Chapter 646: Giant Bamboo Country's Alchemy Garden
However, a person named Li Qiye came out of nowhere and removed the need for the final competition to determine the participant. Despite their unhappiness, the Giant Bamboo Country still compensated them for the long journey.
Moreover, Madam Zi Yan herself hosted this feast, so the alchemists were quite happy to attend. The reason was very simple; regardless of passing or failing the test, this was still a good opportunity for them because the alchemy garden of the Giant Bamboo Country was quite famous. Although Giant Bamboo was not an alchemy country, its garden was huge with large-scale plants of high-level spirit medicines and grasses.
Although it couldn't be compared to the garden of a giant monster such as the Alchemy Kingdom, it carried its own distinguished reputation; it was much better than the gardens from the other great powers. Of course, there were reasons for its prosperity.
For these alchemists, especially the younger ones, this was a rare chance for them to take a look at the alchemy garden, a chance to increase their knowledge by seeing many exceedingly rare herbs and plants.
Poets and scholars loved to gaze at the moon to gain inspiration for new literary works. However, in the Stone Medicine World, the most wondrous thing for alchemists was to gaze at plants.
Because of this, even before the feast had started, many young alchemists came early to the palace and were escorted into the garden by Giant Bamboo disciples.
Meanwhile, Madam Zi Yan was personally presiding over the feast inside the garden. She didn't stay out to greet the arriving guests, but a Demon King like her attending such a feast was already a grand and appreciable gesture to the young alchemists.
She was well known for her hospitality to talents, and today was a clear example of her humble pursuit for talents; clearly, she was not just fishing for compliments and fame.
The alchemists were amazed once they entered the alchemy garden and looked around. Even though many of the youths were from alchemy clans, they still had to admit that Giant Bamboo's alchemy garden was worthy of its prestige.
It was vast and occupied a huge location. Looking ahead, one could see the undulating waves of changes in sceneries, including different batches of fields, mountains, ponds, and even alchemy pools as red as fire.
No matter what type of medicines these fields were cultivating, all of them were encompassed in a thick worldly energy. It could be said that this place was full of it, so it was not only an ideal place for plant cultivation, but also a great location for normal cultivation as well. Such a great place was something to be desired.
After seeing the thick worldly energy, the participating youths finally understood why this alchemy garden was so famous.
All kinds of spirit medicines and grasses of the highest level could be found inside. Such a garden was much better than the gardens from the other great powers.
Why was it that the Giant Bamboo Country had such a good garden? Many alchemists and lineages had secretly debated this matter. Even the country's disciples gossiped about this.
Some believed that this garden was blessed due to the deity tree's protection, that it was groomed by a divine essence so it was able to grow this many alchemy ingredients.
Others stated that its excellence came from being built at the end of the Elegant Azure Mountains where it was empowered by the worldly energy there.
Many people, including experts from the country itself, thought that both of these speculations were logical.
It was situated behind the palace, very close to the Bamboo Garden. One had to cross this alchemy garden before they could reach the Bamboo Garden and then the Elegant Azure Mountains.
Everyone in the Stone Medicine World knew about the giant bamboo tree of this country. Of course this alchemy garden would be blessed when a Divine Guardian was so close to strengthen it.
The second theory was even more accepted. There was a saying in the Stone Medicine World: Three Ancestral Veins, Eight Grand Veins. The three Ancestral Veins were the Alchemy Vein, Stone Vein, and Beast Vein.
These Ancestral Veins were also called the corners of this world since these veins divided it into three great realms. These veins were named the Alchemy Realm, Stone Realm, and Beast Realm, and the inhabitants relied on them to exist.
Inside these three realms were eight Grand Veins. Although these eight Grand Veins were not comparable to the three Ancestral Veins, they occupied this land like eight monstrous dragons.
The Elegant Azure Mountains were one of the eight Grand Veins. The mountain range spanned across several tens of millions of miles of territory. There were many clans and great powers built along this great mountain range.
The Giant Bamboo Country was situated at the tail of the Elegant Azure Mountains, and the imperial palace was at the center of the back. Of course, it was needless to say where the alchemy garden was; it was at the tip of the vein.
