BTTH: From Genius to Invincible-Chapter 319: Qing Lin is Still the Best

The old shopkeeper squinted at the gently rising green flame on Xiao Yan's fingertip, his expression tinged with awe and reverence. He said, "This flame is green in hue, blooming like a lotus, and its rising momentum is like a volcano. If this old man's guess is correct, the Heavenly Flame under Grandmaster's control should be the Green Lotus Core Flame, ranked 19th on the Heavenly Flame Ranking."

Heavenly Flames were well-known, and many had witnessed alchemists at work. Yet the combination of a Heavenly Flame and an alchemist was something the old shopkeeper had only heard of happening in the Central Plains. For instance, Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, was such an example. fгeewebnovёl.com

How could he not be astonished, now encountering a real, living alchemist who possessed a Heavenly Flame at such a young age?

"So what if it's refined with a Heavenly Flame! It's still just a Mighty Huang Pill!" Lu Feng found himself in a difficult position. His face darkened as he spoke coldly.

Seeing this elder of the Sky Serpent Mansion displaying such shortsightedness, the old shopkeeper couldn't help but shake his head and explain, "Elder Lu Feng, if this Mighty Huang Pill was refined using a Heavenly Flame, its value might even exceed that of a low-quality Zong Breaking Pill."

"In fact, the Mighty Huang Pill has two effects. First, it can increase a Dou Emperor's strength by one star. However, a low-quality Mighty Huang Pill only works for low-star Dou Emperors, while this particular pill would be effective even for a high-star Dou Emperor."

"The second effect is that it can enhance a Dou Emperor's physique. This effect is extremely subtle, and since cultivators who reach the Dou Emperor realm generally don't have weak bodies, many people overlook it. But if refined with a Heavenly Flame, this second effect is significantly amplified."

"According to this old man's appraisal, the value of this Mighty Huang Pill is not lower than that of some low-quality Zong Breaking Pills."

The old shopkeeper was indeed worthy of representing the Yellow Spring Pavilion in managing such a large branch of the Treasure Pavilion. His vision, experience, and judgment were truly exceptional.

This was also the reason why so many alchemists coveted Heavenly Flames. A superior fire seed not only sped up the refining process and improved overall quality but could also add special enhancements, such as how pills forged by the Ten Thousand Beast Flame could subtly strengthen the bloodline strength of magical beasts.

"You!!" Lu Feng's face turned ashen, and he glared angrily. He felt that the old shopkeeper was playing him. How could a Mighty Huang Pill be worth that much?

Yet his anger made no impact; the old shopkeeper remained perfectly calm, as though he had noticed nothing at all.

In the end, Lu Feng could only snort heavily before turning and leaving in frustration. He might be able to grit his teeth and produce a Mighty Huang Pill, but he certainly couldn't come up with a Zong Breaking Pill, let alone a high-quality one.

He may be aggressive, but he still understood the most basic principles. The Yellow Spring Treasure Pavilion was backed by the Yellow Spring Pavilion, so even as an elder of the Sky Serpent Mansion, he couldn't afford to cause trouble here.

"Heh, weren't you the wealthy one? Why aren't you bidding anymore?" Little Princess Yue Er made a face and called out loudly as Lu Feng left.

"What's so great about a mere Demon Transformation Pill? Just wait until our Yan Alliance can refine the real Body Transformation Pill, and then you'll be kicking yourself!"

Xiao Yan could only roll his eyes at this mischievous little princess. She made it sound as if she would be the one refining the Body Transformation Pills, yet in the end, wouldn't he be the one doing all the hard work!

"If he walks a bit slower, I'll beat him back to his original form," Zi Yan snorted coldly.

Xiao Yan ignored the duo and said to the shopkeeper, "Shopkeeper, please wrap up that sword for me."

However, the old shopkeeper shook his head gently and said, much to Xiao Yan's surprise, "Though we're not some renowned shop across the Dou Qi Continent, we still pride ourselves on fair value. This sword barely qualifies as a Rank 7 Monster Core Weapon, so it isn't worth a pill of such value. If the Grandmaster trusts this old man, in a few days my faction will send over a suitable Monster Core Weapon that matches the worth of this pill. I'll have it delivered to the Yan Alliance residence, along with those medicinal ingredients."

The old shopkeeper returned Xiao Yan's Mighty Huang Pill with both hands. It had to be said that businessmen were indeed businessmen; every word was a calculated move!

Moreover, even though Xiao Yan knew the old shopkeeper's aim was to befriend him, he had no reason to refuse.

"Very well, let's do it that way," Xiao Yan said.

Then he took back the Mighty Huang Pill. A trace of unusual color flashed in his eyes as he asked, seemingly casually, "By the way, I heard that person mention a banquet for some Saintess. Who might this Saintess be?"

The old shopkeeper naturally didn't suspect anything and explained, "Oh, the Grandmaster must be referring to the new Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion."

