Chapter 237: Sixth-Tier Alchemist
Boom!
In the sky above, Yan Luotian's hair stood on end as he stared at the spot where Xiao Yuan had just vanished.
Before he could even flap his wings, Xiao Yuan's deep cyan energy-infused palm was already slicing toward his back.
Great Sorrow Wind-Rending Palm!
A surge of cyan-brown Heavenly Flame erupted from Xiao Yuan's palm, merging with deep cyan wind energy. The intense heat sent waves of burning pain through Yan Luotian's back.
Such terrifying heat!
Yan Luotian's heart filled with regret. Though this woman had forcibly boosted her strength to the Dou Zong level with a secret technique, possessing a Heavenly Flame meant that a one-star Dou Zong like her was in no way weaker than his two-star Dou Zong self!
What's more, her combat techniques clearly carried the explosive force of Earth-tier Dou Techniques. To be able to cast them so fluidly, her cultivation method and Dou Technique mastery had to be far superior to his own. Under such conditions, the battle was clearly not in his favor.
Despite these rapid thoughts, Yan Luotian remained a true Dou Zong expert. Relying on his exceptional energy control, he summoned brilliant golden light across his body. Countless golden goose feathers condensed into armor, protecting his back in a shining golden shell.
At the same time, a fierce gleam flashed in his eyes. His large golden wings swept backward, feathers sharp as blades slashing toward Xiao Yuan.
But his counterattack was useless against Xiao Yuan.
In Yan Luotian's eyes, the white-robed woman didn't even flinch. She waved her slender hand, summoning a deep cyan wind barrier to block the feathers. The cyan-brown flames mixed with the wind and clung to the wings, igniting them.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yuan's Earth-tier Dou Technique-powered palm slammed into Yan Luotian's back. Violent energy exploded outward, engulfing him.
Boom!
Even Zi Yan, who was idly munching pills, perked up at the deafening blast that echoed through the sky. A visible shockwave rippled outward from the impact zone.
As the blow landed, Yan Luotian's face turned pale. Blood spurted from his mouth, and he began falling from the sky.
His golden feather armor shattered, and blood poured down his back. The wind attribute tore through his defenses, and the Heavenly Flame scorched his flesh—he trembled uncontrollably.
It hurts! It hurts so much!
His opponent's speed was clearly beyond his own. That movement technique had to be at least Earth-tier!
Such a young face, such terrifying strength, a profound secret technique, and a relentless stream of Dou Techniques—
He'd kicked an iron wall!
Yan Luotian had no will left to fight. Suppressing his churning blood, he stabilized his wings and fled into the distance.
Run!
One blow was enough to injure me—if I stay, I'll die before her secret technique ends!
With his Dou Qi wings overlaid atop his golden ones, his speed doubled. He turned into a golden streak that shrank into a distant speck in seconds.
Xiao Yuan blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected the man to flee after just one hit.
"Trying to run? Hmph."
With a cold snort, Xiao Yuan's Purple Cloud Wings extended. He too overlaid his Dou Qi wings, summoning roaring winds and crackling thunder.
Shing!
Every thousand meters, a green wind-lightning silhouette appeared elegantly in the air, each one a residual afterimage. Within moments, Xiao Yuan vanished from sight.
"Whoa, he's even faster now. That guy's so screwed."
Zi Yan giggled between bites of her pill.
Swish!
The golden line streaked across the sky as Yan Luotian grew more frantic.
The woman's Heavenly Flame was terrifying. Even without knowing exactly what kind, it was clearly among the strongest. The residual energy alone had worsened his injuries.
Still, he consoled himself—her speed might be fast, but his Sky Goose Nine-Wing Technique specialized in straight-line acceleration. He had the edge!
But then, a cold, spectral female voice whispered into his ear like a demon from the underworld:
"You're faster than I thought—not bad."
Startled, Yan Luotian looked up to find a cyan figure elegantly forming ahead of him. In her hand, a deep cyan longsword glowed with terrifying energy. Even sunlight was pulled into its radiance.
"That looks like a technique from Yunlan Sect...?"
Alarmed, he tried to gather Dou Qi.
But then she moved like a divine judge. Her sword radiated dazzling brilliance that even eclipsed the sun.
Her icy voice echoed through the heavens:
"Wind's Limit—Falling Sun Execution."
As the words fell, she swung her sword. A shining line of energy shot forth.
Yan Luotian saw a flash—and then searing pain erupted in his chest. His strength faded. He staggered in the air.
Looking down slowly, he saw a massive hole in his chest where the blast had exploded through him.
Where's… my heart?
His vision darkened. The golden figure fell from the sky.
Snap!
Cyan-brown flame flared as Xiao Yuan flicked a spark. The body was cremated. The golden spatial ring floated into his palm.
"A high-grade storage ring. Rare find."
He erased the soul imprint with ease and slid the ring onto his finger.
But…
"This doesn't suit me. Doesn't match my look."