The three Ancestral Veins concentrated all the worldly energy in the Stone Medicine World while the eight Grand Veins were able to do the same for their respective realms.
Since the Elegant Azure Mountains were so large, its territory spanned for tens of millions of miles. It could be said that the vein condensed the widest area of worldly energy, causing the energy to be quite thick here. Due to its great location, it was not strange for the alchemy garden to be so fertile.
The astounded young alchemists also learned a lot with the help of the Giant Bamboo disciples introducing them to everything here. They also noticed the Bamboo Garden very close to the alchemy garden: "That must be the Bamboo Garden where the Giant Bamboo Divine Guardian resides?"
They couldn't enter the Bamboo Garden, but they were still able to see it. There were flickering tree shadows with rich vegetation, indicative of its great vitality. The giant bamboo tree was very famous in the Stone Medicine World, and the country was even named after it. Some people referred to it as an invincible deity.
The party became very lively due to the high number of young participants. Many alchemists conversed with each other or were just gazing at the plants.
At this time, there was a small uproar as one young alchemist spoke in a low voice: "The main descendant of the Qing Clan is here."
A young man followed a Giant Bamboo disciple inside. He was dressed in an alchemist's style as his body emitted a green light as well as an aroma of herbs. Anyone could smell these fragrances coming from his body.
Several young alchemists who were familiar with him came to give their greetings: "Brother Qing Yu, you finally made it!"
This young alchemist was the Qing Clan's descendant, Qing Yu. The Qing Clan was an alchemy clan. Although it had never produced an Alchemy Emperor, it had several Legendary Alchemists.
Of course, its attainments in alchemy were not comparable to a monster like the Alchemy Kingdom or other Alchemy Emperor's lineages, but at the Giant Bamboo Country, it was the number one alchemy clan.
Qing Yu did not shame his noble upbringing since he was quite talented in the dao of alchemy. Despite his young age, he was already an Alchemy Grandmaster. A previous generation alchemist assessed that, in less than two years, he would become a Profound Alchemist.
It was quite brilliant to be a grandmaster at such a young age, so this was why Qing Yu was called the number one young alchemist in the Giant Bamboo Country.
His attendance at the party was overshadowed by an exasperated expression, but due to having to maintain cordiality with Madam Zi Yan, he didn't dare to miss it.
One young alchemist whispered after noticing the apparent disatisfaction: "It seems that Qing Yu is very unhappy?"
Another responded: "How could he be happy? He has now lost his position. He was going to attend the conference and represent Giant Bamboo, but now he has nothing to do."
Some other alchemists who passed the preliminary tests felt relieved after seeing Qing Yu lose his position as well. Even the number one in the country was eliminated, so there was nothing else that they could do.
One person asked: "Just who is the alchemist that will represent Giant Bamboo? If Qing Yu was eliminated as well, then could the country have found a superior alchemist to him?"
A well-informed young alchemist said: "It is a person named Li Qiye. His background is unknown, but I heard that he is very generous and throws money around like trash."
Many of them had never heard of Li Qiye so they curiously asked: "Just who is this Li Qiye? Could he be a lot better than Qing Yu?"
Outsiders knew neither Li Qiye's origin nor why the Giant Bamboo Country thought so highly of him. After selecting Li Qiye, they kicked Qing Yu out of the list without even giving him the chance to be a backup.
646 TeaserHowever, a person named Li Qiye came out of nowhere and removed the need for the final competition to determine the participant. Despite their unhappiness, the Giant Bamboo Country still compensated them for the long journey.
Moreover, Madam Zi Yan herself hosted this feast, so the alchemists were quite happy to attend. The reason was very simple; regardless of passing or failing the test, this was still a good opportunity for them because the alchemy garden of the Giant Bamboo Country was quite famous. Although Giant Bamboo was not an alchemy country, its garden was huge with large-scale plants of high-level spirit medicines and grasses.
Although it couldn't be compared to the garden of a giant monster such as the Alchemy Kingdom, it carried its own distinguished reputation; it was much better than the gardens from the other great powers. Of course, there were reasons for its prosperity.
For these alchemists, especially the younger ones, this was a rare chance for them to take a look at the alchemy garden, a chance to increase their knowledge by seeing many exceedingly rare herbs and plants.
