Chapter 777: The Bet Begins
Five days quickly flew by. Finally, under many eager eyes, the confrontation between Li Qiye and the White Hair Alchemy God had come.
Atop the appointed peak, many cultivators could already be found present, especially the alchemists. These alchemists would never miss a top level duel like this lest they regret it for their entire lives!
The area outside the peak was even more packed, with multiple layers of cultivators. Many experts came flying from the distant horizon. Even the ancestors who didn't want to show their faces had no choice but to be here.
If there were things that could tempt these old geezers, longevity medicines were definitely among them. These people absolutely desired this type of medicine!
The first to appear was Yuan Caihe. She had prepared two batches of emperor ingredients for the duel. They had been meticulously selected and would be able to fully reflect the capabilities of the participants.
The white hair alchemist came just in time before the crowd. His robes were fluttering in the air, giving him a gallant appearance. His dazzling dark hair would be an object of focus no matter when or where he went. It was difficult for others to not notice him.
However, his punctual arrival was admirable. In the last five days, he could have escaped, but he chose not to and arrived on time! People had to admit that he was indeed an arrogant and proud person with great dignity. In this regard, Cao Guoyao couldn't compare since he wanted to escape right away after losing!
Li Qiye eventually came. He sat on his carriage as it slowly arrived. Next to him was the madam and Tie Yi as his driver.
Today, Tie Yi remained inconspicuous and was still a driver, but no one dared to view him with disdain. Some were even in awe! As an existence capable of fighting against the Xian Alchemy Ancestor, one could easily imagine his strength.
After reaching the peak, all eyes fell upon Li Qiye and the alchemist. The entire scene suddenly fell silent as the spectators held their breaths in anticipation for the duel.
At this time, another carriage slowly made its way forward. The moment it reached the top, a supreme beauty came out. It was Ming Yexue of the Alchemy Kingdom.
"Fairy Ming is also here." The atmosphere changed after the crowd saw her. She immediately attracted their gazes, and many young men swooned head over heels for her.
A young man said while intoxicated: "We can finally see her divine looks again. No matter the outcome of this duel, this is already worth it."
Ming Yexue had always kept a low profile and rarely showed her face. Few could see her true appearance, but she recently appeared twice, so how could the younger generation not become excited?
"Today, I am honored to be the referee for this duel after receiving the request. If the parties are ready, then we can begin." The enchanting Ming Yexue spoke with a very pleasant voice.
Of course, she wasn't invited by Li Qiye. The request was from the white hair alchemist out of fear that Li Qiye would renege on the bet. Since Li Qiye was so powerful, he wouldn't be able to do anything if that happened, so he asked for Ming Yexue to be the referee.
She was the Alchemy Kingdom's main descendant. The kingdom was famous for its dao of alchemy, plus she was quite influential. Nothing would be better than to have her here as the witness.
Of course, Li Qiye didn't mind at all. If the alchemist absolutely required Ming Yexue here, Li Qiye wouldn't deny his request.
The white hair alchemist took a deep breath. He was in high spirits at this time, giving off a keen aura as if he was the master of all things. He was actually very confident with regards to longevity medicines; everything was within his grasp.
The alchemist was at his peak condition. While exuding his readiness, he challenged Li Qiye: "I am ready, what about you, Li Qiye?"
"Me?" The carefree Li Qiye lazily said: "I am ready anytime. If you are ready, then we can start."
Seeing as how there were no objections from both sides, Ming Yexue announced: "Then this duel shall begin."
Yuan Caihe opened the two prepared batches of alchemy ingredients and displayed them in front of the crowd. These ingredients were all three million years of age or older. After they were laid out, the enclosing area was engulfed in a medicinal aroma!
Many people were amazed after seeing the two batches. A countless number of the crowd wouldn't be able to gather just one full batch, let alone two whole batches.
"The Serene Garden is so incredible, truly worthy of its reputation as the lineage most versed in plant cultivation." One of the spectators praised in astonishment.
Under Ming Yexue's lead, a few famous alchemists from the previous generation checked the two batches of ingredients. After their inspection, they found that there were no problems regarding the spirit essences from the plants.
Eventually, Li Qiye and the alchemist each picked one batch. The alchemist became very confident after taking his ingredients. He was ready to fight as he gazed at Li Qiye and said: "Let us begin our cauldrons then."
