The Dao of Reincarnation (80-83) (Patreon)

Chapter 80: The Peerless Pill Venerable (Part 8)

Su Chen entered Pill Hall.

Although Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land had only risen to prominence in the last thousand years, its foundations ran deep. The legacy left behind by Fang Bubai, combined with a millennium of accumulated pill formulas gathered from across the lands, ensured that the sect possessed no shortage of rare recipes.

Su Chen studied alchemy under Myriad Forms Pill Venerable. True disciples and ranked sequence disciples from the sacred land frequently visited. They brewed tea, shared fine wine, and discussed the heroes and prodigies of the world.

"Brother Su, when exactly are you going to refine that Yin-Yang Harmonizing Pill you promised me?"

Li Yichen rubbed his hands together, staring at Su Chen with eager, puppy-like eyes.

Su Chen's face darkened with black lines. He vaguely regretted ever experimenting with such bizarre formulas. Now he could forget about peace and quiet.

"Same rules as always—help me with one task."

Li Yichen nodded frantically. "No problem at all! Whatever Brother Su commands, your little brother will handle it immediately. If I can't manage it alone, I still have the eight hundred sword cultivators of Sword-Hiding Peak behind me!"

Su Chen seriously doubted whether this man truly carried the bloodline of the Li Clan. He spoke in a low, meaningful tone. "Rumors say a Heavenly Fire is about to be born in the Void Seclusion Valley…"

The moment Li Yichen heard those words, his expression went blank. Without a word, he turned on his heel and started walking away without looking back.

Compete for a Heavenly Fire? Was he joking? That was a fight that could cost his life.

Seeing Li Yichen about to leave, Su Chen narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly. "Two chances for me to personally refine pills for you."

Li Yichen paused mid-step, then took a few more paces forward.

Su Chen lifted his teacup unhurriedly, took a slow sip, and continued in a leisurely drawl. "Three chances. Plus, I'll wipe out all the contribution points you owe Pill Hall."

Li Yichen immediately backtracked and sat down again.

"I swear to follow Brother Su to the death! A mere Heavenly Fire—whoever dares compete with Brother Su, I'll chop them to pieces!"

Li Yichen declared with heroic fervor.

Su Chen had complete confidence in Li Yichen's strength. After all, this was the face of Sword-Hiding Peak and one of Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land's sequence disciples.

With Li Yichen on board, Su Chen repeated the tactic and rallied several other powerful true disciples. With a single call to arms, plenty of prodigies in the sacred land were willing to follow him in the hunt for the Heavenly Fire.

A Heavenly Fire! The dream treasure every alchemist longed for. In the entire sacred land, only a handful of alchemists possessed one.

In this life, Su Chen had devoted himself wholeheartedly to the art of alchemy. Naturally, he would never let such an opportunity slip away.

…

Void Seclusion Valley.

Already, numerous powers had arrived. Alchemists clad in luxurious white robes, their chests adorned with gleaming badges, hurried to the scene. Each was accompanied by the prodigies they had invited along.

Li Yichen walked beside Su Chen and whispered, "I didn't expect people from Azure Jade Sacred Land and Primordial Origin Sacred Land to show up too. Those two fellows are sequence true disciples of their respective sacred lands—their strength is on par with mine."

Su Chen had also noticed.

Both Azure Jade Sacred Land and Primordial Origin Sacred Land had sent young alchemists to lead their groups, each followed by young kings. Among them, two auras stood out as exceptionally powerful—undoubtedly the cream of the younger generation.

Beyond those two sacred lands, the Eastern Wasteland's Alchemy Assembly had also dispatched a young alchemy prodigy, who had gathered martial prodigies of his own in pursuit of the Heavenly Fire. These three major forces were the ones Su Chen needed to watch most closely.

The three forces had also taken notice of Su Chen. All of them coveted the Heavenly Fire.

Soon, high above Void Seclusion Valley, a faint aurora of deep blue appeared, breathtakingly beautiful.

A shower of icy blue snow began to fall over the deathly silent valley. Wherever the snowflakes touched the ground, ghostly flames sprang to life. The entire world seemed to transform into the Nine Nether Hells.

Someone could not resist stepping into the valley ahead of time. But after only a few steps, eerie blue flames erupted across his body. A blood-curdling scream echoed as the man was reduced to ashes in an instant.

