Standing at the edge of the battle ring, Old Yang observed closely. His aged eyes glittered with recognition.
"That boy... either his Spiritual Energy is exceptionally pure or abundant. That's why he can fight evenly despite being in the Martial Apprentice Realm. But both cases are rare. Very rare."Old Yang murmured softly, so that only Shi Man, Shi Feng, and his disciples could hear him.
Indeed, many began to notice the contrast. Qin Lan, though a higher Realm Cultivator, was burning through his Spiritual Energy far too quickly—especially after using the Sky Exploding Slash twice and relying on recovery pills.
As ten minutes passed, his movements grew sluggish, his attacks predictable. His face was pale, his breath ragged.
Still, pride drove him.
He tried to summon enough strength for another offensive, reaching for a pill bottle again from his Storage Ring.
But Xiao Wei's eyes flickered with resolve.
Now.
In a fluid motion, Xiao Wei dashed forward. His movements were so quick and smooth that many couldn't even follow. He activated Mountain Fist, Spiritual Energy condensing around his bleeding right hand.
Before Qin Lan could uncork the bottle, Xiao Wei's fist drove straight into his abdomen.
BOOM!
The impact echoed like thunder in the courtyard. Qin Lan's body lifted slightly from the ground before collapsing to his knees.
Blood sprayed from his mouth, staining the front of his robes.
He clutched his stomach, eyes wide in shock. He tried to stand—but his limbs shook violently, and his breath hitched. He had no strength left. He had underestimated Xiao Wei completely.
Xiao Wei stepped back, his arm trembling slightly from the force he had just unleashed. He had held back—not using full strength. If he had, Qin Lan's internal organs might have suffered serious damage. But he wasn't here to cripple anyone—only to win.
"Xiao Wei wins!"Shi Man shouted immediately, before Qin La could say anything.
His voice rang clear through the area.
Several Cultivators, previously skeptical of the outcome, now clapped in awe and approval. Even some neutral observers stood up in respect.
Xiao Wei exhaled softly and glanced toward Shi Man with a small nod.
The pride and joy in Shi Man's expression were impossible to hide.
"He did it…"Shi Man whispered to himself.
But even as the applause echoed around the area, Qin Lan stumbled to his feet, wiping the blood from his mouth with the back of his sleeve.
"I'm not done yet! Let's fight again!"Qin Lan shouted hoarsely.
But then, Qin La send another voice transmission to Qin La, this time his voice colder than before.
'Stop embarrassing yourself and the clan. You've already lost. Don't make it worse.'
Qin Lan froze as he clenched his fists tightly, shame crawling across his face.
Qin Lan stood rooted in place, blood still staining the corner of his lips, pride and defiance burning in his eyes. Though his defeat in combat had been clear for all to see, his unwillingness to walk away in shame was stronger than ever. After few seconds, he sent a silent voice transmission to his father, Qin La.
'But father, believe me. This time I will win for sure'
Qin Lan pleaded.
Qin La, who stood silently in the background, narrowed his eyes slightly. He did not respond, but the twitch in his brow revealed he had received the message.
Back in the center of the courtyard, Qin Lan's eyes fixed on Xiao Wei with renewed determination.
"Let's have an alchemy competition. That way we can see if you're truly an Alchemist or was just bluffing before."Qin Lan declared loudly, his voice resonating through the field.
The spectating Cultivators murmured among themselves in excitement and surprise.
Qin Lan raised his hand, his index finger pointing at Xiao Wei.
"We'll each refine a single pill. One chance only. Whoever produces the higher-tier pill wins."Qin Lan said.
The challenge was bold and unexpected. Even seasoned Alchemists required a calm heart and optimal condition to concoct a pill successfully, especially on the first try. Attempting such a feat right after a draining battle was borderline reckless.
Qin La opened his mouth, intending to rebuke his son's impulsiveness, but then paused. He looked at Qin Lan and, for a brief moment, seemed to hesitate. The thought crossed his mind: He has grown. Perhaps this boldness is proof of his maturing will.
He said nothing.
Xiao Wei, meanwhile, was calmly wrapping cloth around his bleeding hand. Blood had trickled down to his fingers, yet his face betrayed no sign of pain. He bowed lightly to Qin La.
"Senior, as you can see, I am currently injured. Perhaps we can reschedule this competition for another time?"Xiao Wei said respectfully.
Qin Lan sneered.
"Stop the acting. If you're really an Alchemist, then a minor injury shouldn't stop you. Let's raise the stakes again. Another five hundred Low Tier Spiritual Stones."Qin Lan shouted.
