Chapter 202 The Conference Begins (Part )
As time passed, the noise at the scene gradually grew louder, the seats in the VIP seats and the audience seats were quickly filled up, and people's cheers and shouts intertwined to form a wave of sound that seemed to overturn the entire venue.
Immediately afterwards, the three major families in the imperial capital appeared one after another. Hai Bodong, as the strongest of the three families, walked majestically in the front.
Behind Hai Bodong, the three Dou Wangs, Mitel Tengshan, Nalan Jie and Muchen, appeared one after another. Their steps were steady and powerful, demonstrating their extraordinary strength.
Following closely behind were Nalan Yanran and Yafei, two famous beauties in the Jiama Empire. Their beauty and temperament attracted countless eyes. From the cheers at the scene, it could be seen that many people came for them.
Behind them were two young men, whose gazes kept turning to Yafei and Nalan Yanran, with admiration in their eyes that was difficult to conceal.
Xiao Ling sat in the VIP seat, chatting with Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin from time to time. His eyes were calm and deep, as if the noise around him had nothing to do with him.
Hai Bodong walked in, and when he saw Xiao Ling, he smiled cordially and said loudly: "Haha, Master Xiao Ling, I haven't seen you for a few days, and you are still as charming as ever!"
Xiao Ling sensed the aura of a nine-star Dou Huang on Hai Bodong's body and raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling a little surprised. Logically speaking, Hai Bodong, who was a six-star Dou Huang, could only be promoted to an eight-star Dou Huang at most even if he took the Huangji Pill, but now he has reached a nine-star Dou Huang.
However, Xiao Ling did not care too much. He smiled and responded, "Mr. Hai, I haven't seen you for a few days. Your aura seems to be even deeper. It seems that your cultivation has improved significantly."
Jia Xingtian also noticed Hai Bodong's arrival. He sensed Hai Bodong's aura, and with a look of surprise in his eyes, he asked, "Hai Bodong, has your cultivation level improved again?"
Three years ago, when Hai Bodong returned to the Holy City of Jia Ma, his cultivation was only that of a two-star Dou Huang. Compared with himself, there was still a big gap in strength.
However, three years passed quickly, and Jia Xingtian found that he was still at the peak of Douhuang, while Hai Bodong had caught up and even had the potential to surpass him, which made Jia Xingtian feel a little bitter.
Hai Bodong looked at Jia Xingtian's unbelievable expression, feeling secretly proud in his heart. He smiled and replied, "Haha, old man Jia, you didn't expect that I could reach the peak of Douhuang so quickly."
"This is all thanks to the Huangji Pill refined by Master Xiao Ling. I originally planned to take it when I got back, but I didn't expect to break through to the Douhuang Seven Stars that night. Later, I took the Huangji Pill refined by Master Xiao Ling again, and directly broke through to the Douhuang Nine Stars. Master Xiao Ling is worthy of his reputation. The effects of the pills he refines are different."
After hearing this, Jia Xingtian felt mixed emotions. He took a deep breath and secretly made up his mind that he must ask Xiao Ling to refine a Po Zong Pill again in order to break through to the Dou Zong realm.
Afterwards, Hai Bodong brought Mitel Tengshan and strode into the VIP seats and sat next to Jia Xingtian.
Afterwards, Mu Chen and Nalan Jie walked slowly to Xiao Ling with gentle smiles, greeted him warmly, and began to introduce the young people they brought with them.
However, when talking with Xiao Ling, a hint of embarrassment could be seen on Nalan Jie's face.
Ever since Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan broke off their engagement, the relationship between the Xiao family and the Nalan family has been like a kite with its string cut off, drifting unsteadily and unable to continue. Now the relationship between the two sides is just maintaining a superficial harmony.
Nalan Jie was a man who cared a lot about his reputation, so he naturally felt a little guilty about his granddaughter's behavior.
But Nalan Jie was also a shrewd elder. He knew that in this complex environment, face was important, but the long-term interests of the family were more critical.
Therefore, when talking with Xiao Ling, Nalan Jie tried his best to remain calm and polite. Although he felt a little uneasy, he still had a kind smile on his face. He tried to make up for the awkwardness with words, hoping to ease the relationship between the two families.
Xiao Ling did not show much concern about this. The disputes and power games between families have never been the focus of his concern. As for the increasingly distant relationship between the Nalan family and the Xiao family, it was even more insignificant to him.
