The sun hung high above Jia Ma Holy City, its radiant light pouring down upon the bustling Alchemy Conference Arena. Tens of thousands gathered in anticipation—the most grandiose alchemy event of the decade was about to commence. But this year, the flames burning within the cauldrons would not be ordinary, and the names echoing through the arena would not be forgotten.
High on the main platform sat Alliance Master Fa Ma, aged but spirited, and beside him, the Black Iron Branch Leader, Master Quenzi. Their expressions bore both tension and curiosity—for this year's participants included titans cloaked in youth.
The Return of the Twin Legends
Within the elevated seating, Xiao Chen stood tall and serene, eyes sweeping over the crowd. It had been barely a month since he emerged from the ancient rune of the Chaos Saint Lord, and in that short time, his power had surged to the 8th Star Dou Huang, and his Alchemist Rank had ascended to the 5th Tier. He wore not just robes of honor, but a quiet pride—for his elder twin brother Xiao Yan had already carved a path so bright, even stars dimmed in comparison.
Xiao Yan, the Reborn Emperor of Fire, stood at the heart of the competitors. His pill flame ignited the air around him, igniting whispers and awe. He was now a Peak 6th Rank Alchemist, wielding four Heavenly Flames:
Remnant of the Holy Emperor Flame – an ancient fire that followed his rebirth.
Azure Lotus Core Flame (Rank 19) – refined deep in the volcanic basin.
Azure Temporal Sky Lotus Fire – an evolved, time-accelerated variant strengthened by the rhizome and infused with over a hundred 6th-rank beast cores.
Nether Green Poison Flame (Rank 21) – subdued with Xiao Yixian's aid and turned into a cleansing flame.
Beside him, Xiao Yixian, now recognized as his Third Wife, had ascended to 1 Star Dou Zong and reached 5th Rank Alchemist. Her elegant calmness masked a core of lethal toxins, now mastered with Xiao Yan's help.
Though unseen, the presence of Cai Lin, evolved into a Nine-Colored Swallowing Python, was felt by Xiao Chen—her aura pulsing through their bond. Yun Yun, Xiao Yan's other fated one, had not yet arrived publicly, though the future held promises of reunions.
In the crowd sat their family and allies:
Hai Bodong, the restored Ice Emperor, now once again an 8th Star Dou Huang.
Ya Fei, now a blossoming Dou Ling, having received breakthroughs from Mu Lie's support.
Xiao Mei and Xiao Yu, both at Dou Wang, proud and supportive as Mu Lie's fiancées.
The rising talents from the Xiao Clan and other corners of the empire, all gathered to witness history in the making.
System Notification – Sign-In Activated
As Xiao Chen adjusted his stance near the participant gate, a familiar chime echoed in his mind:
[Sign-In Goddess System - Activated]
Location: Jia Ma Empire Alchemy Conference Arena
Event-Based Opportunity Detected.
Would you like to sign-in?
"Confirm," he thought without hesitation.
[Sign-In Complete.]
Rewards Acquired:
Bodhi Heart Ascension Pill – Rapidly enhances comprehension and soul perception, excellent for late-5th rank breakthroughs.
Origin Flame Crystallization Pellet – Purifies and strengthens existing Heavenly Flames, raises compatibility and control.
Alchemy Dao Pavilion Record – An ancient jade scroll containing pill formulas up to Grade 8, with commentary from Saint Alchemists.
Fragment of Space Dao Seal – Grants temporary insight into spatial manipulation, improves pill compression and teleportation formations.
Time Pulse Crystal – Can accelerate one's perception of time during pill refinement or meditation, simulating months in a moment.
A wild grin curled Xiao Chen's lips. Three years and three months to reach Peak Dou Huang? Try two and a half.
The Alchemy Conference Begins
The gong rang thrice.
Dozens of elite alchemists stepped into the arena, each exuding refined soul force and pill intent. Yet the eyes of the world focused on three figures: Xiao Yan, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Yixian.
The first round began, echoing the structure of the original event. However, the pressure was unlike anything the others remembered.
Xiao Yan, with unshakable hands, compressed three kinds of spiritual ingredients with four flames dancing in harmony.
Xiao Yixian, her poison refined and balanced, concocted a mid-6th-grade antidote pill with flawless precision.
Xiao Chen, using the Origin Flame Crystal reward, showed explosive refinement speed—his cauldron like a miniature sun.
Beyond the Arena
Outside the arena, tales stirred.
The rise of Mu Lie, now Patriarch of the Mu Clan and founder of the Array Masters Union, had unified various branches and begun construction of the Formation Tower. His allies were said to be Earthly Array Grandmasters bordering on Divine Grade, and his own status now neared Array Saint.
In the east, Gu San, forging under volcanic flame, had established the Heavenly Flame Forge Hall (天火铸殿). He and his master, the Heavenly Golden Hammer Venerate, pioneered weapon rankings and spiritual forging techniques—making Blacksmiths a profession that rivaled Alchemists in prestige.