Chapter 280: The Reward and Xiao Yan Meets Xiao Tiance
"Haha, it is a great honor for me to have competed with such master alchemists today. However, given that the Dou Qi energy here can only support the birth of two nine tier Mystic Pills, I cannot bear to see all three attempts fail. Thus, I will humbly step back."
At the Tianwaitian Martial Arena, as the Divine Farmer spoke, his words resonated deeply with everyone present.
The spectators were awestruck by his magnanimity and grace. For the other alchemists, his decision demanded immense courage after all, how many among them could willingly give up such an opportunity?
This was Tianwaitian, the heart of the Xiao Clan. Successfully refining a nine tier Mystic Pill here would not only elevate one's reputation but also ensure recognition and respect from the Xiao Clan, the most powerful faction in the Dou Qi Continent.
Xiao Qing's Response
Seated on the main platform, Xiao Qing regarded the Divine Farmer with admiration.
A lone alchemist with no backing, the Divine Farmer had achieved heights that others couldn't reach even with the support of major factions. His ability to selflessly yield the stage spoke volumes about his character.
"Haha, since this alchemy competition is being held on Xiao Clan territory, how could we allow such a noble soul to leave disappointed?" Xiao Qing laughed heartily.
As his words fell, an intense surge of energy emanated from the distance. Moments later, a powerful Dou Qi tide engulfed the entire Martial Arena.
A Stunning Display
"What's happening? Where did this Dou Qi tide come from?"
"The Xiao Clan truly lives up to its reputation! They can even summon a Dou Qi tide at will. Incredible!"
The crowd erupted into astonished murmurs as they witnessed the scene unfold.
In the arena, the Divine Farmer, who had already begun to withdraw, was taken aback by the surge of energy.
While the extraordinary density of Dou Qi in Tianwaitian was well known, what he was experiencing was unprecedented. Even in the mighty Medicine Clan, the refinement of a single nine tier Mystic Pill would have exhausted their realm's Dou Qi.
Yet here, not only could Tianwaitian sustain two nine tier Mystic Pills simultaneously, but the Xiao Clan had now triggered a Dou Qi tide, flooding the entire arena with energy.
"No wonder the Xiao Clan is the strongest force on the continent," the Divine Farmer thought, marveling at their unfathomable resources.
Without further hesitation, he resumed refining his pill, his resolve now stronger than ever.
Gu Yuan's Realization
Seated on the main platform, Gu Yuan also sensed the origin of the Dou Qi tide.
Using his Emperor tier soul perception, he identified the source as the spirit gathering formations located throughout Tianwaitian. What astonished him further was that the Xiao Clan had only partially activated the formations, yet the resulting energy had completely saturated the arena.
If these formations were fully unleashed, the Dou Qi within Tianwaitian could likely condense into liquid form within moments.
For the first time, Gu Yuan felt genuine awe for the Xiao Clan's unparalleled strength.
His gaze drifted to Xiao Yan, standing in the arena.
"Xiao Yan is extraordinary," Gu Yuan mused. "Among the younger generation, no one can match his talent not even within the Xiao Clan itself."
Xiao Yan's strength and alchemical mastery were undeniable. At such a young age, he was already a leading figure in both fields a rare feat even among the ancient clans.
However, as he admired Xiao Yan's brilliance, a pang of guilt struck him.
"Had I not involved Xiao Yan in my schemes, the Ancient Emperor's Inheritance might still have been his. I owe him so much."
Xiao Tiance's Perspective
If Xiao Tiance had overheard Gu Yuan's thoughts, he might have dismissed them with a laugh.
While Xiao Yan's talent was undeniable, Xiao Tiance's decision to exclude him from the inheritance wasn't solely due to Gu Yuan's machinations.
The pivotal moment had been Xiao Yan's decision to remove Xiao Xun'er a political hostage from Tianwaitian.
Xiao Tiance had supported Xiao Xun'er's growth, treating her fairly despite her role as a hostage sent to solidify the Gu Clan's submission. As long as she remained in Tianwaitian, the Gu Clan wouldn't dare plot against the Xiao Clan.
But Xiao Yan had disregarded this delicate balance, driven by his personal feelings for Xiao Xun'er.
The Final Strike
Even in the Void Rift, where Xiao Tiance had granted Xiao Yan a trump card to protect himself, Xiao Yan's choices revealed a lack of loyalty.
His actions spoke volumes: while he accepted the Xiao Clan's resources, his true allegiance lay elsewhere.
For Xiao Tiance, this was the last straw. The Ancient Emperor's Inheritance was a resource of immense value far too important to bestow upon someone with wavering loyalty.
A Triumphant Conclusion
Back in the arena, the surge of Dou Qi allowed the refinement of all three nine tier Mystic Pills to succeed simultaneously.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Three brilliant explosions of light signaled the completion of the pills, as the alchemists held their creations aloft.
The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd erupting into cheers.
"Amazing! All three succeeded!"
"This is a historic moment! Seven nine tier pills refined in one day!"
In the center of the arena, Xiao Yan, Yao Dan, and the Divine Farmer stood tall, their pride evident as they accepted the crowd's admiration.
As the dust settled on the grand alchemy competition, Ya Fei approached Xiao Qing, bowing respectfully.
"Master of the Tower, now that all three have simultaneously refined nine tier Mystic Pills, how should we determine the rankings?"
Xiao Qing smiled calmly and replied, "Since they succeeded at the same time, they will share the first place. After all, we only need to determine the top three, and the rewards can be distributed to them."