Su Chen's expression grew slightly grave. The power of this Heavenly Fire exceeded even his expectations. A half-step Profound Connection Realm expert had died just like that—without warning or resistance.

He distributed fire-avoiding pills to the accompanying disciples from the sacred land, then took out a special bead. This was a fire-warding treasure he had specifically requested from Myriad Forms Pill Venerable; it could significantly weaken the influence of Heavenly Fires.

The other three major powers each employed their own methods and protective measures before stepping into Void Seclusion Valley.

Inside the valley, the atmosphere felt eerie and oppressive. Scattered bones lay here and there—remnants that had endured such conditions must have belonged to extraordinarily powerful beings in life.

As they ventured deeper, Su Chen sensed that the air itself carried a corrosive force capable of eroding the soul.

"This Heavenly Fire that has appeared in Void Seclusion Valley must be the Nine Nether Profound Flame."

The alchemy prodigies from the other three forces recognized it as well. The genius from the Alchemy Assembly and the one from Primordial Origin Sacred Land turned without a word and led their groups away.

With the sword-path alchemists and Primordial Origin Sacred Land retreating, Li Yichen turned to Su Chen and asked, "Brother Su, this is the Nine Nether Profound Flame. It's infamous for devouring its master. Are we still going to fight for it?"

Every owner of the Nine Nether Profound Flame had, without exception, been devoured and killed by it in the end.

Su Chen nodded firmly. "We fight."

Heavenly Fires were opportunities that came once in a lifetime. To give up now meant who knew how many years—or centuries—would pass before another chance appeared. Besides, even if another appeared, securing it was never guaranteed. Right now, with only Azure Jade Sacred Land as competition, their odds of claiming the flame were excellent.

At the deepest part of the valley, a dancing cluster of deep blue flame hovered in midair. Countless fire spirits lurked around it. Though troublesome, the fire spirits were no match for the combined might of Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land and Azure Jade Sacred Land. Under the relentless assault of both groups' prodigies, the spirits were quickly driven back until they vanished entirely.

With the fire spirits cleared, the prodigies of Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land and Azure Jade Sacred Land turned to face each other without hesitation. They clashed once more, each side blocking the other in perfect unison—leaving only Su Chen and the alchemy genius from Azure Jade Sacred Land.

Su Chen smiled at the young man. "Will you withdraw from the contest yourself, or should I help you decide?"

Bai Qingyu's expression turned solemn. "Su Chen, I've heard of your reputation. We are both alchemists. Let us settle this the alchemist's way!"

Su Chen replied, "Fine."

Then he threw a punch.

Bai Qingyu had no time to defend. The fist smashed squarely into his face, shattering several teeth. Clutching his bleeding mouth, he stammered, "You… you have no alchemist's honor! We are alchemists! How can you be so crude?!"

Su Chen paused to consider, then nodded. "You're right. But…"

Under Bai Qingyu's stunned gaze, Su Chen shrugged off his alchemist's robe and grinned widely. "Now I'm just a martial brute."

Bai Qingyu stared in disbelief. He had never imagined an alchemist could be so shameless.

"Su Chen! You are unworthy to call yourself an alchemist!"

Bai Qingyu cried out in misery. With only Spirit Soul Realm third layer cultivation, how could he possibly match Su Chen? In just a few exchanges, he was beaten black and blue, nose swollen, and face bruised.

"Retreat! It's only a master-devouring flame!"

Bai Qingyu scrambled to his feet and fled without looking back, his group following close behind. There was simply no dealing with someone so utterly lacking in decorum.

With Azure Jade Sacred Land gone, the Nine Nether Profound Flame fell easily into Su Chen's hands.

Chapter 81: The Peerless Pill Venerable (Part 9)

Back at Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land, Su Chen began refining the Nine Nether Profound Flame.

True to its reputation as one of the most vicious Heavenly Fires, the process proved extremely perilous. Five full years passed in seclusion. After narrowly escaping death time and again, Su Chen finally succeeded in fully assimilating the flame. His cultivation surged as a result, breaking through to the fourth layer of the Profound Connection Realm. When he emerged from seclusion, the sacred land had changed little in those five years.

True to his word, Su Chen immediately set about refining the outstanding pills he owed others, settling every debt of gratitude.

"It's time to advance to a sequence true disciple."

He was now a peak sixth-grade alchemist and a fourth-layer Profound Connection expert. Becoming a sequence true disciple would grant him far greater access to resources.

