Battle Through the Heavens: The Alchemist Starting from the Ye Family

Page 95

There was no other reason than this person's identity.

Because he is Qin Yan, the sect leader of the Blackfire Sect, a powerful expert at the peak of the Dou Zong level!

"Thank you all for coming to the Ye family today. On behalf of the Ye family, I would like to express my gratitude for your kindness. After the matter is settled, the Ye family will also have some small gifts, and I hope you will not refuse them."

Sitting at the head of the table, Ye Zhong greeted everyone with a smile and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

In response to these words, everyone present naturally offered polite words of greeting.

However, everyone's gaze was intentionally or unintentionally drawn to the two somewhat unfamiliar young men beside Ye Zhong. Although they might not be able to recognize the two men's identities, they could tell from their clothing and clan crests that the two men were actually from the Dan family and the Cao family, both of the five great families...

Unexpectedly, the Dan family and the Cao family would also help the Ye family. Wasn't it said that the relationship between the five major families was not harmonious?

How can this be explained now?

Ye Zhong looked at the crowd with their various expressions, smiled slightly to himself, but his expression remained unchanged as he continued, "I suppose you don't know these two outstanding individuals yet, so let me introduce them."

As he spoke, Ye Zhong pointed to the young man on the left, dressed in white with crimson patterns on his body, and said, "This young friend Dan Xuan is Chen'er's close friend and also the eldest son of the Dan family head. He has come to help on behalf of the Dan family this time."

The Ye family will certainly remember the Dan family's kindness. Young friend Danxuan, please help me express my sincere gratitude to Patriarch Dan when you return!"

Dan Xuan quickly returned the greeting politely, saying, "Elder Ye, you flatter me! The Dan family and the Ye family are both among the five great families of the Pill Domain, and it is only right that we help each other. Besides, I hit it off with Brother Ye Chen at first sight and consider him a close friend. Now that Brother Ye Chen is in seclusion at the Pill Tower, and the Ye family is in trouble, it is only natural that I, Dan Xuan, have a duty to help!"

Their words made those at the scene who were unaware of the truth realize something...

"It turns out that Dan Xuan, the young master of the Dan family, is a close friend of Ye Chen! I heard that this young master Dan Xuan is also very talented and is now a seventh-grade alchemist. It is not surprising that the two of them are the pride of our Dan Domain and are close friends."

Many people were thinking this to themselves, and their gazes involuntarily drifted to the other person beside them...

This person from the Cao family looks quite young, and judging from his position, he is almost at the same level as Danxuan, so he must be one of the Cao family's geniuses, right?

Following everyone's gaze, Ye Zhong looked at the other person, chuckled, and introduced, "This young friend is Cao Dan from the Cao family. He has come here on behalf of the Cao family to offer assistance. I would also like to express my gratitude to the head of the Cao family for his help!"

Cao Dan of the Cao family is known as a genius who appears only once in a century in the Cao family. He is also an exceptionally talented person among the younger generation of the Cao family, and is even said to be second only to Cao Ying, the enchantress of the Cao family.

If Cao Dan's name didn't have much prestige in the Pill Domain before, after Cao Ying and Ye Chen were chosen by the Pill Tower for their monstrous talent in front of everyone in the entire Central Continent four years ago, and each became a disciple of one of the three giants of the Pill Tower, Cao Dan's name also became widely known in the Pill Domain and even the Central Continent.

There's nothing we can do about it; Cao Dan is known for his talent, second only to the enchantress Cao Ying!

Although many people felt that the rumors about Cao Dan were exaggerated, the fact that he could be described in such a way meant that he must have some skill, which piqued the interest of many and indirectly helped spread Cao Dan's reputation even further...

"Elder Ye, you flatter me. To borrow Brother Dan's words, the Cao family and the Ye family are both among the five great families, and it is only right that they help each other. Moreover, Young Master Ye Chen and Sister Cao Ying are fellow disciples, so if the Ye family is in trouble, my Cao family will naturally not stand idly by."

Cao Dan, whose face still showed signs of youth, spoke seriously.

Actually, he shouldn't have been the one to come this time, since Cao Dan is still a bit too inexperienced compared to Dan Xuan.

