A gentle breeze brought a hint of coolness, casting shadows on the ground that had been scorched by the sun under a cloudless sky. A rumbling sound rang out, startling those who had been mesmerized by Ye Lanshan's alchemy. Looking up, they saw that the blazing sunlight had long been hidden behind thick, heavy clouds—so dense that even the sun dared not compete, leaving only a faint dimness.
A thunderbolt crashed down from the sky, striking the alchemy furnace before anyone could react. Yet the furnace remained unscathed, not even trembling. The thunder in the sky seemed unwilling to accept this, but it reluctantly dissipated. All eyes turned to the furnace with burning curiosity.
What kind of extraordinary furnace could withstand a heavenly thunderbolt without a scratch? That was a heavenly thunderbolt—feared even by the most powerful cultivators, let alone ordinary people. There was nothing in the world that didn't dread it, a testament to its immense power. Yet this furnace, after being struck, bore not even a mark, remaining as perfect and ancient as before.
In the face of profit, some people never hide their greed. For treasure, there are always those who stop at nothing. The attendees of this exchange weren't just alchemists but also highly skilled cultivators.
A gray blur shot through the air with lightning speed, a powerful pressure bearing down on Ye Lanshan's head. She seemed utterly unfazed, still wearing a faint smile—though one might overlook the dagger that had suddenly appeared in her hand.
"Wooden Vine Connection!" "Flying Fire Meteor!"
Was that a Xuan Divine General? Such a young divine-grade alchemist, and with such high cultivation too? Good heavens, was there no end to this? Everyone was deeply shaken. Such monstrous talent was something they had never seen before.
"Do you really think you can take my things?" she murmured softly, her voice flowing like a babbling brook. Though the words carried no pressure, they sent a chill down everyone's spine.
Before the crowd's eyes, the gray figure was torn apart, split into five pieces—limbs and head severed cleanly. It was a bloody scene, yet she made it seem strangely sacred. The entire gathering froze for several seconds before erupting into chaos. No one blamed Ye Lanshan; the law of the jungle and survival of the fittest was an unchanging truth. Besides, the man had been in the wrong, so naturally, no one criticized her.
But behind the flattery, what dirty thoughts lurked? A treasure capable of withstanding heavenly thunder must have tempted many. Such an alchemy furnace was a fatal lure for any alchemist.
"Shan Luo, you're amazing! I think I'm falling for you more and more," Liu Chunsheng said, ignoring everyone's stares as she bounced over to Ye Lanshan.
"You're not bad yourself. Reaching the fifth-grade alchemist level at your age, almost breaking through to the sixth—that's already quite talented," Ye Lanshan replied, unable to stand her chirping flattery. She thought a compliment might shut her up.
"Really? You really think I'm good?" Liu Chunsheng's voice was filled with surprise, tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
"Of course." Ye Lanshan nodded without hesitation.
"Does that mean you acknowledge me?"
From the first moment Liu Chunsheng saw Ye Lanshan, she knew he appeared gentle and refined on the surface but was cold at heart. He seemed easy to get along with, but he would never truly let you into his world. Once you disappeared, you'd vanish from his mind entirely.
"Yeah." Ye Lanshan's lips curled upward. Having a friend like this might be nice—so innocent and bright, as if she'd never seen the darkest side of the world. Loyal and bold, with the unbridled spirit of a wanderer, being friends with someone like her would be comfortable.
Lan Yexin watched this scene, a pang of pain in her heart. The first time she saw Liu Chunsheng, she was drawn to his lively, carefree demeanor, falling for him without realizing it. But the one he loved wasn't her.
"Hmph." Time Crane was annoyed, deeply annoyed. He couldn't pinpoint why, but a surge of anger welled up inside him whenever he saw Liu Chunsheng clinging to Ye Lanshan so intimately. He didn't even understand why he felt this way.
Yun Di took a bitter sip of tea. Ye Lanshan was always like this—wherever she went, she attracted a crowd of admirers. Being her lover would surely be exhausting and stressful. At that moment, Yun Di couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for the Dark Lord.
"Is there anyone else who objects?" Sikong Yanguang stood up, releasing a faint pressure from his body as a reminder. Some alchemists, who had been bewitched by greed, snapped back to their senses under this force.
"Since no one objects, I have an announcement to make. I'm old now and just want to focus on alchemy, but this valley can't go without a leader."
"Shan Luo happens to be the disciple of the former valley master, Sikong Kuang. He is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate for the new valley master. Therefore, from today onward, I declare Shan Luo the new valley master of Medicine Valley."
Sikong Yanguang's expression was grave, showing no signs of deceit. It seemed Ye Lanshan's appointment as the new valley master was set in stone, unchangeable.
"I disagree." A dissenting voice rang out, jarringly out of place.
"What qualifies him to be valley master? Just because he's Sikong Kuang's disciple? Who can prove that? As far as I know, Sikong Kuang has been missing for years. If that's the case, if I claimed to be Sikong Kuang's disciple, could I become valley master too?" The man's face twisted with malice, his tone dripping with resentment toward Sikong Yanguang.
"I can prove it." Yun Di stood up and walked step by step to Ye Lanshan's side. "Those who know me are aware that Sikong Kuang is my uncle. Would I lie about this?"
His earnest demeanor was convincing enough, but if anyone knew the truth, they'd call Yun Di a blatant liar. It was all a fabrication—Ye Lanshan had never been Sikong Kuang's disciple. Yun Di had blurted it out in desperation.
So while Sikong Kuang lived peacefully in the Ye family, he had no idea he'd suddenly gained a disciple. But if he found out, he'd undoubtedly be overjoyed. Taking Ye Lanshan as a disciple wasn't something just anyone could achieve. Her talent was monstrous, her mind sharp, and her actions steady—truly one of a kind, unmatched anywhere in the world.