Battle Through the Heavens: Beauties Abound Starting with Yunlan and Her Disciples

62: Section 62Yun Xiancheng was the first to step forward. The soul perception test was effortless for him; his robust soul power, which far exceeded that of practitioners at the same level, secretly startled the Alchemist in charge of the testing.

The subsequent fire control segment caught the attention of the two masters, Frank and Otto.

They were shocked to discover that Yun Xiancheng was not a possessor of Fire Attribute Fighting Qi. Instead, he was actually able to rely on exquisite Fighting Qi control techniques to condense the wind elements in the air, transforming them into a pale green, temperature-controllable ”Wind Fire”!

“Condensing wind into fire?! This... how is this possible?!” Master Frank cried out in alarm, his face full of disbelief. Master Otto’s pupils also shrank abruptly as he stared fixedly at the dancing green flame in Yun Xiancheng’s hand:

“Using wind to assist combustion, controlling wind to become flame... This kind of method, this old man has only seen recorded in some ancient alchemical texts; it was even just a hypothesis that had never been realized.

“I never expected to see it with my own eyes today! This lad’s control over Fighting Qi is simply inconceivable!”

They had originally thought that Yun Xiancheng might have practiced some special cultivation method or was wearing a rare item capable of transforming flames.

They never expected that he could forcibly ’create’ a flame usable for alchemy while possessing a non-fire attribute body! This level of talent and comprehension was simply unheard of!

Under the shocked gazes of the two masters, Yun Xiancheng relied on his powerful soul power and precise control over the ”Wind Fire” to ultimately succeed in refining a First-Rank ”Power Accumulation Pill” of decent quality.

Next, it was Xiao Yan’s turn.

Her performance was equally remarkable. Although her soul perception was not as abnormal as Yun Xiancheng’s, it still far surpassed her peers.

In terms of fire control, she possessed genuine Fighting Qi flames. Combined with the help of the trace of Purple Essence Flame gifted by Purple Wing, the quality and stability of her flames were impeccable.

What made the two masters’ eyes nearly pop out of their sockets was that when the First-Rank ”Power Accumulation Pill” refined by Xiao Yan emerged from the cauldron, several faint lines actually appeared on the surface of the pill—

Those were pill veins!

A First-Rank pill actually managed to produce pill veins?!

What did this represent? It represented that the quality of this pill was infinitely close to the peak grade! Even more, it represented that the refiner possessed unimaginable talent and potential on the path of alchemy!

“Pill... pill veins! pill veins on a First-Rank pill!” Master Otto was so excited his beard was trembling:

“This old man has refined pills for a lifetime, and only after becoming a Third-Grade Alchemist could I occasionally produce pill veins by pure luck when refining a First-Rank pill!” Master Frank also nodded repeatedly, his gaze toward Xiao Yan filled with appreciation and wonder: “The youth are to be feared! Truly to be feared! This girl’s talent...”

“...is likely not below that of the Young Sect Master Yun!”

This pair of fellow disciples—one could condense wind into fire, and the other could produce pill veins on a First-Rank pill—were simply two absolute monsters!

The two masters exchanged a glance, a thought occurring to both simultaneously: such brilliant alchemical talent could never have been taught by the Cloud Mist Sect’s ”Pill King” Gu He!

Then the question arose—the personal disciples of the Cloud Mist Sect’s Sect Master Yun Yun clearly learned their alchemy from someone else, and the level of this ”someone else” was likely far beyond their imagination.

This was quite thought-provoking!

Could it be an internal power struggle within the Cloud Mist Sect? Discord between the Sect Master’s lineage and the Pill Master’s lineage?

Or was it... that Yun Yun had secretly found an even more powerful Alchemist as a backer for her disciples? Or perhaps... for a moment, these two old foxes who had lived most of their lives...

Immediately filled their minds with countless wicked ”political struggle dramas” involving intrigue, grand sect infighting, and imperial winds and clouds.

The way they looked at Yun Xiancheng and Xiao Yan also became more complex and profound. Sigh, the world of adults is sometimes just filled with various fantasies and conspiracies.

124 Then the question is, how can a star stir-fry noodles? (Third Update)

Yun Xiancheng had just finished refining the pill and withdrawn his focus when he keenly felt two exceptionally burning gazes locked onto him like searchlights.