[collapse]Chapter 647: Huangfu Hao
Although he received a grand reception from the Giant Bamboo Country after entering the alchemy garden, he was still feeling very upset. He should have attended the conference for this country — this was already a done deal. He was full of ambition and wanted to show his alchemy skills at the conference to become renowned in the world.
However, this set-in-stone matter suddenly changed as a saboteur jumped out of nowhere to steal his seat. He even lost his chance to be part of the reserve!
If his spot was stolen by a renowned alchemist like the four prodigies, then Qing Yu would have no grievances. However, Li Qiye, who stole his spot, was an alchemist no one had heard of before.
How could Qing Yu, who people referred to as the number one alchemist in Giant Bamboo, be happy when a nobody stole his spot?
He didn't dare to reveal his anger in front of Demon King Zi Yan, but his expression said it all.
"Young Noble Huangfu has arrived!" A message came from outside of the door and rang across the alchemy garden.
After hearing this message, many alchemists shuddered and turned around to look at the entrance. Some of them whispered: "Even the First Young Noble of the Huangfu Clan is here."
Many of their hearts thumped once. Even the more arrogant alchemists had to hang their heads low at the moment and let go of their pride.
"We are extremely lucky to attend a party with Huangfu Hao." A group of alchemists cheerfully said.
Huangfu Hao was very famous in the Alchemy Realm and even the entire Stone Medicine World. He was not only a genius at cultivation but a prodigy in the dao of alchemy as well.
As the First Young Noble of the Huangfu Clan, he did not let his upbringing down since he was already a Heavenly King at his young age. Although the Difficult Dao Era had already ended, it was still quite amazing for him to reach this realm and was indicative of his commendable talents.
However, the accomplishment that was talked about the most was not his cultivation, but his skill at the dao of alchemy. In this world, some people once said that if Huangfu Hao didn't spend so much effort on cultivation, then he would have had the chance to be part of the four alchemy prodigies.
Even though his alchemy skills were vastly inferior to the four prodigies, people in the Stone Medicine World still called him the fifth prodigy.
Many thought that he was only second to the four prodigies and others couldn't compare with him among the younger generation regarding alchemy.
He was a golem, so as he stepped into the alchemy garden, his stout stature seemed impressive. This would be the case no matter the location.
The divine rings pulsing around his body were even more shocking. At this time, he didn't try to hide his presence and seemed to want to suppress everyone. The divine rings made his already-tall figure seem as omnipotent as a deity.
Many young alchemists palpitated since they could feel the Heavenly King aura coming from his approach. They all took a deep breath and didn't dare to compete with him.
As the host, Madam Zi Yan came to greet him: "Your presence brightens this party."
"It seems that Your Majesty has been particularly busy, it has been a struggle to see you." Huangfu Hao was secretly annoyed. Recently, Madam Zi Yan had denied all of his requests to meet. Although the Giant Bamboo Country didn't show a lack of formality with Demon Monarchs entertaining him, that was not what he wanted.
Madam Zi Yan calmly replied: "A few trifling matters in the country had been a bit onerous, please excuse me."
Huangfu Hao took a deep breath to calm his dissatisfaction and slowly spoke: "I have heard of your country's famous alchemy garden before. I wonder if I could have the honor of Your Majesty taking a walk around the garden with me?"
Madam Zi Yan looked at him and nodded her head: "If you are interested, then I do not mind."
She led Huangfu Hao to look at the different plants in the garden. The truth was that Huangfu Hao was like a drunkard whose heart was not tempted by wine at the moment. He simply wanted to have a chance to be together, so he asked Madam Zi Yan to lead the way. 1
During their viewing, Huangfu Hao had mentioned the matter of marriage several times, but they were all rejected tactfully by Madam Zi Yan, causing him to be quite helpless.
He liked her very much and wanted to marry her. Unfortunately, Madam Zi Yan was not interested and had no desire to have a marriage alliance with the Huangfu Clan.
The young alchemists were envious at this scene of the two walking together. She was renowned; not only was she a wise ruler, she was also a beautiful and smart woman. Despite her numerous suitors in the Alchemy Realm, no one had earned her attention.
