Of course, this Changle Square was a newly constructed site. Many people knew it had once been the residence of the Black Python Clan, but it was destroyed during the Long Street Battle.
Even those who usually enjoyed sleeping in late had woken up early this morning. They leaned out their windows, pointing at the alchemists on the street below with expressions full of awe and admiration.
Ling Xiao also opened his eyes; he hadn’t slept the entire night.
For a martial artist at his cultivation level, lack of sleep was no longer an issue. Instead, he had spent the evening cultivating, reflecting on his battle experience with Xiao Zhan from the previous night. By doing so, he finally broke through from the early stage of Ten Directions Heaven to the interdiate stage of Ten Directions Heaven.
This was a small step, but for Ling Xiao, it carried imnse significance.
Because it confird that the cultivation thods he had been adhering to were indeed correct and without flaws.
As soon as he stepped out of his door, he saw Leng i sitting cross-legged at the base of the wall.
This girl actually spent the entire night outside, acting as his protector.
"Master, you’re awake?"
Hearing the door open, Leng i imdiately stood up and greeted him.
"Seems like it’s quite lively outside."
Even while he was cultivating, Ling Xiao could hear the bustling commotion from the street, as if a large crowd was enthusiastically discussing sothing.
"Of course it’s lively."
Before Leng i could respond, Princess Yun Ya’s voice cut in, her graceful figure weaving through the flowers as she approached.
"This ti, the Alchemy Competition is being hosted by Changle Immortal Island, with esteed figures like Ji Qing and Sun Ran serving as judges. Anyone with half a brain would realize that securing a good result in such an event could lead to extraordinary fortune."
"That’s true. Although alchemists often seem mysterious, they’re still human. They have their emotions and desires and hope to gain support and trust, paving the way to their future."
Ling Xiao chuckled and said, "Not everyone has my luck—finding a good master and having soone as noble as Princess Yun Ya to lend their aid."
"Honestly, I’m really curious. I can understand why others would participate in the Alchemy Competition, as they’re looking for influential patrons. But you already have these resources, so why are you joining?"
Princess Yun Ya asked curiously.
"Do you not know the reward for this Alchemy Competition?"
Ling Xiao grinned and asked in return.
"The Moonstone?"
"Exactly, the Moonstone. It’s said to possess the power of moonlight and would be incredibly beneficial to Sister Moon. The faster Sister Moon recovers her cultivation, the safer I’ll be. So, in truth, I’m also doing this for myself."
Ling Xiao nodded as he spoke.
For ordinary martial artists, the Moonstone could accelerate cultivation and absorb moonlight power to refine their bodies.
For alchemists, it could protect against accidentally ingesting toxic substances and even use moonlight power to enhance herbs. Its benefits were undeniable.
Of course, the rewards for winning the Alchemy Competition weren’t limited to the Moonstone. There were also Spirit Stones, magical treasures, and other prizes.
But to Ling Xiao, the Moonstone was the most invaluable reward.
This item seed tailor-made for Sister Moon.
Not only could it provide her with abundant moonlight power and ease her physical suffering, but it would also significantly accelerate her cultivation progress.
Failing to obtain it would be a great pity.
"You really do have such a thoughtful heart."
Princess Yun Ya couldn’t help but feel a trace of jealousy rise in her heart.
Though she knew there was no reasonable basis for her to envy Sister Moon, as Ling Xiao had only admitted to loving Sister Moon.
From Ling Xiao’s perspective, she likely didn’t even hold as high a status as Leng i, let alone rival Sister Moon.
Jealousy could only be indulged quietly within herself.
"Let’s go."
Unaware of Yun Ya’s thoughts, Ling Xiao looked toward the distance. The sound of ceremonial cannons had already begun echoing. Today, Cri City was destined to be eventful.
Upon arriving at the Changle Square, the venue for the Alchemy Competition, Ling Xiao took a seat in the preparation area, as the event had yet to officially start.
Due to his special status—as soone personally recomnded by Jackson Le Grandmaster and a participant in internal trials—he was granted a VIP seat in the preparation area.
Even Sister Moon, Leng i, Princess Yun Ya, Hua Fuguang, and Hua Lueying benefited from his status and joined him in the VIP section.
From the VIP seats, looking out onto the massive square below, the view was packed full of heads. Amid the sea of people, aside from the moon-and-pink-clad alchemists, there was also a staggering number of spectators.
These spectators weren’t just locals from Cri City. They hailed from dozens of nations across the Divine Phoenix Continent and the Heavenly Dragon Continent.
Even while seated in the relatively quiet VIP section, Ling Xiao could hear the deafening screams of the crowd.
Those crazed cheers were the audience’s expression of reverence for alchemists.
The sound of their adulation made even soone as composed as Ling Xiao feel a surge of fervent excitent in his heart.
Since he had chosen to join the Alchemy Competition, he was determined to claim first place.
High in the sky, the Red Sun had fully revealed its blazing form. The preparation and spectator areas grew progressively more crowded.
Ling Xiao couldn’t help but mischievously imagine that if a teor were to fall, it might crush tens of thousands of people beneath it.
This wasn’t just an Alchemy Competition; it was akin to a super-celebrity fan gathering.
The event hadn’t even officially kicked off, but the feverish enthusiasm of the crowd already seed set to shatter the heavens.
"All those people are looking at you!"
Yun Ya suddenly giggled and said.
Ling Xiao shook his head helplessly and replied, "They’re not looking at . They’re staring at the beauties around ."
The fiery gazes, brimming with jealousy, shot toward him from all directions, nearly scorching him alive.
"Whoa!"
Suddenly, the cheers beca even louder as so spectators shifted their attention to sothing else.
Over there, Fengming Piaoxue and Luo Yu entered the VIP area, accompanied by a group of extraordinarily beautiful alchemists. Their presence managed to montarily grab everyone’s focus, if only due to the novelty.
Just as Ling Xiao was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the two of them unexpectedly started walking directly toward him, reigniting the burning flas of jealousy surrounding him.
In that instant, Ling Xiao felt as if he had been placed on a roasting spit. That sensation... truly wasn’t enjoyable.
After all, these were the gazes of martial artists.
A martial artist’s gaze inevitably carried battle intent. With so many layers of battle intent focused on him, even Ling Xiao found it challenging to endure.
"Ling Xiao, last night’s incident really gave a scare. Luckily, there was no real danger. I hope it doesn’t affect you during today’s Alchemy Competition. Be sure to achieve excellent results!"
Fengming Piaoxue gave Ling Xiao a faint, fragrant smile as she spoke.
"Sister Piaoxue, you’re underestimating this Heavenly Emperor of the Heavenly Dynasty. He even dared to openly challenge my master—I’d say at the very least, he should rank in the top three of the Alchemy Competition!"
Luo Yu, following Fengming Piaoxue, laughed as she spoke to Ling Xiao.
Under normal circumstances, Luo Yu was kept on a tight leash by dicine King Sun Ran, which only heightened her rebellious tendencies. As such, she found herself eager to watch soone openly defy her master.
And last night, she got her wish.
Not only had Ling Xiao directly confronted her master, but he also survived the ordeal and triumphed in detoxifying poison.
She couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and envy for Ling Xiao.
However, when her gaze fell upon Sister Moon and Leng i, who sat beside Ling Xiao, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of surprise in her heart.
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