Gasps spread throughout the crowd.
Even Shi Feng and Shi Man turned to look at Xiao Wei in concern. That much Spiritual Stones was enough for most outer disciples to Cultivate comfortably for months, even years. But to Qin Lan, it was a casual bet.
Xiao Wei blinked and then laughed, a light-hearted, amused chuckle.
"Very well, let's not waste time, then."Xiao Wei said, eyes glinting as he can't let go free Spiritual Stones from his hands.
*Qin Clan is really rich*Xiao Wei thought to himself, amused.
The two young men again stepped into the designated area.
Qin Lan was the first to act. He waved his hand, and with a flash of light, a Tier 2 Alchemy Cauldron appeared before him. It was a deep green vessel engraved with the image of a serpent coiled around a medicinal plant. The Cauldron radiated soft heat, its inscriptions pulsing faintly with energy.
The crowd nodded in appreciation. A Tier 2 Cauldron was no small item. It represented resources, skill, and a decent foundation in Alchemy.
But then Xiao Wei stepped forward.
He tapped his storage ring lightly, and with a low hum, a cauldron materialized before him, it's exterior gleamed with a rich, dark patina. As soon as it touched the platform, a wave of powerful Spiritual Energy swept through the air.
As soon as the massive cauldron appeared with a low hum, a heavy wave of spiritual pressure emanated from it, silencing the crowd for a brief second. Then, an uproar followed as murmurs surged through the gathered audience like wildfire.
"That's not just any cauldron... is it?"
"That... that pressure! It must be at least Tier 4 or 5!"
"A Tier 4 or 5 Cauldron? That kind of treasure is something only major sects can possess!"
"How does someone at the Martial Apprentice Realm even possess such a treasure?!"
While the general Cultivators present were stunned, three people in particular had completely different reactions. Old Yang narrowed his eyes, his lips twitching as though remembering a memory. Mo Chen, who had remained silent the entire time, took a step forward, his expression disbelief. But the most shaken of them all was Qin La.
Qin La's face paled as he stared at the cauldron, disbelief written all over his features. He had recognized the intricate flame engravings along its surface and the unique rune inscriptions etched along its legs. That was no ordinary Tier 5 Cauldron. It was Burner.
The same cauldron that belonged to one of the most legendary Alchemist in the current Cultivation World—Senior Lu.
"Are you... Senior Lu's disciple?"Qin La asked slowly, his voice trembling slightly.
That single question caused yet another wave of shock to ripple through the audience.
"Senior Lu?! Did he say Senior Lu?!"
"Senior Lu who can refine High Grade Tier 5 pills?!"
People could barely contain themselves now. Alchemists among the crowd were visibly trembling in excitement or anxiety.
Qin Lan's face stiffened after hearing the ongoing discussions. He stared at the magnificent cauldron, then at his own, suddenly unworthy-looking, Tier 2 cauldron.
Xiao Wei looked up, confused by the intense reaction. His eyes met those of dozens of awestruck Cultivators. Everyone was waiting for his answer.
"No, I am not his disciple"Xiao Wei said flatly.
Dead silence. For a full five seconds, no one spoke.
Then chaos broke out again.
"What?! He said no?! Then how does he have Burner?!"
"Is he lying? Trying to conceal his identity?"
"Or... did he steal it?"
Xiao Wei's brows furrowed slightly as he noticed the expressions darkening around him. Why are they looking at me like I just murdered someone? he thought.
Then, as always, Shadow Ming voice rang out in his mind.
'Boy, you're truly an idiot. Why are you showing off your wealth like this in front of greedy pigs?'
Shadow Ming scolded.
Xiao Wei's heart sank. Right. This wasn't just any cauldron—it was a Tier 5 Cauldron.
Something even Martial King Realm Cultivators, Clan Heads of clans and Sect Leaders of sects would kill for.
*****
[Author Note]
Thank you for taking the time to read my novel. Your thoughts and feedback mean a great deal to me. As a writer, I'm always striving to grow and improve, and your comments can help guide me in that journey.
If there's anything you particularly enjoyed, I'd love to hear about it. And if there's something that didn't work for you—whether it's a character, plot point, pacing, or anything else—please don't hesitate to let me know. Honest and constructive feedback, whether positive or critical, is incredibly valuable.
Your input not only helps me understand what readers connect with, but also what areas might need more attention. I truly appreciate every comment, and I'm grateful for your support.
Thank you again for reading!