Battle Through The Heavens : I Am The Thunder Emperor

chapter 191: The Pursuit

As Mo Yu identified Yan Li's true identity, the higher-ups in the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association also sensed that something was off. After reviewing the records of the gray-cloaked youth, Fa Ma and Qie Mi Er were the first to become suspicious.

"Seventeen years old, an alchemist from the Cloud Mist Empire. The records clearly show he's only a Tier 2 alchemist, yet he possesses the abilities of at least a Tier 4 alchemist. There's definitely something fishy here," Fa Ma said with a deep frown, his eyes fixed on the young, innocent-looking face in the square.

"A seventeen-year-old Tier 4 alchemist? This kid must have used some kind of disguise. Let me check it out," Hai Bodong scoffed, stepping forward.

"You… You won't be noticed, right?" Fa Ma asked hesitantly, clearly worried. As the hosts of the Alchemist Tournament, they wanted to avoid any incidents that might tarnish the event's reputation. If Hai Bodong caused a scene, even if the Cloud Mist Empire's Alchemist Association was at fault, the Jia Ma Empire's association would also be embarrassed.

"Don't worry. Even though my strength has waned a bit, I can still control a cold stream well enough to freeze that fragile cloak into dust without anyone noticing," Hai Bodong chuckled confidently.

"Alright then… I'll leave it to you," Fa Ma agreed after a moment's consideration, nodding.

With a smile, Hai Bodong's eyes narrowed as his dry fingers emerged from his sleeve, subtly flicking through the air. As his fingers moved, faint, peculiar waves quietly rippled outwards.

In response to Hai Bodong's actions, a faint, cold stream silently weaved through the air, soon surrounding the mysterious gray-cloaked figure above. The cold currents slithered like invisible ice snakes, ready to strike.

At that moment, the gray-cloaked figure was calmly arranging items on his stone platform. But suddenly, his hand froze in mid-motion, and his azure eyes under the hood narrowed sharply. His foot stomped heavily on the ground as he prepared to retreat.

However, no matter how strong his soul power was, it was no match for a genuine Dou Huang powerhouse. Under Hai Bodong's cold stream assault, the gray-cloaked figure's hat suddenly disintegrated into a cloud of dust, scattering into the wind.

With the hat gone, the young face hidden beneath was revealed to the countless eyes watching. A chorus of gasps echoed from both the spectators and the VIP section.

No one had expected that the person who had just achieved the best results in the first round would turn out to be such a youthful boy.

The boy with blue eyes reached up to touch the now-vanished hat, then suddenly looked up, directing his icy gaze at Hai Bodong and the others in the VIP section.

At the same time, Mo Yu felt a tug at his consciousness as She Shu's voice echoed in his mind, "It seems you've identified your target. If you need me to step in, just say the word."

Staring at the dark, brooding expression on the gray-cloaked boy's face, Mo Yu shook his head inwardly. "Not yet. Let's wait until the Alchemist Tournament is over. The Royal Blood Fruit he carries—I must have it. There's no escaping this."

Mo Yu knew that while this person was sent by the Cloud Mist Empire to disrupt the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Tournament, killing a participant would have serious repercussions. If such an act became known, it would severely damage the reputation of the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association.

Although Mo Yu didn't care much about the association's reputation, he did owe a favor to Frank in Black Rock City. Besides, acting against Yan Li now would likely alarm Fa Ma and the others. It was better to wait.

Once the tournament was over, not only would Mo Yu want this person dead, but the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association would also ensure he didn't leave alive. Mo Yu only needed to act before the association did to seize the Royal Blood Fruit.

Hearing Mo Yu's response, She Shu, though unsure of the young man's exact plan, had come to trust his methods after spending so much time with him. With a soft acknowledgment, he fell silent, confident that Mo Yu would succeed.

With his plan in place, Mo Yu's heart gradually calmed, and he continued watching the ongoing matches. He had to admit that the person sent by the Cloud Mist Empire's Alchemist Association was indeed skilled.

Judging by the adept techniques he displayed, it was clear to Mo Yu that this was no mere novice—these were the refined skills of someone with decades of experience. If nothing went wrong, this person would likely win the tournament, bringing humiliation to the Jia Ma Empire.

Unfortunately for him, there was a dark horse in the competition.

With this thought, Mo Yu turned his gaze to the center of the square, where a black-clad youth stood calmly like a mountain. In his hand, a brilliant and ethereal green flame slowly manifested, shining like a king among flames.

"So this is Xiao Yan's Green Lotus Core Flame. As expected of an Heavenly Flame, its power is indeed extraordinary," Mo Yu murmured, his silver eyes gleaming as he observed the exotic flame in Xiao Yan's hand.

Compared to the Myriad Beasts Flame, which ranked lower, the Green Lotus Core Flame already exuded an unmistakable presence, despite not being among the highest-ranked Heavenly Flames. When the green flame appeared in Xiao Yan's hand, it sparked a wave of cheers, even earning the admiration of Fa Ma and the others.

Heavenly Flames held an almost irresistible allure for alchemists.

Once the flame was summoned, everything else followed naturally. The only person who could pose a challenge to Xiao Yan was the hidden alchemist from the Cloud Mist Empire.

But since this was only the second round, that troublemaker was unlikely to reveal his true strength just yet. When the examination time ended, and the results were announced, Xiao Yan's pill, aided by the Heavenly Flame, was naturally deemed the best.

The gray-cloaked boy came in second, followed by the princess and Liu Ling, both talented Tier 3 alchemists.

As the final test concluded and the sky began to darken, a sliver of moonlight appeared on the horizon, casting a pale glow over the brightly lit imperial capital.

"Everyone, today's matches are over. I invite all participants to rest well tonight. Tomorrow will be the final round, where we will determine the champion," Fa Ma announced with a loud, clear voice.

As Fa Ma declared the day's events over, a collective sigh of relief swept across the square. After two intense rounds, both the alchemists and the audience were beginning to feel the strain.

While everyone else relaxed, Mo Yu quietly tailed the gray-cloaked boy, following him to a nearby inn…

(End of Chapter)

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