Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 99: Chapter 99: The Alchemist Qualification Conference

”Qingchen, something terrible has happened.”

Ye Ying’s voice was extremely urgent. Because she had run all the way, her chest heaved dramatically, accentuating her stunning figure.

Ye Qingchen frowned slightly, a bad premonition rising in his heart. Still, he invited Ye Ying inside first, trying his best to speak in a calm tone.

”What’s wrong? Don’t rush, take your time.”

Xiao Xiao obediently brought over some tea. Ye Ying took it and drained it in one gulp, which finally calmed her nerves a little before she answered, ”The Alchemist Qualification Competition has been moved up to next week! Registration closes tonight.”

”Moved up? Wasn’t there still a month to go? Why?” Ye Qingchen couldn’t help but ask.

Given a month, with the Pill Emperor’s Heart Sutra and the legacy of Elder Fen Tian, Ye Qingchen was one hundred percent confident he could win the championship of the Alchemist Qualification Competition. Now, however, he only had a week, which felt far too rushed. He had to win the competition to become an Inner Sect Disciple. Otherwise, he would have to wait another year—an outcome he could not accept.

Ye Ying knew how important this competition was to Ye Qingchen, which was why she had rushed over with the news.

However, after a brief moment of shock, Ye Qingchen quickly composed himself and comforted her, ”Thank you, Ye Ying. But it’s all right. The registration is still open, isn’t it? As long as I can participate, there’s always a chance!”

Seeing Ye Qingchen’s determined gaze, Ye Ying’s anxious heart gradually calmed.

He can definitely do it!

Ye Qingchen’s aura inspired an inexplicable sense of trust in Ye Ying, as if all difficulties and crises would be effortlessly resolved as long as he was there. She didn’t understand how Ye Qingchen, who was even younger than herself, could possess such a presence.

Ye Qingchen patted Ye Ying’s shoulder, then turned to Xiao Xiao and said, ”Xiao Xiao, take good care of Ye Ying. I’m going to register now.”

Without waiting for a reply, Ye Qingchen walked out the door.

***

Although Alchemists were rare, as the number one sect in the Northern Desolate Country, the Qingyun Sect had nurtured quite a few outstanding ones. People came in droves to register for the competition, creating a sea of humanity.

Therefore, the Qingyun Sect had specially designated an area in the sect plaza to handle the disciple registrations.

Seeing the teeming crowd, Ye Qingchen couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement.

”The Qingyun Sect really is extraordinary. Alchemists, who are rarely seen in the outside world, are so numerous here. Although they are all prospective alchemists, with a bit of training, they will all become renowned Alchemy masters in their own right.”

”Of course! This is the Qingyun Sect, the top sect of the Northern Desolate Country. Not only is it powerful, but it also has remarkable achievements in Alchemy. It’s only natural that it attracts so many disciples with Alchemic Talent.”

The crowd buzzed with conversation, and Ye Qingchen couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

It’s precisely because the Qingyun Sect continuously cultivates outstanding disciples that it has been able to hold its position as the top sect in the Northern Desolate Country.

But then, a thought struck him. The Qingyun Sect was ranked first in the Northern Desolate Country, but it was still only a one-star sect. Even so, it already had so many geniuses.

What must the nine-star Wuji Immortal Sect, which accepted Xiao Xiao as a disciple, be like? It seems I have to step up my own cultivation. Even though I’ve always thought of Xiao Xiao as a little sister, it would be embarrassing if my strength fell too far behind hers.

Ye Qingchen shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside as he joined the queue to wait for registration.

I possess the Seven-Star Willow Wood Martial Soul and the powerful Dual Pupil Martial Soul. With these, I’m confident my future achievements will be second to none!

After several long hours of waiting, it was finally his turn. It had been morning when he arrived, but now the sun was about to set. Looking at the long line still behind him, Ye Qingchen gave a wry smile.

Those people probably won’t be able to register in time. Thankfully, Ye Ying reminded me, otherwise I would have missed this opportunity too.

”What’s your name?” a listless, middle-aged official asked from his seat.

Ye Qingchen bowed politely to the man and said, ”My name is Ye Qingchen. I’m here to register for the Alchemist Qualification Competition.”

The moment Ye Qingchen finished speaking, a burst of exclamations erupted nearby.

”Ye Qingchen? That’s him! He killed the Inner Sect Disciple Han Liang not long after joining the sect. I didn’t expect him to be a prospective alchemist too.”

”You’re out of the loop. I heard that some time ago, this Ye Qingchen took a mission at the Mission Hall to purify medicinal ingredients and earned over 10,000 points in a single afternoon. That shows his Alchemic Talent is also incredibly strong!”

”Sigh, it’s infuriating to compare yourself to others!”

The middle-aged official heard the discussion and finally raised his head to give Ye Qingchen a proper look. ”I didn’t expect you to be so well-known, young man.”

Ye Qingchen gave an embarrassed smile. ”I’m flattered, sir. May I ask what the registration procedures are?”

”Give me your disciple token,” the official said.

Ye Qingchen respectfully handed over his disciple token, and the official began the registration process with practiced ease.

”Alright, be here on time in a week to participate. You’re quite impressive, kid. I have high hopes for you!” The middle-aged official returned the token and offered a few words of encouragement.

Ye Qingchen thanked the official with a smile and a bow, then left. Now that he had successfully registered, he needed to hurry back and comprehend the Pill Emperor’s Heart Sutra to increase his chances of winning.

Not long after Ye Qingchen left, Li Zongrui appeared at the registration site.

Upon seeing him, the previously listless middle-aged official immediately stood up, a warm smile spreading across his face. ”Young Sect Master! What brings you here to guide our work?”

Li Zongrui nodded pretentiously. ”Official Wang, the Alchemist Qualification Competition is a grand event for our Qingyun Sect. We must handle everything with the utmost seriousness and care. No carelessness will be tolerated, understand?”

Official Wang hurriedly agreed, ”As you say, Young Sect Master. We will do our best to ensure the success of this Alchemist Qualification Competition.”

Li Zongrui glanced around the site before turning back to the official. ”Official Wang, show me the registration list.”

A troubled expression appeared on Official Wang’s face. ”Young Sect Master, this is against the rules.”