Chapter 640: The Medicine Clan's Medicine Codex, Meeting Xiao Yan Again
A month passed quietly and uneventfully. As expected, peace continued to reign during this time. Mo Yu enjoyed a month of leisure, but it was likely the last of such days for years to come, as the Medicine Clan's Medicine Codex was fast approaching.
At the main tower in Yuan City...
"For this trip to the Medicine Clan, Gu He and I will go alone. Yuan Mansion needs to be ready to deal with the Soul Palace at any moment. The rest of you must stay here and guard the city in case anything happens," Mo Yu said, smiling at the upper echelons of Yuan Mansion gathered before him.
Although Mo Yu knew that the Soul Clan was mostly focused on the Medicine Clan, there was always a chance that due to the butterfly effect, they might shift their attention to Yuan Mansion instead. If Mo Yu took all the experts with him, Yuan Mansion's defenses would be left dangerously vulnerable.
"Take good care of Yuan Mansion," Mo Yu added, looking at Cai Lin.
"Mm," Cai Lin nodded slightly. With her current strength, no one in Yuan Mansion, aside from Mo Yu, could match her.
"Since that's settled, let's head out," Mo Yu said, turning to the middle-aged man standing next to him. This man had a distinct aura about him. His chiseled face made it clear that he had been quite the handsome figure in his youth. Even now, despite his older age, he carried a mature charm that only deepened with time.
This man was none other than Gu He, once the number one alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire, known as the Dan King. Over the years, Gu He's appearance had not changed much, but his mature demeanor had become even more pronounced, fully embodying the charm of an experienced man.
"It's an honor to travel with the Mansion Master," Gu He said with a slight smile and a respectful nod.
"Heh, Gu He, you're becoming more formal with each passing day," Mo Yu chuckled as he shook his head. His figure began to rise into the air, and he smiled at the people gathered below. "Alright, no need for any grand farewells."
With that, Mo Yu turned and swiftly flew towards the outskirts of Yuan City. Gu He followed closely behind.
The Medicine Clan resided in the Shennong Mountain Range, located at the extreme southern edge of Central Plains. In fact, geographically, this area was almost considered outside the boundaries of Central Plains, making it quite remote. However, due to the Medicine Clan's presence, the region remained bustling with activity. The mountains were rich in rare medicinal herbs, attracting alchemists from far and wide who came in search of ingredients. As a result, the Shennong Mountain Range was always teeming with people.
The Medicine Codex was one of the most significant events within the Medicine Clan. The timing of the event wasn't fixed, varying depending on the circumstances. It bore some resemblance to the Dan Tower's Alchemist Grand Meeting. In essence, it was a gathering of the continent's top-tier alchemists, and through this event, one could find out who was the best alchemist on the continent!
Participants in the Medicine Codex included both members of the Medicine Clan and other famous or highly skilled alchemy masters from across Central Plains. However, only a few non-Medicine Clan members were ever invited, as only the most outstanding alchemists could catch the attention of the Medicine Clan.
Gu He was invited not only due to Yuan Mansion's alliance with the Medicine Clan but also because of his remarkable alchemy skills, which was the main reason for his invitation.
Although Yuan Mansion was far from the Shennong Mountain Range, at Mo Yu and Gu He's speed, the journey took only half a day. By dusk, the mist-covered Shennong Mountains finally came into view.
"What dense energy... The Medicine Clan truly occupies an excellent location. It's worthy of being an ancient clan," Gu He remarked in admiration as he observed the swirling mist above the mountains, which wasn't ordinary mist but was formed by pure natural energy. Cultivating in such a place would undoubtedly speed up one's progress.
Mo Yu also nodded in agreement. His figure began to descend slowly, landing above a deep ravine deep within the mountain range.
Opposite the ravine stood a massive stone archway, about a hundred meters tall. An ancient aura radiated from the archway, and within it was a swirling, distorted space—this was the spatial gate to the Medicine Clan. People were constantly emerging from the forest or sky, presenting jade slips to the Medicine Clan guards stationed at the archway, before being allowed entry.
"Let's go," Mo Yu said, glancing at the people entering the spatial gate. He was about to step through when something caught his eye, causing him to stop. A small smile slowly formed on his lips.
Noticing that Mo Yu had paused, Gu He looked in the direction of his gaze. There, he saw two familiar figures: an old man and a young man.
The young man wore a black robe, his face resolute, and his black eyes seemed as deep as an abyss, giving off an unfathomable aura. The old man had a kind and gentle expression, appearing ordinary at first glance. However, only those with insight would recognize the immense power hidden within him.
Seeing these two, Gu He blinked in surprise. He too recognized them, and a smile gradually spread across his face.
"Mo Yu, cousin!"
The two figures, of course, were none other than Xiao Yan and Yao Lao, who had traveled all the way from Starfall Pavilion. Xiao Yan immediately noticed Mo Yu and quickly made his way over, his face full of delight.
"Haha, Xiao Yan, I knew the Netherworld Lotus Flame wouldn't trap you forever. It's been two years, and I assume you've tamed that flame by now," Mo Yu said with a light laugh as he stepped forward, patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder. He could sense the overwhelming power flowing within Xiao Yan, as fierce as a volcanic eruption. Xiao Yan's strength had likely reached a level comparable to the Soul Palace's leader. The Netherworld Lotus Flame had undoubtedly given Xiao Yan a tremendous boost in power.
The future Flame Emperor's rise was indeed unstoppable.
