Chapter 899 - 137: Noble Scion Dongfang Canglang (2)

The initial round might be passable, but the top hundred advancing to ten and then ten advancing to three... it’s far from just a pursuit of speed.

If it were just about speed, the results of the Artifact Refining Competition would not be recognized by all Artifact Refiners, even with Thousand Mechanism Sect backing you.

In actual Artifact Refining, employers never have time constraints; one day earlier or later counts for little.

The Li Family’s Alchemy Tower holds many Alchemy Notes and insights, along with various Pill recipes. The Li Family grants me free access to these resources in the Alchemy Tower to befriend me, which conveniently compensates for my current deficiencies.

...

...

Thousand Mechanism Sect.

The sound of bells rang out, thrice in succession.

"Is a prestigious guest visiting the sect?"

Zeng Xi heard the bells, a look of surprise in his eyes. It’s the Thousand Mechanism Sect’s welcoming bell sound, with three rings signifying an extraordinarily prestigious visitor. Since his induction into the sect, he’d only heard it once before, and that time, it was said to be the Crown Prince of the Flame Dynasty.

Although the Flame Dynasty does not interfere with the affairs of different domains, being the Common Lord under heaven, the status of a Royal Family Crown Prince is worthy of such honor.

Could it be that the Crown Prince has come again? Or perhaps a Sect Leader has arrived?

If it were a Myriad Phenomena Realm powerhouse visiting, the Supreme Elder would host them and the bells wouldn’t ring.

Myriad Phenomena Realm experts from the Flame Dynasty act very discreetly, speaking only with their counterparts from the same realm.

"Is it really a Flying Ship that’s entered directly above the sect?"

While Zeng Xi was contemplating, other disciples by his side exclaimed in surprise. Zeng Xi looked up at the Flying Ship passing overhead, his face also showing astonishment.

Even prestigious guests wouldn’t typically fly directly over the Thousand Mechanism Sect’s skies aboard a Flying Ship; this concerns the reputation of a Super Sect.

"What kind of distinguished guest could it be for the sect to make such an exception?"

While Zeng Xi was puzzled, at this moment, a young woman on the Flying Ship scoffed lightly, "Young Master, this Thousand Mechanism Sect rings only thrice, isn’t it disrespectful to you?"

"Three rings, back when the Crown Prince of the Flame Dynasty visited, he also received three rings. I, as Young Master, cannot exceed the Crown Prince, that would be overstepping."

"But Young Master..."

Seated in the cabin, the young man raised his hand, stopping the woman from continuing, as the Flying Ship descended towards the hall below.

"Let’s go."

The Flying Ship halted, Dongfang Canglang stepped out of the cabin, his black robe unmoving in the sect’s spiritual breeze, while two elderly Thousand Mechanism Sect Elders stood smiling before the hall. The leading elder in green robes bowed and said:

"Young Master Dongfang, your arrival brings glory to our sect. I, Zhou Yan, under the Sect Leader’s order, am here to welcome you."

Dongfang Canglang nodded slightly, his gaze moved past their shoulders towards the main hall, "Elder Zhou Yan praises too highly, your sect generously permits my Flying Ship to reach the inner hall overhead..." He faintly smiled, "Such an exception truly leaves Canglang flattered."

"The Young Master jokes."

Zhou Yan smiled, not taking Dongfang Canglang’s words directly. It wasn’t Thousand Mechanism Sect opening a convenient path, rather, it was this Young Master Dongfang steering the Flying Ship directly here, with the sect merely not obstructing.

The two interpretations carry different meanings.

"The Sect Leader has awaited Young Master in the Celestial Derivation Hall, Young Master please."

Zhou Yan gestured with his hand, Dongfang Canglang chuckled lightly, swept his sleeve and strode towards the main hall, followed quickly by the young man and woman behind him.

Inside the Celestial Derivation Hall, the Thousand Mechanism Sect Leader Xuan Jing watched as Dongfang Canglang entered, a smile also hanging on his face.

"Dongfang Canglang greets Sect Leader Xuan Jing."

Facing the Sect Leader of Thousand Mechanism Sect, Dongfang Canglang set aside his thoughts. Although the sect treated him just as the Flame Dynasty Crown Prince, which displeased him, his visit to the Thousand Mechanism Sect was a request.

"Young Master Dongfang is courteous, please sit."

Dongfang Canglang took a seat on a side chair, his two attendants stood behind him.

