"Little Brother, our path together ends here."
Beneath the imposing gates of Wutan City, a burly man wearing a clan badge embroidered with seven gold stars halted his stride. He turned to the short-haired youth beside him, whose coarse linen robes hung loosely on his thin frame.
Chen Yang hurriedly straightened his posture, clasping his hands together and bowing deeply, his waist bent in a gesture of sincere respect. "This Junior offers humble thanks to Senior Xiao Yong for the gift of clothing and for the protection granted over these past hundred li (50 km). This debt of gratitude is etched in my heart; I shall surely seek a chance to repay it."
"Heh... A trifling matter." Xiao Yong waved his hand dismissively, shifting the heavy iron spear on his shoulder.
In Xiao Yong's eyes, this youth was merely a mortal with no cultivation base—a rootless duckweed in a storm. He had offered aid not for reward, but because the boy's lost expression reminded him of his own son. To speak of repayment? It was merely polite rhetoric from a weakling.
"Take care, Little Brother. The city has its own wolves." Xiao Yong patted Chen Yang's shoulder, the force heavy enough to make the boy stumble slightly. Without looking back, the burly man strode through the city gates, disappearing into the flow of the crowd.
Chen Yang remained standing at the gate for the time it takes to burn half a stick of incense (15 minutes), his gaze lost in the bustling crowd, his mind a turbulent sea of memories.
Just over one shichen (2 hours) ago, he had been a scholar in a realm called "Earth." He had merely arranged to ride a mechanical bicycle with a senior, yet a runaway iron beast had struck him with the force of a falling mountain.
When his consciousness returned, he found himself clad only in undergarments, standing in a desolate wilderness. Had he not encountered Xiao Yong, who was returning from a clan mission, his bones would likely already be bleaching in the sun, picked clean by wild beasts.
Upon learning this was the Dou Qi Continent—specifically the territory of the Xiao Clan in Wutan City—Chen Yang had quickly composed a lie. He claimed to be a refugee from Qingshan Town, his parents devoured by beasts in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, forcing him to seek distant kin.
It was a flawless excuse. In this dog-eat-dog world, such tragedies were as common as rain.
Now, standing within the city walls, the reality of his situation settled upon him like a heavy stone. He possessed no gold, no silver, and his dantian was empty. In this city where strength commanded respect, a mortal without Qi might not survive to see the sun rise tomorrow.
"Alas... to have crossed the boundary between worlds, yet the Heavens grant me no support?"
Chen Yang shook his head, a bitter smile gracing his lips. He stepped forward, entering Wutan City properly. He would have to find labor, perhaps washing dishes or sweeping floors. Only when the belly is full can one dream of stepping onto the path of cultivation.
'Since I have arrived in this magnificent world where the strong pluck stars and the weak are crushed, I should at least taste the wind of the high heavens, should I not?'
Just as his foot fully crossed the threshold of the city gate, a cold, mechanical sound chimed deep within his soul.
Ding.
[System Activated.]
[Host detected entering First Map Domain: Wutan City.]
[Initiating Real-Time Analysis...]
[Connection to World Source established.]
"I knew it! The Dao of Transmigration never mistreats its travelers!"
Joy bloomed in Chen Yang's chest. He quickly stepped aside to the shadow of a wall, ensuring he did not block the path of passing carriages, and focused his mind.
There was no greeting, no sentient spirit to guide him. The System was a cold, efficient tool. It functioned on a single, domineering principle: Wherever he walked, if he stepped into a new domain illuminated by the "Son of Destiny," he would instantly surpass the Highest Ranking existence of that region in all aspects—Cultivation, Alchemy, Soul State, and Martial Skills.
However, the Heavenly Law had restrictions. Beings originating from outside the domain—like the mysterious Xiao Xun'er or the soul body Yao Chen—were excluded from the calculation.
'This is acceptable,' Chen Yang mused, his eyes gleaming. 'It is a fine fortune to walk alongside a fellow villager. If I were on the Soul Land, I would have to crush that hypocrite Tang San. But Xiao Yan... he is a man of distinct loves and hatreds. We can walk the same path.'
Ding.
[Scan Complete. Executing Override.]