Although many were quite envious, what could they do? A Demon King like Madam Zi Yan… Perhaps only a Heavenly King like Huangfu Hao from a prestigious clan would be a good match for her.
A young alchemist couldn't help but ask: "I heard that the Huangfu Clan had married into the Alchemy Kingdom for several generations. Don't tell me that Huangfu Hao doesn't want to marry a disciple from the Alchemy Kingdom and instead wants to form a marriage alliance with the Giant Bamboo Country?"
Another alchemist's blood boiled as he quickly answered: "Yeah! I also heard that the current descendant of the Alchemy Kingdom is an incredible woman — unmatched in this generation."
Many became excited and overwhelmed with admiration once the descendant of the Alchemy Kingdom was brought up. This was because, in any generation, the Alchemy Kingdom's descendant was always a hot topic, not to mention that it was a female disciple this time. It was rumored that she was a supreme goddess, someone exceptional throughout the ages.
Such a person would naturally become the focus of discussions for many alchemists and cultivators.
A young alchemist from the outskirts of the Alchemy Kingdom opened his mouth: "Yeah! The current Alchemy Kingdom's descendant, Fairy Ming, is the number one beauty of the Stone Medicine World. No one in the Stone Medicine World can compare to her in this generation."
"Hmm, yeah. Many people said that she is the number one beauty. It is a shame that I've never been able to see her. Have you, Fellow Daoist? Just how pretty is Fairy Ming?"
Even those who had never seen her before would be excited when they talked about the number one beauty.
The young alchemist from the outskirts said: "How could I have? She is a goddess up in the nine heavens, far from my reach. How could ordinary people like us see her? Not to mention that she keeps a very low profile and rarely goes out in public. It is too difficult for outsiders to see her."
One yearning alchemist couldn't help but say: "Fairy Ming is the number one beauty, so if I could just see her face once, I don't mind losing a decade of my life." 2
He wasn't the only alchemist who was a big fan of Fairy Ming. All the other alchemists inevitably longed to see the number one beauty.
Ming Yexue, the descendant of the Alchemy Kingdom, was very famous throughout the Stone Medicine World. Although very few people had seen her and she kept a very low profile, her fame didn't diminish one bit.
An innocent alchemist from a smaller sect asked: "Didn't the Huangfu Clan have a marriage alliance with the Alchemy Kingdom for several generations? How come Huangfu Hao isn't marrying Fairy Ming?"
This naive comment annoyed the other alchemists. In the Stone Medicine World, cultivators and alchemists, especially the younger ones, all considered Ming Yexue to be a goddess amidst the clouds. Thus, they all snorted at this comment and then glanced at Huangfu Hao standing in the distance with a contemptuous smile.
They didn't dare to answer this question in front of Huangfu Hao. They waited for him to go far away, of course, before showing their disdain.
One of them sneered in a low voice: "How could that be possible? The Huangfu Clan isn't worthy of the Alchemy Kingdom."
"It is indeed impossible. Although the Huangfu Clan had a marriage alliance with the kingdom for several generations, this was limited to the regional level. As for the main branch or the imperial family of the Alchemy Kingdom, it didn't need a marriage alliance to consolidate their position." One alchemist who was knowledgeable about the kingdom answered: "The Huangfu Clan has no chance of a marriage with the kingdom's direct branch. Not to mention a male from the Huangfu Clan wanting to marry a direct female disciple from the kingdom, it is already exceedingly difficult for their main daughter to marry a direct male disciple."
"This makes sense." The other young alchemists nodded their heads after hearing this explanation.
There were very few existences comparable to the monster that is the Alchemy Kingdom in this world, so its descendant had no need for a marriage alliance.
"Then Young Noble Huangfu wants to marry Her Majesty Zi Yan." Another alchemist was annoyed to see Huangfu Hao standing next to Madam Zi Yan, but he had to admit that only someone like Huangfu Hao was worthy of a Demon King like her.
A young fan of hers coldly countered: "Hmph! Not necessarily. The Giant Bamboo Country is not weaker than the Huangfu Clan. Plus, she is the ruler of a country, so she absolutely won't marry into the Huangfu Clan."
