"Boom!"
The moment they left Black Rock City, Hai Bodong's Dou Qi surged uncontrollably!
The pressure of a Six-Star Dou Huang spread faintly through the air.
He gazed at the vague outline of a city beneath the distant horizon, his eyes beneath silver brows alight with unrestrained delight!
Let those forces know.
The Ice Emperor, who had vanished for many years, had returned—and he was even stronger than before!
The pent-up frustration of all those years trapped away had finally dissipated. He could hardly wait to fly straight to the skies above Jia Ma Holy City.
"Lin Chen, what are your plans now?"
Suppressing his excitement, Hai Bodong turned toward the black-clad youth beside him, his tone plainly expectant.
"If you don't mind, would you be willing to stay with the Mittel Family for a while?"
"The capital has ten times as many medicinal herb shops as Black Rock City, and high-grade herbs are common there. It'll make it easier for you to gather what you need."
He knew all too well how valuable Lin Chen was—he could casually refine perfect Sixth-Grade Pills, and he had even helped Hai Bodong break through to Six-Star Dou Huang!
A veritable golden thigh!
Lin Chen looked toward the distant horizon. Xiao Yi Xian's Woe Poison Body also needed high-grade herbs to suppress it.
Besides, Fa Ma had invited him, and the Imperial Family was keeping an eye on him. Going to the capital had always been one step in his plan.
From the corner of his eye, he caught Xiao Yi Xian's slightly uneasy expression. Then he glanced at Qing Lin, who clutched Xiao Yi Xian's clothes tightly, her gaze timid.
Leaving them with the Mittel Family would be safer than having them follow me from place to place.
After a brief moment of thought, he nodded. "All right."
"Excellent!"
A gleam flashed in Hai Bodong's eyes, and the tension that had come with returning home softened somewhat.
He promptly turned and gestured invitingly. "Then let's set out at once!"
The four of them rose into the air, transforming into streaks of light as they headed straight for Jia Ma Holy City.
Hai Bodong deliberately unleashed the full aura of a Six-Star Dou Huang.
Lin Chen didn't deliberately reveal his strength, but the calm aura surrounding him was nonetheless striking.
He held his arms out, carrying Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, one in each!
When the four appeared in the skies above Jia Ma Holy City, the city guards immediately went on high alert.
Dozens of armored soldiers aimed their spears at the sky. Their commander shouted sternly, "Halt!"
"No one may enter the skies above Jia Ma Holy City without permission! State your names and intentions at once!"
But the moment the words left his mouth, Hai Bodong's Dou Huang aura pressed him to one knee. Cold sweat seeped through the gaps in his armor, and his face turned deathly pale.
The other soldiers trembled all over. Their spears clattered to the ground, and they didn't even dare raise their heads.
"This... This is the aura of a Dou Huang expert!" one soldier cried out, his voice trembling.
He stared at the silver-haired figure in the sky, then suddenly shouted, "It's Lord Ice Emperor Hai Bodong!"
"He's back! He's a Dou Huang!"
The news spread at lightning speed, as if it had sprouted wings.
In the palace, the shadow guards on duty rushed into the council hall at once and reported to Jia Xingtian, who was reviewing memorials.
The Alchemist Guild's informants scrambled toward the guild building, shouting "The Ice Emperor has returned" all the way.
The Nalan Clan elders were gathered for a meeting. When they heard the news, they rose to their feet in an instant, their eyes filled with shock.
Mu Chen, the head of the Mu Clan, rushed straight out of his home and looked toward the Mittel Family estate.
With Hai Bodong back, the capital's current balance of power is bound to be thrown into disarray!
Above the Mittel Family estate, Hai Bodong and the others hovered in midair.
Their powerful auras instantly blanketed the entire estate.
The estate's guards took to the sky at once, led by the head of the Mittel Family, Mite Tengshan.
Dressed in a purple robe, he released the full aura of a Peak Dou Wang and was about to sternly rebuke the intruders.