"No, you should start first." Li Qiye gently shook his head and said: "I know you are very confident, but if I open my cauldron first, I'm afraid you won't even have the courage to begin your refinement. Since this is the case, I might as well let you start first to completely focus on refining this longevity batch. It wouldn't be too late for my turn then, and others can't say I didn't give you a chance."
"You…" The alchemist turned red after hearing this. The alchemy dao that he was so confident in was viewed with disdain by Li Qiye, resulting in his anger. Even the most powerful alchemist in the Alchemy Kingdom or even in the entire world wouldn't dare to treat him so contemptuously!
The spectators all felt that Li Qiye was being too confident. Although many of them admitted that Li Qiye had incredible methods and was capable of fighting the Alchemy Kingdom alone, no one should look down on the white hair alchemist when it comes to longevity medicines. But now, it seemed that Li Qiye did not put him in his sight at all!
The alchemist took a deep breath and calmed the anger in his heart before solemnly saying: "Very well, since you're letting me start first, I'll open the cauldron then! I will show you a convincing loss!"
The alchemist was still a prodigy in the end. He subdued his anger in a short period of time and once again entered his purest peak condition.
"A bit interesting. This is a real alchemist, pure and full of self-confidence." Li Qiye looked at the alchemist and was not miserly with his praise: "I actually do like you. You are much stronger than that Cao Guoyao."
Li Qiye's words were not lies. Regarding one's mentality during refinement, the alchemist was much stronger than Cao Guoyao. He was even more headstrong and pure when it came to alchemy while Cao Guoyao spent a lot of his thoughts on schemes and plans.
The alchemist formally took out his heavenly cauldron. With a buzz, universal laws fell down like waterfalls the moment they came out, covering everything in the surroundings. The cauldron, amidst these laws, was like a divine mountain — majestic and towering. It emitted an immense aura as if a king was standing there. Just this cauldron alone was enough for others to feel a sense of respect.
"The heavenly cauldron of the Hundred-Refinement Alchemy Emperor…" Even those who had seen it before marveled at its sight once more.
The alchemist's cauldron belonged to the old Hundred-Refinement Alchemy Emperor. This cauldron alone was enough to cause all the alchemists in this world to salivate. 1
Legend states that the emperor was a Hundred-Refinement Alchemy Vine enlightened in the dao. While he was alive, he was extremely proficient at longevity medicine refinement, and he left behind a cauldron that was a supreme treasure for this. Over the years, countless people coveted this cauldron.
However, although this cauldron was unfathomable, not just anyone could inherit it. Even the descendants of the Bailian Clan were not necessarily able to use it. The descendants from every generation all wanted to inherit this cauldron, but they couldn't gain its recognition.
In the clan's history, there were very few descendants who successfully gained its recognition, and the white hair alchemist was recognized by this cauldron at a very young age.
When it came to his incredible and peerless skill in creating longevity medicines, this cauldron played no small part in it.
"Start." After receiving Ming Yexue's signal, the alchemist immediately opened his cauldron and added the ingredients. He moved very quickly with great mastery. From the addition of the ingredients to fire control to the refinement process… everything was done in one fell swoop without any help from an assistant.
Although the cauldron was hidden so no one could spy on the refining process or the fire control technique, each of his actions available for view amazed the spectators.
This was especially true for knowledgeable alchemists. They were reveling in his smooth finesse. Despite not being able to steal the pill formula or fire control technique from the alchemist, his normal actions from adding the medicines and mixing the liquids to fire manipulation allowed for them to learn many things.
Before the large crowd, the alchemist remained calm. Each of his actions and changes in his control was full of confidence. It was as if he was not refining pills but rather just taking a leisurely stroll.
His style left many alchemists in admiration. They felt that he was not just performing alchemy but rather creating a flawless piece of art!
777 TeaserFive days quickly flew by. Finally, under many eager eyes, the confrontation between Li Qiye and the White Hair Alchemy God had come.
Atop the appointed peak, many cultivators could already be found present, especially the alchemists. These alchemists would never miss a top level duel like this lest they regret it for their entire lives!
The area outside the peak was even more packed, with multiple layers of cultivators. Many experts came flying from the distant horizon. Even the ancestors who didn't want to show their faces had no choice but to be here.
If there were things that could tempt these old geezers, longevity medicines were definitely among them. These people absolutely wanted this type of medicine!
The first to appear was Yuan Caihe. She had prepared two batches of emperor ingredients for the duel. They had been meticulously selected and would be able to fully reflect the capabilities of the participants.