Unfortunately, the more mature and steady Cao Xiu had not yet returned from his training trip. After the Dan family sent Dan Xuan, the Cao family could not send anyone else of equal status. So, after searching around, they had no choice but to force Cao Dan into the position.

Chapter 214 The Name of Ice Valley

The main hall of the Ye family was bustling with activity.

Clearly, with the involvement of the Cao and Dan families, the Ye family's strength increased dramatically. Regardless of who their opponent was, no one present believed they would lose.

What the adults don't know is that the Dan and Cao families didn't just arrive in Ye City today; they had been secretly in contact for a long time.

The full support of the Dan and Cao families was one of the most important factors that enabled Ye Zhong to expose Ice River Valley so quickly.

In addition, Ye Zhong also received some secret information from the Pill Tower. It can be said that this time, the Ice River Valley is not just facing the Ye family, but the three strongest families among the five major families of the Pill Domain, and even the behemoth that is the Pill Tower...

This put Ice Valley at a complete disadvantage from the very beginning, even in a contest of information alone.

However, although Ice Valley was outmatched by the Ye family in the initial confrontation, the Ye family would still not be able to gain any advantage in the subsequent battles if the Pill Tower did not intervene.

There's nothing to it but the difference in strength!

What the Ye family lacks most right now is top-tier combat power at the Dou Zun level, let alone cultivation that surpasses Binghe, a four-star peak Dou Zun level expert.

Although the Dan and Cao families have provided their full support this time, they can only provide one two-star Dou Zun level expert each at most. They don't even have any stronger experts themselves, so they naturally can't send any.

In the hall, watching the group of people discussing animatedly and passionately, Qin Yan, the sect leader of the Blackfire Sect, sitting in front, frowned slightly.

He came to the Ye family to lend a hand because he heard that the Ye family had found the mastermind behind the discord and were preparing to teach the other party a lesson. So Qin Yan brought two high-level Dou Zong elders with him...

The Ye family has not yet revealed who the mastermind behind this is.

This made Qin Yan somewhat hesitant...

Especially now that members of the Dan and Cao families have stepped forward, Qin Yan is even more suspicious that their opponent this time is a powerful force that is no less powerful than the Ye family, or even surpasses it!

It's actually not hard to guess.

After all, if the opponent wasn't strong, the Ye family wouldn't need to go to such lengths to gather so many people...

After all, these people aren't coming to help without expecting anything in return; they must have something in mind. The expenses for these favors alone will likely be a considerable sum.

Thinking it over, Qin Yan slightly clasped his hands in greeting to Ye Zhong, who was in the main seat, and asked, "Elder Ye, may I ask who our opponent is this time?"

We're about to start fighting, so shouldn't you tell us who our opponent is?

Many quick-witted people shared the same thought as Qin Yan, so when he asked the question, they all looked over.

Ye Zhong remained calm, glanced at the gradually quieting hall, smiled slightly, and said, "I think everyone here is familiar with our opponent this time. In the Central Plains, there is one palace, one tower, two sects, three valleys, and four pavilions. This time, my Ye family will be facing one of the three valleys, the Ice River Valley!"

Upon hearing this, the room fell silent instantly...

Did they hear that right? The Ye family is actually going to make a move against Ice River Valley this time?

But that doesn't make sense. I'd heard before that the Grand Elder of Ice River Valley, Tian Shuangzi, was from the Ye family.

How did our once-honored guests end up at the point of fighting each other?

The world is changing so fast!

Actually, it wasn't just the people present; Ye Zhong himself also didn't understand why Ice River Valley would oppose the Ye family for no reason. Was it simply because they were afraid that the Calamity Poison Body would grow up and wreak havoc on Zhongzhou?

Ye Zhong had no recollection of when the Ice Venerable of Ice River Valley had become such a responsible person!

Although Ice River Valley's reputation in Zhongzhou is not considered evil or heretical, its actions are ruthless and domineering, and it cannot be considered a "reputable sect". Ye Zhong did not believe that they would care about whether Zhongzhou would be devastated!

However, after receiving a hidden message from the Pill Tower, Ye Zhong immediately understood.

"An acquired calamity-inflicting poison body? There are actually people who choose such a terrifying way to grow..."

The Ye family actually knew some of the advantages and disadvantages of the acquired Calamity Poison Body. Although it could improve its cultivation by consuming an unlimited amount of poison, just like a true Calamity Poison Body, the side effects and inherent limitations were much greater. If things went wrong, it could truly lead to utter ruin!

