vncnus 237. Alchemy Agreement
237. Alchemy Agreement
"Are you sure about the same age group?" Xiao Yan asked, frowning.
His growth rate was unmatched among the younger generation, not to mention that he possessed three different kinds of strange fire and was already a mid-level seventh-grade alchemist. Under the tutelage of Elder Yao, his alchemy skills had never slacked off.
Danqiu, however, replied confidently, "She's about your age, and if you win, she'll not only teach you how to control your soul, but she might even give you an eighth-grade pill!"
Upon hearing Danqiu's words, even Little Fairy Doctor's beautiful eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
An eighth-grade elixir!
Leaving aside the potency and effects, the materials required for an eighth-grade pill are incredibly expensive, and there's a significant chance of failure in refining one. An eighth-grade pill can even attract the attention of a Dou Zun expert. To be willing to offer something like this, even with Dan Qiu's high confidence, shows his utmost sincerity!
Huang Qi, however, showed no surprise, simply smiling as he watched Xiao Yan. The younger generation of the Dan family was competing in alchemy; even if Xiao Yan were truly a seventh-grade alchemist, so what? He had no chance of winning!
"What do I have to pay if I lose?" Xiao Yan understood this better than anyone: there is no such thing as a sure-fire way to make money in the world.
Danqiu was momentarily stumped, since Xiao Yan had already stated that he wouldn't join the Dan family. She didn't know what kind of request to make, and the hall fell silent for a moment.
Seeing the atmosphere, Huang Qi added, "Since it's a competition between the young Dan family and Master Xiao Yan, why don't we wait for him to propose his terms?"
Xiao Yan found Huang Qi's flattery strange, but since Huang Qi was only a fifth-grade alchemist, it was reasonable for him to call Xiao Yan "master".
Huang Qi's proposed solution was also approved by Dan Qiu. After all, she couldn't think of any good conditions for the time being, but as long as the Dan family members came, everyone would be able to find a way to keep Xiao Yan, this promising new star.
"Since Chen is competing against you, let her name her terms."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was surprised to find that his alchemy contestant was a woman. Judging from Dan Qiu and Huang Qi's expressions, this person's alchemy skills were probably not to be underestimated.
"When can this competition begin?" Xiao Yan asked.
Danqiu said, "Chen is in the Pill Tower. If we head there now, it will take at most a month."
Upon hearing this time, Xiao Yan pondered. The time spent traveling back and forth and competing was considerable. Little Fairy Doctor's Calamity Poison Body could suddenly erupt at any moment, so time was now the most precious resource for Xiao Yan.
Going to the Pill Tower, round trip, plus the time required for the alchemy trial, might not even make it to the Four Directions Pavilion Grand Meeting.
"A month is too long; I'm afraid I won't be able to go to the Pill Tower," Xiao Yan finally refused. Dealing with Little Fairy Doctor's problem was Xiao Yan's top priority. A Dou Zun level fighter was Xiao Yan's greatest guarantee for traveling in the Central Continent. Even if he could acquire secret techniques related to the soul, their effects could never compare to Little Fairy Doctor's.
Little Fairy Doctor looked puzzled upon hearing Xiao Yan's decision, as she had assumed he would agree. For alchemists, enhancing their soul power was tantamount to ensuring their survival.
Danqiu and Huang Qi were both incredulous that Xiao Yan could refuse such a condition.
Just as Xiao Yan was about to leave with Little Fairy Doctor, Dan Qiu stopped him again and asked, "What about the Pill Gathering? You have to attend the Pill Gathering, don't you?"
"What is Dan Hui?" Xiao Yan had heard people mention this term several times at the Dan Tower branch, but he hadn't had time to learn more about it yet.
Dan Qiu was surprised that Xiao Yan didn't even know about the Pill Gathering, so she patiently explained, "The Pill Gathering is held every thirty years. It's the highest-level alchemist gathering on the entire continent, bringing together almost all the continent's alchemist geniuses. This year, the rewards even include a different kind of flame!"
"A strange fire?"
Hearing this, Xiao Yan's previously extinguished inner turmoil stirred once more. Strange flames! Any kind of strange flame could be his greatest asset!
"That's right, it's even the Three Thousand Burning Flames, which is ranked ninth on the Strange Flame Ranking."
Seeing the barely suppressed excitement in Xiao Yan's eyes, Dan Qiu finally felt relieved. No alchemist could resist the allure of a strange fire. However, Dan Qiu would absolutely not tell Xiao Yan the secrets behind this strange fire.
When will the Dan meeting begin?
"There's still over a year to go. The Pill Gathering is one of the most prestigious events in the entire Central Continent; it will definitely be a focus of attention across the continent!"
A year or so is plenty of time for Xiao Yan. He can patiently resolve Little Fairy Doctor's Calamity Poison Body first, and then compete for the Three Thousand Burning Flames. If he can truly absorb this ninth-ranked Strange Flame, Xiao Yan believes his strength will experience another surge!
"I will definitely try to participate in this alchemy gathering," Xiao Yan replied frankly.
Seeing that Xiao Yan had agreed, Dan Qiu finally smiled again and said, "My entire Dan family will be at the Pill Tower then. How about we have a duel between you and my Dan family's Chen girl then, young friend Xiao Yan?"
Xiao Yan agreed this time, since winning an eighth-grade pill would be a worthwhile deal no matter what. Even if the Dan family's conditions were difficult to meet, Xiao Yan could still refuse.
Yao Lao had once mentioned to Xiao Yan that although he was extremely confident in his achievements as an alchemist, he was ultimately a lone wolf, and in terms of resources, he couldn't compare to the major powers backed by the Pill Tower. Judging from the current situation, the Dan family was probably one of those families with profound resources that Yao Lao had mentioned.
Afterwards, Danqiu gave Xiao Yan a jade pendant that could prove his identity and told him where to find the Dan family.
Then, the Dan family further demonstrated their wealth and generosity, promising to give Xiao Yan three seventh-grade pills for free. They only hoped that Xiao Yan would attend the Pill Gathering on time, as Xiao Yan needed the pills as leverage for his transaction with the Tianluan Clan.
Of all the seventh-grade pills, the Transformation Pill is of extraordinary value to magical beasts, so Xiao Yan chose it without hesitation.
After making the agreement, Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor left the Pill Tower branch without hesitation. Xiao Yan felt that he had gained a lot from this trip. Not only was his status as a seventh-grade alchemist directly certified, making it easier for him to travel in the Central Continent, but he also gained the biggest bargaining chip in his transaction with the Heavenly Phoenix Clan—a seventh-grade Transformation Pill.