Mittel's Invitation, Undercurrents Stir

Yan Pharmacy's fame was at its zenith in Wutan City. Not only did ordinary townspeople flock to it, but members of some of the city's smaller families also came one after another to buy pills. Under the name "Yan Xiao," Xiao Yan refined a limited number of pills each day, maintaining an air of mystery while avoiding excessive exposure of his strength. In just a few days, he had amassed considerable wealth and points.

[System notification: Current points: 1,480. Items available for exchange include several kinds of Mortal Tier Top Grade medicinal ingredients, the Profound Tier Low Grade Dou Technique "Wind Blade Technique," and a Dou Qi cultivation acceleration card (one day).]

Xiao Yan looked at the system panel but did not rush to make an exchange. He was waiting for a better opportunity. Beginner pill refinement was enough to meet his current needs; his most pressing task was to break through to the Da Dou Shi realm, the threshold for truly joining the ranks of the Dou Qi Continent's powerful.

One afternoon, just after the pharmacy had seen off a group of customers, a series of steady footsteps sounded outside. An old man in moon-white robes walked in slowly, surrounded by several guards. His hair and beard were white, and his face was kindly, but his eyes were as deep as an abyss. A faint yet formidable presence emanated from him-he was at least a Da Dou Shi!

"You must be Mr. Yan Xiao?" The old man smiled, his voice gentle. "I am Mittel Tengshan. Please forgive this presumptuous visit."

Mittel Tengshan?

Xiao Yan's heart stirred. This man was the one in charge of the Mittel Family's affairs in Wutan City and a close friend of Master Fa Ma. His strength was said to have reached the level of a Three-Star Da Dou Shi, making him one of Wutan City's true top figures. The pharmacy manager who had been beaten yesterday was merely one of his stewards.

"You're too polite, Elder Tengshan." Maintaining his disguise as Yan Xiao, Xiao Yan replied calmly, "What brings you here today, Elder?"

"I wouldn't presume to offer instruction." Mittel Tengshan waved a hand, his gaze sweeping over the furnishings in the pharmacy before settling on Xiao Yan. "I heard that your pill refinement skills are exceptional, Mr. Yan Xiao. Yesterday, my foolish disciple had eyes but failed to recognize your worth and offended you. I have come to apologize."

With that, a guard behind him presented an exquisite wooden box. Teng Shan opened it to reveal three Mortal Tier Top Grade medicinal ingredients in excellent condition, worth far more than yesterday's fifty gold coins.

"A small gift. I hope you will accept it."

Xiao Yan understood when he saw the ingredients. Teng Shan was a sensible man: he had come to show goodwill before getting down to business. Xiao Yan made no show of refusing and motioned for the shop assistant to accept the box. "You're too kind, Elder. Yesterday was merely a misunderstanding, and it's already behind us."

"You are magnanimous, sir." Teng Shan stroked his beard and smiled. "To tell the truth, I came today not only to apologize, but also to ask a favor."

"Please, go ahead."

"I heard that you can refine Blood Coagulation Powder of a quality far beyond the ordinary." Teng Shan spoke earnestly. "To be frank, my Mittel Family recently received an order and needs a batch of Mortal Tier High Grade Rejuvenation Powder to treat the injured in our family's merchant caravan. Unfortunately, our family's alchemist has gone into seclusion. I searched all of Wutan City, but could find no one capable of refining it. I heard of your excellent skills and wondered if you might be willing to help?"

Rejuvenation Powder?

Xiao Yan was slightly surprised. Wasn't that the very pill formula he had just obtained?

[Ding! Side quest triggered: "Make a Name in Alchemy"!]

[Quest requirement: Refine ten batches of Mortal Tier High Grade Rejuvenation Powder for the Mittel Family. The pills in each batch must be at least middle grade.]

[Quest rewards: Tenth Stage of Dou Qi cultivation, 1,000 points, Mittel Family friendship (priority purchase of rare medicinal ingredients), and "Insights into Alchemy" (beginner) unlocked.]

"I can." Xiao Yan did not hesitate. "However, the ingredients for Rejuvenation Powder are rather unusual, and refining it is no easy task. As for the price..."

