Chapter 60: Alchemy Grandmaster Tan Jinglin, Pill Conference

Luoyang City.

The fourteenth of the twelfth month.

Just as the name "White-haired Ghost Ning Jiang" was causing an uproar among the younger generation...

A piece of news, like a super-earthquake, suddenly descended, shaking the many Alchemists of Luoyang City.

Tan Jinglin, an Alchemy Grandmaster renowned throughout Cyan Cloud, and his beloved disciple, Yan Ziling, had arrived in Luoyang City!

Instantly, the entire circle of Alchemists was in an uproar.

There were no more than ten Alchemy Grandmasters in the entire Cyan Cloud Country. Every single one was a legendary figure whose name was known far and wide, a personage standing at the very pinnacle of the nation.

In the world of Alchemists, such a figure was a pillar of their field, a person of immense prestige revered by the masses.

Countless Alchemists across the land dreamed of entering the ranks of Grandmasters, to leave their mark on history and bring glory to their ancestors.

"How many years has it been since an Alchemy Grandmaster last graced Luoyang City?"

"Alchemy Grandmasters are incredibly distinguished and rarely make public appearances. I wonder why Grandmaster Tan Jinglin has come to Luoyang this time."

"A Grandmaster visiting Luoyang is a blessing for our city! We must go and see this legendary figure in person."

On that day, the name "Alchemy Grandmaster Tan Jinglin" ignited a frenzy among countless Alchemists.

But a Grandmaster’s status was lofty. How could such a person be seen so easily?

Not long after, another piece of news spread.

Tan Jinglin’s disciple, Yan Ziling, was hosting a Pill Conference and had invited the many Alchemists of Luoyang City to attend.

The time: the following evening!

The place: Bamboo Sea Manor.

"A Pill Conference? Interesting."

Drunken Moon Pavilion, Heaven-grade room.

Two days had passed since the incident with the Liu Family.

In those two days, Zhao Peng had already paid his respects, kowtowed, and officially become a Direct Disciple of Du Wanqing.

Just now, Zhao Peng had visited and brought news about the Pill Conference.

Generally, only someone with sufficient influence could host a Pill Conference.

As Tan Jinglin’s disciple, Yan Ziling’s status was extraordinary, certainly qualifying him to host such an event.

Such conferences typically had one of three purposes.

The first was for Alchemists to communicate and exchange their experiences in alchemy.

The second was to trade self-refined elixirs or rare Treasure Medicines.

The third, and the most exciting, was competition between Alchemists.

Through these contests, they would determine who was superior.

It was just like with Martial Artists, who used combat to determine the strong from the weak. Alchemy, too, used contests to establish a pecking order.

Take Du Wanqing, Luoyang’s number one Alchemy Master. He had only secured his top position after countless competitions, winning one after another until the other Alchemy Masters were thoroughly convinced of his superiority.

"I understand. I’ll attend."

Ning Jiang said after a moment of thought.

At a Pill Conference like this, any Treasure Medicine put up for trade would undoubtedly be a treasure of at least auction-house quality.

Otherwise, presenting it would just be an embarrassment, a loss of face.

’The Great Sun Glazed Golden Body, from Entry Level to Minor Achievement, could indeed be advanced by using some Treasure Medicines to temper my own body,’ Ning Jiang thought.

Tempering one’s own body was a practice that treated the body as if it were an elixir being refined.

"I’d love to go, but my skill level is too poor right now. I’m afraid I’d just embarrass myself."

Zhao Peng said with regret. Although he had become Du Wanqing’s Direct Disciple, his alchemy skills wouldn’t improve overnight.

With his current ability, if he went, what would he do if someone challenged him to a competition?

If he lost, he would be losing face for Du Wanqing.

"Have Wei Yanran accompany you. It would be good for you to see it," Ning Jiang said.

"Forget it. That Iceberg Beauty is too hard to get close to. I feel completely awkward around her. I’ll just stay put at Wanqing Manor. Once my skills have improved, I’ll attend this kind of Pill Conference," Zhao Peng said, well aware of his own limitations.

The ones daring to attend the Pill Conference hosted by Yan Ziling would surely be outstanding Alchemists, most of them likely young.