Another alchemist interjected: "But that is not certain. I heard that Fairy Ming and Huangfu Hao are relatives, and she is actually his little cousin. If this relationship is real, then maybe the Giant Bamboo Country will use this to earn the kingdom's favor."
A comparison between an alchemist who doesn't actually want to see plants versus a drunkard who doesn't want to drink. ↩ When people live for much more than 100 years, this guy can straight up be considered a swindler. ↩Chapter 648: Qing Yu
The knowledgeable alchemist spoke again: "Not necessarily. The rumors are right, Fairy Ming and Huangfu Clan are indeed related, but it is a very distant relationship that has a gap of many generations. If Fairy Ming was Huangfu Hao's first cousin, then the Huangfu Clan would have wagged its tail everywhere already."
At this point, many alchemists were staring at Huangfu Hao, especially after Madam Zi Yan had left his side. With his impressive aura, he was like a crane among a flock of chickens. Alchemists with humble upbringings didn't dare to start a conversation with him. Only an excellent talent like Qing Yu would strike up a conversation.
At this time, a disciple ran over in a hurry and reported to Madam Zi Yan: "Your Majesty, Young Noble Li is here."
After hearing this news, Madam Zi Yan's spirit suddenly became better and went out herself to greet him without the slightest delay. Even Huangfu Hao didn't enjoy such treatment.
All the alchemists were glancing at each other after hearing about Li Qiye's arrival. They became even more curious when they saw Madam Zi Yan personally going to greet him.
They all knew that the Giant Bamboo Country erased all the alchemists from the list, even Qing Yu, just because of this unknown Li Qiye.
They were very interested while simultaneously shocked to see what kind of god Li Qiye might be in order to be so highly regarded by the Giant Bamboo Country.
Qing Yu's expression sank after hearing about Li Qiye. It would be strange if he was fine with it. Li Qiye was the reason why Qing Yu lost the chance to show himself and become renowned throughout the world. If given the chance, he wouldn't mind killing this nobody, Li Qiye.
At the same time, Huangfu Hao's glare became cold with flashing glints akin to needles. He had this expression because even his treatment had been inferior.
As the First Young Noble from the Huangfu Clan, his nobility was without question, yet Madam Zi Yan didn't go to the door to greet him. Alas, this was still reasonable because Madam Zi Yan was at the highest position as the ruler of a country and a Heavenly King. It was normal for her not to personally greet Huangfu Hao.
But now, this nobody Li Qiye was enjoying this grand gesture, causing Huangfu Hao to hate Li Qiye even more.
More important, there had already been a brewing feud between these two. Back at the Golem Square, Huangfu Hao had wanted to buy the heavenly cauldron from the Hundred-grass Alchemy Emperor. With great difficulty, he managed to convince Jian Wushuang and had to pay an exorbitant price. He thought that he would be able to own the cauldron, but who would have thought that Li Qiye would bid even higher and paid several times the price, drowning out his beautiful dream of owning the cauldron?
He wanted to kill Li Qiye due to this hatred since that cauldron was extremely rare. It was an opportunity for him to get closer to the imperial family of the Alchemy Kingdom as well as suck up to his little cousin, Ming Yexue. However, Li Qiye's unexpected interference made him lose all hope of this.
Li Qiye entered the garden with Madam Zi Yan as his escort. He took a deep breath to feel the pure worldly energy from the alchemy garden.
He couldn't help but become a bit sentimental once he stepped on this familiar land as he felt an intimate connection with it. It was as if this place had a beating heart and remained the same since the last time he had visited.
Madam Zi Yan, playing the role of escort, was very attentive: "This is our Giant Bamboo's medicinal garden that contains a few spirit medicines. Our alchemists' skills are limited, so I hope that Young Noble Li can teach us a thing or two."
She didn't only lead him to see each plant, she also introduced them very carefully. Her goal was to take him throughout the entire garden and hope that he could give them some pointers. As long as he was willing to depart with a bit of his knowledge, the country would greatly benefit from it.
Her care, patience, consideration, and enthusiasm as a guide made all the onlookers jealous. Huangfu Hao didn't get nearly the same level of treatment.