He turned back in confusion and met the eyes of Snow Charm and Lin Fei, which were filled with undisguised admiration and wonder. Although theoretically, Xiao Yan’s ability to produce pill veins on a First-Rank pill showed even more startling talent, but...

For girls experiencing the first stirrings of love, why would they keep staring at someone of the same sex for no reason? Naturally, the handsome and dashing opposite-sex idol who stunned the crowd was more attractive.

“Young Master Yun! You were truly too modest just now!”

Lin Fei was the first to break the silence, speaking with an excited tone:

“Turning wind into fire! With such divine and unheard-of alchemy techniques, you still said you weren’t impressive! If this isn’t considered impressive, then we people are simply...”

For a moment, she couldn’t find the right words to describe them.

Although Snow Charm’s expression remained consistently cool, a burning light now blazed within her eyes that were originally as calm as an icy lake, forming a sort of wonderful and cute contrast.

She nodded gently, her voice clear but carrying a trace of undetectable trembling: “This... is indeed an unprecedented skill.” “Is that so?” Yun Xiancheng was slightly surprised to hear this, then smiled frankly:

“Perhaps. Ever since I started refining medicine, it has been like this. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to it.” He didn’t deliberately show off; he was just naturally stating his feelings.

However, these ”ordinary” words fell upon the ears of the two girls who already admired him greatly, sounding like a Versailles-style display of skill. It added a bit more mystery and unfathomable depth, causing the admiration in their eyes to become even more intense.

Seeing them look like little fangirls, Yun Xiancheng found it amusing. Subconsciously, he reached out and rubbed each of their small heads. This action... well, he had rubbed too many girls’ heads; it had almost become a form of muscle memory that was difficult to change even if he wanted to.

Of course, he wasn’t so ”presumptuous” with everyone; he knew how to treat people according to the situation, knowing when he could be close and when he needed to maintain distance.

The two girls before him clearly had an exploding level of favorability toward him, so they were naturally within the safe category of ”can be touched.”

However, when Yun Xiancheng’s warm and broad hands gently landed on the tops of Lin Fei and Snow Charm’s heads, the two girls instantly froze, as if a binding spell had been cast on them.

If the person before them wasn’t the idol they admired, Yun Xiancheng, and it had been any other man who dared to be so ”frivolous,” they likely would have bristled, immediately pulled away, or even directly attacked.

Of course, even though they felt no ill will and even a tiny bit of secret joy...

A girl’s reserve still caused their cheeks to instantly become burning hot. They simultaneously took half a step back, their voices carrying shyness and a trace of undetectable panic:

“Young... Young Master Yun, please mind the influence...”

Unexpectedly, these two girls who usually bickered and competed with each other...

Showed a startling consistency when facing the same man’s ”intimate” gesture, even blurting out words that were somewhat similar. “Uh... I was indeed too abrupt. It was a momentary lapse in etiquette. Xiancheng apologizes to both ladies.”

Realizing his actions were indeed a bit reckless, Yun Xiancheng followed suit and withdrew his hands, solemnly cupping his fists in apology to the two girls. “Haha! You got snubbed, didn’t you! That’s what you get for reaching out randomly!”

Medicine Lady’s gloating laughter rang out in Yun Xiancheng’s mind at the right moment. “As an apology,”

Yun Xiancheng acted as if he hadn’t heard Medicine Lady’s ridicule. A gentle smile returned to his face as he said to Lin Fei and Snow Charm: “After the ranking is over tonight, how about you two take me for a good stroll around Blackrock City to experience the local customs and culture?” “What?! You kid, your skin is way too thick!”

Medicine Lady cried out in his sea of consciousness: “They clearly just rejected your head-rubbing, and now you actually dare to push your luck and invite them out tonight? Aren’t you afraid your image will hit rock bottom because of what you just did?”

Yun Xiancheng continued to ignore Medicine Lady’s fussing; his attention was entirely focused on the reactions of the two girls before him.

At the same time, from not far away came the sound of Xiao Yan applying for the Second-Grade Alchemist assessment, as well as the sound of Masters Frank and Otto once again sucking in cold air and whispering in wonder.

But none of that was important right now. What was important was... “Re... Really?!”

Lin Fei’s eyes instantly lit up, as if adorned with ten thousand stars. The shyness and discomfort from having her head rubbed just now had long since been swept away by immense surprise.