But when he saw the familiar silver-haired figure in the sky, his voice abruptly cut off.
His cloudy eyes flew wide open. His trembling hands went to his beard, and his lips quivered so much he could barely get the words out. "E-Elder Hai?"
"Is... is that really you? You've finally come back!"
Though the Mittel Family had remained among the capital's top forces all these years, they had always lacked confidence without a Dou Huang expert.
Teng Shan had spent night after sleepless night worrying that the Nalan Clan or Mu Clan might one day join forces to suppress them—or that the Imperial Family might weaken their power.
Now Hai Bodong had not only returned, but had also advanced to Six-Star Dou Huang. At last, the worry that had weighed on him for years could be put to rest.
Tears welled up in his eyes of their own accord, sliding down his wrinkled cheeks.
"Teng Shan, it's been many years. You've certainly grown old."
Hai Bodong swooped down and landed in the estate's courtyard. He patted Teng Shan on the shoulder, his tone tinged with emotion.
Looking at the clan elder, so much older than he had been back then, Hai Bodong felt a trace of warmth. The Mittel Family was, after all, his roots.
"We welcome Elder Hai home!"
Teng Shan bowed first, his voice trembling slightly with emotion.
The elders and guards behind him, even the maids in the estate, all knelt and cried out in unison.
Their voices rang across the entire estate. Even passersby on the distant streets could hear them clearly.
As Teng Shan rose, his gaze instinctively fell on Lin Chen, and his heart gave a sudden jolt.
He could clearly sense that Elder Hai treated the black-clad youth in a very different way. There was no gentle indulgence one would show a junior; instead, there was a hint of respect, subtle but unmistakable.
Elder Hai was a Six-Star Dou Huang. There were only a handful of people across the entire Jia Ma Empire whom he would respect.
Just who was this young man?
He was about to ask when Hai Bodong suddenly raised his voice, his tone utterly solemn. "Teng Shan, and everyone in the family, listen up!"
"This is Master Lin Chen, not only an old friend of mine, but also the man who gave me a new lease on life!"
"Without Master Lin Chen's help, I could never have recovered my strength, let alone advanced to Six-Star Dou Huang!"
The moment he said this, the estate fell silent. Everyone turned to Lin Chen, their eyes full of shock.
Teng Shan's jaw dropped. He couldn't speak for a long time.
He had assumed Lin Chen was merely Elder Hai's junior. He never imagined he was Elder Hai's benefactor, or that he had helped Elder Hai advance to the Dou Huang Realm!
Before anyone could react, Hai Bodong continued in a deep voice. "From this day forth, whenever you meet Master Lin Chen, you will treat him with even greater respect than you show me!"
"Anyone who shows him the slightest disrespect, regardless of rank, will be punished according to the clan rules without mercy!"
His voice carried Dou Qi and reached every corner of the estate. Each word struck the hearts of those listening like a heavy blow.
Everyone was stunned!
Elder Hai was telling them to show a young man more respect than they showed him?
Though a storm of shock rose in their hearts, no one dared question Hai Bodong's order. He was the family's steadfast pillar, and his word was the highest command.
Teng Shan was the first to recover. He hurriedly straightened his robe, bowed deeply to Lin Chen, and spoke with utmost respect. "Mite Tengshan, on behalf of every member of the Mittel Family, welcomes Master Lin Chen!"
"If Master needs anything, even the use of the family's core resources, the Mittel Family will do everything in its power to provide it!"
"Welcome, Master Lin Chen!"
The elders and guards behind him also came to their senses and shouted in unison once more.
This time, there was no longer any curiosity in their voices—only pure awe and reverence.
Lin Chen gave a faint nod in reply.
His expression remained calm, as if the spectacle before him had nothing to do with him.
But to the people of the Mittel Family, his composure only made him seem more inscrutable. To remain so calm amid such a grand reception was proof that he was accustomed to this kind of reverence.
