150: A contest of alchemy masters

The clamor of Myriad Medicine City gradually quieted, leaving only the occasional sound of wind sweeping over the eaves.

Qin Wuye stood alone atop a secluded pavilion, his black robe slightly billowing in the wind, his stern face appearing exceptionally sharp under the moonlight.

"Medicine Family Ancestor?"

He murmured softly, a rare trace of fatigue audible in his voice.

The snake venom in his body had tormented him for decades.

Every time the poison flared up, it felt like ten thousand ants gnawing at his heart, making life unbearable. He had sought out famous doctors across the Black-Corner Region, even risking infiltrating Alchemist families to beg for medicine, yet he had never been able to eradicate it.

And the Medicine Family Ancestor was his only hope.

A peak Sixth-Rank Alchemist, rumored to be only a step away from the Seventh Rank.

If he took action, perhaps this sinister poison could truly be neutralized.

But the question was, why would the Medicine Family Ancestor help him?

Qin Wuye pulled a cold, self-mocking smile across his lips.

He was merely a Dou Emperor. Although he held the esteemed position of Ninth Elder in Heavenly Serpent City, in the eyes of a figure like the Medicine Family Ancestor, he was probably less than an ant.

Moreover, the Medicine Family Ancestor had been in seclusion for many years, rarely seen even by the direct descendants of the Yao Family. Why would he make an exception for an outsider?

"Unless?"

His eyes flickered, and his gaze involuntarily turned toward the courtyard where Jiang Donghua resided.

Unless he leveraged the situation.

If Jiang Donghua was truly as exceptionally talented as rumored, possibly even sparking the interest of the Medicine Family Ancestor, then perhaps he could use that opportunity to request an audience.

After all, the prestige of a Sixth-Rank Alchemist was far greater than that of him, a mere Dou Emperor.

Thinking of this, a trace of determination flashed in Qin Wuye's eyes.

"The trip to Pill Heart Pavilion tomorrow might just be the chance?"

He took a deep breath, suppressing the faint ache of the snake venom within him, and with a flash of his figure, disappeared into the night.

To survive, he did not mind being a pawn for once.

In the early morning, the streets of Myriad Medicine City were already bustling with activity, and waves of cheers and applause echoed from afar, rolling in one after another like a tide.

Bai Xiaofeng leaned lazily against the window, holding a spirit fruit in his hand. He took a bite before slowly speaking to Jiang Donghua.

"Master Jiang, judging by the noise, it seems there are Alchemists outside competing in alchemy."

Jiang Donghua, who was initially looking down and adjusting his cuffs, paused slightly at the words, a flicker of interest crossing his eyes.

"Oh? An alchemy competition?"

"That's right!"

"In this Myriad Medicine City, if Alchemists have a dispute, they usually don't fight directly but instead compete using their alchemy skills. Whoever refines the pill with the higher rank and better quality is the winner."

Bai Xiaofeng grinned, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.

Jiang Donghua raised an eyebrow slightly and said calmly.

"To be called a Master Alchemist, one must at least be a Fourth-Grade Alchemist, right?"

"Naturally!"

Bai Xiaofeng laughed.

"Although the Black-Corner Region is chaotic, the status of Alchemists is extremely high, especially high-rank Alchemists; they are highly sought after wherever they go. However, compared to you, Master Jiang, they are probably still far behind."

He paused, a hint of slyness flashing in his eyes.

Jiang Donghua smiled noncommittally, but his gaze had already turned toward the window, seemingly developing a strong interest in the competition on the street.

Red Silk yawned beside him and said languidly.

"What, Donghua, do you want to go take a look?"

Jiang Donghua nodded.

"Since we are here, we should see the alchemy standards of the Black-Corner Region."

Bai Xiaofeng clapped his hands and said cheerfully.

"Perfect! We'll go join the fun after breakfast. Maybe we can even snag a bargain."

Qin Wuye stood nearby, his stern face still emotionless, but a trace of contemplation flashed in the depths of his eyes.

If Jiang Donghua displayed his strength during the competition, perhaps he could attract the attention of the Medicine Family Ancestor more quickly.

