74: Lan Ruobing

After selecting his destination, Qin Wudao set off immediately, traveling leisurely and not rushing on his journey.

Anyway, he hadn't set a specific return date for this trip, so taking a couple of extra days was like giving himself a vacation.

Thus, Qin Wudao traveled and enjoyed the scenery, passing through several Realms before finally arriving at the Central Realm.

As he delved deeper, the surrounding Spiritual Qi noticeably grew denser.

The reason the Central Realm became the core of the Heaven Profound Continent, besides its superior geographical location, was largely due to the Spiritual Veins beneath it.

A Cultivator once explored beneath the Central Realm and discovered four Heaven Rank Spiritual Veins.

The four largest top-tier forces in the Central Realm all had their strongholds directly above these Spiritual Veins, occupying their sources.

Nominally, it was to suppress them, but for what purpose, those who knew, knew.

"Such low concentration."

However, facing this concentration of Spiritual Qi, Qin Wudao disdained it.

Everywhere within their Wuji Palace stronghold was filled with Spiritual Mist, and this was naturally formed.

A few days ago, Wuji Palace had also installed Spirit Gathering Arrays in the Immortal Caves of all its Disciples; the Spiritual Mist within the rooms, after further compression, could already transform into Spiritual Liquid, so the Cultivation efficiency naturally went without saying.

In just three days since the new Disciples entered the Palace, some exceptionally talented Disciples, such as Yunxiao and Wu Caichan, had already begun their second Breakthrough.

Those who could pass Wuji Palace's two assessments might have slightly insufficient Cultivation, but their Heart-Nature and talent were both up to par.

Good talent, coupled with Wuji Palace's Cultivation environment and open Sect facilities like the Ten Thousand Beast Cave, made rapid advancement in a short period of time normal.

The Central Realm's Spiritual Qi, which was considered dense compared to other places, was quite rudimentary for Qin Wudao, who was accustomed to Cultivating in Wuji Palace.

After traveling for another period, a city finally appeared at the end of Qin Wudao's sight, which was his destination for this trip: Dan City.

On the way, he heard many people say that an Elixir Refining Conference was about to be held here. Although he cultivated the Talisman Dao, it didn't stop him from joining in the fun.

After honestly queuing and paying ten Top-Grade Spirit Stones to enter the city, Qin Wudao began to stroll along the bustling main street. After walking through one street, while enjoying the spectacle, he also discovered many experts.

As the first Realm of the Heaven Profound Continent, it naturally had a multitude of strong individuals. Dan City was also one of its main cities, and with the upcoming Elixir Refining Conference, it was naturally lively.

Just by strolling for a while, Qin Wudao saw more than a dozen Transformation God Realm Cultivators, and he also saw two or three Star Lord Realm Cultivators like himself.

Soul Transformation and Undergoing Tribulation Cultivators were everywhere, and even a few beggars by the roadside had Spirit Control Realm Cultivation, which truly broadened Qin Wudao's horizons.

After half a day of strolling, Qin Wudao turned into a restaurant. After all these days of roughing it, he naturally wanted to treat himself well.

"Waiter."

After ordering a table of food and drinks, Qin Wudao called out to the waiter who was about to leave, and asked,

"Has the Elixir Refining Conference started?"

"Not yet."

The waiter explained with a professional smile.

"Please rest assured, the conference will officially begin tomorrow. If you wish to register, you can still make it if you hurry now."

"Thanks."

Upon hearing this, Qin Wudao nodded slightly, then raised his hand and tossed a Top-Grade Spirit Stone, which accurately landed in the other party's hand.

After seeing what was in his hand, the waiter's tone became a bit more enthusiastic.

"Thank you, young master. I wish you the top prize in advance!"

"Thank you."

Although he knew he had been mistaken for a participant in the Elixir Refining Conference, Qin Wudao didn't mind. Instead, he picked up the teacup on the table and murmured,

"It only starts in one day, so I arrived quite coincidentally."

After a delicious and satisfying meal, Qin Wudao did not go out to wander anymore. He directly opened a guest room upstairs and stayed there. The next day, well-rested, he set off for the competition venue.

Dan City today was even more bustling than yesterday. With the Elixir Refining Conference commencing, the eyes of all forces in the Central Realm were fixed on it, eager to see who would emerge from the thousands of Alchemy Geniuses.

And that person would be a true Child of Heaven!

