Battle Through the Heavens - chapter-291

Xiao Yan was seated cross-legged on the bed. At this moment, the natural
energy within the room was fluctuating somewhat intensely. Numerous
energy ripples that were visible to the naked eye were surging and
rolling out from within Xiao Yan’s body. His clothes had swollen until
they were bulging. On his grave face, a faint green glow was partially
visible.

As the surrounding natural energy was poured into Xiao Yan’s body, wave
after wave, the green glow on his face also grew increasingly dense. In
the end, the green colored glow almost covered his entire face. The force
within his body was also gradually being raised.

When the rising force reached a certain level, the surrounding
fluctuating energy suddenly came to an abrupt stop. The swollen clothes
on Xiao Yan’s body appeared to have stiffened and did not move anymore.

This strange, quiet pause continued for nearly ten seconds. Xiao Yan, who
had his eyes tightly closed, suddenly opened them. The green colored
flame instantly rolled and surged up before immediately and swiftly
disappearing. A fierce glow suddenly shot out from within his dark eyes.

With his body maintaining its training mode, Xiao Yan opened his mouth. A
somewhat black colored turbid air was spat out. The black air wreathed
upward. Anything that touched it was completely corroded. It continued to
rise until it corroded a small hole in the roof before it finally
gradually turned into nothingness under the sunlight.

After exhaling the turbid breath. The fierce glow in Xiao Yan’s eyes
also quietly withdrew. The stiffened clothes once again became soft as
they nestled close to Xiao Yan’s skin. The imposing force that was
lingering within the room was also withdrawn into his body.

“Seven star Dou Shi…”

As he gently tightened his fist, the feeling of his body being filled
with strength caused Xiao Yan to be a little intoxicated. Although he
knew that according to the pace at which he was advancing from before, he
would sooner or later advance into the seven star level. However, he did
not expect that by merely absorbing the ‘Searing Poison’ in Nalan Jie
three times would be sufficient enough for him to raise a level.

“The energy within a Dou Wang’s body is really vast and surging. I
have only absorbed it three times, but the energy was sufficient enough
to let me raise a level…” Xiao Yan muttered softly. His body twisted
strangely. Hearing the waves of clear bone cracking sound from within his
body, he could not help but smile with satisfaction. “This transaction
seems to be quite a good bargain.”

Xiao Yan placed both his palms on the bed and used a little energy. His
body shot upward in a supple manner. After which, he somersaulted in the
air and landed gently on the ground. He clapped his hand, looked around
and mumbled with a frown, “Why is he still not back?”

Xiao Yan mused for a moment and could only helplessly shake his head at
the futile effort. He then opened the door and walked out. Tomorrow was
when the Grand Meeting would begin. He needed to go to the association to
inquire about the different kinds of competitions in the Grand Meeting
and the method in which the tests were conducted now or else he’d start
on the wrong foot.

After exiting the inn, Xiao Yan stood on the street and took a look all
around him. He then lifted his footsteps and walked toward the towering
building of the Alchemist Association where one would at least be able to
see a corner of it from afar.

During the walk there, Xiao Yan was stunned to realize that some of the
main roads in the city already had completely armed knight units
patrolling. Clearly, this was due to the Alchemist Grand Meeting which
was about to begin. After all, if a commotion were to occur at such a
large grand meeting, it would have many different large impacts to the
empire. Therefore, the imperial family needed to prevent any such
possibilities.

TL: Yes, knights. People with horses + armor + aren’t cavalry (army).
Correct me if wrong but pretty sure the only word for them is knights

After slowly walking passed a few wide streets, the large Alchemist
Association finally appeared in Xiao Yan’s sight. Eyeing the entrance
which was even more packed compared to two days ago, he could not help
but shake his head. It appeared that there were many alchemists who
wished to reveal their brilliance at this Grand Meeting.

