Chapter 38: Delivering the Bell
The next day.
Dan Ding City was still lively and peaceful. Smiles filled the faces of everyone on the streets—even those with little to no Dou Qi cultivation. Living in the Realm of Pills was a source of pride for all. And today, East Street was particularly bustling—Yao Ding had returned home to visit from the Imperial City.
Compared to someone like Yao Yan, a nobody in the crowd, Yao Ding was without question one of Dan Ding City's brightest geniuses in recent years.
At twelve, he had tested as having a sixth-grade bloodline and was instantly promoted to the core ranks of the Yao Clan. On that very day, elders from Dan Ding City had personally escorted him to the Imperial City. After years of study, he returned now as a Dou Wang.
To reach Dou Wang in his early twenties meant a future as a Dou Zun was entirely possible. Even with poor luck, reaching Dou Zong was practically guaranteed.
Such a talent was worlds apart from the masses—someone ordinary people could only look up to.
As a result—
Yao Ding's family status in Dan Ding City skyrocketed. They moved from their old home in the northern district to a luxurious estate in the bustling East Street.
…
Inside the spacious hall, guests filled the room, and the air was thick with festive cheer.
At the center, on the highest seat of the platform, stood a middle-aged couple in splendid robes. They clasped their hands together in greeting, enjoying the waves of admiration and envy directed their way. Their smiles carried more than just joy—there was also unmistakable pride.
These two were Yao Ding's parents. They had lived gloriously over the past few years, and many of their relatives and friends had benefitted as well—no longer needing to venture into dangerous places like the Shennong Mountain Range.
Beside them stood a young man with a cold expression. Throughout the entire banquet, he greeted guests with indifference, his face betraying little emotion.
The guests didn't mind. In fact, many still approached him eagerly, hoping to build connections.
But Yao Ding ignored them all. To him, these people were no longer on the same level. Ever since he left for the Imperial City, he had ceased being just a branch descendant—he had become a true member of the Yao Clan, with access to a world far beyond this little city.
Having seen more, his standards had naturally risen.
His future would never be tied to the small confines of Dan Ding City, nor to the lives of its commoners.
"Elder Yao Sang from the clan academy has arrived!"
A loud announcement came from the entrance, momentarily quieting the banquet. Many stunned gazes turned toward the door—none had expected Yao Ding's return to draw the attention of this elder from the clan academy.
Upon hearing the name, a faint smile appeared on Yao Ding's face. He quickly stepped forward to welcome him. "Teacher, you came? I was planning to visit the academy this afternoon!"
"You're back—how could I not come see you? Not bad. You've progressed quickly over these years."
An old man in simple robes entered the hall, surrounded by attendants, smiling warmly at Yao Ding.
"It's thanks to your early guidance, Teacher."
Yao Ding spoke respectfully, without a trace of arrogance.
Yao Sang had been his first alchemy teacher, instructing him in the basics when he was young. Yao Ding never forgot this, and since Yao Sang held a significant position in the academy, he had no intention of showing disrespect.
Seeing Yao Ding so courteous, Yao Sang's smile deepened. Over the years, he had trained many branch descendants, but only Yao Ding had reached core disciple status—with sixth-grade bloodline talent, he was considered a genius even among core members. That alone was reason enough for Yao Sang to come.
Teacher and student benefit each other. While he didn't expect to become Yao Ding's personal mentor, reinforcing their connection through their past relationship was well worth it.
"You've always been a bright one… I came in a rush today and didn't bring a proper gift, so here—take this pill formula."
Yao Sang stroked his beard and, after some thought, took out a scroll from his storage ring and handed it over. For an alchemist, the most precious gift was a pill formula. Although the Yao Clan possessed countless recipes, the valuable ones weren't freely available—especially high-tier ones, which could only be exchanged using clan contribution points.
What he had just handed over was a highly valuable sixth-tier formula: the Dou Spirit Pill. It could raise a Dou Wang's power by a full star—perfect for Yao Ding's current stage.
Yao Ding's expression lit up with surprise. He quickly bowed. "Thank you, Teacher!"
The Dou Spirit Pill formula was extremely valuable. Even in the Imperial City, it wasn't easy to obtain.
In the Yao Clan, once disciples reached a certain level, they were expected to fend for themselves—earning contribution points by refining pills for the clan. These points could be used to acquire techniques, formulas, pills, and more. Teaching at the clan academy also earned points, but most preferred pill refinement for faster rewards and skill advancement.
A pill like the Dou Spirit Pill would greatly accelerate Yao Ding's growth as a Dou Wang.
Whether used for trade or handed to the clan, it would bring him enormous cultivation resources.
"As long as you like it."
Yao Sang chuckled and nodded. This was an investment. If Yao Ding continued to rise, he would benefit in return. That was why he remained in the academy—his own talent had long since plateaued. His Dou Qi and alchemy had reached their limits. Advancing further was nearly impossible.
His only hope was through his disciples.
"Thank you for such a generous gift for our son, Elder Yao Sang. Please come in and have some wine."
At that moment, Yao Ding's parents stepped forward with enthusiastic smiles, warmly inviting Yao Sang inside.
Yao Sang did not refuse. The group smiled and moved into the hall.
The banquet officially began.
Guests took their seats, chatting and feasting.
…
Meanwhile, outside the estate, things were beginning to quiet down.
Yao Yan stood before the gate, Ling'er on his shoulder, his face covered by a mask. His dark eyes were calm and emotionless. At that moment, Yao Nong's voice rang in his ears: "The surrounding space is sealed. No one outside will hear a thing. One incense stick's time!"
As the words fell, invisible space ripples spread outward, enclosing the entire estate.
Boom!
Yao Yan wasted no time. He raised his hand and pulled out a bronze bell taller than a man from his storage ring. Under the terrified gaze of the guards, he lifted it with one hand and hurled it straight into the gate. The massive impact shattered the front doors, and the bell slammed to the ground with a deafening, resonant chime.
"Yao Yan has come… to deliver the final bell!"
(END CHAPTER)
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