The fact that this glacier could make such a resolute choice shows that he is truly a ruthless person!

The name "Glacier Valley" had a significant impact on the group below. After all, most of them came from second-rate forces with mediocre strength, and they harbored deep fear of Glacier Valley, a top-tier force renowned throughout the Central Continent.

Ye Zhong was naturally aware of all this, but he deliberately chose to bring up Ice River Valley at this time to see what choice these people would make...

After all, the favors and rewards from the Ye family aren't so easy to obtain!

After a long silence, someone finally couldn't help but speak first in the hall...

"Elder Ye, this matter is far too serious. My Qinglin Sect knows its strength is limited and dares not participate in such a conflict. Therefore, I must apologize. Please forgive me, Elder Ye!"

The speaker was Xue Qinglin, the sect leader of the Qinglin Sect, a four-star Dou Zong level expert. However, compared to other experts of the same level, he looked much older.

Anyone with eyes can see that this is a sign that his lifespan is nearing its end...

The reason Xue Qinglin came to the Ye family to help them was actually to take this opportunity to ask the Ye family to help him refine a pill that could prolong his life.

But after hearing Ye Zhong's words and learning that they were actually coming to cause trouble for Ice River Valley, he immediately had second thoughts...

He came to find a way to prolong his life, not to die, so Xue Qinglin was the first to choose to withdraw. He could always find a skilled alchemist later; the Ye family wasn't the only alchemist family in the Pill Domain…

Ye Zhong did not object, but smiled and said, "Sect Leader Xue, there's no need for that. Please feel free to do as you please."

Upon hearing this, Xue Qinglin secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then clasped his hands in a fist salute again before turning and leaving...

His actions set a precedent, and then many others chose to withdraw. They were too weak and insignificant to get involved in the struggles of these big shots, otherwise they would only be used as cannon fodder and lose their lives!

Ye Zhong watched all this with a smile, showing no sign of anger at the departure of these people.

Beside him, Dan Xuan stared straight ahead, his expression indifferent, seemingly oblivious to everything. Only Cao Dan, this proud and arrogant genius of the Cao family, looked at those who were scared away by a mere name with disdain…

Chapter 215 Qin Yan Takes the Initiative

Falling in Love with You, Battle Through the Heavens: The Alchemist Starting from the Ye Family

Half a day later, the once bustling Ye family hall was now empty except for less than half of the people who remained in the same spot.

Clearly, of those people, more than half were scared away after hearing the name of Ice River Valley...

Among these people were those who came specifically to take advantage of the chaos, those who were just pretending, and those who were genuinely intimidated by the Ice Valley. But no matter what, if the Ye family gave them the benefits, it would be like throwing good money after bad.

Those who remain here today, besides those who have truly received favors from the Ye family and wish to repay them, also include some who are not afraid of the reputation of Ice River Valley...

To Ye Zhong's slight surprise, Qin Yan, the sect leader of the Blackfire Sect, did not leave, which was somewhat unexpected.

As for Lin Qingyue, the city lord of Qingyue City who was still staying there, she was secretly cursing in her heart.

Of course, the woman was cursing Tian Shuangzi, that old bastard.

You should know that this person was introduced to the Ye family by her. Now that such a conflict has occurred between the two sides, if it is investigated, Lin Qingyue may also be resented by the Ye family.

Of course, judging from the Ye family's current reaction, it seems that they have not involved themselves in this matter. However, if she wants to maintain her relationship with the Ye family, she must not stand idly by in this struggle between the Ye family and Ice River Valley.

When Ye Chen first met Lin Qingyue, she was still a four-star Dou Zong. Over the years, thanks to the good relationship she maintained with the Ye family, Lin Qingyue has also received a lot of benefits, especially in terms of pills that aid her cultivation. She has exchanged quite a few of them with the Ye family. Therefore, Lin Qingyue's cultivation has now reached the peak of a five-star Dou Zong.

Aside from these two groups, among the remaining people, besides those repaying a debt of gratitude, there were mostly solitary, independent cultivators...

These people are not only powerful, but also have no ties. However, precisely because of this, they have very limited resources to help them cultivate. That's why they are willing to make enemies of a powerful force like Ice River Valley for the sake of the Ye family's reward and favor.