"By the way," Hai Bodong suddenly said, remembering something. He turned and gestured toward Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, then added to Teng Shan, "These two are Master Lin Chen's companions, Miss Xiao Yi Xian and Miss Qing Lin. They are honored guests of our family as well."
"See that they're treated well. Not the slightest neglect is acceptable."
The two girls were so flustered by the reception that Xiao Yi Xian hurriedly raised a hand to return the greeting, her cheeks faintly flushed.
Qing Lin, however, was so frightened that she hid behind Xiao Yi Xian. Only her round eyes peeked out as she stared timidly at Teng Shan, unable to get a word out.
Seeing this, Teng Shan quickly beckoned the maids behind him.
He specifically selected the two who seemed the most quick-witted and considerate, then quietly instructed them, "You two will look after the young ladies. Do your utmost to care for them."
"If anything goes wrong, you'll answer for it!"
Watching this, Lin Chen reminded Teng Shan, "Find them a quiet courtyard to stay in, preferably away from the main residence so no one disturbs them."
"They'll be staying for a while. I'll leave their safety in your hands."
"Rest assured, Master!"
Teng Shan thumped his chest in assurance, his tone utterly solemn.
"I'll have the Quiet Heart Courtyard in the west wing prepared right away. It's the quietest courtyard in the family. Usually, I'm the only one who goes there to read, so no one will disturb them!"
"I'll also assign ten Dou Ling-level guards to stand watch outside, to ensure the young ladies' safety!"
With that, he immediately summoned the steward and gave him instructions in person, afraid of overlooking even the smallest detail.
A short while later, everyone entered the Mittel Family's main hall.
The hall was lavishly decorated, with polished rosewood tables and chairs and fine calligraphy and paintings hanging on the walls.
But no sooner had everyone sat down than a surging aura swept over from afar and came to a steady halt above the estate. The maids hadn't even served tea yet.
A deep, resonant voice rang across the entire estate. "Jia Xingtian of the Jia Ma Imperial Family has come to pay a visit to Elder Hai and Master Lin Chen!"
The hall fell silent in an instant. Everyone looked toward the doorway, their eyes full of shock.
Teng Shan even rose to his feet without thinking. Jia Xingtian was the Imperial Family's guardian, a Peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor and one of the strongest people in the entire Jia Ma Empire.
He had arrived this quickly? And he had specifically mentioned Master Lin Chen. Clearly, he had come for Lin Chen!
Hearing the voice, Hai Bodong's lips curled into a familiar smile. He called out to the sky, "Old Xingtian, it's been so many years, and your nose is still as sharp as ever!"
"I just got back, and you're already at my door. Did you have people keeping an eye on me all along?"
Before he had even finished speaking, a figure appeared in the doorway.
The newcomer wore a simple hemp robe and looked unremarkable, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.
His gaze swept over everyone, bringing with it an intangible pressure. It was Jia Xingtian.
The moment he entered, his gaze fell on Hai Bodong, his expression carrying a hint of teasing. "Hai Bodong, you old thing. You've been gone for all these years, and now you're back making such a commotion."
"Your Six-Star Dou Huang strength is a surprise. I thought it would take you a few more years to break through."
"Likewise."
Hai Bodong shot back without the slightest courtesy, lifting a teacup from the table and taking a sip. "You're still stuck at Peak Nine-Star Dou Huang, aren't you?"
"After all these years, you still haven't touched the threshold of Dou Zong?"
Though they belonged to different forces, the two had joined hands against a magical beast tide decades ago. They were old comrades who had faced life and death together, as well as old rivals who liked to measure themselves against each other.
They had always spoken bluntly, with no formality between them.
Watching them, everyone in the hall marveled inwardly. Only Elder Hai would dare speak to Jia Xingtian like that.
After their banter, Jia Xingtian finally turned his gaze to Lin Chen, seated at the head of the hall. His expression immediately grew serious.