People realized now that earlier, Madam Zi Yan was only fulfilling her duty as the host when she took Huangfu Hao around. Her demeanor was completely different as she took Li Qiye around; it was clear that she was entirely driven by a sincere passion.
However, the young alchemists were greatly disappointed after seeing Li Qiye. Everyone here knew that they were removed from the list because of Li Qiye. Prior to them seeing his face, they all thought that he was a grand and untouchable character.
But now, it turned out that Li Qiye was only an ordinary human, an inconspicuous junior.
They secretly looked at him with scorn: "Why does the Giant Bamboo Country value this Li Qiye? Could it be that he is very gifted at pill refinement?"
This doubt was understandable because any alchemist with some achievements would have a different appearance. It could be due to the sweet aroma of herbs or something special about them. However, there was nothing special about Li Qiye outside of his origin — the human race.
An alchemist had heard of a certain rumor and spoke: "I heard that he threw around enough money to scare people to death."
An unconvinced young alchemist snorted and said: "What does being rich have to do with this matter? The Giant Bamboo Country is looking for an alchemist, not a financial backing."
Some of them had the urge to challenge Li Qiye. They didn't believe that this ordinary human brat was better than them. However, out of fear of Madam Zi Yan's imperial aura, they didn't dare to go forward.
Others might be scared, but this didn't mean that Qing Yu was afraid. He snorted after seeing the madam accompanying Li Qiye the entire time.
He had been annoyed this whole time after being replaced by Li Qiye even though he was the number one young alchemist of the country. He felt especially snubbed after seeing Madam Zi Yan treating this nobody with the highest level of courtesy.
This difference in treatment greatly exasperated him, so he wanted to take it out on Li Qiye. He walked closer then bowed towards Madam Zi Yan before directly asking Li Qiye: "You are Li Qiye, correct?"
It was apparent to everyone that Qing Yu wanted to cause trouble with his aggressive demeanor. Madam Zi Yan couldn't help but grimace.
Meanwhile, the other alchemists were becoming more excited. Many of them were already displeased with Li Qiye, but out of fear for Madam Zi Yan, no one wanted to do anything. So now, they were more than happy to watch Qing Yu provoking him.
However, Li Qiye didn't bother looking at Qing Yu who wanted to cause trouble and continued to nonchalantly gaze at the spirit medicines.
This attitude enraged Qing Yu even further. Who was he? Although he was not as famous as Huangfu Hao, he was quite popular in the Giant Bamboo Country and was referred to as its number one young alchemist. Furthermore, his skill showed that this title was well-deserved.
Qing Yu coldly spoke: "Oh? You don't have the courage to admit who you are?"
Madam Zi Yan's brows furrowed as she said: "Qing Yu, halt your impudence. Everyone in the alchemy garden is a respected guest of the Giant Bamboo Country, do not overstep your bounds."
Madam Zi Yan's words were an explicit warning to Qing Yu. Although the Qing Clan was quite large in the country, and sometimes, even the imperial palace required its existence, Madam Zi Yan knew very clearly who was more important between Li Qiye and Qing Yu. Even the entire Qing Clan was not comparable to Li Qiye.
The madam was the Demon King of an entire country, so she commanded respect even when displaying signs of anger. Everyone's hearts thumped after hearing her; her imperial aura was unstoppable.
Others who wanted to challenge Li Qiye as well didn't have the same confidence as Qing Yu, so they stood to the side to watch. Huangfu Hao smirked on the sideline as well since he wanted to see what Li Qiye could do. He was going to test Li Qiye, but he was more than happy to watch Qing Yu try him first.
At the same time, Madam Zi Yan, who was emitting her imperial aura, caused Qing Yu to become nervous. Her clear partiality to Li Qiye made him even more annoyed.
He took a deep breath and calmed his mind before biting his teeth and decided to take a risk. He didn't believe that the Qing Clan's position in the Giant Bamboo Country was not as great as this nobody!
Although he knew that his actions were impinging on Madam Zi Yan's prestige, he had great confidence in the Qing Clan's influence. He trusted that this matter would eventually become no big deal.
