Xiao Yan of Wu Tan City?

Aside from his rapid advancement in cultivation, with the assistance of the Snake Emperor's Mysterious Flame, Su Heng had finally succeeded in fusing First-grade Pills.

Medicinal ingredients that once required three days of refinement to reach perfect purity could now be refined in mere minutes.

What had once taken seven days to fuse into a pill now took Su Heng just over an hour.

Over the following three months, Su Heng neither attended classes nor went sightseeing.

He did only one thing: desperately refine pills day and night. The black flames in the cultivation chamber seemed never to have gone out, burning continuously for over a hundred days.

If the date of the Alchemist rank assessment had not been approaching, Su Heng could have remained in seclusion for several more months.

He had originally intended to turn all the medicinal ingredients obtained from the Xuanjia Snake Emperor into pills, but time was limited, and he had refined less than half of them.

At this point, Su Heng possessed more than six hundred First-grade Pills, over a hundred Second-grade Pills, and several Third-grade Pills.

At market price, high-grade and top-grade First-grade Pills could sell for several thousand gold coins. Second-grade Pills averaged around ten thousand gold coins, while each Third-grade Pill could fetch more than a hundred thousand gold coins.

The higher a pill's grade, the more valuable it was. A Fourth-grade Pill could be worth several hundred thousand gold coins apiece.

If quality was lacking, then quantity would have to make up for it.

Su Heng now carried pills worth tens of millions of gold coins. Forget Profound Tier Dou Skills—even Earth Tier Dou Skills were well within his budget!

Moreover, although Su Heng had yet to become a true Alchemist, his ability already lay somewhere between that of a top Second-grade Alchemist and a Third-grade Alchemist.

An Alchemist's grade was not determined by the highest-grade pill they could refine, but by the grade of pills they could reliably produce.

A Second-grade Alchemist might be able to refine Third-grade Pills, but if their success rate was low, they would still be called a Second-grade Alchemist rather than a Third-grade Alchemist.

Su Heng was now absolutely certain of refining top-grade Second-grade Pills, but his success rate for Third-grade Pills was still somewhat low, at only around forty percent.

Therefore, Su Heng's actual grade was roughly at the peak of Second Grade. By his own estimate, if he remained in seclusion for another three to six months, he should reach the peak of Third Grade.

One step at a time. Stretching your stride too wide was liable to make something go "crack."

Completely exhausted, Su Heng could only temporarily abandon seclusion and return to daily life.

When he pushed open the door to the cultivation chamber, a thin layer of Dou Qi gauze suddenly covered Su Heng's dust-covered, haggard body.

Black flame Dou Qi wrapped around him, making him look like a Fenghuang reborn from fire.

Su Heng slowly walked over to a massive boulder in the courtyard and gently placed his palm against it.

The instant his palm touched the boulder, surging black flames shot forth. In an instant, pungent black smoke rose from the rock, while orange-yellow magma dripped down its surface and onto the ground with sizzling sounds.

Looking at his unharmed palm, Su Heng smiled. An uncontrollable grin of excitement spread across his face.

"Is this the gap between a Dou Master and a Dou Zhe?!"

Four months of arduous cultivation had not only caused his alchemy to advance by leaps and bounds; his cultivation realm had also risen dramatically.

Su Heng was now a Three-Star Dou Master, no longer the weak Dou Zhe he had once been.

Having remained in seclusion for so long, Su Heng knew he had neglected Qing Lin. He needed to spend some proper time with her next.

"Huh? Where's Qing Lin?"

Normally, Qing Lin would already be waiting outside when he emerged from seclusion. Yet this time, Su Heng did not see that familiar figure.

"Did she go shopping with Senior Sister Lin Fei?"

Whenever Qing Lin grew bored during his seclusion, she would go shopping and have fun with Lin Fei.

During their more than half a year in Black Rock City, Lin Fei had always cared for Qing Lin like an older sister. The two had an excellent relationship, so Su Heng naturally assumed Qing Lin had gone out to play.

But that thought lasted only a few seconds before vanishing completely from Su Heng's mind.

Just then, Su Heng sensed an immensely powerful and chilling aura—and its owner was Qing Lin!

"Could Qing Lin be in seclusion too?"

Su Heng hurried to Qing Lin's door. Before he even got close, a bone-piercing chill instantly swept over his entire body.

Despite already being a Three-Star Dou Master, the cold aura nearly froze all the blood in his body. His body stiffened at once, leaving him unable to move.

Stimulated by the extreme cold Dou Qi, the Profound Flame within Su Heng erupted fiercely. Though this chill was powerful, it still fell far short of the Profound Flame.

The cold was gradually driven away by scorching heat, and Su Heng slowly regained his senses.

He staggered back several steps, only releasing a long breath once the chilling sensation no longer assaulted him.

"I never expected Qing Lin's realm to be on the verge of breaking through to Da Dou Shi in such a short time!"

The Magical Beast energy feedback brought by the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, coupled with the boost of a High-Profound Tier water-attribute Cultivation Method.

Qing Lin was now about to break through into the Da Dou Shi realm.

