48: Alchemy's fame and undercurrents

Life at Jia Nan Academy passed quickly amidst intense and orderly cultivation and study.

Under Instructor Ruolin's special arrangements and Elder Mu She's strict guidance, Xiao Chen's soul cultivation progressed daily, and his application of soul power became increasingly proficient.

Although he did not cultivate Dou Qi, his Spirit Realm Soul, combined with the various abilities granted by the System, allowed him to gradually stand out among the Outer Academy disciples, no longer merely an anomaly viewed askance simply because he was 'without Dou Qi'.

However, what truly brought the name "Xiao Chen" widespread attention throughout the Outer Academy and even the Inner Academy was the Jia Nan Academy's annual Alchemy Conference, held three months later.

The Alchemy Conference was an extremely important event at Jia Nan Academy, serving not only as a platform to test the achievements of Alchemy Department students but also as an excellent opportunity for geniuses from other departments to showcase their soul power and precise control abilities.

The conference offered generous rewards and was a shortcut to fame and fortune.

Encouraged by Instructor Ruolin and Elder Mu She, Xiao Chen decided to participate.

He needed this opportunity to verify his alchemy skills (primarily relying on System synthesis and soul perception of medicinal properties) and, more importantly, the resource allocation and influence that winning the conference championship would bring.

On the day of the conference, the central square of the academy was packed with people.

Hundreds of cauldrons were arranged on the vast square, and the contestants from various departments looked solemn.

On the high platform, all the academy's higher-ups were present, including the head of the Alchemy Department, a respected Rank 7 Alchemist.

Xiao Chen's appearance drew many curious and questioning glances.

For an outsider, it seemed like a fantasy for someone without fire-attribute Dou Qi, or even any Dou Qi fluctuations, to participate in the Alchemy Conference.

"Is that Xiao Chen? His soul power is very strong? But alchemy requires flame control, how will he manage?"

"He's probably just here to join the fun. Without Dou Qi flames, is he going to use firewood for alchemy?"

"I heard Instructor Ruolin and Elder Mu She think highly of him; perhaps he has some special method?"

Facing the discussions, Xiao Chen's expression remained calm.

The item he chose to refine was a Rank 4 medicinal pill called "Spirit Returning Pill."

This pill could quickly restore Dou Qi, with significant effects for those below Dou Ling, and its refinement difficulty was not low, especially requiring extremely high flame stability and soul perception.

The competition began!

Other Alchemists activated their Dou Qi, igniting their cauldrons, and various colored flames rose, creating a spectacular scene.

Only Xiao Chen, unhurriedly, placed his palm on the fire vent of the cauldron.

Under everyone's astonished gaze, he did not activate any Dou Qi; instead, he closed his eyes slightly, and his soul power surged out!

Inside the cauldron, a seemingly weak but incredibly condensed colorless flame appeared out of thin air!

That flame was not formed by Dou Qi but was simulated by his highly condensed soul power, directly activating the fire-attribute energy between heaven and earth, combined with a trace of the original aura of the [Crimson Flame Spirit Fire]!

This was his "Soul Heart Flame," which he had developed by combining the "Spirit Nurturing Art" with the System's precise control over energy!

"Controlling fire with soul?! No... this flame has sentience! How could he do it?" On the high platform, the Rank 7 Alchemy Department Head suddenly opened his eyes wide, revealing an incredulous expression.

Directly generating and controlling such pure flames with soul power was simply unheard of!

Xiao Chen was fully focused, his soul perception scanning every minute change inside the cauldron like the most precise instrument.

The input of medicinal materials, melting, purification, fusion... every step was incredibly precise, and the heat control was perfect.

His movements were fluid, possessing a unique aesthetic, forming a stark contrast with the solemnity of the other Alchemists.

The conference was divided into several rounds, from basic medicinal material purification to complex medicinal property fusion, and finally to the competition of the finished pill's quality.

Xiao Chen, relying on his extraordinary soul perception and the unique advantage of his "Soul Heart Flame," overcame all obstacles, performing astonishingly.

The purity of the medicinal liquid he refined was the highest, the medicinal power he fused was the most even, and finally, in the finals, he successfully refined an excellent-grade Spirit Returning Pill with pill lines!

When that round, translucent, fragrant pill, with clear cloud-like patterns on its surface, flew out of the cauldron, the entire square fell silent, then erupted in earth-shattering exclamations!

"Pill lines! It's an excellent-grade pill lines!"

"He actually did it! Without Dou Qi, he refined a Rank 4 excellent-grade medicinal pill!"

"This child's soul power is strong, and his fire control technique is exquisite; he is a true prodigy!"

Xiao Chen won the championship of this Alchemy Conference without any suspense! He became famous overnight!

At the awards ceremony, the Head of the Alchemy Department personally handed the reward—a scroll with the formula for the Rank 5 medicinal pill "Imperial Extreme Pill" and a precious soul cultivation resource—to Xiao Chen, looking at him with burning eyes: "Xiao Chen, are you willing to transfer to my Alchemy Department? I can personally guide you!"

