Chapter 738: Cao Guoyao
After the powder was applied, the chest wound closed up very quickly and a scab started to form. This powder was indeed worthy of being the supreme ointment from the Alchemy Kingdom.
His son's complexion started to look better, so the monarch was relieved. He prostrated on the ground and said: "Young Noble's medical ability must be supreme in this world. Your dao of alchemy is profound with no rivals. Your control of fire is also unique in this world. You saved my son's life, so if you ever need this little monarch in the future, just say the word."
All of a sudden, everyone in the yard became silent. The monarch's words were not mere flattery. All had eyes and saw that whether it was Li Qiye's medical ability or his fire control, his skills could only be described as astonishing. Even the Marquis Cauldron who was known as a genius was very jealous and full of hate.
There were also some envious alchemists. Li Qiye was able to save the monarch's son, meaning that he had tied a knot of friendship with him. Since the monarch was a royal subject valued by the imperial family, this was equivalent to gaining a powerful backer.
Li Qiye was very relaxed after being thanked by the monarch. He leisurely said: "If Monarch wants to thank someone, then thank Caihe."
To him, befriending the monarch or gaining a powerful backer like the kingdom didn't matter. He only saved the monarch's son because of Yuan Caihe's simple request.
The monarch quickly showed his gratitude towards Yuan Caihe. She didn't want to accept a big gesture, but nevertheless, the monarch still bowed towards her.
At this time, Li Qiye glanced over at the young alchemists present and said: "Only a fool would worship a quack as an expert! A group of fools is not qualified to debate medicine and the dao of alchemy with me!"
Those who made fun of Li Qiye earlier felt their faces burning. They had all been flattering the sacred doctor while belittling Li Qiye at the same time. But look at it now, the doctor's cold body was on the ground while Li Qiye saved the monarch's son. This was a resounding slap to their faces!
Li Qiye had never given any consideration to those who provoked him. Him mocking them was already mild enough. This was because of Yuan Caihe's presence, greatly improving his mood. Otherwise, he would have slapped them flying away.
After saving the monarch's son, Li Qiye didn't want to stay at the mansion and rejected the enthusiastic invitation from the monarch. After leaving, he smiled and said: "I was surprised to see you coming to Alchemy City."
The madam nearby was moved. Yuan Caihe indeed had a strong influence on her Young Master. His emotions were normally unreadable, but now, his great mood was plain for all to see, caused by her presence.
She also admitted that a gentle and elegant girl like Yuan Caihe was indeed very likable. Although she was not as peerlessly beautiful as Ming Yexue, she gave a comfortable and natural feeling. Anyone, when together with her, would be very relaxed.
"Senior Observant's divine root was near death. He invited my master to help, but my master was in a very important stage in his cultivation and couldn't leave. I had no choice but to go in my master's stead." Yuan Caihe calmly said: "Since I'm already here, I will cheer Big Brother on. Your participation will make this conference become a legend."
"I'm just playing around." Li Qiye said with a smile: "But since you said it will be a legend, then so be it."
Yuan Caihe chuckled in response. She had confidence in him.
After coming back to the mountain that Li Qiye was staying at, there were even more poisonous creatures in the courtyard. Yuan Caihe, as one of the four alchemy prodigies, exclaimed with surprise: "I didn't expect Big Brother to be versed in taming poisonous creatures as well!"
She carefully looked at each of the creatures lured here and was startled by some of them.
"Just a little pastime of mine." Li Qiye smilingly said: "It's fortunate that this is Alchemy City. Despite being called a city, among its vast lands, there are many ominous and dangerous locations with these kinds of creatures. It wouldn't be easy to attract so many if we were in a different location."
"Big Brother wants to use them to deal with an enemy?" She asked while looking at the creatures.
Although she was a kind and non-competitive person, she also had a keen heart. She knew that Li Qiye didn't want them as pets, so there was only one other explanation — to use them against a powerful enemy.
"Just for fun." Li Qiye said: "The enemies aren't important. Killing and killing even more becomes a bit boring, so I want to try something new."
Yuan Caihe could only shake her head and lament the fate of whoever was recklessly running towards the spear tip and courting death.
Although she was staying with Li Qiye, Li Qiye spent very little time with her. He was either cultivating behind closed doors or playing around with some things that Madam Zi Yan didn't understand. Only Yuan Caihe watched him avidly.