"Haha, as expected, nothing escapes your notice, cousin. With Xun'er's help, it took two years, but I've finally subdued the flame," Xiao Yan replied, scratching his head with a smile. Then, as if remembering something, he turned to Mo Yu, his voice full of excitement.
"I heard you nearly killed the Soul Palace's leader right after I came out of seclusion! That's fantastic news!" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up with excitement. The Soul Palace had kidnapped his father, a grudge he had long held. Knowing that Mo Yu had come close to ending the leader of the Soul Palace filled Xiao Yan with joy.
"It's a shame that I didn't finish the job. But this way, you'll still have a chance to take your own revenge in the future," Mo Yu said with a smile.
"Yes, I will," Xiao Yan said firmly, his mind flashing back to the scenes of his father's kidnapping and the massacre of his clan. His determination only grew stronger.
After a few more words exchanged between them, Mo Yu greeted Yao Lao as well. The old man smiled warmly before turning his gaze toward Gu He.
"It seems that Master Gu has also been invited by the Medicine Clan to participate in the Medicine Codex," Yao Lao remarked with a soft laugh.
"Haha, it's an honor to have been noticed by the Medicine Clan," Gu He replied modestly.
"If someone like you is merely showing off, then there aren't many worthy alchemists left on the continent," Xiao Yan chuckled, shaking his head. Gu He had been nurtured by Yuan Mansion and had reached the peak of the eighth-tier as an alchemist, with the potential to break through to the ninth-tier. Even if he didn't win the Medicine Codex, it was far from "showing off."
"My achievements are thanks to the Mansion Master's guidance, but when it comes to alchemy skills, it is you and Yao Lao who I admire most," Gu He said sincerely, looking at both Yao Lao and Xiao Yan.
Yao Lao was known as the number one alchemist on the continent, admired by countless others, including Gu He himself, who had always looked up to him. As for Xiao Yan, Gu He had witnessed his incredible growth firsthand and knew just how terrifyingly gifted he was in alchemy. Gu He even suspected that Xiao Yan's skills had already surpassed Yao Lao's.
Although he didn't say it aloud, Gu He had a strong feeling that this year's Medicine Codex champion might not be from the Medicine Clan but could very well be the young man standing before him.
"Alright, enough with the compliments, you top-tier alchemists. Let's go participate in the Medicine Codex," Mo Yu said with a chuckle, waving his hand dismissively. Listening to the three of them praise each other made him, a weapon master, feel slightly out of place.
"Haha, quite right," Yao Lao nodded, then glanced at the familiar yet unfamiliar gateway in front of him. It had been many years since he had last set foot here. With a deep sigh, he stepped forward, entering the ancient stone gate. Mo Yu and the others quickly followed.
As they approached the gate, several figures standing guard immediately cast sharp gazes toward them, demanding, "This is a restricted area of the Medicine Clan. Who are you?"
"Tianfu Alliance. My teacher is Yao Chen. We're here to attend the Medicine Codex."
"Yuan Mansion. We were invited to the Medicine Codex as well."
"Oh, so it's Yuan Mansion and the Tianfu Alliance."
Upon hearing the names Mo Yu and Xiao Yan, the guards' expressions shifted noticeably. Both of their names were well-known, even among the ancient clans.
Particularly Mo Yu. Yuan Mansion had formed alliances with the Medicine Clan, the Thunder Clan, and the Fire Clan. Recently, Mo Yu had almost killed the Soul Palace's leader and captured Huang Tian, the leader of the Sky Serpent Clan. His reputation was fearsome.
"Please, go ahead. Once inside, someone will escort you further into the clan."
After verifying their identities, the guards immediately showed more respect. In this world, strength ruled above all, and Mo Yu's power was on par with some of the Medicine Clan's senior elders. The guards wouldn't dare offend him.
Nodding slightly, Mo Yu, Xiao Yan, Gu He, and Yao Lao stepped into the swirling space.
As they crossed the threshold, their surroundings shifted. The mountains were replaced by a lush, verdant plain. Giant winged beasts with wingspans of hundreds of meters soared through the skies.
"This way, please."
A man dressed in the armor of the Medicine Clan approached them swiftly, guiding the group onto the back of one of the giant birds. The bird's back was already filled with hundreds of figures, making the area feel quite lively.
Having been through similar experiences with the Ancient Clans, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan weren't fazed by the spectacle. They quietly found a secluded spot, sitting with Gu He and Yao Lao, watching the vast plain spread out below them.
After half an hour of flying, the clouds parted, revealing a towering mountain that soared into the sky. Atop the mountain were countless halls and structures, from which columns of smoke drifted lazily into the sky, carrying a rich scent of medicinal herbs.
The giant bird circled the mountain before finally descending onto a large square. Mo Yu and his companions disembarked and began walking toward the Medicine Clan's domain. As they did, Yao Lao gazed at the familiar surroundings, lost in thought.
Understanding the significance of the moment for Yao Lao, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan stood quietly by his side, hands tucked into their sleeves, waiting patiently. Gu He, after a brief pause, also stopped to reflect on some alchemical formulas he had been working on, pretending to nap.
As they stood there, their stillness made them stand out amidst the bustling crowd. It wasn't long before a cold, mocking voice rang out, breaking the silence.
"Well, well, I was wondering who could be so rude. It turns out it's you, Yao Chen. I'm quite surprised you even have the nerve to return after being exiled from the clan."
The people nearby slowed their steps, instinctively retreating as an old man with a cold smile approached.
"Yao Wan Gui."
Hearing the name, Mo Yu's brow furrowed, and he responded with a cold smile.
(Chapter End)
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