Chapter 86: The Alchemy Conference Begins!

The Alchemy Conference was approaching. Alchemy geniuses from various regions were already making their way to the Seven Extremes Sect. Due to the Seven Stars Sect's powerful counterattack against the demonic faction over two months ago, the demonic faction's arrogance had been thoroughly suppressed. With the demonic faction now adopting a defensive posture, the cultivation world had suddenly become much more peaceful. Many uninformed cultivators mistakenly believed this was the Seven Extremes Sect's preemptive strike to ensure the Alchemy Conference's smooth operation, earning the sect considerable admiration. The Alchemy Summit had become lively. Numerous alchemists under a hundred years old arrived one after another to temporarily reside at the Alchemy Summit, awaiting the conference's commencement. "So this is the Seven Extremes Sect's Alchemy Summit? Truly magnificent!" "I heard there are several master alchemists and even one grandmaster alchemist on the Alchemy Summit. I wonder if we'll have the chance to meet them!" "Fellow Daoist, do you know which master will serve as the chief examiner this time?" "Who knows? Such confidential information wouldn't be revealed so early!" "If we knew the examiner's identity, we might predict the topics and showcase our talents during the conference!" "Keep dreaming!" Zhou Wuyou, as a disciple of the Alchemy Summit, was currently guiding a talented alchemist. "My name is Li Qinglian, at the mid Foundation Establishment stage. May I know your name, junior brother?" the alchemist asked with a smile. Zhou Wuyou replied, "I'm Zhou Wuyou." Li Qinglian asked curiously, "You're already at the sixth level of Qi Refining? How long have you been in the sect?" "About two and a half years," Zhou Wuyou answered. "Oh? Not bad. As a disciple of the Alchemy Summit, have you started learning alchemy?" Zhou Wuyou paused before replying, "Currently, I can refine upper-grade first-tier pills!" "What?" Li Qinglian looked astonished. "You can already refine upper-grade first-tier pills? After only two and a half years in the sect? And your cultivation has reached the sixth level of Qi Refining?" Zhou Wuyou sighed, "My cultivation is nothing special. Only my alchemy skills are somewhat decent." He thought of Su Yuan, who was already a Golden Core elder now—completely incomparable. The sixth level of Qi Refining was nothing. "May I check your bone age?" "Go ahead." Li Qinglian placed her hand on Zhou Wuyou, seemingly sensing something. Zhou Wuyou remained completely calm, allowing her to proceed. Li Qinglian exclaimed in surprise, "Only eighteen and a half years old! You truly entered the sect two and a half years ago? And you can really refine upper-grade first-tier pills? Could you demonstrate for me?" Though somewhat reluctant, Zhou Wuyou led Li Qinglian to an alchemy chamber as she was a guest. Under her watchful gaze, he skillfully refined a batch of upper-grade first-tier Qi Gathering Pills. Li Qinglian watched with sparkling eyes. She could see Zhou Wuyou's techniques were exceptionally skilled, his movements remarkably fluid, and his spiritual sense and energy far surpassing ordinary cultivators at his level. After the pills were completed, Li Qinglian couldn't help but ask, "You must be one of the Alchemy Summit's prodigies, right? Why are you doing menial tasks like guiding visitors? It's such a waste of your talent." Zhou Wuyou was taken aback before shaking his head. "Me? Don't joke around. There are countless others at my level!" Since Su Yuan's teachings had been made public, with their incredibly detailed explanations of alchemical techniques—especially for first-tier pills—even non-prodigies like Zhou Wuyou could reach upper-grade first-tier alchemist standards. Li Qinglian pressed, "Who is your master?" Zhou Wuyou hesitated, recalling that the sect had no confidentiality requirements, and answered, "I study Elder Su Yuan's alchemical legacy, though I'm not his direct disciple—just fortunate enough to have received some guidance from him." He remembered listening to Su Yuan explain difficult concepts, not realizing at the time how precious those opportunities were. "Su Yuan?" Li Qinglian repeated the name without recognition. In her mind, she pictured an immortal-like elderly Daoist—though she'd never seen Su Yuan, any Seven Extremes Sect elder would be at least Golden Core level, probably some reclusive senior alchemy master. This scenario wasn't unique to Li Qinglian. Other visiting alchemists, many visiting the Seven Extremes Sect for the first time, inquired about the disciples' situations and kept hearing about an elder named Su Yuan! Nearly every Qi Refining disciple was studying Elder Su's alchemical legacy. Before anyone realized it, Su Yuan's reputation had spread among the alchemists—known by name before being seen. Su Yuan occasionally heard notifications of fame points increasing. Using his Mind