Xiao Chen respectfully bowed and politely declined: "Thank you for your kindness, Department Head.

This disciple's ambition lies in the path of the soul; while alchemy is a means, it is not the fundamental.

I wish to continue cultivating under Instructor Ruolin and Elder Mu She."

He needed a broader path, not one confined to alchemy.

Although the Department Head felt it was a pity, he admired the child's character even more, nodding: "Very well.

The path of the soul is also a path to the heavens.

If you have any questions about alchemy in the future, you can always come to me."

The championship of the Alchemy Conference brought Xiao Chen immense prestige and practical resources.

His status within the academy rose steadily, and no one dared to look down on him because he had no Dou Qi.

At the same time, he also used the championship rewards and accumulated funds to synthesize more and higher-grade medicinal pills through the System; some for personal use, and some quietly sold through Ya Fei's channels, greatly replenishing his energy pool and personal reserves.

However, a tall tree attracts the wind.

Xiao Chen's astonishing performance also attracted the attention of certain hidden forces.

On this day, as Xiao Chen returned from cultivation at Elder Mu She's place, an uninvited guest appeared outside his small courtyard.

The newcomer wore a Black-Robed Figure, his aura cold and sinister, his face hidden in the shadows of his hood, and his voice hoarse:

"Xiao Chen? Your soul talent is good.

Come with me; an adult wants to see you."

Xiao Chen's soul perception scanned the person, and his heart was startled.

This person's aura was obscure, at least at the Dou Ling level, and he carried an uncomfortable, chilling death qi.

"Who are you, Your Excellency? Which adult wants to see me?" Xiao Chen secretly became vigilant, his soul power quietly circulating.

"Soul Hall," the Black-Robed Figure uttered two words, with an undeniable authority, "You possess a Spirit Realm Soul, and you are a talent our Soul Hall needs.

Coming with me is a great fortune for you."

Soul Hall!

Xiao Chen's heart trembled violently!

This continent's most mysterious and powerful dark organization had finally come knocking!

Was it because his performance at the Alchemy Conference was too dazzling, attracting their greed?

"What if I don't want to?" Xiao Chen said in a deep voice.

"Don't want to?" The Black-Robed Figure smiled sinisterly, "Then you won't have a choice!"

Before his words finished, his figure moved, and a ghostly claw entwined with black mist shot straight for Xiao Chen's throat, incredibly fast!

At the critical moment, just as Xiao Chen was about to fully activate his soul power to resist, a sharp sword qi descended from the sky, precisely striking the Black-Robed Figure's ghostly claw!

"Hiss!"

The black mist dissipated, and the Black-Robed Figure grunted, retreating several steps.

"You vermin of the Soul Hall, how dare you act wildly in my Jia Nan Academy?" A stern voice sounded; Mo Chen stood in front of Xiao Chen, holding a long sword, his eyes as sharp as blades.

At the same time, several powerful auras quickly swept from deep within the academy; one of them was Instructor Ruolin!

Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, the Black-Robed Figure glared fiercely at Xiao Chen: "Boy, no one the Soul Hall sets its sights on has ever escaped!

We will meet again!" With that, his figure transformed into a black mist, instantly dissipating on the spot.

"Xiao Chen, are you alright?" Instructor Ruolin rushed over, asking with concern.

"I'm fine, thank you, Senior Brother Mo Chen, thank you, Instructor." Xiao Chen felt lingering fear.

The Soul Hall's move meant he had been targeted by this behemoth.

The road ahead would be even more perilous.

Mo Chen sheathed his sword, saying indifferently: "There have been many Soul Hall scouts active near the academy recently; you need to be extra careful."

Instructor Ruolin's expression was grave: "The Soul Hall's power is vast, and their actions are secretive.

It's definitely not a good thing that they've targeted your soul power.

From today onwards, try not to leave the academy's core area alone.

I will report this matter to the Dean."

After this incident, Xiao Chen deeply realized his lack of strength and the danger of his situation.

He had to improve his strength faster!

And right now, the best opportunity was the upcoming Inner Academy selection competition and, afterward, the Heaven Burning Qi Refining Tower, which he would be qualified to enter!

The Inner Academy selection competition was the only way for Outer Academy disciples to enter the Inner Academy, which had richer resources and a superior cultivation environment.

The competition was extremely fierce.

And the Heaven Burning Qi Refining Tower was the foundation of Jia Nan Academy; the "Heart Flame" energy produced by the fallen heart flame within the tower had miraculous effects on refining Dou Qi and burning away soul impurities!

Although Xiao Chen did not have Dou Qi, the Heart Flame of the fallen heart flame might be of great benefit to his soul refinement and the accumulation of System energy!

"Inner Academy selection competition... Heaven Burning Qi Refining Tower..." Xiao Chen clenched his fists, fighting spirit burning in his eyes, "I must enter the Inner Academy! I must obtain the qualification to enter the Heaven Burning Qi Refining Tower!"

New challenges and opportunities lay ahead.

And in the shadows, the Soul Hall's presence already loomed.

Xiao Chen's Jia Nan Academy life was about to enter an even more magnificent chapter!