Damned Healer-Chapter 734: Most Obvious Thing

"It's forbidden to fight inside the arena!" an Ancestor shouted with a dark expression.

Darian snorted indifferently. "Fight? I just defended myself. Or were you expecting me to let him hit me?"

"He is correct," the central Ancestor's voice sounded calmly. "Our sect's branch is the one that should have ensured this didn't happen. If he weren't strong enough, he would have been poisoned to death by now."

Everyone fell silent, and when they looked at Mulloy lying on the ground… only now did people notice a small black needle in his hand.

The eyes of the people in the arena widened.

Almost everyone recognized it. It was an Underworld Cursed Needle, something used secretly by Evil Path cultivators to inflict a potentially lethal curse on a cultivator.

It was precisely the same thing that old man Darian had suffered before. It didn't kill immediately if the cultivator completely sealed their cultivation, but that was only delaying the inevitable, like slowly wasting away from a vile poison.

It was extremely efficient, since it emitted no fluctuations and drew no attention. It only had to touch someone's skin for the curse to be released into the target's body.

"A conspirator!"

"He can't leave here alive!"

The people in the arena roared, filled with hatred. An Evil Path cultivator was the mortal enemy of everyone, and having any proven connection with them was a crime no one could accept.

Darian stood still, completely emotionless. This idiot, after being forced to run away with his tail between his legs before, now felt very safe relying on that. He acted on impulse after realizing he had completely lost, wanting to finish Darian off no matter what.

"Capture him. We will find out everything, and everyone who had dealings with him." The central Ancestor's voice sounded emotionless.

Without delay, dozens of figures from the branch entered the stage and chained up that already completely broken figure. In seconds, it was over.

"We will begin the evaluation!"

An Ancestor's voice echoed, and they all moved toward the finished pills. This was just a formality; everyone already knew first place well.

After a few minutes, an Ancestor announced while reading a piece of paper. "The results are here. I will now announce the top five. Fifth place is…"

The rankings near first place didn't win anything, but that name would be remembered by everyone. Those who didn't have enough to make a request to an Alchemy Emperor would still look for the best they could and approach them. From that day on, all of them would live very well.

Mulloy was unanimously disqualified from the competition, so his name was not called.

"Second place is… Limdiss Vane, from the Golden Crow Sect."

Those words left the Ancestor's mouth, and many people in the arena narrowed their eyes coldly. These people had only come to this competition to capture her, and now they could finally take proper revenge.

"First place is Darian, from the Golden Crow Sect."

Although there was no suspense at all, hearing those words provoked a deafening roar among the people of that sect. It always felt good to see someone from your own side stand out outside the sect, making them feel a bit victorious too.

"All the Ancestors have given their verdict: Darian is the new Alchemy Emperor of this generation. I'm sure his abilities have made it clear to everyone here that he is worthy."

All the alchemists in the arena nodded in agreement. Refining a giant pill was indeed terrifying; even more terrifying was that it was the first time he made this type of pill. On top of that, everyone felt it wasn't luck; he used some incredible technique and knew exactly what he was doing.

After the conclusion, everyone saw Darian extend his hand, pick up his giant pill, and store it away.

Just like in the elimination round, all pills made belonged to their creator. The eyes of the people in the arena who had some Primordial Bloodline were filled with desire. Everyone was calculating their finances, ready to make a huge offer to Darian for it.

The central Ancestor took slow steps toward Darian and, stopping in front of him, handed him a red emblem with pulsing golden markings at the center.

"This is your official Alchemy Emperor emblem. With this, you have become an unofficial member of the Hellfire Pill Sect," his voice sounded full of pride and dignity. "All techniques, Divine Pill formulas, and even our sacred medicinal field can be accessed by you. When using our things, of course, you will pay a small fee for everything."

All the alchemists in the arena swallowed nervously. Pay a fee? No matter the price, they would pay it with a smile.

That medicinal field was an entire planet, the most incredible thing in this universe. It contained all kinds of materials, including herbs that no longer existed anywhere for millions of years; all kinds of ancient things of incalculable value, and even the simplest herbs contained a purity impossible to exist naturally.

Not even the official disciples of that sect had full access to the place. But an Alchemy Emperor could pay and take whatever they wanted from there… as long as they could take it, of course.

