Jia Ma Empire, Royal Plaza
The venue for the Alchemist Conference.
Xiao Bai and Xiao Yan met Otto, the president of the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild, at the guild headquarters. Under his guidance, they made their way here.
Passing through the heavily armed soldiers at the perimeter, they entered the plaza, where the view opened up dramatically.
The plaza was circular, with ordinary spectator seats on either side. Across from them were lavishly decorated VIP seats. At the center stood over a thousand neatly arranged stone platforms.
"There's still some time before the event starts. Let's head to the VIP area first. I'll introduce you to some big shots—it'll be good for your future!" Otto glanced at a nearby sundial, smiling warmly at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Bai shot a teasing look at Xiao Yan, who instantly recalled their earlier jest about Otto recruiting him as a son-in-law. Rolling his eyes, Xiao Yan didn't object, and Otto led them to the VIP section.
"That's Master Fa Ma, president of the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Guild," Ao Tuo said, pointing to an old man in a purple alchemist robe seated in the front row. "He's close to reaching sixth-grade status, and his prestige rivals even Gu He's!"
As if sensing their gazes, the old man turned, his cloudy eyes narrowing. After studying them briefly, he smiled and beckoned. "Ao Tuo, come over and chat!"
"Master Fa Ma, it's been years, and you're still as spirited as ever!" Ao Tuo approached, bowing respectfully.
"You're not bad yourself—fourth-grade now. Impressive progress," Fa Ma said with a light chuckle, his gaze shifting to Xiao Yan. Nodding kindly, he added, "This young friend must be Yan Xiao, right? Your internal test results were quite good!"
Then, his eyes gleamed as they landed on the black-robed young man. Seemingly casual, he asked, "Forgive my poor eyesight, but who might this young friend be?"
"Bai. Just tagging along to watch the show," Xiao Bai replied with a shrug, pointing at Xiao Yan and smiling calmly. He felt a subtle probe from Fa Ma's soul power, which retracted quickly.
Fa Ma gave Xiao Bai a meaningful look, suppressing his shock. "The Alchemist Guild welcomes every well-intentioned alchemist," he said with a light laugh.
"Old fossil, who're you threatening?" A cold sneer cut through the air, startling those around the VIP seats. All eyes turned to the source.
A blue-robed old man strode over, stopping beside Xiao Bai and glaring at Fa Ma.
"Well, well, Ice Old Man! I heard you've been in seclusion for two years since your return. What brings you here today? Could it be…" Fa Ma's gaze lingered on Xiao Bai and Hai Bo Dong, his face full of surprise.
At his words, the VIP crowd realized who the newcomer was—the Miteer family's long-lost Dou Huang powerhouse. The guild elders, initially furious, quietly sat back down.
"If Master Bai hadn't wanted to come take a look, who'd bother with this lousy place?" Hai Bo Dong grinned, pulling Xiao Bai to a nearby seat. Waving dismissively, he added, "Don't be polite with this old geezer. Your presence here is his honor!"
"…!" Fa Ma was speechless.
"Master Bai?" Fa Ma's eyes flickered. From his earlier probe, he knew this young man was no ordinary figure, but he hadn't expected him to be so close with the prickly Hai Bo Dong. "The seal from Queen Medusa—you broke it?" he asked, staring at the lively Hai Bo Dong in disbelief.
"Heh, of course it's broken!" Hai Bo Dong smacked his lips, a lingering fear in his eyes. Glancing at Xiao Bai, he held back from saying it was that woman who'd undone it.
"Haha, Old Hai, Master Bai, you're here early!" A hearty laugh rang out from a distance. The crowd turned, their faces filled with shock.
What kind of wind is blowing today, dragging all these old monsters out?
A white-haired old man in a hemp robe approached, followed closely by two women—one older, one younger.
"Kid, who is your Brother Bai? How's he so chummy with all these big shots?" Ao Tuo whispered, tugging at Xiao Yan's sleeve.
Xiao Yan spread his hands. Hell if I know! He was familiar with Hai Lao, but this hemp-robed old man, with his commanding presence, was a mystery. When had Brother Bai gotten tangled up with him?
Sigh.
