Chapter 188

Chapter 188: Trouble Has Arrived

People naturally did not know why Leng Ji smiled at Yun Yi, for in that smile were admiration, worship, gratitude, and a plea.

Having witnessed Yun Yi’s Alchemical Technique firsthand, Leng Ji felt that Yun Yi’s status was indeed much higher than that of the other geniuses present.

“Everyone.”

Qiao Shaoshan began to speak, and the place fell silent; people’s attention finally shifted away from Yun Yi to Qiao Shaoshan, today’s true main character.

“I, Qiao Shaoshan, love geniuses the most. Today, the talents from various forces have gathered together, making it a rare grand event for Xuanzhou State and Xianzhou State, and it is an honor for me.”

Qiao Shaoshan clasped his fists to the left and right, then sat down and picked up his cup, “Let’s drink this cup to the last drop.”

“You are too polite, Master Qiao.”

The other talented people said in unison, and then they all drank from their cups at the same time.

At that moment, Gou Zheng from the Yellow Crane Gate in Xianzhou State stood up first. He bowed to Qiao Shaoshan and said, “Master Qiao is known as the Mystic Hand Pill Lord, a famous figure in both Xuanzhou State and Xianzhou State, and is respected by countless young Medicine Pill Masters. I, Gou Zheng, today celebrate the birthday of the Mystic Hand Pill Lord. Our Yellow Crane Gate in Xianzhou State has prepared a Millennium Dragon Ginseng as a token of respect.”

As Gou Zheng spoke, he revealed a long, narrow white jade box. The box was transparent, and through it, one could see a vibrant, bright red Dragon Ginseng neatly placed inside, looking lifelike.

The first part of the birthday celebration, presenting gifts, was kicked off by Gou Zheng.

“The Yellow Crane Gate is making quite a statement; a Millennium Dragon Ginseng is not cheap at all.”

Someone couldn’t help but speak up.

“Wow, this Millennium Dragon Ginseng is truly a treasure! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Kid, after you help Qiao Shaoshan with that fire poison, make sure to bring this Dragon Ginseng to me.”

Black Wind whispered softly, and saliva uncontrollably dripped down onto Yun Yi’s shoulder.

“Dead cat, wipe that useless saliva away, you’ve dirtied my clothes.”

Yun Yi said with a look of disgust.

“Young Master Gou Zheng, such a grand gift! When I return, I will certainly send my regards to the Sect Master of Yellow Crane Gate for my adoptive father.”

Leng Ji said with a smile, then took the jade box.

Soon after, Wang Long from the Wang Family of Xuanzhou State also stepped forward, holding another jade box in his hand. It was a square jade box, about the size of a palm, and intense heat radiated from inside it. Through the box, one could see a thumb-sized bead resting inside.

“I am Wang Long, a disciple of the Wang Family from Xuanzhou State. I greet Master Qiao. This Fire Source Glass Bead was specially prepared for Master Qiao by the family master.”

Wang Long said in a clear voice.

“Another grand gesture.”

“Yes, this Fire Source Glass Bead is perfect for him. This treasure is extremely beneficial for the Fire Spirit Body. It can not only refine fire spiritual power but also prevent the spiritual power from going out of control, bringing peace and calmness.”

Many people nodded in praise; when powerful forces take action, it is extraordinary. Whether it is the Millennium Dragon Ginseng or this Fire Source Glass Bead, both are top-tier treasures. It shows that the major powers are investing heavily to befriend Qiao Shaoshan.

Leng Ji took the Fire Source Glass Bead and said a polite word.

For Peace Villa, this is the most important part and also the most enjoyable part, as the gifts from the major forces are all extremely precious and unique.

In the following moments, the talents from the major forces stepped up one by one to present their gifts, such as the branches of the Crimson Cloud Ancient Vine and Six Yang Holy Water. Various rare and extraordinary treasures appeared, colorful and dazzling, allowing Yun Yi to gain a new perspective.

“Wow, if all these treasures were given to me, that would be amazing! Kid, you must get them back from Qiao Shaoshan later.”

