C23 Registration

"Xing, we're going to be selling items here. If there's anything you want to buy, go ahead and do it quickly. Once we've sold everything, I'll take you to sign up," Zhuang Dou said.

Zhuang Xing nodded in agreement. "Alright."

Knowing he wouldn't be of much help with the sales, Zhuang Xing left his father and the others to manage the stall and merged with the bustling crowd.

"Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce," Zhuang Xing whispered to himself.

Before long, a majestic building loomed before him.

The Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce was one of the four major powers of Azure Sun City, boasting immense strength and guarded by Spirit Sea Stage Experts. It was the undisputed ruler of the city.

Filled with curiosity, Zhuang Xing stepped into the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce. A powerful aura enveloped him as he entered, and he found himself amidst a throng of people. The chamber was teeming with activity, its windows and counters crowded with eager customers. The Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce was clearly thriving.

The selection of goods was vast and varied, far surpassing the offerings of the Spirit Treasure Pavilion in Cloud Peak City.

"A high-level martial arts technique for 200,000 silver? That's highway robbery!" "A mere Pill for 70,000 silver?" "And a Jade Spirit Ganoderma for 100,000 silver? They're practically stealing!" The patrons buzzed with indignation.

As Zhuang Xing browsed the chamber's wares, he encountered numerous rare medicinal herbs he wished to purchase. However, the steep prices quickly dashed his hopes, and he realized just how much he lacked funds.

In his past life, Zhuang Xing was known as the Supreme Pill God. Whatever he desired or required in terms of medicinal herbs, he simply had to command, and they would be brought to him by countless willing hands, sparing him any effort.

After making his rounds in the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce and checking the time, Zhuang Xing guessed that his father and the others were likely finishing up their sales. He decided it was time to leave and find them.

"Little brother, please wait a moment." As Zhuang Xing was about to depart, someone hailed him.

He turned to see a Pill Refining Master clad in the distinctive garb of his craft, adorned with two Golden Patterns on his chest, signifying his identity as a Rank Two Pill Refining Master.

"Are you calling out to me?" Zhuang Xing pointed to himself, seeking confirmation.

The elder nodded affirmatively, "Yes, little brother."

Zhuang Xing scrutinized the man, finding him entirely unfamiliar, with no recollection of him whatsoever.

"Who might you be? Have we met before?" Zhuang Xing inquired.

The old man's face stiffened, his expression souring. As a Pill Refining Master of the second rank, he was a person of considerable standing in Azure Sun City, recognized by nearly everyone. Zhuang Xing's lack of recognition was a source of embarrassment for him.

"My name is Ma Liang, a Rank Two Pill Refining Master. I've heard of your exceptional skills in the Pill Refining Arts and would like to befriend you so we might exchange knowledge on the subject," Ma Liang explained.

Zhuang Xing gave him a questioning look. "How did you come to know of my pill refining abilities?"

Ma Liang replied with a smile, "I was informed by someone."

"And who might that be?" pressed Zhuang Xing.

At that moment, another elder emerged from the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce, dressed in a similar robe to Ma Liang's, but with only one Golden Pattern on his chest, indicating his status as a Rank One Pill Refining Master.

"Little brother, do you remember me?" the elder asked.

Zhuang Xing recognized him; it was Chi Xi, the Rank One Pill Refining Master from the Spirit Treasure Pavilion.

Chi Xi introduced Ma Liang to Zhuang Xing, saying, "Little brother, this is my senior brother, a Rank Two Pill Refining Master and a distinguished contributor to the Treasure Tower."

Zhuang Xing responded coolly, "What brings you to me?"

With a respectful gesture, Ma Liang said, "We would like to invite you for a cup of tea, if you're available?"

Zhuang Xing glanced at him and shook his head, "I don't drink tea. I have some matters to attend to. Please excuse me, I won't be able to stay with you. Goodbye."

With those words, Zhuang Xing turned and walked away—he had to sign up.

"Why the rush to leave?" Ma Liang and Chi Xi called out urgently as they saw Zhuang Xing departing. But Zhuang Xing didn't respond, leaving without a backward glance.

"Junior brother, are you certain he's a Pill Refining Master? I've never heard of him before," Ma Liang questioned.

Chi Xi pondered for a moment before shaking his head, "I'm not sure, but I'm absolutely certain that he was the one who produced two Top Grade Pills that day."

He was quite baffled. Even though he hadn't been closely following Zhuang Xing in Cloud Peak City, he was familiar with the rumors about him. Now, it seemed to Chi Xi that Zhuang Xing didn't quite live up to the hearsay.

"Where he got those Top Grade Pills is beyond me."

Ma Liang stroked his beard thoughtfully. Top Grade Pills weren't commonplace items one could stumble upon in the streets; crafting them required a Pill Refining Master with considerable skill.

Zhuang Xing left the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce and made a beeline for Zhuang Dou's market stall.

"Xing, where have you been? I've been searching for you," Zhuang Dou inquired.

"I took a stroll through the Myriad Gold Chamber of Commerce. And you, Father? Have you sold all your wares?" Zhuang Xing replied.

"Nearly all sold out. Let's head to the Central Square so you can register."

The Central Square was bustling with activity, as it served as the registration hub for the Hidden Dragon Ranking Great Competition. Young talents, guided by their families, had arrived from all corners to sign up, creating an animated scene.

"This is the place to register."

Zhuang Xing surveyed the area, taking in the vibrant atmosphere crowded with numerous warriors, the cream of the crop from various cities and powerful factions.

Seated on an elevated platform were several elders, tasked with handling the registration process, diligently recording new entries.

"Next," called one of the officials.

Promptly, a young man with striking features, around 15 or 16 years old, ascended the platform. His cultivation was impressive; he had achieved the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Three Heaven.

"Greetings, elder. My name is Liu Feng, and I'm representing the Looh family from Cloud Roc City at this event."

An elder clad in linen glanced at him and tossed him an iron plate inscribed with the words: "Cloud Roc City's Looh family."

The iron plate served as an identity card, detailing some essential information about the competitors.

"Thank you, elder."

Liu Feng accepted the iron plate, and before he could fully grasp the situation, a red light emanated from it. The crowd was taken aback. The red light signified the Spirit Wheel Stage, indicating that when the holder of the iron plate was at that stage, the red light would manifest. The intensity and duration of the light correlated with the holder's strength.

"Alright, you may step down now."

Liu Feng descended from the stage, content with his mid-level cultivation at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Three Heaven.

"Next."

Without delay, a young girl ascended the stage. She appeared to be thirteen or fourteen, with a sweet face and eyes that twinkled as if they were capable of conversation. She was a natural beauty.

At that moment, she captured the attention of many onlookers. She seemed slightly overwhelmed by the heat of their stares. Not only was the girl strikingly attractive, but she also possessed exceptional talent. Already at the Spirit Wheel Stage Level Four Heaven at her tender age, she was truly remarkable.