"Rest assured," Teng Shan said at once. "The Mittel Family will provide the ingredients, and I am willing to pay five hundred gold coins per batch. If you produce high-grade pills, I'll add another two hundred!"

Five hundred gold coins per batch, or seven hundred for high-grade pills, meant five to seven thousand gold coins for ten batches. The price was already extremely generous. Xiao Yan nodded. "All right. Send someone to collect the pills in three days, Elder."

"Thank you, sir!" Teng Shan was overjoyed. "I'll have the ingredients delivered at once."

After seeing Mittel Tengshan out, Xiao Yan looked at the ingredients that had been delivered, a gleam flashing in his eyes. Refining Rejuvenation Powder would be just the thing to hone his pill refinement skills and build experience for his breakthrough to Da Dou Shi.

For the next three days, Xiao Yan shut his doors to visitors and devoted himself to refining Rejuvenation Powder. With the system's "Insights into Alchemy" to assist him and the Burning Heaven Art's exquisite control over flames, his pill refinement skills improved by leaps and bounds.

First batch: six middle-grade Rejuvenation Powder pills.

Second batch: seven middle-grade Rejuvenation Powder pills.

Fifth batch: five high-grade Rejuvenation Powder pills!

Tenth batch: eight high-grade Rejuvenation Powder pills!

When the final batch came out of the furnace, Xiao Yan felt the Dou Qi boiling within him and heard the system notification in his mind. A smile appeared on his lips.

[Ding! Side quest "Make a Name in Alchemy" completed!]

[Rewards distributed: Cultivation raised to the Tenth Stage of Dou Qi, 1,000 points credited, Mittel Family friendship obtained, and "Insights into Alchemy" (beginner) unlocked!]

Tenth Stage of Dou Qi! Only one step away from Da Dou Shi!

Three days later, Mittel Tengshan came in person to collect the pills. When he saw the ten batches of Rejuvenation Powder, all of excellent quality, and especially the five batches of high-grade pills among them, he could hardly hide his astonishment.

"High-grade Rejuvenation Powder... Mr. Yan Xiao, you're so young, yet your pill refinement has already reached such heights. You truly are a young man of remarkable talent!" Teng Shan marveled. He promptly paid the full seven thousand gold coins and added a rare stalk of "Qi Condensing Grass," which was said to work wonders when breaking through to Da Dou Shi.

"Your pill refinement skills may already be on par with those of Master Fa Ma's personal disciples." Teng Shan looked at Xiao Yan with growing eagerness. "If I may be so bold, I would like to invite you to the Wutan City Alchemists' Exchange in three days. Would you be willing to attend?"

An alchemists' exchange?

Xiao Yan's heart stirred. This was an excellent opportunity to encounter more medicinal ingredients and alchemists. He nodded. "Since you've invited me, Elder, how could I refuse?"

"Excellent!" Teng Shan was delighted. "The exchange is being jointly hosted by the Mittel Family and Master Fa Ma. Alchemists from Wutan City and even the surrounding towns will attend. There may even be a chance to receive Master Fa Ma's guidance!"

After seeing Teng Shan out, Xiao Yan was about to count his gains when a commotion arose outside the pharmacy. He went to the door and saw a group of soldiers in black armor roughly driving pedestrians off the street. At their head was a sinister-looking young man wearing the Jia Lie Family's emblem at his waist.

Jia Lie Bi? Xiao Yan's gaze turned cold. The Jia Lie Family and the Xiao Clan were mortal enemies, and the Jia Lie Family had also helped suppress the Xiao Clan back then. Jia Lie Bi, who led the group, was one of the Jia Lie Family's outstanding younger generation, and his strength had reached the Ninth Stage of Dou Qi.

Jia Lie Bi seemed to notice Xiao Yan as well. A flash of disdain crossed his eyes, and he led the soldiers straight to the pharmacy entrance. "Are you the owner of this pharmacy?"

"What is it?" Xiao Yan replied calmly.

"Hmph. A stray dog who appeared out of nowhere dares open a shop in Wutan City?" Jia Lie Bi sneered. "The Jia Lie Family is requisitioning every shop on this street to expand our family businesses. You have until the end of today to get out, or don't blame me for what happens!"

