The Green Mountain Sect's new flying ship, the Jade Peak, was a magnificent symbol of the sect's recent and dramatic rise in prosperity. The influx of resources had allowed the sect to commission this vessel, a massive craft carved from rare, spirit-channeling greenwood and reinforced with plates of refined steel.
It wasn't the fastest ship in the sky, nor the most ostentatious, but it was a declaration of stability and strength. Intricate formations were etched into its hull, glowing with a soft, steady light as they drew power from the high-grade spirit stones humming deep within the ship's core, propelling the vessel through the sea of clouds with a quiet, unwavering grace.
On its main deck, members of the Green Mountain Sect's delegation stood, looking out at the changing landscape. Li Yu stood near the railing, the wind whipping harmlessly past the ship's protective array. The feeling of flight was a familiar one to him, yet this was a profoundly different experience from riding on Spine's back.
Soaring through the sky on his colossal vassal was a raw, elemental feeling, a connection to the wind and the world. This was detached, serene, and comfortable—like observing the world from a high mountain peak rather than being a part of the sky itself. It was a pleasant, peaceful change.
The delegation was a mix of the sect's future and its steady present. It was led by Han Jian, the sect heir, who handled his diplomatic duties with a calm, dignified competence that inspired confidence. Beside him stood Elder Han, the sect's head alchemist, a man whose quiet, herb-scented presence was both grounding and a little intimidating to the junior alchemists.
Three disciples had been chosen to compete. The most senior was Brother Shen, a man in his late thirties who had, through sheer diligence and a bit of luck, managed to reach the 1st Stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. He was a steady, experienced alchemist, though it was commonly understood he had reached the peak of his potential.
His expression was calm and focused. The other two were the true rising stars of the sect's alchemy pavilion: a sharp, focused young woman named Lin Xue, and a slightly nervous but clearly talented young man named Yao Fei, both at the peak of Qi Condensation.
"Look there," Han Jian said, his voice drawing the group's attention. He gestured towards a rugged-looking vessel built from dark, petrified wood and what looked like giant bones, a massive, roaring beast's head carved as its prow. "The Roaring Beast Mountain. Their alchemy is as wild as their cultivation. They don't use traditional cauldrons or refined flames. They specialize in using the internal flames of demonic fire-attribute beasts to refine their pills. Their methods are crude and explosive, but they can produce potent pills for enhancing the physical body."
Li Yu listened, absorbing the information. Han Jian's knowledge of the other sects was encyclopedic, a necessary skill for a future Sect Master. He was also interested in this beast flame he spoke of, how it was collected or used. He's never seen any kind of beast flame from the beasts he or his retainer killed. There must be some kind of technique involved.
"This will be my first time seeing them in person," Li Yu admitted. "I have only heard the names."
"You will see many things on this trip, Brother Li," Han Jian said with a friendly smile. "The alchemy world is a different kind of battlefield, but a battlefield nonetheless."
Their conversation was easy and natural, the budding friendship between them built on a foundation of mutual, if unspoken, respect. They spoke of the different sects they saw in the sky, of the rumors surrounding the Verdant Cauldron Sect's prodigies, and of the unique challenges of the alchemy dao.
After three days of travel, the scenery below began to change. The rugged mountains gave way to rolling, impossibly green hills and meticulously cultivated plains that stretched to the horizon. The very air grew richer, infused with a faint, sweet aroma of a thousand different medicinal herbs.
"We are entering the domain of the Verdant Cauldron Sect," Elder Han announced, his voice filled with a reverence that only an alchemist could have for this place. Brother Shen nodded solemnly, his expression one of deep respect, while the two younger disciples stared with wide, unblinking eyes.
As the Jade Peak began its slow descent, a city came into view, nestled in the heart of a vast, bowl-shaped valley. This was Verdant City, the heart of the alchemy world. It was a place of breathtaking beauty. The buildings were crafted from a living, jade-colored timber, with rooftops of fired, emerald-green tile.
Rivers of crystal-clear water flowed through the city in elegant canals, and every open space, from grand plazas to the smallest windowsill, was overflowing with vibrant, spiritually active plants and flowers. A massive, nine-tiered pagoda, shaped like an alchemist's cauldron, stood at the very center of the city, a beacon of power and prestige.
Their ship was guided by glowing runes to a massive docking port on the city's outskirts. As they disembarked, the sheer energy of the place was palpable. The air was thick with the intermingled auras of thousands of powerful cultivators, and the overwhelming scent of herbs was almost intoxicating.
As Han Jian was presenting their invitation to the Verdant Cauldron Sect's deacons, a loud, arrogant voice cut through the air.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Green Mountain Sect. I didn't know your sect could afford such a thing. That's a fine-looking ship." The compliment was delivered with the tone of an insult, as if she were surprised they owned anything of value.
