Chapter 108: The Imperial Capital’s Factions

I do not want to, Li Jiansan said flatly.

This time, during the alchemical vault trial, those men had already set him up once. Who knew how they would scheme against their disciple later on?

Er...

Master Mo was a little embarrassed as well. You refused before even hearing what the opportunity was?

It probably is not anything good, Li Jiansan said with a shrug.

Ahem...

Master Mo coughed a few times, then went on.

Have you heard of the Pill Ranking in the Kingdom of Jiang?

Li Jiansan blinked. The Pill Ranking?

Master Mo glanced at him and continued. Within the Alchemists' Guild, that is the most authoritative ranking. One could say that every alchemist who makes it onto the list is a famous figure in the Kingdom of Jiang.

Li Jiansan asked, That ranking sounds very impressive. How is it determined?

The Kingdom of Jiang has several alchemists' guilds, so every ten years they gather the finest alchemists from across the land for the Pill Ranking Tournament. The ranking is then completely reshuffled.

Alchemists from all over the realm compete in the imperial capital, and the Pill Ranking is based on the results of that tournament.

Master Mo continued, and there are also rich rewards for the competition!

Li Jiansan's eyes lit up. Rewards?

Yes. The Pill Alliance Tournament offers generous prizes. If you can place in the top three, you will receive a seventh-grade Reishi Pill. That pill can flesh bones and revive the dead. No matter how serious the injury, as long as one still has a breath left, it can save them. It is like having one more life-saving trump card.

As he spoke, a complicated look appeared in Master Mo's eyes.

And every time, the champion of the Pill Ranking earns the chance to enter the Pill Alliance.

Master Qi, standing nearby, suddenly said, Back then, the three of us all took part in that tournament. None of us made the top ten, but this old fossil was rather impressive. He charged into the top three in one stroke and ultimately became that year's Pill Ranking champion!

But, unfortunately, that chance to enter the Pill Alliance was still given to someone else...

Li Jiansan asked in surprise, Given to someone else? Why?

He could tell that even now, Old Master Mo still held some hope for that Pill Alliance.

Master Qi said angrily, You think he did not want to go? If it were not for...

Enough!

Master Mo suddenly interrupted.

Why are you telling him this?

Master Qi changed course at once. In any case, this has always been his regret, and ours as well.

So we hope you can help us accomplish it.

Li Jiansan suddenly understood. No wonder these three old fellows had been so eager to begin the alchemical vault trial. So it was all for this Pill Ranking Tournament.

The earlier apprentice selection test at the Alchemists' Guild must have been planned long ago as well...

Good heavens, what a grand scheme...

Master Jin also said at this point, Actually, we had not held much hope for this matter either. But your appearance has rekindled the flame in our hearts.

We have already secured a spot for this Pill Ranking Tournament, so, lad, do you want to go?

Master Mo added, Even if you do not go, it does not matter. At worst, the three of us old fellows will simply carry this regret to our graves...

A reminder to the master: the reward for the Pill Ranking Tournament, the seventh-grade Reishi Pill, is a necessity if you wish to revive Zhao Ling'er.

At that moment, the system's voice sounded in Li Jiansan's mind.

He froze. Why did you not say so earlier?

Master, you never asked.

...

Master Jin took out a token. Here, this is the token for the Pill Alliance Tournament.

Hey, hey, hey, I do not think I have agreed to this yet...

We have already said this much. Could it be that you would bear to watch us live in regret for the rest of our days...

Fine, fine. I will go, Li Jiansan said.

Only after hearing his answer did the three old fellows smile in satisfaction. We really did not misjudge you.

Li Jiansan asked, When does this Pill Ranking Tournament begin?

In one year.

Li Jiansan said rather dejectedly, Then why tell me so early? Are you afraid I might run off or something?

Master Mo said, To take part in the Pill Ranking Tournament, one must possess at least the fifth level of Foundation Establishment. You have only just broken through to the second level, so reaching the fifth level within a year will be extremely difficult for you.

So, we want to send you to the imperial capital...

Li Jiansan blinked. The imperial capital?

Yes. In a little while, the four great academies of the imperial capital will begin admitting students. We have secured you an entry qualification to Azure Dragon Academy, where you will be able to obtain more cultivation resources.

The four great academies? Azure Dragon?

Li Jiansan was startled. He still did not know very much about the various powers in the imperial capital.

Since you are not yet familiar with the imperial capital, we will explain it to you, Master Qi said.

The imperial capital is the foremost city of the Kingdom of Jiang, and it has stood for nearly a thousand years...

Master Jin shot him a glare and said irritably, Hey, can you say something he does not already know?

Ahem, we are trying to explain it in detail, Master Qi said somewhat aggrievedly.

Forget it. Let me tell you about the powers in the imperial capital.

Within the imperial capital, the royal family of Jiang is the strongest power. They control the entire city's operations.

The royal family also controls the four great academies. In the imperial capital, the Jiang royal family holds almost all-encompassing power, so unless necessary, try not to provoke them...

The four major academies in the imperial capital are Azure Dragon Academy, Vermilion Bird Academy, White Tiger Academy, and Black Tortoise Academy. Their strength is roughly equal.

However, in recent years, Azure Dragon Academy has broken free from the imperial capital's control and become independent.

Because of that, Azure Dragon Academy has also faced suppression from the other three academies, so it has gradually become more low-key.

In addition, the imperial capital also has the Alchemists' Guild and the Spirit Array Masters' Guild. They operate independently and belong to no faction.

That is basically all we know. As for the rest, you will understand once you arrive in the imperial capital, Master Qi said.

With your talent, and with the resources you gain, reaching the fifth level of Foundation Establishment within a year will not be a problem. As for the competition, your talent far surpasses ours. You will certainly surpass that old fellow's achievements from back then!

Li Jiansan curled his lip. Why do I feel as though everything has already been arranged for me?

At that moment, in a dim corner...

Young Master Xia, do we really have to make a move against that brat? He is a renowned genius in Blazing Flame City, and he is also a disciple of the three masters. If we are discovered, we will be dead for sure.

No need. As long as you dispose of that boy, I will immediately send you to the imperial capital.

Xia Ming gave a disdainful laugh.

A genius is dazzling only while he is alive. As for the dead, no one cares whether he was a genius or not.

Young Master Xia speaks wisely.

Hmph! Some nobody who came out of nowhere dares to steal my spotlight. He is simply courting death!

Xia Ming's expression darkened in an instant.

Young Master Xia, later should we kill him outright, or slowly torment him?

At this moment, one of the men beside Xia Ming asked.