"Follow me this way." Fen Tui Lang led the way, turning back occasionally to gaze curiously at Qian Jin. Why would this young man insist that he tell others it was Qian Jin who concocted the potions? He didn't seem like someone who craved the limelight.

"Old Man, you wouldn't understand as you aren't an Alchemist." Duan Feng Bu Er trailed beside Qian Jin, "The Alchemists are a bunch of arrogant fellows. If we don't tell them Qian Jin is preparing the potions, those brutes will likely rush over to provoke us again, perhaps even claiming they should prepare the potion for your grandson themselves."

Fen Tui Lang suddenly remembered. Every time a new Alchemist joined the family, some others would always go over to spar and exchange techniques, often leading to days of commotion. He had been so focused on his grandson that he’d completely forgotten this tradition.

The name Qian Jin, amplified by the publicity surrounding the Serpent Emperor Pan Hong Ji and the mounting pressure from the Demon Race transmitted by Jiliu Feijing, was gradually taking on the potent quality of a magical incantation.

When the Alchemists of the Fen Tui family heard that Qian Jin himself was preparing the potions, their usual competitive spirit vanished instantly. They swarmed over like zealous fans, eager for a glimpse of this legendary, almost mythical Alchemist.

Two Alchemists specializing in body conditioning techniques were fortunate enough to become Qian Jin's assistants. The sight instantly turned the eyes of the other Alchemists bloodshot with envy. They lamented why they hadn't chosen the path of conditioning earlier; to lend a hand to Master Qian Jin would not only elevate their own potion-making skills but, more importantly, grant them unparalleled bragging rights among their peers for years to come!

Qian Jin paid no mind to these thoughts, focusing solely on plunging various medicinal herbs into the cauldron, conducting the compounding at lightning speed. Every Alchemist present felt their eyes blur just watching.

No measuring vessels! No scales! He didn't even glance up to confirm which herb was in the nearby supply boxes. His two hands moved like four, swiftly grasping and delivering ingredients. Qian Jin’s movements stunned every single Alchemist in attendance.

No measuring vessels? That sounded simple enough, but potions, much like Mysterious Potions, would suffer detrimental effects from even the slightest inaccuracy.

If they concentrated all their mental energy, the Alchemists present were confident they could manage one instance without measuring tools, but to dispense with them entirely? It was simply impossible!

Adding in that dizzying speed, even the former Grand President of the Alchemist Guild, if present, absolutely could not replicate this feat.

The rumors were true! Looking at Qian Jin, all the Alchemists finally understood that the Qian Jin described in the legends was actually less impressive than what they were witnessing firsthand.

The rumors hadn't exaggerated Qian Jin's strength; they had weakened it!

The Alchemists were unaware that the strength the Serpent Emperor Pan Hong Ji knew of Qian Jin was already vastly different from his current capabilities. But even the rumored strength alone had cemented Qian Jin as the benchmark for countless Alchemists—a true Artisan.

Although the current Qian Jin was still a great distance from achieving the rank of Artisan, no one doubted that he would reach that realm someday.

Potions appeared, one vial after another.

"Senior Family Head, these potions must be administered to Brother Kuang Xiao at regular intervals," Qian Jin said, his expression far from pleasant. "Even with these potions sustaining him, I fear he won't live another year."

A profound sadness washed over Fen Tui Lang's face, faint tear tracks etched beside his eyes. The grief of an elder burying a younger one was a pain the young could never truly grasp.

"Thank you for your trouble," Fen Tui Lang's voice carried a heavy weariness, a fatigue he hadn't felt in years. "Young man, you should rest now."

"En," Qian Jin nodded and allowed the nearby warrior to guide him to rest. Such meticulous compounding was no less exhausting than combat, and he needed proper recovery time. He also planned to enter the Endless World to consult with Master Adams, hoping for a way to save Fen Tui Kuang Xiao after all.

After a night of rest, Qian Jin awoke again, lost in thought as he recalled the words of Master Adams. Perhaps only the God of Stars possessed the ability to reverse such a fate, or perhaps that mysterious potion Eulala had concocted, which could supposedly deify a pig, might also achieve it.

