The Martial Emperor with Dragon Blood Chapter 1426 - 1427: New Rules

"Long Wanli? Wasn't he the one who called himself brother with the Wraith Demon Emperor in the past?"

"Indeed, when the Wraith Demon Emperor was making a name for himself across the continent, he forged many connections. While those individuals might not have matched his power, he never minded, valuing their courage in friendship above all else."

"It's said that the Martial Artists who became friends with the Wraith Demon Emperor experienced rapid increases in their strength. Long Wanli is a prime example; he was a nobody back then, but now he stands as the Valley Master of Dragon Scale Valley."

Clearly, Long Wanli possessed a considerable reputation.

"Our Dragon Scale Valley has long harbored disapproval for the methods employed by your Dan Clan, and today, we have arrived to cause a significant disruption. I suspect all competitors would relish the opportunity to challenge your authority alongside me."

Long Wanli stated plainly, "Previously, the champion of the Alchemist Contest, Ye Mo, was not affiliated with your Dan Clan, yet his title was unjustly revoked, a move that incensed numerous factions. This time, not only Dragon Scale Valley but also the Dark Palace, the Light Divine Temple, and influential forces from Snow Mountain have convened to ensure the transparency of this Alchemist Contest. We shall dictate the terms."

"What is the meaning of this? What do you take our Dan Clan for?"

An Elder of the Dan Clan instantly bristled with fury: "Since antiquity, the Alchemist Contest has invariably been under the stewardship of our Dan Clan. Since when did the authority to set the rules fall to your hands?"

"Then illuminate us as to why Ye Mo was stripped of his championship title last time? Ye Mo did not engage in any deceit; conversely, the pills meticulously refined by Dan Chenzi and the successor of the Pill Saint bear a distinct air of suspicion."

An old man emerged, clad in a dark robe, evidently the Hall Master of the Dark Palace, Nalan Xie.

"What? You dare to cast doubt upon the alchemy prowess of Dan Chen and the Pill Saint's successor?"

The Pill Saint's expression remained impassive as he spoke with chilling coldness.

"I made no such accusations; I am merely relaying the sentiments expressed by the competitors themselves amidst the assembled crowd. If we are to merely state 'rumor has it,' then even if this Alchemist Contest proceeds successfully, we shall not be convinced. You have stripped a champion's title once before; it is entirely plausible you might do so again."

Nalan Xie declared impassively.

At this juncture, the countenances of the Pill Saint and the Dan Clan elders contorted, turning exceptionally grim. They could perhaps withstand the challenge of one or two isolated forces, but the convergence of multiple factions presented a formidable front. Although their collective strength might not rival that of the Dead Soul Royal Family, the latter notoriously preferred to avoid direct provocation, given their established connections with the Wraith Demon Emperor, and would lend assistance when circumstances demanded.

"What is it you truly desire?"

The Pill Saint's voice resonated with profound somberness.

"As the majority of competitors have now arrived, we can forthwith proclaim the contest regulations for all to witness."

Long Wanli's commanding voice boomed: "The contest shall dispense with preliminary rounds; all participants will concurrently refine their finest pills within the central square, and the ultimate victor will be determined in a single, decisive phase. Each faction will dispatch one hundred guards to meticulously inspect the pill furnaces and to scrutinize for any indications of malfeasance. Any contestant found to be engaging in fraudulent practices will face immediate disqualification, and final scores will be meticulously calculated based on the inherent difficulty and the refined purity of the pills."

"The contestant who achieves the highest score shall be rightfully acclaimed as the champion of this Alchemist Contest, their victory observed by all present, rendering any attempt to revoke their title futile."

Long Wanli articulated the pre-arranged rules in a singular, unwavering declaration; their collective dissatisfaction with the Dan Clan's past conduct had simmered for some time, and the unjust stripping of Ye Mo's championship had served as the critical catalyst for this confrontation.

