“However, it’s fortunate that I only used fourth-grade primary spiritual power. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for the imperial family and the Zhou family to believe that the Feng and Chen families were behind it.”
“If it had been discovered on the spot that a fourth-grade advanced spirit controller was involved, it would have been quickly deduced, as the only fourth-grade advanced spirit controller in Lanlan Empire is Ye Fenghua.”
The black-robed elder continued, “Although this mission failed, it achieved the goal of sowing suspicion among the factions. When the Feng and Chen families hold their marriage alliance, we’ll stir the pot again and let the major factions fight among themselves. Then, our mission will be accomplished.”
As he spoke, a cold, sinister glint flashed in the black-robed elder’s eyes. “The more chaotic Lanlan Empire becomes, the better it will be for the future invasion by Moyu Empire!”
“If you win the championship in the alchemy competition, it will also greatly benefit our efforts to recruit spirit controllers from Lanlan Empire in the future.”
Finally, the black-robed elder reminded the young man, “To avoid any mishaps, don’t go out these next few days. Focus on preparing for the alchemy competition.”
“Master, don’t worry. In all of Lanlan Empire, there isn’t a single third-grade advanced spirit controller under thirty. Winning the championship will be a breeze for me!” The young man nodded confidently.
“Good.” The black-robed elder nodded slightly, his eyes like a deep abyss as he glanced toward the northeast direction.
…
Over the next two days, news of the assassination attempt on Princess Meng Ying at the trading event spread throughout the streets and alleys. Everyone was on edge, knowing that Princess Meng Ying was the beloved granddaughter of Empress Dowager Meng Xi, the pillar of the imperial family. If something had happened to her, the imperial city would have been thrown into chaos.
At the same time, the name “Hei Mu” spread like wildfire.
A sixteen- or seventeen-year-old youth defeating Zhou Xiong, one of the four young masters of the imperial city, undoubtedly shocked the ears of many young people. Some even found it hard to believe.
Naturally, the news reached the Spirit Controller Alliance, causing waves of surprise among its members. They had initially thought Lin Xiao had just barely reached third-grade primary spirit controller through some means.
No one expected his spiritual power to be so solid, allowing him to defeat Zhou Xiong, a fourth-grade martial artist, with third-grade primary spiritual power. This further elevated Lin Xiao’s standing in the eyes of the alliance’s higher-ups.
However, Lin Xiao himself remained oblivious to all of this and completely indifferent, fully immersed in his alchemy studies.
Over the two days, he refined another batch of Yuan-replenishing Pills, Spirit-replenishing Pills, and healing pills, while also studying some of the experiences and pill formulas left by the Devouring Spirit Emperor.
By the third morning, as the first light of dawn shone through the flower-patterned window, Lin Xiao, having rested for the night, finally rose. After washing up, he stepped out of his room.
Since the alchemy competition was held in the square right outside the Spirit Controller Alliance’s main gate, the alliance’s disciples didn’t need to gather beforehand. They could head directly to the venue, and as long as they presented their participation badges issued by the alliance, they could enter.
Walking along the main path inside the Spirit Controller Alliance, Lin Xiao quickly made his way to the alliance’s main gate. Before he even arrived, the distant clamor of voices reached his ears.
As he stepped out of the gate, what greeted him was the luxurious white jade platform, and surrounding the entire square was a large army stationed every couple of meters, fully alert.
After walking halfway around, Lin Xiao finally reached the entrance. By now, the seats in the square were already packed with a bustling crowd, and people were still streaming in through the entrance.
Among the crowd, spirit controllers, who were usually rare and highly respected, could be seen everywhere, highlighting just how attractive this competition was to them.
Looking along the long line of people, one could see the towering white jade platform set up at the far end of the square.
On the platform, there were over a dozen luxurious seats, and below it, a row of green chairs, presumably for the competition’s judges.
In front of the green chairs was a large, empty space—a low stone platform.
This stone platform was large enough to accommodate thousands of people, but no one had stepped onto it yet. Clearly, this was the venue for the competition.
Surrounding the stone platform were rows upon rows of ordinary seats, already filled with a large crowd.
Taking in the grand scene, Lin Xiao couldn’t help but marvel silently. He took out his participation badge and followed the crowd, slowly making his way inside.
The closer he got, the more he felt the buzz of excitement in the air.
It was clear that everyone was eagerly anticipating the alchemy competition, especially the younger participants, who were all passionately discussing it, almost to the point of spitting as they talked.
Not far to the right, Lin Xiao spotted the group from the Spirit Controller Alliance gathered together.
Lin Xiao quickly made his way to the Spirit Controller Alliance’s designated area. At that moment, he saw Wenren Liang, Wu Meng, and others still standing in front of their seats, discussing something. When Lin Xiao approached, the group’s eyes turned toward him.
“Hey, you ugly guy, you’ve really made a name for yourself, huh? Defeating Zhou Xiong and even saving Princess Meng Ying,” Xuanxuan said as soon as she saw him.
“I never expected you to be so strong, little brother,” Wenren Liang said, his face lighting up with excitement as Lin Xiao approached.
Being able to defeat Zhou Xiong showed that Lin Xiao’s spiritual power was formidable, stronger than that of an ordinary third-grade primary spirit controller. This increased his chances of making it into the top ten, which made Wenren Liang quite happy.
“Well… I just took advantage of being a spirit controller,” Lin Xiao replied modestly.
“Brother Hei Mu, you’re being too humble. Even with the advantages of being a spirit controller, I wouldn’t have been able to stand up to Zhou Xiong.”
Wu Sha also stepped forward, smiling. “Brother Hei Mu, with your strength, you must have prepared thoroughly for this alchemy competition, right? What rank are you aiming for?”
