CHAPTER 60: CHAPTER 60: HEAVENLY CAULDRON, THE NEW KING ARRIVED

Two days had passed since the battle.

Shaurya sat cross-legged on his bed, his eyes fixed on the golden system window shimmering in front of him. One hand rested thoughtfully on his chin as he scrolled through the system shop. His lips moved in a whisper.

"I have a total of 1200 Dharma Points. After defeating the Cloud Spring Sect, I gained 100 Dharma Points. We also avenged Muo Qian and saved her mother, who has now joined our sect as a cook. Well, I wanted her to become an elder, but she refused and chose to work in the kitchen instead. But that’s fine... after all, we need a cook for our sect. So it’s a nice deal."

Just then, Shaurya’s eyes widened. A smile spread across his face as if he had discovered a hidden treasure.

"Heavenly Cauldron. An Immortal-level High Grade Artifact. Best for alchemists. Increases the speed and efficiency of pill refining. This is great."

He tapped the system screen, and a new panel of information appeared before him.

[Heavenly Cauldron. Cost—800 Dharma Points.]

[This Cauldron was created by the greatest Alchemist in history. People called him the Alchemy God.]

Shaurya’s grin widened.

"I want this."

[Ding... Congratulations, Host, for purchasing Heavenly Cauldron. 800 DP deducted. 400 DP remaining.]

Shaurya rose from his bed, stretching his arms lazily.

"Let’s give this Cauldron to the right person."

The scene shifted.

The training ground was alive with activity. Disciples sparred fiercely, their weapons clashing under the guidance of the elders. Elder Wu and Elder Jian instructed the male disciples, their voices sharp as they corrected stances. On the other side, Elder Liya and Lin Shu oversaw the female disciples. Some were dueling with determination, others were practicing martial arts forms, while a few sat in meditation, immersed in cultivation.

Shaurya walked past them with a warm smile before stopping in front of a grand building—the Alchemy Hall.

It was a magnificent structure, its design embodying the essence of alchemical principles. The building looked as though it had been carved from a single colossal block of jade. Its surface glowed faintly with inner light, each grain etched by the slow passage of time and spiritual energy. The walls were adorned with runes and sigils, intricate carvings that pulsed faintly with mystic energy. Inside, shelves lined with jars and bundles of rare herbs filled the air with an herbal fragrance, thick with medicinal potency.

At the heart of the hall stood the main cauldron—a Sky Level Mid Grade Artifact—looming on three sturdy legs, radiating a faint spiritual presence. Elder Wan stood nearby, instructing several disciples in alchemy.

When Shaurya entered, Elder Wan and the disciples immediately bowed and greeted him respectfully.

Shaurya stepped forward.

"Elder Wan, I have a gift for you."

Elder Wan blinked, confused.

"A gift? What is it? Some kind of herb or a pill recipe?"

Shaurya laughed.

"Something far grander."

He walked toward the old cauldron, raised his hand, and with a flick, made the artifact vanish into thin air. Elder Wan’s confusion deepened—until Shaurya smirked and snapped his fingers.

A wave of powerful spiritual energy erupted. The Heavenly Cauldron manifested, descending slowly with divine radiance. It wasn’t small and modest like the previous cauldron. This one was three times more magnificent—a golden four-legged vessel etched with swirling dragons and phoenixes, a crystalline furnace that seemed to reflect the stars themselves. Its surface shimmered like molten metal, pulsing faintly with a slow, rhythmic beat—like the heart of a living being.

The sheer aura of the artifact shook the hall.

Elder Wan’s jaw dropped.

"This... An Immortal Level High Grade Artifact!"

The disciples gasped audibly. Their heads turned in unison toward the cauldron, their mouths hanging open in disbelief.

Shaurya turned to Elder Wan, smiling faintly.

"Elder Wan, I hope you like my gift."

The young alchemist snapped out of his daze and immediately dropped into a deep bow.

"Master, ’like’ is not enough! I had only ever heard of Cauldrons of Immortal Levels in legends. I never expected to lay eyes upon one—let alone possess it. And this... an Immortal Level High Grade Cauldron! A treasure that could shake the entire continent! With this, I will be able to refine high-grade pills with unprecedented efficiency!"

Shaurya chuckled.

"I don’t know if you’re aware... but this is the Heavenly Cauldron. The very cauldron once owned by the strongest alchemist in history—the Alchemy God, Li Beitian."

Elder Wan staggered back, his body trembling.

"T-The Heavenly Cauldron... Master! Forget about this continent—the Cauldron of the Alchemy God could shake the entire world! Especially the great alchemy organizations. For them, this is the greatest treasure, and they would do anything to obtain it. But... how did you acquire this? According to legends, Li Beitian disappeared mysteriously. Some say he was betrayed and killed, others that he ascended to the Immortal World. And his greatest treasure—the Heavenly Cauldron—was said to be hidden forever. How did you find it?"

Shaurya was momentarily caught off guard. He forced a laugh.

"You could say I just got lucky. During my adventures, my master found it... and gave it to me."

I hope he believes my fake story, Shaurya thought nervously.

But Elder Wan’s eyes lit up with admiration.

"Incredible! The treasure that no one in this world has ever uncovered... found by your master, and now entrusted to our sect. Master, I will be forever grateful that you deemed me worthy of such a gift. I swear I will not let you down."

He dropped to one knee, bowing deeply.

Shaurya quickly raised him up with a light smile.

"Alright, alright, Elder Wan—it’s fine. Just focus on your practice."

