However, Lin Qi still felt fortunate to have had the chance to meet a Grade Nine Alchemist on that occasion. It was during this encounter that Lin Qi realized, despite being a cultivator at the Soul Division Stage, he had nothing to be arrogant about. After all, he was insignificant before a cultivator at the Tribulation Stage, and even in the eyes of a Grade Nine Alchemist, he was a mere speck.

Thus, Lin Qi came to understand the long road ahead for him. From then on, he stopped being as flamboyant as before and focused on cultivating, which led to his current accomplishments. This powerful strength made him the City Lord of Dancheng.

Therefore, when Lin Qi met Ding Fan, he was somewhat astonished. He couldn't imagine that Ding Lin, who had such a high level of alchemy, was so young; it was truly shocking. Moreover, Ding Lin didn't have the airs of a Grade Nine Alchemist. When Lin Qi asked questions, Ding Lin promptly provided solutions. It's not easy to receive advice from a Grade Nine Alchemist.

As a result, Lin Qi held great affection for Ding Fan and felt lucky that such an alchemist would participate in the Great Alchemy Competition. It was a fortuitous event for Dancheng, and lucky for Lin Qi as well, as the Flaming Herb, which had been troubling him, now had a solution. Ding Fan agreed to help purify the Flaming Herb for him.

Lin Qi knew that asking for assistance from a Grade Nine Alchemist was no easy task. Since Ding Fan was willing to help, he had to express his gratitude properly, or else he'd be lacking in courtesy. Lin Qi was well aware of this.

At this moment, not only was the City Lord happy, but Elder Wang was happy too. After all, forming a connection with such an incredible Grade Nine Alchemist was a great fortune in his life. Previously, Elder Wang thought he'd be stuck at the level of a Grade Eight Alchemist, but unexpectedly met Ding Lin—a Grade Nine Alchemist.

What made Elder Wang most pleased was the accuracy of his judgment. During the first round of the Great Alchemy Competition, Elder Wang realized Ding Fan was extraordinary, so he invited him to his estate to form a friendship and gifted him many precious spiritual materials. From the start, Elder Wang spared no expense, and now felt it was even more worthwhile.

At present, Elder Wang was very pleased. Forming a friendship with a Grade Nine Alchemist was truly impressive. Even if Ding Fan said nothing, merely being in his presence was immensely beneficial. Elder Wang was also pleased with the potential breakthrough to the level of a Grade Nine Alchemist. If he did reach that level, it would be a transformation.

However, Elder Wang wasn't blindly optimistic. He knew that even with Ding Lin's guidance, becoming a Grade Nine Alchemist wouldn't be easy. Achieving that level requires more than effort; it's not achieved through mere guidance. Talent plays a significant role. Elder Wang knew his alchemic talent was decent, but whether he could reach the level of a Grade Nine Alchemist was still unknown.

Nevertheless, Elder Wang was filled with hope, a mindset most conducive to progress. How could he not be happy...

"Elder Wang, let's go. I intend to open the highest meeting to discuss the champion reward of the Great Alchemy Competition!"

At this moment, Lin Qi spoke to Elder Wang, clearly expressing happiness in his demeanor. It was evident that he wanted to discuss the champion reward and even considered awarding it directly to Ding Lin. After all, Ding Fan's displayed strength was unparalleled; not even Elder Wang matched his alchemy level. This year's competition winner was undoubtedly Ding Fan.

Moreover, for Lin Qi, it was important to take this opportunity to foster goodwill with Ding Fan, expressing sincerity. Of course, Lin Qi understood that the cost for purifying the Flaming Herb was separate. Giving Ding Fan the champion reward was deserved, just given in advance.

This was merely an expression of Lin Qi's attitude and couldn't be considered the fee for purifying the Flaming Herb. If it were, Lin Qi would be at fault, having lived in vain.

"Alright!"

At that, Elder Wang agreed, and Lin Qi and Elder Wang left the room...

...

Ding Fan left the City Lord Mansion and headed directly to the inn. Walking through the streets of Dancheng, Ding Fan overheard discussions about Ding Lin. After the second round of the Great Alchemy Competition, Ding Fan's reputation soared once again. Shortly afterward, Ding Fan returned to the inn.

"Ding Lin, you finally returned!"

At that moment, He Qianyao saw Ding Fan return; her face showed concern as she spoke to Ding Fan.

"What's the matter?"

Having seen He Qianyao looking a bit anxious, I curiously asked her.