The white hair alchemist came just in time before the crowd. His robes were fluttering in the air, giving him a gallant appearance. His dazzling dark hair would be an object of focus no matter when or where he went. It was difficult for others to not notice him.
However, his punctual arrival was admirable. In the last five days, he could have escaped, but he chose not to and arrived on time! People had to admit that he was indeed an arrogant and proud person with great dignity. In this regard, Cao Guoyao couldn't compare since he wanted to escape right away after losing!
Li Qiye eventually came. He sat on his carriage as it slowly arrived. Next to him was the madam and Tie Yi as his driver.
[collapse] Hundred-Refinement = Bailian. Alchemy Emperor Bailian. ↩Chapter 778: Longevity Medicine Refinement
Minutes turned into days. Although the sun rose and set, the peak remained quiet. It could even be said that the entirety of Alchemy City was silent.
Countless eyes watched the alchemist refine his longevity medicine. This was of the emperor level, so anyone would give their utmost attention. Once finished, this would definitely be a batch worth coveting.
The key moment finally came as the alchemist was about to insert the most important ingredient into the cauldron, longevity blood. The moment the longevity blood flowed down, a glossy amber shade movingly appeared as if nothing was more enchanting than its radiance.
"Raarr—" A fierce roar echoed like an unceasing and ferocious storm, as if a beast wanted to overturn this entire land.
This was longevity blood of more than three million years of age. This type of longevity spirit was extremely powerful when alive. Even though it was dead, its longevity blood still contained its mighty intent.
The blood turned into a powerful spirit that wanted to flip over the cauldron in order to escape. This was a test for an alchemist's abilities. At this time, the alchemist's blood energy soared to the sky. Inside his hand was an alchemy rune. The moment this rune imprinted itself onto the cauldron, it immediately activated the cauldron's great power.
This cauldron that once belonged to the great alchemy emperor instantly emitted its power to suppress the howls of the blood.
As the alchemist stood firm on this land, his dao of alchemy emerged with divine trees everywhere along with flowing true fire. The alchemist was using his dao to connect to the heaven and earth to borrow its momentum.
In this moment, Alchemy City's momentum seemed to be at his command. This momentum combined with the cauldron allowed the alchemist to suppress the longevity blood and refine it in a short period of time.
"Amazing, an alchemy dao capable of borrowing the momentum of the world! " The older alchemists showered him with praises.
Some alchemists were awed while others were intoxicated by the white hair alchemist's techniques! Although they couldn't steal anything, they gained a lot of experience in pill refinement.
After the alchemist refined all of the longevity blood, everything seemed to change. In a split second, all of the hills in a one hundred mile radius were encompassed by an alchemy energy.
Inside this alchemy energy was the aroma of medicinal herbs. Anyone who smelled this aroma would become spirited and refreshed and feel as if they were decades younger. This was an extraordinary feeling.
Moreover, as the alchemy energy became denser, roars could be heard resounding inside as if there were divine beasts lurking around. The crowd could feel their powerful presence.
"The medicine is about to take form." The spectators were even more nervous than the alchemist. Many people wished for both sides to succeed in refining the longevity medicines, regardless of how the competition ended.
"Omm…" Finally, clouds gathered in the sky until they formed an ocean. A vortex appeared above the alchemist, emitting a sound that grew increasingly loud.
"This is not a longevity reduction, it is an imperial warning! If he can withstand the imperial warning, then the medicine can definitely take form." An alchemist from the previous generation exclaimed after seeing the vortex inside the clouds growing bigger and bigger.
Longevity reduction, simply put, was a tribulation. The moment a saint or emperor medicine was about to take form, the longevity reduction would become extremely dangerous. If the alchemist was not able to suppress it, then it would devour their life!
Moreover, if it successfully devoured the life of the alchemist, then the efficacy of the medicine would actually become stronger. However, a failed attempt to devour the alchemist would result in the failure of the batch.
Either way, when the alchemist couldn't control their cauldron and allowed for a longevity reduction to appear, they would lose some of their lifespan. Such a situation was extremely dangerous and could even result in death.
An imperial warning was a phenomenon that only occurred for emperor medicines. During the refinement process, even if the alchemist could handle the longevity reduction, this did not mean that the batch would come out successfully. However, once an imperial warning appeared and passed, the medicine would definitely be formed.
An imperial warning meant that this batch of longevity medicine had alarmed the high heavens. This indicated that the quality of the medicine was superb! Only great quality emperor medicines would be able to cause imperial warnings!
