Chapter Twenty-One: The Preliminary Round
“Ah Hao, from now on, you must take on a new name and travel through the imperial capital as my true disciple.”
Above the vast mountains and rivers, as Ren Baichuan guided the auspicious clouds, the three stood on the clouds, rushing forward like the wind.
“Very well, from now on, I shall be called... Tianbao.”
Lin Hao spoke, naming himself after Tianbao City, his place of origin.
“The waters of the imperial capital run deep. Once you arrive there, you must not act rashly, especially no fighting. The moment you throw a punch, others will suspect your identity. The Ling family is no fool. If you slip up even slightly, none of us can protect you.”
Yi Fuyao specifically warned him.
Lin Hao nodded. Though brave, he was no reckless brute. The Ling clan had already declared he was forbidden to set foot in the imperial capital alive. If his identity were exposed upon arrival, the Ling family’s slaughter would be inevitable.
At that moment, a figure appeared not far ahead, blocking their path. The man’s face was kind and gentle; it was Master Ximen.
“Greetings, Master Ximen.”
Lin Hao and Ren Baichuan clasped their fists in respect.
Whether it was Ren Baichuan or Master Ximen, Lin Hao felt genuine reverence. Three days ago, a Ling clan expert had secretly investigated the Tai Xuan Sect, luring them with promises of benefit. Master Ximen had firmly protected him, and Lin Hao had not forgotten that bond.
Abandoned by his biological father since childhood, Lin Hao had found warmth within the Lin family. Now, embarking on the path of cultivation, he faced powerful enemies whose hearts were set on his demise.
Fortunately, he had encountered good people.
Perhaps they saw him merely as the hope of revitalizing the Tai Xuan Sect, but through their actions, they showed him a different kind of loyalty and affection.
With them around, Lin Hao’s heart would never truly grow cold.
“Sir, is there something you wish to entrust to us by appearing here?” Yi Fuyao inquired.
“Fuyao, come back with me.”
Master Ximen looked at Yi Fuyao, his tone still gentle.
“Why?”
Yi Fuyao’s brows knitted slightly.
“I’ve thought it through, and it’s better if you don’t come. Your presence in the imperial capital could cause unnecessary trouble. Don’t forget your other identity. Anyone who sees you personally accompanying him will suspect Ah Hao’s true status. And there are many sharp minds in the imperial capital.”
Master Ximen said, “I failed to consider this a few days ago; that was my oversight.”
“But if I come, I can handle any unexpected situations.”
Yi Fuyao argued.
“If you don’t, there probably won’t be any surprises. Nobody has seen him before; as long as he doesn’t act recklessly, no one will suspect a thing.”
Master Ximen said, “Enough. It’s decided. You’ll come back with me. The Hundred Sect Competition is just around the corner. Your father isn’t here, and if you, the acting sect leader, leave too, the Tai Xuan Sect will fall to pieces. After all, the sect has just begun to regain its fighting spirit.”
“Saintess, I believe what Master Ximen says makes sense.”
Ren Baichuan nodded.
“Very well, I won’t go.”
Yi Fuyao sighed, then looked at Ren Baichuan. “Elder Ren, he’s in your charge now. Protect him well.”
“Rest assured, Saintess.”
Ren Baichuan grabbed his white beard in assurance.
Yi Fuyao returned with Master Ximen halfway, their conversation leaving Lin Hao puzzled.
“Master Ximen really thought things through. I hadn’t considered that and almost caused trouble.”
Watching them leave, Ren Baichuan sighed deeply.
“What does that mean?”
Lin Hao scratched his head. “What’s the Saintess’s other identity? Why would her going to the imperial capital cause us trouble?”
“Don’t be fooled by her merely reaching the Seventh Dragon Gate. Her cultivation speed rivals those at the Ninth Dragon Gate. The Saintess is the only genius for whom the Great Xia Academy permanently reserves a spot as an advanced disciple.”
Ren Baichuan explained.
“Then why hasn’t the Saintess gone to the Great Xia Academy?”
Lin Hao asked, confused.
“That’s complicated. You’ll understand in time. Just know that she has quite a reputation in the imperial capital. If she appears, she becomes the center of attention, which inevitably stirs up trouble.”
Ren Baichuan continued, “Moreover, the Saintess has hardly been to the imperial capital. She isn’t an alchemist, yet she accompanied us to the Alchemy Pavilion’s exchange meeting. Smart people will suspect your identity. Currently within Tai Xuan Sect, besides the abandoned scion who has reached the Tenth Dragon Gate, who else would the Saintess Yi Fuyao personally accompany?”
