Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension

Zhao Sheng's eyes flashed as he sent a telepathic message to Chen Guanxi, "Taoist Chen, what are the rules for this gambling duel? Why does the Supreme Elder look so displeased, could it be that our Spring and Autumn Alliance has no confidence in winning?"

Upon hearing the question, a bitter smile appeared on Chen Guanxi's face. He lowered his voice and replied, "If we really have to duel, I'm afraid our alliance really doesn't stand much of a chance! Taoist Zhao may not know, but Mystic Sky Sect has an Abnormal Skill that risks one's life. Once triggered, the practitioner's strength can increase by at least thirty percent in a short time, making them virtually unbeatable among cultivators of the same level."

Although Chen Guanxi spoke softly, the people present were at least at the Foundation Establishment Realm, so how could they not hear him? Their morale plummeted suddenly, and the faces of both Master Qi Feng and Master Chi Yuan turned dark.

Gu Yanqiu, hearing this, remained calm as water on the surface, but in his eyes, there was an undeniable hint of contempt.

"Haha, since we are going to have a duel, how could our Spring and Autumn Alliance be afraid of Mystic Sky Sect? Just agree to it!"

Right at that moment, someone laughed heartily from outside the hall.

As the voice faded, a shadow flashed at the entrance of the hall, and three people walked in.

Then, they saw a gaunt, white-faced old man dressed in a white crimson robe, exuding a rich elixir fragrance, briskly entering the hall like a shooting star.

"Master Xu Chong!" As soon as the figure was recognized, someone exclaimed out loud.

Qi Feng and Chi Yuan exchanged glances as if they were thinking of something, and their faces showed signs of joy, while Master Chang Kong stroked his beard and smiled slightly.

The other Minister Elders stood up one after another, greeting him respectfully, calling him "Master" incessantly.

"The newcomer is none other than the renowned Alchemy Master Xu Chong from Shattered Star Sea, known as one of the few capable of producing Golden Core Formation Pills. Unexpectedly, he has joined the Spring and Autumn Alliance."

Zhao Sheng was greatly surprised by this turn of events, but after a quick glance, his attention was drawn to the two young people who had followed Xu Chong in, a man and a woman.

The man was dressed in black, with a sallow complexion and an ordinary appearance, but his eyes shone brilliantly, and he looked at everyone present with an arrogant demeanor.

The woman appeared to be in her twenties, graceful and lovely with a charming face, and her presence clearly exuded the unique aura of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Zhao Sheng looked at the woman and suddenly felt a surge of recognition; she bore a striking resemblance to Master Chang Kong.

The Alchemy Master Xu Chong, accompanied by the two, walked into the hall under the watchful eyes of everyone present.

Upon seeing Xu Chong's arrival, although Gu Yanqiu's face showed a hint of surprise, there was no excessive sign of astonishment, but he said with a smile, "Congratulations to Master Chang Kong for gaining such a strong support. With Master Xu Chong's addition to the Spring and Autumn Alliance, I suppose the odds of winning the duel have significantly increased?"

Master Chang Kong's eyes shimmered as he replied with a light chuckle, "The Special Envoy jests. This duel is something we have been forced into. If Mystic Sky Sect would be sensible enough to back down, I would not wish to damage the harmony between us."

Gu Yanqiu smiled without responding, a mysterious glint in his eyes.

At this moment, Xu Chong came forward and, after exchanging a few pleasantries with the three Golden Core Masters and Gu Yanqiu of the Spring and Autumn Alliance, pointed to the young man and introduced him to everyone, "Let me introduce you to everyone. This is my disciple Ge Chen. A few years ago, when I was exchanging alchemy insights at the Elixir Cauldron Sect, I took him as my disciple due to a fortunate coincidence when I saw his decent talent. As for Yao'er, there's no need for introductions, right?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Master Chi Yuan joked, "Yao'er, the precious daughter of the Spring and Autumn Alliance, a real gem! Seeing your father and all your uncles here, why don't you greet them?"

At that, the pretty-faced girl retorted with feigned anger, "Uncle Chi, you're teasing me again!"

Then, bowing gracefully to Master Chang Kong, she said respectfully, "Daughter Chu Yao pays respects to father. It's been a long time, father seems to have lost weight."

"Rise, Yao'er! In the past ten-plus years, while traveling with Master Xu Chong across the Central Continent, have you gained anything?" Master Chang Kong flicked his sleeve, a red light swirling out to help Chu Yao up, and he asked seriously.

"Your daughter has indeed gained a lot, ..."

While the father and daughter were conversing, Zhao Sheng's face showed a very interested expression.

As a man of the world, he once again heard the name of Elixir Cauldron Sect and couldn't help but sigh about the fleeting nature of time and that things of the past could never be returned to.

Then, he suddenly took a strong interest in the Alchemy Master Xu Chong. He wanted to learn alchemy, and this man seemed the perfect candidate.

From that moment, Zhao Sheng began to consider ways to learn the secrets of the Alchemy Dao from him.

After a moment, Xu Chong and his two disciples Chu Yao and Ge Chen each took their seats, and the atmosphere in the hall became fervent and cheerful due to the addition of the Alchemy Master.

Gu Yanqiu showed great interest in Xu Chong, and during the casual conversation, he made several subtle attempts to recruit him.

An Alchemy Master was extremely rare even on Vermilion Bird Island, and it was sufficient for Gu Yanqiu to humble himself in an attempt to recruit him.

However, despite Gu Yanqiu's attempts to recruit him, Xu Chong responded with a smile and appropriate remarks, showing no signs of being tempted.

Gu Yanqiu felt snubbed and was inwardly furious, but he did not show it on his face.

After smiling, he turned and said to Master Chang Kong, "Since the Spring and Autumn Alliance has the support of Master Xu Chong, I suppose you are confident about the outcome of the duel. I will now return to report and set the date for the duel with Mystic Sky Sect."

"If that's the case, the Special Envoy should take care. Daoist Qi Feng, please see our guest out," Master Chang Kong said after nodding his head, without any intention of retaining him. He then turned to Qi Feng and gave the instruction.
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Although Master Qi Feng was the Vice Leader of Spring and Autumn Alliance, he showed no signs of reluctance at the moment. He immediately agreed and personally escorted Gu Yanqiu out of the hall.