Every champion of the Medicinal Pill Conference had left a glorious name in the history of the Heaven Profound Continent. As long as they didn't fall midway and grew smoothly, they would leave a significant mark in future history.

After Qin Wudao went out, he followed the surging crowd towards the competition venue.

Due to space limitations, the venue for this Elixir Refining Conference was set up in an area outside the city, serving as the competition grounds.

When Qin Wudao arrived, his vision was instantly filled with a surging crowd, like a boundless ocean, with a cacophony of noise everywhere. The immense sound waves spread out, clearly audible even dozens of miles away.

"Tsk tsk."

Qin Wudao moved away from the crowd and stood in a spot with a wider view, clicking his tongue at the scene before him.

"How lively!"

Following Qin Wudao's gaze, in the distance, surrounded by the crowd, was a vast suspended square, spanning thousands of feet at a glance.

Numerous stone platforms floated around the square, emitting a faint white light, appearing quite peculiar.

Listening to the conversations around him, Qin Wudao quickly learned the purpose of these stone platforms: they were seats for the participants of the Elixir Refining Conference who persisted until the end.

Such prominent positions were meant to give truly capable participants the feeling of being the center of attention.

This Elixir Refining Conference was extremely grand, so it was naturally impossible for just anyone to participate.

To obtain a true entry qualification to participate in the competition, there were two conditions.

First, only Alchemists of Fifth Grade and above could participate. Second, one had to enter a Secret Realm and meet the conditions to compete.

"As expected of the Dan Hall."

Qin Wudao nodded secretly at this. Those who could pass these two rounds of assessment would directly filter out the imposters, leaving only those with true ability.

"Dong!"

Just then, accompanied by a clear bell sound spreading out, the clamor in the world was instantly suppressed. Qin Wudao, like everyone else, looked up simultaneously, countless gazes falling upon the stone platform on the west side of the square.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the space above the stone platform began to distort. Immediately after, a dozen figures slowly emerged from within, each emitting a powerful Aura that made everyone present feel a chill in their hearts.

After glancing around, Qin Wudao's gaze fell upon the person in the very center, and his expression became solemn.

That was an old man, with white hair and white robes, his beard and hair completely white, appearing extraordinary in Aura. Although Qin Wudao had never seen him before, the hushed whispers around him quickly informed him of the man's identity.

"Look, all the main figures of the Dan Hall are here!"

"That must be Chiyang Zi, Head of Dan Dian, the Hall Master of the Dan Hall. It's my first time seeing the Immortal Master!"

"Chiyang Zi, Head of Dan Dian, huh..."

The discussions around him quickly helped him understand the other party. The Hall Master of the Dan Hall, a Great Saint Realm Perfection Cultivator, only one step away from entering the Quasi-Emperor Realm.

At the same time, this Chiyang Zi, Head of Dan Dian was also currently the number one Alchemist in the entire Heaven Profound Continent, the lifelong goal pursued by countless Alchemists.

Under his leadership, the Dan Hall was considered a giant even within the entire Central Realm. Once he ascended to Quasi-Emperor, the four top-tier forces of the Central Realm would likely gain another member.

"Hehe, I am Chiyang Zi, Head of Dan Dian."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the old man stepped two paces forward in the Void Realm, his gentle voice resounding in everyone's ears.

"On behalf of the Dan Hall, I welcome all of you and all Alchemists. To save time, the Elixir Refining Conference will begin immediately."

Facing Chiyang Zi, Head of Dan Dian's long speech, no one present uttered a sound. They all stood still, listening to him explain the rules that they had long since memorized.

As always, all participants would enter the Dan Realm, and only by collecting their respective required Medicinal Ingredients within could they pass.

And the Dan Realm was the Secret Realm mentioned earlier. Through generations of cultivation by the Dan Hall, it had already become a natural herb garden, with countless rare and exotic Medicinal Ingredients hidden within.

For Alchemists, this place was no different from paradise.

"Almost time."

Looking up at the sky and the impatient crowd below, Chiyang Zi, Head of Dan Dian also stopped at the opportune moment, and said loudly,

"Next, participants, please step forward for grade verification!"

This, of course, was to select Fifth Grade Alchemists. To prevent anyone from trying to sneak in, the Dan Hall had placed a two-meter-high illusionary stone mirror in the center of the square.

It was said that only those whose Mental Energy met the standard could break free from it, and if one's Mental Energy did not reach that of a Fifth Grade Alchemist, they would become immersed within it.