"With this imperial warning, this medicine is absolutely of the finest quality." Even the ancestors could no longer calmly remain in their chairs. For those who needed this type of medicine, they were ready to pay a monstrous sum.
"Omm—" The imperial warning finally materialized. A rune descended from the vortex, creating a huge buzzing sound. This sound was very unique and belonged only to the dao of alchemy. It resembled the sound of the heavens or the singing of angels.
The moment this sound appeared, the alchemy rune dove straight down while carrying a mighty momentum. During its descent, the sounds of the imperial warning continued on as if it was urging the medicine in the cauldron.
"Open!" The white hair alchemist turned serious after hearing this sound. He shouted and caused the cauldron to unleash its universal laws along with the cauldron flame to protect the medicine within.
With a loud detonation, the fire source of the cauldron spewed out a towering inferno like a volcanic eruption. This inferno turned into a monstrous Heavenly Hound. It shouted then soared into the sky to meet the descending imperial warning head on. 1
"Immortal Emperor Bailian's technique, Sun-Eater Heavenly Hound!" An alchemist who was familiar with the Bailian Clan was overwhelmed with emotion after seeing this technique.
Legend stated that this was the ultimate technique of the Bailian Clan. Across the generations, very few in the clan were able to successfully train this technique, but the white hair alchemist had done just that.
"Phuff!" The hound rushed into the sky and devoured the imperial warning completely. In just a moment, series of explosions occurred inside the hound's body as if it was about to be blown apart by the warning.
The cauldron under the alchemist's control was affected by this powerful backlash as well, making it seem like it could collapse at any second. With a serious demeanor, the alchemist's blood energy reached its highest point as he used the most fortified alchemy dao to stop it from collapsing.
With a final blast, cracks appeared around the hound's body. However, nothing else happened afterward. The clouds in the sky also dissipated along with the imperial warning.
"That was one imperial warning!" An alchemist commented: "This is already quite amazing since imperial warnings are very rare!"
Imperial warnings had nine sounds in total. The more imperial warnings sounded out, the better the longevity medicine would be. However, the difficulty of successfully refining the medicine increased accordingly. This was because the higher imperial warnings were vastly more powerful!
After another cry, the Heavenly Hound turned into a flame and reentered the cauldron.
"Success!" Many nervous cultivators couldn't help but cheer after seeing this scene. A group of ancestors also grinned excitedly: "Another batch of good longevity medicine!"
The white hair alchemist finally opened the cauldron to take out the medicine. He stored the medicine in a pouch before calming the fire source and recalling the cauldron.
"It really isn't easy. This is a longevity medicine with an imperial warning. Even older Legendary Alchemists would not necessarily be able to refine this level of medicine." The exciting atmosphere was infectious.
"Fairy Ming and gentlemen, please appraise the medicine." After properly dealing with everything, the white hair alchemist solemnly opened his pouch, and the medicine finally appeared before everyone.
Layers of bright spheres emerged. Just these lights alone were already tempting enough. Inside the pouch was an item with the shape of a resting Heavenly Hound. It seemed animated, as if it had its own life.
"It is a longevity medicine that has taken shape — how unfathomable! This is indeed the Heavenly Hound, the most famous symbol of the Bailian Clan!" Even those who didn't know much about alchemy were amazed by this scene.
A longevity medicine that could take physical form was only found at the emperor level. Moreover, their price would be tens or even a hundred times higher than ordinary medicines.
Although this phenomenon wouldn't innately increase the medicinal effect, it could offset the user's resistance. For example, after a cultivator used one, the second time they took it would be less effective. What should have increased their lifespan by one hundred years would now only be fifty or even less.
However, it was a different story for medicines with special forms. They could bypass the resistance and allow the user to gain sixty to seventy more years!
In an instant, many people held their breaths, waiting for Ming Yexue and the famous old alchemists to appraise the medicine. The ancestors were even more anxious since they definitely wanted a medicine of this level.
Eventually, Ming Yexue and the others came to a consensus while everyone else stared at them and awaited their announcement.
Meanwhile, the white hair alchemist was completely confident in his longevity medicine. He had a smile on his face as he looked at the judges. He secretly knew that this batch was one of the best he had ever refined, and no one in the younger generation could do a better job.
A Heavenly Hound is the source of inspiration from the more well-known Tengu from japanese mythology. Tengu is an accepted translation for this, but the image evoked due to western culture is different in this case, so I chose Heavenly Hound instead. The wiki lists it as Heavenly Dog, but hound sounds better. ↩