They had come looking for trouble. Xiao Yan understood. The Jia Lie Family must have grown resentful after seeing him on good terms with the Mittel Family, or perhaps the Liu Clan had egged them on, and they wanted to use the opportunity to suppress him.

[Ding! Side quest triggered: "Establish Dominance"!]

[Quest requirement: Repel Jia Lie Bi and his men, and make the Jia Lie Family afraid to provoke you lightly again.]

[Quest rewards: 800 points, "Jia Lie Family's Wariness" obtained (they will not dare provoke you again in the near future), and the Profound Tier Low Grade Dou Technique "Mountain Splitting Palm" unlocked.]

"What if I don't leave?" Xiao Yan's voice turned cold.

"You won't?" A vicious glint flashed in Jia Lie Bi's eyes. "Then don't blame me for tearing down your shabby shop! Smash it!"

Several black-armored soldiers immediately charged toward the pharmacy with vicious grins, their spears aimed straight at the counter.

"You're courting death!"

Xiao Yan moved, appearing before the soldiers like a ghost. He did not use his iron ruler. Instead, he activated Suction Palm, unleashing an invisible pulling force that drew the spears of the two foremost soldiers off course. At the same time, his elbows struck their chests as fast as lightning.

"Crack!"

Bones broke. The two soldiers screamed as they flew backward, blood spilling from their mouths. It was unclear whether they were alive or dead.

The remaining soldiers stopped in fright, staring at Xiao Yan with faces full of terror.

"Useless trash!" Jia Lie Bi bellowed and stepped forward himself. Unleashing the imposing force of the Ninth Stage Dou Qi, he drove a fist toward Xiao Yan's face. "How dare you hurt a member of the Jia Lie Family? You're courting death!"

Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened. The power of the Tenth Stage of Dou Qi surged into action, and without dodging or retreating, he met the attack with a punch of his own!

"Bang!"

The fists collided. Jia Lie Bi felt an immense force rush into him, and unbearable pain shot through his arm. He flew backward like a kite with its string cut, slammed heavily into the ground, and spewed a mouthful of blood.

He stared at Xiao Yan in disbelief. "Tenth Stage... You're actually at the Tenth Stage of Dou Qi?!"

Among Wutan City's younger generation, those at the Tenth Stage of Dou Qi were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns. Even Jia Lie Bi himself had yet to reach it.

Xiao Yan walked slowly up to Jia Lie Bi and looked down at him. "Now, are you still going to tear down my shop?"

Jia Lie Bi looked into Xiao Yan's icy eyes and felt the presence that far surpassed his own. A chill rose in his heart. He knew he had kicked an iron plate today.

"Y-you just wait!" Jia Lie Bi left him with that threat, struggled to his feet, and fled in a sorry state with the remaining soldiers.

[Ding! Side quest "Establish Dominance" completed!]

[Rewards distributed: 800 points credited, "Jia Lie Family's Wariness" obtained, and the Profound Tier Low Grade Dou Technique "Mountain Splitting Palm" unlocked!]

The surrounding pedestrians burst into cheers. The Jia Lie Family had lorded it over Wutan City for a long time, and many found it immensely satisfying to see them taught a harsh lesson today.

Xiao Yan returned to the pharmacy and looked at the points on the system panel (1,480 + 1,000 + 800 = 3,280). A trace of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. Those points were enough to exchange for quite a few good things.

Three days later, the alchemists' exchange was held as scheduled at the Mittel Family estate.

Xiao Yan arrived on time under the name Yan Xiao. The estate was already buzzing with voices. Alchemists from all over had gathered, talking in groups of two or three, while a faint medicinal fragrance filled the air.

"That's Mr. Yan Xiao? I heard he refined high-grade Rejuvenation Powder at such a young age!"

"Really? Let me see... He looks quite ordinary. He doesn't look like an expert."

"Don't underestimate him. I heard he even beat Jia Lie Bi of the Jia Lie Family. His strength is unfathomable!"

Amid the discussion, Mittel Tengshan hurried over to greet him. "Mr. Yan Xiao, you're finally here! Come, let me introduce you to a few seniors."