Sequence true disciples were replaced only once every century. At present, Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land had exactly eight, each an undisputed young king in their generation.

After submitting his application, it did not take long for Myriad Forms Venerable to personally escort him to the assessment.

Every sacred land had its own unique trial for sequence true disciples. For Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land, the test came from the Undefeated Tower left behind by the Undefeated Saint King himself. Only those recognized by the tower qualified to become sequence true disciples.

The Undefeated Tower contained nine floors in total. To become a sequence true disciple, one had to reach the fourth floor. Even that was extraordinarily difficult; few ever succeeded. In the thousand years since its establishment, only the current Sacred Lord had ever reached the seventh floor.

"Hey, handsome Come play with us"

The moment Su Chen stepped into the tower, a chorus of sweet, seductive voices greeted him. Graceful, breathtakingly beautiful women swayed toward him with serpentine waists, their voices dripping with invitation. With a mere shift of his thoughts, their faces changed to match whatever image crossed his mind.

Su Chen: "…"

So this was how Fang Bubai spent his time in the pleasure quarters.

Expressionless, Su Chen strode past them and advanced to the next floor. On the second floor, he suddenly found all his cultivation stripped away. A pack of terrifying demonic beasts surrounded him, ready to tear him limb from limb in the next instant.

Su Chen casually picked up a long sword from one of the corpses scattered across the battlefield. Without the slightest fear, he charged into battle against the beasts. Soon, he stood alone amid the carnage, drenched in blood, and moved on to the next floor.

…

Outside the tower.

Su Chen's sequence assessment drew countless curious gazes from across the sacred land.

Li Yichen watched the tower's indicator jump another level and clicked his tongue. "Brother Su really keeps his cards hidden. I wonder how far he'll go."

He remembered reaching only the fifth floor himself.

Moments later, the tower jumped again. Su Chen had reached the fourth floor. Not long after, it moved once more—he had cleared the fifth.

Shock rippled through the gathered crowd. Very few people in the entire sacred land had ever reached the fifth floor. He passed the fifth without pause and entered the sixth. The sixth floor failed to stop him as well.

Just as everyone began to marvel that the sacred land might soon have a second person to reach the seventh floor, a familiar figure suddenly stumbled out.

Su Chen emerged disheveled, cursing under his breath.

What the hell? Was Fang Bubai even human?

Upon entering the seventh floor, a familiar voice called out to him. When he turned, he saw his former companions and loved ones from long ago.

Then… In an instant, they joined forces and struck him down together.

What kind of trial was this? It was downright sinister!

Fortunately, he had already set foot on the seventh floor.

"Brother Su, congratulations!"

One true disciple after another stepped forward to offer their felicitations, congratulating Su Chen on becoming the newest sequence true disciple—and gaining eligibility to compete for the position of Holy Son.

From that day forward, Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land gained one more sequence true disciple.

Su Chen's residence was relocated to Sequence Disciple Peak. Not only did he receive personal maids and guards, but an elder was assigned to serve as his dedicated guardian and protector. In a single leap, he had ascended to the heights.

Three months later.

Myriad Forms Pill Venerable summoned all the disciples of Pill Hall.

"One year from now, the ten greatest alchemy sacred lands will jointly host a grand alchemy conference. They are even offering an ancient soul secret art and primordial pill formulas as prizes. In the face of such a grand era, how could our Prison-Suppressing Pill Hall possibly stand by idly?"

Myriad Forms Pill Venerable surveyed the elite disciples of Pill Hall with bold confidence. "This old man will select ten of you to accompany me to the Central Continent for the conference. As long as you achieve a good ranking there, I will reward you handsomely!"

The disciples exchanged glances. A grand alchemy conference jointly organized by the ten supreme alchemy sacred lands. It was bound to draw countless pill-dao geniuses from every corner. To stand among such a gathering of stars was an opportunity no one wanted to miss.

After a series of intense trials within Pill Hall, Su Chen ultimately secured one of the ten slots and set out alongside Myriad Forms Pill Venerable for the Central Continent.

The Central Continent… the dreamland of countless martial cultivators. Even Su Chen felt a faint spark of anticipation in his heart. Among the five great domains of the Heavenly Profound Continent, only the Central Continent remained a place he had never set foot in. What would a true golden age of martial dao look like?