When a group of young people gathers, alchemy competitions are inevitable. After all, they were at that hot-blooded age. Who didn’t want to make a name for themselves?

If he went, he’d probably become a target, with plenty of people wanting to use him as a stepping stone.

The two chatted a while longer before Zhao Peng took his leave.

"I hope this Pill Conference will have what I’m looking for."

Ning Jiang knew that with Yan Ziling’s status, the Pill Conference he hosted was bound to be a grand affair. He suspected even some Alchemy Master-level figures would grace the event with their presence.

However, whether he could find the Treasure Medicine he needed was up to fate.

"Sister An, want to go check out the Pill Conference together tomorrow?"

"Alright. I’ve been cooped up in the Drunken Moon Pavilion these past few days. I’d like to get out and relax too," Ning Yu’an said, her smile as gentle as water.

As her cultivation of the Purple Qi Creation Technique deepened, her disposition and appearance were gradually enhancing, making her more and more beautiful.

As she was now, she was in no way inferior to the Four Great Beauties of Luoyang.

The next day, the fifteenth of the twelfth month, at dusk.

Bamboo Sea Manor.

This manor was located in a tranquil part of Luoyang City and was one of its most famous scenic spots.

The manor was renowned for its verdant bamboo.

Over eighty percent of the estate was covered in lush, vibrant bamboo. When the wind blew, it rustled the forest, and the swaying leaves, viewed from afar, resembled a surging sea of bamboo—a magnificent and refreshing sight, layer upon layer.

Nestled within this sea of bamboo were numerous pavilions and halls. The entire place was bright and beautiful, a landscape of clear waters and lush trees, picturesque as a scroll painting.

Today, Yan Ziling had booked the entire Bamboo Sea Manor to host the Pill Conference.

A steady stream of Alchemists entered through the manor’s gates.

In addition, there were also some Martial Artists who had come to watch the excitement.

"It’s so beautiful here."

Ning Yu’an sighed in admiration after entering Bamboo Sea Manor.

The moment they stepped inside, the very air was filled with the fresh fragrance of bamboo leaves, refreshing the spirit. It felt like drifting in a light boat on a sea shaded by green bamboo, a gentle breeze carrying the fresh scent of green.

Instantly, one’s entire being relaxed, worldly worries forgotten, all noise and restlessness cast aside.

"If Sister An likes it, I’ll buy this place in the future," Ning Jiang said lightly.

"Buy Bamboo Sea Manor? Aren’t you afraid of biting your tongue with such big talk? The owner of this manor is Luoyang’s number one Sword Cultivator, Senior Wenhua City. It was in this very bamboo forest that Senior Wenhua City achieved the realm of Heart-Sword Control, which is why he bought the place. This land holds great significance for Senior Wenhua City. He might not sell it no matter how many Primordial Stones you offer."

Someone nearby overheard and sneered. It was a young man in fine clothes, wearing a Jade Ring on his thumb and followed by attendants, clearly of high status.

"My brother and I are talking. What business is it of yours? Little Brother, don’t pay him any mind."

Ning Yu’an snorted coldly, took Ning Jiang’s hand, and walked to the other side.

"That woman is quite beautiful, no worse than Wei Yanran," the young man said slowly.

"If Young Master is interested..."

"Forget it. Don’t cause trouble. This is Yan Ziling’s Pill Conference; I can’t afford the consequences if something happens. Besides, compared to her, Wei Yanran is the one who truly moves my heart. There’s more of a sense of accomplishment in conquering an Iceberg Beauty," the young man said.

"Tsk tsk, Little Brother, your hands are so fair. Prettier than a woman’s."

After moving to the side, Ning Yu’an grabbed Ning Jiang’s hand and teased him.

"Sister An, you were worried I’d be angry or upset by what that guy said, so you’re deliberately changing the subject to cheer me up, aren’t you?" Ning Jiang laughed.

"Little Brother, I really can’t hide anything from you now. It’s like those eyes of yours can see right through people’s hearts," Ning Yu’an said, sounding rather helpless.

"Maybe it’s just that I know Sister An too well."

Ning Jiang smiled and walked with Ning Yu’an toward the central venue of Bamboo Sea Manor.

