
Hai Bodong nodded, still smiling. "Indeed. The Miteer Auction House may be poor in many things, but gold is not one of them!"
---
As they spoke, Jia Xingtian entered, accompanied by Mu Chen and Princess Yao Ye.
"Little friend, today you truly stand in the spotlight!" Jia Xingtian said with his booming laugh.
Mu Chen added teasingly, "Master Liu is as elegant and composed as ever—radiant as jade, truly a sight for sore eyes!"
Princess Yao Ye, dignified yet visibly nervous, bowed lightly. "Master Liu, it's an honor to meet you again."
Though not a fragile princess, she still couldn't help but feel subdued before the young man whose talent eclipsed even her royal status.
Liu Xi smiled politely. "Welcome, Elder Jia, Clan Leader Mu, and Princess Yao Ye."
Just as he finished speaking, another roar of excitement shook the crowd outside.
A soft voice—clear and tranquil like water flowing over jade—floated through the air. "Yun Yun, Sect Leader of the Yunlan Sect, along with my disciple Nalan Yanran, has come to congratulate Master Liu on his appointment as Grand Elder of the Alchemist Association."
Gasps filled the hall. Even before she entered, her presence was like moonlight—cool and noble. The veiled beauty in white was accompanied by a young girl of thirteen or fourteen, her delicate face already hinting at breathtaking beauty in years to come.
Behind them walked three others, one of whom was the refined and composed Gu He, whose frown deepened slightly at the fiery gazes directed toward Yun Yun.
Following closely, three more Dou Wang realm experts called out one after another:
"Gu He, here to congratulate Master Liu!"
"Yan Shi, here to congratulate Master Liu!"
"Feng Li, here to congratulate Master Liu!"
A Dou Huang and three Dou Wangs—an entourage of extraordinary prestige—entered the hall.
And so, before long, all ten of the Jia Ma Empire's top powerhouses were gathered under one roof within the Alchemist Association.
Such a grand assembly—so many pillars of strength in one place—was something that hadn't been seen in decades.
(End of Chapter)
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