Outside the window, clouds drift and bamboo shadows sway, reflected on the carved wooden windowpane, moving gently in the breeze, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
The two chatted casually, with Su Ming doing most of the talking and Han Xuanji occasionally responding.
Su Ming talked about some major events that had happened in the Immortal Realm recently, such as the appearance of an ancient immortal mansion ruin that sparked a struggle among various parties, a chaotic battle among Immortal Dao prodigies, and even the appearance of Devil Cultivator.
"I've heard that the ' Myriad Dharma Immortal Sect ' has produced an unparalleled genius who, at only a thousand years old, has already reached the Profound Mystic Immortal. His ' Myriad Transformations Return to Origin Immortal Technique ' has swept aside his peers, making him extremely popular and earning him tenth place on the Immortal Dao Heaven's Chosen Ranking."
Su Ming's tone carried a hint of longing, but that was all; there was no jealousy.
The Myriad Dharma Immortal Sect is located in the Myriad Dharma Immortal Domain. It is also an extremely powerful force, no less than the Spirit Void Heavenly Palace.
Han Xuanji listened quietly, his expression calm, and nodded slightly upon hearing this.
It turns out that once someone reaches the Mystic Immortal, they can be among the top ten.
That doesn't seem difficult.
I wonder who came in first place?
As they were chatting, there was a gentle knock on the door of the private room.
Su Ming frowned slightly, seemingly displeased at being disturbed, but still raised his voice and said:
What is it?
A respectful voice came from outside the door:
"Lord Su, we are disciples of Zhao Yuan True Disciple Sacred Forest Peak, along with several other disciples from the Pill Lineage. Hearing of your presence, we have come to pay our respects."
Su Ming glanced at Han Xuanji, and seeing that he made no comment, he still said:
"Let them go, I'm busy."
Seeing this, the waiter also looked innocently at the people outside the door.
"In that case, I won't bother you any longer."
Zhao Yuan's expression was somewhat unpleasant, and Ji Tianxing and the others were equally displeased, but they didn't say anything. Only Ji Tianxing uttered this sentence.
"Didn't you say you knew Su Ming?"
Ji Tianxing asked in surprise.
Zhao Yuan's face turned ashen. He had exchanged a few words with Su Ming, and even discussed Dao once. Didn't that mean they were acquaintances?
On the other side.
Han Xuanji was also somewhat surprised and asked:
"If it were your good friend coming, there would be no need to be so cold-hearted."
Su Ming thought for a moment and said:
"I don't know this person well either, it's all so strange."
"Oh, I guess they're trying to befriend you, their chief disciple."
Han Xuanji smiled.
"Maybe."
Su Ming sighed.
Back then, he was unknown and questioned by countless people.
In just a few decades, countless people tried to curry favor with him and sought every opportunity to get close to him, but he never paid any attention to them.
Only Han Xuanji was someone he regarded as both a teacher and a friend.
The two chatted for an hour and a half before concluding.
Pushing open the door, I found several people who had been waiting for quite some time.
Zhao Yuan's gaze swept over Han Xuanji, a complex emotion flashing across his face, but he still bowed to Su Ming first:
"Senior Brother Su."
Then he awkwardly cupped his hands in greeting to Han Xuanji, but his tone was not very warm.
"Senior Brother Han."
Jiang Yuan and the others were much more polite, bowing to each other:
"Senior Brother Su, Senior Brother Han."
Han Xuanji also nodded slightly to Jiang Yuan in response.
Jiang Yuan felt a strange pang of regret.
Over the years, he had maintained some contact with Han Xuanji, but they had never become close or met in person. He was even unaware that Han Xuanji and Su Ming knew each other. Upon seeing Han Xuanji now, he felt a moment of disorientation.
She remains as extraordinary and refined as ever, possessing a unique charisma.
Su Ming nodded slightly before asking:
"Junior Brother Zhao, what important matter brings you here?"
Zhao Yuan took a deep breath, suppressed his emotions, forced a smile, and looked at Su Ming, his tone carrying a deliberately feigned eagerness:
"It's nothing serious, I just heard some news."
"Oh? What news?"
Su Ming raised an eyebrow.
Zhao Yuan raised his voice a few decibels to ensure everyone in the private room could hear him clearly:
"Rumor has it that, in order to deal with the demonic calamity and to inspire future generations, our Pill Lineage will hold the ' Pill Lineage Grand Competition ' in thirteen years!"
Each peak must select outstanding young disciples to participate in the Dao of Alchemy. The winner will not only receive generous rewards, but their peak's resource allocation for the next hundred years will also be significantly increased!
