"I now announce the results of the preliminary round. Yun Tianming is first, Xiao Yan is second, Liu Ling is third, and Yao Yu is fourth."
Qie Mi'er smiled kindly and said seriously to everyone, "First of all, congratulations on passing the guild's internal test. Tomorrow will mark the official start of the Alchemist Conference. You should be aware that apart from Alchemists from our country, there will also be outstanding Alchemists from other countries participating. Their strength is not to be underestimated. You must do your utmost to surpass them. Otherwise, if in a competition hosted by the Jia Ma Empire, the championship is taken by Alchemists from other countries, it will be a disgrace to the host!"
"Yes!"
Under the banner of bringing glory to the country, the young participants, who were inexperienced, were immediately filled with excitement. Their enthusiastic responses resounded neatly throughout the hall.
Yun Tianming looked indifferent. He was a traveler, not someone from the Jia Ma Empire, so he naturally didn't harbor any "patriotic feelings." Participating in the Alchemist Competition was mainly for the championship prize, the Sixth Grade pill formula: Spirit Fusion Pill. This item was of great strategic value to both him and Queen Medusa.
Xiao Yan yawned expressionlessly. In recent years, the Xiao Family had developed rapidly, gaining control over the entire Wu Tan City and some surrounding smaller cities. It could be said that in that region, the Xiao Family's authority was more effective than orders from the imperial family.
"Humph! What's there to be arrogant about? This competition isn't just about refining materials. When it comes to real alchemy challenges, I, Liu Ling, will show you all that I am the most outstanding Alchemist among the young generation of the Jia Ma Empire!"
Despite being under the halo of Pill King Gu He's disciple, Liu Ling ended up with third place, which greatly damaged his pride.
"Yun Tianming, hehe~"
Yao Yu hurriedly walked over with small steps, tilting her head and blinking her bright big eyes, deliberately putting on an innocent and playful smile. "Tonight, the royal family and the Miteer Family are hosting a banquet together. There will be people from various families attending. Would you like to come?"
"To think that the princess herself is extending the invitation."
"Ugh! I'm so envious!!"
Upon hearing this, the people around them all cast envious glances at Yun Tianming.
Yun Tianming's eyes flickered. Initially, he wasn't very interested in this kind of banquet, but upon hearing about the Miteer Family, an image of a seductive and charming young woman involuntarily surfaced in his mind.
It's been three years. Ya Fei should have grown quite a bit, right?
Yun Tianming wasn't fond of the teenage version of Ya Fei, but he was somewhat interested in the mature version of her.
"Since Princess Yao Yu extended a sincere invitation; I will certainly follow."
Yun Tianming smiled and gestured with a slight bow.
Unexpectedly, Yao Yu narrowed her eyes, a sharp gaze firmly fixed on Yun Tianming's face. Her cute face then turned somewhat gloomy.
"Empty words."
"When you speak, you don't even look at me."
Huh? You noticed that too?
Yun Tianming widened his eyes slightly, then carefully looked at the cute girl in front of him. Internally, he remained calm and casually responded, "Princess, you're too adorable. I might be a bit nervous."
Do you think you are trying to pacify a three-year-old child?!
Yao Yu puffed up her cheeks instantly, feeling annoyed.
How dare he ignore this princess's charm!!
Yao Yu stomped her foot in frustration, then turned around with a flick of her braided hair on top of her head. She was quite annoyed internally: Hold back! This guy's talent is valuable to my royal family. Tonight, I'll bring my sister along. Maybe he likes someone a bit older.
Exiting from the Alchemist Guild, Yun Tianming, after a long absence, arrived at the headquarters of the Miteer Family's business association.
Tonight's banquet was officially hosted by the Miteer Family in the name of the Jia Ma royal family, entrusted to them due to their expertise in organizing such events.
"The storyline has changed."
Yun Tianming's eyes flickered slightly as he recalled the plot from the original work. This banquet was originally hosted by the Nalan Family to celebrate Nalan Jie's recovery from injury and to gain support from various factions. In the original story, Nalan Jie was emotionally disturbed after being rejected by Nalan Yanran, which led to him being injured by a Fifth Rank Magic Beast's poison during a battle.
Now, due to Yun Tianming's intervention, Nalan Yanran peacefully separated from the Xiao Family. Although Nalan Jie was still angry upon learning about it, it didn't escalate to the point of being disoriented, and thus, the poisoning incident involving Nalan Jie was avoided.
Inside the Miteer Family...
"Old Hai, during this banquet, we plan to announce to the outside world the news of Ice Emperor's return to the Miteer Family. What do you think?"
Tengshan is currently the patriarch of the Miteer Family, but he still holds the greatest respect for Hai Bo Dong, the strongest in power, and regards him as the supreme elder.
"Hmm~ In the years I've been away, Tengshan, you've done well. You continue as the patriarch, and your decisions will hold sway in the Family."
Years ago, Hai Bo Dong had acted rashly, challenging Queen Medusa alone in the Tager Desert, only to be defeated and sealed away for over a decade. Being proud, he was unwilling to return to the Miteer Family in disgrace and had since disappeared for many years.
"The younger generation is grateful for Old Hai's support!"
Tengshan's expression was filled with excitement. Although the Miteer Family had obeyed his commands inside and out after years of his management, as a shrewd businessman, he knew well that the so-called authority in the Family meant nothing before absolute strength. If Hai Bo Dong aimed to take over, the strength of a Dou Emperor would settle any disputes!
"Tengshan, pick some beautiful women from the clan, but remember, they shouldn't be too young. It's better if they're a bit more mature."
Hai Bo Dong gave this order seriously.
"Uh, Old Hai, are you getting stronger with age?"
Tengshan's expression turned strange. Not only did he specifically ask for more mature women, but he also seemed to have quite a playful side!
"Nonsense! What wild ideas are you conjuring up? I'm not picking them for myself but to win people over!!"
Hai Bo Dong scolded with a glare.
"I see. I wonder which young talent is so highly regarded by Old Hai?"
Tengshan smiled awkwardly, about to ask more questions when suddenly, Hai Bo Dong's eyes flashed with determination.
"Here they come!"
Before he finished speaking, Hai Bo Dong vanished from the spot.
Moments later, he reappeared in the main hall of the Miteer Family's business association.
"Old Hai, good to see you. All well?"
Yun Tianming stood with his back to the other person, yet his Soul Power had already sensed the other's presence.
"Tianming, my young friend, you've finally arrived."
"Tsk tsk~ In just a few short months, your aura has become increasingly powerful."
Hai Bo Dong looked at the young man in front of him with a face full of admiration.
Although he couldn't discern the other's true strength, the momentum that occasionally emanated from him was truly astonishing!
****
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