Translator: Silavin “It’s been years, and Brother Zhao still loves secluded cultivation.” Upon seeing this young man, Huyuan Songqing’s arrogance diminished, and he cupped his fists in greeting. However, Zhao Ritian showed no intention of acknowledging his greeting. More peculiarly, seeing that he was being ignored, Huyuan Songqing’s expression actually showed a trace of relief, as if he had breathed a sigh of relief because of it. This young man who could make Huyuan Songqing act this way was Zhao Ritian from the Eight Millennial Families… the Zhao Family. He was also one of the most outstanding Apprentices in the Alchemy Tower. Zhao Ritian had shown extraordinary talent in Alchemy since childhood. Sure enough, under his Family’s devoted nurturing, he entered the Alchemy Tower with an attitude that looked down on his peers. However, at the mention of Zhao Ritian, there were few in the Central Province who did not frown. After all, to the vast majority, he could be described in one phrase: ‘The ancestor of vulgarities!’ Perhaps due to his frequent secluded cultivation, Zhao Ritian’s personality had become rather solitary and strange. Yet, it was also because of this seclusion that at just over twenty years old, his Spiritual Energy had reached a level that many Alchemy Masters in the World of Alchemy found difficult to achieve. Perhaps it was precisely because he far surpassed his peers that his nature was rather arrogant, and one could even say he had no regard for others. “Old man, what do you want?” Zhao Ritian spoke with his nose up in the air, the words tumbling from his mouth. “Zhao Ritian, during your month-long secluded cultivation, do you know what happened in the Alchemy Tower?” Elder Chixing asked. “Don’t beat around the bush with me. Speak if you have something to say. Let it out if you have gas in your system!” Zhao Ritian responded impatiently to Elder Chixing’s question. This made Elder Chixing’s old face flush red. However, thinking about how Zhao Ritian had always been this way and was not specifically targeting him, he suppressed his anger and continued. “In this past month, there’s a New Apprentice who has shown extraordinary talent, repeatedly breaking the records you’ve once set. In less than a month, he has already reached thirty-first place on the Alchemy Ranking!” Elder Chixing deliberately emphasised the breaking of Zhao Ritian’s records, but the latter maintained his attitude, showing no interest whatsoever. However, Elder Chixing’s next words, delivered with a trace of a smile, immediately caused Zhao Ritian’s expression to change. “The Tower Master and several Deacons have already discussed it. This time, he will represent our Alchemy Tower at the Alchemy World Summit!” The Alchemy World Summit was a painful memory for Zhao Ritian. Originally arrogant and highly self-regarding, full of confidence, representing the Alchemy Tower in the summit, he had his confidence completely shattered there. After the Alchemy World Summit, Zhao Ritian finally understood there were always stronger opponents out there. He realised that the standards of the Alchemy World Summit far exceeded the current level of the Northern Region’s Alchemy Tower. However, Zhao Ritian proved worthy of being his Family’s carefully nurtured talent. After this setback, he did not fall into despair but instead trained even more frantically. For two years, he remained in secluded cultivation almost daily, constantly tempering his Spiritual Energy and creating new formulas. Nearly three years of time, all for his secluded training was for the Alchemy World Summit. And now, Elder Chixing was telling him that the Tower Master had given the position to a New Apprentice? “What’s his name?” Zhao Ritian took a deep breath and slowly asked. “Qin Yichen.” Seeing Zhao Ritian’s expression turn serious, which was rare, Elder Chixing’s lips curved into a smile. Things were developing exactly as he had imagined. … As dusk approached, in the Three Stars Apprentice rest area. “So you’re Qin Yichen?” Just as Qin Yichen returned from the Ten Thousand Precipice Tower, a figure blocked his path, and an extremely arrogant voice rang in his ears. “Just a youngster who hasn’t even grown up properly. There doesn’t seem to be anything special about you.” Looking at the person before him who was even younger than himself, Zhao Ritian’s eyes flashed with contempt. “Hey? Who’s that? To think he actually dares to block Qin Yichen’s way?” “Don’t know, let’s go take a look.” Qin Yichen had already gained some reputation in the Alchemy Tower, and being blocked immediately attracted many returning Three Stars Apprentices. Instantly, many Apprentices gathered around with interest to watch. “That… that… that’s Zhao Ritian?!” As they got closer, they recognized the figure with messy hair. Naturally, exclamations rang out. Soon, the originally noisy crowd suddenly fell silent. Zhao Ritian was, after all, one of the top figures in the Alchemy Tower! What did he want to do with Qin Yichen? Qin Yichen stared at the handsome young man before him. Although he was slightly surprised by the other’s identity, his black eyes showed neither reverence nor fear, only calmness. “You’re too green, not qualified to represent our Northern Region’s Alchemy Tower!” Zhao Ritian shook his head and flatly said. “If I’m not qualified, are you?” However, to Zhao Ritian’s surprise, Qin Yichen asked with a playful smile. “You brat, do you know who I am?” Zhao Ritian could not even remember how long it had been since someone dared to speak to him like this, even in the Alchemy Tower where talented Alchemy Masters were as common as clouds, no one dared to speak to him like this. “What does who you are have anything to do with me? Are you something special?” Qin Yichen laughed, throwing Zhao Ritian’s earlier words back at him. Hum… As soon as Qin Yichen’s words fell, a subtle wave emanated from Zhao Ritian’s body. Zhao Ritian just looked at Qin Yichen without speaking. Even so, the surrounding Apprentices could feel a strong pressure gradually spreading out from his body. Even the air flow in the vicinity slowed down. Some Three Stars Apprentices standing closer could not help but step back, and only then did the oppressive feeling in their hearts slightly ease. [Zhao Ritian’s Spiritual Energy has improved once again!] At this moment, this thought rang through everyone’s minds. Qin Yichen’s gaze remained calm, his figure motionless. Although Zhao Ritian now gave him pressure like a raging tornado, it did not make him retreat, not even an inch. This person’s Spiritual Energy had at least reached the Partially Accomplished Spirit Realm! However, this pressure came quickly and disappeared just as fast. However, when it dispersed, many Three Stars Apprentices found their backs covered in cold sweat. They were secretly shocked that Zhao Ritian, who was about their age, had already left them so far behind!