Chapter 419: Alchemy Conference is about to begin

Xiao Ling was keenly aware of Feng Qing'er's gaze. He lowered his eyes slightly, and his gaze followed it, just in time to meet Feng Qing'er's eyes that were full of special meanings.

The emotions in that look were complex and difficult to discern, like anger, but also like concealing some unspeakable shame and unwillingness, which made Xiao Ling frown slightly.

When Xiao Ling's eyes were cast at her, Feng Qing'er's heart trembled suddenly, and panic instantly surged into her heart. She hurriedly gathered her mind, and at the same time, she twisted her neck slightly and turned her head quickly to the side, unwilling to look Xiao Ling in the eye again.

Seeing Feng Qing'er's reaction, Xiao Ling lost interest in exploring the matter and ignored her, instead looking into the distance.

Just at this moment, a black shadow flashed across the sky like lightning, extremely fast. It was the Likongzuo that Xiao Ling had sent out earlier to take a walk.

Seeing the huge figure of Rayquaza wrapped in a strong gust of wind becoming clearer and clearer in the field of vision, Xiao Ling swiftly swung out a hand knife, accurately chopping at the back of Feng Qing'er's neck.

At this time, Feng Qing'er was still immersed in her own complicated thoughts, her heart full of uneasiness about her current situation and anxiety about the future. She had never expected Xiao Ling to make such a sudden move.

Instantly, she felt a dull pain in her neck. Her eyes widened, but before she could scream out, her consciousness receded like the tide, her body went limp, and she fell into a coma.

After knocking Feng Qing'er unconscious, Xiao Ling put her into the system space. Then, he stepped on the void and jumped lightly, landing steadily on the back of the Sky Breaker.

"Let's go back to Xingyun Pavilion." Xiao Ling said, and then sat down cross-legged on top of Liekongzuo's head. He stretched out his slender and bony palms and gently patted Liekongzuo's hard head.

After hearing Xiao Ling's order, Liekongzuo's huge dark head nodded slightly, and then his body twisted suddenly. In an instant, he turned into a dazzling black stream of light, which cut through the sky, and rushed towards the direction of Xingyun Pavilion with whistling wind and majestic momentum.

……

Time passed quickly like a white horse passing by, and there was not much time left before the Dan Conference held every thirty years in Dan Tower would begin.

During this period of time, many things happened in Zhongzhou. Among them, two things had the most far-reaching impact and spread most widely, causing discussions among many people in Zhongzhou.

One of the protagonists is Feng Qing'er, a disciple of the famous Fenglei Pavilion master in the northern region of Zhongzhou.

It is said that after the Sifang Pavilion competition ended, Feng Qing'er mysteriously disappeared that day.

Because Feng Qing'er's other identity was that she was one of the overlords of the Beast Domain, a member of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, the Heavenly Phoenix Clan investigated her disappearance. However, after some investigation, they were unable to find any results.

Since Feng Qing'er was only considered to be above average in the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, she was not given special attention. As time passed, the matter was left unresolved.

And when everyone talked about this incident, they all tacitly agreed that this proud daughter of heaven from the Sky Demon Phoenix clan had met with disaster, and they all felt sorry for her.

Another incident was that Huangquan Pavilion, one of the four pavilions in Zhongzhou, was attacked. Most of the members of the pavilion were killed or alive, and only a few disciples of Huangquan Pavilion escaped by chance.

After this incident spread, it caused quite a stir in Zhongzhou. Although Huangquan Pavilion was not one of the top forces in Zhongzhou, as one of the four pavilions, it also occupied a place in Zhongzhou. Now only ruins are left, which is really sad.

Afterwards, according to the surviving disciples of Huangquan Pavilion, those who attacked Huangquan Pavilion were people from the Soul Palace. As the news spread, the situation was pushed to another climax.

People began to discuss the tragic fate of Huangquan Pavilion and the ruthless methods of Soul Palace, causing the people in Zhongzhou to be even more wary and panic about this strange force of Soul Palace.