Black Wind was incredibly excited. Seeing these treasures, his big eyes darted around. He couldn’t contain himself, and it seemed that if the situation were different, this cat would have rushed in to grab them.

“What are you thinking? Do you want me to take advantage of the situation? They all need to come back.”

Yun Yi glared at Black Wind with annoyance. This guy only thought about his own desires.

Xiao Ruoshui also gave out the seeds of the Flower of Manluo. Qiao Shaoshan smiled widely, indicating that, just as Xiao Liufeng thought, he was very interested in the seeds of the Flower of Manluo.

Soon, all the guests who came to celebrate the birthday presented their gifts. Qiao Shaoshan’s face was full of smiles, almost laughing until his wrinkles showed, which made Black Wind very annoyed.

Suddenly, there were so many treasures; that was immeasurable wealth. Anyone would be happy in such a situation.

Moreover, today was Qiao Shaoshan’s big birthday, so he should naturally be joyful. Would he cry instead of laugh?

At that moment, Qiao Shaoshan stood up, raised his glass, and everyone followed suit.

“Today is my birthday. It is an honor for me that all the great forces are present. Since I have accepted your gifts, I cannot be stingy. I have heard that the young Medicine Pill Masters from the great powers are exceptionally talented, so today is a perfect opportunity to see their skills.”

Qiao Shaoshan said loudly.

Everyone from the great powers immediately became excited, knowing that the main event was about to begin.

“I have decided to take the Ice Heart Saliva, which was supposed to be the final treasure at the auction, and use it as a prize. Today, all Medicine Pill Masters can participate in the competition, and the final winner will receive the Ice Heart Saliva as a reward.”

Qiao Shaoshan said loudly, glancing at Yun Yi in the crowd.

“What? To offer Ice Heart Saliva as a prize, that’s bold! I didn’t expect Master Qiao to be so generous.”

“Good, very good, now it will be interesting! If there isn’t something at stake, the competition will surely be dull.”

“It’s time to show my true skill. Today, Ice Heart Saliva is mine!”

“Aren’t you afraid of tripping over your words? Don’t you know your own level? I am determined to win Ice Heart Saliva, and today you will witness my Alchemical Technique.”

…

When the prize of Ice Heart Saliva was announced, the entire venue became lively, especially the talented Medicine Pill Masters, who were all fired up. They were already looking forward to this competition, and now they felt even more energized because the reward was so great.

No one at the event objected to Qiao Shaoshan changing his mind and offering the originally planned auction item as a prize.

Ice Heart Saliva was a competition in itself, and at the auction, it was all about skill. In the end, who would win was uncertain, but fierce battles were guaranteed.

Now, using Ice Heart Saliva as a reward was completely fair. Everyone relied on their own abilities, and there were no complaints about winning or losing. Plus, it saved a significant amount of wealth. After all, buying Ice Heart Saliva and giving it as a reward were two completely different concepts.

“Master Qiao, I have a suggestion. Is it appropriate for me to speak?”

At that moment, Gou Zheng stood up to speak again.

“Please go ahead, dear nephew.”

Qiao Shaoshan replied.

“Today is Master Qiao’s grand birthday. The celebration has just begun; jumping straight into the main event seems a bit hasty. Since there’s still plenty of time, why not let the disciples have some fun first? The talented individuals brought by various forces are all innate realm geniuses, here to see the world. Although they are only innate realm, their talent is not less than ours from the Lingyuan Realm. Given time, they could surpass us. Perhaps next year, during Master Qiao’s birthday, they will be the representatives. Since they are here, if we don’t let them shine, it might dampen their enthusiasm.”

Gou Zheng said loudly, implying that they should warm up the celebration. He proposed giving the innate realm geniuses a chance to show themselves, which was a reasonable suggestion that Qiao Shaoshan could not refuse.

“Has it finally come?”

A hint of a cold smile appeared at the corner of Yun Yi’s mouth. Gou Zheng’s act clearly aimed at him.