Chapter 238: Giving Jia Xingtian a Taste of a Little Genius Alchemist's Shock
In the imperial capital of the Jia Ma Empire, deep within the royal garden.
Jia Xingtian paced around Xiao Yuan, scrutinizing him from head to toe, eyes filled with doubt.
Beside him, Yao Ye also stared wide-eyed. The young man who was younger than her had already become a super-strong expert that even her great-grandfather had to treat with courtesy.
"You brat, how did you suddenly jump to peak four-star Dou Huang?"
Jia Xingtian looked at Xiao Yuan in disbelief. Not long ago, when he dealt with Yun Shan, Xiao Yuan was still at peak Dou Wang. How had his strength surged so much in just a few days?
Only now did Fa Ma finally react. He examined Xiao Yuan closely, his gaze growing dull with disbelief.
Was it really that surprising? This kid had become a sixth-tier alchemist in just over a year. Advancing four levels in a few days didn't seem so impossible now.
Since when did cultivation become so easy???
Fa Ma suddenly felt like he'd wasted his whole life.
"Just luck."
Xiao Yuan shrugged. It wasn't like he could explain he had killed a Dou Zong and absorbed his life's Dou Qi to power up. He could only give a vague answer.
Jia Xingtian and Fa Ma exchanged glances, both seeing the same thought in each other's eyes: If we could beat him together, we'd definitely give him a lesson about how flowers bloom!
Back in their day, advancing even one star took ages. But Xiao Yuan? He skyrocketed. They felt both jealous and envious.
"So then, Fa Ma, why have you brought Little Friend Xiao Yuan to the royal palace today?"
Suppressing his sourness, Jia Xingtian asked flatly.
"Naturally, it's about your royal family's Youhai Flood Dragon."
Fa Ma smiled, his eyes twinkling.
Xiao Yuan calmly retrieved a sixth-tier alchemist's robe from his storage ring and put it on.
Fa Ma had suggested he wear it for the occasion.
But wearing it on the street would've drawn too much attention, so Xiao Yuan had tucked it away earlier. Now, in front of the royals—it was showtime.
"A sixth-tier alchemist?!"
Even Jia Xingtian couldn't help crying out in shock, his voice cracking.
Yao Ye stared with wide eyes and parted lips, completely stunned.
"Fa Ma, Xiao Yuan, you're not playing a joke on me, are you?"
After a moment, Jia Xingtian shook his head, still unable to believe Xiao Yuan had such refined alchemy skills.
"Heh, old Jia, do you think I'd joke about something like this?" Fa Ma laughed and added, "Xiao Yuan's soul power exceeds mine. His alchemy skills are excellent. He can even refine the Emperor's Extreme Pill in one try. Refining the Primordial Bone-Molding Pill shouldn't be a problem!"
"I recall you weren't an alchemist before. And you don't have fire-attributed Dou Qi, do you?"
Jia Xingtian frowned in confusion.
"No need to worry about that. All you need to know is that I can refine the pill. I'll begin shortly—please stand guard for me."
Xiao Yuan wouldn't waste time explaining. He had two goals here: one, to obtain rare herbs; two, to ensure the royal family would support the Xiao Clan after he left.
Though the Xiao Clan had Hai Bodong, the Mittel Clan, and even Yun Yun secretly supporting them, having the imperial family's endorsement would accelerate their rise.
"Yao Ye, go prepare five sets of ingredients for Mr. Xiao Yuan."
Jia Xingtian waved, and Yao Ye obeyed.
Noticing Xiao Yuan's raised eyebrow, Jia Xingtian quickly explained, "Don't get me wrong. No matter how many pills you produce, the royal family will only take one. The remaining materials are our way of saying thanks."
"You're too kind. I'll leave two pills with you. In return, I'd like to purchase some rare herbs from the royal vault—hopefully, you'll make it easy for me."
Xiao Yuan smiled confidently.
"No problem. If you're giving us two pills, then feel free to browse the royal treasury's herbs. No payment necessary. Consider it an investment in a genius."
Jia Xingtian waved generously.
The Xiao Clan had grown rapidly over the past year but showed no signs of seeking domination. They kept most of their businesses centered around Wu Tan City and remained respectful toward the royal family. Initially, some nobles had grumbled. But after Xiao Yuan took down two Dou Zongs, no one dared complain.
As long as the Xiao Clan didn't threaten the empire's balance, the royals would support their rise.
The Mittel Clan had also expanded, not within the empire but into surrounding nations. Everywhere but the Cloud Empire (which was plagued with "viral" issues), Mittel influence was spreading.
The empire was happy with this arrangement—peaceful growth and shared prosperity.
"Then I gratefully accept your kindness."
Xiao Yuan cupped his hands.
Soon, Yao Ye returned with a storage ring, which she handed to Xiao Yuan.
With a nod to the three, Xiao Yuan summoned the Black Demon Cauldron with a wave. A cyan-brown flame flickered out and entered the cauldron.
