Chapter 277: Hun Huzi!
With the appearance of Yao Dan, the leader of the Yao Clan, the entire square fell into silence. It was no wonder, as he was a Seven-Star Dou Saint, a presence that could easily intimidate anyone. Almost everyone lowered their heads slightly in respect, their eyes filled with awe.
However, Gu Fei, sitting in the VIP section, remained calm. As a late-stage Six-Star Dou Saint, he had long grown accustomed to encountering even stronger beings. An Eight or Nine-Star Dou Saint was nothing surprising to him, let alone Yao Dan, who was merely at the Seven-Star level.
His eyes calmly swept over him, his expression indifferent, as if he was merely observing an ordinary elder. Additionally, Gu Fei's character was naturally neither arrogant nor submissive.
Yao Dan approached slowly, his white robe fluttering despite the absence of wind. Each step he took in the void caused strange ripples. His cloudy yet sharp eyes scanned the crowd, finally resting on him. Seeing Gu Fei remain so composed, he nodded slightly, seemingly admiring him.
"Gu Fei, I assume you've come to compete for the title of the top alchemist?" Yao Dan sat in the seat of honor in the VIP section, not far from him, with a gentle smile on his face.
Hearing his words, he was momentarily surprised. After all, there were many powerful individuals present, yet Yao Dan had asked if he was here to claim the top spot. This single question was enough to show that Yao Dan had already seen through Gu Fei's efforts to conceal his strength.
His heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected him to see through his hidden power so easily.
"Heh, who wouldn't want to be number one? But being able to exchange pointers with the experts at your Medicinal Ceremony would be quite an honor in itself," Gu Fei replied with a faint smile.
Yao Dan, hearing this, was taken aback. Not only was he immensely powerful, but he was also remarkably mature in his demeanor, leaving no room for missteps in his words.
Just then, the skies above began to change. The previously clear sky suddenly filled with dark clouds, lightning flashing and thunder roaring. A terrifying pressure descended from the heavens, causing everyone present to feel a sense of dread.
"What is…?"
"Elder Shen Nong!"
Someone exclaimed in shock, immediately stirring a commotion.
"What? The legendary forefather of alchemists has appeared?"
"My goodness, I'm fortunate enough to witness Elder Shen Nong!"
Exclamations of disbelief filled the crowd as everyone's gaze turned toward the distance.
While calling him the "Forefather of Alchemists" might be an exaggeration, Shen Nong did deserve such a title. After all, he was an ancient hidden master within the Shenglong Mountains and a revered Ninth-Rank Mysterious Pill Grandmaster. His seniority in the alchemy world of the Dou Qi Continent was unmatched. It was said he had lived for over a thousand years and rarely showed himself. His title as the forefather was earned not just by his strength but by his legendary status.
In the distance, a humble-looking elderly man in simple clothing appeared. Although he looked ordinary, his eyes seemed to pierce through time and space, making it impossible to meet his gaze directly.
"Elder Shen Nong!"
Yao Clan elders like Yao Wangui quickly stood up to greet him, their faces full of reverence.
"Not bad. At such a young age, you've already achieved so much. The Gu Clan truly has a promising successor," he remarked, his eyes resting on Gu Fei. He smiled gently as he spoke.
"Junior greets Elder. It is truly an honor to receive such praise from a senior like you," Gu Fei said respectfully, bowing with a courteous tone.
While his words carried a hint of formality, there was also genuine respect for the elder within them.
Just as everyone was still reeling from the shock of Elder Shen Nnong's appearance, an eerie aura suddenly emanated from the horizon. A black figure broke through the sky, and as it passed, the very air seemed to freeze.
"Hun Huzi!"
Someone shouted in disgust and anger as the figure landed in the square, revealing a sinister face. It was none other than Hun Huzi of the Hun Clan!
"This scum! How dare he show his face at our Ceremony?"
"Indeed! This traitor to his master and clan has the audacity to come here? Get him out!"
"Get out! Our clan does not welcome such a despicable person."
The Yao Clan members erupted into a chorus of curses.
"What's wrong with me attending the Ceremony?" Hun Xuzi's expression was dark as he scanned the crowd before fixing his gaze on Yao Dan.
"Hold on."
"Guests are guests. Since he's here, let him participate," Yao Dan said after a brief pause, though his tone was firm. "But if you try anything, don't blame me for being ruthless."
His decision to remain composed was understandable. This sacred event couldn't be disrupted by one individual. Yao Dan knew better than to let the situation spiral out of control.
Hun Huzi snorted coldly and made his way toward the VIP seats, but his gaze remained fixed on Gu Fei, filled with malicious intent.
"Huzi, why are you staring at me? Are you here to thank me for sparing your young clan master's pathetic life in the Demonic Flame Space?" Gu Fei's lips curled into a mocking smile as he sensed his gaze.
His face darkened instantly. The last time, the Hun Clan had lost two Five-Star Dou Saints in the Demonic Flame Space, a grudge he had not forgotten.
"Don't get too arrogant. Haven't you heard the saying, 'The tallest tree is the first to fall'?" Hun Huzi hissed, his tone dripping with menace.
"Is that so? Do traitors like you even have the right to speak such words?" he shot back, completely unfazed.
Hun Huzi, infuriated, was about to make a move, his Dou Qi surging. But Gu Fei remained seated calmly. After all, if Hun Huzi caused trouble here, someone else would handle him.
"Stop!"
A stern voice rang out. "This is the Yao Ceremony. You will not be allowed to act recklessly!"
Yao Dan stood up, his cold gaze sweeping over Hun Xuzi.
Though reluctant, he suppressed his fury and returned to his seat with a huff.
"Well said, Master Gu Fei!"
In the distance, Cao Ying from the Pill Tower couldn't help but cheer, though her timing was unfortunate. As Yao Dan had just spoken, the entire square had fallen silent, making her voice ring out clearly. Hun Huzi's face turned even darker, likely wishing he could tear her apart.
"The time has come. Let the Medicinal Ceremony begin!"
Yao Dan's gaze swept over the crowd once more, lingering on Gu Fei before he spoke.
As his voice echoed across the square, excitement filled the air. At that moment, more than ten massive alchemy platforms rose from the center of the square. Each platform was dozens of meters tall, glowing softly with light, and surrounded by countless strange runes circulating in the air.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone