Those sharp words hung in the air like an executioner's blade ready to strike down.The killing intent and arrogance that had previously surged violently from Patriarch Liu, Patriarch Ye, and Patriarch Zhao evaporated instantly without a trace. A cold sweat drenched the backs of all three clan leaders. Their faces, which had been flushed crimson with rage, now turned as pale as paper.Mad Alchemist. That name was not merely a title, but a living myth capable of causing kingdoms and numerous sects throughout the eastern region to tremble overnight. In the entire eastern domain, no one dared to provoke that eccentric old figure. A single call from him could mobilize major sects, and a single pill embargo from his hands could paralyze a clan's economy and defenses in a matter of days.Patriarch Liu trembled violently. His knees grew so weak that he had to grip the balcony railing tightly to keep from falling to his knees. He realized that if he continued his stubborn foolishness, today w

Wang Chen looked at Lian for a moment before finally nodding slowly. He appreciated the sincere intentions and care shown by both Lian and Gu Qingcheng, though deep in his heart, he remained steadfast in his own convictions."I understand," Wang Chen replied calmly. "Thank you for the advice, Senior Sister Lian."Seeing Wang Chen's mature response, Gu Qingcheng smiled in relief. A warm atmosphere enveloped their tea table once again as the conversation gradually eased, until they finally agreed to disperse and rest to preserve their stamina for tomorrow's journey.The next morning, just as the crimson streaks of dawn broke across the sky over East Cloud City, the East Cloud City branch of the Medicine Pavilion was already bustling with activity. The cold morning breeze blew softly, carrying the scent of fresh dew mixed with the fragrance of rare herbs from the pavilion's heritage garden.Wang Chen stepped out of the room where he had stayed. His signature black robe fluttered in the m

The two disciples from East Cloud City winced slightly upon hearing Wang Chen's calm remarks. The flat yet steady words of the black-robed youth served as an antidote to their despair, gradually easing the tremor in their chests even though their anxious gazes did not entirely vanish."Brother Chen, you are truly different from the friends we've met all this time... Thank you for the motivation...""That's right... Honestly, we doubted ourselves from the very beginning, because after all... We were only able to arrive here by sheer luck, unlike what you did...""Enough... No need to thank me. If our statuses differ in the future, I will still consider you comrades-in-arms... If you ever have trouble down the road, just look for me... I will definitely help you."Meanwhile, high above Shadow Sword Peak, inside a magnificent silver-themed pavilion floating behind a sea of clouds, Elder Gu stood with his arms folded before five authoritative figures. They were the Final Selection Chief E

Wang Chen remained completely unperturbed by the mockery directed at him. Insults like "trash from a small town" from the participants who felt superior were merely passing wind, unworthy of a second thought. His focus was entirely absorbed by the extraordinary sensations unfolding within his body.He glanced slightly at the two disciples from East Cloud City who were looking at him anxiously from the 9th step."Go on ahead," Wang Chen said softly, his voice flat yet laden with a soothing calmness. "Don't mind me. Regulate your breathing and focus on your own footing."Hearing Wang Chen's remarkably calm tone, the two disciples felt slightly relieved. They nodded softly, then began to refocus themselves on carefully making their way to the 10th step.After the two disciples passed, Wang Chen closed his eyes once more beneath the shadow of his black robe. He allowed his body to stand upright amidst the oppressive onslaught of gravity and the continuous waves of spiritual attacks poundi

He deliberately held back, allowing his body to become an endless vessel for energy absorption, letting himself be forged and strengthened by an energy that others feared.High above the clouds, the Three Great Elders of the Sky Sword Sect stared at the Sky Projection Mirror with vastly contrasting expressions. Elder Gao and Elder Hua Yi sat rigidly silent, their eyes wide as they stared at Wang Chen's figure standing tall at the summit position, the halo of energy surrounding his body growing brighter and more stable."Heeeh?!" Elder Gao started in shock, his blazing red robe seeming to tremble alongside him. "W-What is happening?! Look at the energy fluctuations! His soul aura... his aura is suddenly spiking drastically!"Elder Hua Yi withdrew her gaze from the floating sword and stared intensely at the Sky Projection Mirror. "That... that is the aura of a soul realm breakthrough! He... he is making a soul realm breakthrough right in the middle of a trial!"The Senior Elder beside t