Chapter 261: Overwhelming Rewards

The next day, as dawn broke and rays of morning light seeped through the walls, the chill emanating from the iron-like city faded somewhat.

In Dan City, noise erupted! It instantly became lively; a powerful aura solidified above the entire city, and the clouds in the high sky vanished without a trace.

Near the alchemy competition grounds, many juniors had not left. This gathering of geniuses was indeed exhilarating.

As the morning light reached here, the somewhat dim space brightened completely. The surrounding juniors began to discuss animatedly, their voices rising like tides, shaking the void.

Most discussions centered on the mysterious youth from yesterday, who had overpowered the outstanding disciples of the Heavenly Dao Alliance with an imposing demeanor, inspiring awe and even battle intent in many juniors.

What they most wanted to know was the whereabouts of the divine medicine. The emergence of a human-shaped divine medicine had spread across the Eastern Continent, drawing the attention of many powerful figures.

Many had already entered the grounds. After yesterday's thrilling battles, they eagerly anticipated how the Heavenly Dao Alliance would respond in the coming days. The value of a divine medicine far outweighed a bit of face.

"Brother Yang, why hasn't he come yet?" On one side, Yun'er's beautiful eyes scanned the surroundings, anxiety flickering on her face. She had been worried all night about Yang Tian's situation.

"That kid is a troublemaker; wherever something happens, he's there." Glancing at Yun'er, Xing Shan shook his head helplessly and muttered inwardly.

Xing Shan naturally knew the identity of the stunning woman from yesterday, but he hadn't expected that the mysterious woman would receive such high treatment in the Medicine Valley, even at the cost of offending the Heavenly Dao Alliance.

Many people entered the grounds one after another. The winners of yesterday's alchemy competition were already seated in the arena, basking in the glory of being the center of attention. These youths had reached their peak in spirit and energy, radiating sharpness. Each of them was renowned in their own region, and their families placed great hopes on them.

Just then, a group of people exuding a heavy yin aura approached. Two old men looked extremely hostile, sneering as they flew into the palace.

Below, a black-clad youth appeared in their sight. His face was very cold, his eyes shooting piercing chill, and his gloomy gaze swept around.

"He was severely injured by the mysterious person yesterday, and now he's bouncing around?"

"I reckon the Heavenly Dao Alliance gave him some precious medicine. Yesterday, his bones were almost all broken."

The onlookers looked surprised. For someone severely injured to recover overnight, the medicine must have been top-grade, and his spirit showed no sign of weakness.

"Why hasn't the tough guy come? Did he meet with foul play?"

"Who knows? It's already this late. I still want to spar with him later."

"These Heavenly Dao Alliance people are too hateful. I just want to slap out their front teeth!"

The original residents, a group of spirited young lads, exchanged words with righteous indignation. With their fierce folk customs, they called Yang Tian 'tough guy' upon encountering such a formidable youth.

"Still not here?" Yun'er stamped her little foot, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on the illusory pavilion ahead.

After this state lasted for about half an hour, the pavilion that many had been watching finally showed movement.

A white light door appeared, and four figures walked out. Many people breathed a sigh of relief. Such a genius youth, if he didn't die young, would surely make a name for himself on the continent and win glory in the Central Region!

Sensing the surrounding gazes, Yang Tian shrugged and shifted his gaze to Yun'er below. When he noticed the anxiety in her eyes, he grinned, warmth surging in his heart.

"Hmm..." Letting out a soft breath, Yun'er smiled playfully at Yang Tian, her brows curving like crescent moons.

Noticing Yang Tian's smiling face, Yuan Xia followed his gaze to a girl in green. The girl, like a green lotus, was pure and lovely, and was now very happy.

At this moment, Yuan Xia's cheeks puffed slightly as her beautiful eyes appraised the girl. When she sensed that Yun'er's body emitted no aura at all, surprise welled up in Yuan Xia's eyes.

"Such a strange aura." After a few glances, Yuan Xia's surprise deepened. With her insight, she couldn't discern the girl's cultivation level, and there was no leakage of aura.

Feeling the gaze, Yun'er tilted her head slightly, her beautiful eyes also examining the woman in white who seemed like an immortal. She murmured, "Is this the one who used the substitute puppet to save Brother Yang that day?"

The martial technique Yuan Xia had displayed yesterday was very similar to that of the mysterious person from that day, so Yun'er dared to conclude that this woman was called Yuan Xia.

Their gazes met. Yang Tian glanced at them with a strange look, pursed his lips, and then flew down from the palace.

During his descent, Yang Tian sensed a venomous gaze. He suddenly turned his head and saw Tian Xin's ferocious stare. Yang Tian sneered, the chill in his eyes intensifying.

Yang Tian would never forget yesterday's ambush. If not for Yan Long, he would have faced a great disaster.

"The divine medicine is indeed not with him. Could it have been taken by the Medicine Valley people?" At this moment, the two old men's gazes locked onto Yang Tian, also showing displeasure.

Landing slowly in the arena, Yang Tian had just withdrawn his gaze when Qin Zu Ying rushed over, spittle flying as he probed for news about the divine medicine.

Yang Tian was speechless. Watching the fat man's eloquent speech, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he inwardly lamented that it was a waste for this guy not to go into business.

Swish! Amid the surrounding chatter, the figure of the Outer Sect Grand Elder appeared in the arena. His gaze swept over the youths ahead, and he said with a slight smile, "First, I want to congratulate you all for participating in today's alchemy competition."

"Today's alchemy competition has no rules. Prepare your own ingredients and formulas; there are no requirements for the grade of the pill."

"For this competition, the top ten will each receive a fifth-grade pill from the Medicine Valley!"

The imposing voice spread throughout the venue, and the alchemists instantly erupted in excitement. But most quickly deflated; how could the top ten be easy to secure?

"The top three will each receive a sixth-grade pill, in addition to the fifth-grade pill."

"The champion will receive a seventh-grade pill! Moreover, if you wish to join the Medicine Valley, you may choose your own master, and your status will be that of a core disciple!"

The entire venue erupted! Overwhelming rewards—a seventh-grade pill! Such a reward was terrifying, and the status of a core disciple was enough to make even ancient aristocratic families envious.

This status was only slightly inferior to that of a legacy disciple, and the benefits of being a core disciple were numerous. The annual supply of cultivation resources alone would make ancient aristocratic families covetous. As the most ancient force, how could their foundation compare to that of ordinary great families?

"This alchemy competition will last two days. After two days, evaluation will be based on the grade of the pills." The Grand Elder said with a slight smile. Even he was tempted by these rewards. The competition in the Medicine Valley was fierce; talent determined everything!

As the Grand Elder's voice fell, the youths below began to act.

Clang! Clang! Alchemy cauldrons appeared on the ground, their colorful glows shooting into the sky. Their quality was very high, far surpassing the cauldrons from yesterday.

"Kid, in two days, you'll meet your end. I look forward to you defeating me again." At this moment, Tian Xin sneered at Yang Tian, then turned and left.

"I'll be waiting. Want to bet something else?" Yang Tian's gaze fell on Tian Xin's retreating back as he said with a faint smile.

Tian Xin's walking figure stiffened slightly, and extreme madness flickered in his eyes. He could not forget yesterday's humiliation. If not for today's alchemy competition, Tian Xin believed he would have suffered unimaginable punishment!