"Hahaha, I knew Xiao Jietian would win the championship." Hai Bodong laughed heartily upon seeing his Palace Lord take the title, feeling immensely honored.
"Friend Xiao Jietian, to be able to refine a Tier-5 pill at such a young age truly puts us old-timers to shame. I imagine many factions are already preparing to extend tempting olive branches. Your Miter family has truly found a treasure."
Jia Xingtian's form of address had changed from "Little Friend" to "Friend," already placing Xiao Jietian on equal footing with himself.
"Just lucky, just lucky."
"That little fellow Yan Xiao isn't bad either. He'll probably be hotly contested too. To be able to refine a Three-Line Azure Spirit Pill—his potential is also limitless."
Hai Bodong glanced at Xiao Yan, who was beside Xiao Jietian, and said meaningfully.
As if remembering something, Hai Bodong smiled subtly, his eyes flickering toward Nalan Jie and the others in the VIP section.
The first and second places were taken by two brothers, yet such a family and talent were driven out by their own.
…
"Mr. Xiao Jietian, congratulations." Princess Yao Yue also came over, smiling sweetly.
"Just a fluke." Xiao Jietian said with a smile, once again borrowing the famous line of "Brother Fluke."
Liu Ling, off in the distance, also showed a barely friendly expression toward Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan.
Xiao Jietian didn't pay him any mind. Presumably, this setback had made him realize that there's always someone better, and a sky beyond the sky. Besides, he belonged to his woman's faction.
That made him one of their own, so there was no need to hold a grudge.
Xiao Jietian packed up his things, glanced at the fervent gazes around him, and turned to walk toward the passageway.
Among the participating alchemists, some were beaming with joy, while others wore a hint of regret.
Regardless, they were all outstanding individuals in this Alchemist Convention. Many of them knew they couldn't win the championship; participating was just to seize an opportunity, to secure a future.
By showcasing their alchemy skills, they could attract recruitment from various factions, thereby rising rapidly.
Being an alchemist is the most expensive profession, and joining a faction is the best choice for those without a background. Only then can they obtain the resources needed to improve their alchemy.
As the alchemists in the arena left one after another, this grand Alchemist Convention finally drew to a close.
…
After Xiao Jietian successfully reunited with the three women, chatted with Otto and the others for a while, they returned to the Alchemist Guild, where two rooms were arranged for Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan to rest and recover their spiritual power.
An hour later.
Xiao Jietian opened his eyes; his depleted spiritual power had returned to its optimal state.
"This pill-refining technique is truly mentally draining; no wonder it hasn't been widely passed down."
Xiao Jietian sighed inwardly. This technique was only manageable for him due to his powerful soul. If other Tier-5 alchemists used it, they'd likely be left in an extremely weakened state.
"How do you feel? Have you recovered? Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?"
Ya Fei and the other two came to Xiao Jietian's side, touching him here and there. Someone's hand even mischievously wandered to other places.
"Alright, alright, you've had your fun. It's time for me to collect my reward."
Xiao Jietian tapped Ya Fei's smooth forehead, saying with feigned annoyance.
She was the boldest here. Ever since that incident in the bath, she seemed to have let go of all restraint.
"I was just checking to see if you've recovered properly."
"Then be careful. Those people outside now are all eager to devour you. Don't let them charm you away."
"Don't worry, I'm not so easily charmed. My heart belongs only to you all."
Hearing this, the three women's hearts swelled with joy.
Xiao Jietian pinched Ya Fei's small face, kissed Little Doctor Immortal and Qing Lin on their foreheads, then turned and walked out.
"Sister Xian'er, look, he's playing favorites."
"He sure is. He always takes you with him wherever he goes."
…
Led by a guild member, Xiao Jietian arrived at Fa Ma's office and gently knocked on the door.
After Fa Ma's response, Xiao Jietian pushed the door open and entered.
Fa Ma, Hai Bodong, and Jia Xingtian were all sitting by the desk and smiled upon seeing Xiao Jietian enter.