They turned to see a group of cultivators swaggering towards them. They were clad in fiery red robes embroidered with golden crucible patterns. The woman who had spoken was stunningly beautiful, with sharp, fiery eyes and a sneer permanently etched on her delicate features. This was Huo Liling, the heir to the Crimson Crucible Sect. Her cultivation was at the 6th Stage of Foundation Establishment, and her aura burned with an aggressive, fiery heat that demanded attention.
Han Jian's expression remained serene. "Young Miss Huo," he greeted with a polite nod. "It is good to see the Crimson Crucible Sect has arrived safely."
Huo Liling looked Han Jian up and down with disdain. "Here to aim for the middle of the pack again, Han Jian? A noble, if uninspired, goal." Her gaze swept over the rest of the group, dismissing the junior disciples before pausing on Brother Shen with a smirk. "Still sending this one? Has your sect not produced any new talent in the last decade?" She then looked at Li Yu, frowning as she tried to place the quiet young man. "And who is this? One of your inner court disciples? Don't tell me he's one of your alchemists."
Before Han Jian could respond, a warm, gentle voice interrupted them. "Young Miss Huo, your passion is as fiery as your sect's reputation. Welcome to Verdant City."
A man in his forties, clad in the elegant, emerald-green robes of the Verdant Cauldron Sect, approached them. He was not exceptionally handsome, but his face was kind, and his eyes held a deep, profound calm that seemed to soothe the very air around him. His cultivation was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, yet his aura was as gentle and nourishing as a spring rain.
Huo Liling's arrogant sneer immediately vanished, replaced by a look of grudging respect. "Chen Jianxin," she grunted. "Come to greet your future subjects?"
Chen Jianxin, the top alchemy genius of the Verdant Cauldron Sect's younger generation, simply smiled. "I am here to welcome all our honored guests. It is a pleasure to have you all here to share in the dao of alchemy." His gaze turned to Han Jian, and he offered a genuine, friendly bow. "Sect Heir Han Jian, it is an honor to welcome the Green Mountain Sect. My master has spoken of your sect's strong foundations and noble character. We have arranged a quiet courtyard for your delegation. Please, allow me to guide you."
His humility was disarming and sincere. He was a true genius, the frontrunner to win the entire competition, yet he treated the mid-tier Green Mountain Sect with the same respect he would a top-tier power. Chen Jianxin then glanced at Li Yu, his eyes showing a brief flicker of curiosity at the quiet young man standing beside the sect heir, but he said nothing, simply including him in his welcoming smile.
"Thank you, Brother Chen," Han Jian replied, returning the bow. "We are grateful for your hospitality."
They followed Chen Jianxin away, leaving Huo Liling to scowl at their backs. As they walked, they passed other groups. They saw a delegation from the Silver Stream Clan, led by a young woman named Liu Meiying. She was of average appearance, her features plain but pleasant, yet she possessed a unique, captivating aura of profound calm, as if she were a deep, still pool of water amidst a rushing river.
They saw the group from Roaring Beast Mountain up close now, led by a mountain of a man named Xiong Shan, who carried a massive, sealed gourd on his back that seemed to pulse with a living heat. They even passed a small, unassuming group from a lesser clan, the Pale Orchid Clan, whose representative, a passive-looking girl named Su Lin, seemed almost invisible in the crowd.
The courtyard they were led to was a beautiful, self-contained residence with its own garden and practice rooms. After Chen Jianxin departed with a final, polite farewell, the Green Mountain Sect delegation finally had a moment to themselves.
"That Huo Liling is as pleasant as ever," Elder Han grumbled, shaking his head.
Brother Shen, the older Foundation Establishment disciple, simply sighed. "Her talent is undeniable. Her character, less so. It is best to ignore her."
"Brother Shen is right," Han Jian said calmly. "The Crimson Crucible Sect's dao of alchemy is aggressive and forceful. It shapes their personalities. Do not let their words affect you." He then turned to the three competitors. "Remember why we are here. Not to defeat the likes of Chen Jianxin or Huo Liling, but to learn. To witness their techniques, to broaden our horizons, and to do our sect proud by performing to the best of our own abilities. That is all I, or the Sect Master, ask of you."
His words were reassuring. The two younger disciples visibly relaxed, while Brother Shen gave a firm, determined nod.
Li Yu had remained silent through it all, a perfect observer. He had watched the interactions, analyzed the different auras, and taken the measure of the people they met. Huo Liling's Qi was like a wildfire—powerful but uncontrolled.
Chen Jianxin's was like a blacksmith's forge—gentle at rest, but capable of immense, focused heat. Liu Meiying's had the tranquility of still water, while Xiong Shan's felt like a dormant volcano. It was a fascinating new world, so different from his own path of silent, watery accumulation.
He found himself genuinely looking forward to the competition. For the first time in a long while, he was not here to fight, to scheme, or to hunt. He was here simply to watch, to learn, and to witness a different kind of power in a world that was far larger and more complex than he had ever imagined. The next day, the grand alchemy competition would begin, and he would have a front-row seat.