Upon hearing this, apart from Ji Tianxing, who already knew the truth, Jiang Yuan, Li Qianluo, and the others all showed surprise and eagerness to try.
The Dao of Alchemy Grand Competition is a major event for Pill Lineage, concerning the reputation and practical benefits of each peak, and has always been highly valued.
Of course, Han Xuanji and Su Ming had received the news well in advance, so they were not surprised.
Immortal Lord Yunmiao specifically asked Han Xuanji if he wanted to participate.
Han Xuanji naturally refused, Immortal Lord Yunmiao was not surprised, nor did he insist, as he knew his disciple's personality well.
As for Su Ming, he didn't have any particular thoughts after learning that Han Xuanji wouldn't participate.
Given his status, it wouldn't have been appropriate for him to get involved, since he was of the same generation as the various Peak Master. Even if he didn't participate, no one would have said anything.
After Zhao Yuan finished speaking, his gaze involuntarily drifted to Han Xuanji, who seemed detached from the matter. A hint of provocation flashed in his eyes. Suddenly, he changed the subject and said loudly:
"I have long heard that Senior Brother Han has received the True Disciple of Yunmiao Uncle Yunmiao, and his cultivation in Dao of Alchemy must be unfathomable."
"On the occasion of this grand event, I wonder if Senior Brother Han dares to challenge me to a duel in this competition?"
His question was extremely impolite, almost like issuing a challenge in front of everyone, with a clear intention to provoke.
In an instant, the private room fell silent, and all eyes were focused on Han Xuanji.
Jiang Yuan looked anxious and wanted to speak up to smooth things over, but Ji Tianxing stopped him with a look.
Li Qianluo frowned slightly, feeling that Zhao Yuan's actions were too aggressive, but she was also somewhat curious.
Han Xuanji has never revealed his cultivation level or Dao of Alchemy skills in front of others. What kind of magic does he possess that makes Immortal Lord Yunmiao value him and is highly regarded by Su Ming, the chief disciple?
Unlike before, Su Ming's talent has not been recognized by many people.
Han Xuanji looked calmly at Zhao Yuan, his gaze as deep as an ancient pool, devoid of joy or anger, yet it made Zhao Yuan's heart tighten for no reason.
" The Dao of Alchemy Grand Competition is a major event for any sect, and it has its own rules and procedures."
Han Xuanji spoke, his voice flat and emotionless.
Whether Han participates or not, and how he participates, will be decided by our teachers and Purple Firmament Peak at that time. Junior Brother Zhao need not worry about it.
He paused, his tone still calm:
"As for seeking guidance... those who cultivate should focus on improving themselves. Competing for empty fame only wastes their energy and is of no benefit to the Great Way."
"If Junior Brother Zhao is willing, he may use his skills during the competition."
He refused so casually.
Furthermore, their words characterized Zhao Yuan's challenge as "competing for empty fame."
Zhao Yuan's face instantly turned bright red, as if he had punched empty air, and he felt extremely uncomfortable.
He hadn't expected Han Xuanji to be so "cowardly," lacking even the courage to confront him head-on.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but chuckle, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Senior Brother Han, are you... scared? Well, you've been working behind closed doors all day, I'm afraid you haven't even opened your Pill Furnace in ages..."
Zhao Yuan!
Before he could finish speaking, Su Ming's expression grew increasingly grim, his gaze sharp as a sword, piercing directly at Zhao Yuan:
"Watch your words! How dare you presume to know the extent of Senior Brother Han's cultivation?"
Su Ming was usually easygoing, but when he got angry, he exuded an undeniable aura of authority, which made Zhao Yuan's heart tremble.
Su Ming looked at him coldly and continued, "Senior Brother Han is devoted to the Great Dao and dislikes conflict. Why would he bother with such a petty squabble? Since you are so eager to exchange Dao of Alchemy with others..."
He stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on Zhao Yuan's face, his voice clear:
"Having received guidance from Brother Han and Senior Brother Yunmiao, I am considered a disciple of Purple Firmament Peak, and therefore accept your challenge True Disciple of Sacred Forest Peak!"
These words shocked everyone present.
Su Ming personally stepped onto the stage to accept the challenge on behalf of Han Xuanji.
Zhao Yuan was taken aback at first, then his eyes burst with wild joy and fighting spirit.
Being able to compete on the same stage as Su Ming, who is currently the most popular, is exactly what he wants.
If he can defeat Su Ming, his reputation in the Pill Lineage will surely reach its peak!
His master will surely treat him differently.
"Alright! Senior Brother Su is a man of few words! It's a deal!"
Fearing that Su Ming might change his mind, Zhao Yuan immediately agreed, his face beaming with excitement.