by <unknown>
This point, Xiao Changfeng knew. As an Alchemy Emperor, how could Ye Yuan be ignorant?
Hence, ever since eliminating Lan Bao, Ye Yuan already camouflaged his own divine soul into the appearance of a Fierce Gale World's martial artist through divine soul mystic arts.
With Lan Feng's divine soul as a reference, Ye Yuan's camouflage was naturally flawless.
Forget about Xiao Changfeng who only had Alchemy King level soul force, even if an Alchemy Sovereign was present, he would also have no way of seeing through Ye Yuan.
Ye Yuan's research in the divine soul surpassed the lower planes.
Rather, if Xiao Changfeng really made a move against Ye Yuan, while Ye Yuan was far less powerful than his soul force, he could forget about gaining any advantage.
Even if he really killed Ye Yuan, he himself would surely lose half his life as well.
Ye Yuan did not make a fuss over it. If he was too fake, it would be easy to leave flaws instead.
Though the Xiao Family was declining with day after day, to be able to become the head of a family, how many would be fools?
Therefore, when Ye Yuan heard that Xiao Changfeng was the Xiao Family's Family Head, not only was he not surprised, he had a furious look as he said, "Harrumph! Since Family Head doesn't trust me, what did you make me a guest retainer for? I'll resign from this guest retainer at once and leave the Xiao Family!"
Finished talking, Ye Yuan really flapped his sleeves and left.
Xiao Changfeng did not think that Ye Yuan was actually so staunch and knew that he went overboard. He hastily called out, "Wait a minute, Little Brother Ji!"
But Ye Yuan did not even turn his head back as he said, "Other people give me an inch, I'll return them tenfold! If people don't trust me, why is there a need for me to snub despite showing good intentions? Farewell, Family Head Xiao!"
Xiao Changfeng was so miserable that he nearly coughed blood. But he had no choice but to chase after.
Xiao Rufeng was still bedbound, and they finally found a replacement with much difficulty. If this Ye Yuan ran, then how the hell were they going to fight in this Grand Pill Assembly?!
A gust of wind blew past. Xiao Changfeng blocked in front of Ye Yuan.
Ye Yuan smiled coldly and said, "What? Can it be that Family Head Xiao wants to use force?"
Xiao Changfeng had never been forced to submit to a junior before. His old face was almost all lost.
However, at this present moment, he had no choice but to control his temper and persuade Ye Yuan.
That probing earlier already completely enraged Ye Yuan. Anymore and Ye Yuan would not help the Xiao Family fight even if he had to commit suicide.
Xiao Changfeng already knew that Ye Yuan's personality was very firm and persistent. How could he still dare to use force? He could only smile flatteringly and said, "Little Brother Ji is mistaken. I . . . I apologize to you for the matter earlier! I believe that Little Brother Ji has also heard that His Majesty, the Wind Emperor, is already preparing to invade the Endless World on a large-scale. We have no option but to be more cautious."
But Ye Yuan did not buy it. "Then may I know if Family Head Xiao has probed out anything?"
Xiao Changfeng had an embarrassed look as he said, "Little Brother Ji is a true-blue Fierce Gale World native for sure. You naturally can't be a spy."
"Humph! I can understand family head's thoughts, but even if you want to feel me out, you can also let me know beforehand. Probing me without rhyme or reason like this is an unprecedented shame for me!" Ye Yuan said icily.
"This Family Head was indeed overly impetuous with this matter. I hope that Little Brother Ji is magnanimous enough to forgive," said Xiao Changfeng, controlling his temper and apologized.
Going over the limit was as bad as falling short. Ye Yuan obviously would not go overboard in kneading him. He waved his hands at once and said, "Forget it, forget it. You're a senior no matter what. I'll drop this matter at that. I wonder what Family Head is looking for me for?"
As the saying went, only capable people dared to be arrogant.
Ye Yuan was so.
Ye Yuan was like a savior to the present Xiao Family. Even if Xiao Changfeng was any angrier, he also had to swallow it back into his stomach.
While he was a Xiao Family guest retainer, it did not mean that anyone could command him as they pleased. If he did not teach Xiao Changfeng a lesson, he would definitely become smug from success in the future and go overboard.
