The atmosphere of the Alchemist Grand Meeting crackled with intensity. All eyes were on the young alchemists gathered within the examination field, each seated before their cauldrons, ready to begin the famed practical test. Among them stood the trio whose reputations were growing like wildfire—Xiao Yan, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Yixian.
Despite being brothers, the contrast between Xiao Yan and Xiao Chen couldn't have been more apparent. Xiao Yan, calm and focused, bore the confidence of someone who had transcended life and death. Once known as the Ascending Emperor Yan in his past life, he had achieved the Ruler Realm, founded the legendary Endless Territory, and now, reincarnated in this lower plane, already stood at the Peak of Dou Huang, 9-star level, and was a Peak 6th Rank Alchemist. His fusion of four Heavenly Flames gave him unrivaled control over alchemy and flame.
Beside him, Xiao Chen, his twin in this life and bearer of a Sign-In Goddess System, radiated a different kind of aura. Though his alchemy experience was shallower due to his later start, his talent and resources were nothing short of legendary. At Dou Huang 5-star and Peak 5th Rank Alchemist, Xiao Chen could already refine low-to-mid 6th Rank pills. With divine bloodlines, a Qiankun Ring, and a repertoire of rare flame-controlling techniques, he was more than capable of holding his own.
Not far away, Xiao Yixian, the Little Doctor Fairy, exuded a chilling yet elegant composure. Her eyes glowed faintly with a poisonous light, a testament to her mastery over the Poison Sutra. Trained under Xiao Yan and fortified by ancient alchemy scrolls, she had ascended to Dou Zong 1-star, and her alchemy stood at the mid 5th Rank, with the ability to refine semi to early 6th Rank pills. Though she lacked the wild antics of the twin brothers, her presence was no less daunting.
The challenge today: to refine the Bone Growing Pill, a classic 3th Rank medicinal pill, using only the flames under one's control and without external support. The test would not only assess their raw alchemical skills but also how well they could maintain flame stability, pill integrity, and mental resilience.
As the crowd hushed, the supervising elder raised his hand. "Begin!"
With a flick of his wrist, Xiao Yan summoned a purple-gold flame—the manifestation of his fused Heavenly Flames. The cauldron in front of him resonated with the powerful aura, and the surrounding temperature spiked. The difficulty of refining the Bone Growing Pill was no small matter, but for Xiao Yan, this was simply a warm-up.
Xiao Chen, meanwhile, called forth a translucent blue flame wrapped in traces of space and time power—an otherworldly fire gifted to him by his sign-in at the arena. His control was refined, though his flame occasionally fluctuated, revealing the difference in experience compared to Xiao Yan. Still, his movements were fluid, and each medicinal ingredient was added with impeccable timing.
Xiao Yixian, ever the enigma, summoned a greenish-black flame laced with poison aura. Her method was distinct—she refined the ingredients while subtly neutralizing toxins and harmonizing them into the pill. Her process, though less flashy, drew gasps from poison experts in the crowd.
However, all was not as it seemed.
Amidst the competitors stood a young man with silver robes and a gentle smile—a masked predator among lambs. Known only as Wu Huo, he bore the guise of a rising talent from a neutral kingdom. But hidden beneath that disguise was the Deacon Evil Poison Fire, a Dou Huang expert from the infamous Poison Sect, allied with the Soul Clan. His aim was not the championship—but the blood, soul, and talent of the alchemists gathered here.
Elsewhere in the arena, other sinister forces brewed. Hidden experts from rival empires had sent their chosen prodigies—not just for honor, but to probe the strength of the Jia Ma Empire's new rising stars. The presence of Xiao Yan, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Yixian had drawn attention across the continent, and not all were allies.
As the refinement progressed, the arena pulsed with rising tension. Sweat formed on brows, cauldrons hissed and rattled, and ingredients danced in molten waves.
Suddenly, Xiao Yan's cauldron burst with light. The bone essence condensed, merging into a pill radiating vitality and strength. The pill spirit flickered within, proving it was a true High-grade Five Veines Bone Growing Pill. The crowd erupted in cheers.
Shortly after, Xiao Chen's cauldron opened with a flash of silver mist. Though his flame had faltered briefly, he had refined a High-grade Three Vines Bone Growing Pill—a solid feat for someone still mastering alchemy.
Xiao Yixian's cauldron emitted a quiet hiss, and a soft green light bathed the pill tray. Hers was unique—slightly poisonous but with enhanced regenerative properties. An Unorthodox Variant High-Grade Bone Growing Pill, admired by many poison-type alchemists present.
Yet just as the exam was wrapping up, a sinister wind swept through the venue. Wu Huo's cauldron shattered, but instead of failure, black smoke swirled outward, forming ghostly serpents.
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. "Soul Clan..."
Xiao Chen and Yixian stepped back cautiously as Wu Huo's mask cracked, revealing an older man's twisted grin.
"Now that I've seen your flames... I'll be taking your souls."
The true battle of the Alchemist Grand Meeting had just begun.