"Are you here to participate in this Alchemist Convention?"
Hearing Otto's words, Falkland's eyes lit up.
"What are the benefits of participating in this Alchemist Convention? If it's just an empty title, then joining would be a waste of time and energy."
Xiao Jietian adjusted himself into a more comfortable position on the chair and asked.
"Of course, there are benefits. First, recruitment by factions, and then, fame and reputation."
"That's how Gu He developed back in the day."
Otto chattered on, explaining the advantages of participation.
"Joining a faction—I haven't considered that. I don't need an empty title either. These are useless to me. Are there any more tangible benefits?"
Xiao Jietian rubbed his fingers, pretending disinterest while subtly hinting.
"Without any real benefits, why would I go? Competing with those people is a waste of time, and there's so much red tape. I hate trouble the most."
Xiao Jietian spread his hands, speaking with a calm expression.
"You brat, you really are…" Otto and Falkland shook their heads with wry smiles. Otto then said, "The champion of each Alchemist Convention will become an honorary elder of the Alchemist Guild, enjoying the same benefits and authority as the Grand Elders. Moreover, you'll have priority in selecting medicinal ingredients from every branch."
Xiao Jietian thought it over but felt this wouldn't be very useful. After leaving the Jia Ma Empire, he didn't know when he'd return.
Noticing a flicker of interest in Xiao Yan's eyes while Xiao Jietian still seemed unimpressed, Master Otto decided to cut to the chase and reveal his trump card.
"This year's champion reward is a scroll for a sixth-tier pill formula."
"What kind of pill?"
Xiao Jietian sat up straighter, wondering if it was the same reward as before.
"The sixth-tier Soul Fusion Pill."
"This sixth-tier pill is somewhat niche, primarily for soul bodies. The Soul Fusion Pill allows a soul to merge with a physical body…"
Hearing "soul body," Xiao Yan looked up intently.
"Xiao Jietian, I really need this pill formula. Please help me obtain it. I can exchange something with you."
Queen Medusa's voice directly reached Xiao Jietian's ears, carrying a barely detectable hint of pleading.
"I'll have to consider that. We'll discuss the specifics later."
Xiao Jietian knew Queen Medusa's urgency but decided to keep her in suspense for a while. A faint, mischievous smile touched his lips as he thought, The fish has taken the bait.
Queen Medusa fell silent upon hearing this.
She wasn't foolish; in fact, she was quite intelligent and knew that to get what she wanted, she would likely have to offer Xiao Jietian substantial benefits.
"This reward is quite good. I'll participate."
After a moment's thought, Xiao Jietian agreed.
To secure Queen Medusa, he had to obtain this pill formula. It was the best bargaining chip.
"What about Young Friend Xiao Yan?"
Delighted to hear Xiao Jietian would participate, Otto turned to look at Xiao Yan.
"Then I'll participate as well."
Xiao Yan was already interested in such a competition, and with Xiao Jietian joining, there was no reason for him not to. He also wanted to compete with his brother.
He was curious to see who was stronger in alchemy—him or Xiao Jietian.
"However, I have one condition: I want to use the name Yan Xiao and my previously disguised appearance."
Xiao Yan stroked his chin and stated.
"May I ask why you wish to do this?" Otto frowned slightly, looking at Xiao Yan with concern.
Xiao Yan shook his head, not answering Master Otto's question, and simply looked at him silently.
"Changing names is easy. The convention isn't too strict about that; it only focuses on age."
After a brief consideration, Otto and Falkland agreed to Xiao Yan's condition.
Both had witnessed Xiao Yan's alchemy skills. During his second-tier assessment, his smooth and fluid techniques were something most third-tier alchemists couldn't achieve.
"Then I'll trouble Master Falkland and Master Otto."
Xiao Yan cupped his hands in a bow to the two, expressing his gratitude.
"What about you, Xiao Jietian? Will you use your real name and appearance?"
Master Otto waved his hand, indicating no further formalities were needed.
"Yes, just register me with my original information. We'll trouble the two Masters to handle our registration procedures."
"When does the convention begin?"
Xiao Jietian nodded slightly, asking with a smile.
"In nine days. I'll be here during this time, so if you have any questions, you can come to me. This old man still has some connections in Jia Ma Sacred City."
"I'll handle both your registrations. If there are any changes, I'll contact you."
"Where are you staying now? If you don't have a place, you can stay here."
Master Otto looked at the two with concern.
"No need. We're currently staying at the Mittel Auction House. If there's any news, you can find us directly there."
Xiao Jietian smiled and shook his head, indicating they already had accommodations.
After confirming both would participate, Master Otto stroked his beard and burst into hearty laughter, his face blooming like a chrysanthemum.
"Then, many thanks to the two Masters."
Xiao Jietian stood up, bowed to the two, put on his Ice Silkworm Mask, and led Xiao Yan—who had taken the transformation pill—toward the door.
Watching their retreating figures, the two Masters' smiles grew wider and more unrestrained.
"With these two prodigies participating, I can already imagine demanding a lion's share of funding from the main guild next year, and even applying for many rare medicinal ingredients. Hehe!"
The two old men, with a combined age of over a hundred years, exchanged glances, their faces twisted into sly smiles.
Xue Mei and Lin Fei, standing nearby, shivered at their sinister laughter.
"These two old fellows are still scheming against the main guild, as always."
…
Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan returned to the Mittel Auction House, then temporarily parted ways, each returning to their own rooms.
Before parting, Xiao Jietian directly tossed a Mysterious Spirit Pill to Xiao Yan, and Xiao Yan gave Xiao Jietian many of his own rare medicinal ingredients in return.
Back in his room, as soon as Xiao Jietian sat down, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python slithered down from his hand.
After a closer look, he confirmed it was the little fellow, not Queen Medusa. With a wave of his hand, he took out the accompanying Purple Crystal Source to feed it. This little creature was falling into slumber more frequently now—eating its fill and then sleeping.
This time, however, the fed little serpent didn't burrow back into his sleeve to sleep as usual. Instead, it remained still, its light purple snake eyes shifting constantly.
The Seven-Colored Little Snake's body suddenly emitted a burst of light. After the light faded, a beautiful woman in a red brocade robe appeared in Xiao Jietian's arms.
Beneath her skirt was a purple, deeply alluring snake tail.
"Fei Yan, you always appear in my arms. I highly suspect you're deliberately taking advantage of me."
Xiao Jietian naturally and gently embraced the delicate figure that had appeared, carefully examining Queen Medusa, and spoke teasingly.
"Do you want me? If you give me the Soul Fusion Pill formula, I can consider giving you a chance."
Queen Medusa leaned close to Xiao Jietian's ear, her hand lightly tracing his chest, her voice filled with infinite seduction.