…

Accompanying the sacred land delegation, the journey took nearly half a year before they finally arrived in the Central Continent. There was no denying it—the spiritual qi density here far surpassed that of the four outer domains. Even the second-ranked Northern Desert paled in comparison by several degrees. No wonder so many unparalleled geniuses were born here.

The Central Continent teemed with powers. Sacred land-level orthodoxies gathered in abundance. This time, the grand alchemy conference was hosted by one of the Central Continent's titans: the Pill God Hall. Geniuses converged from every direction.

After verifying his alchemist identity, Su Chen entered the Pill God Hall together with the Prison-Suppressing delegation. Every person inside was an alchemist without exception. And among them, Su Chen spotted a familiar face. Bai Qingyu of Azure Jade Sacred Land glared at him with venomous hatred.

"Su Chen! You actually dare show your face at the alchemy conference!"

The moment Su Chen stepped inside, Bai Qingyu had noticed him. The memory of being beaten black and blue still burned vividly in his mind.

Su Chen also caught sight of Bai Qingyu. He paid no attention whatsoever to the other man's resentment. How could a pampered, honey-raised alchemist possibly understand the ruthless heart of a true martial cultivator?

"Su Chen, this time you won't escape. At the alchemy conference, I will defeat you personally through the Pill Dao! A person like you is utterly unworthy of calling himself an alchemist!"

Noticing the Prison-Suppressing group subtly closing in around him, Bai Qingyu wisely chose not to press his luck. He spat out a few harsh parting words, then slunk away dejectedly. He still harbored deep resentment over the last time Su Chen had pummeled him using martial methods.

After Bai Qingyu left, new acquaintances approached.

"Martial Uncle Ghost Valley? Miss Song?"

Su Chen was genuinely surprised to encounter old friends here. Ghost Valley Pill King—no, he should now be addressed as Ghost Valley Pill Sovereign. Seven brilliant stars gleamed on the badge pinned to the silver-haired middle-aged man's chest.

Song Wanqing had also advanced to become a sixth-grade alchemist.

"Su Chen, this time at the alchemy conference, I will wash away my shame and defeat you with my own hands!"

The moment Song Wanqing laid eyes on him, she issued her challenge.

Ghost Valley Pill Sovereign shook his head helplessly.

"What a pair of destined rivals."

Yet hidden beneath his exasperated expression was a trace of quiet amusement.

…

Chapter 82: The Peerless Pill Venerable (Part 10)

"I see."

After conversing with Ghost Valley Pill Sovereign, Su Chen finally understood why the pair had come to the Central Continent. Ever since he left the Dragon Firmament Dynasty, Ghost Valley Pill Sovereign had lost all attachment to that place. Invited by an old friend, he had joined Pill God Hall and now served as one of its elders. The small Dragon Firmament Dynasty had ultimately limited his growth.

Su Chen quietly speculated in his heart. Perhaps Ghost Valley Pill Sovereign had never truly felt at ease about his junior brother. He feared that once Su Weichang left the dynasty's protection, the imperial family might act against him. After all, a single alchemist capable of rallying a host of powerful experts with a mere wave of his hand—and one with a history of rebellion—was bound to arouse suspicion.

"Old man…"

A soft sigh rose in Su Chen's chest. By now, the old man had likely been laid to rest in some unknown corner of the world.

Ghost Valley Pill Sovereign gave Su Chen a great deal of advice about the customs and taboos of Pill God Hall. Only then did he depart with Song Wanqing in tow.

Before leaving, Song Wanqing once again issued her formal challenge to Su Chen. The grand alchemy conference of the Central Continent had not yet begun.

During this time, Su Chen remained within Pill God Hall and encountered geniuses from every domain. He even saw pill-dao prodigies who had come from beyond the five great domains to participate in this grand event.

Among them were young alchemists who had already reached sixth grade. Su Chen also heard rumors of a true pill-dao monster who had emerged and would attend this once-in-an-era gathering. A pill-dao monster of that caliber was certain to possess at least seventh-grade skill.

Though Su Chen had yet to encounter any martial prodigies of the Central Continent, the sheer number of pill-dao geniuses was staggering. Across all five domains of the Heavenly Profound Continent, this truly was a golden age of alchemy.