In the next few days, Li Qiye sometimes attracted more poisonous creatures or prospected the land to glimpse into the mysteries within using profound methods. The madam couldn't see through what he was doing.
His methods often had to do with the dao of alchemy. As one of the four prodigies, Yuan Caihe finally saw some clues and startlingly revealed: "Big Brother is preparing for something big. Such a heaven-defying method could only be withstood by an enemy like the Alchemy Kingdom. Someone from the younger generation would not be able to handle even a single strike."
Li Qiye only smiled and didn't respond to her comment, and she stopped speaking as well.
The date of the alchemy conference grew near. More and more youths from the world ran to the city, accompanied by the seniors from their sects. From this, the city didn't only have the presence of many sects, but also countless experts.
As the crowd waited eagerly, one of the two prime candidates finally appeared.
"Cao Guoyao is here!" No one knew who sent out this information, but it did create quite a stir in the kingdom. Many people, including geniuses of the younger generation, came to see his arrival as he was one of the four alchemy prodigies.
Cao Guoyao looked around the age of twenty and had a rather square face. Although his appearance was not outstanding, the aura around him made it seem as if an immortal medicine would emerge at any time like the roar of a dragon grass. He was holding onto a cauldron; although it was still closed, it gave the feeling that it could scorch the entire world.
In this manner, he appeared to be a deity with mastery over his cauldron, entering the sceneries of the nine worlds and dyeing the spirit medicines and grasses that could be found. There was a very extraordinary air about him.
He came alone without any accompanying experts. There was no divine chariot either, but there were four huge entities by his side that were as cold as ice. These demonic entities seemed to be made from steel and resembled mantises or demon monarchs. Beings like these that didn't have their own vitality rarely appeared; they were more akin to four black statues. Anyone would quiver with fear after seeing these four huge entities accompanying him.
Cao Guoyao came from the State of Cao, an alchemy lineage from an Alchemy Emperor. It produced many famous alchemists and could be considered one of the strongest alchemy lineages in the Stone Medicine World.
Although it was not known for its cultivation, as an alchemy lineage, many sects were willing to befriend it. Because of this, many from the younger generation and experts from the older generation went out of the city to greet him.
To have such a grand reception was not only because of the lineage he hailed from. More importantly, the crowd, especially the youths, wanted to establish good relations with Cao Guoyao.
The reason was very simple: his fate pill refinement skill could be considered one of the best in the present times! Fate pills were the most valued items for cultivators as they could increase their cultivation and strengthen their foundation.
In this world, countless cultivators that wanted a sudden boost of power craved a large quantity of fate pills so that their cultivation could exceed others in a short period of time.
Thus, the fate pills refined by Cao Guoyao were considered the best treasures in the minds of many cultivators. Due to this, those of the younger generation, especially geniuses who strived for the Heaven's Will to become the emperor, were more than happy to have ties with him.
"Brother Cao, you must be tired from traveling. We have prepared a feast just for you." There were many main descendants and princesses at his reception. Even rulers from the great powers could be found present.
Cao Guoyao nodded his head and said after seeing the reception: "Then I will be imposing on everyone."
In an instant, he became the moon surrounded by the stars as he entered the city, leading to even more spectators on the sidelines.
A spectator emotionally exclaimed after seeing him: "One of the four prodigies has arrived. This time, if Cao Guoyao doesn't win, then the White Hair Alchemy God will win!"
738 TeaserAfter the powder was applied, the chest wound closed up very quickly and a scab started to form. This powder was indeed worthy of being the supreme ointment from the Alchemy Kingdom.
His son's complexion started to look better, so the monarch was relieved. He prostrated on the ground and said: "Young Noble's medical ability must be supreme in this world. Your dao of alchemy is profound with no rivals. Your control of fire is also unique in this world. You saved my son's life, so if you ever need this little monarch in the future, just say the word."
All of a sudden, everyone in the yard became silent. The monarch's words were not mere flattery. All had eyes to see that whether it was Li Qiye's medical ability or his fire control, only astonishing could describe it. Even the Marquis Cauldron who was known as a genius was very jealous and full of hate.
There were also some envious alchemists. Li Qiye was able to save the monarch's son, meaning that he had tied a knot of friendship with him. Since the monarch was a royal subject valued by the imperial family, this was equivalent to gaining a powerful backer.
