Helpless, Chen Chang'an Arrives at the Dan Emperor City

When this thought occurred to them, the many alchemists were struck with astonishment.

What kind of figure was Yao Niming? In his entire life, he had only taken one disciple—Medicine Destiny—and that was only because of their special relationship.

Countless individuals had once sought to become disciples of the Alchemy Emperor, yet all were rejected.

Now, the Alchemy Emperor actually wanted to take Yun Xiao as his disciple?

Could this merely be their own misconception?

Though doubts arose in their hearts, they did not dwell on it, as the pressing matter at hand was dealing with the mysterious pearl.

Yun Xiao had never expected that the Alchemy Emperor’s invitation was solely for the sake of this single pearl.

Even more surprising was that not only had the Alchemy Emperor failed, but so had all these top-tier alchemists?

Staring at the pearl inside the alchemy furnace, Yun Xiao couldn’t help but frown—wasn’t this just an ordinary pearl?

"May I ask, Senior, if I could hold this object and examine it for a moment?" Yun Xiao asked respectfully.

"You may."

"Thank you."

After Yao Niming withdrew the Eternal Spirit Flame from the alchemy furnace, Yun Xiao picked up the pearl directly.

After carefully scrutinizing it for a while, he came to a conclusion.

"Senior, this object… seems to be nothing more than an ordinary pearl, albeit an exceptionally hard one."

The moment these words were spoken, the expressions of the other alchemists darkened, and they all turned their gazes toward Yun Xiao.

"Are you suggesting that so many of us, including the Alchemy Emperor, have misjudged this?"

"Or do you believe your own knowledge surpasses ours?"

"If you claim this pearl is ordinary, then answer me—what kind of ‘ordinary’ pearl can endure a thousand years of spirit flame tempering without the slightest change?"

"Does such an ‘ordinary’ pearl exist in this world?"

"Truly the ignorance of youth. Young man, your talent is commendable, but you sorely lack experience."

Yun Xiao’s words had provoked their displeasure, yet he seemed unbothered by their criticism, steadfast in his own judgment.

"Perhaps it is indeed my youthful ignorance, but I still believe this is nothing more than a simple pearl."

Yao Niming himself had entertained similar thoughts, but he couldn’t accept that an ordinary pearl could possess such unyielding hardness.

Taking the pearl back from Yun Xiao, he studied it intently before speaking.

"Could it be… that this object does not originate from the Tai Xuan Realm?"

This statement stunned everyone. If it wasn’t from the Tai Xuan Realm, could it be an artifact from the Upper Realm?

Perhaps that was indeed the case—only an object from the Upper Realm could possess such an indestructible nature, leaving them all helpless.

"Alchemy Emperor, are you implying that ordinary spirit flames are insufficient to refine this and that a higher-grade flame is required?"

"I believe the Alchemy Emperor’s reasoning is sound. Objects from the Upper Realm are naturally beyond the comprehension of our Tai Xuan Realm."

"Compared to Yun Xiao’s claim, I place greater trust in the Alchemy Emperor’s deduction."

As the Alchemy Emperor, his words carried significant weight, and the others found his theory far more plausible than Yun Xiao’s assessment.

Yun Xiao himself was taken aback, staring at the pearl in Yao Niming’s hand as he pondered—had he truly misjudged it? Was this object extraordinary, a relic from the Upper Realm?

"Since this object proves so difficult to refine, perhaps we should let it be."

"You’ve all gathered here with great effort. My Alchemy Emperor Manor can accommodate you for a few more days—consider it an opportunity to exchange insights on alchemy."

The Alchemy Emperor Manor was offering them lodging?

Such an opportunity, once missed, might never come again in their lifetimes.

"Many thanks, Alchemy Emperor. However, we would still like to make another attempt."

"Indeed. We’ve just conceived a method—if one spirit flame isn’t enough, perhaps combining our efforts might yield unexpected results."

A joint effort?

Yao Niming nodded before tossing the pearl back into the alchemy furnace.

BOOM!

Moments later, a deafening explosion erupted from the Alchemy Emperor Manor, startling the onlookers outside.

