While in Battle Through the Heavens, one can pre-appoint oneself as an emperor.

Chapter 354 The Medicine Clan, The Medicine Realm

The shadows of Xianyuntan are lingering, and things change for a few times in autumn.

Zhongzhou, Danta.

In a pill-refining room, Xiao Yan put away the medicine cauldron and looked at the absent-minded Elder Yao beside him, saying softly, "Teacher, is the Medicine Clan's pharmacopoeia about to begin?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Chen's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. He paused for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "It will be in the next few days."

The Hui medicine clan has engraved the names of their parents on the clan monument. This is Yao Chen's obsession. Now that the pharmacopoeia is about to be completed, even with Yao Chen's temperament, he often loses his mind.

More importantly, he had a premonition that even if he could prove himself and leave a mark on his parents' names on this trip to the Medicine Clan, it would still not be easy.

"I'm sorry, teacher, I still can't help you now—" After a long silence, Xiao Yan lowered his head and said.

His alchemy skills are now among the best of the younger generation on the entire continent.

However, a ninth-grade pill was still beyond his reach.

Reaching the level of a Dou Sheng is an insurmountable hurdle!

"Little Yanzi, in your generation, only that one from Zixiao Pavilion can surpass you, but we can't envy her relationship with Chen Xiao. So, don't be modest, you're already outstanding enough. This time, I'll personally go to the Pharmacopoeia. Your teacher is now a Dou Sheng powerhouse, and I'm not necessarily worse than them."

Yao Chen smiled kindly and, unusually, addressed him as Xiao Yanzi again.

Xiao Yan took a deep breath and nodded emphatically.

He was aware of Yao Chen's improved strength, and this matter had to be explained by Elder Mo of the Little Pill Tower.

When Elder Mo helped Chen Xiao refine pills, Chen Xiao reciprocated by giving him three thunder pearls extracted from the body of the Nine Profound Golden Thunder.

It was thanks to these three Thunder Pearls that the Pill Tower secretly refined three Thunder Tribulation Pills over the past few years.

Originally, these three Tribulation Pills were supposed to be taken by the three giants. However, for some reason, the one in Xuan Yi's hand ended up in Yao Chen's hands, which led to Yao Chen's breakthrough to the Dou Sheng realm.

Just as the master and apprentice were having a heart-to-heart talk, a knock on the door suddenly rang out.

"Master Medicine, the guild leader requests your presence. He says a distinguished guest is looking for you."

Upon hearing the voice of the Dan Tower disciple, the master and disciple exchanged a glance and stood up together.

Given Xuan Kongzi's strength and status, anyone he would call a distinguished guest must be of extraordinary status.

Filled with curiosity and doubt, the two quickly arrived outside Xuan Kongzi's study.

Thanks to the fact that the study door was not closed, the master and apprentice immediately saw the young man sitting at the table, chatting and laughing with Xuan Kongzi.

Behind the young man stood a tall, thin man whose strength was unfathomable. His face was serious and indifferent, like a heartless guard.

"It's him—"

The master and apprentice exchanged a glance and stepped forward.

Upon seeing the two enter, Xuan Kongzi immediately stood up with a smile and waved, "Yao Chen, come and sit down. Chen Xiao came here specifically to see you this time."

The young man in front of the desk slowly turned around. His tall figure was accentuated by his moon-white robe. There was a gentle smile between his brows, but also an indescribable composure. No one but Chen Xiao could be like him.

After Yao Chen sat down, seeing his puzzled look, Chen Xiao didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "I wanted to ask Yao Chen if you're going to the Pharmacopoeia. We can go together."

"Of course I'll go!" Yao Chen replied without hesitation.

Chen Xiao nodded with a smile, "As expected, the threshold for the Pharmacopoeia is too high. They look down on my Zixiao Pavilion and didn't send an invitation. But the man behind me is called Xiao Chen. He is very interested in the Pharmacopoeia. You can take him in with you."

Chen Xiao's visit to the Pill Tower was purely on the way, and he also took the opportunity to visit Xuan Kongzi.

Xiao Chen, who was behind him, had been silent for two and a half years after learning about the Xiao clan's experiences. It wasn't until recently, when he heard that Chen Xiao was going to cause trouble at the Pharmacopoeia, targeting the Soul Clan, that Xiao Chen asked Chen Xiao to take him along.

Xiao Chen was quite capable, more than qualified to be a henchman to handle minor matters, so Chen Xiao agreed.

"It's a small matter."

Yao Chen nodded in agreement, but felt a little strange at the same time.

Didn't Chen Xiao just say he wanted to come along? Isn't he going to come with us?

Furthermore, what was Chen Xiao's purpose in going to the Medicine Clan?

Just as puzzled as Yao Chen was Xiao Yan behind him.

Xiao Yan noticed that ever since he entered the study, the person named Xiao Chen had been looking at him with a very strange gaze, a gaze that was filled with sadness, kindness, and pity, a complex expression that was hard to describe.

