BTTH: I Am the Ancestor of the Xiao Clan

Jama Empire, Imperial Capital, Alchemist Grand Meeting.

As Fa Ma's announcement echoed through the air, the alchemists in the competition began crafting their pills.

Among them, Xiao Yan's use of his Heavenly Flame once again captivated everyone.

The phrase "When a Heavenly Flame appears, all other flames submit" was no exaggeration. The brilliant and powerful sight of his flame was truly mesmerizing.

Heavenly Flames were rare treasures, even in the vast Central Plains, let alone in the relatively small Jama Empire, where most had never seen such a thing.

As a result, Xiao Yan became the undisputed focus of attention in the central square.

Admiration from the Stands

On the viewing platform, Yafei couldn't help but feel happy for Xiao Yan. Over the years, Xiao Yan had been both a close friend and a benefactor to her, once helping her significantly boost her success through the use of alchemical pills.

Beside her, Wang Chao observed with a faint smile. While he wasn't part of the Xiao Clan, his close relationship with Xiao He had given him insight into Xiao Yan's significance. He was well aware that many powerful figures had their eyes on Xiao Yan's growth.

Wang Chao's goodwill toward Xiao Yan was clear in his thoughtful expression.

"Miss Yafei, who do you think will win this year's Alchemist Grand Meeting? Do you have a favorite?" asked Jia Xingtian with a genial smile as he turned toward Yafei.

Yafei's smile, beautiful and charming enough to catch everyone's attention, even made Mu Zhan's eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.

Mu Zhan had long been infatuated with Yafei. In the past, he had even spread rumors claiming her as his.

However, yesterday, when the Mu Family learned of Yafei's new position as the deputy pavilion master of the Tianji Pavilion branch in Jama Empire, they quickly issued a stern warning:

If Mu Zhan continued to make such claims, the family would impose severe punishment.

Though Mu Zhan no longer dared to publicly declare his feelings, his admiration and affection for Yafei were still evident in his gaze.

Yafei, unfazed by Mu Zhan's lingering stares, responded to Jia Xingtian with poise:

**"I believe Young Master Yan, also known as Yan Xiao, has the greatest chance of winning.

"His talent in alchemy is unparalleled in my experience. I'm confident he will claim the championship."**

Yafei's frank and confident endorsement of Xiao Yan silenced any doubts. With her current standing and Tianji Pavilion backing, no one dared challenge her opinion.

"Indeed! Miss Yafei is absolutely right. Young Master Yan will undoubtedly win," echoed the leaders of the three major families, including Mittel Tengshan. They scrambled to show their agreement, fearing to offend Yafei.

Even Jia Xingtian and Fa Ma nodded, though their evaluations of the competitors included several other promising alchemists besides Xiao Yan.

A New Contender Appears

While the conversation carried on in the stands, something unexpected occurred in the square.

One of the alchemists demonstrated remarkable skill, outshining Xiao Yan in technique and precision.

This alchemist wasn't a native of Jama Empire. He was from the neighboring Chu Yun Empire.

"Hmm?"

The crowd was startled, their excitement turning to suspicion.

Wang Chao's sharp eyes narrowed, and he scoffed:

"Shameless. He's disguised his appearance and concealed his soul. He shouldn't even be here."

His words drew the attention of the dignitaries, who quickly noticed the same irregularities.

"Impossible!" Jia Xingtian slammed his palm on the armrest of his chair, his Dou Qi surging in fury. "This is an insult to our nation's Grand Meeting!"

But before he could act, Fa Ma intervened, blocking him with a steady hand.

**"Calm yourself, Jia Lao. We must consider the implications carefully.

"If you act now, the Jama Empire Alchemist Association's reputation will be irreparably damaged.

"Who will dare participate in future events if we cannot maintain decorum?"**

Fa Ma's reasoning, though measured, left little room for argument.

Revealing the Impostor

Wang Chao's subordinate whispered to him and Yafei:

"Based on his techniques, he's likely Yan Li, the vice president of Chu Yun Empire's Alchemist Association. Only their president and Yan Li possess the skills to match this level."

Wang Chao sneered:

"Shameless. He abandoned all dignity just to steal a title."

Despite his disdain, Wang Chao didn't seem inclined to intervene. His purpose at the event was simply to accompany Yafei and observe.

For him, Yan Li, despite being a four star alchemist, wasn't worth the trouble of engaging directly.

"Let it be," Yafei said calmly, addressing the subordinate. "We're here as observers, not enforcers. Leave it to the Alchemist Association to handle."

"Understood, Deputy Pavilion Master," the subordinate replied, bowing before retreating.

Wang Chao nodded approvingly.

"Wise choice, Yafei. While Tianji Pavilion has immense power, involving ourselves in every little matter would be overreach."

"Thank you for the reminder, Pavilion Master Wang," Yafei said with a smile.

Though their ranks were equal, Yafei understood the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships with her colleagues. As someone still new to Tianji Pavilion, she knew better than to make waves unnecessarily.

Concerns in the Stands

Back on the platform, Jia Xingtian voiced his displeasure to Fa Ma:

**"Fa Ma, those young alchemists are no match for Yan Li. If he wins the championship, it'll disgrace our empire and our association.

"If that happens, the damage will already be done."**

Fa Ma frowned, aware of the gravity of Jia Xingtian's concern.

"If that's the case, why not eliminate him now? Better to nip this problem in the bud before it grows out of hand!"

