"Let’s go. Don’t bother with this kid anymore!" Song Tiange snorted coldly and turned to leave.

In his view, Lin Xuan was definitely just bragging. He must be scared of losing, which is why he doesn’t dare to compete with me. A person like that isn’t qualified to be my opponent anymore.

Lin Xuan paid him no mind either. A mere third-grade Alchemy Master isn’t worth my time.

He began to wander around and found the place to be quite lively. Some Alchemy Masters had already started setting up stalls along the mountain path. The stalls displayed many items, mainly Spirit Medicines and some scrolls with the names of Pill Recipes written on them. There were even small bottles containing various elixirs.

After inquiring out of curiosity, Lin Xuan learned that this exchange meet was primarily for trading Spirit Medicines and Pill Recipes. Of course, one could also exchange knowledge and insights.

So that’s how it is! Lin Xuan was intrigued. He had previously obtained one hundred Ascending Dragon Pills and had already consumed most of them. With only a few left, he needed to replenish his stock quickly.

He could refine Ascending Dragon Pills himself. The main ingredient was Dragon Crystal, supplemented by some precious Spirit Medicines. Lin Xuan didn’t have any of those Spirit Medicines yet, so he figured he could use this opportunity to collect some.

Lin Xuan asked a nearby vendor, "Where can I trade for some high-grade Spirit Medicines?"

The vendor was a middle-aged man and only a first-grade Alchemy Master. Upon hearing Lin Xuan’s question, he grew extremely excited and pointed off into the distance. "Over there, deep within Celestial Cloud Mountain, there is a valley where the fourth-grade Alchemy Masters gather. The most exceptional Spirit Medicines and Pill Recipes should all be in that valley."

Hearing this, Lin Xuan stood up and smiled. "Thank you."

He got up and walked toward the depths of Celestial Cloud Mountain. The deeper he went, the more beautiful the scenery became, and the quieter the atmosphere grew. Everyone who came this far was a high-level Alchemy Master.

Along the way, Lin Xuan encountered more stalls, and the items they displayed were of a much higher grade. He even saw a few third-grade Alchemy Masters gathered together, whispering among themselves. They’re probably exchanging alchemy insights. This exchange meet is pretty great. You can compare notes with others and also trade for the things you need.

Lin Xuan continued walking, lost in thought. Finally, he arrived at the entrance to Celestial Cloud Valley. The valley was shrouded in mist, resembling a celestial paradise.

Just as Lin Xuan was about to step inside, an unwelcoming voice rang out from the side. "Lin Xuan? It’s actually you. What are you doing here?"

"Is this a place you can just come to? Leave at once."

Lin Xuan turned to see an old man in an Alchemy Robe. He was impatiently waving his hand, as if shooing away a fly. Seeing the man, Lin Xuan rolled his eyes. Great. I dealt with the junior, and now the senior shows up.

First, it had been Song Tiange. Now, this old man was none other than Song Tiange’s grandfather, Master Song.

"I am here to enter the valley and trade for some Spirit Medicines," Lin Xuan said coldly.

"You want to enter the valley?" Master Song laughed derisively. "Do you even know the requirements to enter? Only fourth-grade Alchemy Masters may enter Celestial Cloud Valley. You want to go in? Are you even worthy? Leave now, or don’t blame me for being discourteous."

Lin Xuan defeated my grandson, so of course I’m displeased, Master Song fumed internally. I’ve disliked him for a long time. And now he wants to enter the valley and stand on the same level as me? What a joke!

Lin Xuan stood with his hands behind his back and stated coolly, "I am a fourth-grade Alchemy Master. Why can’t I go in?"

Master Song was stunned for a moment before bursting into angry laughter. I heard that same boast two years ago. Back then, Lin Xuan claimed he was a fourth-grade Alchemy Master. Two years later, and he’s still spewing the same nonsense. What an arrogant kid who doesn’t know his place. No matter how talented you are, it’s impossible to become a fourth-grade Alchemy Master in just two years!