But no matter how hard Xiao Yan thought, he still couldn't recall having any interaction with this person, except that they shared the same surname, Xiao.

"That's good. In return, I can grant you your request. You can do whatever you want with the Medicine Clan's ancestral tablet," Chen Xiao said with a light laugh.

These are all minor matters, not worth mentioning.

It's hard to say whether the herb family will even exist by the time the pharmacopoeia is finished.

Unfortunately, Yao Chen was unaware of these things. Upon hearing Chen Xiao's words, he immediately stood up and solemnly returned a deep bow.

Thank you!

"No need to thank me. Even without me, you can do it. You'll find out the specifics once you get to the Medicine Clan. By the way, bring Xiao Yan along too. It's a grand event for alchemists on the continent, so it'll be good for him to broaden his horizons."

This is the real reason why Xiao Chen wanted to travel with Yao Chen and his apprentice. Otherwise, with Chen Xiao and the secret agents Zhu Hong, Jiu Xuan, and Zi Yan, it would have been easy for them to take Xiao Chen into the Medicine Realm amidst the chaos.

"That's exactly what I was thinking too, Sect Leader. When shall we set off?" Yao Chen nodded and asked.

"Haha, you guys can discuss it. See you in the pharmaceutical industry!"

Chen Xiao laughed loudly, and his figure disappeared from his seat.

Listening to the laughter that lingered for a long time, Xiao Yan was a little confused and muttered to himself, "Why do they seem to be in such a good mood—"

This was just a casual remark, but to Xiao Yan's surprise, Xiao Chen actually spoke up to clear up his confusion.

"Recently, one of the Pavilion Master's wives became pregnant, so he is naturally in a very good mood."

Xiao Yan suddenly realized, and then looked at Xiao Chen, whose face was full of seriousness, with some surprise.

The Medicine Clan resides in the Shennong Mountains, in the far south of Zhongzhou.

The Shennong Mountains stretch across the southernmost part of Zhongzhou, having long since ventured beyond the core territory of Zhongzhou. However, despite its remote location, its fame has spread far and wide.

This region, once considered a wild and untamed land, is teeming with venomous insects and strange beasts, and home to many ferocious creatures rarely found in the Central Plains. However, because the Medicine Clan has taken root here, it has become a treasure trove for alchemists across the continent, and the mountains are rich in rare and precious products.

Rare medicinal herbs are enough to draw countless alchemists from afar to search for them, making the place bustling with activity year-round.

A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there; water is not sacred for its depth, but for the dragons that inhabit it. This is roughly the idea.

The Pharmacopoeia is the highest ceremony of the Medicine Clan. Its date is flexibly adjusted according to the situation. Its scale is quite similar to the Pill Tower and Pill Gathering, but it is the ultimate showdown between the continent's top alchemists.

The core of this grand event is to compete for the supreme glory of "the number one alchemist on the continent," and each time it is held, it attracts the attention of the entire Central Continent.

Those who can step into the Pharmacopoeia Competition are extremely rare. Apart from the elites of the Pharmacopoeia Clan, only those grandmasters who are renowned in the Central Plains' alchemy world and whose alchemy skills are unparalleled can receive a special invitation from the Pharmacopoeia Clan.

The Dan Domain is quite far from the Shennong Mountains, but Xiao Yan, Yao Chen, and Xiao Chen's team, with two of them being Dou Sheng experts and Xiao Yan being carried along, arrived in just half a day after traveling at full speed.

And so, as dusk fell, the outline of a majestic mountain range shrouded in thick fog slowly unfolded at the edge of the three people's vision.

"The energy of heaven and earth is so rich, even more so than that of our Dragon Island. The Medicine Clan has certainly found a good place."

In a void, upon first glimpse of the Shennong Mountains, even Zi Yan couldn't help but feel a surge of envy.

The churning clouds above the mountains are no ordinary things; they are formed by the convergence of the energy of heaven and earth.

Cultivating here is much more effective than anywhere else!

"They are, after all, an ancient race with a long history, so their foundation is definitely not bad. Although Dragon Island has many great formations to absorb the energy of heaven and earth, it has only been a short time. However, they will definitely be able to catch up and surpass them in the future."

Chen Xiao explained with a smile, but his gaze swept across the void.

At this moment, the area around the Medicine Realm was calm and peaceful, without the slightest sign of trouble. The tranquility made him begin to wonder if the Soul Clan would cause trouble again as they had in the original timeline.

However, considering the Void Devouring Flame's ability, Chen Xiao felt relieved.

If it weren't for the Void Devouring Flame, it would have been almost impossible for the Soul Clan to silently wipe out an ancient race.

"Is that the entrance to the Medicine Realm?" Jiu Xuan pointed into the distance.

Looking in the direction she pointed, one could see a massive stone archway, several hundred feet in size, standing quietly on the other side of a deep ravine, emanating an aura of antiquity.