Su Chen entered seclusion. Before the conference began, he intended to refine a seventh-grade pill. Upon learning of his determination, Myriad Forms Pill Venerable spared no effort in supporting him. He personally guided Su Chen in using the Nine Nether Profound Flame to refine pills.

…

Half a year later, on the eve of the alchemy conference. Countless alchemists emerged from seclusion.

Su Chen stepped out as well. The rules for this grand conference were finally announced by Pill God Hall. Unlike the event held in the Dragon Firmament Dynasty, this one—jointly organized by the ten supreme alchemy sacred lands—was a momentous occasion for the entire Heavenly Profound Continent.

Several saint-grade powerhouses had jointly created a separate space within which lay all manner of rare treasures, medicinal herbs, pill formulas, and even ancient secret arts. Every item was sealed behind restrictions. Alchemists would rely solely on their pill-dao attainments to obtain them. Only after successfully acquiring enough could they advance to the final assessment.

Su Chen read the final rule carefully.

[During the alchemy conference, all alchemists are strictly forbidden from using any martial power or cultivation! All items must be obtained through the Pill Dao skill alone!]

Noble alchemists had no need for violence or combat. Their role was to refine pills. Martial cultivators, on the other hand, had far more to consider.

The prohibition on martial force left Su Chen with a faint sense of regret. Soon, everyone hurried toward the secret realm where the assessment would take place.

As the moment approached, three figures whose faces could not be clearly seen appeared. Each radiated terrifying power, shining like great suns. On every chest hung a round badge that glowed with golden light.

Myriad Forms Pill Venerable explained in a low voice, "Those solar badges are the mark of ninth-grade Pill Saints. Each contains sealed power from an ancient saint and can be invoked at any time. Every Pill Saint is a priceless treasure of the Heavenly Profound Continent—no harm must come to them!"

Su Chen marveled inwardly. Such methods, such heritage… worthy of the supreme sacred land of the Pill Dao. A single Pill Saint badge was more precious than an ancient saint weapon.

Under the combined might of the three Pill Saints, the entrance to the Ancient Pill Domain was opened. Alchemists surged forward eagerly and plunged inside.

Su Chen entered alongside the other alchemists from the Prison-Suppressing Sacred Land.

Inside the Ancient Pill Domain, the world stretched endlessly in every direction—a perfectly self-contained small realm. Medicinal herbs that were rare outside grew everywhere here, scattered across the landscape like common weeds. It was a pristine primordial world that no outsider had ever set foot in.

Su Chen noticed that none of the other Prison-Suppressing alchemists were nearby. He quickly realized the realm scattered entrants at random locations. His immediate priority was to gather the medicinal ingredients required for the final battle. Without lingering, Su Chen began to explore the Ancient Pill Domain.

The grand alchemy conference jointly hosted by the ten supreme sacred lands was naturally far from simple. It tested not only an alchemist's depth of knowledge regarding medicinal herbs but also their ability to adapt on the fly. No one could casually gather every ingredient needed to refine a pill.

After five full days of searching, Su Chen finally located a stalk of sixth-grade herb called Spirit Star Grass—the main ingredient for the sixth-grade Spirit Star Divine Pill. Just as he reached out to harvest it, a restriction triggered.

[Participant Su Chen, do you wish to undertake the sixth-grade herb Spirit Star Grass assessment? Passing the assessment grants you the Spirit Star Grass.]

Su Chen nodded. In the next instant, he found himself inside a sealed space containing a pill furnace and the Spirit Star Grass itself. The task required him to refine a pill using the herb. A sixth-grade pill posed no real difficulty for Su Chen. Pill God Hall possessed a record of the Spirit Star Divine Pill formula. In less than five days, he successfully produced one.

[Participant Su Chen has passed the assessment and successfully obtained one stalk of Spirit Star Grass.]

The mysterious space vanished. The Spirit Star Grass now lay within easy reach. But something felt off. Su Chen's expression darkened. The Spirit Star Divine Pill he had painstakingly refined… had not come out with him. They were treating him like free labor?

"Indeed, those pill-dao sacred lands are not so benevolent. A single alchemy trial turns the world's geniuses into unpaid workers… what a ruthless tactic."

Su Chen inwardly admired their cunning. Even combining the cunning he had accumulated across several lifetimes probably did not equal one-tenth of those ancient pill-dao monsters. Still, he glanced at the Spirit Star Grass before him. There were benefits to be gained.