"Kid, stop bragging," Master Song sneered. "You can’t possibly be a fourth-grade Alchemy Master, and you are not qualified to enter this valley. Tiange, come here!"

Master Song shouted toward the distance, and it wasn’t long before Song Tiange arrived. When he saw Lin Xuan, his expression darkened. "Kid, why are you here?"

Before Lin Xuan could answer, Master Song ordered, "Keep an eye on this kid. Don’t let him into the valley. If he dares to force his way in, suppress him."

"Understood." Song Tiange nodded quickly.

Master Song flicked his sleeves and strode forward, disappearing into the valley shortly after.

As Lin Xuan tried to move forward, Song Tiange stepped out to block his path. He was accompanied by a few other Alchemy Masters—his followers—who all glared menacingly at Lin Xuan.

Song Tiange said coldly, "Kid, have you been bragging so much that you’ve started to believe your own lies? Do you really think you’re a fourth-grade Alchemy Master? You think you can enter Celestial Cloud Valley? What a joke!"

"Stop him," Song Tiange commanded his followers. "If he tries to force his way through, break his legs."

The few Alchemy Masters behind him formed a line, blocking the path and looking at Lin Xuan with contemptuous sneers.

The commotion naturally drew the attention of others. The Alchemy Masters in the distance began to murmur among themselves.

"What’s going on?"

"Is someone about to start a fight?"

"Fighting is forbidden at the alchemy exchange! Who dares break the rules? Do they have a death wish?"

"It looks like a standoff between Song Tiange and Lin Xuan."

"Oh, it’s those two. They’ve had a feud for a while, but they can’t fight here."

"I heard Lin Xuan wants to enter Celestial Cloud Valley, but Song Tiange is blocking him. That’s what the argument’s about."

A murmur of understanding passed through the crowd. Soon, someone frowned. "What is Lin Xuan doing? Doesn’t he know the rules?"

"Only fourth-grade Alchemy Masters can enter Celestial Cloud Valley."

"Even if he’s an alchemy genius, he can’t possibly get in."

"Who knows? The kid’s probably just too arrogant, thinking he can stand on equal footing with a fourth-grade Alchemy Master."

The crowd buzzed with discussion, all of them thinking Lin Xuan was arrogant and ignorant of his own limitations.

Elsewhere, in a pavilion on the mountain, the Tower Master of Qingyun was exchanging insights with some colleagues. When news of the commotion reached him, his expression changed drastically. This is bad. Lin Xuan is in danger.

He turned to his companions. "Sorry, I have something to take care of."

With that, he rushed toward Celestial Cloud Valley. By now, a large crowd had gathered outside the entrance, all there to watch the spectacle. In their eyes, Lin Xuan would certainly fail to enter the valley and would have to leave in disgrace.

"Alas, this peerless genius is about to be utterly humiliated," one person sighed.

Another sneered, "Serves him right for being so arrogant. Trying to pass himself off as a fourth-grade Alchemy Master... he’s truly reckless."

"Does this kid think he can act with impunity just because he has some talent in alchemy?"

"He’s finally picked a fight he can’t win."

"Move! Make way!" A figure squeezed through the crowd. It was the Tower Master of Qingyun.

When he saw Lin Xuan standing at the front, his heart filled with anxiety. He quickly walked over and said urgently, "Lin Xuan, don’t be rash! This Alchemy Master’s exchange has rules; fighting is prohibited! Besides, it’s true that only fourth-grade Alchemy Masters can enter Celestial Cloud Valley. You’re not qualified to go in right now. Come with me, quickly."

He grabbed Lin Xuan’s arm, trying to pull him away.

However, Lin Xuan didn’t budge. He asked, "Leave? Why should I leave? I am a fourth-grade Alchemy Master, so I can naturally go in."

What?

The Tower Master of Qingyun was stunned. The surrounding crowd was also stunned.

Damn it, the kid is still bragging even now! He’s hopeless!