Eve of the Third Match

The following day, as it was the last match of the Alchemist Grand Meeting, the number of people in the spectator stands increased dramatically compared to the previous two days.

Many of the Jia Ma Empire's top officials, who were rarely seen in the past, appeared this time. The area around the Royal Plaza was packed with people, stretching as far as the eye could see.

However, this was not a problem for the participants at all, as they had already entered the competition venue through a special passage.

Compared to the tense atmosphere on the field, the atmosphere in the Battle Stage was much more relaxed.

"Fa Ma, are you sure your backup plan is foolproof, old man?" But there was clearly one exception among them. Jia Xing Tian was quite displeased with Fa Ma's suspenseful behavior.

"Oh? It seems something happened that I don't know about!" At this moment, the temperature on the field suddenly dropped, and Hai Bo Dong said with a look of anticipation.

"Hai Bo Dong, I hope you'll still be in a good mood after hearing this," Jia Xing Tian said in a low voice.

"Then I'm even more interested." Hai Bo Dong's lips curled up slightly.

Jia Xing Tian snorted coldly and then told Hai Bo Dong about what he and Fa Ma had discovered the previous night.

As expected, after hearing Jia Xing Tian's account, Hai Bo Dong's face darkened instantly, and he said with murderous intent, "This Chu Yun Empire really doesn't want to live anymore!"

Then he looked at Jia Xing Tian with a sarcastic tone, "You old man are getting old, aren't you? You're so indecisive."

Hai Bo Dong and Jia Xing Tian shared the same idea: to kill those bastards from the Chu Yun Empire!

"What did you say, you old bastard?" Jia Xing Tian frowned. If they weren't in a public place, he would definitely have a fight with Hai Bo Dong.

At this point, Fa Ma acted as a peacemaker, saying, "Don't worry so much, there's still a chance for things to turn around."

"Hmph!" Jia Xing Tian said unhappily, "Fa Ma, if you say something wrong this time, all the responsibility will fall on you."

Suddenly, Jia Xing Tian noticed the extra seat next to Fa Ma and asked in confusion, "Fa Ma, who is this for?"

Hai Bo Dong also cast a puzzled look at them.

"Hehe~" Fa Ma stroked his long beard and said with a smile:

"You two will be able to meet this distinguished guest shortly before the competition begins. Then you will understand everything."

"I'd like to see what you're really up to." Having said that, Jia Xing Tian felt more at ease and stopped pursuing the matter.

As the blazing sun rose higher, the match time drew ever closer. Almost all the stands were full.

While the contestants and spectators waited for the match to begin, a middle-aged man who was very familiar to the high-ranking officials of the Jia Ma Empire appeared on the second floor of the venue.

The man strode forward with an imposing air, his voice preceding his arrival. "It seems I, Xiao, haven't arrived too late!"

"Hmm?" Upon hearing the voice, Fa Ma immediately stood up to greet him, while Jia Xing Tian and Hai Bo Dong exchanged a glance, realized what was happening, and also stood up.

She stared at the seemingly ordinary middle-aged man with a look of surprise, but despite her inner confusion, her hands moved with lightning speed. "Xiao Clan Leader!"

"Zhan greets all seniors!" Xiao Zhan bowed and said with a smile.

Meanwhile, the Nalan Family in the distance also saw Xiao Zhan chatting and laughing with many powerful figures.

"Hey!" Nalan Jie sighed with a complicated expression, but said nothing and made no move forward.

When Nalan Yanran went to the Xiao Clan to annul the engagement, the Nalan Family and the Xiao Clan had already become strangers.

Nalan Yanran also saw the changing expressions on Nalan Jie's face, and Nalan Yanran gradually realized the impropriety of her impulsive actions back then.

However, her pride prevented her from going to the Xiao Clan to apologize; she simply waited quietly for the Three-Year Agreement to be fulfilled.

Xiao Zhan was naturally unaware of the Nalan Family's inner thoughts, and he didn't care.

He came here specifically to watch his beloved son's match.

"Xiao Clan Leader, could you tell us old folks where the Tier 5 Alchemist Grandmaster that the Xiao Clan sent is?" Fa Ma asked curiously.

He had observed carefully these past few days, but to no avail. The only one who stood out was the young man named Yan Xiao, but he didn't believe it.

Because that person is not even twenty years old!

"Fifth Grade Alchemist!" Jia Xing Tian exclaimed in surprise, then suddenly realized...

"No wonder you old codger aren't worried at all; you actually have a Fifth Grade Alchemist there keeping things under control!"

Jia Xing Tian was finally relieved. Yan Li was just a Fourth Rank Alchemist; what could he possibly do against Fifth Grade Alchemist?

"Old Man Jia, you flatter me. You should thank Xiao Clan Leader. This Fifth Grade Alchemist is their trump card that they provided to our Alchemist Grand Meeting!"

Haha~

"I dare not accept such praise!" Xiao Zhan repeatedly declined.

"So, did Xiao Clan Leader come here to watch that Fifth Grade Alchemist's competition?" Jia Xing Tian had no doubt about the Xiao Clan's power and changed the subject.

"I guess so!" Xiao Zhan replied vaguely, thus letting the matter drop.

Then, with a hint of pride, he said...

"In fact, even without my Xiao Clan's Fifth Grade Alchemist, Yan Li of the Chu Yun Empire would not have been able to succeed."

Jia Xing Tian and the others were all shocked. "Did Xiao Clan Leader already know Yan Li's identity?"

"I only did a little investigation." Xiao Zhan said modestly, which was taken as an admission.

However, Fa Ma recalled what Xiao Zhan had just said, "It seems that Xiao Clan Leader thinks highly of that young man named Yan Xiao!"

Xiao Zhan smiled and explained, "After all, he's a young man capable of subduing Exotic Fire. Doesn't he deserve this praise?"

"Xiao Clan Leader is right!" Although everyone was still uneasy, they couldn't refuse him.

In contrast to the good-natured scene of the two brothers on the Battle Stage, many contestants were in intense preparation and adjusting their state. Xiao Yan was no exception. What Elder Yao told him last night made Xiao Yan dare not relax for a moment.

"Little guy, you'd better do your best this time!" The Elder Yao's voice echoed in his mind.

Xiao Yan was stunned. "Teacher, what happened?"

"Look up!"

Since Xiao Zhan did not conceal his presence, Xiao Yan only needed to glance up to the second floor to see the figure he had not seen for nearly two years, and his excitement was beyond words.

Xiao Zhan seemed to notice Xiao Yan's gaze as well, and looked over in their direction, smiling.

"Father!" Xiao Yan's emotional fluctuations were noticed even by those around him. Yao Yue and the others stepped forward to inquire about his well-being, but Xiao Yan brushed them off.

But Xiao Yan's determination to win the championship was now far greater than before.