He prepared himself and placed his hands together to bow towards the madam before speaking in a stern manner: "Your Majesty, you are the ruler of our country and I did not intend on offending you. However, I am also an alchemist who follows the rules of alchemy. If Li Qiye is to participate and represent our country at the conference, this means that he is the most excellent young alchemist in Giant Bamboo and only he alone is qualified to participate…
"I am not questioning Your Majesty's decision. Your Majesty is wise and brilliant, so this choice will naturally not be wrong. However, as an alchemist, if Li Qiye is the number one, then I wish to challenge him to see if he is qualified to be our candidate or not!"
Chapter 649: Ominous Star Flower
Madam Zi Yan grimaced and deepened her tone: "Young Noble Li's skill of alchemy is flawless; all of the monarchs had witnessed his supreme pill refinement ability."
Qing Yu quickly said: "I trust Your Majesty and all the Demon Monarchs. However, as an alchemist speaking on behalf of alchemy, discussing and exchanging alchemy arts is how it should be. Moreover, Li Qiye is here to represent our country, so everyone should see his alchemy dao with their own eyes. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
The other alchemists all clamored: "Yes, Your Majesty. If Li Qiye's alchemy dao is peerless, then let him broaden our horizons!"
It was only natural for the dissatisfied crowd to support Qing Yu. This was their chance to let out their dissatisfaction without truly offending Madam Zi Yan's imperial prestige.
Madam Zi Yan's eyes became serious after seeing Qing Yu's refusal to yield. It was not difficult for her to chase him away, but she still wanted to see how Li Qiye wanted to deal with this situation.
Li Qiye stopped looking at the spirit plants and glanced at Qing Yu. He smiled and said: "Ah? You want to challenge my alchemy dao?"
A flame lit up in Qing Yu's heart after seeing Li Qiye's attitude. He tried his best to contain his anger and coldly said: "That's right! I want to challenge your alchemy dao to see if you are qualified to participate in the conference or not!"
He was very confident since he didn't believe a nobody like Li Qiye was better than him. After all, the number one alchemist of the Giant Bamboo Country should be confident in his own abilities.
Madam Zi Yan was not happy with Qing Yu's aggressiveness, so she furrowed her brows and said: "Qing Yu, how do you want to challenge Young Noble Li?"
"Pill refinement!" Qing Yu replied, full of confidence: "We'll bet on our pill refinement skills, and the victor can do whatever he wants. I will accept any bet you make, so if you are confident enough and want to bet your life, I will take that on too. The losers will have to fuel their cauldron's Fire Source."
These words shocked everyone. Alchemists might settle grievances with alchemy, but betting their lives and fueling their own Fire Source was too grave.
Generally, unless if it was an irreconcilable feud, no one would make such a bet since it was too serious. Not only would the bet take the opponent's life, it would also humiliate them. A cauldron was a lifelong friend to an alchemist, so killing oneself using their own Fire Source was an extreme means of humiliation and much more brutal than a simple death.
Madam Zi Yan's expression sank as well after hearing this. She could understand Qing Yu's desire to challenge Li Qiye. After all, he suddenly lost his qualification to represent them, so his dissatisfaction was justified.
A simple challenge was tolerable, but now, it was not just a challenge since Qing Yu's aim was to humiliate Li Qiye.
"Qing Yu, do not act rashly!" Madam Zi Yan raised her tone: "Do not mention this again lest you wish for a severe punishment!" Even without any trace of anger in her voice, she still carried a mighty prestige worthy of a Demon King. However, the moment her anger was ignited, her noble and powerful aura would be unstoppable and suppress all directions, rendering people breathless.
Qing Yu's expression greatly changed as the imperial aura caused him to take several steps back. Although he was the number one young alchemist of the country, he still couldn't withstand the madam's aura that caused him to turn pale.
She didn't purposely want to suppress Qing Yu, but her anger was enough to deter him.
Li Qiye only smiled and didn't bother caring about him as he walked forward. A person like Qing Yu was not worthy of consideration, so it was enough that Madam Zi Yan chased him away. Li Qiye didn't want to make a move against such a trivial character unless Qing Yu ignorantly continued to jump and shout in front of him. Then, Li Qiye wouldn't mind personally taking care of him.
The other young alchemists didn't dare to say anything else since Madam Zi Yan's imperial aura was indubitable. They were not as strong as Qing Yu, so how could they challenge her aura?
