At this moment, in the Xiao Family of Wutan City, the annual coming-of-age ceremony kicked off amidst a subtle and oppressive atmosphere. The huge training ground was bustling with people, and the members of the Xiao Family gathered, waiting to test the achievements of the younger generation.
When Xiao Yan's name was called, he calmly walked up to the testing magic stone tablet, and almost no one held any expectations for him.
The fall of that dazzling genius three years ago had long become a laughing stock and a source of regret among the clan members.
His palm touched the cold magic stone tablet.
Light shone, steadily rising.
Dou Qi… Eight Segments!
"Xiao Yan, Dou Qi, Eight Segments!"
The tester's voice, trembling with disbelief, rang out like a thunderclap above the training ground!
After a brief silence, there was an uproar of discussion!
"Oh my god! In just one month, he went from Seven Segments to Eight Segments?!"
"Could it be… could it be that Xiao Yan's talent has returned?"
Xiao Zhan suddenly stood up from his seat, his tiger-like eyes filled with tears, his lips trembling with excitement.
A hint of a relieved smile also flashed in Xiao Xun'er's clear eyes.
However, this news, which should have been enough to shake the entire Wutan City, caused far less commotion than everyone had expected.
There was surprise, there was discussion, but it was quickly overshadowed by another, more powerful presence.
Many people's gazes subconsciously drifted towards an inconspicuous corner of the viewing platform.
There, sat a handsome young man dressed in a simple black robe—Mo Yuhan. His expression was calm, as if everything on the field had nothing to do with him.
But everyone knew that this seemingly harmless young man, only nine years old, was the true driving force behind the rise of the Xiao Family and the decline of the Jia Lie family.
It was his miraculous alchemy that brought continuous wealth and confidence to the Xiao Family.
Later news confirmed that Jia Liejie, the Samsung Dou Shi of the Jia Lie Family, was also killed by him.
And now, Mo Yuhan was rumored to be a six-star Dou Zhe.
Under Mo Yuhan's monstrous aura, the news of Xiao Yan's talent recovery seemed… less shocking.
People were more concerned about what kind of dramatic changes this talented Alchemist would bring to Wutan City in the future?
...
On the top floor of the Mittel Auction House, in Ya Fei's luxurious and fragrant private reception room.
Grandmaster Gu Ni held a cup of fragrant tea, looking at Mo Yuhan who was sitting quietly opposite him, his eyes filled with undisguised pride and a hint of… the satisfaction of having a worthy successor.
"Yu Han."
Gu Ni put down his teacup, his voice filled with emotion, "Your alchemy talent is something I have never seen in my life. In just one year, you have already surpassed me, and the realm of a First-Rank Alchemist is already a restraint for you."
"Your fire control techniques, spirit power, and understanding of medicinal properties are all far beyond the First-Rank. If it weren't for the fact that I myself am only a Second-Rank Alchemist and cannot assign you a higher rank, you could officially be called a Second-Rank Alchemist now."
He paused, his expression becoming serious and solemn: "Staying in Wutan City will only delay you. The resources and vision here can no longer keep up with your pace. You need a broader world and a more skilled teacher."
Mo Yuhan listened quietly, his dark eyes unperturbed.
"My teacher back then was Grandmaster Frank, the president of the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild."
Gu Ni's eyes showed a look of reminiscence, "At that time, Teacher Frank was only a Third-Rank Alchemist. Now, after so many years, he has also been promoted to a Fourth-Rank Alchemist and enjoys a high reputation in the entire Gama Empire's alchemy world."
"His vision is broad, his knowledge is profound, and he is especially good at organizing basic pharmacology and tempering spirit power. If you can get his guidance, your path of alchemy will surely advance by leaps and bounds!"
Mentioning his teacher, Gu Ni's face showed a mischievous and smug smile, completely different from his usual seriousness: "And, Teacher Frank, that old man, took in a closed-door female disciple a few years ago, named Xue Mei."
"I met that girl once. Her talent is indeed good. She is regarded as a treasure by my teacher, who brags about her all day long, saying she is a rare alchemy genius in a hundred years, and will surely surpass him and so on… Hehe."
