Chapter 134: Chapter 133: Information!
Jiang Yun turned his head and explained to Hai Bodong, "I've been in seclusion for over a year now and know nothing of what's transpired in the outside world. Tell me, what's happened?"
Hearing this, Hai Bodong understood why Jiang Yun was unaware. Given his status, Jiang Yun should have known more than him, a Dou Huang of the Jia Ma Empire. This matter wasn't just about the Jia Ma Empire; it involved the entire Northwest Continent.
"A lot has happened. Shortly after you went into seclusion, news broke that the Wan Xie Gate in the Chu Yun Empire was destroyed. This triggered a power struggle within the Chu Yun Empire, leaving it severely weakened."
"At this time, the Mu Lan Empire and the Luo Yan Empire took advantage and sent their armies to invade. The already weakened Chu Yun Empire couldn't hold out for even a month before it was divided up."
Hai Bodong spoke with a tone of melancholy. The downfall of a top-tier force had clearly left a deep impression on him.
"The Jia Ma Empire didn't take action?" Xiao Yixian asked curiously. Would the Jia Ma Empire really pass up such a prime opportunity?
Hai Bodong shook his head regretfully and continued, "The royal family was dealing with some internal issues at the time, putting the entire city under lockdown. Afterward, the two empires that annexed the Chu Yun Empire decided to attack the Jia Ma Empire."
"At first, the empire faced repeated defeats. Then, Jia Xingtian suddenly reappeared, not only fully recovered but having also broken through to Dou Zong. With Yun Shan joining him, the combined strength of two Dou Zongs finally forced the two invading empires to retreat."
"It's unlikely that things have settled down yet," Jiang Yun observed, looking at Hai Bodong.
Hai Bodong sighed, "You are indeed perceptive. Even after retreating from the Jia Ma Empire, the Luo Yan and Mu Lan empires continued their aggression, attacking neighboring empires instead."
"According to intelligence from the Miter Family, the entire Northwest Continent is now a chaotic battleground."
"What!" Medusa suddenly stood up, her enchanting eyes fixed on Hai Bodong. The oppressive aura of a Dou Zun enveloped him as she anxiously asked, "What about the Snake-People Tribe?"
Hai Bodong found himself unable to breathe, feeling as if the entire world was pressing down on him. He looked pleadingly at Jiang Yun, cursing inwardly for his misfortune in always encountering such peril whenever Medusa was involved.
"Medusa, calm down!" Jiang Yun sent a gentle wave of Dou Qi to disperse her aura and took her soft hand, speaking softly, "He'll die if this continues. As the queen of the Snake-People Tribe, you must remain composed and not let emotions cloud your judgment."
Medusa calmed down upon hearing Jiang Yun's reassurance. She felt a flutter in her heart when she noticed him holding her hand but quickly withdrew it, thankful that no one seemed to have noticed.
Hai Bodong, still pale from the encounter, sat on the ground, gasping for breath. He dared not look at Medusa, knowing that a Dou Zong's pressure couldn't compare to what he had just experienced. He shuddered at the thought of a realm no one in the Jia Ma Empire had reached for centuries.
"Hai Bodong, tell us everything you know. Otherwise, I'm afraid Medusa might dismantle the Miter Family," Jiang Yun teased, noting both Medusa's calm and Hai Bodong's recovery.
Seeing Medusa's fierce gaze, Hai Bodong reluctantly complied. "Though the Northwest Continent is in chaos, the Snake-People Tribe remains unscathed. The Mu Lan and Luo Yan empires have not set foot in their territory."
He contemplated internally, unsure why the two empires hadn't attacked the seemingly vulnerable Snake-People Tribe, yet certain it was under Yun Yi's orders to ignore them, as long as they stayed within their bounds.
Upon hearing this, Medusa breathed a sigh of relief and hesitated before looking at Jiang Yun, appearing conflicted.
"If you want to return, just go. After the Alchemist Competition, we'll visit the Snake-People Tribe," Jiang Yun said gently, sensing her thoughts.
Medusa's heart leapt with joy at Jiang Yun's response. Stealing quick glances around to see if anyone noticed, she swiftly departed toward her homeland.
"Finally!" Hai Bodong exhaled in relief once Medusa left, as being around her was immensely stressful.
Before leaving, Jiang Yun asked, "Do you know how Jia Xingtian's injuries were healed?"
Hai Bodong paused before responding, "I'm not sure, but during that time, a mysterious black-robed figure frequented the royal palace. They kept it tight-lipped, so no one knows who it was."
"If you want, I could ask Jia Xingtian directly. He shouldn't mind such a minor request."
"No need. I was just curious. I've met Jia Xingtian before and his injuries weren't something an ordinary alchemist or healer could cure," Jiang Yun mused, now certain it was Xiao Yan and Yao Chen who healed him. Hai Bodong didn't need to pry further.
Hai Bodong's expression showed curiosity but he let it go. After understanding what transpired during his seclusion, Jiang Yun was informed about Yun Yi's actions.
On the day of the Alchemist Competition, the sky was clear, a perfect day for the event. Notably dressed in an unadorned black robe, Jiang Yun cut an impressive figure alongside the group.
Xiao Yixian, clad in white, drew all eyes. Zi Yan and Qing Lin, less conspicuous, also took their places as Jiang Yun's companions, arriving at the grand event in a luxurious carriage provided by the Miter Family.
As they approached the massive Royal Plaza, they noticed the bustling crowds—the anticipation for this grand event was palpable.
Jiang Yun's arrival caused a stir, with excited murmurs throughout the crowd. High-ranking officials and alchemists stood up to greet him, bowing respectfully.
Jiang Yun quickly noted, "Today isn't about me. Relax, everyone. Let's not overshadow the real stars of the event."
Though Jiang Yun preferred to stay low-key, Xiao Yixian's participation made it impossible to avoid attention. Therefore, they began the ceremony with formalities and soon commenced the competition.
As Jiang Yun watched the entrants, he encouraged Xiao Yixian, "Go ahead. Keep a calm mind and trust me."
"Watch me win the championship!" Xiao Yixian playfully replied, moving towards the competition arena.
Seeing familiar faces like Liu Ling, Yao Yue, and Xiao Yan under his alias Yan Xiao among the participants, Jiang Yun focused on the competition.
At that moment, a soft voice interrupted, "Master Jiang, it's been a year. You seem more impressive than ever."
Princess Yao Ye had quietly approached, her elegant demeanor and grace evident as she bowed slightly.
"Princess Yao Ye is even more enchanting," Jiang Yun politely replied.
Before she could speak further, Zi Yan's voice excitedly called out, "Xiao Yixian is up!"
Jiang Yun felt an affectionate tug from Zi Yan and Qing Lin, drawing his attention to the competition where Xiao Yixian prepared to compete. The show of camaraderie made Yao Ye step back, realizing Yao Yue and Jia Xing Tian's silent observation.
As the sands of time marked the Alchemist Competition beginning, Yao Tian announced the first challenge of refining Bone Growth Pills, requiring basic alchemical skills with only two sets of ingredients provided.
The contestants focused, with over two thousand alchemists igniting fires, signaling the competition's start and energizing the crowd.
Effortlessly summoning her cauldron and peach blossom flame, Xiao Yixian began her task, impressing the observant Xiao Yan with her high-quality materials and evident skill.
As the competition proceeded, Jiang Yun, surrounded by his companions and occasionally conversing, watched with pride and anticipation, immersed in the grandeur and excitement of the event.
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