A moment later, the group left the inn and headed toward the direction of the loudest cheers.

Both sides of the street were already packed with spectators, and in the open space in the center, two Alchemists stood facing each other. A Medicine Cauldron floated before each of them, flames rising and the fragrance of medicine permeating the air.

Jiang Donghua’s gaze swept across the scene, the corner of his mouth slightly hooked.

How much real skill did the Alchemists of the Black-Corner Region truly possess?

He wanted to take a good look.

Donghua and his group moved through the crowd and arrived in front of the alchemy platform.

On the platform, two middle-aged men wearing Alchemist robes stood opposite each other. The four silver stripes on their sleeves shone brightly in the sunlight, signifying their status as Fourth-Grade Alchemist Masters.

The surrounding crowd continuously cheered, and the atmosphere was fervent.

One of them held a greenish-blue Medicine Cauldron. The body of the cauldron was carved with intricate vine patterns, and faint blue flames flickered from its mouth, emitting a strong Wood Attribute aura.

The other man held a Medicine Cauldron as black as ink. Its body seemed to be condensed from ashes, and dark red fire patterns vaguely flowed across its surface, revealing a chilling and domineering aura.

"Azure Wood Cauldron and Black Cinder Cauldron?"

Bai Xiaofeng raised an eyebrow and whispered to Jiang Donghua.

"These two are quite famous in Myriad Medicine City. The one with the Azure Wood Cauldron is Mu Xuan, who specializes in refining healing pills. The one with the Black Cinder Cauldron is Yan Jin, who focuses on fire attribute attack pills. The two have always been at odds; I didn't expect them to compete publicly today."

Jiang Donghua nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the two men, a trace of interest flashing in his eyes.

At this moment, Mu Xuan on the stage sneered and said loudly.

"Yan Jin, let's compete today to see who can refine a higher quality Azure Spirit Recovery Pill! If you lose, you must take a detour whenever you see me from now on, how about that?"

Yan Jin scoffed, disdainfully.

"Afraid I won't? However, just taking a detour is too boring. How about we add a stake? The loser must publicly admit that their alchemy skill is inferior to the opponent's, how about that?"

Anger flashed in Mu Xuan's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice.

"Fine! Let's begin!"

As his voice fell, both men simultaneously activated their Fighting Qi, and the flames in their Medicine Cauldrons suddenly surged.

In Mu Xuan's Azure Wood Cauldron, the blue flame transformed into a vine-like fire snake, wrapping around the cauldron's body.

Yan Jin's Black Cinder Cauldron, however, spewed dark red flames, rolling and boiling like magma.

The crowd below held their breath and focused intently on the two men's movements.

Jiang Donghua watched the two men's refining techniques with interest, his arms crossed, and the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward.

A competition between Fourth-Grade Alchemists was indeed somewhat interesting.

Bai Xiaofeng leaned over and asked cheerfully.

"Master Jiang, who do you think will win between the two of them?"

Jiang Donghua smiled faintly.

"We'll know if we keep watching."

Red Silk pouted beside him and muttered.

"Putting on airs..."

However, her gaze was also involuntarily drawn to the competition on the stage.

On the alchemy platform, flames surged and medicinal fragrance permeated the air.

But for those Fighting Qi experts who were not Alchemists, the scene before them seemed somewhat dull. It was merely two people controlling flames over their Medicine Cauldrons, lacking the fierce clash of swords and blades or the passionate excitement of fists meeting flesh.

Many spectators were already yawning, and some were even complaining in low voices.

"What's so good about this? We might as well go to the Dou Technique arena to watch people spar."

However, among the crowd, a few Fourth-Grade and Fifth-Grade Alchemists wearing Alchemist robes had sharp gazes and focused expressions.

They could perceive the precise control Mu Xuan and Yan Jin had over the flames during the refining process, as well as the subtle changes when the medicinal ingredients merged.

"Mu Xuan's technique is steadier. His pacing for refining the Azure Spirit Recovery Pill is just right. Currently, it looks like his pill quality will be higher."

A Fifth-Grade Alchemist commented softly.

"But since Yan Jin dared to bet so heavily, he must have a trick up his sleeve, otherwise wouldn't he just be humiliating himself?"

Another person responded with a frown.

On the stage, Mu Xuan glanced at Yan Jin's Medicine Cauldron. Seeing that his flames were still violent and showed no sign of adjustment, he couldn't help but sneer.

"Yan Jin, competing with this old man on healing pills? I think you've gone mad! The fire nature of your Black Cinder Cauldron is too domineering and completely unsuitable for refining gentle healing medicine. If you keep burning like that, your ingredients will all be ruined!"

Hearing this, Yan Jin was not annoyed; instead, he grinned, a hint of slyness flashing in his eyes.

"Old man Mu, do you think I'm stupid? Since I dared to compete with you, naturally I have my confidence!"

Before he finished speaking, he slammed the Medicine Cauldron. The dark red flames inside suddenly contracted, instantly turning deep blue. The temperature did not drop but rose, yet the violent aura abruptly became restrained, turning steady and profound!

"Is that Deep Sea Blue Flame?!"

Mu Xuan's pupils contracted, and he cried out in surprise.

Several high-rank Alchemists below the stage also changed their expressions.

"Yan Jin can actually control two types of flames? When did he refine the Deep Sea Blue Flame?!"

Yan Jin burst into laughter.

"Old man Mu, did you really think I've been wasting my time these past few years? The fire nature of the Black Cinder Cauldron is indeed domineering, but when paired with the harmonizing power of the Deep Sea Blue Flame, refining healing pills is as easy as turning my hand!"

Mu Xuan's expression was grim, but he dared not slow down his hand movements, gritting his teeth as he said.

"Hmph, so what if you have two types of Beast Fire? Alchemy competition isn't about flashiness, it's about the quality of the finished pill!"

Yan Jin curled his lip dismissively.

"Then just wait and see!"

The pace of refining for both men suddenly accelerated. The flames and ingredients in the Medicine Cauldrons merged, emitting an increasingly rich medicinal fragrance.

Below the stage, Jiang Donghua slightly narrowed his eyes, a playful smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

As the alchemy entered the final stage, many Alchemists in the venue already noticed the clues. Although Mu Xuan's refining was steady, Yan Jin, relying on the exquisite control of two types of Beast Fire, clearly had the upper hand in the fusion and purification of the pill.

"Mu Xuan is probably going to lose this time."

A Fourth-Grade Alchemist sighed softly.

"Being able to simultaneously control two types of Beast Fire without causing the cauldron to explode, this level of control is already approaching the standard of a Fifth-Grade Alchemist."

"Indeed, the Black Cinder Fire is violent, and the Deep Sea Blue Flame is gentle. The fact that he can harmonize two opposing forces so delicately is simply unbelievable."

Another person shook his head and lamented.

"This fellow must have had some kind of fortuitous encounter these past few years, otherwise it would be impossible for him to improve so quickly."

The Fighting Qi Continent is vast and boundless, never lacking in genius and opportunities.

Some fall off cliffs and gain ancestral inheritances, some stumble into secret realms and acquire rare treasures of heaven and earth, and some even wake up from a nap having comprehended high-rank cultivation techniques.

Yan Jin was clearly one of the lucky ones favored by fate.

On the stage, fine beads of sweat were already seeping from Mu Xuan's forehead.

He stared intently at the pill gradually forming inside his Medicine Cauldron, but he already had a faint feeling of dread in his heart. The aura of Yan Jin's pill was actually more complete and substantial than his own!

"Damn it! How did this guy manage that?!"

He cursed under his breath, gritting his teeth, but was powerless to change the situation.

Yan Jin, on the other hand, had relaxed at this moment.

With his hands clasped behind his back, the flames in his Medicine Cauldron obeyed his every command. The two types of Beast Fire intertwined and circulated, eliminating the last impurities from the pill bit by bit.

"In the path of alchemy, talent, effort, and opportunity are all indispensable."

He glanced sideways at Mu Xuan, his tone carrying a touch of smugness.

"Old man Mu, you lost fair and square."

Mu Xuan snorted coldly, not replying, but his tense expression already betrayed his internal anxiety.