Gu Ni chuckled twice, winking, "Yu Han, I'm thinking now, what kind of expression would Teacher have if he saw you… saw you, this little monster who can refine Second-Rank pills with pill patterns at nine years old, and also possesses the ability to control strange flames?"
"Haha, I really want to see Teacher's jaw drop with my own eyes!"
Mo Yuhan's lips also curved slightly.
Teacher Gu Ni's "wicked taste" was a rare sight.
Mo Yuhan pondered for a moment.
Canaan Academy's enrollment was approaching, and as per usual, a large city like Black Rock City would definitely be one of the important examination sites.
Going to Black Rock City to obtain the Second-Rank Alchemist qualification would not only allow him to receive more skilled guidance, but also allow him to contact Canaan Academy's admissions instructors in advance, paving the way for himself and his aunt to enter the academy.
Killing two birds with one stone.
"Teacher is absolutely right."
Mo Yuhan raised his head, his eyes clear, "I also have this intention to go to Black Rock City, obtain the Second-Rank Alchemist qualification, and at the same time prepare for Canaan Academy's enrollment."
"Good!" Gu Ni slapped his thigh, his face full of relief, "This is my disciple, Gu Ni, ambitious! I will write a letter now, and you can take it to Teacher Frank. When he sees the letter, and you… hehe, I guarantee he will treat you like a treasure!"
With the decision made, separation was imminent.
On the top floor of the Mittel Auction House, in the luxurious pavilion specially prepared for Bibi Dong and Little Fairy Doctor, the atmosphere was somewhat stagnant.
Outside the window was the bustling night view of Wutan City, with bright lights, but they could not illuminate the sorrow of parting inside the room.
Bibi Dong was still wearing her signature elegant long dress, standing in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, her back slender and straight, like a proud winter plum in the wind and snow.
Her purple long hair fell to her waist, flowing with a silky luster under the light. She did not turn around, her clear voice like jade colliding: "Black Rock City… is a mixed bag, with experts like clouds. You must be cautious in your actions." Her words were concise, yet they contained a thousand words.
Bibi Dong was no longer who she used to be. Now that she had thoroughly studied the knowledge of the Dou Qi Continent, she also knew about Black Rock City in the Gama Empire.
Mo Yuhan looked at her back, his heart slightly warm, and solemnly replied: "Han'er understands, Auntie, don't worry, I will obtain the qualification as soon as possible, and return as soon as I am admitted by Canaan there."
Little Fairy Doctor stood at the side, her delicate face showing obvious reluctance and worry.
She put a bulging cloth bag, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance, into Mo Yuhan's arms, her voice soft: "These are some medicines I prepared these past few days. There are some for self-defense, and also for detoxification and healing. Take them with you, and be careful on the way."
Her gaze lingered on Mo Yuhan's face, her almond eyes glistening with water, wanting to speak but hesitating.
The secret of the Woeful Poison Body was like a heavy shackles, preventing her from expressing more care like an ordinary girl.
Mo Yuhan took the medicine bag, which was heavy in his hand, carrying the slight coolness from Little Fairy Doctor's fingertips.
He felt that silent concern, his heart softened, and he whispered: "Thank you, Little Fairy Doctor Sister, you also… take care. Those medicines, don't… overexert yourself."
His gaze meaningfully swept over the medicine pouch at Little Fairy Doctor's waist, which contained the Seven-Colored Poison Manual.
Little Fairy Doctor's body trembled slightly, she lowered her eyes, and softly "hmm"ed.
The next morning, at the back gate of the Mittel Auction House.
A luxurious carriage, pulled by two magnificent horned horses and bearing the emblem of the Mittel Family, was already prepared.
Mo Yuhan stood beside the carriage, carrying a simple travel bag.
"Young Master Yu Han!"
A crisp call, laced with urgency and deep reluctance, came from behind him.
Mo Yuhan turned his head.
Xiao Mei, holding up her skirt, came running over. The girl was wearing a new light pink dress today, which made her skin appear even fairer and more delicate.
Her dark hair was styled into two playful looped buns, tied with pink ribbons, gently swaying as she ran.
She ran in front of Mo Yuhan, slightly out of breath, her chest rising and falling. Her nascent curves were outlined by the form-fitting dress, creating a youthful yet captivating arc.
