Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 545 The Mu Clan Raises the Stakes

The alchemist from the Vermillion Pill Empire smiled faintly and continued, as if everything had already been carefully prepared.

”Today is a celebration for the birth of a new Grandmaster.”

His voice carried smoothly across the hall.

”If we do not include something related to alchemy...”

A slight pause.

”...wouldnʼt that be a pity?”

A few nods appeared among the crowd.

After all, what was more fitting than alchemy in a celebration for a Grandmaster Alchemist?

He lifted his hand and a jade box appeared.

The moment it was opened, a dense, profound medicinal aura spread instantly across the hall.

Eyes widened.

”The Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill!”

Someone exclaimed in shock.

A ripple surged through the crowd.

This was no ordinary Grade-7 pill.

It was one of the most sought-after treasures for those at the Great Ascension Realm.

Even those who had tried to maintain composure could no longer hide the greed flickering in their eyes.

The alchemist observed the reactions calmly.

Exactly as he expected. Then he spoke again.

”This shall be the prize for the winner!”

The words landed heavily.

Instantly, the atmosphere changed.

Excitement!

Anticipation!

All began to rise.

”Of course,” he continued smoothly, ”this is merely to liven up the celebration.”

A faint smile lingered on his face.

”Anyone present may participate.”

A pause.

Then-

”However, to keep things... appropriate...”

His tone remained polite.

”It would be best if only those below the age of fifty take part.”

Another pause.

”And only those who have reached at least Grade-3 in alchemy.”

Murmurs spread.

But instead of dissatisfaction, most nodded in agreement.

It made sense.

If there were no restrictions, even low-grade alchemists might attempt to participate, turning the event chaotic and meaningless.

”Looks like the Vermillion Pill Empire is planning to play big”

”To take out the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill, they must be confident.” ”Well, they have Huo Shenyu. It is certain that they do not care about what reward they bring out since they will win it themselves.”

Anyone could guess that the only reason they brought something so precious- unfitting for such a small competition-was because they were very confident. But even so, no one was discouraged. After all, while Huo Shenyu might be very talented and perhaps the best below age fifty, he too could make mistakes. Many felt it was a brilliant addition to the celebration.

Even some representatives from other empires showed interest.

After all, a chance to obtain a Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill was not something that appeared often.

The Vermillion Pill Empireʼs representatives looked like they had completed their mission.

This competition was not just aimed at the Mu Clan but also at the entire Desolate Heaven Empire.

They wanted to show before everyone present that they, the Vermillion Pill Empire, were still the best at alchemy and would continue to be.

And Huo Shenyu would make sure to dominate and suppress every younger generation here.

On the Mu Clanʼs side, a few elders exchanged glances.

They had already anticipated something like this might happen, especially if the Vermillion Pill Empire were to show up.

The moment they saw Huo Shenyu along with others from the Vermillion Pill Empire, they suspected they might pull something like this.

Previously, they had already decided on what they should do for such an

occasion.

They already knew that with Mu Linyue, they wonʼt lose in a competition among the younger generation.

However, the problem was that if Mu Linyueʼs talent were revealed, she might

be targeted by others.

Especially the Vermillion Pill Empire. They would certainly sense danger from her overwhelming talent.

Who knows what lengths they might go to eliminate such a threat?

But losing was also not an option, especially before many influential people.

They also considered having Bai Zihan participate, but he rejected it without any hesitation.

Bai Zihan thought it would be too much bullying if he participated with his Grade-8 skill.

As for why they werenʼt afraid of Bai Zihan being targeted-well, he was already on the target list of many, and adding one more wouldnʼt make any difference.

He was also too powerful, and other than Immortal Realm experts, it was difficult to kill him.

Not to mention, one would have to infiltrate the Bai Clanʼs territory to even

attempt it.

So, looking at everything, if Bai Zihan could participate, then it would be for the

best.

Obviously, compared to Mu Linyue winning, the impact would be less, but it wouldnʼt put Mu Linyueʼs life in danger.

However, after much deliberation, the elders and Mu Qingyuan decided to ask

Mu Linyue.

After all, while there was danger, it was also an opportunity for her to

showcase her skill.

When Mu Linyue heard that, she accepted in a heartbeat.

The reason was that it wasnʼt her style to hide her skill, and moreover, she was

excited to compete with others.

As for the danger, she said that the Mu Clan and the Bai Clan would protect her.

With the strongest clan as her backer, what was there to worry about?

Which made sense. After all, in terms of strength, the Bai Clan might be invincible in the region.

Even if they went against an empire, they might not necessarily lose. And even if they chose short-term caution and hid her, how much longer could they really conceal her talent?

So, it was better to take this opportunity to show it.

Now everything was unfolding just as they had expected-although they never thought the prize would be something like the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering

Pill.

A few elders were even smirking, silently thanking the Vermillion Pill Empire for

such a wonderful gift.

Mu Qingyuan did not delay.