Through this method, several individuals who tried to sneak in were indeed eliminated earlier. Those who came after, seeing this scene, also backed down. Afterward, although the queue was shorter, almost everyone passed.

As for this stage, Qin Wudao found it uninteresting. He mainly came to watch the Alchemy competition and had no interest in these preliminary tests.

"Hmm?"

Just as Qin Wudao was feeling bored, an unintentional glance made his gaze linger on the square.

At this moment, a long line of Alchemists waiting for testing was in the front of the square.

And the figure standing at the very front, before the stone mirror, attracted many gazes.

This was a female Cultivator, appearing to be only twenty years old. A clear and fair face was reflected in the stone mirror, adorned with a moon-white Daoist robe, exuding a gentle and intellectual temperament.

Under everyone's gaze, the woman's expression regained its vitality. She then walked to a nearby registration desk, raised her hand to reveal a badge with six stars, and said,

"Sixth Grade Alchemist, Lan Ruobing."

"What?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, they instantly caused an uproar on the scene. Countless people, after reacting, immediately looked astonished, and whispers continuously rose.

"Did I hear that right? A Sixth Grade Alchemist? How is that possible?!"

"Why not possible? Look at her badge, it really is Sixth Grade!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, such a young Sixth Grade Alchemist. First time seeing one."

Lan Ruobing paid no attention to the commotion below, only politely addressing the stunned Elder before her.

"Excuse me, may I participate?"

"Ah, yes, you may."

The Elder, having recovered, hurriedly registered the information, then tentatively asked,

"Young lady, may I ask if you have joined..."

"I'm sorry, Senior."

Lan Ruobing, understanding his meaning, showed an apologetic smile.

"I already have a Sect."

"Oh, alright."

Upon hearing this, the Elder said nothing more. Since she had already refused, it would be impolite for him to press further.

However, it made sense. To reach the Realm of a Sixth Grade Alchemist at such a young age, it would be impossible without a force behind her supporting the terrifyingly vast resources required for her Cultivation.

On the high platform, many high-ranking officials of the Dan Hall who were seated all showed expressions of surprise. Chiyang Zi, Head of Dan Dian, meanwhile, stroked his long beard and murmured,

"A Sixth Grade Alchemist, Celestial Venerable Realm Cultivation. Whose successor is this young woman?"

As a powerful individual only one step away from ascending to Quasi-Emperor, he naturally saw through her hidden Cultivation at a glance: Celestial Venerable Realm Fifth Heaven.

Coupled with her identity as a Sixth Grade Alchemist, to say she was a Loose Cultivator, even a fool wouldn't believe it.

Among those present, anyone with a slightly quick mind had already labeled this outstandingly beautiful woman as someone not to be provoked.

"Whoa, a Sixth Grade Alchemist, even higher than Second Senior Sister."

Qin Wudao muttered. He remembered that his Senior Sister had just broken through to Fifth Grade Alchemist not long ago. He had thought she was already the most formidable among her peers, but he didn't expect another one to pop up here.

Speaking of which, his Senior Sister didn't seem to know about this Elixir Refining Conference. If he had known earlier, he would have called her along to come out and have fun when he left.

Just as Qin Wudao was distracted, several exclamations rang out beside him.

"Wow, another beautiful Fifth Grade Alchemist! Whose family is this one from?"

"Whoa, she even has fox ears! She's a beautiful Alchemist from the Yao Race! I'm enjoying this conference!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Wudao subconsciously looked up. After seeing the figure who had turned around in front of the stone mirror, his eyes widened instantly, and his mouth hung open, as if he had seen something incredible.

"Am I... am I under an illusion?"

Qin Wudao murmured. At this moment, on the stage, the Elder responsible for registration looked at the person in front of him with some surprise. Then he heard the latter take out a badge, and a sweet voice followed.

"Hu Qianxue, Fifth Grade Alchemist."

Hearing that familiar voice and name, Qin Wudao immediately covered his face. Good, it was indeed her.

As the other party registered and turned around, revealing her true appearance, it was none other than Qin Wudao's Second Senior Sister, Hu Qianxue.

"..."

Looking at Hu Qianxue standing beside Lan Ruobing, Qin Wudao opened his mouth, his expression instantly becoming somewhat doubtful of life.

Had his mouth been blessed? He just casually muttered something, and someone from the ends of the earth suddenly appeared.

He remembered very clearly that when he left, she was still Cultivating in her Immortal Cave.

After thinking for a long time, Qin Wudao still couldn't figure out where his Senior Sister had suddenly come from.