Jia Xingtian's suggestion had merit. However, taking action now, in front of such a crowd, would irreparably tarnish the reputation of the Jama Empire's Alchemist Association.

For a moment, they found themselves at an impasse.

A Difficult Decision

"No, we must wait. Just a little longer," Fa Ma muttered under his breath, frustrated to the point of wishing he could personally crush Yan Li. The latter had shamelessly infiltrated their tournament, disregarding all decorum.

Just then, Yafei broke into a light laugh. She turned to the group and suggested:

"Why not wait and see? If any of the alchemists below can surpass Yan Li, won't that resolve the issue?"

The group exchanged glances. Although her words were sound, they lacked optimism.

Yan Li's alchemical skills, while unremarkable to them, were undeniably exceptional by the standards of the young participants. For one of them to surpass him seemed improbable.

Still, with Yafei's suggestion out in the open, they could only nod in agreement and settle back to observe.

Boredom Amid Observation

Meanwhile, high above the stadium, Xiao Tianming yawned lazily as he floated in the void, cloaked in stealth.

"This is so boring. If I'd known it'd be this dull, I wouldn't have come here in the first place. Even watching from the Tianji Pavilion feels just as dull."

He hovered for a moment before deciding:

"Forget it. I'll go check on Brother Ce and see how his work is progressing."

In a flash, Xiao Tianming vanished from the void and reappeared at the Tianji Pavilion branch's top floor.

An Unexpected Barrier

As he approached the door, he was immediately blocked by a protective formation set up by Xiao Tiance.

The resulting backlash would've sent him tumbling had he not reacted in time.

**"A protective formation? Looks like Brother Ce is busy with something important. Ah, this is so frustrating!

"To think, I, a mighty Dou Sheng, would be left with nothing to do. This is unbearable... I need a drink!"**

Grumbling, Xiao Tianming turned and left.

Inside the protective formation, Xiao Tiance overheard Tianming's complaints and couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

"It seems I should assign Tianming something to occupy him. Letting a Dou Sheng idly loiter in the Jama Empire feels like a waste of potential."

Shaking his head, Xiao Tiance turned his focus back to the materials he was refining. The process required great care and time, as he worked to purify hundreds of components. Without the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, one of the higher ranked Heavenly Flames, the process would have taken exponentially longer.

A Stir in the Beast Realm

Far away in the Central Plains, deep within the Beast Realm, a significant presence arrived.

At the former grounds of the Sky Demon Phoenix Tribe now the territory of the unified Tianyao Phoenix Tribe Huang Min lounged in a chair, sipping wine. Her rosy cheeks made her look particularly adorable.

"Lingyun, what do you think Teacher is doing right now?" Huang Min asked, sounding somewhat bored.

Lingyun shrugged, exasperated.

**"Sister Min, you've asked me that at least a dozen times already. Brother Qing told us Teacher is in seclusion. We don't know when he'll emerge.

"But you know how Teacher is if he's gone quiet, it's because he's working on something important. We just need to be patient."**

Huang Min groaned.

"I'm so bored! All I do is drink, fight, and drink some more. I'm tired of snake soup. Hotpot isn't exciting anymore. Life is just so dull!"

Lingyun's face twitched at her complaints.

"You think you're bored? What about me?" he thought.

Still, he offered a smile and suggested:

**"If you're that restless, why not visit the Tianji Pavilion headquarters in the Central Plains or check in on Brother Qing? Or you could return to Tianwaitian and seek guidance from Elder Huang.

"If nothing else, you could take some of the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe's warriors and travel the continent."**

Huang Min waved him off dismissively.

"No thanks. None of that is interesting. It's only fun when Teacher's around. He knows so many fascinating things like that 'Manchu Banquet.' Now that was good food!"

Her forlorn expression left Lingyun at a loss.

"I can't help you, Sister Min. Even Brother Qing doesn't know where Teacher went. You'll just have to wait it out."

A Surprise Visitor

Just as Lingyun finished speaking, both he and Huang Min abruptly stood, their expressions turning cold.

"Who's there?" they demanded in unison.

A booming voice filled the air:

"Hahaha! To think I'd stumble upon remnants of the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe here. What a pleasant surprise!"

Moments later, a hulking man clad in ornate clothing appeared. His powerful frame exuded a commanding presence.

Huang Min and Lingyun's faces darkened as they immediately recognized him.

"A member of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe!"

The man laughed heartily.

"I came here looking for food, but it seems my luck has turned. Finding survivors of the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe is quite the treat!"

Within moments, over a dozen elders of the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe surrounded the intruder.

Unfazed, the man sneered.

"Do you really think this group of weaklings can stop me?"

One elder leaned toward Huang Min and Lingyun, whispering cautiously:

"My lords, this is the Northern Dragon King of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe."

Huang Min scoffed.

"The Northern Dragon King? Hmph. I thought it'd be the Dragon Emperor himself."

Despite her disdain, she remained wary. The Northern Dragon King's seven star Dou Sheng strength made him a formidable opponent, matching her and Lingyun in raw power.

"Northern Dragon King, is it? Do you think you can do as you please here?" Huang Min's voice dripped with cold fury.

The Dragon King laughed.

"And what if I do?" He paused, frowning. "Wait... Why can't I sense your power levels?"

Huang Min smirked.

"Do you think you're worthy to see through the concealment array my Teacher gave us?"

Her tone turned lethal as she added:

"Since you're here, you might as well stay. Lately, I've been feeling peckish. You'll do nicely as a snack!"

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