Her small face was flushed, glowing with a healthy blush from running and excitement, like a blooming peach blossom.
Her large, watery eyes were now filled with undisguised affection and the sadness of impending departure, and her long eyelashes seemed to be still damp with a touch of morning dew.
"Young Master Yu Han, you're going to Black Rock City and you didn't even say goodbye to me?" Xiao Mei's voice carried the unique innocent charm of a young girl and a hint of grievance, as her small hands unconsciously twisted the corner of her dress.
She had only learned this news from Xiao Zhan.
Mo Yuhan looked at the girl in front of him, who resembled a delicate porcelain doll, and nodded: "Yes, I'm going to Black Rock City to handle some matters. I'll be back soon."
Xiao Mei bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, and then suddenly pulled out something fragrant from her embrace and placed it into Mo Yuhan's hand. The silk handkerchief carried the girl's warmth and a faint, sweet scent.
"This… is for you."
Xiao Mei's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, and her cheeks turned even redder, almost dripping with blood. "It's a sachet I made for you with my own hands."
She gathered her courage and looked up, her moist, large eyes fixed on Mo Yuhan, carrying the purest intentions of a young girl and a hint of pleading, "Please take it with you. If you get tired on the road… just smell it, okay?"
Mo Yuhan looked at the sachet in the silk handkerchief in his palm, still warm from the girl's body. It did look rather rough and not very refined, clearly indicating that Xiao Mei was not skilled in needlework.
Although the craftsmanship was so naive, the sentiment behind it…
His heart stirred slightly. He carefully put the sachet away, a gentle smile appearing on his face: "Thank you, Mei'er. I will use it."
Seeing him accept it, Xiao Mei's small face immediately bloomed into a brilliant smile, like the sun breaking through clouds, bright and captivating.
She was about to say something else when the crisp sound of high heels tapping on the ground came from behind her.
Sister Ya Fei had arrived.
Today, she was wearing an extremely form-fitting dark purple cheongsam. The color, like fine aged wine, accentuated her already voluptuous figure in a breathtaking way.
Beneath the high slit of the cheongsam, her two long, slender legs, encased in thin flesh-colored stockings, were faintly visible, each step carrying a natural rhythm.
Her fiery, wavy hair cascaded lazily over her shoulders, making her alluring and peerless face even more dazzling and incomparable.
Her captivating peach blossom eyes, with their flowing gaze, seemed to hold a spring current, now filled with undisguised admiration and a soft light of parting, resting on Mo Yuhan.
"Yu Han, Younger Brother, leaving already?"
Sister Ya Fei's voice was like honey-dipped silk, intoxicating to the bone.
She walked closer, and a unique scent, a blend of top-grade perfume and the natural fragrance of a mature woman, wafted towards him.
"Yes, Sister Ya Fei."
Mo Yuhan nodded slightly.
Sister Ya Fei's gaze swept over Xiao Mei, who stood beside them, her cheeks flushed, her eyes filled with wariness and reluctance. A knowing and mischievous smile played on Sister Ya Fei's red lips.
She extended her slender, jade-like hand, her fingertips painted with vibrant nail polish, and gently smoothed a non-existent wrinkle on Mo Yuhan's collar.
Her movements were naturally intimate; despite being only in her twenties, she exuded the unique charm of a mature woman.
"Black Rock City is not like Wutan City; it's much deeper there."
Sister Ya Fei leaned in slightly, her full bosom briefly glimpsed beneath the low-cut cheongsam collar, the snowy cleavage deep enough to suffocate any man.
She leaned close to Mo Yuhan's ear, her breath like orchids, her warm breath caressing the young man's earlobe, her voice lowered to a whisper, with a hint of alluring huskiness.
"Especially the Alchemist Guild; those old geezers have very sharp eyes. But… older sister believes in you; you'll definitely surprise them."
As she spoke, her other hand quietly slipped a warm, small brocade pouch, still carrying her body temperature, into Mo Yuhan's hand. "Inside is a gold card with some money saved, and also some magic cores. Perhaps you'll find them useful. Keep it close to you; don't refuse."