Mu Chen stood aside and witnessed this scene, and couldn't help but secretly rejoice in his heart. He thought to himself: "Fortunately, Mu Tie is very smart and established a good relationship with Master Xiao Ling early on. Otherwise, it would not be easy for our Mu family to make friends with an outstanding figure like Master Xiao Ling."
He turned his gaze to Nalan Jie, feeling somewhat emotional: "Nalan Jie, Nalan Jie, you are usually so dignified and self-reliant, but you didn't expect that your granddaughter's momentary impulse would destroy the close relationship with the Xiao family... With such a huge loss, I don't know how the Nalan family will deal with it in the future..."
After a brief introduction, Xiao Ling also had a certain understanding of the two young men.
One of them was Gu He's favorite disciple, named Liu Ling, who stood out among his peers with his outstanding talent as a pharmacist. However, as Xiao Yan's fame grew, his reputation was no longer what it used to be.
The other is the rising star of the Mu family, Mu Zhan, who has made a name for himself among the younger generation with his strong character and unremitting efforts.
Xiao Ling also knew something about Liu Ling and Mu Zhan. He remembered that in the original novel, these two were stepping stones for Xiao Yan to show off and get slapped in the face. Now, he couldn't help but wonder if these two would follow the same path as in the original novel.
While Xiao Ling was chatting with Mu Chen and Nalan Jie, Nalan Yanran's gaze was fixed on Xiao Ling's figure with a complicated look.
She had heard of Xiao Ling's deeds and had also seen his appearance in a portrait.
Three years ago, when she went to the Xiao family to cancel her engagement with Xiao Yan, Xiao Ling was busy in seclusion and was at the critical moment of breaking through to the Douhuang realm, so she did not meet Xiao Ling. Now, it was the first time for her to see this young man of the same age in person.
The Xiao Ling in front of her was very different from the image she had imagined before. He did not have the arrogance and domineering attitude of an ordinary favored child of heaven, but instead showed a humble and gentle temperament.
He talked with those powerful men of the older generation with ease and grace, and even her grandfather had to pay respect to him.
This scene made Nalan Yanran's heart surge. She recalled the poison on her grandfather's body, which was cured by Xiao Ling's use of the strange fire.
However, she herself, because of her momentary emotions, made the relationship between the two families become stiff. She used to be arrogant and thought that she was a favored daughter of heaven. It was not until Xiao Ling's reputation spread throughout the Jiama Empire that she realized her narrow-mindedness.
Now, standing in front of Xiao Ling, Nalan Yanran deeply realized the truth that "there are always people better than you, and there are always things better than you". She couldn't help but feel a little confused and self-doubtful.
Nalan Yanran silently asked herself in her heart: "Teacher, was my original decision really wrong?..."
Xiao Ling was immersed in a conversation with Mu Chen, when suddenly he felt a gaze on him. It was an indescribable feeling, as if filled with complex emotions. Xiao Ling turned his head slightly, his gaze passed through several figures, and finally fixed on a girl.
After a slight pause, he recognized that this stunning girl was Nalan Yanran. Although he had seen her portrait before, this was the first time he saw her in person.
Her smooth black and shiny hair was skillfully tied into a simple and elegant bun, with a few loose strands gently brushing across her delicate face, adding a touch of softness. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, and her eyes were like autumn water, clear and deep, as if they could see into people's hearts.
She was wearing a light blue dress, the hem of which swayed gently in the wind. It was embroidered with delicate floral patterns, which was both elegant and lively. The lace decoration on the collar and cuffs further highlighted her noble temperament, making her look like a fairy from a painting.
Xiao Ling's eyes inadvertently swept over Nalan Yanran's legs. Her legs were long and straight, and her skin glowed with a healthy luster under natural light.
Nalan Yanran wore a pair of exquisite white stockings today, which fit her skin perfectly and showed the elegant contours of her legs. The delicate patterns or designs on the stockings added a sense of fluidity to her overall look, making her look even more light and charming when she walked.
"Is this the woman who was called 'Emperor Hun Tian's lifelong enemy' in her previous life?" Xiao Ling's eyes could not help but linger on Nalan Yanran, and he could not help but secretly evaluate in his heart, "She has a really good shape of legs, long and straight, with smooth and delicate skin. Such beautiful legs are really rare to see."
Xiao Ling's gaze lingered on Nalan Yanran briefly. He made a quick assessment in his mind, but quickly withdrew his gaze.
