The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Chapter 507: Chapter 507: Continuous Provocation

In Xuan Country, there is a dangerous land called Hundred Beast Mountain, which is located within the northern mountains of the country. This area is seldom visited by humans due to the mass of demon beasts that roam there.

This area was once the epicenter for a demon beast uprising, which resulted in the destruction of several nearby cities. As a result, a thousand-mile radius surrounding the Hundred Beast Mountain was sealed by the mighty spell-casters of the Xuan Country using an ancient array. This seal prevented the demon beasts from escaping, condemning them to perpetual confinement.

Simply put, Hundred Beast Mountain is a massive cage specifically designed for demon beasts.

The seal on the Hundred Beast Mountain has been in place for hundreds of years and has never been lifted. Only the current emperor of Xuan Country had dared to venture into the mountain when he was a youth and managed to come out alive.

Aside from him, those who dared to secretly venture into the Hundred Beast Mountain, seeking opportunities and treasures, all perished within.

The mountain is termed as the Ferocious Mountain because the demon beasts that reside in it are extremely violent. Their numbers are incredibly large, no matter where you tread, you will encounter a demon beast.

For a human warrior to survive in the Hundred Beast Mountain, one must possess unparalleled strength; otherwise, the chances of survival are extremely low.

Everyone was shocked to hear that the Hundred Beast Mountain, which had been sealed for so many years, was about to open again. When was this decided? Why hadn’t they heard any rumors or news about this beforehand?

“Crown Prince, is the Hundred Beast Mountain really going to open?” someone asked. Although the news was revealed by Zhou Yishui which should be highly credible, many people still found it hard to believe. After all, the Hundred Beast Mountain had been sealed for so many years, and now they were suddenly saying it was going to open again, without the slightest hint beforehand.

Zhou Yishui said, “This is absolutely true. The emperor has already discussed this matter twice with various major forces. It’s basically a done deal. I predict that this news will soon become widespread.”

Upon hearing this, everyone was surprised. However, some people also felt a trace of doubt. Why would they suddenly want to open the Hundred Beast Mountain?

“Let’s not debate this matter now. I only wanted to give you a heads-up. I don’t know the exact details myself,” Zhou Yishui said with a smile.

Everyone reacted differently to the news. The imminent opening of the Hundred Beast Mountain was an earth-shaking revelation. Was this intended to draw in all factions within Xuan Country?

After all, while the Hundred Beast Mountain was notoriously dangerous, it was also a place that warriors dreamed of exploring. As long as one’s luck wasn’t too abysmal, the chance of gaining something was substantial.

It was rumored that the Hundred Beast Mountain was once a battlefield for an earth-shattering war between the Demon Clan and human warriors. The mountain was said to be rich in treasures and home to a multitude of spiritual medicines.

There was even gossip that a True Dragon had once appeared briefly in the Hundred Beast Mountain. However, no one knew if that was true. These rumors only added a layer of mystique to the mountain.

“Gongsun, will all factions within Xuan Country attend after the opening of the Hundred Beast Mountain?” Fang Lin glanced at Gongsun Xiao, who seemed deep in thought, and asked.

Gongsun Xiao nodded and said, “The opening of the Hundred Beast Mountain is a major event. Even though the mountain is fraught with perils, I don’t think any faction within Xuan Country would want to miss it. While there indeed are dangers, should anyone acquire something, the benefits would be unimaginable.”

Fang Lin frowned and looked at Dugu Nian, “Your Dugu family would also participate, right?”

Dugu Nian didn’t understand what Fang Lin meant and replied, “Probably.”

Fang Lin smirked, “What’s the point? Just for some elusive chances and treasures, you’d wager your life. I don’t think it’s worth it.”

Both Gongsun Xiao and Dugu Nian glanced at him. Especially Dugu Nian – didn’t Fang Lin himself venture into the Endless Dungeon in Qian Country?

“Ladies and Gentlemen, while we’re gathered here today to enjoy the sumptuous meal and fine wine, shouldn’t we engage in something a bit more interesting?” At this moment, Lu Yunfei stood up and declared loudly to the crowd.

“Of course!”

The crowd immediately concurred, with Qin Tianchuan shouting the loudest.

Lu Yunfei bowed to Zhou Yishui, “Crown Prince, how about we spar amongst ourselves? After all, we are all renowned for our talents. It would be a shame not to compete and learn from each other.”

“Yes! A gathering of talents must include sparring!” Another person chimed in, naturally, it was Qin Tianchuan.

As the two of them played off each other, it was evident to any discerning eye that they had an ulterior motive. Many people glanced sympathetically at Fang Lin.

Fang Lin smirked. Any fool could see that these two were targetting him.

“Haha, in that case, I can’t disappoint everyone. Let’s move the banquet to the Martial Arts Academy,” Zhou Yishui suggested, readily agreeing.

Of course, he would agree. Someone was targetting Fang Lin – there was no way he would refuse.

The banquet was promptly moved to the Martial Arts Academy. The first to step out was Qin Tianchuan, who pointed at Fang Lin and jeered, “I didn’t teach you properly last time, and yet you shamelessly show up here to feast. It seems today I really need to teach you a lesson.”

Fang Lin looked innocent, “Is my eating and drinking bothering you? Is this the Prince’s Mansion yours? I’m here for the banquet – am I not allowed to eat or drink? On what basis?”

The crowd chuckled coldly, while Qin Tianchuan sneered, “You rat from the Lower Three Kingdoms, don’t you have the courage to fight against me?”

Dugu Nian couldn’t restrain herself anymore and scolded him, “Qin, who do you think you are? You keep mentioning the Lower Three Kingdoms. Is it very impressive to be born into the Five Elements Sect? Without your parents, what are you?”

Qin Tianchuan didn’t expect that Dugu Nian would berate him so fiercely just because of Fang Lin, his face became extremely ugly. Of course, he blamed everything on Fang Lin.

“Miss Dugu, these words are a bit too much. Qin was just displeased with Fang Lin,”

“Exactly, he’s just a small character from the Lower Three Kingdoms. It’s not worth your protection.”

“These country bumpkins don’t know their own limitations, they do need a lesson.”

···

One after another, the talents from Xuan Country spoke, all of them were hoping that Qin Tianchuan could teach Fang Lin a lesson.

Dugu Nian was very surprised. How could these talents, who seemed decent on ordinary days, behave like this? Is it justified to scorn and oppress someone just because they came from the Lower Three Kingdoms?

Gongsun Xiao whispered to Fang Lin, “Don’t be impulsive, Qin Tianchuan is very strong. Even I can’t defeat him. Be patient and just let this pass.”

Yes, just let it pass. This was also what Fang Lin was thinking.

“Fang Lin, aren’t you a genius? Do you even lack the courage to fight me? If so, you better roll back to Qian Country. Xuan Country doesn’t have room for a waste like you.” Qin Tian sneered at Fang Lin.

Fang Lin laughed, drained the cup of wine before him, and then stood up.

“I wanted to keep a low profile, but some people just keep thrusting their faces towards me. Now, the question is, should I hit the face or not?” Fang Lin looked amused, staring at Qin Tianchuan with a playful smile.