Below the stage, Jiang Donghua quietly observed the two men's refining process, a trace of thought flashing in his eyes.

"This Yan Jin certainly has some skill."

He muttered to himself softly.

His gaze fell upon the wisp of Deep Sea Blue Flame in Yan Jin's Medicine Cauldron, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

The aura of this flame seemed a bit strange?

However, at this moment, the alchemy had entered the final pill condensation stage.

Everyone's attention was focused on the two Medicine Cauldrons, awaiting the final result.

Yan Jin laughed heartily and slammed the body of his cauldron.

"Pill complete!"

In an instant, a pill, entirely emerald green with blue pill patterns wrapped around its surface, flew out of the cauldron. A rich medicinal fragrance instantly swept across the entire venue!

"Peak Fourth-Grade—Azure Spirit Recovery Pill!"

Someone exclaimed.

Mu Xuan's face turned completely grim.

As the flames in Mu Xuan's Medicine Cauldron gradually extinguished, a blue pill slowly rose. Although the medicinal fragrance was rich, its surface was smooth as a mirror, without a trace of a pill pattern.

"Alas~"

Mu Xuan sighed deeply, reached out to catch the pill, and shook his head.

"I lost."

He looked up at Yan Jin opposite him and said with a wry smile.

"We've been competing for over a decade, and I didn't expect you to win in the end, especially with the healing medicine I am best at."

Yan Jin laughed heartily, proudly shaking the Azure Spirit Recovery Pill with blue pill patterns in his hand, and said.

"Old man Mu, admitting that you are inferior to someone else is nothing to be ashamed of!"

A commotion immediately erupted below the stage.

"Master Yan Jin is truly impressive!"

"He couldn't even beat Master Mu Xuan's specialty healing pill. It seems Master Yan Jin's alchemy skill has advanced another level!"

"Maybe in a few more years, Master Yan Jin will be able to challenge the Fifth-Grade Alchemist rank!"

Listening to the surrounding discussions, Mu Xuan's expression grew even gloomier.

He put away his Medicine Cauldron, cupped his hands toward Yan Jin, and said with a complex tone.

"I accept the loss. I will take a detour when I see you from now on."

Having said that, he turned and was about to leave the alchemy platform.

Seeing this, Yan Jin pouted and spoke.

"Don't just take a detour later! Call me Grandpa Yan a few times right now to make this grandpa happy first."

Mu Xuan suddenly spat, laughing and scolding.

"Get lost, you old fellow! Call you Grandpa Yan a few times? Dream on!"

When that shout rang out, the previously tense atmosphere immediately eased.

Yan Jin was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

He vigorously patted Mu Xuan's shoulder and grinned.

"You old thing, you're still so stubborn after losing!"

Mu Xuan rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth couldn't help but turn up.

"Nonsense! I've never submitted to anyone in my life!"

He paused, then glanced at Yan Jin.

"You really have improved somewhat these past few years. Consider yourself lucky."

Yan Jin shook his head proudly.

"Of course! Who do you think I am?"

The two exchanged banter, and the atmosphere, which had been hostile moments ago, instantly relaxed into the casual squabbling of old friends.

Seeing this, the Alchemists below the stage also shook their heads and chuckled. Someone teased.

"These two old fellows have been fighting for over a decade, yet neither of them can bear to truly crush the other!"

"Exactly! They call themselves rivals, but they're closer than friends!"

"Alright, alright, disperse, disperse. Looking at them, they'll probably go drinking together again soon!"

Sure enough, Yan Jin hooked his arm around Mu Xuan's neck and chuckled.

"Let's go! I'm in a good mood today, I'll treat you to Fire Spirit Brew!"

Mu Xuan pushed him away disdainfully, but his steps didn't stop.

"Forget it! Your awful liquor is so spicy it could kill someone. We'd be better off going to Azure Medicine Pavilion for Bamboo Leaf Green!"

"Whatever you say, whatever you say, as long as you pay!"

"Get lost! You clearly won, you should be treating!"

The two cursed and bickered as they walked down the alchemy platform, heading arm-in-arm toward the tavern on the street corner, acting like two old rascals.