Dading City, the capital of the Ding Dynasty.
The city wall stretches for three miles and is more than ten meters high. Judging from the steps on the wall, the city has a history of no less than a hundred years, and there are still many workers reinforcing the wall.
Along the way, the captain named Zheng Qiu was very enthusiastic. It seemed that because Qin Xin had no cultivation level, he kept teaching Qin Xin how to cultivate.
As the caravan traversed the Dead Leaf Forest on its way to the Yan Dynasty, they encountered some powerful demonic beasts and learned about the customs and traditions of the Ding Dynasty, many of which were quite similar to those of the Great Xia Dynasty.
However, from Captain Zheng Qiu's words, Qin Xin learned that the Ding Dynasty was completely controlled by the four great alchemy families. The influence of these four families spread throughout the entire Ding City. Even the royal family that ruled the Ding Dynasty needed to maintain its relationship with these four families in order to consolidate its rule. This was mainly because the alchemy families had many retainers following them due to the lure of pills, and their power was extremely strong.
These four major families are the Zhan family, the Jiang family, the Lin family, and the Yan family. Zheng Qiu and his group belong to the Zhan family, one of the four great alchemy families.
As they approached the city gate, Qin Xin jumped off the carriage.
After a period of recovery, Qin Xin's damaged meridians were largely repaired, and the true qi in his true meridians had almost fully recovered, allowing him to unleash the strength of a ninth-level Innate Realm cultivator.
Looking at the traffic at the entrance of Dading City and glancing at the carriage behind him, Qin Xin noticed that Miss Zhan, who was riding in the carriage, did not seem to have gotten off. There was only a maid following beside the carriage, muttering something, which could not be heard clearly.
"Brother Zheng, why is Dading City so strict? Why do we have to stop and check vehicles?" Qin Xin asked, somewhat puzzled as he watched the palace guards searching passing vehicles.
"The Ding Dynasty's Alchemy Conference will be held soon. This inspection is to prevent people from outside the Eastern Wilderness from sneaking in and falsely claiming their age to win some of the prizes in the Alchemy Conference." Zheng Qiu was very generous to Qin Xin, as if he felt that Qin Xin was a little martial artist who knew nothing and wanted to take care of him. He then said, "However, this year's Alchemy Conference is a little different. If the Zhan Clan cannot win the top four, I'm afraid the reputation of the four great families will not be preserved."
After Zheng Qiu finished speaking, some of the guards beside him slowly lowered their heads, seemingly indicating that the names of these four great families were extremely important to their families. (cascoo.net)
What is so special about this alchemy competition?
Qin Xin had never heard of such a competition for alchemy before, so he asked questions out of curiosity.
"Of course it's special. First of all, the participants must be no older than thirty, and the one who wins the top spot is qualified to become a guest elder of the Pill Tower in Dading City and receive a title from the dynasty. In addition to some pill formulas, this alchemy competition will also reward participants with a spiritual herb—the Soul-Nourishing Spirit Tree. It is said that this tree can revive people who are on the verge of death, but I don't know if it's true or not."
After Zheng Qiu finished speaking, he walked forward as if greeting the guards who were inspecting him.
"I wonder if this Soul-Nourishing Tree will be of any help to you, Teacher?"
Upon hearing about the effects of this elixir, Qin Xin immediately wanted Danqing, who was now only a spirit. However, since Danqing was recovering, Qin Xin did not disturb him.
Qin Xin suddenly became more interested in this alchemy competition. Since he couldn't return to the inner courtyard of the Eastern Wilderness Academy for the time being, he could rest in Dading City for a while before returning. Moreover, he needed to investigate why Han Sui had resorted to such methods to deal with Qin Xin.
"Dinghao! Isn't it against the rules to seal off the entire city like this?"
While Qin Xin was pondering, Zheng Qiu in front of him seemed to be arguing with some guards, and the two sides immediately became tense.
"Your Zhan clan is about to fall from the four great clans, so naturally, like everyone else, everyone must be examined!"
The man named Ding Hao was dressed in armor and looked quite like a general. As he stepped forward, the royal soldiers behind him gave a soft shout.
"What arrogance! Although my Zhan clan is weak, it is still one of the four great families. How dare you, a prince from a collateral branch, obstruct us!"
