The Alchemist Competition had ended, and just as Ling Feng had expected, the championship title went to Xun Xiao.
With that, the competition drew to a close.
As this year's Alchemist Competition champion, Xun Xiao naturally received olive branches from numerous factions. For a time, he basked in boundless glory.
Ling Feng, meanwhile, had remained in seclusion ever since the Alchemist Competition, until five days later...
Inside his room, Ling Feng finally opened his eyes after immersing himself in cultivation. A dark, fathomless gleam flickered within them, and he seemed to have entered a deeper realm.
"Peak Nine-Star Dou Ling!"
Delight filled Ling Feng's face. "This seclusion really paid off. I'm only one step away from becoming a Dou Wang. Once I take that step, I'll truly rank among the Jia Ma Empire's powerhouses."
The sense of fullness from the tremendous surge of power within him left Ling Feng intoxicated.
"The remaining essence of the green lotus core flame is enough for me to break through to Dou Wang. Unfortunately, I have something important to do today. Otherwise, I'd definitely make that breakthrough before leaving seclusion."
Ling Feng's gaze sharpened. "Now it's time to head to the Misty Cloud Sect."
Today was the day Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran would fulfill their three-year agreement. How could Ling Feng miss the excitement of such a "joyous occasion"?
"Right, I'd better make a few more preparations to guard against surprises. Perhaps I can catch Xiao Yan and the others in one net!"
An idea suddenly struck Ling Feng, and a meaningful smile curled his lips. "Now that I've reached Peak Dou Ling, I can summon those two..."
The Imperial Capital, Wolong Inn.
Room 201.
Suddenly, a burst of laughter rang out. Had the room not been soundproofed, it would probably have