His gaze shifted among the disciples and fell on a familiar face.

"Lee Bie... what are you doing here? When did you join the Alchemy Hall?"

Lee Bie scratched the back of his head awkwardly, smiling.

"I joined just recently."

Shaurya raised an eyebrow, then simply waved his hand in mild surprise and left the hall.

He walked leisurely through the main courtyard until he reached the beautiful fountain at its center. A statue of himself had been erected there, posed in a dramatic T-stance.

Shaurya gazed at it with unabashed admiration.

"Super handsome and attractive. What a cool guy. I wonder who this handsome man is... oh wait, it’s me. Hahahahaha!"

The system window flickered to life.

[You are a Sect Master, and yet you behave like this. How childish.]

Shaurya’s face twisted in irritation, ready to snap back—but before he could, the twin guards Hee Ta and Hee La hurried toward him.

Confused, Shaurya turned to them.

"What is it?"

Both guards bowed.

"Sect Master, the City Lord is here—with a guest."

Shaurya’s eyebrows shot up.

"Huh? Alright, bring them to the main hall."

The guards nodded and left.

Main Hall

Inside the grand hall, the six elders and Shaurya’s main disciples—Wang Tian, Luo Chen, Lu Fang, Xiao Rui, and the others—stood respectfully in line.

Shaurya sat upon his throne, one hand propping up his chin with calm authority.

The guards entered with the City Lord and a mysterious man cloaked in black.

The City Lord bowed nervously.

"Sect Leader Shaurya, forgive me for disturbing you. But someone urgently wishes to meet you."

He gestured toward the cloaked figure.

The stranger stepped forward, his voice steady.

"So, you are the Sect Master of the Sanatan Flame Sect."

A faint smile curved Shaurya’s lips.

"Yes, I am the Sect Master. But who are you? And can you tell me why you wish to meet me?"

The man reached up and slowly removed his cloak.

Shaurya’s eyebrow arched in surprise.

The City Lord swallowed hard, his nervousness intensifying.

The cloaked figure stepped forward. He stood tall—over six feet in height—with the imposing presence of a seasoned warrior. His physique was lean yet muscular, his broad shoulders carrying the aura of countless battles.

With deliberate grace, he removed his cloak, revealing a face carved with sharp, striking features: a strong jawline, high cheekbones, and eyes that gleamed like miniature suns, their yellow pupils radiating intensity. His long silver hair shimmered like moonlight, tied neatly at the back with a golden dragon clasp that glinted under the hall’s light.

He wore robes of the finest silk in regal hues of gold and crimson. Though elegant, they were tailored for movement, embroidered with shifting patterns of dragons and clouds that seemed alive when touched by the light. Across his back rested a long sword, its scabbard a deep, lustrous blue, humming faintly with restrained power.

When he smiled, it was a brilliant, disarming flash of charisma—warm enough to sway allies, yet dangerous enough to unsettle foes. He raised a thumb proudly toward himself.

"I am Tian Long. Tian means Heaven, and Long means Dragon. That is why people call me the Heavenly Dragon. I am the new King of this Kingdom."

A collective gasp swept through the hall. Every elder, disciple, and even the City Lord froze in shock.

Shaurya leaned forward, his expression hardening.

"New... King?"

Tian Long’s smile never faltered. He extended a finger, pointing directly at Shaurya.

"Now, tell me about yourself, Sect Leader."

Shaurya tilted his head slightly, confused by the request. Then, standing tall, he pointed his thumb toward himself with a bold grin.

"I am Shaurya. The meaning of Shaurya is Bravery, Courage, Heroism. Among these, I prefer Heroism the most."

Tian Long’s laughter boomed through the hall, rich and genuine.

"You are truly interesting—and powerful. I like it."

Shaurya jumped down from his throne, descending gracefully to stand before Tian Long. His sharp eyes locked onto the newcomer.

"You are not here just for an introduction, am I right?"

Again, Tian Long laughed, his voice ringing with confidence.

"Correct. I am here to discuss something with you."

Shaurya’s lips curved into a sly smile.

"Oh? Is it about me killing the previous King?"

The atmosphere in the hall turned heavy. The sect members stiffened, their expressions darkening at the bold statement.

But Tian Long only laughed harder, his voice echoing like rolling thunder.

"Hahahaha! You destroyed the royal family and killed the previous King—that is indeed an important matter. But to tell you the truth, I don’t care. Ye Xuan was a great warrior, yes... but he allied himself with demons and was cruel beyond measure. I don’t believe in rumors—I know the truth. You did nothing wrong."

He took a step forward, eyes gleaming.

"I am here to be your friend. Because I like your character and nature."

Shaurya blinked, momentarily stunned.

"Wait... what? You want to become my friend?"

Tian Long’s radiant smile widened.

"Of course! What did you think? That I came for revenge? Tsch. Don’t worry—I am here only to be your friend... and also, for another matter."

Shaurya tilted his head, curiosity piqued.

"Another matter?"

Tian Long chuckled, a mysterious glint flashing in his sun-like eyes.

Meanwhile, at the side, Luo Chen leaned toward Wang Tian, whispering under his breath.

"Hey, Wang Tian... don’t you think this King is a little... weird?"

Wang Tian’s expression tightened. He hissed back sharply.

"Shhhh! You big mouth—do you want to get beaten?"

At that moment, Tian Long’s voice cut through their hushed exchange, cheerful and commanding.

"I am here to announce the greatest sect/clan competition in this kingdom!"

The hall stirred with murmurs of shock and anticipation.

To be Continued...