Grandmother Nuren glanced at the Chief of the Sacred Council, then spoke through a voice transmission audible only between them. “Chief Lord, what is the background of young friend Jhi Chen? I cannot believe he’s merely a member of the Mu Clan. I was among those who fought for that cauldron, yet not only did I fail, I was crushed by an oppressive aura so powerful that I couldn’t move at all. And it wasn’t just me—everyone who participated was suppressed by that same aura. Even those from the Wu Yaosu Galaxy, who were Fifth-Rank Immortal Gods, were subdued. I refuse to believe the one who suppressed us all and took the Medicine Emperor’s cauldron comes from the Mu Clan.” Her tone in the transmission was calm, yet a deep sense of wonder hid beneath it. Her gaze occasionally shifted toward Jhi Chen, who stood in the center of the hall, his face emotionless—calm and unreadable, just as he had been from the start. For Grandmother Nuren, who had lived for thousands of years, such a feeling

One of the elders asked in confusion, “What is the highest-grade noble pill? And is it true that its effect can strengthen bloodlines? Why have I never heard of such a pill?” The question broke the silence in the hall. Several other elders exchanged glances, their faces showing the same curiosity. The atmosphere became lively again, full of intrigue. Grandmother Nuren smiled calmly. “It is natural that you have not heard of it, because aside from requiring extremely rare medicinal ingredients, this pill also demands a tremendous amount of heaven and earth Qi. That is why many people abandoned their research on how to create it.” Her words were spoken slowly, as if to ensure everyone in the room understood how complex the process of making such a pill was. Several elders nodded slightly, realizing how impossible it would be for an ordinary alchemist to craft something like that. “So that’s how it is,” said one alchemist standing at the front. “No wonder Young Hero Jhi Chen prepare

After witnessing Jhi Chen’s abilities and hearing his words, Yixue slowly let go of his resentment. His tense expression began to soften. He took a deep breath, as if releasing the heavy weight that had long pressed upon his chest. “Junior brother, thank you for your lesson. I understand now. When I return, I won’t slack off even a little. I don’t want to fall too far behind you, and I will never bully anyone in the Alchemist Hall again. In the future, if you ever need my strength, you can call on me directly.” His voice sounded sincere, without the arrogance he once had. He stepped forward and handed his communication token to Jhi Chen with both hands—a gesture of respect and repentance. Jhi Chen accepted the token with a light smile. He showed no arrogance, nor did he mock. “Good. If you hold such determination, you will one day become a true dragon and never remain an earthworm.” His words were brief but carried profound meaning. The disciples who heard the exchange knew that J

The Peak Bead Realm was vast, stretching with mountain ranges towering in every direction. Each peak held a distinct spiritual field, but few places were truly silent. Jhi Chen flew slowly among the clouds, traversing the mountains one by one to find the most secluded location—one where neither humans nor beasts would be affected by the divine tribulation’s force. Finally, in an isolated mountain valley, he stopped. The air around him grew heavy, as though all the energy of the heavens was gathering at a single point. Moments later, the sky turned pitch-black. The light of the sun vanished, replaced by swirling clouds above his head. From those clouds, lightning flickered continuously, converging into a massive vortex that rumbled throughout the region. Jhi Chen closed his eyes briefly, then released his spiritual power to envelop the entire mountain. In an instant, invisible waves of energy spread in all directions, binding every living creature within its reach. Birds, deer, even

Sun Xiang and Sun Xi’er stepped forward. Their movements were synchronized and filled with respect. “Congratulations on your new breakthrough,” they said almost in unison. Their voices were followed by a loud chorus from all members of the Salke Division standing in neat formation across the wide area. In one united voice, they said, “Congratulations to the Leader on his new breakthrough!” The atmosphere suddenly fell silent after the shout. Jhi Chen slightly furrowed his brows when he heard the title “Leader.” His gaze shifted to Sun Xiang, who immediately stepped forward politely yet with confidence. Realizing Jhi Chen’s expression, he quickly offered an explanation. “Brother Jhi Chen, a division cannot function without a leader. We have all agreed that you are the Leader of the Salke Division. Although you do not care for titles, you are the only one qualified to lead us.” Those words were met with nods from the nearest lines. The previously stiff air turned hopeful. Everyone s