At that very moment.

In the central venue, hundreds of Alchemists had already gathered.

More than eighty percent of the Alchemists in Luoyang City had rushed to attend this Pill Conference, making for a lively and magnificent spectacle.

"To think so many Alchemists showed up. As expected of a Grandmaster’s Direct Disciple. It’s enough to make you jealous," someone said, full of envy.

If a Pill Conference hosted by a mere Direct Disciple could be this grand, one could hardly imagine the tidal wave of excitement a conference hosted by a true Alchemy Grandmaster like Tan Jinglin would cause.

"Luoyang City has a total of eight Alchemy Masters. Four are already here. I wonder if the rest will come."

"I doubt the top three will. Yan Ziling is a Grandmaster’s disciple, not a Grandmaster himself. He doesn’t have the status to make them show up. Their disciples, however, should all be here."

"Look, Master Highland has arrived too!" someone suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

Highland was ranked fourth among the Alchemy Masters of Luoyang. With his arrival, five of Luoyang’s eight Alchemy Masters were now present.

"Hurry, I hear Yan Ziling and Wei Yanran have started a competition! Let’s go watch!"

Just as Highland’s arrival caused a minor stir, a sudden uproar erupted from the center of the crowd, instantly electrifying the entire venue.

Wei Yanran, disciple of Luoyang’s number one Alchemy Master, Du Wanqing.

And Yan Ziling, disciple of the Alchemy Grandmaster Tan Jinglin.

Between these two, who was stronger, and who was weaker?

In the center of the venue stood a high platform.

Upon the platform were two Pill Cauldrons and two figures.

One, dressed in white purer than snow, had an icy disposition. It was Wei Yanran.

The other had his long hair unbound, wore cyan robes, and stood as straight as a pine tree. With his handsome features, it was none other than the host of the Pill Conference, Yan Ziling.

An hour later, Wei Yanran was the first to complete her alchemy.

When the elixir was removed, its fragrance filled the air. The entire pill was delicate and glossy, with a faint sheen.

"This elixir can be considered a Semi-Premium Elixir," Highland, who was standing nearby, commented.

Those who could refine a High Grade Elixir were Alchemy Masters. A Semi-Premium Elixir meant that Wei Yanran’s skill was already approaching the Master level.

"As expected of Du Wanqing’s disciple. In another five or six years, Wei Yanran might just enter the ranks of the Masters," another Alchemy Master commented. This man’s name was Fu Shan.

"I wonder what kind of elixir Yan Ziling will produce?" the crowd wondered.

After about another fifteen minutes, Yan Ziling finally completed his alchemy as well.

He removed his elixir.

Instantly, the entire crowd was stunned.

The surface of the elixir was moist and smooth, like a glass bead.

"A High Grade Elixir!" Highland’s expression turned grave.

This meant that Yan Ziling already possessed the skills of an Alchemy Master.

And Yan Ziling was only twenty years old. A twenty-year-old Alchemy Master—such talent would rank in the top five in the entire Cyan Cloud Country.

"Pill King Lu Changsheng was seventeen when he became an Alchemy Master. Yan Ziling is only three years behind him. Terrifying!" Highland said, word by word.

The outcome was clear at a glance.

"Miss Wei, you let me win," Yan Ziling said with suave grace, neither arrogant nor servile.

Wei Yanran’s gaze dimmed slightly. This was the first time she had tasted defeat among the younger generation.

"My skills were inferior. I’m impressed." Wei Yanran took a deep breath. She wasn’t one to be unable to let things go. She had lost this time; next time, she would just have to work harder to win.

Failure is the mother of success.

Failure itself wasn’t frightening; what was frightening was being unable to recover from it.

"It doesn’t seem that great. The ones Little Brother makes are much better."

In the crowd, Ning Yu’an and Ning Jiang were also watching. Ning Yu’an couldn’t help but mutter.

She remembered the elixirs Ning Jiang refined; every one of them was as brilliant as jade, exquisitely clear. Although she didn’t understand alchemy, she could still tell that the ones Ning Jiang made were better than Yan Ziling’s.

"What did you say?"

The moment Ning Yu’an’s words left her lips, gazes from all around immediately shot toward them.