BTTH : Treasure Exchange System

Huo Tan was just a small episode. After Hai Bodong and Jia Xing Tian disappeared into the sky, everyone's attention in the square once again returned to Xiao Se.

On the high platform, Fa Ma looked at Xiao Se below, who had become the center of attention. Smiling, he extended his withered hand from his wide sleeve, pointing towards Xiao Se and laughing aloud, "The champion of this year's Alchemist Competition is Xiao Hohuo."

As soon as Fa Ma's words fell, the square erupted into a sea of cheers. People left their seats and rushed excitedly toward Xiao Se.

It's no wonder they were so thrilled.

To Xiao Se, winning the Alchemist Competition might just be a means to obtain the prescription for the Fusion Pill and to fulfill his promise to President Fu Lan Ke of the Black Rock City Alchemist Association.

However, in the eyes of the native citizens of the Jia Ma Empire, it was undoubtedly a glorious victory for the nation, much like how winning in the Olympics was a source of national pride in Xiao Se's previous life on Earth.

"What incredible talent! To be so young and yet able to refine a fifth-tier pill... such talent is unheard of. If it weren't for the presence of several Dou Huangs, I would have thought he was an old man in disguise like Huo Tan. He has completely surpassed Dan King Gu He," Nalan Jie exclaimed as he watched Xiao Se, who was now collecting the remaining medicinal ingredients on his own, despite being surrounded by crowds.

"Yes," Nalan Yanran nodded slightly, her gaze resting on the tall yet somewhat slender figure of the young man. A subtle look of admiration flashed in her beautiful eyes as she smiled, "He is indeed outstanding."

"Tsk tsk... More than just outstanding! I dare say that after today, Xiao Huohuo's status in the Jia Ma Empire will not be any lower than that of President Fa Ma or Gu He. While his alchemy skills may not yet match theirs, his youth gives him the advantage. It's only a matter of time before he becomes a true sixth-tier alchemist. By then, even Dou Huangs will have to be polite to him. Actually, they already do!" Nalan Jie smirked, then glanced at Nalan Yanran and whispered, "Yanran, you should seize this chance!"

"Grandfather, what are you talking about?" Nalan Yanran shot Nalan Jie a stern look, feigning anger.

"Sigh, I'm serious, not joking. I can see that Xiao Huohuo isn't too interested in the royal princess. At least, he doesn't dislike you. If you don't make a move, Ya Fei might beat you to it," Nalan Jie sighed.

"You old rascal! If you keep talking nonsense, I'll pluck out your beard!" Nalan Yanran's face flushed as she raised her delicate hand, threatening her grandfather with a playful glare.

Meanwhile, in the center of the square, Xiao Se had finished collecting the remaining medicinal ingredients and fragments of the cauldron. This cauldron was left behind by Luohan, and even though it was damaged, it couldn't be discarded.

"Xiao Huohuo, congratulations on your victory, but I won't give up on Yanran. I'll continue studying alchemy with my teacher, and one day, we'll compete again," said Liu Ling, who, perhaps out of respect for Xiao Se saving the Jia Ma Empire from humiliation, or because he was impressed by Xiao Se's strength, no longer had the fierce look of jealousy. Instead, he forced a friendly smile.

"I'll be ready anytime," Xiao Se replied with a calm nod, seeing that Liu Ling had no ill intentions this time. As he was about to leave, a sudden commotion arose nearby. The crowd parted, and Yun Yun, walking gracefully, approached with Gu He and Nalan Yanran following behind her.

"Master Yun Yun, Teacher," Liu Ling bowed to Yun Yun and Gu He. Both of them nodded slightly at him, and Liu Ling stepped behind them.

"Master Yun Yun, Elder Gu He, Miss Nalan," Xiao Se cupped his hands in greeting but did not bow.

"Hehe, Xiao Huohuo, your talent has exceeded both my and Elder Gu He's expectations. So, I would like to once again formally invite you to join the Misty Cloud Sect. If you agree, I will immediately announce you as the next Sect Leader. The Misty Cloud Sect will provide all its resources to help you improve your alchemy and cultivation skills," Yun Yun's melodious voice reached Xiao Se's ears, sounding almost enchanting. Her beautiful eyes held undisguised admiration as she gazed at his determined young face.

As soon as Yun Yun finished speaking, the surrounding area erupted in murmurs of surprise. Being personally invited by Yun Yun, the only female Dou Huang in the Jia Ma Empire, and even being named as the next Sect Leader, was an honor that could excite anyone.

Just when everyone thought Xiao Se would accept, he shook his head and smiled calmly, "I'm sorry, Master Yun Yun. I think you already know my personality. I'm used to being free and unrestrained, and I wouldn't do well under the restrictions of any sect or power. But in the future, if you ever need my help within my capabilities, I won't refuse."

Yun Yun's beautiful eyes revealed a trace of disappointment as she sighed with a helpless smile, "In that case, the Misty Cloud Sect will always be your friend. Farewell."

With Xiao Se's second rejection, Yun Yun no longer tried to recruit him. After all, he had made it clear, and Yun Yun, being proud herself, had already done her part by personally extending the invitation.

Not long after Yun Yun and the others left, Xiao Se also exited the square.

Standing on the street outside the square, a sudden gust of cold wind blew from above. Xiao Se looked up and saw Hai Bodong returning, flying directly towards the headquarters of the Miteer Auction House.

Sensing the slightly disordered aura around him, Xiao Se realized that Hai Bodong had likely encountered some trouble. Without hesitation, he spread his Eagle Wings, and to the astonishment of the remaining onlookers, he took to the sky, pursuing Hai Bodong.

Moments later, the two arrived at the Miteer Auction House and entered a reception room.

"Hai Lao, how did it go?" Xiao Se asked solemnly, noticing Hai Bodong's grave expression.

Hai Bodong shook his head and poured himself a cup of tea, "He got away. Old Monster and I were about to capture him, but a mysterious female Dou Huang suddenly appeared. Though she had just entered the Dou Huang realm, she cultivated an incredibly terrifying poison attribute Dou Qi, and her strength was exceptional. Even Old Monster and I dared not touch her easily. After Huo Tan escaped, she threw a hidden weapon at us, which released poisonous substances and needles, allowing her to make her escape."

"A mysterious female Dou Huang with poison Dou Qi and hidden weapons... Could it be the Little Fairy Doctor ?" This thought quickly flashed through Xiao Se's mind as he frowned and asked, "Hai Lao, could you describe her features?"

"She appeared to be a girl of about fifteen or so, but during the fight, I caught a glimpse of white hair. I suspect she's some old monster skilled in maintaining a youthful appearance," Hai Bodong sighed.

At the mention of white hair, Xiao Se's heart skipped a beat. Now he was almost certain—it was the Little Fairy Doctor . They hadn't seen each other for less than two years, and her hair had turned white, and her strength had soared to the Dou Huang level. What had she gone through during these past two years?

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