Although Snow Charm didn’t cry out as excitedly as Lin Fei, her slightly pursed lips and the action of nodding her head firmly also clearly showed her attitude—she agreed, and was very much looking forward to it.

”???” Medicine Lady was completely dumbfounded. This... this script isn’t right, is it?

According to common sense, after being so ”frivolous” with a member of the opposite sex, shouldn’t she be on guard and keep her distance? How... how did she still agree to go out and play tonight?!

Seeing this, Yun Xiancheng smiled inwardly.

Perhaps, just as he suspected, in a background like the Fighting Qi Continent, which resembles a medieval worldview...

Because it lacked a universal communication tool like the internet of his previous life—which could rapidly spread information and shape unified values—it was difficult to foster the mature and complex ”fandom” culture of his old world.

Relying on the bit of ”fandom” knowledge he had absorbed in his previous life...

Yun Xiancheng could roughly judge that the two young girls before him were still in a relatively primary, pure ”fan” stage.

They would get shy because of their idol’s closeness and knew how to express refusal; this was already considered a quite ”normal” reaction. After all, he had seen much higher levels of ”fandom” ecology in his previous life.

There were fanatical fans who brought their own wedding dresses and traveled thousands of miles just to hear an idol’s concert... there were even those who treated game characters, virtual idols, or even manufacturers like ”fathers” to be worshiped... Well, it was better for now not to let the relatively simple-minded Medicine Lady know about this overly advanced knowledge. While Yun Xiancheng was secretly pondering, Xiao Yan’s side had already finished the assessment for a Second-Grade Alchemist.

When that second-rank pill, emitting a rich medicinal fragrance and with several clear pill veins faintly appearing on its surface once again, successfully emerged from the cauldron, Masters Frank and Otto were completely numb.

A monster! An absolute monster!

At less than twenty years of age, she not only successfully advanced to a Second-Grade Alchemist but could also refine pill veins on second-rank pills! This talent was already stronger than Pill King Gu He’s.

Pill King Gu He was still a First-Rank Alchemist at this age.

They exchanged glances again, and in their silent communication, they seemed even more convinced of their previous guess—the waters inside the Cloud Mist Sect were indeed unfathomably deep! Behind this Miss Xiao Yan, there must stand a medicinal giant beyond their imagination!

And for Sect Master Yun Yun to take her as a disciple, it was likely not as simple as valuing her cultivation talent... This must involve a more complex layout and power struggle!

The more the two old men thought about it, the more they felt their deduction was reasonable.

The way they looked at Yun Xiancheng and Xiao Yan took on a mysterious color of ”we understand, but we won’t say it.”

In their minds, the ”grand drama” regarding the internal power struggles and alliances within the Cloud Mist Sect gained even more brilliant and diverse details.

The assessment ended, and Xiao Yan successfully obtained her Second-Grade Alchemist badge. Lin Fei and Snow Charm immediately surrounded her, chirping their congratulations, and the three girls of similar age quickly became acquainted.

At this time, Medicine Lady’s voice rang out in Yun Xiancheng’s mind again, but her tone was much more serious. ”Kid, don’t just focus on flirting with the little girls, business is more important!”

”As your teacher mentioned before, to refine a Heavenly Flame, three things are indispensable: first is the Naling, second is the ice spirit cold spring, and third is the blood lotus pill.”

”I still have a Naling here.”

”The main medicinal ingredients for refining the blood lotus pill are already complete, but a Rank 3 Monster Core is still needed; you can just buy that here. But... an extremely important auxiliary herb—the Ice Spirit Condensing Spring—is something that can be sought but not easily found.”

”Why don’t you ask these two Fourth-Grade Alchemists to see if they have any leads on obtaining this Ice Spirit Condensing Spring?” Yun Xiancheng nodded; Blackrock City did indeed have a lead, which was why he had come here specifically.

Thus, he walked up to Masters Frank and Otto, cupped his hands in greeting again, and asked politely, ”Masters, I have a request. I wonder if you could do me a favor?”

”Young Sect Leader, please speak freely. As long as it is within our power, we will certainly not refuse.” The two masters quickly returned the greeting with great enthusiasm. ”I urgently need a Rank 3 Monster Core and some Ice Spirit Condensing Spring. I wonder if you two masters have any leads or know where such things can be found?” Yun Xiancheng asked straightforwardly.

