Alchemist Trading Fair

"Did you see it?" Xiao Yan nodded in understanding. If one could truly enter that state at will, that would be utterly heaven-defying. Though somewhat disappointed, he did not dwell on it and turned to ask.

Xiao Heng naturally knew what he meant. He nodded. "That scorching heat should have been the Three Thousand Burning Flame. But I didn't get close. Just thinking about it, I knew that place wasn't somewhere one could approach casually."

Xiao Yan smiled helplessly. He felt that fellow was mocking him, but he had no proof. "Looks like we can only wait for the Pill Gathering. The top ten... at such a grand event, who knows how many monsters will emerge."

"The top ten...!" Xiao Heng said softly, "That isn't something you and I should be considering. Let me tell you something: your teacher once took first place in this Pill Gathering."

Xiao Yan's heart jolted. He abruptly looked at Xiao Heng and fell silent.

Xiao Heng continued, "There is no other reason for telling you this. I simply hope you can improve faster. If you can't, then winning this championship would be far too dull for me."

Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile. "You certainly have confidence in me."

It had originally been a joke, but Xiao Heng's next words made him straighten up. Xiao Heng looked seriously at Xiao Yan, nodded, and said solemnly, "I have always believed that you are my greatest opponent. Even if you are temporarily behind, you will catch up soon enough. So work hard. Don't disappoint me."

Xiao Yan nodded seriously. "I will."

Xiao Heng stopped looking at him and turned toward the rising sun. It was as though he was speaking to Xiao Yan, yet also as though he was talking to himself.

"The appearance of different