Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 192: Chapter 192: Register for the Alchemy Dao Tournament

”What? Deputy Pavilion Master Liu and Pavilion Master Zhang are both attending this Alchemy Dao Grand Competition?” Even with his usual composure, Ye Qingchen couldn’t help but ask in surprise.

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu smiled at Ye Qingchen. ”The Alchemy Dao Grand Competition is the foremost event in the Northern Desolate Country’s Alchemy World. It’s an excellent place to test our strength. Not only are the rewards substantial, but we also get to witness the exquisite techniques of other Alchemy Masters. For such a grand event, why shouldn’t we participate?”

Ye Qingchen was momentarily stunned by the question. Indeed, as the leading figures of the Qingyun Sect’s Alchemy Dao, it was perfectly reasonable for Pavilion Master Zhang and Deputy Pavilion Master Liu to participate.

However, he still frowned and asked, ”But I heard that neither of you participated in previous competitions. With grandmasters like you joining, doesn’t that mean the rest of us are just here to serve as your foils?”

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu was walking at a leisurely pace. Upon hearing Ye Qingchen’s question, he slowed even further and began to explain patiently, ”Qingchen, Pavilion Master Zhang must have given you a general introduction before we came. He likely mentioned there’s a youth division, but you probably aren’t clear on the specific details. This year’s competition is also slightly different from previous ones.”

”Oh?” Ye Qingchen murmured, his curiosity piqued.

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu gathered his thoughts before continuing. ”First, participants in this competition include not only the six great sects—our Qingyun Sect, the Heavenly Profound Sect, the Wuyuan Sect, and others—but also four newly promoted one-star sects, making for ten major sects in total. Moreover, unlike in the past, alchemists from other factions and even some Loose Cultivators have been invited. Therefore, the scale of this Alchemy Dao Grand Competition can be considered unprecedented.”

Ye Qingchen nodded. The number of alchemists from the ten major sects alone was already innumerable. With the addition of those from other factions, the total number of participants was bound to be far greater than in previous years.

Moreover, inviting Loose Cultivators was a first for the competition. It wasn’t that these alchemists were weak; on the contrary, they were typically accustomed to a free and unrestrained lifestyle. They cared little for superficial fame and thus rarely bothered with ordinary contests.

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu paused, then continued, ”The competition’s unprecedented scale and generous rewards have also attracted some reclusive old monsters to emerge from their seclusion. So, Qingchen, if you get the chance, you must observe the techniques of those Alchemy Masters. It will be of great benefit to your progress.”

Ye Qingchen nodded heavily. Deputy Pavilion Master Liu is always looking out for my development!

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu chuckled and shook his head. ”I’ve gotten sidetracked. Weren’t you just worried that it would be unfair for old folks like us to compete against you youngsters?”

Ye Qingchen nodded again. ”Exactly. I am completely in awe of the alchemical mastery you and Pavilion Master Zhang possess.”

Delighted by the flattery, Deputy Pavilion Master Liu laughed heartily. ”Your tongue has certainly grown sweeter, kid. But there’s no need to worry. This Alchemy Dao Grand Competition is divided into two main categories: the Sect Competition and the Loose Cultivator Competition. We, of course, will be participating in the Sect Competition.”

Seeing Ye Qingchen listening intently, Deputy Pavilion Master Liu nodded in satisfaction and continued to explain, ”The Sect Competition is further subdivided into three groups. The first is the Expert Competition, which is where we old-timers will participate. The second is the Youth Competition, established specifically for youngsters like you to gain experience.”

Ye Qingchen’s concerns eased considerably, and he nodded. Still, he had another question. ”Deputy Pavilion Master Liu, you mentioned the Sect Competition is divided into three groups. What is the third?”

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu shook his head. ”The third group is a new addition this year. I’m not entirely clear on the specifics myself. All I know is that it’s called the Mixed Competition!”

A Mixed Competition? What on earth could that mean? If even Deputy Pavilion Master Liu doesn’t know, there’s no way I can figure it out. Still, I’m sure Pavilion Master Zhang would have told me if it had anything to do with me. Since he hasn’t, it probably isn’t my concern. I should just focus on doing my part. Instead of worrying about this, my time is better spent observing the exquisite techniques of the Alchemy Masters.

The two continued to chat as they walked, and soon they arrived outside the venue for the Alchemy Dao Grand Competition.

In the capital city, where every inch of land was as precious as gold, the competition venue occupied a staggering plot of several hundred acres. This alone demonstrated the importance the Northern Desolate Country placed on the event. The venue was encircled by high walls. Though temporary, they were still imposing and majestic, standing well over a hundred feet tall and constructed entirely from giant blocks of Fine Steel Stone. Ye Qingchen, who stood over six feet tall, seemed tiny beneath the immense fortifications.

A chill emanating from the Fine Steel Stone compelled a sense of reverence. The walls were covered in painstakingly carved murals. Peering closer, Ye Qingchen saw that they depicted the legendary deeds of various Alchemists. Unfortunately, he was unfamiliar with this history and could not identify them. However, he knew that to be carved upon the walls of the Alchemy Dao Grand Competition, these Alchemists must have been extraordinary figures.

In the center of the wall stood a gigantic archway about fifty feet high. Flanking it were two divine beast statues carved from massive jade stones. Ye Qingchen recognized them from the Pill Emperor’s Heart Sutra—they were the Bai Ze and the Qilin! Legend held that these two divine beasts were the kings of all fauna, governing all manner of Spiritual Herbs and Divine Medicine, which is why they have always been revered by Alchemists.

Almost without exception, every Alchemist who passed by would pause to bow deeply to the two divine beast statues with utmost piety.

Ye Qingchen was no exception. He and Deputy Pavilion Master Liu bowed to the statues of the Bai Ze and Qilin before entering the archway. Although guards were posted on either side, they did not stop the pair upon seeing their Qingyun Sect attire. As the premier sect of the Northern Desolate Country, the Qingyun Sect always sent representatives to the Alchemy Dao Grand Competition and was thus exempt from inspection.

Deputy Pavilion Master Liu glanced at the sea of Alchemists around them, let out a faint sigh, and said to Ye Qingchen, ”Qingchen, let’s go register first. Then I’ll show you around!”