Through Teng Shan's introductions, Xiao Yan met several renowned alchemists of Wutan City, including powerful figures at the Ninth Stage of Dou Qi and even the Da Dou Shi level. At first, they looked down on Xiao Yan, but when they heard he could refine high-grade Rejuvenation Powder, their attitudes became respectful.

Just then, a commotion arose outside the estate. An old man in splendid brocade robes walked in, surrounded by a crowd. He held a dragon-headed cane and had a dignified face. He was none other than Master Fa Ma, the leading authority in Wutan City's alchemy circles!

Master Fa Ma's arrival brought instant silence to the entire estate. Everyone bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Master Fa Ma!"

Master Fa Ma nodded slightly, sweeping his gaze over the gathering before it settled on Xiao Yan. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. "Is this the young friend Yan Xiao whom Teng Shan spoke of?"

"This junior is Yan Xiao. Greetings, Master Fa Ma." Xiao Yan bowed, neither servile nor overbearing.

"Mm." Master Fa Ma nodded slightly. "I hear you can refine high-grade Rejuvenation Powder. Might I have a look?"

Xiao Yan took a jade bottle from his robes and handed it to Master Fa Ma. Master Fa Ma opened the bottle, releasing a fresh medicinal fragrance. He took out a Rejuvenation Powder pill, sniffed it lightly beneath his nose, and examined it carefully for a moment. Admiration appeared in his eyes. "Excellent. Its color and shape are smooth and full, and its medicinal fragrance is pure. It is indeed high grade! To have such skill at your age is rare, truly rare!"

Master Fa Ma's praise sent an uproar through the gathering, and everyone looked at Xiao Yan with awe.

"Let the exchange officially begin." Master Fa Ma returned the jade bottle to Xiao Yan and spoke in a clear voice. "Today, we gather as friends through medicine and compare our pill refinement skills. I have here a Profound Tier Low Grade pill formula for Qi Gathering Powder, which can help someone at the peak of Dou Qi break through to Da Dou Shi. Whoever can refine Qi Gathering Powder of middle grade or above within one hour may have the formula!"

Qi Gathering Powder!

The whole gathering erupted! A Profound Tier pill formula was far too tempting for these alchemists!

Xiao Yan's heart stirred. Qi Gathering Powder was exactly the pill he urgently needed! If he could obtain the formula, it would greatly benefit his breakthrough to Da Dou Shi.

"I'll try!"

"Me too!"

Several veteran alchemists immediately stepped forward, including an alchemist at the level of a One-Star Great Dou Master.

Xiao Yan did not rush forward. He watched. Qi Gathering Powder was far more difficult to refine than Rejuvenation Powder, especially in its exacting demands on flame control and the fusion of medicinal ingredients.

The alchemists quickly began refining. Flames of various colors rose from their furnaces, and medicinal ingredients tumbled and melted inside. Time ticked by, and alchemists failed one after another, the smell of burnt ingredients wafting from their furnaces.

The hour was nearly up, and only the One-Star Great Dou Master alchemist was still holding on. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his face was pale. He had clearly expended a great deal.

"That should be about enough," Xiao Yan murmured. He walked over to an empty pill furnace, took out medicinal ingredients, and began refining Qi Gathering Powder.

His movements were not fast, but they were exceptionally precise. Driven by the Burning Heaven Art, a pale red phantom of a Heavenly Flame danced at his fingertips, its temperature controlled just right. The ingredients slowly melted and fused in the flame, giving off a rich medicinal fragrance.

Seeing Xiao Yan only begin now, many people showed looks of mockery. "He's only starting now? How could he possibly finish within an hour?"

"Young people always aim too high. Does he think he's so impressive just because he refined high-grade Rejuvenation Powder?"

Master Fa Ma and Mittel Tengshan, however, watched Xiao Yan with great interest. In his steady movements, they sensed a seasoned skill far beyond his years.

In only half an hour, Xiao Yan completed the fusion and purification of the ingredients. His gaze sharpened, and he gave a low shout. "Condense!"

The pill furnace's lid sprang open on its own. Three smooth, full pills radiating a pale cyan light slowly rose and landed in Xiao Yan's hand.

High-grade Qi Gathering Powder!

The entire gathering fell deathly silent!