At worst, I'll just go into hiding after this is over. The Central Continent is so vast; finding someone who's willing to hide is something even the Ice River Valley, let alone the Pill Tower and the Soul Palace, couldn't do.

Seeing that no one in the room intended to leave, Ye Zhong smiled and said, "Hehe, since you have all chosen to stay, I suppose you are prepared. I thank you in advance. Regardless of the outcome of this incident, the Ye family will give you a high-grade seventh-rank pill as a token of our gratitude."

That's considered a guaranteed minimum.

After all, their opponent was Ice River Valley. Not to mention the people present, even Ye Zhong himself had little confidence in gaining an advantage over them.

Ye Zhong's reason for taking the initiative this time was simply to leverage his power to force the other party into a corner. Ye Zhong was betting that, with conclusive evidence, the Ice Venerable wouldn't dare to truly turn against the Ye family, who were backed by the Pill Tower.

If Ice Valley backs down this time, then Ye Zhong's goal will be achieved.

Even if the Ye family suffers significant material losses, in terms of prestige, they will definitely rise to a higher level by stepping on the Ice River Valley!

Hearing Ye Zhong's words, everyone who remained in the hall couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

They were willing to take such a great risk, wasn't it for this?

Although everyone present was a Dou Zong, or even a high-level Dou Zong, even with their status and strength, obtaining a high-grade seventh-rank or higher pill was still not an easy task.

It's a simple thing.

Putting aside the question of whether you can afford it, the key issue is that there's simply nowhere to buy a treasure of this caliber!

The fact that Burning Flame Valley needs to invite numerous alchemists just to obtain a single Grade 7 Fire Bodhi Pill demonstrates that the number of high-level alchemists is extremely small, even in the Central Region of Central China.

Don't assume that just because there are many advanced alchemists in the Pill Tower, the same applies outside. Keep in mind that the Pill Tower gathers ninety percent of the continent's advanced alchemists, and these people usually stay in Saint Pill City to refine pills. Even if you could find them, entering the inner city of Saint Pill City wouldn't be easy.

While everyone was moved by Ye Zhong's gesture, Qin Yan, sitting at the head of the table, remained clear-headed and asked in a deep voice, "Elder Ye, the strength of Ice River Valley should not be underestimated. Besides Tian Shuangzi, there are many other powerful elders in Ice River Valley, among whom Elder Tian She's strength is comparable to mine..."

Of course, if that were all, then with the Ye family's strength and the presence of everyone present, they wouldn't be afraid of the other side.

"Most importantly, the Valley Master of Ice River Valley, Ice Venerable Ice River! He is a four-star Dou Zun. I'm afraid that with our current strength, no one can stand up to him, right?"

These words gradually quieted everyone present, and their moods recovered from the benefits promised by Ye Zhong.

Ye Zhong nodded slightly and said, "Sect Master Qin is right, that Ice Venerable is indeed a problem. However, I am not unprepared for this."

As he spoke, Ye Zhong looked at the two people beside him again, still feeling slightly grateful. He said, "When my two young friends Dan and Cao came this time, they each brought a two-star Dou Zun level expert. If they join forces, they should be able to hold off that Ice Venerable for a while. So we only need to deal with the shrimp soldiers and crab generals under Ice River Valley."

Upon hearing Ye Zhong's words, the crowd erupted in uproar once again.

They really hadn't expected that the Dan family and the Cao family would be so generous this time, each sending a two-star Dou Zun to provide support...

That's incredibly generous!

That's a Dou Zun level expert. To get someone of that level to help would probably cost more than the cost of hiring this group of people.

When did the Cao family, the Dan family, and the Ye family become so close that they would go to such lengths? They really went all out.

But what about shrimp soldiers and crab generals?

Even without Ice Venerable, Ice River Valley still has a one-star Dou Zun elder, Tian Shuangzi, a peak Dou Zong elder, Tian She, and a considerable number of six- or seven-star high-level Dou Zong. Are you sure such beings are just small fry?

Qin Yan, seated at the head of the table, frowned, his eyes darting around as if deep in thought.

After a long silence, he raised his head and said in a deep voice, "Elder Ye, if war really breaks out, I can help hold off Tian Shuangzi. However, I'm afraid it won't last long..."