Echo, he observed these scenes and felt somewhat speechless. His reputation had inexplicably risen, bringing a modest increase in fame points. He pondered—these alchemists came from various regions and were all talented in alchemy. If he could leave a deep impression, his fame would spread further, potentially causing his fame points to skyrocket. Moreover, he saw no reason to avoid fame in alchemy. Having reached this conclusion, Su Yuan formed a plan. On the day of the event, under bright sunshine: One hundred and eight alchemy geniuses gathered on the Alchemy Summit's massive plaza. Spectators included many alchemists from other sects, some even using recording stones to document the event for later dissemination. The one hundred eight alchemists entered in orderly fashion, each seated within a small barrier formation, solemnly awaiting the chief examiner's arrival. When the appointed time came: A spatial rift suddenly tore open in the sky! A white-haired elder slowly emerged! The elder coughed repeatedly upon exiting, appearing sickly and full of twilight aura. When a Divine Transformation realm spiritual sense probed toward him: The elder suddenly unleashed an overwhelming pressure that swept across the entire plaza at incredible speed! Everyone's expressions changed drastically! Even the Divine Transformation experts from other sects and the Seven Extremes Sect stared in shock! "Is... is this a Void Refining expert?" "Impossible, right?" "An ancient monster! The Alchemy Conference has attracted a supreme ancient monster!" "The Seven Extremes Sect truly hides formidable experts! As expected of the righteous path's leader!" Gu Qingzhu stared dumbfounded at the elder, trembling as he looked to Nangong Xianweng for explanation. Nangong Xianweng twitched his mouth, recognizing the familiar pressure and aura. He waved at Gu Qingzhu, signaling there was no cause for concern. Su Yuan remained calm—with his changed appearance, he had no fear of exposure. In his elder disguise, Su Yuan retracted his pressure, coughed again, and slowly descended to the plaza's center. The entire venue fell silent as all eyes focused on him. Su Yuan calmly addressed the crowd: "This old man's surname is Su. Having secluded myself for long years, I'm unskilled in combat—among the weakest of my realm. I only know some trivial alchemical arts. Sensing my remaining lifespan—less than three hundred years—I decided to emerge." He coughed again before continuing: "Growing restless after prolonged seclusion, I heard of this Alchemy Conference and shamelessly requested to host it, hoping to exchange knowledge with everyone and absorb some youthful vitality." A Divine Transformation cultivator responded, "Elder Su's generosity is commendable!" Su Yuan waved his hand, smiling faintly. "Heh, some might grow restless at my appearance. Approaching my end, I'd prefer no disturbances to my sect these last centuries—otherwise, I might treat certain individuals to a spectacular fireworks display with this old body." His words made visiting cultivators tense. Some Divine Transformation experts muttered "dangerous"—such lifespan-exhausted elders were the most troublesome! Many exchanged glances, silently agreeing the Seven Extremes Sect must not be provoked for the next three hundred years! At least this was only a Void Refining alchemist, not too threatening. Su Yuan then announced: "Very well, let today's conference begin. Having studied alchemy for over ten thousand years, I'll share some insights—but that will come last." "The conference has three segments. First is the talent competition, where sub-centenarian geniuses may showcase their abilities. The strongest will earn the conference's top honors!" "Second is an exchange where all may freely discuss alchemical experiences and insights." "Third will be this old man's humble offering—sharing my alchemical realizations while refining a pill to be divided between the competition champion and three most insightful participants from the exchange." Su Yuan paused before declaring: "The first test is quite simple!" With a wave of his hand, the spatial rift reopened, revealing a massive cauldron! The five-tier alchemy cauldron's aura made many cultivators pale! "This five-tier cauldron contains an independent space. Enter to refine pills—it provides various spiritual flames and materials, with the cauldron spirit offering optimal conditions. Within seven days, refine as many high-quality pills as possible. The cauldron spirit will score your results—highest score wins!" Su Yuan smiled at the hundred-plus alchemy geniuses: "Don't fear exposing your unique techniques—this old man has no interest in them. Outsiders won't see your process, only scores and rankings. I hope you'll surprise me." The participants relaxed slightly—a Void Refining elder naturally wouldn't covet their techniques. This was a chance to showcase their skills, and the promised rewards were highly anticipated.