With both his hands behind his back, Xiao Yan slowly crossed his
footsteps and entered the association. He turned his footsteps and
squeezed through the human crowd. He had just followed the human flow and
entered the association when a disturbance occurred not far behind him.
The surrounding gazes were thrown over.

The human flow at the front had stopped entering and Xiao Yan was plugged
up at the middle. He helplessly sighed, frowned slightly and turned his
head around to watch the source of the commotion.

The source of the commotion was a horse carriage that had a great noble
aura. In front of the horse carriage, there were two horses which had
snow white hair without the slightest impurities quietly pulling it. A
strange beast which had a blue colored flame rising from its body was
drawn on the golden yellow brocade surrounding the horse carriage. The
strange beast was of a large size and it had a ferocious appearance,
emitting a feeling that would faintly frighten the hearts of those who
looked at it.

“The imperial crest…” Staring at the strange beast crest whose name
eluded him, Xiao Yan softly muttered. As a citizen of the Jia Ma Empire,
he was able to identify the Jia Ma Empire’s imperial crest.

Surrounding the horse carriage, there were over ten people wrapped
entirely in black robe accompanying it. Xiao Yan’s gaze swept across
these black robed people and his eyes shrunk. From his senses, these ten
plus black robed people actually gave him a feeling of danger.

“It is really indeed worthy of being the Jia Ma Empire’s imperial
family. Its strength really cannot be underestimated.” Xiao Yan
exclaimed slightly in his heart as his gaze was thrown to where the
carriage curtain was.

A black robed person stepped forward and respectfully lifted the carriage
curtain. When the black robed person did this, Xiao Yan could clearly
sense the other black robed people had already swifty formed a steady
circle during the slight movement, guarding the horse carriage in the
middle of them. At the same time, numerous gazes that were as sharp as an
eagle shot out from the black robed people as they swept back and forth
in front of the surrounding packed human crowd.

Under the watch of the surrounding people, a snow white jade like
delicate hand was extended out from the carriage. It gracefully held the
handle of the carriage door. After which, a beautiful figure slowly
walked out and appeared in everyone’s sight.

The person who appeared was wearing a purple colored dress that had
silver colored lines embedded in it. Her exquisite appearance, under the
influence of the imperial family, faintly seeped out a noble imposing
presence that was her birthright. A purple colored belt was worn on her
narrow and delicate waist, displaying the small waist vividly and
incisively. Her age did not appear to be very old, appearing similar to
Xiao Yan’s before he had changed his appearance. Her pretty face
contained a smile, appearing elegant and serene. However, each time her
gaze swept across the surroundings, Xiao Yan was able to discover that
this young lady who looked very ladylike had some quirky and strange
smile flashing across her watery eyes. Clearly, this was different from
the surface she showed which seemed to like quietness.

“A woman really cannot be judged by her appearance…” Xiao Yan
bitterly smiled and shook his head. He withdrew his gaze and no longer
looked at this very extraordinary young lady.

“Tsk tsk, what a beautiful girl…” Watching the young lady which had
appeared, a wave of cheers was immediately erupted from the surrounding
human crowd. A number of heated gazes were swiftly thrown over. Although
the lady’s status was extremely noble, it did not appear to be
inappropriate to take advantage of the large crowd and allow their eyes
to be a little impudent.

“Hee hee, this is the little princess within the Jia Ma Empire imperial
family. I heard that her teacher is the deputy chairman Grandmaster Qie
Mi Er. Since she has appeared here this time around, I think that she
must have come because of the Alchemist Grand Meeting.” There were
quite a number of well informed individuals within the human crowd who
managed to identify the young lady upon seeing her appearance.

“She doesn’t seem to be that old, yet she is actually here to compete
in the Grand Meeting?”

New novel chapters are published on l/ightnove/lworld[/./]com

“Che, the little princess’ refining talent is something that even the
chairman had praised non-stop. Don’t just look at her young age. I have
heard that half a year ago, she had already stepped into a tier three
alchemist…”

“Uh…” Hearing this, there was an immediate uproar in the
surrounding crowd. Some of the older middle-aged alchemist lifted their
hands with somewhat red faces and covered the tier badge on their chests
in embarrassment.