Xiao Jietian chatted with them for a bit, then took a purple-silver scroll and a token from Fa Ma's hand.
The purple-silver scroll was the reward for this time: the Tier-6 pill formula, Soul Fusion Pill.
Just as Xiao Jietian received the scroll, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python coiled around his arm stirred slightly.
The token was an honorary elder token of the guild, granting special privileges without requiring obedience to anyone's commands.
This was, so to speak, a hidden investment. You enjoyed the privileges, but if the guild ever encountered trouble in the future, you couldn't stand idly by. Accepting it meant being branded with an invisible label.
However, having this token made many things more convenient, as many matters required status to facilitate them.
"Then I'll take my leave. I suppose you all can't wait either."
After a joking remark, Xiao Jietian left the room.
"It seems this little fellow guessed it."
Fa Ma was slightly stunned by Xiao Jietian's words.
The three then vanished from the room. Yan Li, who had fled the Jia Ma Imperial City, was, outside the city, torn to pieces by the three grudging old men, leaving Yan Li with a horrified expression.
…
The next morning.
Inside the Eternal Heaven World, Xiao Jietian awoke from sleep, released his embrace of the two women, dressed, kissed them on their foreheads, and left the room.
Upon stepping out, he saw Qing Lin standing outside the room, holding a copper basin.
"Didn't I say you didn't need to come today? Why are you still here?"
Xiao Jietian picked up the face towel from the copper basin and wiped his face casually.
"I am Young Master's maid. Serving Young Master is the most important thing."
Xiao Jietian affectionately ruffled Qing Lin's head: "Come, keep me company for a walk."
A flash of joy appeared in Qing Lin's eyes, and she happily put away the copper basin with quick steps.
Now, the entire Eternal Heaven World, specifically his palace, had been managed by the three women to be even more beautiful.
Even the palaces of the three women were planted and designed according to their preferences.
It truly felt like a paradise on earth.
After spending some time with Qing Lin, Xiao Jietian, following a bath, emerged from the Eternal Heaven World.
…
A streak of light streaked across the sky, landing in the forbidden area of the back mountains of the Yunlan Sect.
"I was wondering why the magpies outside were chirping so much today. It turns out we have a distinguished guest."
As soon as Xiao Jietian landed, Yun Shan's voice came from within the cave dwelling.
"I apologize for disturbing Sect Leader Yun's cultivation."
Xiao Jietian walked into the cave dwelling and sat down on a chair in front of Yun Shan.
"It seems Sect Leader Yun has been in a very good mood recently. You look even more spirited."
"Haha, that's also thanks to your help, friend. If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word."
Yun Shan replied with a smile, his eyes shining with admiration for Xiao Jietian.
"I've come today to discuss two matters with Sect Leader Yun, to avoid any unpleasantness later."
Xiao Jietian picked up the tea Yun Shan had poured on the table, took a sip, and said.
"Oh? What matters?"
Yun Shan also sobered his expression. Having once been defeated by him, he naturally didn't want to fall out with him.
If they fell out, Xiao Jietian would likely beat him up for fun.
"Tomorrow, my younger brother will have a duel with your direct disciple, Nalan Yanran. If my younger brother defeats her, and your sect's disciples and elders lose face, an escalating conflict would be undesirable. What do you think, Sect Leader Yun?"
Xiao Jietian leaned back in his chair, smiling at Yun Shan.
"Oh, there's such a matter? What was the reason for this duel?"
Yun Shan understood the meaning behind Xiao Jietian's words. If the conflict between the two sides escalated, he might intervene, and then, due to a matter of stance, he might end up opposing him.
"It's just a matter of a marriage contract, an agreement made between the two parties."
"Oh, a marriage contract? Emotional entanglements among young people can indeed become quite complicated sometimes."
"However, this was not a wise choice. What a pity—we could have been in-laws with you, friend."
Yun Shan was silent for a moment, then shook his head and slowly said.
"That's not a pity, because of the second matter I'm about to discuss…