Li Qiye was very relaxed after being thanked by the monarch. He leisurely said: "If Monarch wants to thank someone, then thank Caihe."
To him, befriending the monarch or gaining a powerful backer like the kingdom didn't matter. He only saved the monarch's son because of Yuan Caihe's simple request.
[collapse]Chapter 739: White Hair Alchemy God
There was also an expert who saw the cold statues made of steel next to Cao Guoyao and apprehensively said: "These four giants are the Divine Steeldemons that rampaged the Beast Realm for a generation. So such brutal creatures were actually tamed by Cao Guoyao."
"Outsiders might not know that Cao Guoyao is not only skilled at fate pill refinement, his poison taming skill is also quite brilliant." A sect master from the Beast Realm explained: "Rumor has it that one thousand years ago, the State of Cao used a supreme dao of alchemy manual to trade for the Insect Swarm Valley's poison insect taming manual. Although it was not a complete manual, rumor has it that this particular chapter was the essence of the art."
Someone said in astonishment: "So he cultivates the insect taming art from the valley, no wonder why he can tame even the Divine Steeldemons…"
The Insect Swarm Valley was famous in this world. It was also an alchemy lineage, but it was different from the others. They were not versed in pill refinement or medicinal concoctions. Instead, they were masters of poisons and growing insects and other ferocious creatures. It was created by Immortal Emperor Bai Zhong. Although it was one of the strongest lineages, its disciples rarely showed their faces.
While Cao Guoyao had just entered Alchemy City and caused quite a stir, another genius alchemist came. It was the White Hair Alchemy God; his fame could only be greater than Cao Guoyao and not less.
"The White Hair Alchemy God is here!" Many people didn't even need to look before knowing who had arrived since a mighty and boundless blood energy swept through the city.
This vitality was boundless as a sea, but this great aura did not come from the white hair alchemist. At this time, many experts from the previous generation, including the leaders of sects and countries, appeared outside of the city. Even some old undyings who didn't want to show themselves came out at this time to give their greetings.
"Even the Ye Clan's ancestor came out to greet the White Hair Alchemy God, amazing!" Many people were frightened after seeing so many grand characters from the previous generation coming out to greet the alchemist.
Those who didn't know about the situation would think that a legendary master or a mythical God-Monarch had arrived. In actuality, it was only a young alchemist. How unfathomable was it for such a youth to have such a grand reception?
Anyone would retreat when this powerful crowd stood outside of the city. With his white robe and tall stature, the white hair alchemist was much more handsome compared to Cao Guoyao. He appeared to be even more of a swan among a flock of chickens.
His most outstanding feature was neither his good looks nor his excellent temperament, it was his hair that was as smooth and black as jade. The combination of his waterfall-like hair and shawl garnered a lot of attention. It made his proud aura even more apparent.
A few people were confused since they didn't know the reason and had to ask: "The White Hair Alchemy God's hair is as black as obsidian, so why is it that he is called white hair?"
"There are two explanations regarding this." A big shot from the Stone Realm patiently explained: "The first is that when he was young, he already revealed his peerless talent for the dao of alchemy. At the age of three, he began to study the alchemy scripture left behind by the Great Refinement Alchemy Emperor. At eleven, he was well-versed in the dao of alchemy…
"Because he was too focused on his studies and expended too much blood energy and vitality, his hair began to gray out during his childhood. However, on the day he became accomplished on the dao of alchemy, he refined a medicine for himself. Within one night, his white hair became as black as jade — a very impressive task!" Having said this, he couldn't help but glance at the alchemist's smooth and black hair once more.
In fact, no matter where he went, his black hair would attract many gazes. It was even prettier than that of the opposite sex. Perhaps no girls in this world had hair comparable to the white hair alchemist's!
The person who didn't know the reason lost himself in the explanation and immediately asked: "What about the other theory?"
"The other explanation has to do with the meaning of longevity medicines." The big shot continued: "Longevity medicines are used to increase one's lifespan. This means that after using it, white hair would turn black overnight. People considered the white hair alchemist to have the best longevity medicine refinement in this world, so many great characters from the previous generation beseeched him for his medicine. Even those who were near death and had gray hair would immediately have their hair revert to black overnight after using his medicine!"
Either speculation symbolized the peerlessness of the white hair alchemist's great longevity medicine refinement skill. Because of this reason, many big shots from the previous generation were willing to befriend him!
