Seeing that the Zhan clan had retained its position among the four major clans, all the clan leaders stepped forward to offer their congratulations, which Zhan Sheng gladly accepted.

After the contestants left the Pill Tower one by one, the once bustling Pill Tower returned to calm. However, a heated discussion broke out in Dading City about the champion of the alchemy competition who had parachuted into the Zhan Clan.

Qin Xin's name became the most frequently mentioned name in Dading City that day.

Inside the tower, Liu Jue held an exquisite wooden box in his hands, on which lay a prescription for pills and a delicate jade bottle.

"Young man, what I'm curious about is, what exactly was that method you used to allow the pill to advance to a higher level?"

After handing the champion's reward to Qin Xin, Liu Jue couldn't help but ask a question out of curiosity. However, he regretted it as soon as he asked, since alchemy techniques were the lifeblood of alchemists, and asking so directly seemed a bit abrupt.

Qin Xin didn't mind, and was still somewhat grateful for Liu Jue's fairness. So he spoke about the alchemy theory that at the moment of pill formation, it was possible to use a sudden increase in the temperature of the flame to expel the last impurities.

"Truly, the student has surpassed the master. However, I'm afraid even I wouldn't dare to try such a method lightly." Upon hearing this, Liu Jue seemed to have suddenly realized something and praised him repeatedly. "As a reward for being the champion, you can become a guest elder of my Great Ding City."

Seemingly sensing Qin Xin's intention to refuse, Liu Jue quickly added, "Don't rush to refuse. Do you know why, after the Zhan clan maintained its position among the four great families, the families that had been eyeing it so covetously immediately changed their attitude?"

Qin Xin shook his head. He was also very puzzled by this, because in a dynasty, the royal family would definitely have the final say, but the Ding Dynasty was different.

"Because the Ding Dynasty was established by relying on the Pill Tower of my Great Ding City. Dynasties have changed dozens of times, but the Pill Tower of my Great Ding City is still there." Liu Jue said with a smile. "This is because the Pill Tower is spread throughout the entire Tianxuan Continent and is the place of protection for all alchemists. Although the Pill Tower of my Great Ding City is only a tiny part of it, no force dares to provoke it easily."

"It is precisely because the four major families hold positions as elders of the Pill Tower and are protected by the Pill Tower that even the royal family dares not act rashly against them."

Hearing what Liu Jue said, Qin Xin nodded slightly. However, the Pill Tower is neutral and does not participate in the struggle between any forces, so it is often overlooked. But this force, which is composed entirely of alchemists, must be quite terrifying if it gets angry.

"Have you agreed to become a guest elder of the Pill Tower in Dading City?" Liu Jue looked at Qin Xin quietly, waiting for his answer.

“I appreciate Tower Master Liu’s kindness, but I have already joined the Black Dragon City Pill Tower during the alchemist assessment…”

"It's alright." Liu Jue waved his hand.

"Since there is no problem, then thank you very much, Tower Master Liu."

Qin Xin was very happy about this, after all, the status of the guest elder of the Pill Tower in Dading City would be of great help to him.

"By the way, I should remind you that you should not try to read the prescription of this sixth-grade high-level pill, Fuling Qingdan, with your soul. Even for me, it takes a while to recover after reading it."

Seeing Qin Xin holding the ancient, silvery-blue scroll, Liu Jue didn't forget to remind him.

Of course, in Qin Xin's heart, Danqing's voice was also reminding him, and he then put the scroll of Fuling Qingdan into his Qiankun bag.

"Keep this token safe. It is the token of an honorary elder of the Pill Tower in my Great Ding City."

After Liu Jue finished speaking, he handed over a metal plate with a slightly orange tint, which Qin Xin immediately put into his Qiankun bag.

"Alright, the rewards are all yours, but I still have to remind you that the Ding Dynasty is now the royal family's territory. Snatching the championship from them will likely cause a lot of trouble. They might not dare to act openly, but it's hard to say what might happen in private."

"I think we should hurry back to the Eastern Wilderness Academy. The Ding Dynasty royal family's influence there is still beyond our reach."

After Liu Jue reminded him, he left the Dan Tower, seemingly having urgent business to attend to.