Mo Yuhan held the brocade pouch, still warm, his fingertips seemingly able to feel the smooth touch of Sister Ya Fei's skin.
The rich fragrance lingered in his nostrils, and her warm breath was in his ear. Even with his steady temperament, his heart couldn't help but beat faster, and his ears felt hot.
Just then, a hint of slyness and tenderness flashed in Sister Ya Fei's peach blossom eyes.
She suddenly raised her jade-like hand, her fair, slender, and painted fingertips gently cupping Mo Yuhan's cheek.
Under the young man's astonished gaze, and under Xiao Mei's suddenly widened eyes, Sister Ya Fei tilted her head slightly, her red lips, like the most delicate rose petals, with a warm and soft touch, lightly and incredibly suddenly pressed against Mo Yuhan's smooth forehead.
A soft kiss, carrying a rich, sweet fragrance.
Time seemed to stand still at that moment.
Mo Yuhan only felt that warm, soft touch on his forehead instantly spread throughout his body like an electric current, his mind a blank.
Sister Ya Fei's mature and alluring scent completely enveloped him, that sensation… was both unfamiliar and thrilling.
Sister Ya Fei did not linger long.
A touch and then she pulled away.
She looked at the young man's instantly stiff body and the blush that quickly spread to his neck, as well as the rare fluster in his dark eyes. A satisfying smile that could charm all beings, mixed with mischief and a hint of imperceptible indulgence, curved her red lips.
Xiao Mei, standing by, was completely stunned.
"This is older sister's farewell gift to you."
She straightened up, her voice returning to its usual charm, but with an added touch of tenderness, "Have a safe journey, my little genius. Older sister will be waiting in Wutan City for the good news of your fame in Black Rock City."
After she finished speaking, she did not linger, turning and walking away with graceful sway, leaving behind only a lingering fragrance and a young man whose heart was swaying.
After Xiao Mei reacted, she watched with her mouth slightly agape, her eyes instantly turning red. Seeing the faint lip print on Mo Yuhan's forehead, she was both shy and angry. She stomped her foot and turned to run away as well.
Mo Yuhan stood in place for a long while before slowly raising his hand, his fingertips gently brushing the spot on his forehead where he had been kissed.
The soft, warm touch and rich fragrance seemed to still linger there.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the inexplicable surging emotion in his heart, and carefully put away both the brocade pouch Sister Ya Fei had given him and the sachet Xiao Mei had given him.
He took one last look at the familiar window on the top floor of the Mittel Auction House, as if he could see that purple figure standing quietly.
Without further hesitation, he turned and deftly boarded the carriage.
"Go!"
With a light shout from the coachman, the horned horses started galloping, pulling the luxurious carriage, rolling over the bluestone road, speeding towards outside Wutan City, towards the wider and more unknown Black Rock City.
The wheels rolled, kicking up fine dust.
Mo Yuhan leaned against the carriage wall, closing his eyes to rest.
His fingertips unconsciously caressed the spot on his forehead that still seemed to carry a burning sensation—Sister Ya Fei's tender and alluring kiss, Xiao Mei's pure yet slightly charming shyness.
Little Fairy Doctor's silent concern, his aunt's cool admonitions…
Like vivid paintings, they flashed alternately in his mind.
The road ahead was unknown, filled with strong individuals.
But in the young man's eyes, there was only a quiet flame burning silently.
The Alchemist Guild, Grandmaster Frank, Xue Mei Senior Apprentice…
And the ultimate goal—Canaan Academy.
He clenched his fists, feeling the surging Xuan Huang Flame and Dou Qi within his body.
The carriage disappeared at the end of the road, leaving only the gradually awakening hustle and bustle of Wutan City in the morning light.
Mo Yuhan's legend, belonging solely to him, had just unveiled a new chapter
Wheels rolled over the muddy dirt road, making a dull, monotonous rumbling sound.
The heavy breaths of the horned horses puffed out two white plumes in the deepening twilight, and their hooves occasionally kicked up pebbles, sparking a few points of light, which were immediately extinguished by the mud and water stirred up by the wheels.
This official road, which clung to the outer edge of the Monster Mountain Range and led to Black Rock City, seemed exceptionally vast and desolate in the pre-rain humid air.
