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**
The next morning—
The sky was a clear blue, not a single cloud in sight. The sunlight was warm without being scorching.
A gentle breeze occasionally swept by, carrying away the city's clamor and leaving behind a sense of fresh serenity that made people feel invigorated.
Today was a grand occasion for the Jia Ma Empire.
The once-every-eight-years Alchemist Grand Meeting was set to begin.
So, from the moment the first rays of sunlight spilled across this historic city, the previously quiet streets began to see scattered figures in alchemist robes walking about.
These noble alchemists were rarely seen by ordinary people. Due to their strength and their unparalleled status, they were viewed with mystery and reverence by the public.
But today, these usually elusive alchemists emerged like swarming ants, pouring out from all corners of the imperial capital in a steady stream, no longer shrouded in secrecy.
Though their routes varied, all of them shared the same destination—the ancient and grand Alchemist Association building that stood tall within the city.
Every shop in the capital opened earlier than usual this morning.
Countless people also rose early, standing by their doors or on the streets, watching the rushing crowds of alchemists converging in the same direction. Their eyes were filled with awe and fervent admiration.
For this period of the Alchemist Grand Meeting would undoubtedly be the liveliest and most exhilarating time in Holy Jia Ma City in the past decade.
A spectacle like this could only be seen once every eight years—during the grand Alchemist Grand Meeting.
…
Inside the courtyard—
Wei Yang, for once, was also up early today.
All because last night, Xian'er had hung a "Do Not Disturb" sign.
No matter how Wei Yang tried to tease her, she remained unmoved, her will as firm as iron. In the end, Wei Yang had no choice but to go to bed early in frustration.
The same was likely to happen for the next few days.
Wei Yang: Damn this Alchemist Grand Meeting!
If Yao Lao were here, he would surely offer earnest advice in the tone of someone who had "been there": "Youngsters who've just tasted pleasure don't know how to restrain themselves… remember, lust is like a blade scraping the bone, a soul-draining, marrow-melting poison…" and the like.
…
Standing in the courtyard—
Taking in the fresh morning air, Wei Yang lazily stretched his body. A series of light cracking sounds echoed from his bones.
If one listened carefully, one could faintly sense that the entire imperial capital was already bustling with activity.
Qing Lin stood behind him, carefully smoothing out his robe. Smiling with squinted eyes, she said, "Young Master, the number of alchemists showing up in the capital today must be terrifying. As expected of the Alchemist Grand Meeting—only such a grand event could gather so many alchemists from across the empire."
"Of course. Alchemists are human too—they also seek fame and fortune. And this tournament is the perfect stage for that," Wei Yang replied with a smile.
Turning, he looked toward a secluded room and called out with a grin, "Xian'er, are you still hiding in there brooding? It's about time we head out."
Xian'er had actually gotten up early too. But while getting dressed, she was ambushed by Wei Yang's morning mischief. Unable to take it, she fled into the quiet room, sitting cross-legged in meditation to restore her energy and composure.
Seeing how seriously she was taking this, Wei Yang couldn't help but feel amused.
It's just an Alchemist Grand Meeting… was this really necessary?
Creak—
The door to the quiet room opened. A figure in white robes with white hair stepped out slowly, shooting Wei Yang a playful glare.
"You don't have to take it so seriously, do you? It's only the first day. This early elimination round is hardly a challenge for you," Wei Yang said helplessly.
Xian'er walked over and immediately retorted, "Of course I do. A competition is a competition—we must give it our all. That's the respect we owe our opponents. Isn't that what you always say, Brother Yang?"
"Uh…" Wei Yang choked on his words.
Alright, fair enough—he had nothing to say to that.
"Hehe." Qing Lin covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.
Xian'er also pressed her lips together, a faintly smug curve appearing at the corners of her mouth.
You rascal. Teasing me so early in the morning... Just wait until this competition is over...
Wei Yang shot them both a glare, then turned on his heel with a dramatic swirl of his robe and headed out of the courtyard. "Hmph, let's go."
Behind him, the two girls followed.
…
From the residential quarters in the rear to the main hall of the association in the front, the walk took some time.
Along the way, they encountered many alchemists staying within the association. Upon seeing Wei Yang, they respectfully came forward to greet him.