A clear, light shout rang out from the carriage behind. A woman with long, slender legs stepped out of the carriage. Her delicate face had slightly drooping willow-leaf eyebrows. Supported by her maid, she walked slowly forward.
With every gesture of the woman, true qi flowed through her meridians, and the pressure of true qi emanated from her dantian. Qin Xin was somewhat surprised; the woman before him had already merged her meridians, a sign that she had entered the Qi Sea Realm.
His gaze shifted slightly upwards. The woman had willow-like eyebrows and snow-white skin, but her face was full of indifference, and her cold eyes seemed to drive people away. This face made Qin Xin feel that this woman was somewhat similar to an old friend of his.
Her curvaceous figure, accentuated by a light blue long dress, was so voluptuous that it was impossible to look away.
As soon as the woman appeared, everyone gathered in Dading City and all eyes in front of the city gate were focused on her.
"So it's Sister Qingyue back. Make way for me."
Ding Hao, dressed in armor and with a gentle appearance, smiled and was followed by several fierce-looking guards. He hurried forward.
Upon seeing Ding Hao approach, Zhan Qingyue's already cold face was filled with disgust.
"Sister Qingyue, don't be angry. After all, this alchemy competition involves a lot of people, and it was personally instructed by Father. Everyone needs to be checked. Not long ago, the palace was robbed by thieves. This is also to ensure that the alchemy competition can be held as scheduled," Dinghao said with a fawning expression.
"Oh! Does the Zhan family, one of the four great families, also need to be checked?" Zhan Qingyue's eyes sharpened, and she asked somewhat coldly.
“Since Sister Qingyue has spoken, there’s naturally no need for that. Oh, I forgot to tell you, the marriage alliance between the royal family and the Zhan family has been approved by the elders. It’s fine for either Sister Qingyue or your sister to marry into the royal family. I hope you’ll be prepared.” Dinghao smiled, his eyes full of longing.
"Daydreaming! Jade Butterfly, let's go!"
Zhan Qingyue's somewhat cold voice interrupted Murong Hao's next words. She then returned to the carriage with the maid behind her, preparing to enter the city.
"Wait!" Ding Hao suddenly stepped forward to intercept him, then walked straight towards Qin Xin and said, "Who are you? You look just like the petty thief who stole the palace treasures a few days ago!"
Before Qin Xin could speak, Zheng Qiu quickly came to his rescue, saying, "Your Highness, this person only recently joined our Zhan clan and is working with us to protect Miss's safety."
Did I ask you?! Get out of my way!
Ding Hao's powerful true energy surged, and under the pressure of the Qi Sea Realm, a true energy armor appeared. Although Zheng Zheng was at the ninth level of the Opening Aperture Realm, he was still forced to take a step back by this aura, his face turning pale.
Qin Xin gritted his teeth, stood still, staring into Ding Hao's eyes, and mentally considered several plans on how to kill the person in front of him and then escape.
Qin Xin's strength has now almost recovered, and he is confident that he can escape. However, if he does so, he may implicate those who helped him.
Seeing Qin Xin's unwavering gaze fixed on him, Ding Hao felt displeased and was about to take action to deal with the person who made him feel uncomfortable when Zhan Qingyue leaped up with a single step. A large blue carp, its water-blue color revealing an icy chill, floated out, and the biting coldness made everyone present shiver.
"What? Do we, the people of the Zhan clan, need to report to a mere relative of the royal family like you?"
Zhan Qingyue deliberately emphasized the words "royal relatives," and when Ding Hao saw Qin Xin being protected like this, his displeasure turned into a chilling look.
"Heh, kid, I'll remember you," Ding Hao chuckled, his words laced with threat.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone outside the city, Ding Hao could only wave his hand to signal the guards who were blocking his way to leave.
Ignoring Ding Hao, Lin Yueru turned around and led Qin Xin into the city.
Just as the convoy entered the city, a guard stepped forward and whispered in Ding Hao's ear, "Should we inform the Crown Prince about Zhan Qingyue's return?"
"No need. The Zhan clan is merely struggling to survive. Only by submitting to my royal family can they have any chance of survival!"
A sinister smile flashed across Ding Hao's face.
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