At the center of the archway was a distorted space. At this moment, figures were constantly flying out from the sky or the depths of the forest, finally landing outside the giant stone archway. After taking out some jade slips and handing them to some guards dressed in medicine clan robes outside the archway, they were allowed to enter.

Yao Chen, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Yan were also among them.

"Great, let's go in and join the fun. I can sense that the Void Devouring Flame has arrived as well."

"Yes." All three nodded.

Chen Xiao smiled and took a step forward. His moon-white robe fluttered in the void. The step he took seemed light and slow, but it contained a terrifying power that seemed capable of tearing apart time and space.

The surrounding energy of heaven and earth suddenly solidified. The originally churning energy clouds were as if frozen, and even the light seemed to crawl slowly. The swaying branches and leaves in the forest below were frozen in mid-air. The figures that moved through the forest, whether they were patrolling disciples of the Medicine Clan or hidden spies, moved to an extreme degree. Every subtle expression was infinitely elongated, as if they had become frozen sculptures.

Soon, the clouds and mist returned to normal, the patrolling disciples continued their duties in order, and the hidden spies maintained their posture of holding their breath and observing, as if the moment of stillness had never happened.

Even the Void Devouring Flame, who was also hiding in the shadows and whose soul had already reached the Emperor Realm, did not notice anything unusual.

Upon entering the realm of medicine, the internal layout was surprisingly similar to that of the ancient realm of the ancient clans.

The first thing that comes into view is a vast plain stretching to the horizon, where billions of descendants live and thrive. The smoke from their chimneys exudes peace and tranquility. Although they do not possess powerful fighting spirit, they are all healthy and robust, nourished by the rich energy of heaven and earth in the medicinal world.

Crossing the plains, a majestic mountain suddenly comes into view, its peaks piercing the clouds as if trying to tear through the sky.

At the mountaintop, clusters of palaces and pavilions are built against the mountain, their upturned eaves hidden in the clouds and mist. Countless columns of smoke carrying a rich medicinal fragrance slowly rise up, intertwining with the energy mist flowing through the mountains. From afar, one can smell the refreshing medicinal fragrance, fully demonstrating the profound heritage of the medicine clan.

After strolling around the Medicine Realm, Chen Xiao and his companions finally landed in a bustling square, perfectly concealing their presence and blending into the surrounding crowd.

The square was bustling with people, and many figures dressed in various alchemist robes moved among them, with the emblems of different factions embroidered on their cuffs or chests. They were clearly top alchemists who had been invited.

Guests gathered in small groups, chatting quietly about the upcoming pharmacopoeia competition, their words filled with anticipation and fighting spirit.

In the center of the square, a specially cleared open space stood out, clearly a dedicated stage prepared for the later competition among the alchemy masters.

On a stone bench in the corner of the square, four people were enveloped by a faint, invisible soundproof barrier, their faces hidden in a hazy halo, appearing blurry to outsiders.

Zi Yan crossed her legs, her fingertips unconsciously tapping the armrest of the stone chair. Leaning towards Chen Xiao, she made no attempt to hide her disdain: "The strongest among them is only a Seven-Star Dou Sheng. This Medicine Clan, while their strength is average, is first-rate at pulling dirty tricks and making people hate them."

It's no wonder that Zi Yan has a problem with the Medicine Clan. Back when they were purging the Soul Palace, the Medicine Clan used the dirtiest methods behind the scenes, frequently causing trouble and even doing things like not killing when they could, letting the Soul Palace's experts leave.

It was during that period that these ancient races and the sectarian forces of Zhongzhou truly developed a rift.

The Medicine Clan is undoubtedly the most despicable of them all, without exception.

"You, a late-stage six-star Dou Sheng, are complaining that a seven-star Dou Sheng is too weak?" Chen Xiao rolled his eyes at Zi Yan helplessly, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing.

It should be understood that, apart from ancient races with their inherent resources and the support of the Dou Di bloodline, it is unknown how many years it would take for a Seven-Star Dou Sheng to be born.

His current strength is an exception that defies common sense.

Those like Xiao Yan in the original story, who have encountered numerous fortuitous events and rose against all odds, are truly one in a million chosen ones.

Even the current patriarch of the Pill Tower is only at the level of a six-star Dou Sheng.

Throughout the entire Dou Qi Continent, there are only about a dozen or twenty Dou Sheng of the Seven Stars level or above.

"That's different. Although I'm slightly inferior to him in terms of cultivation level, if we were to really fight, he would definitely be no match for me!"

Zi Yan didn't think she was wrong at all, and snorted confidently.

Even though she had met Yao Dan, the patriarch of the Medicine Clan.

Chen Xiao believed this.

Zi Yan's bloodline is no longer simply that of a Dragon Emperor, but that of a Supreme Dragon Phoenix!

Her combat strength cannot be simply assessed by her cultivation level.

Legend has it that a fully-developed dragon or phoenix can even fight against a Dou Di powerhouse, which speaks volumes!