Being squeezed in the human crowd, Xiao Yan heard the conversations of
these people and a shock flashed across his face. He once again turned
his gaze to the purple dressed young lady who was walking to the
association with the support of the black robed person. He said quietly
in his heart, “Indeed, there is always someone who is better. It is
really unexpected that this young lady who appears so weak is actually a
tier three alchemist…”

Although Xiao Yan was shocked in his heart, Xiao Yan did not feel that
this was very unexpected. With the rich foundation of the Jia Ma
Empire’s royalty, as long as this little princess possessed the basic
talent needed to become an alchemist, they could use those ingredients
that could be piled into mountains to easily build her into a high tier
alchemist. Moreover, from the looks of things, this little princess’
talent for refining medicine was quite good. Therefore, having such an
achievement was within expectations.

Under the protection of the group of black robed people whose bodies were
shrouded by a dark and cold aura, that purple dress young lady passed
through the packed human crowd without meeting any obstruction. After
which, she swaggered into the Alchemist Association.

As the back of the young lady which appeared elegant disappeared from his
sight, Xiao Yan shrugged his shoulders and twisted his body slightly.
Like a loach, he squeezed passed the surrounding human crowd without
leaving a trace as he swiftly leaped into the interior of the association.

After pushing aside the last layer of the human flow, the surrounding
area finally became spacious. He eyed the vast hall and exhaled a long
breath of air. Wiping off the perspiration on his forehead, Xiao Yan
walked toward the western area of the hall as though he had walked there
countless times.

The two guards from the last time were still present at the entrance to
the western area. When they saw Xiao Yan arrive, they did not stop him
like they did before. After bowing and greeting him, they did not bother
him when he entered. Looking at this situation, it appeared that Ao Tuo
had already gave them specific instructions for Xiao Yan.

Seeing that the guards did not stop him, Xiao Yan was happy to save some
trouble. He walked into the corridor and slowly climbed up the stairs.
Finally, he stopped outside Ao Tuo’s room from the last time. He
knocked softly on the door, waited for Ao Tuo’s voice from inside
before pushing it open and entering.

Only Ao Tuo was seated in the room. At that moment, he was watching Xiao
Yan who had entered with a smile. “Little Fellow, you are quite
punctual.”

Xiao Yan smiled and sat on the chair beside Ao Tuo. He lifted a teacup
and took a sip as he laughed, “Haha, I shall not say anything
unnecessary. My purpose for coming here this time around is to inquire
about the format of the competition. Is it done by drawing lots or by
other means?”

TL: Drawing lots = having one random person go up at a time

“There are so many competitors who participate in the competition. If
the competition were to rely on drawing lots one at a time, just how long
would it take?” Ao Tuo shook his head with a smile. His finger drew a
very large rectangle on the table’s surface as he continued with a
smile on his face, “All of the alchemists in the competition will be
participating at the same time on a huge platform. There, you will have
quite a few rounds and the requirements for the competition will
gradually become harder. When that time comes, it would be like a sieve
sieving away the sand particles, swiftly removing those that do not
qualify. Those who are able to stay the longest are all the best among
the participants. Whoever is able to stand out among the cream of the
crop, will be the final victor.”

“Oh…” Xiao Yan nodded his head slightly. The scene of hundreds or
thousands of alchemists raising their flames and refining medicine on the
same platform must be extremely spectacular.

“Hehe, you really want to see that kind of scene, don’t you? Don’t
be frightened when that time comes. Back then, when I first participated,
I was also shocked.” Grandmaster Ao Tuo laughed, appearing to know what
Xiao Yan was thinking.