Qin Xin was naturally aware of this as well, and he planned to return to the Eastern Wilderness Academy to investigate Han Sui's tampering with his Wind-Riding Eagle.

Qin Xin slowly walked out of the Pill Tower of Dading City. Looking at the gradually darkening sky, a glint of light flashed in his eyes. Then, he turned and ran quickly in one direction.

Before long, Qin Xin arrived at the entrance of the Zhan Clan Manor.

At this moment, lanterns and decorations were already hung above the entrance of the Zhan Clan Manor, as they celebrated the preservation of the elder's seat in Danta.

In the Zhan clan council hall, seated on a high platform, Zhan Sheng's face was flushed, and he seemed to have had a few drinks, appearing exceptionally excited.

"Grandpa, why did you announce to the public that Qin Xin's engagement with my Zhan clan has been cancelled?!"

Zhan Qingqi sat to the side, speaking with a hint of anger, while Zhan Qingyue sat to the side, lost in thought, but remained silent, emanating a chilling aura.

"His help for my Zhan clan was just a transaction, and now the transaction is complete."

Zhan Sheng glanced at Zhan Qingqi's somewhat angry eyes and patiently explained, "As for what was promised, it will naturally be given to him."

"But isn't this just discarding a used tool after it has served its purpose?"

Zhan Qingqi wanted to stand up, but was pulled back by her older sister Zhan Qingyue. However, her angry voice echoed throughout the council hall.

"Sigh! Qi'er, you don't understand your grandfather's good intentions." Zhan Sheng looked at his granddaughter glaring at him and shook his head. The corners of his mouth, which were originally upturned, were now tinged with helplessness. "He took the championship from the royal family. Do you think those people will let him go? If you want to protect my Zhan clan, you'd better sever ties with this boy as soon as possible."

"Grandpa, aren't you afraid of being scorned for doing this!"

Zhan Qingqi broke free from Zhan Qingyue's grasp and shouted loudly.

"Smack!"

A crisp slap echoed throughout the council hall. Zhan Sheng's hand trembled as he said angrily, "You... it seems I've spoiled you rotten! Lock her up until she understands my intentions, then release her!"

"Waaah~ You can't..."

A handprint was already on Zhan Qingqi's delicate face, her eyes were red, and tears were streaming down her face. She was only halfway through her sobbing when Zhan Qingyue covered her mouth.

Zhan Qingyue looked at her younger sister with heartache, but she also understood her grandfather's actions. She said in a cool tone, "There are many inappropriate aspects to this matter. Grandpa needs to think it over more."

"Alas! When Qin Xin arrives, if he has any other requests, my Zhan clan will naturally try its best to fulfill them."

Looking at the two sisters in front of him, Zhan Sheng's heart softened, and he sighed softly.

"Thank you for your kindness, Chief Zhan. Since it is a transaction, I will collect what I deserve."

Just as a somewhat helpless voice fell, a clear and bright voice suddenly came from the entrance of the council hall.

After Qin Xin arrived at the Zhan clan, the guards initially stopped him, but fortunately he encountered Zheng Qiu, from whom he learned that the Zhan clan had announced the annulment of the engagement, and Qin Xin had no further connection with the Zhan clan. (cascoo.net)

He didn't care about this, since the so-called marriage agreement was fake anyway.

Just as he arrived at the council hall, he heard the argument inside, and Qin Xin naturally knew what had happened.

"Since you're here, I'll keep my promise to give you what I promised. However, whether you can take it or not depends on your ability."

When Zhan Sheng saw Qin Xin arrive, he spoke very calmly.

"Yes, please lead the way, Chief Zhan. I will leave as soon as I am done," Qin Xin nodded and said.

"Qin Xin..." Just as Qin Xin was about to follow Zhan Sheng to retrieve the items, Zhan Qingqi called out in a tearful voice.

"Senior, this was just a transaction, don't take it to heart. However, thank you for your hospitality these past few days," Qin Xin said with a light smile.

For a moment, Zhan Qingqi didn't know what to say, and simply followed behind Qin Xin with her sister Zhan Qingyue.

The four walked in silence toward the forbidden area of ​​the Zhan clan.