But for now? There was no potion that could allow someone who had surrendered their Dou Soul to live on happily, healthily, and for a full hundred years.

"Comrade, I have three pieces of news for you: one that might be good or bad, one that is definitely bad news, and another whose outcome is similarly uncertain. Which one do you want to hear first?" Duan Feng Bu Er tried his best to lift Qian Jin's spirits. Given everything they had been through recently, it was hard to categorize their experiences as purely good or purely bad.

Qian Jin had finally condensed his own Dou Soul, and upon its first manifestation, it was a Triple Dou Soul! But the cost was the death of Uncle Fabreidis.

Duan Feng Bu Er wouldn't blink if a Saint-level expert died, but Fabreidis was different; in a way, he was family to all of them. To watch such a warrior fall in battle right before their eyes was a pain that would cause nightmares, let alone for Qian Jin, who was closer to Fabreidis.

The spectacle involving Fen Tui Kuang Xiao yesterday had clearly unsettled Qian Jin's mind, and Duan Feng Bu Er worried that such agitation might lead his comrade down a troubling path.

"The first piece of news, I heard this morning: Jin Ze Tian Lu has issued a formal challenge to you. One month before the Newcomer King Tournament begins, he awaits you at the Taiji Sea in Hanli Prefecture, seeking resolution for the matter of you killing his disciple. If you refuse to fight, he vows to enter the inner territories of the Zhence Dynasty and attack the Luo family's merchant caravans until you show yourself."

Qian Jin frowned deeply. He had encountered all sorts of warriors, but never one like Jin Ze Tian Lu, who so openly declared the consequences of refusing his challenge! This in itself was a threat. If he went, it would undoubtedly be seen as capitulation, a sign of fear regarding the threat. If he didn't go? Qian Jin believed that Jin Ze Tian Lu, having made such a declaration, was fully prepared to act upon it.

"Jin Ze Tian Lu, a warrior who isn't a Bloodline Warrior..." Qian Jin genuinely couldn't fathom what trump card the man possessed to issue such a challenge. Had he acquired a Soul Weapon? Qian Jin had heard that Jin Ze Tian Lu was at the peak state of Dou Soul; with a suitable Soul Weapon, he could potentially enter the Saint realm. But finding even one Soul Weapon was incredibly difficult; finding one perfectly suited to his body and Dou Soul was harder than pulling a needle from the ocean. If he hadn't reached Sainthood, Qian Jin couldn't grasp his thinking. Was he, like Fen Tui Kuang Xiao, trapped in a state of madness that compelled him to issue this challenge?

"This news also comes with a small supplementary message from the Serpent Emperor: the Lei family has pledged allegiance to the Qian family and has already arrived in Hanli Prefecture, where they have made contact with Jin Ze Tian Lu..."

"Qian Zhan Xuan?" Qian Jin shook his head, dismissing the guess. "It can't be him! That man wouldn't do this. Even if Jin Ze Tian Lu is stronger than me, as long as he hasn't reached Sainthood, he can't be overwhelmingly stronger. In that case... if I happened to win, I would gain valuable combat experience." Qian Jin shook his head. "Qian Zhan Xuan absolutely wouldn't! That man only trusts himself. Both times he attacked me, his intent was to kill. He wouldn't want me engaging in a fight where the opponents are roughly equal. He is a highly experienced warrior..."

"Never mind, Comrade," Duan Feng Bu Er interrupted, pulling out a brand-new notebook. "What matters is that your opponent is Jin Ze Tian Lu. The Serpent Emperor entrusted this to me for you; it contains data on Jin Ze Tian Lu that will aid you in combat."

"Then please convey my thanks to the Serpent Emperor."

"What thanks are necessary? He's counting on you to modify his Second Altar anyway," Duan Feng Bu Er waved his hand dismissively. "Now for the second matter..."

"Remember that guy from the War Hall you fought last time?" Duan Feng Bu Er puckered his lips. "Qie Shuai dealt with him afterward, didn't he? But the fact that you fought him still reached the ears of the War Hall."

Qian Jin lifted the tea from the bedside table and lightly moistened his lips. This news wasn't surprising; there were many people present that day, and surely some held ill intentions.

