Yao Lao shook his head and stopped dwelling on it.
If it was a blessing, it was not a calamity; if it was a calamity, there was no avoiding it.
Liu Bai lifted his teacup and took a light sip, his gaze still fixed in a direction beyond the window.
Hai Bodong followed his gaze, but saw nothing noteworthy and could not be bothered to ask.
Stroking his beard, he suddenly recalled something and smiled.
"By the way, you came back at just the right time. The Jia Ma Empire has been holding the Alchemist Tournament these past few days. It's incredibly lively."
Liu Bai withdrew his gaze, one brow lifting slightly.
"The Alchemist Tournament?"
Hai Bodong nodded.
"Yes, it's a grand event held once every five years. Nearly every Alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire takes part. This year happened to be the right time. It started two days ago and has now reached a crucial stage."
He paused before continuing.
"There are a few favorites to win, and you probably know some of them. Yao Yue, the little princess of the Jia Ma Imperial Family—her alchemy has improved rapidly over the past two years, and she's already a Fourth-Grade Alchemist. Then there's Liu Ling, Gu He's disciple, also a Fourth-Grade Alchemist. Both are strong contenders for the championship. Oh, and there's another one called Yan Xiao."
Liu Bai listened with an indifferent expression.
Naturally, he remembered that girl Yao Yue. Back when he was at the Jia Ma Imperial Palace, she had pestered him every day to teach her alchemy. She had studied quite seriously.
He had not expected her to have reached the fourth grade after just a few years apart.
He had also heard a little about Liu Ling, Gu He's disciple. He was considered one