After returning from the Magic Beast Mountains, Su Heng was not the only one who had felt the pressure brought by a Dou Emperor expert. Qing Lin had felt it deeply as well.

The Xuanjia Snake Emperor had allowed Qing Lin to witness for the first time what a Dou Emperor expert truly was. Its heaven-shaking power had left her frightened, but it had also stirred a trace of envy within her.

Furthermore, Little Black's unwillingness and despair before its death had continued to fiercely torment Qing Lin's heart. She no longer wanted to see those close to her, whether people or Magical Beasts, die helplessly in pain.

Thus, after Su Heng entered seclusion, Qing Lin had also begun seriously cultivating that High-Profound Tier Cultivation Method.

She was already exceptionally gifted, and the method's attribute perfectly matched her body. She soon broke through to Dou Master, and more than ten days ago, she had even reached Nine-Star Dou Master.

Qing Lin had originally intended to pause for a while and wait for Su Heng to emerge from seclusion, but no matter how long she waited, there was no sign of him coming out.

With nothing else to do, Qing Lin decided to try breaking through to Da Dou Shi.

As it happened, just as Su Heng emerged from seclusion, she reached the critical moment of advancing to Da Dou Shi.

This time, it was Su Heng's turn to take care of her.

"Qing Lin, you're awake."

Su Heng gently handed over a cup of hot tea, his face filled with delight as he looked at Qing Lin, who had successfully broken through to One-Star Great Dou Master.

"Brother Su Heng, let's go get revenge on the Xuanjia Snake Emperor! Qing Lin can definitely subdue it this time!"

Before they could even celebrate, Qing Lin's thoughts had already drifted to the Magic Beast Mountains.

A faint killing intent spread across Qing Lin's delicate oval face. She had no intention of swallowing the insult of being hunted down by the Xuanjia Snake Emperor.

As the saying went, when one carried a sharp weapon, murderous intent naturally arose. Even someone as gentle and timid as Qing Lin was no exception once she possessed great power.

"Now isn't the right time. Don't worry, Qing Lin. Your brother will make that Magical Beast pay sooner or later, just not today."

"Why not?! I can subdue it now!"

Seeing that Su Heng remained unmoved, Qing Lin actually became a little anxious. After spending so much time with Lin Fei, she had unconsciously developed a touch of bold spirit herself.

"Don't rush. Listen while I explain. If I'm not mistaken, the Xuanjia Snake Emperor is currently..."

To prevent Qing Lin from misunderstanding, Su Heng did not keep speaking in riddles. He began carefully explaining why.

Four months ago, Su Heng and Qing Lin had escaped safely from the Magic Beast Mountains, while the Xuanjia Snake Emperor had been scared out of its wits without question.

At this very moment, it was like a cunning rabbit with three burrows, changing hiding places every day. Even the Magical Beasts close to it did not know where the Snake Emperor was hiding.

If Su Heng and Qing Lin wanted to seek revenge at its doorstep, they would inevitably face the tight blockade of the Magical Beast horde. At their current realms, they simply could not fight their way through the beasts and take the Snake Emperor's head.

Although Su Heng also wanted to turn that Xuanjia Snake Emperor into a pet to guard the door, now truly was not a good time.

Better to let it tremble in fear for a while longer. In a few years, once it relaxed its guard and believed it had escaped death, they could deliver a fatal blow and plunge it into complete despair. That would be perfect.

After hearing Su Heng's explanation, Qing Lin suddenly understood and immediately realized she had been acting too impulsively.

Although the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils could deal with the Xuanjia Snake Emperor, non-snake Third-tier Magical Beasts would not be affected. If they launched a frontal assault, they would truly be courting death.

"Hmph! Then let it keep clinging to life a little longer!"

Having to temporarily put aside her hatred made Qing Lin somewhat annoyed. She pouted and muttered a few curses, venting her dissatisfaction that way.

Looking at Qing Lin now, Su Heng gently rubbed her little head and smiled with relief.

That little girl who had once been timid, weak, and shyly tried to please everyone had finally developed emotions of her own and begun living for her own feelings.

Over the following days, Su Heng and Qing Lin freely enjoyed themselves throughout the streets and alleys of Black Rock City, savoring the bustle of the mortal world.

After surviving in the wilderness and living like savages for nearly a month, anyone would have had enough.

Unfortunately, Lin Fei was busy preparing for her assessment and did not accompany them, which was a small regret.

Five days later, the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild would officially hold its rank assessment for Alchemist Apprentices.

After today, many people would become First-grade Alchemists, while many others would discover that more than three years of effort had not produced the results they hoped for.

Outside the Guild hall, the strict security demonstrated the importance of this assessment.

More than ten fully armed guards stood on both sides of the Guild entrance, carefully inspecting every Alchemist Apprentice who wished to enter.

Aside from the apprentices of the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild, many Alchemist Apprentices from other cities had also traveled great distances to take part in the assessment.

Most had failed assessments in their own cities and had come to Black Rock City to try their luck. After all, if they tried enough times, there was always a chance of success.