"The Serpent Emperor said that upon hearing the news, the War Hall intended to take you down," Duan Feng Bu Er raised his hand and made a beheading gesture across his own neck. "They decided they must eliminate you."

"Eliminate me?" Qian Jin rested his chin on his hand. "Isn't that a bit too domineering?"

"What's strange about that?" Duan Feng Bu Er clasped the back of his head with both hands, leaning back lazily in the sofa. "The War Hall and the Blood Palace—they don't belong to any major faction. They are entities that exist in complete transcendence, the dream destination for countless warriors and Bloodline Warriors."

"Over time, they've gradually evolved into something akin to a religion, their status completely elevated and detached," Duan Feng Bu Er yawned. "People, or rather, factions! If you maintain a certain unique environment, cultivating for a few centuries can transform you into a transcendent entity. And the Blood Palace and the War Hall have been around for far longer than a few hundred years."

"That's why they barely care about imperial authority," Mu Ne Zhen Ce chimed in with a placid smile, fanning himself gently, though a distinct note of hatred for the War Hall and the Blood Palace resonated in his expression. "When the Imperial Edict demanded they send personnel to the Human-Demon Battlefield, they dared to completely disregard it—sending forces only if they wished, and ignoring fierce Demon Race attacks when they didn't feel like sending anyone."

Duan Feng Bu Er tossed a letter to Qian Jin. "This is a letter from the Serpent Emperor for you. His assessment of the War Hall is very similar to that of 'Saucy Six.' Furthermore, the Serpent Emperor warns that the War Hall will absolutely not let this slide easily this time. They have even received a letter from Qian Zhan Xuan..."

"Qian Zhan Xuan again?" Qian Jin's fingers clenched the letter, causing the paper to crinkle. If Qian Zhan Xuan had given the War Hall his word, then if they truly intended to kill him, they wouldn't foolishly send one or two people; they would mobilize a force capable of inflicting real damage!

Secret Execution

The final words in Pan Hong Ji's letter included an attachment—a secret document from the War Hall. The characters Secret Execution themselves pulsed with resolute murderous intent.

Secret Execution! Qian Jin chuckled and burned the letter. These four words defined his current identity. In the past, the War Hall could have simply announced publicly that they intended to kill a person named Qian Jin. But now? It had to be a secret execution. Even with their transcendent status, they couldn't blatantly disregard one of the current leaders of the major powers without causing massive public outcry. Even the overbearing Qian Zhan Xuan would exercise restraint in such a situation. While the War Hall was transcendent, it still ranked below Qian Zhan Xuan in reputation and power, leaving them with little choice but secret execution.

"And finally, the third matter—this one you will certainly find interesting." Duan Feng Bu Er reached behind him and produced a piece of metal, tossing it out.

Qian Jin stared at the new object in Duan Feng Bu Er's hand, utterly stunned. This item was a hundred, a thousand times more shocking than the challenge from Jin Ze Tian Lu, and a thousand times more shocking than the War Hall's death warrant!

A shield!

There were many shields in the world, and many shattered shields, but a half-piece shield like this... there were originally only two in existence! Now, only this single half-piece remained.

Qian Jin had often contemplated ways to find the other half of the shield, but he always felt the possibility of success was negligible, bordering on zero. Moreover, if news of his search became too widespread, not only would the Qian family join the hunt, but the Demon Race would too. In that scenario, even his substantial personal power would be inadequate against the combined search capabilities of the Qian family and the entire Demon Race. If the other half was found, it might unfortunately fall into the hands of the Qian family or the Demon Race. If it fell to the Demon Race, he could perhaps impersonate Jiliu Feijing and trick them out of it. But if it truly ended up with the Qian family...

"Surprised? This half-shield was in Fen Tui Kuang Xiao's possession the entire time," Duan Feng Bu Er weighed the shield in his hand. "After Fen Tui Kuang Xiao awoke and found he could still access his Dou Realm, he wanted to transfer all his collected items and materials to Fen Tui Kuang Ge, hoping to gather resources for him to forge a Soul Weapon. And then..." Duan Feng Bu Er tossed the half-shield to Qian Jin. "I found this among them. He said a mysterious person had recently sneaked into the Fen Tui family's underground vaults and awakened him using a special method, gifting him this half-shield. This mysterious person also claimed that the location marked by this shield hides a complete set of Sacred Artifacts."