“That’s right. There is a namelist here. Why don’t you take a look.
These are all the competitors with great ability who will be
participating in this Grand Meeting.” Ao Tuo picked up a paper scroll
from the table and handed it to Xiao Yan. He immediately added, “This
is an internal document. According to the rules, I cannot leak it to
others.”

Xiao Yan was somewhat curious as he received the paper scroll. He smiled
and nodded as he slowly pulled it open. The long namelist had at least
twenty to thirty people with abilities that were not bad. Xiao Yan swept
his gaze over it and his eyebrows were suddenly raised. He realized that
Liu Ling was actually on the namelist and it was very close to the top.
Clearly, the name of the Pill-King successor was not simply something
that was obtained from bragging about.

“This Little Princess should be the one from the imperial family
right?” Xiao Yan pointed at the Little Princess who was ranked fifth
and asked.

“Yes, have you seen her?”

“I have seen her for a moment at the entrance just now. I didn’t
expect that her name is so close to the front.” Xiao Yan smiled,
feeling a little surprised at the ranking.

“Don’t look down on that girl. Under the support of the imperial
family strength, she has so many hidden cards that would dazzle
people.” Ao Tuo smiled and reminded.

Xiao Yan nodded slightly. He looked through the information on the
namelist carefully before returning it to Ao Tuo. “The competitors are
indeed very strong. Just counting the tier three alchemists, there are
already thirteen of them.”

“It is indeed a little troublesome and you can only rely on yourself
for this. I can only help you this much.” Ao Tuo nodded his head and
helplessly said.

Xiao Yan smiled and nodded his head. He asked, “Is the Grand Meeting
starting tomorrow? Do I still need to do something now?”

“Haha, indeed, you still need to do something. Consider this the last
test before the competition. Outsiders do not have this round of test but
the competitors who are recommended by us, the branch heads, must pass
this round… This can be considered a kind of test in advance where the
association judges our ability to pick people. If one cannot pass this
test, then our recommendation would lose effect.” Ao Tuo stood up,
smiled and said, “Follow me. At this place, you will be able to see
some of the strong opponents on the namelist.”

“Yes.” Xiao Yan nodded his head, stood up and followed Ao Tuo. The
two of them walked out of the room and walked along a quiet corridor for
a short while. Once they were at the end, they pushed opened a door by
the side and slowly entered.

A strong light suddenly shot over as they walked through the door,
causing Xiao Yan to involuntarily narrow his eyes. He finally opened them
once he adapted to the light.

Appearing in front of them was a spacious inner hall which was decorated
in quite a classical manner. At the moment, the inner hall had some
people standing in twos and threes. Xiao Yan’s gaze swept across these
people and was somewhat stunned to discover that many of these people,
who appeared quite young, were actually at the level of a third tier
alchemist. The empire’s little princess whom he had saw at the main
entrance some time ago was also among them. His gaze rotated once again
and with raised eyebrows, finally stopped on a handsome looking young man
who was conversing with a few tier three alchemists.

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Liu Ling…

Hearing the sound of the door opening, everyone in the hall who was
whispering privately ceased their conversations. Their gaze turned toward
the door. When they saw Xiao Yan entered, they were all momentarily
stunned. Their gazes then drifted toward the tier two alchemist badge on
his chest and their expressions carried some ridicule.

The Little Princess, who was leaning on the wall, was surrounded by a few
alchemists in a manner similar to stars arching around the moon, also
glanced at Xiao Yan. However, after she saw the tier badge on the his
chest, she completely lost interest. She lazily stretched and her curves
hooked the gazes of the surrounding men.

Liu Ling’s gaze lazily stared at Xiao Yan. The latter’s entrance had
also caused Liu Ling to be a little surprised. Quickly following this,
however, a dark mild smile surfaced on his face, appearing to harbor
malicious intentions.

Xiao Yan lowered his eyebrows slightly. The different gazes in the large
hall did not affect him. His hands drooped in front of his sleeves. The
indifferent face of his was like an old monk. However, a faint cold
laughter quietly surfaced within his heart.