The hemp-robed old man sat down, his gaze sweeping over the group. A hint of nostalgia flickered in his eyes as he sighed, "It's been decades since we old-timers gathered like this, hasn't it? If Yun Shan were here, it'd be complete. I miss those youthful days."
"Indeed, it's rare," Fa Ma agreed. "This Ice Old Man vanished for over twenty years, and Yun Shan passed the sect leader role and went into secluded meditation. Who knows if he's fallen? The old faces we can still talk to are dwindling."
Xiao Bai listened in silence, amused. Yun Shan, fallen? He's already on a whole different level from you lot!
After their bout of wistful reminiscing, Jia Xing Tian turned to Xiao Bai with a smile. "Master Bai, the herbs you requested have been prepared."
Xiao Bai's face lit up, but seeing Jia Xing Tian's hesitation, as if he had more to say, he frowned slightly and waited.
"However… we scoured the royal stores and couldn't find any Phantom Spirit Grass. I hope you'll forgive us," Jia Xing Tian said.
"Still nothing?" Xiao Bai's disappointment was evident, but he waved it off. "Fine, no Phantom Spirit Grass then. Just send the rest."
"Thank you for your understanding, Master Bai," Jia Xing Tian said, visibly relieved. His gaze softened as he beckoned to the mature, aloof woman behind him. "Master Bai, these are my great-granddaughters. The younger one, Yue'er, you met last night. This is her elder sister, Yao Ye."
"Yao Ye, this is Master Bai. His cultivation and methods are extraordinary. Treat him with respect. If you can gain even a bit of his guidance, it'll benefit you immensely."
"…!" Xiao Bai blinked.
Methods? He hadn't shown off any grand techniques in front of Jia Xing Tian, had he? His eyes flicked to Hai Bo Dong, whose expression was suspiciously odd. Did this old guy blab something after I left last night?
"Yao Ye greets Master Bai," the cool, elegant woman said, her demeanor poised and gracious.
"No need for formalities, Eldest Princess," Xiao Bai replied, nodding lightly with a faint smile. "Your great-grandfather overpraises me. I'm just a wandering nobody with crude skills, hardly fit to guide anyone."
"You're too modest, Master Bai," Yao Ye said smoothly. "Great-grandfather told me of your deeds last night. With your talent, it's my honor to receive your guidance."
Her composed charm and rare smile left nearby noble youths starry-eyed. When did the Eldest Princess ever smile so warmly?
Xiao Bai finally caught on.
Well, damn! They were angling for her to become his disciple!
All that talk of "talent" and "deeds" was nonsense. Last night's brief standoff hardly revealed anything noteworthy.
"Hai Lao, what'd you tell that royal geezer last night?" Xiao Bai sent a mental message to Hai Bo Dong.
"I didn't spill anything wild—just sang your praises, all heroic and divine," Hai Bo Dong replied, his eyes shifty but his tone teasing. "Look, good things are coming your way! A beautiful disciple delivered to your door—what a deal!"
"Deal, my ass!" Xiao Bai shot him a fierce glare. This old troublemaker was just stirring the pot!
He got the picture now. This "disciple" business wasn't about learning—it was about forging ties. The royal family was playing the classic game: marriage, mentorship, anything to build connections.
"My skills are just brute force, not suited for teaching a young lady," Xiao Bai said, shaking his head. Pulling Xiao Yan, who'd been spectating gleefully, he smiled and introduced him. "My little brother here, though, is quite the talent. A second-grade alchemist at his age! You young folks should have plenty to talk about. Why not get to know each other?"
Xiao Yan, caught mid-gossip, was shoved forward before he could react. Blinking blankly at the stunning woman before him, he froze.
Damn it, Brother Bai screwed me over!
Snapping out of it, he itched to turn around and pummel the culprit into a pig's head.
"This must be Master Yan Xiao, right? Pleased to meet you!" Yao Ye said, quickly masking her surprise. She extended a hand with a slight smile.
"Uh, hello, Princess Yao Ye," Xiao Yan replied, awkwardly shaking her hand and quickly letting go.
"I hope you achieve great results, Master Yan Xiao. When you do, I'll host a banquet to celebrate," Yao Ye said, her smile warm.
"Thanks for the kind words," Xiao Yan nodded, forcing a smile.
