Chapter 180 - 181: Forcing Ye Qingchen to Compete

"What’s wrong?"

Ye Qingchen asked, puzzled.

Ye Qing quickly recounted what had just happened.

If it weren’t for the jade pendant in her hand, she would have thought it was just an illusion!

"Yu Luoxuan..." Listening to Ye Qing’s description, Ye Qingchen’s expression changed slightly, "Did she have a mysterious purple symbol on her forehead?"

"Brother, you encountered her too?"

Ye Qing’s eyes widened.

"Yes, I met her earlier. She told me that the mark I’ve been searching for is in Abyssal Valley of Tongxuan Continent!" Ye Qingchen recalled the scene when he met Yu Luoxuan and said to Ye Qing, "That woman probably has an extraordinary origin!"

Ye Qing glanced at the jade pendant in her hand, "And this..."

"Keep it for now, let’s see what tricks she might pull!" Ye Qingchen said in a deep voice.

After this episode, the stall couldn’t continue, and for the next few days, he kept searching for information about Abyssal Valley. Unfortunately, even Kong Shun and Qin Wentian didn’t know much about it.

All they knew was that it was extremely dangerous, a dead end, a place where two Celestial Saint Realm experts had once fought!

"According to legend, Abyssal Valley on Tongxuan Continent originally did not exist! It was created four hundred years ago during a battle between Luo Ya Celestial Saint and Spiritual Splendor Celestial Saint. The gorge was cleaved out by the strongest sword when Spiritual Splendor Celestial Saint killed Luo Ya Celestial Saint!"

"After the battle, Luo Ya Celestial Saint and Spiritual Splendor Celestial Saint both disappeared, possibly perishing together."

"Later, people searching for the whereabouts of these two Celestial Saints entered Abyssal Valley to look. They found the valley filled with wild winds, anyone below the Profound Pill Realm would be instantly torn apart if they entered."

"Moreover, it’s said that the further down one goes in Abyssal Valley, the stronger the winds become. Even those in Profound Pill Realm find it difficult to move freely there!"

Qin Wentian remarked leisurely.

"So Abyssal Valley is this terrifying!"

Ye Qingchen’s eyes contracted.

Originally.

He had planned to go straight to Abyssal Valley in Tongxuan Continent once the alchemy exchange conference ended. But now, it seemed he had to put it off for the time being.

"It seems I can only explore it after gaining enough strength!"

Ye Qingchen clenched his fist.

In the following days, he stayed indoors, continuously practicing the Star Technique, striving to reach the Profound Pill Realm as soon as possible.

Time passed quickly, and soon several days went by.

Finally.

The last day arrived.

The atmosphere on the street felt different immediately.

Looking up, the street stalls had been cleared away, and even the rarely seen Profound Pill Realm experts from previous days had become more frequent, including some big shots at the Profound Pill Sixth and Seventh Layers.

They all walked towards the plaza.

Kong Shun had prepared early in the morning. Today was the most important day of the alchemy exchange conference, master-level alchemists would gather to solve each other’s puzzles.

However, before setting out, Kong Shun paused his steps and suddenly said to Ye Qingchen, "Ye Qingchen, don’t participate in today’s alchemy exchange conference!"

Due to previous events, he worried Mu Shanhe might use it as a chance to provoke.

"What’s there to fear? With so many eyes watching, would Mu Shanhe dare strike openly?" Qin Wentian raised his brows, "You forgot I’m here?"

"Alright!" Kong Shun hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Immediately.

The group headed straight to the plaza.

The plaza was bustling; seats were arranged in patterns resembling the Bagua.

Seated in the central area were alchemists from all over Cyan Continent. Only top-level alchemists like Zhu Tao and Mu Shanhe could sit at the front, while ordinary alchemists and apprentices had to sit at the back or even stand.

Following Kong Shun, Ye Qingchen sat directly at the front.

Ye Qingchen’s appearance immediately drew attention, as his conflict with Zhou Long Army at this alchemy exchange conference had led to a clash between two top-tier alchemists.

"So this is Ye Qingchen? Isn’t he said to be the first in Qingzhou Sword Fighting Conference? A cultivator also being an alchemist?" someone wondered aloud.

"Hehe, rumors say he excels both in alchemy and martial arts! Though there’s no smoke without fire, I’m skeptical!" someone nearby shook their head, "It’s known that one’s energy is limited; I don’t believe he can master both cultivation and alchemy!"

People around nodded repeatedly.

As the saying goes, don’t bite off more than you can chew; one’s energy is finite. Many of the alchemists here have spent decades, even a lifetime, immersed in alchemy dao, aware of its profound depth and complexity.

If it’s said that Ye Qingchen excels in both alchemy and martial arts, they naturally wouldn’t believe it.

After a while.

Three or four more alchemy masters arrived, and once several top-tier alchemists had gathered, everyone began discussing the principles of alchemy.

Who were present?

Celestial Peak Country’s Imperial Tutor Kong Shun, famed across Cyan Continent Mu Shanhe, and others not inferior to them like Zhu Tao, Jiaomu, Xia Cangliu... representing the top-tier levels of alchemy in Cyan Continent.

Initially, ordinary alchemists could still contribute a word or two. But later, they only felt like they were listening to celestial teachings, as if in a cloud.

Meanwhile, the disciples of these masters were better off, occasionally furrowing brows, sometimes reflective, seemingly immersed in the boundless world of alchemy.

Ye Qingchen also listened attentively.

Although he hadn’t studied alchemy for long, his foundation wasn’t weaker than others; instead, due to memorizing the "Compendium of Plants and Trees," it was deeper.

The complex alchemy theories proposed by many alchemy masters became clear to Ye Qingchen through layer-by-layer analysis, each unraveling making them seem simple.

At the same time.

Some of the things other alchemists said even gave him an epiphany, as if doors to understanding were opened.

"Whew!"

After the discussion ended.

Ye Qingchen exhaled deeply, revealing a smile.

This alchemy exchange conference brought him significant gains, even solving previously half-understood topics.

"Since the discussion has concluded, let’s proceed to the next round! We’ll exchange techniques of alchemy now."

Xia Cangliu, Shengyuan Country’s Imperial Tutor, the oldest among the group, dressed in a red robe, spoke under the watchful eyes, "This time, allow me to propose the topic..."

Upon hearing this, many alchemists present showed expectations.

Needless to say.

For ordinary alchemists, the periodic alchemy exchange conference is a chance for self-improvement, especially the last round where top-tier alchemists personally demonstrate alchemy. If they can grasp some insights, it’s greatly beneficial.

However.

As everyone expected this conference to proceed as before, witnessing these top-tier alchemists’ alchemy practices, suddenly a voice interrupted:

"Wait!"

Everyone looked over; the speaker was none other than Mu Shanhe.

"What does Alchemist Mu want to say?" Xia Cangliu asked with curiosity.

"Every year, it’s always us old ones demonstrating alchemy, let’s change it today!" Mu Shanhe smiled coldly and continued, "Why not let our disciples and the young alchemists present compete with each other, how about that?"

The words sparked a commotion.

The young alchemists present reacted with excitement.

Needless to say.

These individuals were the top-tier alchemists in Cyan Continent. Demonstrating alchemy before them was an enormous honor. If one performs exceptionally, they might even be taken as a disciple.

Which was akin to rising swiftly, a carp leaping over the dragon gate!

However, at this moment, Kong Shun’s expression changed dramatically.

Because he understood.

Mu Shanhe was targeting Ye Qingchen, aiming to force him into the competition!