The two people sat down once more as guest and host before Xiao Changfeng opened his mouth to ask, "Little Brother Ji, do you know why Rufeng he failed his assault of the Soul Sea Realm?"
Ye Yuan thought about it and said, "Could it be due to overly anxious for success?"
Assaulting a major realm was not something fun. Not everyone would be as smooth sailing as Ye Yuan as well.
To the vast majority of martial artists, assaulting each major realm was a major threshold in their lives.
Very clearly, Xiao Rufeng did not cross it.
Xiao Changfeng revealed a slightly surprised look and nodded, saying, "He wanted to win this Grand Pill Assembly too badly. That's why he forcefully broke through to the Soul Sea Realm, wanting to reach Quasi-Alchemy King Realm. But sadly, he failed on the verge of success."
"Oh? Can it be that there's actually a Quasi-Alchemy King among the Tong Family's juniors?" Ye Yuan was rather surprised.
Quasi-Alchemy King was nothing much to him. But in a place like the Fierce Gale World, to be able to become a Quasi-Alchemy King at a young age, his talent could be deduced from that much.
Xiao Changfeng suddenly felt like he was like a clown. He beat around the bush, wanting Ye Yuan to ask why.
But Ye Yuan's reaction was too quick. He just slightly hinted a bit and Ye Yuan guessed the truth of the matter.
This boy was too clever! What a freak!
"That's right. Actually, I came to find you to give you a reminder not to underestimate your opponent! The Alchemy Path strength of the Tong Family's junior generation is very strong!" Xiao Changfeng said with a grave face.
Evidently, Ye Yuan's haughty performance made Tong Suyan unable to rest easy. And after he reported it to Xiao Changfeng, Xiao Changfeng felt worried too.
This Grand Pill Assembly completely did not matter to Ye Yuan. But to the Xiao Family, it was a major pinnacle event that determined the family's destiny. It was even more important than the Fierce Gale World invading the Endless World!
Ye Yuan's expression involuntarily became odd. He would never take the enemy lightly. But in terms of Alchemy Path, there was really no opponent worthy of him attaching importance to in the Lower Realms.
Especially the so-called junior generation.
"So, Family Head came to find me for this matter huh. Isn't it making a great fuss over nothing? There are still two days to the Grand Pill Assembly. No matter how seriously I take things now, it also makes no difference to the matter," Ye Yuan said with a smile.
"You can't say that. There are many things that you can do. How about this, making use of these two days, I'll make Ruyan interact more with you to learn from each other's strong points while making up your weak points. I know that your strength is very powerful, but the Jade Dragon Heart Calming Pill is just an entry level medicinal pill in the Grand Pill Assembly. To want to obtain victory, one must refine medicinal pills with even great difficulty!" Xiao Changfeng exhorted.
Hearing Xiao Changfeng's words, Ye Yuan's expression was normal, but he was overjoyed in his heart.
He was just fretting about being unable to find a chance to get close to Xiao Ruyan, but Xiao Changfeng delivered it to his doorstep himself.
Ye Yuan nodded immediately and said, "Jade Dragon Heart Calming Pill is only an entry level medicinal pill huh. Then it seems like the challenge level is a little high. Mm, exchanging pointers with Miss Ruyan for a while is also good, in case I find myself at a loss when the time comes."
Chapter 372. Will It Be a Little Be
tter? |
Second level, Four Seas Building.
Xiao Ruyan lightly bit her lip; the tips of her hair carrying sweat beads about to drip at any moment as she had a very strained look.
With a puff, a cloud of green smoke appeared in the medicinal cauldron. Evidently, a furnace of useless pills was refined.
"Why? Where is the problem?!"
Xiao Ruyan used the back of her hands to wipe away the sweat on her forehead as she looked restless with anxiety.
"Second Miss, better not force it. This Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill has already been confirmed as a medicinal pill that cannot be refined. Even Family Head can't refine it. Second Miss . . ." Manager Tong consoled her by the side.
Xiao Ruyan's eyes welled up with tears, but it stubbornly refused to flow out.
