Supreme Alchemist
Chapter 2168 - 2168 2158 Mountainside

2168: Chapter 2158: Mountainside 2168: Chapter 2158: Mountainside “As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face; Ouyang Zhen’s demeanor left Long Yan somewhat at a loss, unable to do anything but let him stand by his side without responding.

Ouyang Zhen did not get angry at Long Yan’s silence.

This man possessed a naturally gentle and refined temperament, which did not invoke any feelings of aversion.

Of course, he knew what kind of person his younger brother was and felt nothing about it; given his brother’s nature, it was only a matter of time before he hit a snag, and receiving this bit of schooling was beneficial.

However, there was one thing—Ouyang Zhen was a Martial Idiot.

Hearing that Long Yan had defeated his father in just a few moves stirred his heart, thus he wanted to test what strength the Heavenly Ranking First truly possessed, beyond personal feelings, driven purely by a competitive spirit.

Many people, in fact, were not convinced by Long Yan’s victory as Heavenly Ranking First, take Ouyang Zhen for instance.

At the opening of this session of the All Heavens and Earth Ranking, he was in closed cultivation; otherwise, with his strength, he could have secured a spot.

For example, like the Life-taking Blade who had crossed hands with Long Yan—someone indifferent to fame and profit yet possessed extraordinary strength, not interested in contending for status but a true Martial Idiot through and through.

Long Yan cast his gaze into the Great Formation; this Formation posed almost no harm to Humans as two Xiao Tong moved across the field, escorting those overwhelmed by the Formation out to silently sit in the loser’s area, evidently having suffered a severe mental shock.

With the busy ushering of the two Xiao Tong, the number of people on the field quickly dwindled, some constantly speaking to the air, even refusing to get up with the help of the Xiao Tong.

Most people in this realm were unwilling to wake from their dream, and seeing such individuals, the Xiao Tong did not force them, merely waiting quietly on the side; the effects of this Formation posed no danger.

As for the feeling of loss when the dream shattered, it might be even more unbearable than physical injury and gradually, only a handful of participants remained on the field.

Aside from Long Yan and Ouyang Zhen, there were still over twenty people on the sidelines, almost half dressed in the attire of Heaven and Earth Gang, hinting at a possible transaction between Green Vine Mountain and Heaven and Earth Gang.

In one fell swoop of breath, Long Yan clearly observed the situation in the field, where most were disciples of the Heaven and Earth Gang led by Ouyang Zhen; the remaining were skilled practitioners from various star regions.

As the numbers inside the Formation dwindled, those like Long Yan waiting on the side entered the Great Formation, and with the sound of a gong struck by Xiao Tong, the Formation ceased operation.

The cultivators who were just speaking on the ground all woke up at the same time and right now, dejectedly lowering their heads, they knowingly moved to the loser’s side.

“Those who passed, come with us.”

Although Xiao Tong was incredibly busy, his tone remained polite towards Long Yan and others; though this might be due to the presence of many from Heaven and Earth Gang, his composure was still unlike most of the famous disciples Long Yan had seen.

Everyone followed Xiao Tong’s lead, Long Yan inwardly sighed; this first level nearly eliminated everyone, why did those cultivators, without even seeing what the Second Level was like, all leave with contentment?

You should know, the registration cost of Mysterious Lingdan was significant even among cultivators, but no pain could be seen on the faces of the other cultivators, something that Long Yan found incomprehensible.

“This is what they call the unpredictability of the human heart, I suppose.”

Ouyang Zhen came up beside Long Yan, seemingly having heard Long Yan’s query, and responded.

Long Yan did not engage in conversation, only gave Ouyang Zhen a sidelong glance; as the Senior Brother of Heaven and Earth Sect, why was he not with his own Junior Brothers but crowding around him instead?

Seeing Long Yan’s expression, Ouyang Zhen understood and spoke with a smile.”

“Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be imperiled in a hundred battles.”

Long Yan’s lips curled up slightly, this Ouyang Zhen was truly intriguing.

Following Xiao Tong, the paths were surrounded by complex mountain terrain, and occasionally, small animals that had grown up in this Spiritual Energy-rich environment would scurry by without any fear of humans, instead staring at them with wide eyes.

Many female cultivators, out of curiosity, stretched out their hands.

The little squirrels did not shy away, letting the cultivators stroke their heads, and some even started to feed them with food they had.

Long Yan was not particularly interested in small animals, but he was also not afraid.

A couple of squirrels even jumped onto Long Yan’s shoulders, and Long Yan stroked their little heads with his fingers.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Zhen had already started feeding the squirrels with his Dry Food, making the place seem like a Mortal Paradise.

“Ever since Master took over Green Vine Mountain, it was nothing but a bare area.

Using his Sure-win secret technique, Master laid down a Great Formation in Green Vine Mountain, and in just a few decades, he managed to restore the barren mountain to its former vitality.”

Xiao Tong, seeing a group having fun, started to explain the origin of Green Vine Mountain, which made everyone listen with a newfound respect.

It was surprising how a Great Formation could bring life to a barren mountain in such a brief amount of time.

“Unfortunately, despite following the Master for so many years, I’ve only grasped a small portion of its profound mysteries.”

Immediately after, Xiao Tong spoke with a hint of guilt.

However, to Long Yan, this Formation seemed incredibly miraculous; even after many years, it had merged into the mountain.

To glimpse even a small part of it was a remarkable achievement.

“You flatter me, Young Hero Long.”

Right after Xiao Tong’s words, Long Yan instantly prepared for combat.

How did Xiao Tong know his identity?

“Young Hero Long need not worry, the elder Master has long known of your arrival here and even understands your purpose.”

Seeing Long Yan on guard, Xiao Tong revealed a smile and said.

The mastery of Master Feng Tianlu in Formation arts was no mere matter, the moment Long Yan stepped into the Great Formation, his identity was already revealed without a hiding place.

Long Yan dissipated the accumulated True Qi, resigning to fate now that his identity was known, he had nothing to hide.

“The Master also said, that matter could indeed be considered, but he will not bend the rules; you must win in this Conference.”

Hearing this, Long Yan let go of his concerns.

Win this conference?

He wasn’t very confident.

All the young talents present had substantial knowledge about Formations, unlike him who knew nothing about them.

But giving up wasn’t Long Yan’s style, doubting or not, he would certainly try.

While talking, everyone had reached a small Courtyard on the mid-mountain, surrounded by lush green bamboo, the verdant scenery refreshing to behold.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the location for the Second Level.”

Xiao Tong turned and spoke to everyone, leaving them all puzzled.

Where was this Second Level?

Right as Xiao Tong finished speaking, a rumbling sound filled the surroundings.