After living long enough, plants were also living beings and could defend themselves and cultivate. The more powerful and incredible they were, the harder they were to capture. Alchemists could only rely on themselves to harvest them.

Darian thanked him and asked, "I can name disciples, correct?"

"Certainly. With this emblem, you can create your mark and hand it to them. Using my name, they can go to the medical field and even study in the sect. But any problem he causes, you will be held 100% responsible. Be aware of that," the central Ancestor replied lightly.

Normally, after winning, the Alchemy Emperor would try to show off and build connections with the Ancestors. But Darian just nodded, then thanked him once more and turned to leave.

His objective was accomplished, and he didn't care about formalities.

He moved across the arena toward the exit. Then, at the door, he waited for a moment.

Soon, a figure ran toward him with a euphoric smile.

"I didn't know you were also an alchemist, Sir. It's amazing!" Emina said, arriving at his side excitedly.

Darian shook his head. "I'm not. I just studied a bit and had the best teacher in the world." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Emina looked at him, confused, because she felt he wasn't joking. How the hell could he not be an alchemist and only have studied a bit? That made no sense.

She snorted. Some things were impossible to know just from the clues. "Shall we head back now?"

Darian took calm steps forward. "Soon. I'm waiting for something that won't take long."

She moved beside him, thoughtful. He seemed to have changed his plans after this final, as if something unexpected had suddenly appeared. What could it be?

…

About an hour later.

The two were walking down a street when Darian stopped and turned.

"They finally caught her," he murmured, turning to Emina. "Wait for me."

Without waiting for a reply, a distortion appeared around him; then Darian vanished like a ghost.

…

In an open courtyard in the city, surrounded by gray buildings.

The air was heavy, saturated with hatred and rage.

It felt like a pressure cooker. Dozens of figures formed a tight circle, their killing intent converging toward the center like invisible blades.

At the epicenter of that hostility, Limdiss was on her knees, covered in blood.

All the beauty and youth she once displayed had been shattered. Where there had once been arrogance and pride, now there were only rags and open wounds.

After the end of the competition, Limdiss woke up and heard the Ancestor's result. It was like being thrown straight into a frozen sea; her whole body trembled, and she could only accept her fate.

She had tried to flee in a hurry. She fought with what little strength she had left. But the pursuers' containment inscriptions and artifacts were a net that no wounded bird could escape. The resistance only made them leave her in that deplorable state.

"Good thing you accepted. I don't have the stomach to beat a child to death, no matter how much you deserve it." An old figure spoke dryly.

With a negligent gesture, he tossed a black dagger. The blade hissed through the air and stabbed into the ground, vibrating in front of Limdiss.

"End it yourself," the old man said flatly. "My children and grandchildren were killed on his orders, just because of his greed to seize their treasures and resources. It's not your fault you were born related to him, but everything you achieved in this life came from the crimes and blood of innocents."

"Don't make us go further," another voice echoed, heavy with resentment. "Do it already. That way your soul can reincarnate."

Limdiss trembled.

Her gaze, once vibrant and proud, was now just an empty abyss slowly drifting toward the weapon. With agonizing effort, she extended the only arm that wasn't completely broken.

The crowd watched in absolute silence. They were waiting for a spark of rebellion, a pretext to prolong her suffering. If she hesitated, they would make her wish for death a thousand times before granting it. This was the last chance at a "clean" death she would receive.

Her trembling fingers wrapped around the dagger's hilt. She pulled it from the ground, staring at her own distorted reflection in the black steel.

Why… why does it have to end like this?

What did I do to deserve this?

Darian's image surfaced in her mind. For a second, a blazing fury burned in her chest. She wanted to hate him. Wanted to blame him for her ruin. But…

…as a shaky breath left her lips, the memories of her last years began to suffocate the anger.

When she was discovered by her uncle, he worked hard to 'teach her to behave properly.'

She learned to be ruthless. Learned to impose herself the way someone important should. He molded her to believe the world was a banquet and the weak were just the main course.

Suddenly, a boy's face appeared in her memory. He was on the ground, crying, begging for his life while protecting a rare herb she wanted.

It was the first life she took. At the time, she felt a sick pleasure in her own strength. After that day, arrogance became her skin, and ruthlessness her breath.

'He didn't do anything wrong…' the thought finally pierced the fog of her ego. 'He just tried to defend himself from me.'