At this time, Ya Fei walked slowly in front of Xiao Ling with light lotus steps. Her figure was graceful, and every step she took exuded elegance and charm.
Since Yafei often came to the Xiao family before, she and Xiao Ling could be considered friends.
She first bowed to Xiao Ling, then said to him tenderly, "Master Xiao Ling, long time no see, you seem to be more handsome."
Xiao Ling just smiled faintly and responded, "Ms. Yafei is becoming more and more radiant." His answer was polite and calm, without too much emotional fluctuations, and he maintained his usual calmness.
At this time, Xiao Yixian's hand had been gently placed on Xiao Ling's waist. Her movements were gentle and natural, as if she was silently declaring her presence.
There was a hint of vigilance in her eyes, but also a hint of amusement, as if she was observing every micro-expression and movement of Yafei.
Ya Fei was a thoughtful person, and she keenly sensed the subtle atmosphere between Xiao Yixiang and Xiao Ling.
There was a flash of understanding in her eyes and a smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of her mouth, but she quickly regained her composure.
Ya Fei stepped back gracefully and said to Xiao Ling with a smile, "Then Ya Fei will take her leave first. Master Xiao Ling, if you have time, please come to the Mitel Auction House as a guest. Ya Fei will definitely entertain you personally."
Xiao Ling nodded slightly, his face remained calm, and he did not make any verbal response.
Ya Fei nodded in understanding, realizing that it might be impolite to stay any longer. She turned around slightly, her eyes falling on Nalan Yanran who was a little absent-minded. "Yanran, we should go." She said softly, with a hint of concern in her tone.
Nalan Yanran was slightly startled when she heard Yafei's words, then she came to her senses and nodded. Her eyes quickly swept over Xiao Ling, as if she wanted to catch something, but in the end she said nothing, just stood up silently and prepared to leave.
As Ya Fei left with Nalan Yanran, the atmosphere between Xiao Ling and Xiao Yixian returned to its previous harmony. Xiao Yixian gently pinched Xiao Ling's waist and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "It seems that our Master Xiao Ling is still very popular."
Xiao Ling turned his head and his eyes fell gently on Xiao Yixian's face. A doting light flashed in his eyes. He responded softly: "Haha, no matter how popular I am, I am still yours."
When Xiao Yixian heard this, she rolled her eyes deliberately, smiled playfully, and said teasingly: "Tsk, I'd be foolish to believe you."
Although she said so, the sweetness and satisfaction revealed in her smile were enough to show her inner joy and trust in Xiao Ling. The tacit understanding and affection between the two of them were tacitly understood without further words.
……
As time passed, the prelude of the conference slowly opened amid the eager anticipation of the crowd. When a clear and deep bell rang above the square, it awakened the sleeping earth like a morning bell and an evening drum, announcing the start of the grand event.
The sound of the bell echoed in the air and gradually dissipated, while a figure slowly descended from the clouds accompanied by the humming of the wind and landed gently on the high platform in the center of the square.
Everyone's eyes were instantly focused on this man. He was wearing a luxurious robe and had an extraordinary demeanor.
What is striking is that he has a huge alchemy furnace on his head. This distinctive feature makes it easy to recognize his identity.
This person is the president of the Alchemist Guild, Master Fa Ma, who is known as the fifth-grade top alchemist.
The appearance of Master Fa Ma was like a bright star shining through the night sky, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
As the leader of the Gamma Empire Alchemist Guild, he has served as president for decades, and his reputation has long been deeply rooted in the empire.
As Master Fa Ma looked around, sporadic cheers began to sound from the crowd. These sounds were like the drizzle of early spring, gradually gathering into a torrent that filled the entire square. People waved ribbons and flags in their hands, their faces filled with smiles of excitement and anticipation.
Fa Ma seemed to sense this expectation. He smiled slightly and then slowly said, "Everyone, we gather here today not only to witness the glory of alchemy, but also to celebrate our common love and pursuit. Here, I, Fa Ma, declare in the name of the president of the Jia Ma Empire Alchemist Guild that the Seventh Alchemist Conference will begin now!"
His words were like thunder, falling with a bang, directly igniting the enthusiasm of the entire audience.
At this moment, the entire Royal Square seemed to be surrounded by an invisible heat wave, boiling, and people's enthusiasm was like a ignited flame, burning fiercely.
(End of this chapter)