He glanced at the elegant band—too gaudy. Better to give it to Ya Fei. She'd love the luxurious touch… and reward him handsomely for it.
Grinning, he transferred everything into his own ring. From the Golden Goose Sect leader's collection, he pulled out a golden scroll.
Opening it, brilliant words gleamed before his eyes:
Sky Goose Nine-Wing Technique.
A pleasant surprise.
He stored the scroll with satisfaction.
Who'd have thought we'd bump into Yan Luotian on the road and come away with a top-tier flying technique?
Shame he didn't have the right materials yet.
Maybe I should kill a few Heavenly Demon Phoenixes someday…
He thought darkly.
After all, if Zi Yan was his friend, that meant he was allied with the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan—and therefore, enemies with the Sky Phoenix Clan.
Better to strike first than wait to be struck.
——
"Finally back!"
In the imperial capital, Zi Yan's mouth watered as she eyed the street food lining the road.
"Zi Yan, you go ahead. I'm heading to the Alchemist Guild."
Dressed once more in his white robes, Xiao Yuan patted her head with a smile.
"Alright, I'll grab a bite and come find you."
She waved him off, already sprinting toward a vendor.
Xiao Yuan wasn't worried. Not even peak Dou Huang experts like Jia Xingtian could easily catch Zi Yan. She was safe.
So, Xiao Yuan made his way to the Alchemist Guild.
"Little friend Xiao Yuan, what brings you to me today?"
President Fa Ma welcomed him warmly.
This was the man who had defeated two Dou Zongs—no one in the empire dared treat him lightly.
"President Fa Ma, nothing urgent. I just came to take the alchemist rank exam."
Xiao Yuan smiled as they walked inside together.
"You want to be tested?"
Fa Ma blinked in surprise.
"Isn't your Dou Qi wind and ice? Alchemy…"
He could tell Xiao Yuan was serious—not joking.
"President Fa Ma, did you forget? I have a Heavenly Flame. It's far better for alchemy than ordinary fire."
Xiao Yuan didn't explain more. Fa Ma didn't push.
"Oh? What rank would you like to be tested for?"
He smiled politely, knowing better than to pry into this powerful youth's secrets.
"Sixth-tier."
Xiao Yuan stroked his chin and answered calmly.
"???"
Fa Ma froze. His usually squinting eyes widened like copper bells.
"You're… sure?"
After a long pause, he asked.
"What, if I'm being foolish, won't you humor me once?"
Xiao Yuan grinned and released a surge of soul power.
Fa Ma's eyes flashed in shock.
Stronger than Gu He?!
"In that case, I'll personally oversee your exam."
Fa Ma led him deeper into the guild.
When they reemerged, Xiao Yuan was clad in the Alchemist Guild's special robes—his chest bearing a badge with six silver ripples, gleaming proudly.
"Your techniques are still a little raw… but that talent…! Your flame control and timing—absolutely gifted. I can't compare."
Fa Ma shook his head in admiration.
Xiao Yan had stunned him years ago. Now, Xiao Yuan? Even more unbelievable.
"You flatter me, President. I just got lucky."
Xiao Yuan smiled, his fingers brushing the ring housing Yao Lao. In his heart, he was grateful.
Without Yao Lao's half-year of guidance, he'd only be a fourth-tier alchemist.
Even reaching that in a year would've been incredible. But thanks to his powerful soul and the Heavenly Flame, he was qualified for tier six.
Without Yao Lao, it might've taken him another two and a half years.
"Oh, right. I have a list of ingredients I'd like your help with. As thanks, I'll leave you the Emperor's Extreme Pill I just made during the exam."
Xiao Yuan handed over a list and a jade bottle.
"You're too generous. But no need. If you agree to become a guest elder of the guild, I'll find what I can."
Fa Ma refused the pill and opened the list—only to freeze.
He hadn't even heard of half these herbs!
"These are extremely rare. The guild only has three of them. I can offer those, but the rest… they're just too rare for this region."
Fa Ma shook his head apologetically.
"Three is plenty. I'll find the rest myself."
Xiao Yuan nodded and still handed him the Emperor's Extreme Pill.
"I owe you a favor—but I can't accept those herbs for free. Keep the pill. I'll also need more ingredients to make another batch."
He smiled.
"Very well. I'll send them to your residence. Two of these herbs… you might be able to get from the royal family."
Fa Ma added.
"The royal family?"
Xiao Yuan raised an eyebrow.
"They asked me recently to make a sixth-tier pill to treat their guardian beast—a sixth-rank Youhai Flood Dragon. Their offered reward included two herbs from your list."
Fa Ma explained.
"Oh? Even you couldn't make the pill?"
Xiao Yuan caught the implication.
"No. The pill is called the Primordial Bone-Molding Pill—very difficult. I'm a sixth-tier alchemist, but my energy's not what it used to be. I wasn't confident."
Fa Ma admitted.
"But with your talent, you could try."
"In that case, I'll trouble you for an introduction."
Xiao Yuan cupped his hands respectfully.
(END CHAPTER)
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