Mo Yuhan sat alone outside the carriage, driving the horses, his fingertips unconsciously tapping a rhythm of some alchemy hand seals on his knees.
A faint herbal scent, unique to the incense of the Mittel Auction House, still lingered in the carriage, interweaving with the smell of earth and decaying leaves wafting in from outside the window.
He had sent the coachman back more than half a day ago; his intuition was sharply ringing, telling him this road would not be peaceful.
He did not believe the Jia Lie Family would refrain from acting against him.
A corner of the carriage curtain was lifted by the wind, revealing the increasingly gloomy sky outside.
The vast, dark silhouette of the Monster Mountain Range resembled a lurking behemoth, casting a suffocating shadow.
The wind in the forest began to quicken, carrying a bone-chilling coldness, stirring up dead leaves and dust.
They're here!
"Hee-haw—!"
The horned horse pulling the carriage bore the brunt, letting out a desperate, mournful whinny.
The sound, as if struck by an invisible giant hammer, abruptly ceased.
Its massive body suddenly pitched forward, its heavy head crashing into the mud, its neck twisted at a grotesque angle.
The tremendous inertia carried the carriage forward in a fierce rush, the axle groaning under the strain.
Mo Yuhan's reaction was instantaneous.
Just as the horned horse collapsed and the carriage tilted out of control, he had already shot out from the side of the open curtain, like a fallen leaf caught by a strong wind.
His toes touched the edge of the tilting carriage wall, and his body deftly flipped in the air, landing steadily on the muddy road.
Cold mud splashed onto his trousers.
Almost simultaneously with his landing, several sharp whistling sounds tore through the air.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Arrows shimmering with Dou Qi light, and flying stones imbued with wind blades, like the fangs of venomous snakes, shot out from the shadows of the dense forest on both sides, aiming directly at the spot where he had just landed and the tumbling carriage.
Wood splinters flew, the carriage was instantly riddled with holes like a sieve, then disintegrated with a crash, splinters of wood and debris scattering in the muddy water.
Before the dust and splinters could settle, over a dozen figures, like Gui Mei, rushed out from the forest.
These individuals were at least Dou Zhe cultivation; they were silent, like a well-trained wolf pack, instantly fanning out to form a semicircle encirclement, completely blocking Mo Yuhan's retreat routes to the rear of the official road and the open areas on both sides.
A chilling killing intent, mixed with the dampness before the rain, pressed heavily upon Mo Yuhan.
Following closely, three more oppressive figures slowly walked out from the darkest part of the forest.
Powerful Dou Qi fluctuations spread out like a tangible tide, oppressing the surrounding air, causing even the ordinary Dou Zhe guards to gasp for breath.
The leader was none other than Jia Lie Bi.
His face was so grim it could drip water, and the dark green Dou Qi veil of a Five-Star Great Dou Shi faintly flickered around his body like burning poisonous flames; with every step he took, the muddy water beneath his feet was pushed away and evaporated by an invisible force.
He stared at Mo Yuhan, his gaze like he was looking at a dead man, cold and cruel.
To his left was a gaunt, sinister-eyed Elder, a Three-Star Great Dou Shi whose light green Dou Qi was equally condensed, like the flickering tongue of a venomous snake, sending shivers down one's spine.
To his right was an exceptionally tall and burly Elder with a full beard, who was none other than Second Elder Jia Liejie.
"Jia Lie old dog, truly a grand gesture, to send three Great Dou Shi, and so many Dou Shi and Dou Zhe just to deal with one Dou Zhe like me."
Mo Yuhan's heart sank slightly.
He hadn't expected Jia Lie Bi to go completely insane this time, bringing out all his elite forces.
"Little bastard!"
Jia Lie Bi's voice was like rolling thunder, filled with bitter resentment, "Today, I will crush every bone in your body, one by one!"
As the last word left his lips, Jia Liejie, having received Jia Lie Bi's command, charged out, a burst of mud exploding beneath his feet; his burly frame surprisingly erupted with astonishing speed, like a raging wild ox, rushing straight towards Mo Yuhan.