Wei Yang nodded and smiled in return.
Afterward, these alchemists naturally fell into step behind him.
Not long after, when Wei Yang arrived at the front hall of the association, more than a dozen alchemists had already gathered behind him—many of whom were at least Tier 3 or higher.
Although most of these individuals were over thirty and thus ineligible to participate in the tournament, it didn't stop them from eagerly heading to the venue to spectate.
Entering the eastern wing of the front hall from the rear entrance and crossing a wide corridor, a wave of noise and excitement surged toward them.
Looking ahead, the spacious main hall was already divided into three main zones, all of which were crowded with alchemists. A glance around revealed a sea of heads—it was almost impossible to count how many people had gathered.
At that moment, several people were descending the staircase up ahead.
Among them was none other than Xiao Yan.
Walking alongside him were several other alchemists—two elderly Tier-4 alchemists, each followed closely by a beautiful young female disciple. Additionally, there was another elder with a faintly cold aura, who didn't seem like an alchemist at all.
"Brother Wei!" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up as he raised his hand and cheerfully called out.
This time, he was no longer wearing a mask, but was showing his real face.
He now had enough confidence—there was no need to hide anymore.
The three elders and the two girls walking beside Xiao Yan all looked over—and upon seeing Wei Yang, a flicker of shock flashed in their eyes.
One of them quickly whispered to Xiao Yan, "You know Master Wei?"
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile. "Brother Wei and I go way back."
When it came to putting on airs and name-dropping, he was a natural—effortless and smooth.
"You call him… Brother Wei?!" the two elderly alchemists and their disciples exclaimed in hushed voices, their tones slightly distorted from shock.
Only the elderly man with the cold aura remained calm, as if this was perfectly normal. He had always assumed that Xiao Yan was a Tier 6 alchemy master—otherwise, how could he have possibly refined the Breaking Adversity Pill?
And for a master alchemist to have another master alchemist as a friend—that was to be expected.
"Yes, we've always interacted as equals," Xiao Yan said with a calm expression.
The two alchemy elders and their disciples were a bit stunned—while also feeling immensely envious.
"Why don't you introduce us?" one of the alchemy elders asked with a smile, giving Xiao Yan a discreet nudge with his elbow.
"No problem." Xiao Yan agreed readily and led them toward Wei Yang with a grin.
…
"Xiao Yan."
Wei Yang stood still at the corridor entrance. The alchemists who had followed him also scattered in small groups, each politely taking their leave.
Seeing Xiao Yan approach, Wei Yang smiled and nodded.
Xiao Yan also smiled in return, then turned slightly and said, "This is Master Ao Tuo and Master Fu Lan Ke. These two are their disciples—Lin Fei and Xue Mei."
"Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke of Black Rock City—greetings, Master Wei." The two alchemy elders hurriedly bowed respectfully.
"Lin Fei and Xue Mei, greetings, Master Wei." The two beautiful young women also bowed with deference, a hint of nervousness on their faces.
And no wonder—after all, they were meeting a suspected Tier 6 alchemy master. Who wouldn't be tense?
With just one glance, Wei Yang understood what was going on.
Clearly, Xiao Yan was borrowing his status for a bit of leverage.
But Wei Yang didn't mind or find it distasteful—on the contrary, he found such small gestures entirely natural.
To him, such things were trivial.
So, he smiled and nodded, fully cooperating with Xiao Yan's little performance. In a kind tone, he said, "No need to be so formal. Since you're friends of Xiao Yan, you're not outsiders. No need to be so reserved—relax."
Wei Yang's words were undoubtedly generous, and they left Ao Tuo and the others both surprised and flattered. They quickly waved their hands, saying they didn't dare.
Xiao Yan, meanwhile, shot Wei Yang a discreet look of gratitude. Then he gestured toward the elder with the cold aura and said with a smile, "This is my friend, Hai Bodong."
Faced with Wei Yang, the always-stern Hai Bodong showed a rare hint of solemnity. He gave a small cupped-fist salute and said, "Greetings, Master Wei."
"Hello, Hai Bodong," Wei Yang replied with a gentle smile.
Hai Bodong, huh… the famous angel investor.
So today, they finally met face to face.
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