"Since this Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill was handed down, it's impossible that it can't be refined! There must be something wrong! I'll try again! I can definitely refine it!" Xiao Ruyan said obstinately.
Manager Tong heaved a sigh and said, "I know that Second Miss wish to let First Young Master's body recover before the Grand Pill Assembly begins. But Second Miss, if your own soul force is overdrawn in these two days, wouldn't that affect the overall situation even more?"
"Humph! Didn't that Ji Qing say that he can take on three by himself? Let him go alone then!" Xiao Ruyan was not swayed but pointed the spearhead at Ye Yuan instead.
Evidently, Ye Yuan's jesting action made her very displeased.
"Miss Ruyan, can I presume that you're praising me?" Ye Yuan's voice suddenly sounded out.
Xiao Ruyan saw Ye Yuan, and she became even more incensed and said huffily, "Your skin is really thick! A punk that doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth. Do you know how strong Tong Yongchang's strength is? Don't think that there's anything impressive about you refining a Jade Dragon Heart Calming Pill. When you're in front of Tong Yongchang, you're nothing!"
Ye Yuan shrugged and said, "The Tong Yongchang that Miss Ruyan is talking about is the Quasi-Alchemy King known as the Tong Family's junior generation's number one genius, right? How about this? During the Grand Pill Assembly, I'll handle him and leave the rest to you all. How does Miss Ruyan feel?"
"Leave to you? Truly overrating your own abilities! Enough crap! Don't hinder me refining pills!"
Xiao Ruyan already completely lost patience with Ye Yuan's arrogance. She did not have time to bicker here.
A middle-rank Alchemy Grandmaster dealing with a Quasi-Alchemy King?
Was this insulting people's intelligence?
"Oh? So, Miss Ruyan is currently refining pills huh. Then I'll have to learn well by the side!" Ye Yuan suddenly became interested.
He also really wanted to know what kind of standard this Xiao Ruyan was at.
20 years of age was merely around the same as Nanfeng Ruoqing, but her strength was a full major realm higher than Nanfeng Ruoqing.
While there was the support of the Xiao Family in-between this, Xiao Ruyan's monstrousness need not be mentioned.
The Huang and Xue Family taking fancy on Xiao Ruyan were most likely not just because she was one of the two beauties in the capital, but probably because of her unlimited potential in the Alchemy Path.
To marry a future Quasi-Alchemy King, maybe even Alchemy King back home, this deal was worthwhile no matter how one looked at it.
But Xiao Ruyan did not buy it. "Stay far away from me!"
Ye Yuan curled his mouth and said, "Do you think that I want to curry favor with you? Isn't it still because that old man of yours asked me to interact more with you, saying that it can improve everybody's alchemy standards. Honestly, I'm unwilling to do so. My level is so high; what if you secretly learn from me?"
Xiao Ruyan nearly spewed out a mouthful of blood.
Your level was high? How high?
Refined a Tier 3 high-grade medicinal pill and you really think that you're invincible?
Do you have shame or not?!
Xiao Ruyan confirmed with Manager Tong's opinion. Seeing Manager Tong nod his head slightly, she knew that the first half of what Ye Yuan said was true.
Since it was Lord Father who made him come, then it was not good to chase him out.
"Stay at one side and watch properly! Don't interfere with my refining! If you ruin my furnace of medicinal pills, see how I take care of you!" Xiao Ruyan warned.
As for the latter half of Ye Yuan's words, she chose to directly ignore it.
Her old man was an Alchemy King. Did she need to secretly learn from Ye Yuan?
After saying this, Xiao Ruyan began refining the Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill once more.
This Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill's refinement was extremely challenging. Not only did it have a humongous expenditure on soul force, but it was also an immense burden on the alchemist's essence energy.
Xiao Ruyan already refined two furnaces of useless pills prior to this. Hence, not long after this refinement started, she appeared to be struggling very hard.
But it was as if Xiao Ruyan was at loggerheads with herself; gritting her teeth hard and persevering.
Ye Yuan watched Xiao Ruyan calmly. With his vision, he could naturally see through Xiao Ruyan's depth.
Although it was just this short while, Ye Yuan was also able to see that Xiao Ruyan's foundation was rather solid.
