Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 162: Chapter 162: Alchemy Dao Grand Showdown

Not only had Ye Qingchen made up for all the deficiencies in his Alchemy foundations, but he had even broken through to the realm of a Third-Grade Alchemist. Vice Pavilion Master Liu considered himself an expert judge of character who had seen countless talented individuals. Yet, he had never seen, let alone heard of, an Alchemist with such stunning talent as Ye Qingchen.

Now, Vice Pavilion Master Liu finally understood why Pavilion Master Zhang valued Ye Qingchen so much. With Ye Qingchen in the Qingyun Sect, the status of the Alchemy Pavilion was certain to rise to unprecedented heights. What made Vice Pavilion Master Liu even more envious was that Ye Qingchen had not only made remarkable achievements in the Alchemy Dao over the past two months, but his own strength had also increased by two levels, reaching the Ninth Layer of the Martial Master Realm. Either of these achievements would be considered unbelievable if they were made known, yet Ye Qingchen had accomplished both simultaneously.

After calming himself, Vice Pavilion Master Liu said to Ye Qingchen, ”Qingchen, the two-month period has come to an end. It’s time for us to leave the Pill Refining Room and go meet Pavilion Master Zhang!”

”Ah? Has it been two months already?”

Ye Qingchen was a little dazed. Although he had been incredibly busy these past two months, he also felt very fulfilled. Watching his Alchemy improve so rapidly, he felt a sense of insatiability, as if he could keep going forever.

However, he had also noticed that his recent progress in Alchemy had begun to slow. Ye Qingchen knew this rapid improvement was only possible because his initial foundations had been so poor.

It was as if I were an empty kettle, welcoming all knowledge and experience without discrimination. Now that the kettle is full, a qualitative change is needed to increase its capacity before it can hold more. Relentlessly practicing alone in the Pill Refining Room is clearly not an effective way to improve further.

With that in mind, Ye Qingchen nodded and followed Vice Pavilion Master Liu toward Pavilion Master Zhang’s residence.

In his heart, Ye Qingchen had always been grateful to Pavilion Master Zhang. Although the Pavilion Master didn’t visit often during these two months, he would carefully observe Ye Qingchen’s Alchemy and offer guidance every time he came. Ye Qingchen didn’t believe Pavilion Master Zhang expected anything in return. For him to selflessly devote his time and energy like this was a kindness Ye Qingchen would naturally remember.

Upon seeing Ye Qingchen and Vice Pavilion Master Liu arrive, Pavilion Master Zhang gestured for them to take a seat.

Before they could speak, Pavilion Master Zhang took out a bamboo slip and handed it to Vice Pavilion Master Liu, saying, ”The annual Alchemy Grand Competition among the ten major Sects of the Northern Desolate Country is about to begin. Go and select the elite Alchemists from the Alchemy Pavilion to prepare for this competition!”

Vice Pavilion Master Liu took the bamboo slip, nodded in acknowledgment, and then left to select the participants.

Only Pavilion Master Zhang and Ye Qingchen remained in the room. The Pavilion Master appraised him, nodding continuously. After a moment, he slowly began to speak.

”Your progress has far exceeded my expectations. You can participate in this Alchemy Grand Competition as well.”

Delighted by the praise, Ye Qingchen was nevertheless confused and asked, ”Pavilion Master Zhang, what is this Alchemy Grand Competition?”

Pavilion Master Zhang was momentarily startled. Then he recalled that Ye Qingchen came from a small place like Qingyun Town, so it was understandable that he would be unfamiliar with the Northern Desolate Country’s grand events. He began to explain, ”The Alchemy Grand Competition is organized jointly by the ten major Sects. All the top Alchemists from across the Northern Desolate Country will be invited to compete. You could say that a competition of this level represents the highest standard of the Alchemy Dao in our country!”

Ye Qingchen listened, his heart filled with longing. But then he remembered he was merely a Third-Grade Alchemist. To participate in a competition of this caliber... wouldn’t that just be asking for humiliation?

Sensing the doubt in Ye Qingchen’s heart, Pavilion Master Zhang continued, ”The Alchemy Grand Competition will also have a youth division. With your current Alchemy Realm, you can give it a try. Always practicing behind closed doors will only lead to stagnation. Going out and seeing the world will help you improve. Moreover, I will personally lead the team this time, so I can offer you some guidance along the way!”

Ye Qingchen was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked Pavilion Master Zhang.

Pavilion Master Zhang’s skill in the Alchemy Dao is obviously far beyond Vice Pavilion Master Liu’s. With his guidance along the journey, my own Alchemy Realm will surely improve again!

Seeing Ye Qingchen’s excited expression, Pavilion Master Zhang worried he might become arrogant and impetuous. He couldn’t help but say something to temper his enthusiasm, ”Qingchen, although you have progressed remarkably, you must also understand a principle: there is always someone better than you. Remember to avoid arrogance and impetuosity. In this competition, you should observe those alchemical geniuses to broaden your horizons and knowledge. Only then can you go further in the future, understand?”

Ye Qingchen nodded heavily. I will never underestimate anyone, but I will also never be second to anyone!

Afterward, Pavilion Master Zhang dismissed Ye Qingchen, telling him to prepare for their departure in three days. After leaving the Alchemy Pavilion, Ye Qingchen returned to his small courtyard. He informed Hei Ze that he would be participating in the Alchemy Grand Competition in three days, then went into his room and fell fast asleep.

For two months, he had been practicing Alchemy by day and cultivating by night, and he had hardly rested properly even once. He decided to take advantage of these next three days to relax completely.

「Three days later, outside the Alchemy Pavilion.」

Pavilion Master Zhang and Vice Pavilion Master Liu personally led the team, preparing to set out with over a dozen elite Alchemists from the Qingyun Sect. Ye Qingchen was brought along by Pavilion Master Zhang, walking at the very front of the group.

Li Qingfeng evidently attached great importance to this event and personally came to see them off. What Ye Qingchen didn’t expect, however, was that Li Zongrui and Elder Wuji were at Li Qingfeng’s side.

After Li Qingfeng spoke some encouraging words to the elite Alchemists, he said to Pavilion Master Zhang, ”Pavilion Master Zhang, the journey to the competition is long. I’ve specially arranged for Elder Wuji to accompany the team to ensure the group’s security. I am also sending my son along to gain some experience.”

Of course, Pavilion Master Zhang would not refuse. With an Elder of the Martial Spirit Realm like Elder Wuji accompanying them, the team’s safety was almost guaranteed.

Looking at Li Zongrui, Ye Qingchen thought he understood. Li Qingfeng’s arrangement is most likely an attempt to get Li Zongrui and me to grow closer and mend our awkward relationship.

Ye Qingchen didn’t say anything more, out of respect for Li Qingfeng. If Li Zongrui has truly turned over a new leaf, I don’t mind giving him a chance to reform. However, if he remains stubborn and still means me harm, then I definitely won’t show any mercy this time!

After Li Qingfeng exchanged a few more pleasantries, Pavilion Master Zhang led the team away from the Qingyun Sect, setting out toward the destination of the competition: the capital city.