Everyone stared at Xiao Yan, dumbfounded. He had refined high-grade Qi Gathering Powder in half an hour? How was that possible?!

The One-Star Great Dou Master had just refined a middle-grade Qi Gathering Powder pill and was about to show it off. When he saw the high-grade Qi Gathering Powder in Xiao Yan's hand, his face instantly turned ashen.

A startling light burst from Master Fa Ma's eyes. He hurried over to Xiao Yan, picked up a Qi Gathering Powder pill, and examined it closely for a moment before exclaiming, "Good! Good! Good! Such pill refinement skills would be considered top-class even in the Jia Ma Empire! Young friend Yan Xiao, this Qi Gathering Powder formula is yours!"

[Ding! You distinguished yourself at the alchemists' exchange and earned Master Fa Ma's appreciation. Hidden quest "Rise in Alchemy" triggered!]

[Quest rewards: 1,500 points, Master Fa Ma's friendship (you may consult him about pill refinement), and the advanced version of "Heavenly Flames Simulation · Green Lotus Core Flame" unlocked (duration extended to five breaths).]

Xiao Yan accepted the formula, overjoyed. With Qi Gathering Powder, his breakthrough to Da Dou Shi was only a matter of time!

After the exchange ended, Xiao Yan was about to leave when Master Fa Ma called out to him. "Young friend Yan Xiao, please wait."

"Is there something else, Master Fa Ma?"

Master Fa Ma looked at Xiao Yan with a complicated expression. "Your pill refinement skills put mine to shame, young friend. May I ask who your master is?"

Xiao Yan had come prepared. "I am a wandering cultivator from the mountains, with no sect or school. I learned everything myself."

"Self-taught?" Master Fa Ma clearly did not believe him, but he did not press further. "Very well. If you're interested, young friend, you may visit my medicinal cottage at any time. I have some ancient texts there that may offer you some inspiration."

"Thank you for your kindness, Master."

After leaving the Mittel estate, Xiao Yan did not return directly to the pharmacy. Instead, he made a detour to the Xiao Clan's mine west of the city. He had a persistent feeling that the Jia Lie Family and the Liu Clan would not let the matter rest, and that there might be trouble at the mine.

Sure enough, as soon as he approached the mine, he heard the sounds of fierce fighting. Looking toward the noise, he saw dozens of men in black surrounding and attacking the mine guards. Their leader was a masked man whose strength had reached the level of a Two-Star Great Dou Master!

Among the guards, Xiao Ding was fighting desperately, drenched in blood. Several wounds had appeared on his body, and he clearly could not hold out much longer!

"You're courting death!"

Killing intent surged in Xiao Yan's eyes, and he charged over like lightning.

[Ding! Emergency quest triggered: "Protect the Mine"!]

[Quest requirement: Repel the men in black, kill their masked leader, and protect the mine.]

[Quest rewards: Break through to the Da Dou Shi realm, 2,000 points, and a mysterious item: one Storage Ring fragment.]

Da Dou Shi!

Xiao Yan was wild with joy. This was exactly what he had dreamed of!

Without the slightest hesitation, he summoned his iron ruler into his hand and unleashed the power of the Tenth Stage of Dou Qi without reservation. The advanced version of Heavenly Flames Simulation activated instantly!

"Flame Splitting Wave Ruler!"

A crimson ruler shadow, wrapped in a more substantial phantom of the Green Lotus Core Flame, swept toward the men in black like a fire dragon!

"Ah!"

Screams rose one after another. The men in black at the front were instantly swallowed by flames and reduced to charred remains!

The masked leader's expression changed drastically. "Who's there?!"

"The one who's come to take your wretched life!"

Xiao Yan roared and used Explosive Step, closing in on the masked leader in an instant. His iron ruler bore down on the man's face with the force to burn heaven and destroy earth!

The masked leader did not dare take the attack lightly. He swung his saber, and Dou Qi condensed into a black blade of light to meet it.

"Clang!"

Ruler and saber collided, sending sparks flying. The masked leader felt an overbearing force surge toward him. The web between his thumb and forefinger throbbed with pain, and he nearly lost his grip on the saber. At the same time, a scorching heat spread along the blade, making him shudder all over.