He examined the youth before him closely, growing more alarmed the longer he looked. Lin Chen's cultivation was clearly only at Dou Wang, yet the aura around him was steadier than that of many Dou Huang experts.
What was more, Jia Xingtian couldn't see through Lin Chen's true depth at all. There were only two possibilities: either Lin Chen had some special way to conceal his strength, or his real power far surpassed what he showed!
Either way, he was someone worth taking seriously.
Just then, a maid's announcement came from outside. "Master Chemir, vice president of the Alchemist Guild, has arrived!"
"Clan Head Nalan Su of the Nalan Clan has arrived!"
"Clan Head Mu Chen of the Mu Clan has arrived!"
One distinguished figure after another entered the hall, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense.
Chemir wore the Alchemist Guild's white robe, with a Fifth-Grade Alchemist Badge pinned to his chest. The moment he entered, he stared at Lin Chen, his eyes burning with interest.
Nalan Su looked anxious, wiping the sweat from his brow now and then. He had clearly come because of Nalan Jie's illness.
Mu Chen wore a dark brocade robe and had a mild smile on his face, but he was secretly sizing Lin Chen up.
He wanted to find out what made this young man, whom Hai Bodong respected, so exceptional.
Chemir spoke first, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity. "Master Lin Chen, President Fa Ma saw what you could do in Black Rock City. After he returned, he couldn't stop praising you."
"I'm just curious—what grade are the pills you refine?"
It was a direct question. After all, in the Jia Ma Empire, an alchemist's grade directly determined his standing. If Lin Chen was a Third- or Fourth-Grade Alchemist, perhaps they could recruit him.
If he was Fifth-Grade, they would have to treat him as an honored guest; if he was Sixth-Grade... Chemir didn't dare finish the thought.
After all, President Fa Ma was the only Fifth-Grade Alchemist in the entire Jia Ma Empire.
Everyone in the hall held their breath and stared at Lin Chen. Even Jia Xingtian leaned forward slightly, clearly eager to hear the answer.
Lin Chen's fingertip twitched, and a wisp of pale golden flame quietly appeared.
The instant the flame appeared, the temperature in the hall rose. A rich pill fragrance spread through the air.
Even Chemir, an alchemist himself, couldn't help but brighten at the sight. The flame was of extraordinary quality—at least on the level of a Heavenly Flame!
A moment later, an Alchemist Badge engraved with the words "Sixth Grade" floated out of Lin Chen's storage ring and hung in midair.
A pearly white light glimmered across its surface, making it especially dazzling.
"I've only refined a few Sixth-Grade Pills in passing. It's nothing worth mentioning."
Lin Chen spoke calmly, as though it were something trivial. With a light flick of his finger, he put away the flame and badge.
But those calm words, paired with the Sixth-Grade Alchemist Badge, crashed through the hall like a bolt of thunder!
"A... a Sixth-Grade Alchemist?!"
Chemir sprang to his feet and pointed at the badge, his voice trembling and his eyes full of disbelief. "I-is that real?"
"You're actually a Sixth-Grade Alchemist?! And so young?"
He had spent decades practicing alchemy, yet had only just managed to reach the peak of the Fifth Grade. He hadn't even touched the threshold of the Sixth Grade.
The youth before him was already a Sixth-Grade Alchemist. It completely overturned everything he thought he knew about alchemy!
Nalan Su had been consumed with anxiety over his father's illness. Now, he stood rooted to the spot as if struck by lightning.
The way he looked at Lin Chen changed in an instant. He no longer saw a healer, but someone to revere. To persuade a Sixth-Grade Alchemist to treat his father's poison would be an immense stroke of fortune, no matter the cost!
He even began to regret how little he had prepared as payment, afraid that Lin Chen might refuse.
Mu Chen drew in a sharp breath, the smile on his face instantly turning solemn.
He had only come over to "make himself known" and see if he could mend his relationship with Hai Bodong.
But now, it seemed that winning Lin Chen over was the most important thing!