Seeing that the atmosphere had already reached this point, he stepped forward

decisively.

His gaze swept across the hall, calm yet authoritative.

”Since everyone is so interested...”

His voice carried clearly.

”Then let us proceed!”

A brief pause followed.

Then, under the watchful eyes of countless guests, Mu Qingyuan raised his

hand.

A jade box, no less exquisite than the one before, appeared in his palm.

The moment it was revealed, a faint yet profound aura seeped out, subtle at

first-

Then overwhelming.

It spread like a silent tide across the hall.

Many who were still immersed in the excitement from before suddenly froze.

A second wave.

Stronger.

He opened it.

Inside, a pill rested quietly.

Its surface shimmered with faint lightning patterns, yet unlike the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill, its aura felt more stable... more refined... as if it had already weathered countless tribulations and emerged perfected.

A breathless silence fell.

Then-

”That... that is...?!”

Someoneʼs voice trembled.

Mu Qingyuan spoke calmly.

”This is the Heavenly Ascension Tempering Pill. Grade-7 Pill with similar effect

as Heavenly Ascension Tempering Pill!”

Another Grade-7 pill.

And not just any-

One with effects comparable to the Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill.

The prize had doubled.

The atmosphere, which was already heated, surged to an entirely new level.

If before it was excitement-

Now it was a frenzy.

Eyes burned with desire.

Two Grade-7 pills!

Both capable of aiding oneʼs ascent toward the Immortal Realm.

Such a reward-

Even for Grandmasterʼs celebration was a bit excessive.

”We will add this as prize from our side.”

This was not merely about matching the Vermillion Pill Empireʼs prize.

This was a declaration.

A statement to everyone present.

The Mu Clan could also produce such pills.

The Heavenly Ascension Tempering Pill which is in high demand, we too have

one with similar effect.

This was kind of like an advertisement.

Across the hall, the expressions of the Vermillion Pill Empire representatives

shifted.

Huo Zhouchenʼs eyes narrowed slightly.

He did not speak but he understood the meaning behind this better than

anyone.

The Heavenly Tribulation Tempering Pill-

Their strongest hold over the market.

Their greatest leverage.

And now-

A competitor had appeared.

There would no longer be a monopoly.

No more absurd pricing.

This single moment would ripple across every empire.

Huo Zhouchen exhaled slowly.

His expression returned to calm.

(So be it...)

They never thought that the Mu Clan would have their hand on a pill recipe of

something similar to Heavenly Ascension Tempering Pill.

But there was nothing that they could do.

What they could do is focus on their mission.

Moreover, it was good for them since not only could they humiliate every

younger generation but also get a Grade-7 pill.

”Those who are qualified may step forward.”

At Mu Qingyuanʼs signal, the Mu Clan disciples immediately sprang into action.

Orders were relayed.

Servants and attendants moved swiftly.

Large spaces within the hall were cleared.

Rows of alchemy platforms were prepared. Cauldrons of various grades were brought out for those who had not brought

their own.

At the same time, containers filled with common alchemical ingredients were

placed nearby, ensuring that no participant would be hindered due to a lack of

materials.

Everything was arranged with astonishing efficiency.

This alone showed the Mu Clanʼs deep foundation in alchemy as well as the vast

resources they possessed.

Meanwhile, movement began among the crowd.

One by one, figures stepped forward.

Young.

Confident.

Eyes burning with ambition.

Although none had expected such a competition, many had brought their best

alchemist with them.

After all, this was a Grandmaster Alchemistʼs celebration.

Every major clan and sect had brought their most talented alchemy geniuses.

Some came out of admiration.

Mu Tianxuan, a man who had broken through the barrier that countless

alchemists could only dream of surpassing.

To many, he was an idol, especially for those in the Desolate Heaven Empire.

A symbol of what they wished to become.

Others came with hope.

Hope that perhaps- Just perhaps-

They might catch his eye.

And if fortune favored them, they might be accepted as his personal disciple.

And now, an opportunity has appeared.

A chance to showcase themselves not only before Mu Tianxuan but before the

powerhouses of the entire region.

Moreover, the prize of two Grade-7 pills was more than enticing. Naturally, none would hold back.

Soon, dozens of young alchemists stood ready.

The best of the younger generation. At this moment, they had all gathered in one place.

On the other side, the Vermillion Pill Empire remained composed.

Huo Shenyu stepped forward calmly.

His expression had already returned to its usual arrogance.

But he was not alone.

Beside him stood another young alchemist, less eye-catching.

Although he wasnʼt as well known as Huo Shenyu, he too was a genius who had

broken through to Grade-4 at the age of forty.

As for the other empires, a few figures also stepped forward.

Five in total.

Though fewer in number, none of them appeared weak.

They were also the best alchemists of their respective empires, brought here

with similar intentions as the others.

To witness a Grandmaster.

To seek opportunity.

Now, although unofficial, this had truly become a competition-

To determine the greatest young alchemy talent across the Eastern Region!