Chapter 288: The Opening of the Medicinal Canon
At the peak of Medicine Mountain, dark clouds swirled, and the peculiar fragrance of medicinal herbs filled the air, making one feel refreshed and at ease.
Xiao Tian followed the Yao Clan elders, discovering that the mountain was covered with rare medicinal herbs, resembling a vast ocean of herbs, justifying its name as Medicine Mountain.
Above this ocean of herbs floated a massive platform. At each of the four corners of the platform stood a giant cauldron, from which the fragrance of medicinal herbs emanated.
On this floating platform, there were already many people standing around.
To the north of the stone platform, rows of stone chairs were arranged side by side. Beautiful maidservants flitted around like butterflies, skillfully filling jade cups on the stone tables.
Elder Wanhuo smiled and invited, "Alliance Leader Xiao, Deputy Alliance Leader Yao Chen, please have a seat here!"
The two didn't stand on ceremony and followed Elder Wanhuo to sit on the stone chairs.
This action naturally drew the attention of the surrounding crowd. The Heavenly Court's influence in Central State was now so vast that it even surpassed that of the ancient clans.
"Clang~"
Soon, a bell rang out, and the members of the Yao Clan stood up respectfully, "We welcome the clan leader!"
In the sky, the clouds churned, and an elderly man in a white robe stepped through the clouds.
This was Yao Dan, the leader of the Yao Clan, possessing the strength of a Seven-Star Dou Saint.
Upon appearing, Yao Dan immediately looked at Xiao Tian. Upon closer inspection, he found Xiao Tian somewhat unfathomable. His gaze flickered slightly before shifting to Yao Lao, feeling a complex mix of emotions.
He was aware of what had happened back then, but never expected this person, once expelled from the Yao Clan, to become a Dou Saint. Furthermore, his disciple had surpassed him, both in status and strength, rivaling the leaders of the ancient clans.
"Haha, Old Yao Dan, you finally decided to come out?" At this moment, an ancient voice echoed in the sky.
Everyone looked towards the sound and saw a flash of green light in the distant sky.
In an instant, a pale green cauldron appeared in the sky.
Seated on the cauldron was an elderly man in plain hemp robes, holding a staff seemingly woven from medicinal herbs, with many jade bottles hanging from it, producing a crisp clinking sound as they swayed.
"Shennong Elder?" Seeing the newcomer, Yao Lao exclaimed, "I didn't expect this senior to appear."
Most people had never heard of Shennong Elder, but in the alchemy world, he was a very senior figure.
Yao Dan glanced at the old man, saying, "I didn't expect you to still be alive after disappearing for so long..."
Shennong Elder put away the cauldron and was about to speak, but suddenly frowned and looked behind him.
A black cloud appeared in the distance, quickly spreading and reaching the mountain peak in an instant.
The black cloud condensed into a middle-aged man in black.
"Soul Clan's Hun Xuzi, I came uninvited, I hope Clan Leader Yao Dan doesn't mind!" The man in black smiled faintly, his unhurried voice echoing through the sky.
"Why is this guy here? We didn't invite him." "Hmph, the Soul Clan has been capturing souls for years, even targeting alchemists to seize their souls. They've committed countless atrocities." "We can't let such a person participate in our Yao Clan's grand event." "..."
The appearance of Hun Xuzi immediately sparked an intense reaction among the Yao Clan elders.
Yao Dan and Elder Wanhuo exchanged glances, their brows furrowed in concern.
It was clear that Hun Xuzi's unexpected arrival had thrown them off. The Yao Clan had always kept its distance from the Soul Clan, so his presence here uninvited naturally raised some red flags.
"It seems the friends of the Yao Clan don't welcome me," Hun Xuzi said, his hands behind his back, looking directly at Yao Dan. "Such behavior seems contrary to the Yao Clan's hospitality."
"Hun Xuzi, we did not invite you, and these are different times. Your uninvited arrival raises suspicions about your Soul Clan's intentions," Elder Wanhuo said directly.
"That's not correct," Hun Xuzi shook his head. "I am here with a clear conscience. As an alchemist, I have a great interest in what is reputed to be the highest-level alchemist gathering on the continent."
He then looked at Elder Wanhuo, "Of course, if you want to bestow the title of the continent's top alchemist upon me, I can leave right now."
"Arrogant!"
Hun Xuzi's words immediately angered the Yao Clan elders.
As a clan known for its alchemy talent, the title of the continent's top alchemist had almost always belonged to them, with few exceptions. His disdain was even more aggravating than Xiao Tian's.
"The title of the continent's top alchemist cannot be given lightly. It must be earned through one's alchemical skills," Yao Dan said. "Since you want this title, you must compete for it. If you dare harm our clan, you won't leave alive, even as the Soul Clan's top alchemist."
His face showed a hint of sharp killing intent as he spoke.
The Yao Clan elders were dissatisfied but had to accept their leader's decision.
"Clan Leader Yao Dan is indeed generous," Hun Xuzi said with a light laugh, taking a seat on one of the stone chairs.
As he sat down, Yao Dan called out, "The time has come. Let the grand event begin!"
The early part of the event featured the younger generation, each at least a sixth-tier alchemist.
Indeed, the Yao Clan's talent in alchemy was impressive, especially in the early stages. While their talent became less significant at the eighth-tier level, their faster early progress often meant they reached the eighth-tier sooner than others.
However, to the audience, it seemed like children's play. The outside observers were at least eighth-tier alchemists and had little interest in watching sixth and seventh-tier alchemists.
Many of them didn't even watch, choosing instead to rest with their eyes closed.
The happiest person among them was undoubtedly Hun Xuzi, as the longer this event dragged on, the more it favored the Soul Clan's plans. With the Medicine World connected to the Thunder World and Flame World, the Soul Clan needed to first seal these connection channels to destroy the Yao Clan unnoticed.
After several days, the performances of the Yao Clan juniors finally ended.
At this point, everyone opened their eyes, and the atmosphere became lively.
The competition to determine the continent's top alchemist was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)