"This old man doesn't know too much about the Saintess either. I only know that a few years ago, Elder Bai Ya and Elder Lu Man brought back an exceptionally talented young snake-woman who received the strong support and cultivation of the Sky Serpent Mansion."

"Not long ago, they officially announced that their new Saintess would participate in the Great Meeting of Factions. Seven days from now, they'll hold a banquet to introduce her, so that must be the Saintess in question."

Xiao Yan and Hai Bodong exchanged subtle glances. Then, Hai Bodong asked, "Shopkeeper, do you know this Saintess's name?"

The old shopkeeper frowned thoughtfully for a few seconds. "I believe it's Qing Lin."

...

Back at the Yan Alliance's temporary residence, Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and Xiao Yan gathered in the main hall to share the day's findings.

"Third Brother, we've been making inquiries all around the Sky Serpent Empire. It's confirmed that the new Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion is Qing Lin. In seven days, they'll hold a banquet to introduce her to all the elders formally," said the eldest brother, Xiao Ding.

Xiao Li drank a mouthful of wine and nibbled on a few peanuts before adding, "Hmm, the influence of the Sky Serpent Mansion is much greater than we imagined. They don't just control the Sky Serpent Empire; several powerful neighboring empires are also under their sway."

"Moreover, the elders of the Sky Serpent Mansion aren't like those of the Misty Cloud Sect who mainly reach their rank through individual strength. In the Sky Serpent Mansion, an elder's position is more like that of a general or a feudal lord. For example, that Elder Lu Feng you encountered today obtained his elder position because, over a decade ago, he defected from Medusa's Snake-People Tribe with his own 'Lu Snake Tribe' and pledged loyalty to the Sky Serpent Mansion, which earned him that elder position."

Xiao Yan's eyes flashed. No wonder the Sky Serpent Mansion's influence was so extensive. Those elders didn't necessarily need to be powerful; possessing a large tribe could also earn them the position.

He recalled that, back in Black Mark City's auction house, there had been a so-called Elder Qing of the Sky Serpent Mansion who was only at the Dou King realm yet still held an elder's title. Now he understood the reason for it.

Xiao Yan picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and let out a long breath. "At least Qing Lin hasn't been mistreated over the years. Becoming the Saintess proves that those two snakes didn't lie; they've indeed given Qing Lin ample cultivation."

He felt a weight lifted off his heart. After all, there were many reasons that led to that result back then, and Qing Lin had agreed to leave with those two due to his own lack of strength.

At the very least, the worst-case scenario had been avoided.

Xiao Ding pondered for a moment and said, "Third Brother, are you still planning to bring Qing Lin back?"

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li both looked at Xiao Yan. The meaning was clear. Currently, Qing Lin's life wasn't bad, and it could even be said to be very good. The Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion, representing the hegemonic faction in the North-Western Region, had a status far higher than that of a maid.

Moreover, what they didn't voice was that Qing Lin might not be willing to leave the Sky Serpent Mansion now.

Xiao Yan picked up a piece of fish, placed it in his mouth, chewed, then took a sip of liquor, and slowly said, "Although Qing Lin and I had an agreement that I would come to bring her back, if she is unwilling now, then I, Xiao Yan, have no reason to force her."

"Back then, it was because I didn't have the ability to defeat those two Dou Emperors that led to that outcome. If Qing Lin is living happily now, then perhaps it's a blessing in disguise."

If Qing Lin was willing to continue staying in the Sky Serpent Mansion, he naturally wouldn't forcefully take her away.

"But... Third Brother, if Qing Lin stays in the Sky Serpent Mansion, it may conflict with your plans. When the time comes..." Xiao Ding was not so optimistic.

Xiao Yan's purpose in establishing the Yan Alliance was to build a powerful force. Besides protecting the clan and revitalizing the Xiao Clan, he also wanted to have enough strength to make the Gu Clan take notice.

To strengthen the Yan Alliance, it was necessary to swallow up the entire North-Western Region.

Just as the Sky Serpent Mansion intended, to qualify for a foothold in the Central Plains—a place teeming with powerful factions—they first had to unify the entire North-Western Region.

This meant that the Yan Alliance and the Sky Serpent Mansion were, in fact, competitors.

Don't forget, the reason Xiao Yan and his group came to the capital of the Sky Serpent Empire to participate in the Great Meeting of Factions was to make a name for themselves, to gain prestige, so that the three major empires wouldn't dare to underestimate them or invade casually, thereby buying time to grow stronger.

At the very least, they needed to wait until Queen Medusa completed her evolution and Little Fairy Doctor resolved her Woeful Poison Body. Only then would the Yan Alliance have the strength to unify the entire North-Western Region.

The Yan Alliance was lying low, biding its time!

That meant, eventually, Xiao Yan might have to confront the Sky Serpent Mansion—and naturally, as the Saintess of the Sky Serpent Mansion, Qing Lin might become an opponent.

