The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Fang Lin thought for a moment, deciding that the sooner he gets on his way, the better. Any delay may lead to unexpected incidents.

“I wish to return to the Pill Sect today,” Fang Lin said.

Elder Su nodded and said, “If that’s the case, I will arrange for someone to escort you back to the Pill Sect.”

Fang Lin furrowed his brows. Was this old man reneging on his promise so quickly after getting what he wanted?

“Elder Su, didn’t you promise to escort me personally?” Fang Lin asked.

Elder Su glanced at him and smiled, “You don’t need to worry. The person who will escort you back is not much weaker than me and will be more than capable of protecting you.”

Fang Lin wanted to say more, but looking at Elder Su, it seemed clear that the elder had no intention of providing a personal escort. Left without a choice, Fang Lin could only curse silently and drop the matter.

Having someone as an escort was better than none. If he upset Elder Su and the elder decided not to acknowledge their agreement in anger, Fang Lin would be in a difficult situation.

Elder Su had obtained Shaking Three Mountains’s cultivation methods, and he had no interest in escorting Fang Lin anymore. He naturally wanted to start scrutinizing his newly acquired knowledge immediately.

As for the individual who would escort Fang Lin, he was a middle-aged man named Huang Yongtian. He had an unsmiling face and a tall and robust physique, awkwardly donned in a Pill Refining Robe.

At first glance, Huang Yongtian seemed more like a muscular Martial Artist rather than a Pill Refiner.

However, Huang Yongtian was indeed the second strongest member of the Pill Alliance in this place, besides Elder Su. His cultivation had reached the Ninth Layer of the Earth Element.

Seeing how formidable Huang Yongtian was, Fang Lin relaxed a bit. It seemed Elder Su was quite trustworthy and did not merely assign a random escort to shirk off his duties.

Upon hearing Fang Lin would be returning to the Purple Mist Sect today, Ouyang Jing showed slight surprise. He then stated that he had other important matters and would not return to the Purple Mist Sect with Fang Lin.

Fang Lin didn’t say much knowing that Ouyang Jing wasn’t returning. It was a wise decision for Ouyang Jing not to share the road with him. After all, Fang Lin was uncertain what dangers lay ahead. Ouyang Jing’s inadequate strength would only make him a burden on the journey.

Fang Lin understood this, and so did Ouyang Jing. Although worried about Fang Lin’s safety, considering the situation thoroughly, Ouyang Jing decided it would be best not to accompany him.

Ouyang Jing wasn’t going, but there was someone who insisted on traveling with Fang Lin, and that was Dugu Nian.

Because of food poisoning, Dugu Nian had spent the morning running to the toilet numerous times, so much so that her legs had become weak.

Helpless, Dugu Nian could only chew and swallow a few medicinal herbs raw, which made her feel a lot better.

She did consider refining a pill, but the stomach pain was so severe and she was so weak, how could she refine pills?

Fang Lin was considering whether to leave the girl behind and return to the Purple Mist Sect alone.

The thought was so strong he almost acted on it.

However, he figured that she would probably find a way to the Purple Mist sect later anyway. Besides, this girl was a member of the Dugu Family after all; having her around could serve as leverage.

If the people from the Li Family or the Purple Mist Sect wanted to harm him, he could use Dugu Nian as a shield. Would they dare to act then?

Poor Dugu Nian was completely unaware that she had been designated as Fang Lin’s human shield. She happily left Qian Capital with Fang Lin.

However, Dugu Nian was still somewhat frail, clearly still suffering from the aftereffects of her stomach problem.

Seeing her pale face and listless demeanor, along with her swaying as she walked, Fang Lin gave her some of the excess pills he had refined earlier.

Moments later, Dugu Nian felt a lot of her strength returning, and she almost immediately felt much better.

After that, Dugu Nian pestered Fang Lin for the formula for those pills.

Fang Lin refused, and Dugu Nian wouldn’t let it go. They bickered along the way, seemingly oblivious to the danger they were in.

As for Huang Yongtian, their escort, he had spasms in the corners of his mouth every now and then, watching them playing around as if on a sightseeing tour.

Could you two act a little more serious? Who knows how many people could jump out at us along the way? Is it really good to be so leisurely?

Dugu Nian was a bit puzzled at first: why was there an elderly middle-aged man with a grave face following them?

After Fang Lin explained the situation to her, Dugu Nian realized just how dangerous Fang Lin’s current situation was. At any moment, someone could jump out and try to kill him. So she understood Huang Yongtian was there to escort him back.

Dugu Nian didn’t seem to care, she was even gleefully excited, which agitated Fang Lin to the point of nearly kicking her.

After leaving Qian Capital, no incidents occurred during their three-day travel. Everything was eerily calm.

Except for Dugu Nian, both Fang Lin and Huang Yongtian had a feeling that something was about to happen. They remained alert at all times.

That night, the three of them didn’t rest, using the cover of darkness to cross a mountain, just as the eastern horizon began to lighten.

All of a sudden, Huang Yongtian, who was leading the way, paused, his facial expressions turning solemn.

Fang Lin glanced at him, and his eyebrows instantly furrowed. He reached for his Nine Palace Bag, and held the Longsword given by Han Yinyue in his left hand, and the green dagger in his right.

Noticing Fang Lin’s quick response, Huang Yongtian’s eyes shone with a touch of admiration and surprise, especially when he saw the two weapons in Fang Lin’s hands.

Dugu Nian sensed the change in their demeanor, and even saw that Fang Lin had pulled out his weapons. Even if she was slow, she knew something was wrong.

Taking two steps back, Huang Yongtian placed himself between Fang Lin and Dugu Nian. His eyes scanned the surroundings with hawk-like keenness.

Everything around them was deathly quiet. Half-human-tall weeds covered the ground, only making a slight frictional sound under the rustling night wind.

Dugu Nian’s face was flushed with excitement and nervousness, as if she was expecting someone to suddenly jump out.

Huang Yongtian held a red large knife in his hand without making a sound, standing ready to pounce like a tiger about to strike.

Fang Lin looked at Huang Yongtian in surprise. He truly deserved to be the second strongest person in the Pill Alliance of Qian Country. This aura wasn’t something that could easily be acquired. It was apparent that he had experienced countless battles and killed countless people.

Within a split second, figures emerged from all directions, swiftly closing in, disregarding anything else, and heading straight for Fang Lin.

Their target was clear, they were out to get Fang Lin!

It seemed these people were aware that Huang Yongtian was difficult to deal with. Therefore, their plan was to act quickly and decisively. As long as they killed Fang Lin, they would immediately flee and avoid any entanglements with Huang Yongtian.

Huang Yongtian roared and swung his blade towards the figure that was closest.

Shocked by the swiftness of Huang Yongtian’s blade, the figure halted immediately and revealed himself.

Fang Lin recognized the man. It was the elder from the Li Family he had encountered before.

“Kill! Kill him!” the elder from the Li Family shouted.

The other five figures rushed towards Fang Lin, their weapons gleaming with murderous intent, all aiming for Fang Lin’s life..