Chapter 1473: Chapter 1474: A Gentle Smile
“Alright, it’s a good thing adoptive father stepped in, otherwise I wouldn’t have known this was a conspiracy by the Academy. Even a vicious tiger doesn’t eat its cubs, what a truly cruel plot!”
Li Xiaobai patted his chest, looking terrified as he spoke.
The Alchemy Furnace remained motionless, completely ignoring his performance.
Li Xiaobai rubbed his nose and hoisted the Alchemy Furnace onto the golden chariot. The golden light flickered and in an instant, disappeared without a trace.
This was just a small episode, but unexpectedly it involved the presence of the Academy Elders. It seemed their original plan was to first use polite means, then employ force, pretending to pass by and witness his actions, then frame him for cannibalism. Unfortunately, they didn’t expect him to bring out Elder Fen Tian and eliminate everyone in one sweep, with no scruples.
“Adoptive father, I’ve always had a question in my heart. What kind of divine Elixir are you refining that requires cultivators as ingredients?”
Li Xiaobai asked.
“Even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand. At your age and level, you shouldn’t attempt to fathom the heights of my domain!”
A cold snort came from inside the Alchemy Furnace, Elder Fen Tian was displeased and completely ignored Li Xiaobai.
The golden chariot moved unimpeded, and in less than a quarter of an hour, they returned to the Academy. Li Xiaobai, with Elder Fen Tian, came and went quickly, leaving the Disciples unaware of what had just happened.
At Burn Heaven Peak, in the Elixir Hall.
Li Xiaobai put down the Alchemy Furnace: “Adoptive father, today was just a small fry, I’ll take you out for a big feast next time!”
…
As the Festival of Elixirs approached, three days passed in the blink of an eye.
This was the time of year when the Disciples of the Heavenly God Academy gathered most comprehensively, and it was also the event that attracted the most attention from cultivators.
The Festival of Elixirs involved the Academy Principal officiating the refining of an Elixir imbued with divine spirits, symbolizing the protection and blessing for the Academy to ascend step by step.
No invitation was necessary; Disciples and cultivators attended spontaneously. The crowd was gathered in throngs, far more spectacular than the last celebration feast.
Ordinary Disciples stood below, watching from a distance, while core inner-circle Disciples stood more to the front.
Above them stood the various Elders and the True Disciples under their tutelage. This was a position exclusively for the powerful, being able to stand alongside the Elders and surpass the other cultivators of the Academy was truly enviable.
The Academy Principal sat in the middle, his expression still calm: “Is everyone here?”
“Reporting to the Principal, Elder Fen Tian has yet to appear.”
Elder Huang said.
But as soon as the words were spoken, a streak of light streaked across the sky and landed among the Elders.
As the smoke dissipated, a golden chariot appeared within everyone’s sight. A young man was slowly pushing a massive Alchemy Furnace off the chariot, speaking aloud: “Heh heh heh, we’ve arrived, everyone. Thank you for your kindness, waiting especially for our father and son!”
“In future, if you face any difficulties, feel free to come to Burn Heaven Peak. This adopted son will help you settle everything!”
“That’s Cai Kun!”
“What qualifies him to dare intrude into the Elders’ circle? Even after obtaining the forty-ninth battlefield, it’s beyond outrageous and arrogant to behave like this!”
“No, look closely at the Alchemy Furnace beside him. Don’t you think it’s somewhat familiar? Last year when Burn Heaven Peak was recruiting Disciples, I took a glance, and this Alchemy Furnace seems to be the one in the Elixir Hall of Burn Heaven Peak!”
“It’s rumored that Elder Fen Tian spends all his time inside the Alchemy Furnace. Could this guy have brought his adoptive father along?”
Observing Li Xiaobai’s flashy entrance, the Disciples lost their composure again. This guy was too brazen, and blatantly so, yet they couldn’t do anything about it.
The guy directly carried his adoptive father here. Being Elder Fen Tian’s adoptive son, he was considered a True Disciple, so his identity and status were quite substantial.
On stage, Li Xiaobai paid no attention to the gossiping Disciples. After surveying his surroundings, he spotted Gu Ling and Zhao Haichuan, his eyes lit up, and he pushed the Alchemy Furnace over to them.
“Immortal Gu Ling, Senior Brother Zhao, we meet again!”
“Yes, yes, it’s been too long since our last meeting, I’ve missed you. Next time, when you’re helping someone with Tribulation Crossing, invite me to support you!”
“Thank you, Senior Brother Zhao!”
The three exchanged greetings, while an Elder from Mount Heavenly Book beside them turned pale. Since when did his Disciples start mingling with this guy? He wasn’t aware at all!
He was about to reprimand them but was immediately scared into silence by Li Xiaobai’s next sentence.
“This is my adoptive father, he’s a bit of a recluse, so I brought him out for some fresh air!”
Li Xiaobai pointed at the Alchemy Furnace and said loudly. This statement was meant for others, and many with hostile stares immediately lowered their heads and remained silent after hearing it.
With Elder Fen Tian present, a figure known for being easily provoked to violence, a terrifying figure, they dared not offend him.
“Is Fen Tian really inside? I can’t sense his presence. Boy, are you trying to fool us?”
General Yu’s eyes were filled with suspicion. He recognized the Alchemy Furnace but couldn’t sense any aura from within.
“Aren’t we all fellow cultivators? Why not show your true face, Fen Tian, come out and meet us? It’s been a while since old friends gathered, and we’ve missed you!”
“Let the sect Disciples witness the formidable demeanor of the once-feared Fen Tian!”
Elder Huang smiled as he spoke. Fen Tian’s behavior seemed to be challenging and looking down on them. If this guy remained faceless throughout, it would be hard to establish authority among the Disciples in the future.
Principal Feng Wuheng remained silent, his expression calm, seemingly waiting for something.
“Clang!”
The lid of the Alchemy Furnace wobbled twice, creating a layer of sound.
Li Xiaobai immediately understood, approaching to lift the cover.
A gaunt figure emerged from within, its body riddled with wrinkles, its eye sockets sunken, barely human in shape. It exuded a frightening aura, filled with ferocity.
“Who dares call me out? Come out and fight one-on-one!”
A chilling, dark voice resonated overhead, sending shivers down the Disciples’ spines. Even the usually overbearing General Yu swallowed hard and shrank his neck, pretending not to hear.
“Elder Fen Tian, calm down. I’m just doing this out of goodwill, to let the sect Disciples admire the demeanor of a strong figure. It would make them extremely happy to witness your presence.”
Elder Huang’s smile never faltered as he spoke to mediate.
“Oh?”
“Does seeing me make you all happy?”
Elder Fen Tian twisted his body, his sinister eyes staring directly at the Disciples below, revealing a terrifying smile.
The Disciples broke out in a cold sweat, never having witnessed such a display. They nodded repeatedly, their faces pale.
“Since you’re happy, why not give a smile?”
“Come on, one, two, three, smile!”
Elder Fen Tian said word by word.
“Ha… Hahaha, hiccup!”
The Disciples and cultivators showed a stiff smile. Though the words seemed amicable, they felt even more frightened.
Elder Fen Tian nodded, withdrawing his gaze.
“Not bad, a light smile!”