A sixth-grade alchemist was enough to drive any faction into a frenzy.
If he could build a good relationship with Lin Chen, the Mu Clan wouldn't have to worry about its development for decades to come!
He was secretly glad he hadn't slighted Lin Chen. Otherwise, he would surely have regretted it beyond measure.
A flicker of surprise crossed Jia Xingtian's eyes, and his fingers instinctively clenched his sleeve.
He had suspected as much, but he hadn't expected Lin Chen's alchemy skills to be so terrifying!
The value of a sixth-grade alchemist was even greater than that of a Dou Emperor. After all, a family could cultivate a Dou Emperor through inheritance, but a sixth-grade alchemist depended entirely on talent and opportunity. Even with money, you might not be able to hire one!
He silently calculated: The Break Sect Pill reward the Imperial Family offered earlier was probably a little too "meager."
I'll have to sweeten the deal when I get back. I must make sure Lin Chen agrees to refine the pill.
Mite Tengshan was even more excited, trembling from head to toe, his hands clasped tightly together and his old face beaming with delight.
He looked at Lin Chen as though he were looking at the future of the family. The family had not only welcomed Elder Hai, a Six-Star Dou Emperor, back into its fold, but also secured the services of a sixth-grade alchemist!
Such an opportunity was one the Mittel Family might encounter only once in several centuries!
With these two great figures on their side, not only could they consolidate their position, but becoming the foremost faction in the imperial capital was not beyond reach!
"My heavens! He's actually a sixth-grade alchemist! No wonder Elder Hai treats the master with such respect. I'd respect him too!"
"A sixth-grade alchemist in his teens—if word got out, wouldn't the entire Dou Qi Continent be shaken?"
"Our Jia Ma Empire finally has another sixth-grade alchemist!"
"I was just in the same hall as a sixth-grade alchemist! If I told anyone, they'd think I was bragging!"
"Our Mittel Family really has struck it lucky!"
The murmuring in the hall could no longer be suppressed. Everyone looked at Lin Chen with awe and admiration, even breathing carefully.
Hai Bodong watched the scene, though he had expected it all along:
Back in Black Rock City, when he had witnessed Lin Chen refine a perfect sixth-grade pill with his own eyes, he had been even more shocked than everyone here.
This was merely seeing it all over again.
Lin Chen paid no mind to the reactions around him. He raised a hand and put away the badge and flame, his expression still calm, as though the uproar he had just caused had nothing to do with him.
Jia Xingtian was the first to recover. He cleared his throat, suppressing his excitement.
His manner toward Lin Chen grew even more respectful, with a hint of ingratiation. "Master Lin Chen, I mentioned the Break Sect Pill to you earlier..."
"You know that I've been stuck at the Peak Nine-Star Dou Emperor level for many years, and have long hoped to break through to Dou Zong."
"If you can refine a Break Sect Pill for me, the Imperial Family is willing to offer two seventh-tier Magic Cores, three thousand-year-old Dragon Whisker Ice Fire Fruits, and five eight-hundred-year-old Snow Jade Bone Ginsengs."
"Additionally...the Imperial Family's treasury will let you choose any three items!"
He put particular emphasis on his final words. The Imperial Family's treasury held many ancient relics, coveted even by Dou Huang experts.
This was the greatest show of sincerity the Imperial Family could offer.
Lin Chen gave a slight nod. The reward was indeed generous, especially the thousand-year-old Dragon Whisker Ice Fire Fruits, which were just the main ingredients he needed for a certain pill.
He spoke calmly. "Provide the materials, and I can refine one."
"Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!"
Jia Xingtian was overjoyed, the wrinkles on his face spreading into a smile. He hurriedly said, "I've already prepared the materials. They're in the Imperial Family's treasury and can be brought out at any time!"
"When it's convenient for you, I'll personally bring them to you!"
Seeing this, Nalan Su hurried forward and bowed deeply to Lin Chen:
"Lin..."
Before you continue