"Sect Leader Xuan Jing, this visit to your sect, I have a favor to ask."

"Young Master Dongfang, please speak."

Xuan Jing’s expression did not change; this guest never comes without matters at hand, he anticipated it.

"During this visit, it’s coincident with the grand event of the Artifact Refining Competition in Thousand Mechanism Domain. I would like to request from Thousand Mechanism Sect a participation slot."

"A participation slot?"

Xuan Jing’s gaze swept to the young man standing behind Dongfang Canglang, his mind thus surmised.

The Artifact Refining Competition is truly a grand event in Thousand Mechanism Domain, held once every five years, though as Sect Leader, he doesn’t consistently follow it unless an exceptionally talented individual appears.

"Yaoyan."

Dongfang Canglang didn’t turn back, and the young man behind him stepped to the center of the hall, clasped his fists and said, "Junior Jiang Yaoyan greets Sect Leader."

At the young man’s words, Xuan Jing squinted, "Jiang Yaoyan, what is your relation to Medicine King Valley?"

"Junior hails from Medicine King Valley, presently its Young Valley Master. Having heard of the Alchemy Competition in Thousand Mechanism Domain, I joyfully came prepared to participate but missed the slot registration. I hope Sect Leader may grant a participation slot to the junior."

Jiang Yaoyan spoke slowly, Xuan Jing didn’t immediately respond, but those accompanying Zhou Yan, the two Thousand Mechanism Sect’s elders, had a look of shock upon hearing Jiang Yaoyan’s identity.

Medicine King Valley, although not a Super Sect, is a top-tier power mainly renowned for Alchemy. With countless Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, it is regarded as the Pill Holy Land by many Alchemists.

While Thousand Mechanism Sect is the holy land for all Artifact Refiners, in terms of Alchemy alone, Medicine King Valley stands equal.

In past Alchemy Competitions, occasionally disciples from Medicine King Valley participated and ranked prominently, but they were mere disciples. The Young Valley Master of Medicine King Valley doesn’t need the competition to prove himself.

This matter likely has more to it.

What Zhou Yan and the others could surmise, Xuan Jing, as Sect Leader, certainly comprehended the intricacies involved.

"Sect Leader, surely with Yaoyan’s status, acquiring one participation slot isn’t an issue, right?" Dongfang Canglang interjected appropriately upon seeing Xuan Jing’s silence.

"Young Valley Master Jiang attending the Alchemy Competition poses no problem."

Ultimately, Xuan Jing agreed, having no reason to refuse.

"Thank you, Sect Leader."

Jiang Yaoyan expressed gratitude and returned to stand behind Dongfang Canglang, lowering his head like a servant.

"Sect Leader, Thousand Mechanism Sect carries the mission to enhance the Artifact Refining levels worldwide, always earning the respect of Martial Artists everywhere, and Pills are vital for Martial Artists. I believe to inspire Alchemists, it’s better to enhance the rewards for the Alchemy Competition."

Dongfang Canglang spoke calmly, at this moment causing Zhou Yan and the two old masters’ faces to change. They now understood where this Young Master Dongfang was coming from.

First requesting a participation slot for Jiang Yaoyan, then advocating to elevate Alchemy rewards, his intentions were clear.

Xuan Jing’s expression remained unchanged: "What rewards does Young Master Dongfang believe should be given?"

"It is well known to practitioners that Alchemy boasts two grand techniques, the Taiyi Green Spirit Record from Medicine King Valley and your sect’s Nine Revolutions Primordial Scripture. Upon arrival, I spoke to the Valley Master at Medicine King Valley, who agrees to offer the opportunity to comprehend Taiyi Green Spirit Record as an incentive to the competition’s winner; why not your sect offer the Nine Revolutions Primordial Scripture? This, in turn, will surely astound the world and inspire all Alchemists."

After Dongfang Canglang spoke, his gaze locked onto Xuan Jing, his eyes full of intent: "Sect Leader Xuan Jing, what do you think?"

"Agreed."

Xuan Jing consented, unexpectedly swift, causing Dongfang Canglang to furrow his brow slightly, while Jiang Yaoyan behind him smiled gladly.

Having already comprehended the Taiyi Green Spirit Record, if he were granted access to the Nine Revolutions Primordial Scripture, his path to the Myriad Phenomena Realm would be unimpeded and his prowess in Alchemy nearly reaching the founding master of Thousand Mechanism Sect.