[Detected Highest Ranking Cultivation: Xiao Zhan, Tier 3 Da Dou Shi (Dou Grandmaster), Five-Star.] [Granting Host Status: Tier 3 Da Dou Shi (Dou Grandmaster), Nine-Star.]
[Detected Highest Ranking Alchemist: Gu Ni, Tier 2 Alchemist.] [Granting Host Status: Tier 3 Alchemist.]
[Detected Highest Ranking Cultivation Technique: Middle Xuan Class.] [Granting Host Status: High Xuan Class Technique "Crimson Flame Scripture".]
[Detected Highest Ranking Combat Skill: Low Xuan Class.] [Granting Host Status: High Xuan Class Skill "Sunset Sword Art".]
[Item Grant: Spatial Storage Ring (20 cubic meters) and Tier 3 Medicine Cauldron "Crimson Furnace".]
[Weapon Grant: Scarlet Python Sword (Inlaid with Rank 3 Fire Attribute Magic Core).]
Whoosh!
In a mere blink of an eye (1 second), a torrential river of Qi surged into Chen Yang's empty meridians. It was not violent, but refined and stable, instantly solidifying into the liquid Dou Qi armor of a Nine-Star Da Dou Shi within him.
Simultaneously, memories flooded his mind—thousands of herbs, fire control techniques, and pill formulas. It was as if he had spent thirty years secluded in a medicine valley, refining pills day and night. The knowledge was not borrowed; it was etched into his soul.
A cyan ring materialized on his left hand, cool to the touch. Inside lay the cauldron and the scroll for the Crimson Flame Scripture.
Chen Yang felt the weight of a sword appear in the ring. The System had automatically selected the sword—the weapon of gentlemen and conquerors alike—surpassing the inferior skills detected in the city.
He used his newly awakened Soul Perception (Mortal State) to gaze inward. A diamond-shaped crystal hovered in his dantian, radiating terrifying heat and power.
'Conceal one's brilliance, bide one's time.'
The transformation had happened in the time it takes for a spark to fly off a flint. To the pedestrians walking five chi (1.5 meters) away, he was still just a dusty youth standing by a wall.
Chen Yang exhaled a long breath of turbid air, his heart rate slowing to a calm, rhythmic beat. He analyzed his surroundings with new eyes. He could hear the breathing patterns of the guards ten zhang (33 meters) away; he could smell the faint metallic tang of blood on a mercenary walking past, indicating a recent kill.
'I am not invincible—not yet. A Nine-Star Da Dou Shi is a tyrant in Wutan City, but a mere ant before the true monsters of the continent. To act arrogantly now would be to invite calamity.'
'However, a man cannot stand without wealth.'
He smoothed his robes, his demeanor shifting from that of a lost refugee to a young master at ease with the world.
'First, I shall visit the Mittel Auction House. I will use these alchemical memories to refine pills and amass gold. Once I have established a foothold, I will find an opportunity to repay the karma owed to Xiao Yong.'
With a faint, confident smile, Chen Yang stepped into the flow of the street, heading toward the heart of the city.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mittel Auction House stood like a golden beast in the center of the city, a testament to the wealth of the Mittel Family, one of the Three Great Clans of the Gama Empire.
Following the directions of passers by, Chen Yang arrived at the entrance within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea (10 minutes).
Even in the daylight, heavily armored guards stood like statues at the gates. Their gazes were sharp, their hands resting near their weapons. Chen Yang swept his gaze over them—Tier 1 Dou Zhe (Practitioners). Decent for gatekeepers, but insignificant before him.
He strode into the hall, a cool breeze infused with a faint fragrance washing over him, instantly dispelling the heat of the streets.
The interior was magnificent, the floors paved with smooth jade that reflected the soft light of glowing pearls. Chen Yang did not gawk; he maintained a calm composure and walked directly toward an appraisal room on the side.
Inside, a middle-aged man sat lazily behind a mahogany table. Seeing Chen Yang enter, he did not show disdain for the youth's plain clothes. He stood up, a practiced smile on his face.
"Little Brother, do you have treasures to appraise?"
Chen Yang shook his head slightly. "Does your esteemed Auction House harbor Alchemists?"