"I won't disturb Master Bai further," Yao Ye said, glancing at Xiao Bai with a nod before stepping back behind Jia Xing Tian.
Jia Xing Tian's eyes flickered with a trace of disappointment. After hearing Hai Bo Dong's words last night, he'd made this decision. If Yao Ye could become Xiao Bai's disciple, it would be a boon for the royal family's current predicament and her future rule.
And, unspoken, he harbored a hope: two young people, spending time together, might grow closer. If their relationship deepened, all the better!
After this, the group chatted idly, the atmosphere gradually warming.
Suddenly, a stir rippled through the crowd. All eyes turned to the source.
"Master Bai, there you are! Yanran waited for you at the entrance forever!" Nalan Yanran and Ya Fei approached, greeting the seniors before stopping beside Xiao Bai with a smile.
Catching Xiao Yan's disdainful look, Nalan Yanran shot him a fierce glare.
"What's with the glare? Showing off those big eyes?" Xiao Yan slouched in his chair, rolling his eyes.
He no longer felt the same burning rage he once did at the sight of her. After seeing her so often, getting mad every time would've killed him before their three-year agreement!
Nalan Yanran sat gracefully nearby, her beautiful eyes flicking over him. "Whether my eyes are big or not is none of your business. Just don't embarrass Master Bai by failing to make the finals!"
"Heh," Xiao Bai watched the exchange, quietly anticipating Nalan Yanran's reaction when she learned the truth.
"Sorry to disappoint, but I'm taking the championship this time!" Xiao Yan said with a cold laugh, brimming with confidence.
He could handle being underestimated by anyone—except this woman.
As he spoke, a chilling gaze swept over him. Turning, he saw a handsome young man staring at him with a twisted expression. Scratching his head, Xiao Yan muttered, "Brother Bai, who's that guy? Do I know him? He looks like he wants to eat me alive!"
Xiao Bai glanced at the youth, who quickly lowered his eyes, avoiding his gaze.
"That's Liu Ling, Elder Gu He's disciple—your biggest rival this time," Nalan Yanran said, turning to look. She instantly understood the situation.
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up as it clicked. The guy was smitten with his former fiancée! His face darkened. Though Nalan Yanran infuriated him, she'd nearly been his. The thought of her in this guy's arms sparked an unexpected surge of irritation.
"My biggest rival? Him?" Xiao Yan scoffed.
"Don't get cocky," Nalan Yanran said, exasperated. "His alchemy skills aren't weak, and his teacher's a sixth-grade alchemist!"
"So what? My Brother Bai's sixth-grade too, and my teacher's eighth-grade. Am I bragging?" Xiao Yan rolled his eyes, muttering to himself, Long hair, short sight. A frog in a well, falling for any random nobody!
Feeling that venomous gaze again, Xiao Yan whipped around and glared back. Keep staring, punk—think I'm scared?
"Brother Bai, I'm done holding back. I'm gonna crush that jerk!" Xiao Yan sent a mental message, seething.
"Go for it," Xiao Bai said, amused by Xiao Yan's sudden fury. "But without your Heavenly Flame, just your Purple Beast Flame? Might be tough."
"Brother Bai, you don't like that Gu He guy either, right? Help me out!" Xiao Yan's eyes darted, rallying Xiao Bai to his cause.
"How?" Xiao Bai glanced at Xiao Yan's scheming expression, smiling faintly.
"Lend me some fire!" Xiao Yan grinned slyly.
"Fallen Heart Flame?" Xiao Bai instantly saw through his plan.
"Heh, exactly! Like how Teacher borrowed Bone Chilling Flame. Just a bit—it's only for refining a pill, won't take much!" Xiao Yan chuckled. He'd heard from his teacher about Fallen Heart Flame's wonders, the ultimate cheat for cultivation, and had long wanted to try it. Now was his chance.
"Fine," Xiao Bai said with a smile. "But you're on your own today. I'll lend it to you tonight for tomorrow's finals."
"Deal!" Xiao Yan's eyes gleamed, his grin wide. "No worries, it's just the first round. I've got this in the bag. Using heavenly flame now would be overkill!"
____
If you want to support me and read advanced 100+ chapters and other stories join: patreon.com/Caluem