Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 226: Chapter 226 The Last Detoxification

Cai Wentao saw the Retired Emperor emerge and hurried forward to greet him, kneeling before his father as he wept with joy.

The Retired Emperor burst into hearty laughter, helped Cai Wentao to his feet, and said, ”You are the ruler of a nation now. You must be mindful of your image.”

After speaking, the Retired Emperor’s gaze fell upon Pavilion Master Zhang and Ye Qingchen.

Cai Yunji hurriedly explained, ”Imperial Grandfather, these two are Alchemy Masters from the Qingyun Sect. It was they who concocted the Heavenly Yuan True Soul Pill that cured your illness.”

The Retired Emperor nodded. He walked over to Pavilion Master Zhang and bowed deeply, saying, ”Thank you, Master, for saving my life!”

Despite his noble status, the Retired Emperor still paid such great respects to his savior.

Pavilion Master Zhang quickly returned the gesture, saying humbly, ”Retired Emperor, you are too kind. As a subject of the Northern Desolate Country, it is my honor to be of service to you.”

I never expected the typically aloof Pavilion Master Zhang to say something like that, Ye Qingchen thought, curling his lip inwardly.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the Retired Emperor took a golden token from his robes. ”The Qingyun Sect is our Northern Desolate Country’s foremost sect, and its strength has long been sufficient for it to be promoted to a Two-Star Sect. Our country receives one slot for the Sect Promotion Tournament every ten years. However, because no sect has ever met the requirements, the vast Northern Desolate Country doesn’t have a single Two-Star Sect.”

The Retired Emperor sighed and placed the token in Pavilion Master Zhang’s hands. ”In half a year, the Sect Promotion Tournament will take place. This time, it will be hosted by the Nine-Star Wuji Immortal Palace. The Qingyun Sect must return and prepare well. Do not miss this opportunity!”

Pavilion Master Zhang respectfully accepted the token and bowed to the Retired Emperor.

Ye Qingchen was overjoyed, not expecting the Wuji Immortal Palace to be hosting the Sect Promotion Tournament this time.

Does this mean I’ll have a chance to see Xiao Xiao? No, I must return and cultivate diligently. I have to participate in this Sect Promotion Tournament. If I really do see Xiao Xiao there, I can’t be too weak!

After giving a few more instructions, the Retired Emperor had Cai Yunji see Pavilion Master Zhang and Ye Qingchen out.

When Pavilion Master Zhang relayed this news to the others from the Qingyun Sect, a wave of cheers erupted from the disciples.

Li Zongrui was especially eager. He immediately used a Secret Technique to send the news back. His father’s long-held wish was finally going to be realized!

「Inside the Qingyun Sect, at Ye Qingchen’s residence.」

Sect Master Li Qingfeng and Venerable Hei Ze were seated across from each other, playing a game of Go. Just as Li Qingfeng had pushed Hei Ze into a corner with no escape, on the verge of winning, he suddenly froze on the spot.

Hei Ze, of course, did not miss this brief lapse. He seized the opportunity to turn the tables and claim victory, laughing heartily.

However, Li Qingfeng was completely unfazed by his loss, which piqued Hei Ze’s curiosity. He asked, ”Sect Master? Did something happen?”

Li Qingfeng finally snapped back to his senses and also burst into hearty laughter.

This puzzled Hei Ze even more. Since when is losing a game a cause for such joy?

After a long moment, Li Qingfeng managed to compose himself. Noticing Hei Ze’s confused expression, he realized how he must have appeared.

”We won the Alchemy Dao Competition!” Li Qingfeng explained.

Hei Ze’s heart stirred. ”How did Ye Qingchen do?” he asked.

Li Qingfeng then recounted every detail of Ye Qingchen’s performance in the Alchemy Dao Competition to Hei Ze.

When he heard about Ye Qingchen’s miracle—making the plant flower in three minutes, bear fruit in another three, and ripen in a final three—Hei Ze couldn’t help but slam his hand on the table in amazement.

When Hei Ze learned that Ye Qingchen had advanced to become a Fourth-Rank Alchemist, he was pleased, yet also a little worried. He feared Ye Qingchen might become so engrossed in alchemy that he would neglect his own cultivation.

However, upon hearing that Ye Qingchen had swallowed a Spiritual Fire, successfully fused with it, and reached the Second Level of the Grand Martial Master Realm, Hei Ze finally let out a breath of relief and joined in the laughter.

Still, Hei Ze knew Li Qingfeng’s temperament. Securing first place in the Alchemy Dao Competition alone wouldn’t have caused such a reaction. He continued to ask, ”Sect Master, is there other good news?”

Li Qingfeng struggled to control himself, but the smile on his face could not be contained. ”This time,” he explained, ”not only did the Qingyun Sect win the championship, but the imperial family also rewarded us with a token for the Sect Promotion Tournament! Our promotion to a Two-Star Sect is finally within reach!”

The thought that his long-cherished wish finally had a chance of being realized filled Li Qingfeng with uncontrollable joy.

Realizing that all of this was inextricably linked to Ye Qingchen’s efforts, Li Qingfeng marveled to himself. This disciple I’ve taken is truly extraordinary. To think he’d bring me such a pleasant surprise!

「Inside the capital city.」

The disciples of the Qingyun Sect were given a day for free activities. After all, a trip to the capital city was a rare opportunity. Now that the Alchemy Dao Competition had concluded, it was time to let these youngsters relax and enjoy themselves.

But Ye Qingchen didn’t wander around the capital. Instead, he made his way to the Rising Sun Pavilion.

The Fire Poison in Qin Zhantian was almost completely cleansed. Since he had started the treatment, he intended to see it through to the end. Besides, Qin Zhantian was Qin Yue’s grandfather.

So, before his departure, Ye Qingchen decided to visit the Rising Sun Pavilion to perform the final detoxification for Qin Zhantian.

Seeing Ye Qingchen arrive, Qin Yue was overjoyed. She hastily set aside her work and went to greet him.

”Ye Qingchen, what brings you here?” Qin Yue asked playfully as she stood before him.

Ye Qingchen smiled and replied, ”Old Master Qin is recovering very quickly. I’ve come this time to completely remove the last of the Fire Poison!”

Qin Yue’s heart leaped with joy to hear her grandfather would be completely healed after this. However, the thought that she would have fewer reasons to seek out Ye Qingchen in the future brought a hint of disappointment.

Still, business came first. Qin Yue led Ye Qingchen to Qin Zhantian’s room.

”Young Friend Ye has arrived? Quick, please, sit down.”

Qin Zhantian warmly invited Ye Qingchen to sit, then instructed Qin Yue to brew him some tea. Ye Qingchen tried to refuse, but he couldn’t turn down such warm hospitality, so he sat down.

Qin Zhantian was all smiles, his eyes squinted with delight. The more he looked at Ye Qingchen, his future grandson-in-law, the more satisfied he became.

However, Ye Qingchen’s skin began to crawl. Anyone would feel uneasy being stared at for so long by an old man with such a gleam in his eye, right?

To break the awkward silence, Ye Qingchen spoke up. ”Old Master Qin, I’ve come today to completely remove the Fire Poison from your body. After this, you will be fully recovered!”

”That’s wonderful! Then I will have to trouble Young Friend Ye!”

Qin Zhantian laughed heartily. The Fire Poison that had plagued him for so long could finally be eradicated today