Frank and Otto looked at each other, and Master Frank stroked his beard, saying:

”A Rank 3 Monster Core is not hard to find; I have some in the guild’s warehouse. If the Young Sect Leader needs one, I can take it upon myself to gift one to you as a gesture of goodwill.”

”Then many thanks to Master Frank.” Yun Xiancheng was delighted. As for that Ice Spirit Condensing Spring...

Master Otto frowned and shook his head. ”This item is a rare treasure of heaven and earth, extremely scarce.”

”Let alone our Blackrock City, I’m afraid even looking across the entire Jia Ma Empire, it would be hard to find a trace of it. Although the two of us are revered as Fourth-Grade Alchemists, we are powerless regarding this item.”

Yun Xiancheng’s expression did not change, but Master Otto’s tone shifted:

”However... although I do not know where there is a ready-made Ice Spirit Condensing Spring, I do know of a place where... it might possibly exist.”

125. Let’s Date the Fans First

As night fell and the lanterns were lit, the night market of Blackrock City was bustling and lively, a stark contrast to the solemnity of the day.

A dazzling array of stalls stretched along the streets. The flickering lights, the aroma of food, the cries of vendors, and the chatter of the crowds intertwined to form a vivid picture full of the breath of life.

Yun Xiancheng and his group strolled through it like several stones thrown into a lake; though they blended into the clamor, each created their own different ripples. ”Young Master Yun! Look over here!”

Lin Fei, like an energetic little tour guide, excitedly pointed to a brightly lit area teeming with people ahead:

”This is the most famous snack street in our Blackrock City! There are all kinds of delicacies, guaranteed to give you and the seniors a feast! Our Blackrock City is the most developed city in the Eastern Province!”

Lin Fei was also the daughter of the City Lord of Blackrock City, and when talking about the city, her voice held a hint of pride:

”Even compared to the Imperial Capital, it shouldn’t be much worse, right?” Actually, it was still quite a bit worse.

However, Yun Xiancheng had a smile on his face and did not point it out:

”Yes, it indeed has a promising future. As the host, why don’t you give us a tour?” ”My pleasure! Leave it to me!” Lin Fei patted her small chest and agreed immediately. ”Snow Charm, you come too! Don’t always keep a straight face, it’s boring!”

Snow Charm gave a soft ”mm” in agreement, but her gaze secretly flickered toward Yun Xiancheng, seemingly more concerned with his reaction. ”Then let’s go try that first!”

Lin Fei pointed to a sugar-coated hawthorn stall nearby that was surrounded by people. ”The sugar-coated hawthorns from that shop are a specialty of our Blackrock City! Sour and sweet, they’re especially delicious!”

As she spoke, she was already pulling Snow Charm toward the stall, not forgetting to look back and call for Yun Xiancheng and the others to follow. Yun Ziyi and Yun Yan, mother and daughter, were more like real ”tourists.”

Little Yun Yan was seeing such a lively scene for the first time; her pair of large, amethyst-like eyes were wide with wonder, finding everything novel.

All sorts of foods she had never seen, a dazzling array of trinkets, and the bustling crowds made her feel both excited and a little nervous. She tightly held her mother Yun Ziyi’s hand, her small body almost pressed against her mother’s leg.

Although Yun Ziyi’s face was covered by a veil, her exposed beautiful purple eyes were also filled with curiosity about the night in this human world.

She patiently followed beside her daughter, looking softly at her daughter’s excited yet dependent little appearance, occasionally being attracted by some novelties on the roadside and stopping for a moment.

When Lin Fei pointed to the sugar-coated hawthorn stall, Little Yun Yan was immediately drawn to those bright red, sparkling hawthorns coated in sugar. Her small finger pointed over there as she asked in a milky voice, ”Mama, what’s that? It’s red and shiny, like a gemstone...” Yun Ziyi looked in the direction of her daughter’s finger, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes as well. Yun Xiancheng and Xiao Yan followed unhurriedly behind.

Xiao Yan still maintained a somewhat cold posture, but her gaze occasionally swept over the lively surroundings; clearly, her heart was not entirely unmoved.

She looked at the lively and enthusiastic Lin Fei and the slightly shy but curious Snow Charm ahead, then looked at the calm and composed Yun Xiancheng beside her, the corners of her mouth curling into an imperceptible smile.

”They are so enthusiastic; do not be a heartless man and fail them,” Xiao Yan reminded in a low voice.