……

Among the well-arranged buildings of Xingyun Pavilion, there is a wooden attic standing quietly. Time has given it an old and heavy coat. The carved beams and painted buildings are full of stories from the past, revealing a mellow ancient charm.

As you step inside, you can smell the aroma of medicine lingering in the air, making you feel happy both physically and mentally.

At this time, Yao Chen was standing in a corner of the attic, wearing a moon-white robe, his sleeves fluttering in the wind, making him look somewhat otherworldly.

In his hand he was holding a prescription for an elixir handed to him by Xiao Ling. His eyes wandered between the slightly wrinkled paper and the neat handwriting. A hint of surprise first flashed across his eyes, and then an unconcealable smile slowly spread from the bottom of his eyes to the corners of his mouth, revealing an arc of relief.

"The name 'Reincarnation Soul-Reshaping Pill' alone is ingenious and perfectly complements the pill's miraculous effect of changing one's fate and reshaping reincarnation."

Yao Chen raised his eyes and looked at Xiao Ling, his gaze full of admiration and expectation. His voice was gentle, but it carried a hint of surprise that could not be concealed, and it echoed in this quiet attic.

"I never thought that you had already created this top-level eighth-grade pill recipe. I thought it would take more time."

"Haha," Xiao Ling smiled slightly, waved his hand modestly, and said to Yao Chen sincerely,
"You, Master Yao, have played a great role in my success in creating the recipe for the 'Reincarnation Soul-Reshaping Pill'. If it weren't for your careful guidance and generous teachings, I would have to grope for a long time and spend an unknown amount of time on this long journey to master this eighth-grade top-level pill recipe.

"Okay, little guy, don't be so polite to an old man like me." Yao Chen smiled, shook his head gently, waved his hand, and said softly,
"I just gave you some pointers. The rest is the result of your own unremitting efforts and painstaking research. And your superb understanding of the energy of life and death is your unique talent and ability. Others can't match it."

Having said this, Yao Chen raised his eyes and looked at the clouds drifting outside the window. A hint of expectation flashed in his eyes, and then he spoke slowly: "The Alchemy Conference, which is held every thirty years, is just around the corner. It will be held soon. By then, you can go on stage to refine this 'Reincarnation Soul-shaping Pill'."

"With your ability, it must be easy for you to refine this eighth-grade top-level elixir and win the first prize in the alchemy competition. The alchemy competition is the perfect stage for you to become famous and shine."

"Okay, I understand, Yao Lao." Xiao Ling nodded slightly, his expression showing determination and confidence, and his eyes shining. "I was planning to refine this 'Reincarnation Soul-shaping Pill' to participate in the Alchemy Conference. The championship of this Alchemy Conference is naturally a must for me.

After saying this, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a hint of teasing, and then he looked at Yao Chen with a smile, his words full of youthful spirit, "However, if this happens, the title of the number one alchemist on this continent will probably change hands and be taken by me. Yao Lao, don't blame me for 'stealing' this title later."

"Haha, you kid!" Yao Chen laughed loudly, full of openness and joy, and raised his hand and waved it casually, "If you want these false names, just take them. In this world today, how many people can still remember me as the 'No. 1 Alchemist in the Continent'? I'm afraid there are not many people."

After saying that, his expression straightened up, "Okay, hurry up and get ready. I heard from Qinglin before that you promised the Ye family to help them participate in the assessment, right? If you delay any longer, people will think you have forgotten about it."

"Haha, Mr. Yao, thanks to your reminder, I almost forgot about this matter. Then I won't disturb your rest any longer." Xiao Ling's expression straightened up and he agreed.

After he finished speaking, Xiao Ling stood up, bowed to Yao Chen, then took a step and walked briskly towards the door.

Yao Chen stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Xiao Ling's back getting farther and farther away with a gentle gaze. Only when the figure completely disappeared from his sight did he nod slightly, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

Afterwards, he turned around and walked back to the depths of the attic, continuing to immerse himself in the room filled with the fragrance of medicine and ancient books on elixir recipes.