At noon, Su Heng, Lin Fei, and Master Otto appeared at the entrance of the Alchemist Guild.

Su Heng and the others were local Alchemist Apprentices of Black Rock City, so they were naturally in no hurry to queue. The apprentices from other cities, however, would have lined up before dawn if they could.

Ahead of Su Heng's group stood a youth in black, who was currently speaking with the guards.

No one knew what had happened, but the black-clothed youth looked somewhat bewildered, even slightly flustered.

"A letter of introduction? What's that?"

The youth scratched his head in confusion and muttered to himself, as though speaking to someone.

"Brother, generally speaking, Alchemist Apprentices of the Jia Ma Empire who wish to take an assessment at an Alchemist Guild outside their own city need a letter of introduction from their mentor."

Seeing the youth ahead of him stammering without making himself understood, Su Heng stepped forward and explained.

"Ah... I see... But I... don't have a letter of introduction."

The youth in black turned around, scratching his head helplessly as he looked apologetically at the two guards.

The youth had delicate features and a tall, slender build. The smile on his face seemed both familiar and unfamiliar, giving others a strange sense of déjà vu.

The most eye-catching thing about him, however, was the weapon slung across his back: a massive black ruler taller than half a man!

"Could he be Xiao Yan?!"

A bold thought flashed through Su Heng's mind. With that appearance and that bearing, there should not be a second person like him on the entire Dou Qi Continent.

"Brother... is there something on my face?"

When Xiao Yan saw Su Heng staring fixedly at him, he felt deeply awkward. It was the first time a man had looked at him that way.

"Oh, my apologies. I am Su Heng of Salt City. Your appearance resembles that of a close friend of mine, so I was rude just now. Please forgive me."

Su Heng cupped his hands in greeting and introduced himself.

According to the customs of the Dou Qi Continent, when strangers met and one side introduced their background, the other side should theoretically introduce themselves as well.

Su Heng was both testing him and looking for an opportunity to continue the conversation.

"No matter. I am Xiao Yan of Wu Tan City. A pleasure to meet you."

Xiao Yan did not disappoint, revealing that he came from Wu Tan City.

"Wu Tan City? Xiao Yan?"

Su Heng feigned surprise, then put on a thoughtful expression. After a moment, he slowly spoke.

"Brother, do you happen to know Xiao Li, the second young master of the Xiao Family in Wu Tan City? He is now the second commander of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group in Stone Desert City. You both share the surname Xiao—could you be from the same clan?"

At the mention of Xiao Li, Xiao Yan was visibly stunned. He seemed to understand why Su Heng had stared at him earlier. After all, he and Xiao Li were blood brothers and looked seventy or eighty percent alike.

"Xiao Li is my second brother."

Before Su Heng could respond to Xiao Yan's words, Qing Lin beside him beamed first.

She raised her delicate oval face, her eyes full of warmth, and said happily.

"So you're Young Master Xiao Yan! My name is Qing Lin. I used to be a maidservant of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group. The commander and second commander often mentioned you. They both said you were the genius of Wu Tan City! Though your cultivation situation was a little... strange..."

"Ah... well... I suppose so..."

The word "genius" might be praise when used for others, but for Xiao Yan, who had once been considered "trash" for several years, it was somewhat grating.

But the words came from a little girl, so Xiao Yan could only laugh it off and respond politely with a smile.

"By the way, you've met my eldest brother and second brother? Are they well?"

At the mention of his two brothers, Xiao Yan revealed obvious concern.

"Half a year ago, when I came to Black Rock City to study, Brother Xiao Li escorted me here. There were dangers along the way, but everyone remained safe. We've exchanged letters occasionally over the past half year, so Brother Xiao Li should be doing well."

"As for Brother Xiao Ding, I have not met him."

Su Heng briefly told Xiao Yan about the Desert Iron Mercenary Group escorting him to Black Rock City half a year ago. As for Xiao Ding, he truly had not met him yet.

Hearing that both his brothers were safe, Xiao Yan felt greatly relieved.

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li had left home many years ago. The brothers who had once protected him from being bullied now commanded their own force. That was truly cause for happiness.

With this connection between them, the distance between Su Heng and Xiao Yan lessened considerably.

The two quickly began chatting like old friends, temporarily forgetting that they were here for an assessment.

Fortunately, Otto reminded them from the side, pulling the two animated young men back to reality.

"Brother Xiao, you're here to take the Alchemist rank assessment too, right?"

"Leave the letter of introduction to me. You don't need to worry."

Su Heng gestured for Xiao Yan to relax, then turned and cupped his hands toward the guards at the entrance, speaking politely.

"Gentlemen, Brother Xiao is my friend. He may have left in a hurry and forgotten his letter of introduction. I hope you can make an exception."

"If anything happens, I, Su Heng, will bear full responsibility."

The guards did not know Xiao Yan, but Su Heng was the foremost among the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild's apprentices and was destined to become a high-grade Alchemist. They did not dare show him the slightest disrespect, immediately stepping aside and allowing the group to pass.