"The girl from the Yao Clan… I heard she always wears a cold expression, as if she's unapproachable," one of the Gu Clan girls remarked.
"Yeah, she's not even that attractive, but she acts like an ice queen!" another added.
"And her cultivation progress isn't great either; she's far behind you, Xun Er," a third girl chimed in.
These Gu Clan girls knew what Xun Er was likely thinking and were quick to disparage the Yao Clan girl.
"Is that so?" Xun Er smiled, pleased despite recognizing the flattery in their words.
"I think I'll go take a look," she said, curious. The ancient clans rarely interacted with each other, so the Yao Clan's sudden visit must have some purpose.
---
In the grand hall, Elder Yao Wangui chatted with the Gu Clan elders while his gaze swept over the young warriors present.
"I've heard that Gu Fei, the grandson of the Black Submerged King, once refined a Tier Nine Treasure Pill. Which of these young talents might he be?"
"Gu Fei isn't here; he's been in seclusion for over a year," Elder Gu Nanhai responded, shaking his head.
"Oh?" Yao Wangui looked a bit disappointed but remarked, "Such dedication to cultivation is truly worthy of the title of the greatest prodigy of our time."
However, as he praised Gu Fei, a cold glint flashed in the eyes of Yao Tian, who sat beside him. As a fellow prodigy, Yao Tian didn't want to admit that anyone was better than him, especially since Gu Fei's accomplishments were just rumors- he had never personally witnessed Gu Fei refine a Tier Nine Treasure Pill.
The Yao Clan had always been proud of their mastery of alchemy, considering themselves unmatched. To them, even the prestigious Pill Gatherings hosted by the Central Plains' Pill Tower were just child's play.
"Gu Fei achieved such feats at such a young age. I wonder, under which alchemy master did he study?" Yao Wangui asked further.
"We're not sure about that… Perhaps Gu Fei is self-taught!" a Gu Clan elder speculated.
"Our clan has countless ancient texts, including those on alchemy. It's not surprising if Gu Fei learned from them on his own," another elder added, though they were also curious.
"Self-taught… and just from reading texts, he could refine a Tier Nine Treasure Pill? What a joke!" Yao Tian scoffed, a hint of anger creeping into his voice. As a member of the Yao Clan, he knew how crucial a master's guidance was for anyone to achieve such alchemical prowess.
The Gu Clan's suggestion that Gu Fei was self-taught seemed like a deliberate insult, implying that the Yao Clan's inherited bloodline powers were useless.
"Please, no need for jokes… I believe that young Gu Fei must have had some encounter with a hidden master who taught him alchemy, but perhaps that master prefers to remain anonymous," Yao Wangui interjected diplomatically, sensing the potential for tension.
"Perhaps," the Gu Clan elders nodded, steering the conversation back to other topics.
At one point, Yao Tian, who had been silently drinking, couldn't hold back anymore. "I've heard that Gu Fei once successfully refined a Tier Nine Treasure Pill. I wonder if I could have the opportunity to spar with him in alchemy?"
Finally, the Yao Clan's true purpose was revealed. Recently, rumors had spread among the ancient clans that Gu Fei might become the strongest alchemist on the continent, possibly even overshadowing the Yao Clan. Yao Tian was here to see if these claims were true.
Just then, a cold voice echoed from the entrance of the hall, "Do you even deserve to challenge Brother Gu Fei in alchemy? I advise you not to embarrass yourself."
All eyes turned to see a young woman in green standing at the door- Xun Er. She had arrived just in time to hear Yao Tian's questioning of Gu Fei and couldn't help but mock him.
The Gu Clan elders, already frowning at Yao Tian's request, now frowned even more deeply. Yao Tian's words had been slightly provocative, but Xun Er's response was a direct insult, risking a strain in the relationship between the two clans.
"We'll only know if it's embarrassing after we try!" Yao Tian's eyes reddened with anger as he shouted.
"Brother Gu Fei doesn't have time for such trivialities. He's in seclusion, and I won't allow anyone to disturb him," Xun Er replied indifferently, ignoring Yao Tian's anger.
"He's probably avoiding us because he's afraid we'll expose him. I bet that so-called Tier Nine Grandmaster is just a myth…" Yao Tian began to speak more aggressively, but Yao Wangui quickly sent him a warning to hold back.
"I'll wait here in the Gu Realm until he comes out. He'll have to emerge someday," Yao Tian said coldly after calming down.
"Please, don't misunderstand. The Yao Clan has no intention of doubting Gu Fei. This is merely a friendly exchange between the younger generation, nothing more," Yao Wangui added, trying to ease the tension in the hall.
"Since Yao Tian is so eager, let him stay a while longer," one of the Gu Clan elders responded, though they were still displeased with the Yao Clan's approach. Refusing them outright might seem like they were hiding something.
"Since you insist on embarrassing yourself, don't regret it later," Xun Er shot Yao Tian a cold glance before leaving the hall.
---
Meanwhile, at the Nine Serene Springs, Gu Fei, unaware of the events unfolding in the Gu Clan's grand hall, remained seated in deep meditation by the springs, the world around him seeming to stand still as energy from the surroundings flowed into him.
Nearby, Zi Yan, who had already absorbed the demon saint's blood essence and reached the late Four-Star Dou Saint stage, rested her chin in her hand, watching him with a bored expression. "Why is it taking so long?" she wondered aloud.