Immediately, He Qianyao recounted the incident during the Great Alchemy Competition where she encountered the beautiful woman to Ding Fan. At this moment, upon hearing He Qianyao's words, Ding Fan's heart trembled. Ding Fan realized that the extremely beautiful woman He Qianyao mentioned could very likely be Zhou Ruoran, after all, the woman unexpectedly knew his real name, which clearly pointed to Zhou Ruoran.

Moreover, the female cultivator was exceedingly beautiful, so she could very well be Zhou Ruoran. At this moment, Ding Fan felt very worried, thinking that if the woman truly was Zhou Ruoran, then Zhou Ruoran's situation would be very dangerous. Based on He Qianyao's description, Zhou Ruoran was probably captured by their fellow cultivator sister. Although Ding Fan didn't know the reason, it was clear that regardless of whether it was a fellow cultivator sister or not, Zhou Ruoran was indeed kidnapped.

Ding Fan blushed slightly at this moment, clearly stirred by hearing news about Zhou Ruoran for the first time.

"Ding Fan, are you okay? It was all my fault back then. If only I had been stronger, I certainly could have saved her!"

At this moment, He Qianyao looked at Ding Fan, who seemed slightly agitated, and apologized sincerely. Now she finally understood how important Zhou Ruoran was to Ding Fan. She had never seen Ding Fan so agitated before, not even when faced with an attack from a master at the Distracted Stage.

Upon hearing her words, Ding Fan did not blame He Qianyao, as it was apparent that the opposing forces were too strong for He Qianyao to handle. If blame must be placed, it could only be on the heavens for being so untimely, because at that exact moment, Ding Fan was with City Lord Lin Qi. If only he had returned earlier, he might have been able to save Zhou Ruoran. But now it's too late to say anything.

What is important to Ding Fan now is to gather information on which sect Zhou Ruoran belongs to. Ding Fan had already become somewhat famous in Dancheng, which would make searching for information on his own very inconvenient. He urgently told He Qianyao:

"Can you help me find out which sect they belong to? My identity makes it difficult for me to search, and this isn't your fault, don't worry."

"Alright! I will go help you find out!" ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by NovєlFіre.net

Upon hearing Ding Fan's words, He Qianyao immediately agreed. But just as she was about to leave, Ding Fan suddenly stopped her. He was really uneasy about letting He Qianyao search for Zhou Ruoran's information alone, considering the Vice City Lord, despite Lin Qi's suppression, might still act excessively.

In the end, Ding Fan decided to go along and help He Qianyao to gather information about Zhou Ruoran's sect. He then told He Qianyao:

"Wait for me, I'll go with you!"

Upon hearing Ding Fan's words, He Qianyao felt a warmth in her heart, realizing Ding Fan was worried about her going alone, and even though Ding Fan might be recognized, he insisted on accompanying her. This showed Ding Fan's care for her. For some reason, He Qianyao felt a great warmth, realizing how much she valued Ding Fan's thoughts about her.

Immediately, Ding Fan and He Qianyao left the inn and went back to Wuji Square. Although the Great Alchemy Competition wasn't happening at the moment, the place was still bustling. After all, the square was huge, and the competition area was only a small part of it. Usually, it was a market place for trading spiritual materials, medicine pills, and other cultivation-related items, evidently attracting many cultivators, including some alchemists.

Wearing a mask, Ding Fan walked alongside He Qianyao without being recognized. As Ding Fan asked for information, he would stand behind He Qianyao, allowing her to do the questioning to avoid drawing attention to himself.

Thus, Ding Fan and He Qianyao began their inquiry within Wuji Square, as it was the most populated area in Dancheng after the conclusion of the Great Alchemy Competition. Many people hadn't left yet, gathering at nearby restaurants and tea houses to enjoy a few pots of wine along with some appetizers while chatting.

Indeed, this session of the Great Alchemy Competition was extremely exciting, with most discussions focused on Ding Lin. People could hardly believe how extraordinary Ding Lin had turned out to be! Initially, watching Ding Fan's matches, they thought Ding Fan had exhausted his skills, unlike others who hurriedly refined pills. Only Ding Fan took his time refining, and by the end, while others had produced several kinds of pills, Ding Fan had only produced one. At that time, everyone was thoroughly disappointed in Ding Fan.

Yet, as things progressed, the turn of events became increasingly dramatic. Ding Fan not only completed a full and correct pill recipe but also upgraded the competition pills to supreme quality, leaving everyone astounded! It was simply unbelievable!

A group of cultivators was eagerly discussing Ding Lin, enjoying their conversation...