Among the four prodigies, Cao Guoyao was versed in fate pills while the white hair alchemist specialized in longevity medicines!
For experts from the previous generations, especially those near their death, what were they most afraid of? It was not a powerful enemy nor a stagnated cultivation, but death!
Many grand characters at old age became especially frightened of the day when their life would wither completely. Because of this, for millions and millions of years now, countless ancestors would pay unbelievable sums for longevity medicines and immortal grasses that could prolong their life! Some didn't mind the suffering of being trapped in a Blood Era Stone underground.
Longevity medicines had always been precious. The higher the level, the more sought after it would be. Moreover, alchemists who could create high-level longevity medicines were quite rare. As long as they were capable of refining these medicines, there was no fear of their products being unsold!
One can easily imagine it; since the white hair alchemist's skill was considered top-ranked in this world, countless ancestors lusted for his products! To him, he could sell his medicines to whichever characters he fancied — this all depended on his mood!
In the Stone Medicine World, even the most wealthy expert might not be able to buy longevity medicines from the white hair alchemist! Because of this, these old characters were willing to give up their pride and make ties with him!
His position in this world was high to the point that under his call, many big shots would come running and support him! Very few people could enjoy such a grand reception like he did today.
"Brother Bailian, it must have been a long journey, but you are finally here." An old royal lord came out of the city and quickly cupped his hands together to greet him respectfully.
The white hair alchemist came from the Bailian Clan, so many big shots didn't mind lowering themselves and calling him "brother" to befriend him.
Despite the receiving the greetings of so many big shots, the white hair alchemist's expression was still quite aloof and arrogant. He had already grown used to such events.
Their group boldly entered Alchemy City as their blood energies raged like torrential storms. Anyone would retreat in front of such a group. This was even more prestigious than Cao Guoyao's showing!
"Every alchemist should try to be like the White Hair Alchemy God!" Many alchemists were envious at such treatment. He was the star in their minds, a goal to strive towards. Countless alchemists worked their entire lives in order to become famous and worshiped by the masses!
With Cao Guoyao and the white hair alchemist creating an uproar in the city, Li Qiye should have been conspicuous at his desolate dwelling. However, someone actually came to see him.
"Young Master, the Cloud Soaring Venerable is here to visit you." Madam Zi Yan informed Li Qiye.
Li Qiye shook his head and said: "Cloud Soaring Venerable? Never heard of him." This was not surprising at all. Essentially, he had never heard nor cared about the big shots of the Stone Medicine World.
"The Cloud Soaring Venerable is an adviser under Ye Qingcheng. People call him Ye Qingcheng's right-hand man. Many of Ye Qingcheng's strategies came from the venerable." Madam Zi Yan explained.
"Someone under Ye Qingcheng?" Li Qiye smiled and said: "His adviser is coming to visit… A bit interesting…"
Ever since he arrived at the Stone Medicine World, Ye Qingcheng was the person brought up the most!
The madam knew that her Young Master was unaware of many big characters in this world, so she introduced him: "The venerable was not famous because of Ye Qingcheng. He was already renowned as a cultivator with great talents. Unfortunately, he was born during the Difficult Dao Era and stopped at the Heavenly King realm. Recently, he became an amazing Heaven's Equal Heavenly King! Moreover, he is quite skilled at strategizing. His sect had swept over the Stone Realm for a period of time.
"However, after Ye Qingcheng appeared, he brought his disciples and experts to join Ye Qingcheng to work under him. Ye Qingcheng also held him in high regard. While he traveled the world, many alliances with Ye Qingcheng were formed due to the venerable's meritable contributions."
The madam reminded him at this point: "Young Master, you have to be wary of this man. He is adept at schemes, so if we are not careful, we will fall into his trap."
Li Qiye laughed and shook his head to say: "Oh, Zi Yan. Nowadays, those who can dig a hole for me to jump in have yet to be born." For tens of millions of years, he was the master schemer. It was already nice of him to not trick other people, so when was it the turn for other people to trick him?
"Will Young Noble see him?" Madam Zi Yan said: "If not, I can go send him away."
"We'll see him, of course." Li Qiye smiled and said: "I'd like to see what he is trying to plan! Let him in so that others can't criticize us for our late reception." Having said that, his eyes narrowed.