"Understood!"
Ya Fei nodded and gracefully walked to the front of the main platform. Her voice was clear and authoritative as she addressed the crowd:
"Congratulations to everyone for witnessing an extraordinary and unparalleled alchemy competition!
As announced before the start of the competition, the top three participants will receive a mysterious reward from the Xiao Clan.
Now that the top three are evident, I invite Medicine Pill Chief Yao Dan, Divine Farmer Elder, and the Xiao Clan's Xiao Yan to come forward and claim their rewards."
The crowd erupted in applause, and shouts of the winners' names echoed throughout the arena:
"Chief Yao Dan!"
"Divine Farmer Elder!"
"Xiao Yan, Lord of Alchemy!"
The Grand Invitation
The three winners stepped forward, bowing respectfully toward Ya Fei.
"Thank you, Lady Ya Fei!"
Ya Fei smiled warmly and turned to the crowd. "The alchemy competition has officially concluded. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the much anticipated Heavenly Tomb Trial. Please gather here in the morning if you wish to participate."
The crowd cheered enthusiastically at the announcement, their anticipation for the trial reaching its peak.
Ya Fei then gestured for the three winners to follow her. "Congratulations once again. Please come with me."
The three winners expressed their gratitude and followed Ya Fei, their curiosity and excitement palpable.
A Surprising Destination
Ya Fei led the group to the Tiance Manor, the legendary residence of the Xiao Clan's strongest figure. Both Yao Dan and Xiao Yan were visibly surprised.
"Lady Ya Fei, could it be that the rewards are to be presented by Lord Tiance himself?" Yao Dan asked excitedly.
"Sister Ya Fei, will we really have the honor of meeting the Old Ancestor Tiance?" Xiao Yan echoed with barely contained excitement.
The Divine Farmer Elder said nothing but couldn't hide the gleam of excitement in his eyes. The opportunity to meet the continent's only Dou Emperor was a reward in itself.
Ya Fei smiled gently. "That's correct. The rewards will be personally given by Lord Tiance. Please follow me."
Her words only heightened their anticipation as they followed her into the manor.
Meeting Xiao Tiance
At the entrance of the manor's ninth floor, Xiao Bei Li, a high ranking elder of the Xiao Clan, appeared to escort them.
"Lady Ya Fei, the First Supreme Elder has been expecting you. Please proceed."
Ya Fei nodded politely. "Thank you for your assistance."
They were led upstairs, eventually arriving at the ninth floor. The winners entered, and upon seeing Xiao Tiance, they immediately bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Lord Tiance (Old Ancestor)."
Xiao Tiance looked at the group with a faint smile and motioned for them to sit.
"Congratulations on successfully refining nine tier Mystic Pills. Your alchemy skills are among the best on the continent a rare feat worthy of recognition."
His praise was genuine. For cultivators who hadn't yet achieved the Dou Emperor realm, refining a nine tier Mystic Pill was an exceptional accomplishment.
The Rewards
"Thank you, Lord Tiance (Old Ancestor), for your kind words," the three replied humbly, their respect for him evident.
Xiao Tiance continued with a slight smile. "No need for modesty. Your achievements speak for themselves.
As promised, I have prepared rewards for the top three alchemists. Here they are."
He waved his hand, and three ancient scrolls appeared in midair, each radiating a powerful aura.
"Hiss! Heaven tier Dou Techniques!"
Except for Xiao Yan, both Yao Dan and the Divine Farmer Elder were visibly shaken. The scrolls contained low tier Heaven tier Dou Techniques, which were highly coveted even among the mighty clans.
For Yao Dan, despite the Medicine Clan already possessing Heaven tier techniques, an additional one was always valuable.
Xiao Yan, however, appeared relatively calm. Having received numerous treasures from Xiao Tiance in the past, including multiple Heaven tier techniques, he wasn't as overwhelmed.
Xiao Tiance noticed Xiao Yan's reaction but didn't comment. Instead, he smiled faintly. "These three scrolls are Heaven tier low level Dou Techniques. While not the rarest treasures, they are still quite valuable. You may choose one each your luck will decide which one."
"Thank you, Lord Tiance (Old Ancestor)!"
The three bowed in gratitude before selecting their scrolls. Yao Dan took the scroll on the left, the Divine Farmer Elder chose the one on the right, and Xiao Yan claimed the middle scroll.
"Very well, the rewards have been distributed. Now, go and rest. Tomorrow is the Heavenly Tomb Trial, and I'm sure you're all eager to prepare for it." Xiao Tiance dismissed them with a smile.
Yao Dan and the Divine Farmer Elder bowed deeply and prepared to leave.
Xiao Yan's Appeal
As the two elders turned to go, Xiao Yan remained kneeling. "Lord Tiance, I have a request to make."
Xiao Tiance glanced at him and nodded. "Speak."
Once the others had left, leaving the room quiet, Xiao Yan knelt on one knee and bowed deeply.
"Lord Tiance, I humbly ask that you show mercy to the Gu Clan."
His words caused a flicker of anger to flash through Xiao Tiance's eyes. However, it quickly subsided, and his expression returned to calmness.
"Xiao Yan, what do you mean by this? 'Show mercy'? I don't understand. Explain yourself." Xiao Tiance's tone was neutral, but a sharp edge lingered beneath the surface.
Xiao Yan raised his head and looked earnestly at Xiao Tiance. "Lord Tiance, this Heavenly Tomb Trial is clearly designed to target the Gu Clan. You must already be aware of this."
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