...After saying goodbye to Yao Chen's attic, Xiao Ling flew briefly and returned to his own courtyard.

After entering the courtyard, Xiao Ling subconsciously looked around the yard. Zi Yan and others who usually played and laughed with him were nowhere to be seen. The only sound was the rustling of the branches and leaves due to the breeze. It was unexpectedly quiet.

Xiao Ling's eyebrows slightly raised, a hint of doubt quietly emerged, but he did not hesitate for too long in this doubt. He just thought that they went out temporarily to have some fun or to do other important things.

Thinking of this, he walked towards the house, his sleeves swaying in the wind, and his steady steps on the stone road made a slight and rhythmic sound. In a moment, his figure walked into the attic where he lived and disappeared behind the carved wooden door.

"Sir, you are back."

As soon as Xiao Ling stepped into the attic, a woman's voice, like a mountain spring flowing through a rocky stream, came into his ears.

Hearing the voice, Xiao Ling looked up subconsciously, and saw a graceful figure standing in a corner of the attic.

She was wearing a colorful dress that outlined her perfect figure. Her white jade legs were softly wrapped in delicate white silk, just like solidified fat covering snow, with graceful and smooth lines. Her black hair was loosely tied up, and a few strands of hair hung down on her white neck, which was extremely charming.

This person was none other than Feng Qing'er, whom Xiao Ling had "brought" back from Fenglei Pavilion. A few months had passed in a flash, and looking at her now, she was like a completely different person compared to the past.

Her once arrogant temperament has gradually been smoothed after this period of precipitation. Now, her behavior reveals a kind of gentleness and tranquility, but there is also a bit of noble temperament from her bones, which is lightly mixed in.

The contrast between the before and after is perfectly integrated. Not only is it not abrupt, but it adds a different charm that makes people can't help but take a few more glances, and also makes Xiao Ling feel a sense of accomplishment.

After all, he had spent a lot of effort in guiding and training Feng Qing'er during this period of time, which led to such a transformation. Now, she has shed her former arrogance and coldness and has become so gentle and lovely, so pleasing and comfortable to look at.

Xiao Ling looked calm, and just nodded slightly. He then turned his eyes to Feng Qing'er and asked softly, "Qing'er, do you know where Zi Yan and the others went? I just came back, why didn't I see them?"

Feng Qing'er bowed lightly, raised her white hands, and elegantly brushed a few strands of hair hanging from her forehead behind her ears. Her eyebrows were lowered, and her expression was submissive. The stubbornness and arrogance she once had were gone, and she now looked gentle and skilled.

"My lord," she said in a clear and unhurried voice, "Since you left today, Miss Zi Yan has taken Miss Qing Lin with her. They said they were going to look for some snake monsters. Miss Medusa was worried about them, so she went with them."

"Okay, I got it." Xiao Ling looked calm and unperturbed. He nodded his chin slightly in agreement.

After a short pause, Xiao Ling suddenly changed the subject, his voice adding a bit of sternness and seriousness, "Next, I will set off for Shengdan City to participate in this year's Danhui Competition. Zi Yan and the others will go with me, so I guess I will be away from Xingyun Pavilion for some time."

"During the time we are away, you should just stay here and do something that interests you and that you enjoy doing to pass the time. But let me be frank with you. You'd better give up the idea of ​​running away as soon as possible. Otherwise, you won't be able to live such a comfortable life now."

Feng Qing'er was slightly startled, and then her eyes revealed a trace of panic. She hurriedly took a step forward, bowed slightly and said: "Master, Qing'er would never dare to have the idea of ​​running away. During this period of time, Qing'er has understood her situation, and I also know that you are tolerant of Qing'er. Qing'er will cherish this peace and wait for you to return. Master, please go to participate in the Alchemy Competition with peace of mind. Qing'er will abide by her duties and will never cause trouble."

Although Xiao Ling did not give Feng Qing'er the chance to choose, he forcibly brought her back to Xingyun Pavilion and made her a maid.