The middle-aged man paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the youth. "Indeed. Master Gu Ni is our resident Tier 2 Alchemist. His name shakes all of Wutan City. Little Brother, do you wish to request Master Gu Ni to refine medicine?"
The appraisers of the Mittel Family were trained to never miss a potential business opportunity, no matter how small.
Chen Yang placed his left hand on the table, tapping his fingers rhythmically. "I suppose you could say that. Would it be convenient to introduce me to Master Gu Ni?"
The middle-aged man hesitated. His experience told him this boy was too young to afford the services of a Tier 2 Alchemist. However, as his gaze swept over Chen Yang's hand, his pupils contracted violently.
The cyan ring on the youth's finger... faintly pulsating with spatial energy.
'A Storage Ring.'
A youth possessing such a treasure was no commoner. He was likely the scion of a hidden clan or the disciple of a monster.
"Young Master, please follow me. I will escort you to Master Gu Ni immediately." The man's smile vanished, replaced by a look of respectful solemnity. His address shifted instantly from 'Little Brother' to 'Young Master.'
Chen Yang nodded indifferently and followed the man upstairs.
They navigated the winding corridors until they reached a secluded door made of heavy ironwood. The middle-aged man straightened his robes and knocked three times.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Who disturbs this Old Man?" An impatient voice sounded from within.
"Master Gu Ni, a Young Master wishes to discuss the refinement of pills," the middle-aged man announced respectfully, bowing to the closed door.
He was merely a Six-Star Dou Zhe, while Gu Ni was a Tier 2 Alchemist and a Three-Star Da Dou Shi (Grandmaster). The difference in status was like the difference between mud and clouds.
"Oh?"
A moment of silence followed. The middle-aged man waited patiently; disturbing an alchemist was a capital offense in the social circles of the empire.
Creak.
The door swung open, revealing an elderly man in blue robes. His hair was peppered with gray, and his face held the inherent arrogance common to all who walked the Alchemist's Dao.
"Where is the guest?" Gu Ni asked, barely glancing at the middle-aged man. His gaze landed on Chen Yang, and his brows furrowed. "A child?"
However, as his Soul Perception swept over Chen Yang, Gu Ni's expression shifted. He sensed a faint, familiar fluctuation—the dry, hot aura unique to Alchemists.
"You may withdraw," Gu Ni commanded the appraiser, his tone softening slightly.
"As you command." The middle-aged man bowed and retreated hastily.
Gu Ni gestured for Chen Yang to enter. The room was filled with the pungent scent of medicinal herbs. A crimson cauldron sat in the corner, still radiating heat.
Chen Yang sniffed the air gently. "Master Gu Ni was attempting to refine a Tier 3 Qi Recovery Pill?"
Gu Ni froze, his eyes widening in shock. He turned to stare at the youth. "You... just by the scent?"
"Indeed." Chen Yang walked over to the cauldron, running a finger along its rim. He spoke casually, as if discussing the weather. "I recently advanced to the rank of a Tier 3 Alchemist. I have ruined enough cauldrons refining Qi Recovery Pills to know the scent of a failed batch by heart."
He glanced at the cauldron. "This is a Tier 2 furnace. Forcing it to refine Tier 3 pills increases the instability. The failure was not entirely due to a lack of skill, but a lack of proper tools."
Gu Ni's heart pounded. A Tier 3 Alchemist? This boy, who looked no older than twenty? Even the geniuses of the Imperial Capital were not this monstrous.
"Daoist Brother... since you are a Tier 3 Alchemist yourself, why seek this Old Man?" Gu Ni's tone changed completely, dropping the seniority to address Chen Yang as an equal.
"If I did not say I needed refinement, would that guard have brought me to see you?" Chen Yang smiled, turning to face him.
"True..." Gu Ni nodded slowly, his mind racing. "Then, may I ask why you have come?"
Chen Yang sighed, a look of profound embarrassment crossing his face. He slapped the heavy cauldron, creating a dull clang.
"Alas! It is a shameful matter. After breaking through recently, my confidence swelled. I refined an experimental pill and, lacking a test subject, fed it to my Eldest Senior Sister's Spirit Fox."
Chen Yang paused for dramatic effect. "The beast... suffered severe Qi Deviation. It nearly exploded."