As Qian Jin's fingertip brushed against the half-shield, his body trembled. A cascade of phenomena erupted before his eyes. The shattered shield within him seemed to come alive, Dou Qi circulating at high speed. The incomplete star pattern he had seen previously suddenly appeared whole.

Although it was daytime, a black celestial curtain descended before Qian Jin's eyes, flickering with countless brilliant stars.

In that moment, Qian Jin felt as if he were truly immersed among the constellations. Innumerable stars formed with his breath and vanished with his breath. Starlight seemed to rain down from the actual sky, pouring into Qian Jin's body.

An illusion! Though clearly a mere illusion, Qian Jin felt it with absolute reality. For a time, he felt like a child gazing up at the stars. Then, for another time, he felt like an integral part of the stellar expanse. Finally, he felt as if these stars were mere toys he had created, ready to be plucked from the celestial dome at any moment. Unconsciously, Qian Jin became lost within the stars, unable to find himself or an exit, staring blankly at his surroundings, forgetting even how to think.

"Comrade... Comrade..." Duan Feng Bu Er's concerned voice seemed to pierce the limitless chaos, violently scattering the stars overhead.

"I..." Qian Jin looked down at the half-shield in his hand, bewildered. "What happened to me?"

"How should I know what happened to you?" Duan Feng Bu Er studied Qian Jin closely. "Ever since you touched this half-shield, you've been completely frozen, in a daze for over an hour now."

Over an hour? Qian Jin felt like only a few seconds, perhaps not even one second, had passed. How could so much time have elapsed?

"Did you hear what I said earlier? Fen Tui Kuang Xiao said the person who gave him the shield mentioned that if one could decipher the diagram on this shield, they could locate a place where a full set of Sacred Artifacts is hidden."

Sacred Artifacts! A complete set! Even though Qian Jin had witnessed countless grand scenes and spent a long time studying forging under Uncle Black, the mention of a Sacred Artifact Set sent a tingling sensation across his scalp.

"Kuang Ge just said this should be a nautical chart," Duan Feng Bu Er tapped his forehead. "I have no real say in this area; they are currently re-examining all the Fen Tui family's sea maps..."

"No need to check," Qian Jin watched the half-shield spin between his fingers. "I used to think it was a nautical chart, too. Later, I realized it's not a map at all."

"Not a nautical chart?" Duan Feng Bu Er's gaze fell upon the spinning shield. "Does the map recorded on this shield depict a location that hasn't been charted yet?"

Qian Jin slightly curved his fingers and flicked the half-shield upwards, making it spin rapidly in the air, his gaze following its ascent and descent. "It's a star chart, not a sea chart."

"A star chart?" Duan Feng Bu Er's mood instantly dipped. "Star charts look simple, but they are actually far more complex than sea charts... I'm afraid..."

"There is no 'I'm afraid'," Qian Jin snatched the half-shield as it fell back into his palm. "It is in the Ancient Desolate Sand Sea!"

The Ancient Desolate Sand Sea! Duan Feng Bu Er sucked in a sharp breath of the cool air, yet the air filling his lungs felt scorching and dry, as if he had instantly returned to that desolate, furious, and scorching environment that devoured countless lives.

Qian Jin gripped the half-shield, lost in thought. If he had obtained this half-shield earlier, and managed to restore the two halves into a complete whole through any means necessary, then Uncle Fabreidis would not have died. This half-shield was undoubtedly a Sacred Artifact-grade existence, but since it was incomplete, its defensive capabilities were far below the Saint level. While slightly better than many Dou Weapons, it might not even measure up to a Super Dou Weapon. Even Ceflitte's Eye of Destruction, with a few extra glances, could likely shatter that shield now. But if it were a complete shield, even if the opponent was Qian Zhan Xuan, he would not possess the ability to shatter it! Even if Qian Zhan Xuan wielded a Saint Artifact-grade battle sword, he still couldn't pierce the shield!