As the thunder and wind in the sky gradually faded, the restless surge of heaven and earth's energy slowly calmed. Everyone knew at once—the pill capable of summoning Three-Colored Pill Lightning had been successfully refined.
Unable to suppress their curiosity and longing any longer, countless strong cultivators quietly approached from every direction. None dared to make too much noise for fear of disturbing the mysterious Alchemy Master within—or the Dou Zun who guarded him.
Standing atop the inn's roof, Liu Xi clasped his hands behind his back, his expression calm as he watched the approaching figures. Beside him, Xiao Yixian stood slightly behind, her posture respectful, her cold eyes sweeping over the crowd like a blade. The faintest glance from her made hearts tremble.
When the crowd drew closer, they began to smile fawningly and flatter in unison.
"As expected, it's Master Liu Xi! Such modesty, to remain so low-key despite being an Alchemy Master—truly admirable!"
"Master Liu Xi, at such a young age to reach this level of mastery—your talent is unparalleled in this world!"
Liu Xi's gaze swept across the crowd, and his eyes suddenly paused on a somewhat familiar figure. Smiling faintly, he raised his hand and said, "Ah, Master Zhao, you came as well."
At the call, the surrounding cultivators grew excited, only to realize moments later who Liu Xi was referring to. Their eyes turned toward Zhao Yan.
Zhao Yan gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "I can't accept such a title, sir. In the path of alchemy, those with true skill come first. I've spent most of my life and remain merely a 7th Tier Alchemist. It's you, Master Liu Xi—young and already a genuine 8th Tier Alchemist—who deserves to be called a true Master."
Liu Xi smiled mildly. He knew his own situation best. Though his talent was decent, his current achievements were also thanks to countless opportunities and fateful encounters.
As he gazed at the dense crowd gathering on rooftops and streets alike, he knew his purpose for this public refinement had been fulfilled. Word that he could refine 8th Tier Pills would soon spread far and wide—his reputation was about to soar to new heights.
And reputation, he knew well, was a double-edged sword. Used wisely, it could yield unimaginable benefits.
Seeing how crowded it had become, Liu Xi's clear voice rang out across the area, "Today's alchemy caused quite a disturbance and must have startled you all. I ask that you disperse now—there's no need to gather here any longer."
His tone wasn't loud, yet every word carried clearly into the ears of all who heard it, near or far.
Many looked reluctant. After all, whether it was a Dou Zun or an Alchemy Master, such figures were as rare as dragons—seen only by luck. They simply wanted to leave an impression, even if only to boast later, 'Back in the day, I spoke with an 8th Tier Alchemy Master!'
Still, most had the good sense to recognize their place. Those weaker in strength sighed regretfully and began to withdraw. Nearly ninety percent of the crowd faded away, leaving only a few dozen powerful auras lingering nearby.
The weakest among them were Dou Huang experts—prominent figures of Lingyun City. At their head stood the city's own ruler, Ye Lingyun, the master of Lingyun Gate.
He was a striking man in his forties, a few streaks of silver at his temples adding to his composed, dignified presence. His cultivation had already reached 6-Star Dou Zong.
Breaking the silence, Ye Lingyun stepped forward with a respectful smile and cupped his hands.
"To witness such a scene—Three-Colored Pill Lightning descending from the heavens—is our great fortune. We must thank Master Liu Xi for granting us this opportunity. This is also an honor for all of Lingyun City! We would like to host a banquet tonight in your honor, Master Liu Xi, if you would do us the privilege?"
Hope flickered in his eyes, mingled with nervous anticipation. For Ye Lingyun, even the slightest connection to Liu Xi could mean boundless benefit in the future.
Liu Xi thought for a moment. He had just finished refining the Zun Shi Pill—attending a small banquet to relax would do no harm. Work and rest, after all, should go hand in hand.
Smiling lightly, he nodded. "That's fine. No need for extravagance—keep it simple."
Ye Lingyun's face lit up with joy, and the experts behind him broke into smiles as well.
"Understood! Understood! We'll make all the arrangements immediately. Tonight, Lingyun Gate shall await your arrival!"
With that, Ye Lingyun led his entourage away in haste. In moments, only Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian remained on the rooftop.
"Xian'er, go find the innkeeper and compensate him for the damage we caused. I'll be cultivating for a bit to recover my Dou Qi and Spiritual Power."
"Yes, Young Master."
Liu Xi gave a brief nod and leapt lightly from the roof, returning to the room where he had refined the pill. He stored the crimson Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron into his ring, then sat cross-legged on the bed, closing his eyes and steadying his breathing.
As night fell, Lingyun City's grandest structure—Lingyun Gate—was ablaze with light. Countless figures bustled within; Deacons and disciples moved swiftly, faces bright with excitement. Not one dared to complain.
Tonight's banquet was for no ordinary guest—it was for an Alchemy Master and a Dou Zun. Even the renowned Wind Lightning Pavilion of the Northern Region only had one Dou Zun, the Venerable Lei himself!
Inside the grand hall, music floated through the air as elegant dancers swayed to the melody. Ye Lingyun had arranged everything meticulously. He even placed Liu Xi's seat beside his own, raising his own standing subtly in the process.
As he lifted his wine cup, Ye Lingyun glanced at Liu Xi and couldn't help but feel envious. That woman—Xiao Yixian—had turned down every maid he'd arranged, choosing instead to personally pour wine and serve dishes for Liu Xi with a gentle smile.
'So this is the life of a high-tier Alchemy Master,' he thought wryly. 'Even a Dou Zun willingly serves him.'
Raising his cup, he stood and spoke loudly, "Master Liu Xi, your brilliance in both Dou Qi cultivation and alchemy is unmatched. Among the younger generation, you are number one beyond all doubt. Even the famed geniuses of the Northern Region—Feng Qing'er, Tang Ying, Mu Qingluan—cannot compare. To have you here tonight is our honor. Let us all toast to you!"
All around the hall, the gathered powerhouses rose together, cups held high.
"To Master Liu Xi!"
Liu Xi smiled faintly, accepting the wine Xiao Yixian had just poured for him.
"Hehe... fate has brought us together tonight. Let us drink this cup as friends."
He raised the cup and drank it dry. The crowd followed, downing their wine in unison, faces glowing with excitement.
But just then, Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian both froze slightly, their gazes lifting toward the night sky.
The stars shimmered faintly above Lingyun City—then a streak of silver lightning flashed across the horizon, followed by a distant rumble of thunder rolling closer and closer.
Liu Xi's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Hehe... interesting. Truly... interesting."
(End of Chapter)
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