The commotion was immense—what exactly was happening inside? Had a battle broken out?

Those outside were clueless, but those inside now stood in awkward silence, exchanging bewildered glances.

Merging spirit flames was no simple feat, especially when multiple flames clashed—an explosion was inevitable.

Had Yao Niming not intervened, those outside would have heard far more than just an explosion.

"Thank you, Alchemy Emperor, for saving us. Had you not acted, we might have…"

"Indeed. Who would have thought the fusion of spirit flames could unleash such terrifying force? Our plan has failed."

"Alas, is there truly no way to handle this pearl?"

A profound sense of powerlessness weighed upon them. They had exhausted every idea and method, only to meet with failure—an outcome so stifling it felt suffocating.

"Do not despair. This pearl is no ordinary object—even I could not refine it. Failure was inevitable."

"Enough. It seems this treasure is not meant for me. Perhaps only its destined master will succeed in refining it."

Yao Niming had already prepared for the worst. Gathering these alchemists had been a final, desperate attempt.

"Then… allow me to try."

Taking a deep breath, Yun Xiao stepped toward the alchemy furnace.

His words stunned the crowd. You? If we couldn’t do it, how could a mere Divine Ability Realm alchemist like you succeed?

"Young man, you—"

Before one alchemist could finish his mocking remark, his eyes widened in shock as Yun Xiao extended his hands—revealing two distinct spirit flames.

This kid… had actually subdued two Heavenly Spirit Flames simultaneously?

"He’s only at the Divine Ability Realm—how could he have tamed two Heavenly Spirit Flames?"

"And unless I’m mistaken, one is the Ghost Nether Spirit Flame, while the other… is the Wrathful Buddha Spirit Flame."

"These two flames not only rank highly but are also mutually opposing. How could they coexist within one person?"

The sheer impossibility of this sight left them all dumbfounded.

Even Yao Niming’s gaze toward Yun Xiao shifted. For someone so young to wield such formidable means—there must be an extraordinary master behind him.

Yet why had no one ever heard of Yun Xiao’s mentor?

Could there be other secrets hidden within this youth?

Once an unknown, Yun Xiao had risen to prominence within the past year—likely due to some grand opportunity.

Amidst their shock, Yun Xiao’s next move sent their hearts leaping into their throats.

"Damn it, kid! Are you trying to get yourself killed? STOP!"

"He's insane! This kid is downright crazy—didn’t you see what just happened?"

"You actually want to fuse these two spirit flames? You’re absolutely..."

"Holy shit, it worked? Ghost Nether Spirit Flame and Raging Buddha Spirit Flame actually merged?"

"Unbelievable. This is utterly unbelievable."

"Is this kid even human? This is terrifying!"

Yun Xiao successfully merged the two spirit flames into one, creating a new form of spiritual fire.

"By sheer chance, I managed to fuse these two flames. The power is immense, but I can barely control it."

"Everyone, please step back. If something goes wrong, I don’t want you getting hurt."

Hearing this, the crowd only chuckled. Though the fused spirit flames were indeed fearsome, Yun Xiao’s cultivation was merely at the Divine Ability Realm. Even if things went south, harming them would still be difficult.

Still, they were eager to see whether this newly fused flame could refine the enigmatic orb.

Yun Xiao focused entirely, pouring all his energy into the refinement process.

Meanwhile, Chen Chang'an and his group arrived at Alchemy Emperor City.

They headed straight for Alchemy Emperor Manor, only to find it already surrounded by layers of onlookers.

"So many people? They can’t even get inside—what are they waiting for?" Kuang Zhongtang asked, puzzled.

"Just here for the show. If any news leaks out, they’ll be the first to know."

"Don’t mind them. Let’s go straight to Alchemy Emperor Manor."

"There are too many people. Should we clear a path?"

"Sure!"

Without a second thought, Kuang Zhongtang nodded and began barging through the crowd like a wild beast.

"See? This is why bringing him along is useful. Unleash him, and he’s like a rabid dog."

"But... why don’t we just fly over?"

"Huh. Good point. Let’s fly. He can keep charging!"