He stored the herb away and continued his search for other ingredients. He intended to refine a very special seventh-grade pill—one stalk of sixth-grade material would not suffice.

Time flew by. Three months passed.

The Ancient Pill Domain was vast; in three months, Su Chen had explored only the tip of the iceberg. During that time, he encountered other alchemists and clashed over herbs. In every case, he emerged victorious.

Following the intelligence he overheard from another alchemist, Su Chen arrived at a flame-filled canyon. The number of alchemists here was neither too few nor too many. Among them, Su Chen spotted a familiar face.

Bai Qingyu of Azure Jade Sacred Land.

At that moment, Bai Qingyu was locked in a standoff with another alchemist.

"Eastern Wasteland? Nothing but a bunch of barbarians from a backwater! You think you're worthy to compete with me for the Flame Sun Flower? Let me make this clear—the herbs of Blazing Valley all belong to my Yang Pill Sacred Land! If you know what's good for you, get lost right now. Otherwise, Yang Pill Sacred Land will make sure none of you even qualify for the final assessment!"

Bai Qingyu's face flushed crimson with rage. The Eastern Wasteland alchemists standing behind him burned with fury. Yang Pill Sacred Land—one of the Central Continent's pill-dao giants, equal in status to Pill God Hall itself. The genius from the Yang Pill Sacred Land showed utter disdain for the entire Eastern Wasteland.

Chapter 83: The Peerless Pill Venerable (Part 11)

Su Chen narrowed his eyes. He had heard every single word spoken by the disciple from the Yang Pill Sacred Land.

Among the five great domains of the Heavenly Profound Realm, the Central Continent stood supreme, the Southern Barbarian Lands were the weakest, and the Eastern Wasteland ranked just above it. After the devastating war between the Southern and Western Regions, the Southern Barbarian Lands had fallen into utter decline—barely able to produce even a handful of participants worthy of attending a grand alchemy event. The Eastern Wasteland had quietly taken its place as the new weakest.

Bai Qingyu clenched his teeth so hard his jaw ached. He wanted nothing more than to smash his fist into the face of the Yang Pill disciple. For the first time, he truly understood Su Chen. Sometimes, raw martial power proved far more useful than pill dao.

Yang Pill Sacred Land was a supreme orthodoxy of the pill path; its inheritance in alchemy far surpassed that of any martial sacred land. Bai Qingyu had no confidence that he could defeat their genius. He decided to withdraw and search for opportunities elsewhere.

As he turned to leave, a familiar figure appeared like a ghost at his side.

"Su Chen?"

Bai Qingyu recognized him instantly.

Su Chen ignored Bai Qingyu entirely. His gaze settled on the disciple from the Yang Pill Sacred Land. The look was light, almost casual—yet it made the Yang Pill disciple's heart tighten. The leader among them unconsciously took several steps back.

Realizing his own embarrassment a moment later, the young alchemist from the Yang Pill Sacred Land flushed with shame and fury. "Another Eastern Wasteland barbarian? Do you dare compete against me? The loser must withdraw from the alchemy conference!"

The Yang Pill genius wanted to crush Su Chen.

Bai Qingyu hurriedly grabbed Su Chen's arm.

"Su Chen, he is a peak sixth-grade alchemy genius from Yang Pill Sacred Land… you are no match for him."

Su Chen turned a expressionless stare on Bai Qingyu. Did he really look that weak?

"Bai Qingyu, step aside. The Eastern Wasteland may be weak, but it is not so weak that no one can stand against it."

Seeing Su Chen's resolve, Bai Qingyu felt a surge of genuine respect rise in his chest. He, Bai Qingyu, had always prided himself on being a noble alchemy genius—yet he lacked the courage to risk bringing shame to Azure Jade Sacred Land. But this man, whom he had once dismissed as a reckless brute, was stepping forward to represent the entire Eastern Wasteland.

Bai Qingyu leaned in and whispered urgently, "Su Chen, you must not use force. This place forbids any display of cultivation. Victory can only come through alchemy. If you rely on martial power to defeat your opponent, you will violate the rules set by the ten supreme alchemy sacred lands. The punishment will be severe."

Su Chen: "…"

He could not be bothered to respond. News had reached him that a seventh-grade herb had appeared in Blazing Valley—one of the main ingredients he needed for the pill he intended to refine.

A layer of fiery red light enveloped the Yang Pill disciple.