"Senior Sister was furious. She seized my gold, my herbs, and my pills. She exiled me from the sect, forbidding my return until I break through to the Dou Ling (Spirit) realm."
"I do not fear my Master, but that Senior Sister... she is a demoness. Though only two years my senior, she is already a Dou Wang (King) and a Tier 5 Alchemist."
Chen Yang spread his hands helplessly. "I am currently destitute. I heard the Mittel Family has a reputation for fairness. I wish to borrow some herbs to refine pills, sell them, and establish a cooperation. I need resources to cultivate, after all."
Gu Ni listened, stunned into silence.
A twenty-year-old Dou Wang and Tier 5 Alchemist? What kind of terrifying ancient sect did this boy come from? The Misty Cloud Sect? No, even they lacked such monsters.
"Your... Senior Sister is truly a dragon among humans," Gu Ni stammered, his skepticism warring with fear.
Chen Yang saw the doubt in the old man's eyes. It was time to show his hand.
Boom!
Chen Yang took a half-step forward. A fiery red Dou Qi erupted from his body, dense and heavy as magma. It did not disperse but coalesced instantly into a tangible armor of flame over his skin.
The heat in the room spiked. The pressure forced Gu Ni to take a step back, his own Dou Qi circulating instinctively to resist the suppression.
"Dou Qi Armor... and this density..." Gu Ni gasped, his face pale. "This is not a newly advanced foundation. This is a High-Level Da Dou Shi (Grandmaster)!"
If he had believed only thirty percent of the story before, he now believed ninety percent. A youth with such cultivation could not be a rogue cultivator. He had to have a monstrous backing.
"Master Gu Ni," Chen Yang said, retracting his aura instantly, returning to the image of a harmless youth. "How about I refine a batch of Qi Recovery Pills now to prove my skill? Then we can discuss the price."
"Of course! Of course!" Gu Ni nodded vigorously.
To build a connection with a young Tier 3 Alchemist and a High-Level Da Dou Shi was a golden opportunity. If he secured this partnership, his standing within the Mittel Family would soar. He might even be recalled to the Imperial Capital.
"I wonder... may I know the Young Master's name?" Gu Ni asked cautiously. Alchemists were eccentric; asking for a name could sometimes be seen as an offense.
"It is no secret. I am Chen Yang," he replied with a polite cupped-fist salute.
"Brother Chen Yang, you are too polite." Gu Ni hurriedly returned the salute. "I have two sets of ingredients for the Tier 3 Qi Recovery Pill in my ring. Please, use this room. I shall stand guard outside to ensure no one disturbs your concentration."
In the Dou Qi Continent, an Alchemist's technique was their lifeblood. Watching another refine without permission was a taboo punishable by death.
Gu Ni turned to leave, showing proper etiquette.
"Master Gu Ni, please wait," Chen Yang called out calmly.
Gu Ni froze, turning back. "Brother Chen Yang? Is there something else?"
"Stay and guard the room from the inside," Chen Yang said, gesturing to a chair. "Watch the refinement."
"This..." Gu Ni was flabbergasted. "Brother Chen Yang, do you not fear this Old Man stealing your technique?"
Chen Yang laughed heartily, a sound full of magnanimity. "Hahaha! My Master once said, 'The Dao of Alchemy is vast as the ocean.' There are countless supreme grandmasters on the continent. Why should we, with our rudimentary skills, cherish our own brooms so tightly?"
He sat cross-legged on the floor, flicking his wrist. His own Crimson Furnace appeared with a heavy thud.
"Master Gu Ni, observe freely. If my clumsy technique can offer you some enlightenment, perhaps my Master would even praise me for spreading the Dao."
Gu Ni looked at the youth, his eyes shimmering with genuine emotion. "Brother Chen Yang... your breadth of mind shames this Old Man."
In truth, Chen Yang had no such noble intentions. He simply calculated the benefits: 'If Gu Ni watches and gains enlightenment, he might advance to Tier 3. If he becomes the Highest Ranking Alchemist in the city... the System will detect it and upgrade me to Tier 4.'
"Watch closely," Chen Yang whispered. He placed his right hand on the fire inlet of the cauldron, channeling his Dou Qi.
Whoosh!
A crimson flame ignited within the furnace, dancing like a living spirit.