"Excellent! Let it be so. As the common adage states, true gold fears no blazing fire; if the Alchemist Contest is conducted under these conditions, we wholeheartedly concur."

"To witness everyone refining alchemy in unison within a single grand square—the spectacle itself is quite exhilarating to contemplate."

The assembled alchemists who had gathered around voiced their unanimous agreement.

"Pill Saint, what is the Dan Clan's decision?"

Long Wanli pressed for an answer.

"The Alchemist Contest fundamentally values the stringent nature of true competition; a singular pill cannot definitively encapsulate the full breadth of an alchemist's profound skill."

The Pill Saint's expression shifted subtly, an evident disruption to their carefully laid plans.

"As 'true gold fears no fire,' if your Dan Clan disciples genuinely possess the requisite prowess, the pills they forge shall undoubtedly stand unparalleled."

Long Wanli offered a knowing chuckle and continued, "Naturally, you retain the prerogative to decline. I suspect, however, that few will be inclined to participate in an Alchemist Contest under your established terms."

The Pill Saint keenly understood that the dramatic intervention by Dragon Scale Valley had irrevocably tarnished the Dan Clan's reputation, and their prior intention in participating in the Alchemist Contest was merely to secure a prestigious ranking. Declining to attend now would carry little consequence.

"Do you truly believe that by employing such a stratagem, you can guarantee yourselves the championship?"

The Pill Saint suddenly let out a hearty laugh and declared, "Very well, we shall proceed with the Alchemist Contest according to your stipulated rules, commencing tomorrow. I guarantee that our Dan Clan's chosen disciples shall secure all of the top ten positions."

Having uttered these words, the Pill Saint erupted into unrestrained, triumphant laughter before departing alongside the assembled elders.

After the departure of the Pill Saint, Long Wanli's expression turned grim. While this approach might effectively prevent deceit and guarantee true fairness, with no possibility of revoking the championship, the Dan Clan's dominance remained. Without an unexpected contender like Ye Mo, the Alchemist Contest's top prize would inevitably fall to the Dan Clan.

"Yang Rong, let us go and greet some acquaintances!" Ye Mo stated plainly, blending into the crowd where few paid him any mind.

"Oh!" Yang Rong acknowledged, stepping forward. She addressed Long Lin, "I am Yang Rong from the Yang Family of Pill City. Having witnessed your earlier display, I felt compelled to extend a greeting."

Long Lin regarded Yang Rong, his eyes sparkling. Though Yang Rong possessed no striking beauty, her presence stirred Long Lin's heart. He immediately offered a smile, replying, "I am Long Lin of Dragon Scale Valley. What transpired earlier was merely a minor disturbance; I humbly request your pardon."

"How did you conceive of this strategy?" Yang Rong inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"We have never been fond of the Dan Clan. Their ambition to dominate the alchemy world is utterly preposterous. Thus, we invited some friends to join the festivities and put a stop to the Dan Clan's arrogance," Long Lin explained.

"And who might this be?" Long Lin then noticed the cloaked figure of Ye Mo and asked with curiosity.

"I am the lady's Pill Refining Powder, adept at manipulating flames, hoping to assist her in the Alchemist Contest," Ye Mo responded.

"I see," Long Lin nodded. He continued to gaze at Yang Rong, remarking, "Miss Yang, you are young, yet your alchemy skills must be profound. Perhaps we could find a quiet place to converse?"

"Certainly!" Yang Rong agreed, appearing quite charmed by Long Lin. After offering a polite greeting to Ye Mo, she took a seat beside Long Lin in an available spot, and they began to converse.

Witnessing this turn of events, Ye Mo could only shake his head in resignation. His original intention was to get acquainted with Long Wanli through Long Lin, but observing their easy rapport, he abandoned the idea.

His gaze slowly drifted towards the Dan Clan's encampment, a fierce glint revealing itself beneath the shadows of his cloak. "Pill Saint, tomorrow, I shall shatter your reputation and then extinguish your life. A fiend like you deserves to perish a hundred times over."