At the same moment, a faint deep-blue glow rose around Su Chen.

"Heavenly Fire! No wonder you had the guts to step forward!"

The Yang Pill genius sneered coldly. A rift tore open in the space, swallowing both of them. Inside the sealed area, shelves upon shelves of rare herbs appeared.

Su Chen did not even glance at them. He reached out, grabbed a set of sixth-grade ingredients, and began to refine without hesitation.

Four days later.

Outside the Ancient Pill Domain, among the crowd of eliminated participants. The young genius from the Yang Pill Sacred Land stood in stunned silence. He… had been eliminated?

Su Chen stepped out from the spatial rift. The disciples of the Yang Pill Sacred Land felt their hearts sink.

"Senior Brother Yang… actually lost to this youth!"

Senior Brother Yang was the foremost genius beneath that true monster. And now he had been eliminated just like that?

The Yang Pill disciples instinctively retreated several steps. They feared being targeted by Su Chen next. If even Senior Brother Yang was no match, what chance did they have against this terrifying young man?

Su Chen ignored the Yang Pill group entirely and strode straight into Blazing Valley. When Bai Qingyu saw Su Chen enter the valley, he gritted his teeth and followed right behind.

The moment the Eastern Wasteland alchemists realized no one from the Yang Pill Sacred Land was blocking the way anymore, they surged forward in a crowd, trailing after Su Chen into the valley and leaving the Yang Pill disciples staring at one another in stunned silence.

"They're entering Blazing Valley… they're courting death!"

…

Inside Blazing Valley, flames danced everywhere amid rivers of red rock. A single misstep could mean death in this place. Yet precisely because it was such an extreme environment, heaven-and-earth treasures grew in abundance.

Crimson fruits wreathed in fire, blossoms that drank in the flames, fire bamboos dripping with magma-like sap—all of them fifth- or sixth-grade rarities, the very targets most people came for.

Bai Qingyu noticed that Su Chen showed zero interest in these treasures; he did not even glance at them. Unable to hold back, he spoke up. "Su Chen, don't tell me your goal is a seventh-grade herb? If that's the case, I advise you to give up the idea. Yang Pill Sacred Land is far more formidable than you imagine. This generation produced a true pill-dao monster who stepped into the seventh-grade realm not long ago. She is one of the top favorites to win this entire conference."

After speaking, Bai Qingyu immediately regretted his words. He gave a wry smile and continued, "Su Chen… the heritage of a true pill-dao sacred land far surpasses anything our martial sacred lands can offer. I just want to remind you—getting eliminated over a momentary clash of pride isn't worth it."

Su Chen cast a sidelong glance at Bai Qingyu. The man talked a lot, his backbone was a little soft, and he backed down quickly. But he still carried the bearing of a true prodigy.

Su Chen replied calmly, "And how do you know I'm still only a sixth-grade alchemist?"

Bai Qingyu froze for a moment. When he recovered, Su Chen had already vanished from sight. He thought back carefully. He had not misremembered—Su Chen's alchemist badge really had been sixth-grade.

Bai Qingyu: "…"

…

The deeper one ventured into Blazing Valley, the more terrifying the flames became. Su Chen reached the very center. Here, the flames burned a brilliant golden hue. With every flicker, they released horrifying heat, as though they could melt anything in existence.

At the heart of the golden inferno rested a palm-sized lingzhi mushroom, its surface covered in dazzling golden patterns. Every inch of it was exquisitely perfect, like a flawless work of art carved from solid gold.

Su Chen knew this was his target. Blazing Sun Golden Lingzhi.

Beside the lingzhi sat a woman in meditation. Her features were refined and striking. Unlike the traditional white robes of most alchemists, she wore a vivid crimson gown. Seven brilliant stars shone on her chest, and her long red hair was tied into a high ponytail that trailed down her back.

Yan Zhaoxi also noticed Su Chen's arrival. When she saw the six stars on his badge, her brows furrowed slightly. "What happened to Yang Wang? He actually let a mere sixth-grade alchemist reach this place?"

Her expression quickly smoothed. She addressed Su Chen directly. "No matter who you are, since you made it here, Yang Wang must have already been eliminated by you. Your pill-dao attainment is clearly not limited to sixth grade. But if you intend to compete for the Blazing Sun Golden Lingzhi, I advise you to think carefully. You are no match for me. You should not stop your journey here."