Eternal Cultivation Of Alchemy

Firefang hesitated for a moment, turning to look at Alex. She couldn’t find anything impressive about him to be wary of, but Zi Mengyao wouldn’t just say something like that, would she?

For a moment, she was very indecisive, but then she made up her mind and decided to challenge him.

Before she spoke out her intentions, however, a voice called from the top of the hill.

”I do not appreciate anyone making trouble in my place.”

A figure rose from behind the Marker and made his way down the hill. Alex looked at the newcomer, a man with a half-bald head, wearing the robes of someone belonging to the Wandering Star Pavilion.

As the man arrived before them, Alex raised an eyebrow. He had seen this man before, on top of the tower at the very first trial. He had arrived at the top right after Alex had gotten his map of the Red.

He hadn’t realized at that point that the man was this strong.

”I’m not trying to make any trouble,” Alex said. ”I merely want my people to use the Marker. And as far as I know, it doesn’t belong to you. Neither does this place.”

Su Nian’s expression didn’t change. ”I do not care what you think you know. I will give you this one chance to leave.”

Zi Mengyao nudged Alex. ”We should go.”

Alex remained unmoving. He smiled a little. ”What do you want in exchange?” he asked. ”If it is within my capacity, I will try.”

”Is it within your capacity to leave me alone?” Su Nian asked.

Alex smiled. ”I’m afraid you’re asking a bit too much from me. How do pills sound? I have some great cultivation pills. And you surely want some pills to help reach the Divine realm, don’t you?”

Su Nian narrowed his eyes. ”Do you think I am lacking in anything that I would need someone else to give me things?” he asked.

Alex paused for a moment. ”I suppose you’re right. In that case, how about a duel? If you win, I never bother your people again. If I win, you let my people make use of the Marker for a year without bothering them.”

Su Nian’s eyes narrowed. ”You want to challenge me?”

”A mutual challenge, yes,” Alex said. ”Not for the stars, but simply for the conditions we come up with.”

Su Nian paused for a moment, then shook his head. ”No. Leave.”

Alex was taken aback by such a simple response. The man truly did not care enough to fight him for anything.

Zi Mengyao turned toward Alex with a bitter smile on her face. ”We should leave, Brother Dawnblade.”

Alex sighed. ”Yes. I don’t think I’m going to get much staying here. But before that, since I’m already here, let me get a star from the Marker.”

He stepped forward, only for Firefang to move before him with her arms spread wide.

”You’re going nowhere.”

Alex pointed at the Marker. ”I’m going there. If you want to stop me, feel free to.”

He walked around her and kept moving. Zi Mengyao quickly followed behind.

”Brother Dawnblade, what are you doing?” she asked.

”What am I doing?” Alex asked. ”I’m just making use of the Marker.”

”It’s just a star,” she said. ”There’s no point in making enemies out of these people for a single star.”

”Enemies?” Alex couldn’t help but laugh a little.

He continued on, which Su Nian noticed.

”You’re still here?” he asked, turning around.

”Of course. I’ll leave once I’m done with the Marker,” Alex said and continued walking. But Su Nian wasn’t having it.

”Firefang, deal with him.”

”At once, Brother Nian,” the woman said, quickly walking up to Alex.

Alex looked at the woman and shook his head. ”I suggest that you don’t challenge me. You will reg—”

”I am challenging you,” the woman said. ”What would you like to be challenged in?”

Alex sighed. ”If you really want to challenge me, then sure. I’ll increase the number of stars we’ll be winning.”

Zi Mengyao slightly raised an eyebrow. ”Brother Dawnblade,” she said in a hurry, closing in. ”You can’t choose the challenge if you increase the stars.”

”I’m aware,” Alex said. ”I’ll still increase it. Hmm... I have a little over 5000 stars remaining, so let’s make it a clean 5000 stars.”

Firefang paused for a long few seconds upon hearing Alex’s words. ”What?”

Hers wasn’t the only reaction like that. The various people who had begun surrounding the area held the same expression.

Zi Mengyao’s jaw hung wide open upon hearing the number of stars Alex was putting up for the challenge. She turned toward Firefang next, to see what the woman would do.

The woman had two options here. She could give Alex a star and concede the challenge. Or she could rely on her luck and accept the 5000-star challenge. Doing so was extremely risky, as she wouldn’t know what challenge they would be issued.

But...

”Alright,” the woman said slowly. ”I agree.”

Zi Mengyao let out a sigh. That was the correct thing for Firefang to do.

Given her understanding of Alex, unless the random challenge happened to be related to Alchemy or Daos, he would very likely lose.

After Firefang accepted the challenge, a Divine realm voice came for them a few seconds later.

”Your challenge has been decided. You shall compete to see who among you is better with weapons.”

Firefang’s face immediately split into a grin the moment she heard the words. She turned toward Alex.

”You might as well hand out your stars now.”

Alex blinked. ”What are we testing exactly? Who is stronger with a weapon? Or is it who has the better understanding of a weapon?”

”I believe it’s the latter,” Zi Mengyao said with a sorry look as she let out a sigh.

Alex looked toward her. ”Why do you look so down? Is something wrong?”

”The women of the Hidden Orchid Palace are known for their saber skills. And Firefang has to be one of their best,” Zi Mengyao said. ”I’m sorry, Brother Dawnblade, but luck has not favored you at this moment.”