Chen Chang'an had indeed been unaware that such events were taking place in Alchemy Emperor City.
Clearly, despite Yao Niming's years of effort in refining it, he had been unable to make any progress with the pearl. Left with no other choice, he had gathered more people to see if anyone could devise a viable method.
Though none of them surpassed his own mastery in alchemy, there was always the chance that someone might have a solution.
Only Chen Chang'an knew for certain that no matter how many people Yao Niming sought, none would be of any use.
This pearl could not be refined or fused by anyone—except Chen Chang'an himself.
"Since you're also heading there, let's go together."
"By the way, who is your friend in Alchemy Emperor City? They must be a top-tier alchemist, right? How about introducing me?"
"An introduction? That’s possible, but it's been so long since we last met. I’m not sure if they’ve changed. What if they no longer acknowledge our friendship?" Chen Chang'an replied with a faint smile.
Not acknowledge him as a friend?
How could anyone refuse to recognize someone like Chen Chang'an?
"That person must be a bit..."
As Kuang Zhongtang spoke, he suddenly realized something was off. Could Chen Chang'an’s friend possibly be...
"Holy shit, are you going to see the Undying Alchemy Emperor?"
"What’s the matter?"
"Nothing, nothing. I should’ve known—your friends could never be ordinary."
"No introductions, no introductions. Someone of that stature is still beyond my reach."
The Undying Alchemy Emperor was notorious for being difficult to approach, refusing to yield to anyone’s influence—not even the mightiest of emperors could sway him.
For years, aside from his sole personal disciple, he had allowed no one else to get close, his temperament notoriously eccentric.
Someone like that was not worth Kuang Zhongtang’s effort to court.
"Esteemed senior, this junior, Zhou Wanpeng, is honored to meet a figure of your stature. Perhaps—"
"Get lost."
"Right away!"
Zhou Wanpeng had hoped to greet him, thinking he might forge a connection with this suspected peak-level emperor.
But Chen Chang'an had no interest in Zhou Wanpeng and saw no reason to waste time on him.
With just two words, the undisputed strongest in Qingzhou, the once-undefeated legend, turned and fled without hesitation—leaving the onlookers in awe.
"Now that’s what a true powerhouse looks like."
"I’ve truly witnessed something today. Two words—no, just one word, really—was enough to send an eighth-level Undying Realm expert scurrying away with his tail between his legs."
"This trip was worth it. Absolutely worth it. To have seen an emperor-level expert in my lifetime—I’ll be bragging about this for the rest of my days."
"I’m heading back right now. I can’t hold back the urge to boast."
"Same here. I have to tell everyone I know—they’ll be so jealous."
Chen Chang'an paid them no mind and continued toward Alchemy Emperor City.
At present, the city was bustling with activity. Yao Niming’s summons had drawn alchemists of all calibers from across the Tai Xuan Realm, filling the streets with noise and excitement.
"What do you think the Undying Alchemy Emperor has obtained that he’d openly invite so many to study it?"
"Hard to say, but if it’s something that warrants such a grand gathering, it must be extraordinary."
"Ah, what a shame I’m not an alchemist. I’d love to see this treasure for myself."
"Just wait. News will spread eventually."
Alchemy Emperor Manor
Yao Niming stood in his alchemy chamber, staring at the furnace before him with a deep frown, as though burdened by an unspeakable frustration.
"A thousand years... What exactly are you? Why do you remain unchanged?"
"Could it be that you’re not of this realm? That you originate from the higher world, making you beyond my ability to refine?"
"Is your origin too profound... or am I simply not strong enough?"
Gazing at the pearl within the furnace, Yao Niming fell into self-doubt.
Throughout his life, he had defied the heavens, creating miracles one after another—nothing had ever defeated him.
Yet now, at the height of his achievements, he faced this insurmountable challenge.
"Master."
"Enter."
"Yes."
Yao Niming’s personal disciple—also his adopted son—was named Medicine Destiny.
Whether intentional or not, the name seemed to emphasize their bond, though to outsiders, it sounded more like "Medicine Garden"...
Medicine Destiny stood respectfully behind Yao Niming and spoke. "Master, many alchemists have already arrived in Alchemy Emperor City, along with numerous spectators."
"Should I have them removed?"
Medicine Destiny knew his master disliked disturbances. With so many unrelated people flooding the city, he worried Yao Niming might be displeased.
"No need. They’re just here for the spectacle—they won’t reach the manor."
"Speaking of which, has that Yun Xiao arrived?" Yao Niming asked.
Yun Xiao?
At the mention of the name, Medicine Destiny’s eyes flickered briefly before settling back into calm.
Yun Xiao—a rising star among alchemists, recently making waves.
Moreover, Yao Niming had personally requested his presence, an honor even Medicine Destiny envied.
"Master, there’s been no sign of him yet. The journey must have delayed him."
"Hmm. Notify me when he enters the city."
"Master... do you hold high hopes for this Yun Xiao?" Medicine Destiny couldn’t help but ask.
High hopes?
Yao Niming had placed faith in very few throughout his life, to the point that he never intended to take disciples.
Medicine Destiny had only been accepted due to their shared fate, not because of any innate talent.
But Yun Xiao... he intrigued Yao Niming. Perhaps this man could inherit his legacy.
"It’s too soon to say before meeting him."
"I’ll need to assess him thoroughly."
"Otherwise, there may be no one to carry on Alchemy Emperor City."
"Medicine Destiny... do you resent this?"
Hearing this, Medicine Destiny immediately knelt. "Master, you gave me life. How could I resent anything you decide?"
"It is my own lack of talent that prevents me from inheriting your legacy."
Had Medicine Destiny possessed the aptitude, Yao Niming wouldn’t have sought Yun Xiao. But alas, Medicine Destiny’s alchemical potential was limited—unlike Yun Xiao, whom Yao Niming believed held boundless promise.
Still, whether Yun Xiao would be chosen depended on their meeting. If his character proved lacking, no amount of talent would sway Yao Niming.
"Medicine Destiny, if I take Yun Xiao as my disciple, you will be his senior brother. You must get along with him."
"Alchemy Emperor City will eventually be handed over to the two of you. Yun Xiao is still young and cannot stay here permanently, so the responsibility of managing Alchemy Emperor City will fall on you."
"Your burden is heavy."
"Master, rest assured. I know what must be done and will never disappoint you."
"But…Master, you are at the Great Emperor realm, in the prime of your life. Why make such arrangements so suddenly?"
"With your strength, living for tens of thousands of years should not be difficult, right?"
Medicine Destiny was puzzled. Yao Niming's cultivation had reached the Great Emperor realm—at such a level, living for millennia was effortless.
Moreover, Yao Niming was also an Emperor-rank alchemist, which likely meant an even longer lifespan. Why did it suddenly feel as though he was preparing for…the end?
Though such thoughts bordered on disrespect, this was the impression Medicine Destiny got from Yao Niming.
Could it be that his master was keeping something from him?
"Some matters will become clear to you in time. For now, you may leave."
"Once Yun Xiao arrives, summon me."
"Yes, Master. This disciple takes his leave."