Lin Hao suddenly understood. Yi Fuyao was not suitable to accompany him; her presence would expose his identity outright.
What surprised Lin Hao most was Yi Fuyao’s status as an advanced disciple of the Great Xia Academy. He didn’t understand why a prodigy like her wouldn’t go to the academy.
After all, the cultivation resources of Tai Xuan Sect couldn’t compare.
Yet Yi Fuyao had not gone, and seemed even somewhat resistant to the idea.
There must be a reason behind this.
Also, the sect leader of Tai Xuan Sect—Yi Fuyao’s father—was soon to be expelled from the sect, yet no one had seen him.
Lin Hao was about to ask more when Ren Baichuan fell silent, telling him not to pry too much and to focus on the present.
“How’s the alchemy practice I assigned you these past days going?”
Ren Baichuan asked.
“What practice?”
“What have you been up to these past two days?”
“Fighting,” Lin Hao replied.
Ren Baichuan: ...
“Didn’t you tell me not to neglect my cultivation? I’m about to reach the second level of the Qi Sea Realm.”
Lin Hao said.
Ren Baichuan didn’t argue, as he couldn’t. For the Tai Xuan Sect now, the Hundred Sect Competition was paramount. Lin Hao striving to improve his cultivation was not wrong.
---
The imperial capital lay at the heart of the five provinces of Great Xia. As Lin Hao approached, he realized it was not just a city but a vast region.
“The imperial capital consists of several parts. The Great Xia Imperial City is where the royal family dwells. Lingyun Mountain is the core of the Ling family. Besides the Ling family, there are two other powerful martial clans: the Jiang family and the Xuan family. The imperial capital spans thousands of miles, with cities and mountains connected. Our destination is Danqing City, named after the Alchemy King. It’s the territory of the Alchemy Pavilion.”
Ren Baichuan explained to Lin Hao, “The Alchemy Pavilion gathers over half of Great Xia’s alchemists. Likewise, over half of the elixirs in Great Xia are produced here. It hosts the largest trading hub, full of heavenly materials and earthly treasures.”
“To my knowledge, within Danqing City, the three great martial families own vast enterprises and closely cooperate with the Alchemy Pavilion. You’re bound to encounter Ling family members. You must keep a low profile. Remember, your current identity is that of an alchemist. The Alchemy Exchange is a grand event; all 108 sects will send representatives. If conflicts arise, restrain yourself—no fighting.”
Ren Baichuan admonished earnestly.
“Do you understand?”
Seeing Lin Hao distracted, Ren Baichuan grew frustrated.
“I understand, I understand. You’ve been nagging me the whole way. Don’t worry, I won’t fight. If anyone wants to attack me, I’ll just play dead.”
Lin Hao hastened to assure him.
Danqing City was indeed bustling, the most famous commercial trading city in the imperial capital. The Alchemy Pavilion sat at its core, a colossal estate.
Holding the invitation, Ren Baichuan led Lin Hao smoothly into the pavilion and arranged lodging for him.
He instructed Lin Hao not to wander around and went to check the rules of the Alchemy Exchange.
Soon, Ren Baichuan returned hurriedly, panting, and pulled Lin Hao out.
“Hurry, there’s no time.”
“What’s the rush?” Lin Hao asked, bewildered.
“We’re late. Others arrived yesterday. Tomorrow, the Alchemy Pavilion will hold a competition for young alchemists. This time, more sects and families are participating. There’ll be a preliminary round soon. We must hurry; it’s about to start.”
Ren Baichuan said anxiously, dragging Lin Hao along.
“What’s the preliminary round?”
“I don’t know either. The Alchemy Pavilion will set the questions. I’ve already registered you. We can’t be late.”
Ren Baichuan said, “This Alchemy Exchange is larger than I imagined. I heard the winner of tomorrow’s competition will receive extremely generous rewards. The chief alchemists from all 108 sects have come, bringing their disciples. Many young alchemists from the Ling, Jiang, and Xuan families are here too. Even the nobles from the Imperial City have come to watch.”
“Are there many participants?”
Lin Hao asked.
“Almost several hundred in total. But only ten can enter tomorrow’s competition. Six spots are already reserved, leaving only four open.”
Ren Baichuan explained.
“So, the preliminary round is hundreds of people fighting for four spots?”
Lin Hao rolled his eyes, speechless.