Huangfu Hao became disappointed since he wanted to see Li Qiye's abilities. Who would have thought that Qing Yu would be swiftly dealt with by Madam Zi Yan?
Back in the Golem Square, he saw — with his own eyes — Li Qiye's generous spending and extremely arrogant attitude. He wanted to see just what type of person this human junior named Li Qiye was.
As the First Young Noble of the Huangfu Clan, Huangfu Hao had never been afraid of anyone. He still wanted to learn more about Li Qiye. If Li Qiye had no backing, then he was only a fish on a cutting board in Huangfu Hao's eyes!
Li Qiye went to another field and was surprised to see a particular spirit medicine here: "Ominous Star Flower."
This field only had one large flower around the size of a table surface. It had the appearance of stars with its flashing petals akin to starlight.
The huge flower had so many layers of petals that one couldn't see its pistil. In the center was a darkness that resembled a black hole.
The flower was very bright and beautiful, but do not be fooled by the appearance of this flower.
Its name was the Ominous Star Flower. Outside of its star-like appearance, the most important word in its name was "Ominous".
It was certainly vicious and would capture all existences close to it; not only animals, even other spirit plants would be devoured!
Because of this, the plot where this flower grew was devoid of other plants. The older it was, the stronger it became. Once it reached a particular level, it could then even fly around.
This flower was extremely malefic but also exceeding rare and precious with a sky-high price.
Madam Zi Yan explained after seeing Li Qiye's interest in the flower: "We bought it several years ago from an auction. At that time, it was only a seedling, but it was quite vicious already."
Li Qiye only gave a passing glance at the flower and nodded his head approvingly: "It is growing well, it seems that your alchemists have a bit of skill."
Others would think that Li Qiye was arrogant without peer after hearing this. The imperial palace had many alchemists, but Li Qiye said it as if they were not worth mentioning.
Madam Zi Yan didn't think anything of it. Since she had seen his pill refinement skill personally, she knew he was qualified to make such a statement.
However, the other alchemists were very unhappy, especially Qing Yu who responded with a scowl.
Madam Zi Yan smiled and said: "Young Noble is too kind. This is only a display of insignificant skill and is not worthy of your approval. Moreover, the palace can't take all the credit for this. It was really difficult to grow this Ominous Star Flower. After planting it, it would prey on the other spirit medicines, never settling down…
"Luckily, an elder alchemist from the Qing Clan and Qing Yu researched and created a new fertilizing water meant for this flower. With it, we were able to calm it down and the flower was able to grow much better."
Qing Yu's actions caused her displeasure, but she was a wise ruler and didn't want to bury a good talent, so she asserted his contributions to this matter.
Qing Yu couldn't help but reveal a smug look after being praised by Madam Zi Yan. This was one of his greatest achievements since mixing fertilizer was a test of skill. Even though it was not mixed by him alone, he indeed contributed greatly to its creation.
Li Qiye looked at the flower and shook his head to say: "This is only treating the symptoms and not addressing the root cause; it's only an illusion of wellness. This strain of fertilizing water can only hold on for two to three more years. Afterward, the flower will become even fiercer."
Madam Zi Yan's heart thumped upon hearing this, so she quickly inquired: "Does Young Noble have a way to save it?" Although she didn't understand the inner workings of this matter, she was very confident in Li Qiye's alchemy skill.
The smug Qing Yu's expression quickly changed after hearing Li Qiye's critique. Li Qiye belittling the unique recipe was the same as provoking him!
"Hmph! How arrogant!" Qing Yu coldly said: "Anyone can see that this Ominous Star Flower is growing well, don't comment haphazardly and delude people with lies!"
This unique fertilizing strand was one of his proudest achievements, so he became furious when Li Qiye put it down. He had previously viewed Li Qiye as an enemy, but he became even more aggressive now.
Initially, Li Qiye was too lazy to bother with a little character like Qing Yu, but this ant jumped in front of him once again so he had to teach him a lesson. He didn't bother to give a glimpse at the guy as he slowly spoke: "This fertilizing formula only has Corruption Ward Sacred Water, the other ingredients are not worth mentioning. The flower is calm because of this water."