An endless fragrance of medicinal herbs lingered above the vast medicinal fields, while the bustling crowd packed the suspended plaza in the sky, leaving no room to move.
As a family with a long history in the world of alchemy on the Dou Qi Continent, the Yao Clan naturally harbored a certain pride, especially when facing alchemists from the Central Plains who considered themselves the best.
However, this pride wasn't born of baseless arrogance. It was backed by real, undeniable strength.
Perhaps due to their bloodline, Yao Clan members always displayed a unique affinity when practicing alchemy. The special power flowing in their veins granted them an almost instinctual understanding of medicinal properties.
Moreover, many outstanding and talented individuals were born within the Clan, which laid a solid foundation for the clan's prominent standing in the world of alchemy.
But that said, although the bloodline power helped their disciples excel in alchemy, merely relying on it wasn't enough to reach the pinnacle of the field.
In the hierarchy of alchemists, the highest level was incredibly rare, no matter the power or influence.
On the Dou Qi Continent, alchemists were divided into nine ranks, with rank one being the lowest and rank nine the highest. Among the ninth-rank alchemists, there were three further divisions: Treasure Pill Grandmaster, Mysterious Pill Grandmaster, and Golden Pill Grandmaster, each representing different realms of alchemical mastery.
In fact, Gu Fei had already reached the level of a ninth-rank Treasure Pill Grandmaster many years ago. Now, his skills were nearing the level of a Mysterious Pill Grandmaster, though he had yet to officially refine a Mysterious Pill.
Before the official start of the Yao Clan's grand ceremony, it was customary for the younger generation to have a sparring competition.
For someone of Gu Fei's level, watching these young alchemists compete was like an adult watching children play.
"Heh."
The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. It seemed that even among the younger Yao Clan disciples, there were individuals worth noticing.
One such youth was Yao Tian, who performed exceptionally well. Recognized as the clan's top prodigy, his talent and understanding of alchemy far surpassed his peers.
Yet, when compared to himself, Yao Tian was like a firefly before the full moon- completely out of his league.
As the final match of the youth group concluded, all eyes turned to the stage.
At that moment, Yao Dan stood with his hands behind his back, surveying the crowd below, a faint smile on his lips.
"Everyone, the appetizer is over. I imagine you're eager to witness today's main event," Yao Dan said.
"This year's medicinal ceremony will feature a competition between four of the Dou Qi Continent's top alchemy grandmasters. The ultimate victor will earn the title of 'Continent's Greatest Alchemist.' I believe no one will dispute whoever claims this title."
Though his voice was calm, it carried the confidence of a true leader.
As his words fell, four figures suddenly appeared in the air above the plaza.
Leading the group was a figure dressed in black robes with a sullen expression — Hun Huzi from the Hun Clan.
"Heh, Clan Leader, you certainly live up to your reputation. I've long admired this grand ceremony and came today to learn from the experts here. Naturally, I also intend to take the title of 'Continent's Greatest Alchemist' back to the Hun Clan."
His gaze swept across the crowd, a mocking smile on his face, and his tone was full of arrogance.
"Hmph! While your clan may excel in pill refinement, in terms of alchemical mastery, you still fall short of our clan. That title belongs here," snorted Elder Wanhuo of the Yao Clan. In a flash, he appeared before Hun Huzi, standing his ground without flinching.
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Although Yao Dan had the qualifications to compete, in order to preserve the dignity of the clan, he opted to observe from the sidelines, leaving the competition to the highly respected Elder Wanhuo.
As the crowd's attention was focused on the confrontation, a dazzling golden figure strode through the air. When people recognized the person's face, many gasped in surprise.
"That's Gu Fei! The young lord of the Gu Clan!"
All eyes were on Gu Fei.
After all, he had just thoroughly humiliated Hun Huzi moments ago.
"This is going to be interesting!"
With a calm expression, he acted as if the situation had nothing to do with him.
"Heh, if someone like Hun Huzi is participating, I, Gu Fei, will naturally join in the fun too."
He stood with his hands behind his back, casting a casual glance at Hun Huzi, his tone carrying a hint of ridicule.
At that moment, Gu Fei's aura was overwhelming.
Hun Huzi, momentarily stunned by his sharp retort, couldn't find the words to respond.
His remark was like a thunderclap in the crowd, causing a stir.
"Hahaha!"
"You've got to hand it to Gu Fei, he really knows how to deliver a punch!"
"Yeah, Hun Huzi's face turned green after that!"
"If I were Hun Huzi, I'd be looking for a hole to crawl into."
Mocking laughter erupted from the crowd.
(TL/n: Uh, where's the punchline? I don't know about you but that seemed like a normal retort to me..)
Hun Huzi's face darkened, his eyes filled with fury as he glared at him, but he dared not act rashly. He knew full well that Gu Fei was not someone to be trifled with.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the four alchemy grandmasters each took their places before their platforms.
The platforms were ancient and made from rare materials, with intricate formations circling around them. It was clear that the Yao Clan had put great effort into preparing these tools.
The first to act was Hun Xu Zi, whom Gu Fei had just exposed.
With a flip of his hand, a pitch-black flame appeared, burning fiercely in his palm.
The flame exuded an aura so terrifying that it seemed capable of devouring everything in its path.
"That's… Nihility Devouring Flame's child flame!"
Shen Nong's eyes narrowed as he frowned.
Upon hearing this name, a gleam flashed in Gu Fei's eyes.
He had long coveted that Heavenly Flame. If he could seize the opportunity to devour a portion of it, perhaps Xiao Ying could also gain its terrifying devouring power.
In contrast, the flame summoned by Shen Nong, though equally brilliant, lacked the same oppressive intensity.
It was a pale gold flame tinged with green, radiating endless vitality and a sense of harmony and life.
"That's the Life Spirit Flame, ranked fifth on the Heavenly Flame List! I never thought I'd see such a legendary flame."
The crowd once again erupted in discussion.
Meanwhile, Elder Wanhuo wasn't to be outdone, revealing his own trump card.
A ghostly blue flame danced in his hand, surrounded by eerie, otherworldly fire.
"Nine Serene Wind Flame. Though not as powerful as Nihility Devouring Flame or the Life Spirit Flame, it's still a rare and formidable flame."
"Indeed, it ranks tenth on the Heavenly Flame List."