As the Heavenly Flame burned, the temperature rose sharply. Yao Ye, the weakest of the three, quickly broke into a sweat.
Whoosh!
Xiao Yuan waved again, and a set of herbs flew into the cauldron.
On the way, he had already studied the Primordial Bone-Molding Pill recipe. It was difficult, but well within his capabilities.
Fa Ma watched him with growing admiration. Though his technique lacked the polish of a veteran, his fluid motions and precise control spoke volumes of his talent.
In front of the cauldron, Xiao Yuan's expression turned serious. He watched the forming pill intently, maintaining the temperature with absolute stability through sheer soul power.
After about half an hour of slow roasting, a rich medicinal aroma began to spread. Subtle energy ripples bounced off the cauldron walls, emitting low chimes.
The scent grew stronger. Finally, Xiao Yuan's eyes sharpened, and the lid of the cauldron popped off. A perfectly round, green pill flew into his palm.
Feeling the residual warmth in his hand, he let out a breath.
Though not the highest-tier of sixth-grade pills, the Primordial Bone-Molding Pill was still genuine. Even with his Heavenly Flame, failure was possible. Thankfully, Yao Lao's guidance had ensured success.
Casually, he tossed the pill to Jia Xingtian, who caught it with a glare. Xiao Yuan just stretched and prepared to refine another batch.
By the end of the day, he had used all five sets of ingredients and produced four pills.
Fa Ma was floored by the success rate—truly monstrous talent.
Jia Xingtian, too, felt a deeper respect for Xiao Yuan.
They might never win him over to the royal family—but they could become eternal allies.
Even if he had started training in the womb, reaching this level at such a young age made him a priceless national treasure.
The empire had lagged behind the Mittel Clan for too long. Now they had to become Xiao Yuan's second-best friend, just behind the Mittels!
"This pill's power is overwhelming. Only magical beasts can endure it. And even then, it must be activated by a skilled alchemist. I'll need you to take me there."
Xiao Yuan stood, stretching again.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a purple flash zipped in from nowhere and landed beside him.
"There you are! You ran pretty far."
Zi Yan's voice followed soon after.
"Who's this?"
Jia Xingtian and Fa Ma's eyes narrowed. Her sudden appearance—and the faint spatial fluctuation they sensed—left them uneasy.
"Our senior from the academy—Zi Yan."
Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Oh, a top student of Canaan Academy. No wonder she's a Dou Wang at such a young age."
Fa Ma nodded slowly.
He sensed danger from her presence.
"How long are you staying? Ya Fei said to keep an eye on you so you don't fool around."
Zi Yan's bluntness made Xiao Yuan a little embarrassed.
"I'll finish things up and return soon."
He rubbed her head.
"Shall we go, Old Jia?"
He turned to Jia Xingtian.
"Follow me."
Jia Xingtian nodded, taking Yao Ye and leading the group to the rear mountains of the palace, finally stopping at a vast lake atop a peak.
Upon landing, Xiao Yuan looked over the water. He sensed a powerful aura hidden deep below.
"Hmm? There's a big snake in the lake. Seems pretty strong," Zi Yan said suddenly, intrigued.
Jia Xingtian and Yao Ye were stunned. That lake was deep—sensing the presence below was already difficult. For this childlike girl to not only detect it, but also identify the creature—it was shocking.
Xiao Yuan wasn't surprised. Zi Yan was a Taixu Ancient Dragon. Sensing magical beasts was second nature.
"Call out the Youhai Flood Dragon, please."
Jia Xingtian nodded and rose above the lake. Planting his feet on the water, he plunged his hands in and poured in his Dou Qi.
The lake began to boil, bubbles rising rapidly.
As the churning intensified, Xiao Yuan clearly felt a mighty aura rising from the depths.
Boom!
Suddenly, a massive waterspout erupted skyward, splashing water everywhere.
Roar!
A thunderous, otherworldly beast roar echoed as a huge creature burst from the lake, occupying half its area.
The beast rivaled the Sky Swallowing Python in size. Its coiled body shimmered with dark blue scales, each glinting in the sunlight. A single spiral horn adorned its massive head. Its lantern-like eyes stared out, fierce and commanding.
As the beast surfaced, the air turned thick and humid.
This had to be the royal family's mysterious guardian beast—the Youhai Flood Dragon!
"Old Jia, why'd you wake me? I told you—I'm too weak now to help with anything!"
The dragon's voice boomed with irritation.
Smiling, Jia Xingtian called out, "You old thing, I didn't come to bother you. Look what I've brought!"
With a wave, he released a pill from its bottle.
The Primordial Bone-Molding Pill glowed faintly as it floated in midair.
A potent medicinal aroma filled the air. The flood dragon sniffed—and froze.
Then, its voice rang out with undisguised excitement:
"A Primordial Bone-Molding Pill? You actually got one so fast?!"
Jia Xingtian smiled and turned toward the shore.
"Mr. Xiao Yuan, I'll leave it to you from here."
(END CHAPTER)
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