Even under a situation where the expenditure was so huge, not the slightest bit of error appeared in her refining.
Just from this aspect, Xiao Ruyan was a qualified alchemist.
Though they were both high-rank Alchemy Grandmaster Realm, Xiao Ruyan was way stronger compared to Qiu Zhi and the like.
But very soon Ye Yuan discovered some problems appeared in Xiao Ruyan's refinement.
The control of fire was of utmost importance to the refinement of the Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill. One needed to continuously control the changes in temperature of the medicinal cauldron to adapt to the medicinal pill's transformation.
But Xiao Ruyan's refinement did not have such changes. The medicinal cauldron's temperature was consistent from beginning to end.
Even if her refining technique was not wrong, due to the control of the medicinal pill's temperature being lacking, she simply could not refine the pill either.
"Miss Ruyan, do you think that if this medicinal pill was refined this way, it would be a little better?" Ye Yuan suddenly interjected.
At the same time as he spoke, Ye Yuan already fired out a seal, submerging into the medicinal cauldron.
Xiao Ruyan was currently fully engrossed in the refining. Having the procedure being disordered by this seal that arrived unexpectedly, she instantly had an impulse to kill Ye Yuan.
But the Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill was already being refined. Giving up at this time would cause everything to fall short of final completion. She could only forcefully suppress the fury in her heart and glare viciously at Ye Yuan.
Ye Yuan stuck out his tongue to show his innocence and retreated to one side embarrassedly.
But right at this moment, Xiao Ruyan's expression changed! Because she discovered that being disrupted by Ye Yuan, not only was the medicinal pill was damaged, it became even more solidified instead!
Xiao Ruyan clearly remembered that during the refinement previously, it seemed like she would lose total control over the medicinal pill at this time. Why did it have signs of the pill forming instead this time?
Xiao Ruyan unwittingly recalled that scene earlier. When that seal of Ye Yuan's hit over, it did not seem to have any change towards the medicinal pill, but rather . . . it seemed to have offset a portion of her essence energy!
It was precisely because this portion of essence energy was canceled off that it seemed to have made some changes happen to the cauldron's temperature.
Could it be that . . . when refining the Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill, one needed to grasp the cauldron temperature at all times according to the process of the medicinal pill'
s refinement?
This discovery made Xiao Ruyan pleasantly surprised!
She started to experiment with increasing or decreasing a portion of essence energy to control the temperature of the medicinal cauldron.
Grasping the temperature of the cauldron was an alchemist's basic skill. But those able to truly grasp the cauldron temperature well were very rare.
Just a short while passed, and Xiao Ruyan was already drenched in sweat.
Chapter 373. You All Are Bullying Me! |
Controlling fire was like cooking. Cooking a dish was easy, but cooking a delicious dish was very hard, especially those complex dishes.
The control towards fire needed to be precise to the extreme.
The Vast Tuber Essence Stimulating Pill inside the medicinal cauldron was like a dish with exceedingly complex procedures. Wanting to cook it required an enormous expenditure of mental strength to control the fire.
Xiao Ruyan's expenditure previously was already huge. Now, it was naturally even more taxing.
But Xiao Ruyan's willpower made Ye Yuan view her in a completely different light from before. Under the situation where both essence energy and soul force reached the limits, she forcefully persisted.
"Condense pill!" Xiao Ruyan gave a lovely cry. Mild detonating sounds came from within the medicinal cauldron.
"Second Miss!"
"Miss Ruyan!"
When the medicinal pill formed, Xiao Ruyan finally could not sustain anymore and collapsed weakly. Ye Yuan's figure swayed, and he caught Xiao Ruyan.
"Second Miss, are you alright?" Manager Tong asked.
Being hugged by Ye Yuan, Xiao Ruyan seemed to be oblivious to it, her gaze glued on the medicinal cauldron.
"Manager . . . Tong . . ." Xiao Ruyan was already faint and weak, barely able to speak.
But Manager Tong understood and hurriedly went to retrieve the medicinal pill.
It greatly startled Manager Tong. A formed medicinal pill laid inside the medicinal cauldron quietly. Xiao Ruyan actually really refined successfully?