Jia Liejie's Dou Qi surged wildly into the refined iron long spear in his hand, the spear shaft instantly covered in a dense blue light.
"Overlapping Waves!"
As his furious roar subsided, the blue light intensified.
Within the long spear, surging energy instantly erupted, transforming into layer upon layer of overwhelming blue energy giant waves.
The giant waves rolled and surged skyward, carrying an irresistible, heavy pressure, as if to engulf and shatter the entire space.
As the waves churned, a subtle gleam suddenly intensified within the crests of the waves—a tangible spear-light, condensed from Jia Liejie's lifelong cultivation, like a deadly venomous dragon lurking deep within the furious waves, using the perfect concealment of the giant waves to tear through the air and thrust directly at Mo Yuhan's head.
Before the spear arrived, the layered, continuous energy pressure had already locked onto Mo Yuhan.
This "Overlapping Waves" brought not just a simple impact, but an all-encompassing suppression and the perfect concealment of a fatal blow.
Mo Yuhan forced his Dou Qi, Xuan Huang Flame instantly surged from his body, Flame Armor Guardian condensed again, and at the same time, Phoenix Flight Step was activated to its limit, attempting to break free from the energy giant wave's lock.
However, Jia Liejie had a profound and masterful understanding of this technique; the coverage of the giant waves far exceeded imagination, and the spear-light hidden at the core of the waves was extremely cunning and vicious.
"Rip!"
Mo Yuhan narrowly avoided the vital spot on his head.
Just as Jia Liejie made his move, Jia Lie Bi, who had been lurking like a venomous snake, observing with cold eyes, finally moved.
The moment Mo Yuhan evaded the pincer attack and slid sideways, a fierce glint erupted in Jia Lie Bi's eyes; he did not charge forward wildly like Jia Liejie, but merely stood in place, his right hand forming a blade with his fingers, and made a distant sweeping motion towards the direction Mo Yuhan was rapidly moving.
The action seemed effortless, yet it contained the Five-Star Great Dou Shi's exquisite and subtle control over Dou Qi.
"Rending Wind Slash!"
A dark green Dou Qi ribbon, like a guillotine descending from the heavens, silently tore through the air, instantly traversing dozens of steps, and slashed towards Mo Yuhan's back.
This ribbon was condensed to the extreme, its edges shimmering with a heart-stopping sharpness, and its speed was too fast for the eye to follow; wherever it passed, even the falling raindrops were neatly split in two.
This was a pure wind blade, cutting through everything.
Mo Yuhan's senses screamed a frantic warning, and the hairs on his back stood on end! The shadow of death was even heavier than before.
He forcibly twisted his body, the Xuan Huang Flame Armor on his body erupted with an even more dazzling light, attempting to withstand this unavoidable blow head-on.
At the same time, he unhesitatingly activated his three spirit rings.
"Xuan Huang Lion Flame Crash!"
The Xuan Huang Flame Lion armor covering his body suddenly erupted with fierce propulsion.
He no longer dodged, but instead, using the defense of the Flame Armor Guardian and the instant burst granted by his Spirit Ability, his body transformed into a meteor burning with a dark Xuan Huang Flame, not retreating but advancing; by a hair's breadth, he narrowly allowed the terrifying Rending Wind Slash ribbon to graze past his back.
The ribbon missed, landing on the muddy ground, silently cutting a terrifying, bottomless crack several feet long.
And Mo Yuhan, using the momentum of the "Xuan Huang Lion Flame Crash" charge, was not targeting Jia Lie Bi, nor the two Elders, but—those Dou Shi and Dou Zhe who had formed the encirclement on the periphery and were waiting in strict formation.
He had to break through this ironclad siege; his only chance of survival lay in the Monster Mountain Range behind him.
"Stop him!"
Jia Lie Bi's attack missed, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, immediately turning into deeper anger and cold killing intent, as he shouted sharply.
Mo Yuhan's charging target was precisely several Dou Shi whose positions in the encirclement were relatively close.
They clearly hadn't expected Mo Yuhan, after enduring the family head's terrifying attack, to dare to advance instead of retreat, charging directly at them.
In a hurry, the three of them only had time to unleash their respective Dou Qi, attempting to form a temporary defensive line