However, Xiao Yan surprised Xiao Ding and Xiao Li by laughing and waving his hand dismissively. "Big Brother, you're overthinking this."

"If the day truly comes when our Yan Alliance must unify the entire North-Western Region by force, as long as the Sky Serpent Mansion isn't foolish, they won't stand in our way."

"Moreover, while it's true that Qing Lin possesses the unparalleled Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, I don't believe I'll lose."

Xiao Yan showed a confident smile. If she's an opponent, then so be it. The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils were indeed formidable, but he was not from the snake race. Besides, if he couldn't even defeat the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, how could he revitalize the Xiao Clan and marry the Gu Clan's young mistress?

So what if it's the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils? He still had the Dou God Bloodline!

"Besides... Qing Lin has been focusing solely on increasing her cultivation, lacking actual combat experience. It's hard to say if she can even beat that person outside."

Bang!

The door was flung open as Nalan Yanran, dressed in the Misty Cloud Sect's moon-colored robes, stormed in with two jars of wine in her hands.

Thud! Thud!

The wine jars were heavily placed on the table, startling Xiao Yan.

Nalan Yanran tossed her hair and said tersely, "I've bought them!"

Xiao Yan rolled his eyes and said irritably, "What, are you expecting us three brothers to drink straight from the jars? Pour the wine into the wine pot. Do I really have to spell out something this simple?"

"You!" Nalan Yanran pointed at him, her eyes filled with indignation. I, the dignified Little Sect Leader of the Misty Cloud Sect, have already been made to buy wine, and now you want me to pour it too!

"Can't do it? Fine, then forget about the Emperor Heaven Pill." Xiao Yan didn't indulge her and turned his head to continue enjoying the side dishes.

Hearing the words "Emperor Heaven Pill," Nalan Yanran retracted her finger, forced a smile, and said, "Certainly, Young Master Xiao Yan."

Originally, her accumulated merit was only enough to exchange for a peak tier 5 Emperor Breaking Pill. Although the effects were similar, the Emperor Heaven Pill was a peak tier 6 pill that could guarantee a 9-star Dou King's breakthrough to Dou Huang, whereas the Emperor Breaking Pill could only increase the success rate for a peak 9-star Dou King.

The difference between them was enormous. The Emperor Heaven Pill was equivalent to directly leveling up and breaking through; even an early-stage 9-star Dou King could use it. But the Emperor Breaking Pill required one to be at the peak of 9-star Dou King and only increased the chance, not providing a 100% guarantee.

Xiao Yan was the one who would be refining the pill, and he could refine the Emperor Heaven Pill.

The main point was that for some of the Yan Alliance's battles, defenses, and conquests, it was impossible for him, Venerable Yan, to handle everything personally. The Yan Alliance needed someone to run errands.

Xiao Yan glanced at Nalan Yanran's legs. It would be a pity not to use them for errands.

So he deliberately proposed that if she acted as a good maid during the Great Meeting of Factions, he would directly refine the Emperor Heaven Pill for her.

As Nalan Yanran poured wine for Xiao Yan, she cursed in her heart, 'I hope you drink yourself to death.'

"If I drink myself to death, who will refine the Emperor Heaven Pill for you?" Xiao Yan said lightly.

Nalan Yanran was stunned. You can even read minds!

"I can't read minds, but those words are written all over your face."

"Never mind, never mind. You'd better not get in the way of us three brothers chatting. Go stir-fry a few side dishes and bring them over," Xiao Yan waved his hand dismissively.

"You—! Hmph!" Nalan Yanran stomped her foot but had no choice. Who told Xiao Yan to be an alchemist while she was now a 9-star Dou King? She stormed out of the room in a huff.

Xiao Li put his arm around Xiao Yan's neck, grinning as he said, "An Emperor Heaven Pill, huh? A peak tier 6 pill. You're really generous, Young Master Xiao Yan."

Xiao Yan responded calmly, "She has quite a reputation among the three major empires. She can serve as a convenient shield for us, so it's only fair we invest some resources in her."

Xiao Li raised an eyebrow and smiled, "It wouldn't have anything to do with her Master being Sect Leader Yun Yun, would it? You do know Sect Leader Yun Yun's not married."

Xiao Yan's face didn't redden, and his heart didn't skip a beat as he said calmly, "No, that's not it at all."

Xiao Ding interjected at this moment, "I think Third Brother is right. By the way, I heard from Elder Hai that you bought a sword today? What, are you switching to swordsmanship?"

"It wouldn't hurt to try practicing swordsmanship. It's good to dabble in various martial arts." Xiao Yan's mouth was the hardest part of his body.

Not long after, when Nalan Yanran returned with several scorching-hot dishes, each singed so badly they were nearly black, the three Xiao brothers unanimously agreed that even if they might not know whether she could beat Qing Lin in a fight, in terms of serving others, that little girl Qing Lin was still the most attentive and capable.

"Sigh, Qing Lin is still the best."