However, during this period of time, Feng Qing'er had not suffered any major injustices except occasionally cleaning the courtyard where Xiao Ling and others lived, and serving tea and water to them.

On the contrary, when refining elixirs or preparing pills for Zi Yan and Medusa, Xiao Ling would always generously give Feng Qing'er some elixirs or pills.

Apart from occasionally teasing Feng Qing'er out of mischievous pleasure, Zi Yan never made things difficult for her because of her identity as the Heavenly Demon Phoenix.

Medusa has a rather aloof personality and seldom speaks to Feng Qing'er, but she has never ordered Feng Qing'er to do anything either.

Qinglin, who has a kind and friendly personality, sometimes takes the initiative to chat with Feng Qinger.

When the few of them got along with each other, none of them really treated Feng Qing'er as a servant.

To put it bluntly, it was just Zi Yan's whim to capture Feng Qing'er. There was no substantial conflict between them and Feng Qing'er, so there was no reason to make things difficult for her.

During this period of time, Xiao Ling and others did not actually deliberately provide Feng Qing'er with cultivation resources. They just occasionally gave her some things that they thought were not precious at all and asked Feng Qing'er to use them.

But these things that Xiao Ling and the others looked down upon were quite useful to Feng Qing'er, who was only a seventh-level magic beast. Compared with the resources she could obtain in Fenglei Pavilion, these resources were much richer.

It is also because of this that Feng Qing'er, relying on these resources, has made considerable improvements in her cultivation during this period of time, and the speed of improvement is much faster than when she was practicing in Fenglei Pavilion.

Thinking back to when Feng Qing'er was brought back to Xingyun Pavilion by Xiao Ling, she was a little nervous at first. And when she learned that Zi Yan, who had come up with the idea to capture her, was actually a member of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan, the enemy of the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan, she instantly thought of the rumors that were occasionally circulated by the elders in the clan, and for a time she thought that she would also be swallowed directly by the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan as the rumors said.

However, as she continued to get along with everyone in Xingyun Pavilion, Feng Qing'er gradually realized that it was not as she had thought at first. Although her status was not as prominent as before in Fenglei Pavilion, her life was still relatively stable and she did not have to worry about resources for cultivation. So, she slowly dispelled such fearful thoughts.

Xiao Ling was very satisfied with Feng Qing'er's attitude. He could see that Feng Qing'er had gradually adapted to life in Xingyun Pavilion and accepted her current fate.

"In that case, you have to take good care of yourself. During the time I'm away, if you need anything, you can ask Mu Qingluan for help. She will help you." Xiao Ling nodded slightly and said slowly.

After saying that, Xiao Ling no longer cared about Feng Qing'er and walked directly towards the alchemy room he usually used.

"Thank you for your concern, sir. Qing'er will take good care of herself." Feng Qing'er nodded gently, her voice soft, her face maintaining her usual respectful expression.

However, when Feng Qing'er heard Mu Qingluan's name, she felt uncomfortable unconsciously.

During her time in Xingyun Pavilion, Mu Qingluan relied on her status as Xiao Ling's junior sister, and Feng Qing'er was nominally just a maid of Xiao Ling and others, so she would come to her from time to time to give her a bad look, which made Feng Qing'er feel very aggrieved, even more aggrieved than when Zi Yan teased her. This was also one of the few bad things that happened to her during her time in Xingyun Pavilion.

Whenever Feng Qing'er recalled Mu Qingluan's smug look in front of her and her intimate attitude towards Xiao Ling, she would recall the plan she had previously made to seduce Xiao Ling.

However, since Zi Yan and other women often surround Xiao Ling, and Xiao Ling has been busy with his own affairs recently, her plan has progressed extremely slowly, which really makes her a little distressed.

Looking at Xiao Ling's departing back, Feng Qing'er secretly made up her mind that she must be more proactive in the future, otherwise she would always be bullied by Mu Qingluan, which she could never accept. (End of this chapter)