Chapter Thirty-Five: Stirring the Imperial City

"Young master's methods are truly divine!" Zhang Qingyuan exclaimed in shock.

In the blink of an eye, he had enabled a Dou King to break through to the Dou Emperor realm. Such a feat was something Zhang Qingyuan had never heard of before.

"This is nothing," Yun Shan replied. "Back then, when I struggled for ages to advance to the Dou Sect realm, it was the young master who intervened and allowed me to break through in an instant—without the slightest harm to my foundation. If you can satisfy the young master, you too might have a chance to reach the Dou Sect realm."

Zhang Qingyuan was so astonished he could barely speak. To reach even the Dou Sect realm—he could not fathom how this was possible.

"With my current strength, even if I were to separate from the Cloud Mist Sect and establish my own faction, I would certainly be counted among the top powers in the Jia Ma Empire," Lin An said.

"Why go to such trouble, young master? If you wish, I need only utter a single word, and you could become the sect leader of the Cloud Mist Sect. The entire sect would fall under your control. After all, Yun Yun was never particularly willing to take on the position to begin with," Yun Shan said, stating the truth. The position of sect leader had been forced upon Yun Yun. Fortunately, she had not disappointed him, managing the Cloud Mist Sect in exemplary fashion.

"In the coming days, I imagine the entire imperial city will be thrown into chaos," Lin An murmured.

...

The news that Pill King Gu He would be competing in alchemy against another spread like wildfire, shaking everyone in the Jia Ma Empire. No one had expected that someone would dare to challenge Master Gu He—did this mean the challenger was also a sixth-tier alchemist?

As time passed, the true details of the event emerged. At first, no one believed it; the notion was simply too outrageous. It was only when members of the Alchemist Guild received confirmation directly from Gu He that the rumor was established as fact.

Everyone began searching for information on Lin An.

The second disciple of the Cloud Mist Sect leader, who had joined the sect only a few months prior, and who had recently visited the Xiao Clan in Wutan City to help Nalan Yanran annul her engagement...

Although Lin An had not been around long, his actions had surprised everyone. Now, anyone associated with him dared to challenge Pill King Gu He, and many speculated about Lin An's origins.

...

"Lin An, look at the trouble you've caused!"

Early the next morning, Yun Yun arrived at the Nalan family residence. She could not have imagined Lin An would do something so astonishing.

Originally, she had not wanted Lin An's alchemical talent to go to waste, so she had specially recommended him to Gu He. If not for her influence, Gu He might never have agreed to meet Lin An. The opportunity she had worked so hard to secure had been squandered by him, and now he even wanted to challenge Gu He?

She had met Yao Chen, who always accompanied Lin An, several times, but had never noticed anything extraordinary about him. The claim that he possessed powerful alchemical skills was one Yun Yun simply could not believe.

"Master, I did this for the good of the Cloud Mist Sect. Elder Gu He may be counted among the elders of the sect, but in reality, he has too much freedom—so much so that he is rarely seen. I merely wanted to dampen his spirits, to show him that his true value can only be realized within the Cloud Mist Sect," Lin An said, calmly.

"Dampening Elder Gu He's spirits? Only you in the whole Jia Ma Empire and the Cloud Mist Sect could say such a thing," Yun Yun laughed at Lin An's audacity.

To dampen Gu He's spirits? Unless his alchemical skills became worthless overnight, no one could force him to do anything, especially given his status as a sixth-tier alchemist. If he became hostile to the sect and chose to assist the imperial family in suppressing the Cloud Mist Sect, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Later, you will come with me and apologize to Pill King Gu He. Perhaps, for my sake, he will forgive you," Yun Yun said sternly.

"Leave this matter be. Since Lin An wishes to do it, let him proceed. It's merely a sixth-tier alchemist—nothing to worry about," came a familiar voice just as Yun Yun finished speaking. It was her master, the former sect leader, Yun Shan.

"Master, why are you here?" Yun Yun was surprised to see Yun Shan. Could it be that it was Yun Shan who had encouraged Lin An to challenge Gu He? Otherwise, with Lin An's status, how could he dare provoke Gu He?

"Why shouldn't I be here?"

...

"Just remember not to interfere in this matter. If there are any consequences, I, Yun Shan, will bear them alone," Yun Shan continued.

With such words, Yun Yun knew that no matter what she said, it would be futile.

Meanwhile, word of Yun Yun's arrival at the Nalan family spread instantly. Many expected a reversal, but no new information emerged, meaning the bet between Gu He and Lin An was still on.

"Just who is Lin An? Sect leader Yun Yun has already appeared, and many thought she would lead him to apologize to the Pill King. Yet, from the look of things, they intend to stand firm!"

"That's right. I doubt it's so simple. If he convinced Yun Yun, perhaps Lin An really is the genuine article."

"That's impossible—unless Lin An and his companions are not from the Jia Ma Empire. Otherwise, it's inconceivable for a master alchemist to appear out of nowhere."

...

Countless rumors spread outside.

But the only certainty was that the duel between Lin An and Gu He was the most sensational event in Jia Ma Empire in years.

Meanwhile, Otto, president of the Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Guild, announced the next day that all preparations would be handled by the guild, and the venue would be the square in the imperial palace.

As for spectators, only alchemists of the second tier and above would be eligible, and the guild would send invitations to qualified individuals to enter the imperial city and observe.

The news grew ever more intense, even reaching countries beyond the Jia Ma Empire, with many hoping to take advantage of the situation.

Lin An and his companions felt little pressure, remaining at the Nalan residence.

On the other hand, Nalan Su had been extremely busy these past few days. With Lin An, Yun Yun, and others staying at the Nalan residence, regardless of the reason, the fact that Lin An dared challenge Master Gu He meant he must at least be qualified.

Otherwise, given the pride of alchemists—especially a sixth-tier alchemist like Gu He—he would never agree to such an absurd duel.

Finally, the day arrived for Master Gu He and Yao Chen to compete in alchemy...