Through the excruciating pain she felt now, Limdiss finally understood what she had caused to so many others. If Darian hadn't been strong enough, he would have been the one lying on the ground back then.

"Move already, damn it!" a hateful shout cut through the silence like thunder.

Limdiss closed her eyes. Heavy tears, tinted red by the blood on her face, slid down slowly.

She was no longer the proud genius. She was just a debt that needed to be paid.

The tip of the black blade touched the torn fabric over her heart. The tremor in her hand was no longer fear, but bitter acceptance.

She gave the final command for her muscles to move.

"?"

Her muscles froze, unable to move.

"Wait a moment." A calm, indifferent voice sounded in her ears.

Her eyes opened, filled with confusion.

Then she saw everyone around her turn in the same direction.

"YOU! Get the hell out of here!"

"This has nothing to do with you!"

Sharp, blade-like shouts rang out at the same time. But… that emotionless figure took slow steps forward, as if he couldn't hear them.

His eyes were fixed on her on the ground.

The crowd parted without stopping him. There was no way he could do anything with so many people there.

Darian stopped in front of her and met her eyes.

"Looks like you figured out on your own what you did. Want to try again?"

His voice sounded light, entering her ears like a divine bolt. Her body trembled, and her heart pounded like a drum.

"I…"

"DON'T TALK NONSENSE!" A sharp shout cut through the air.

"Silence."

Darian's dry voice echoed. In that instant, his eyes shone like stars.

"!"

Everyone's eyes bulged. It was as if a divine hammer had struck their souls; even the air in their lungs froze in place.

Their minds reeled. The more experienced ones were the most shaken. They felt it clearly — this was genuine immortal suppression!

Who the hell was this young man?!

Darian kept calmly looking at the fallen figure.

"I… can I… really?" she murmured in a trembling voice.

He smiled faintly. "Of course. The laws of the world are fair, and your crimes will be reaped, whether in another life or this one. I'm offering you the chance to try again and live it all now. But you'll still have to work to pay for everything."

Her eyes locked onto him, filled with intense emotion. Her fists, still holding the dagger, tightened.

"I… I want to continue… I'll work. I promise I'll do everything right this time." Her voice was shaky at first, but by the end, determination and resolve ignited.

"Good." Darian said calmly, then turned around.

Everyone around stared at him, full of doubt and unease.

"I'll take care of her from here. I know you want revenge, and maybe she even deserves it. But you're not the ones who will judge her," he said slowly.

"Don't talk nonsense! We have the power to make her pay, why wouldn't we?!"

Darian snorted. "Indeed, those who have power can take justice into their own hands. That's a law of nature. But…

I can also use force to stop it, right?"

When the last part sounded, Darian's entire body pulsed.

A subtle, multicolored light covered him, like a divine, sacred mantle. His power surged along with his primordial physique.

He was like an immortal blade just unsheathed. Everyone swallowed hard, certain: the moment this blade moved… blood would flow everywhere.

Some there were at the ninth level of the Celestial Tribulation Realm.

The old man acting as their leader was at the first level of the Celestial King Realm, the fifth cultivation realm. That made him a legitimate Celestial King, revered wherever he went.

But… at that moment, this King's instincts seemed to scream in his mind.

Danger.

He felt unprecedented danger while facing that young man, far weaker than him.

If he dared fight now, the outcome wouldn't be pretty for anyone present.

The old man took a deep breath, his expression solemn.

"Young Alchemy Emperor… are you willing to take responsibility for this? There won't be a shortage of people who will hate and hunt you across the universe."

Darian snorted. "One more enemy or one less… doesn't matter. Pass along a message from me: I don't provoke anyone, but when I'm provoked, I show no mercy."

His words sounded natural; no one who heard them sensed any arrogance from him. It was as if nothing in the world was a big problem to him, and this was simply the most obvious thing.

"If you have nothing else to say, get the hell out of here." He finished coldly.

Everyone there clenched their fists. But if even that old King didn't dare attack, they weren't crazy enough to be the first.

That figure nodded curtly. "Fine. Darian of the Golden Crow Sect, correct? We will meet again."

After speaking, he turned and simply disappeared.

Everyone stood stunned for a few seconds. But soon they reacted with clear fury in their eyes and also moved, leaving.

"…"

Limdiss remained silent, unable to believe it.

At that moment, Darian turned to her and sighed. His entire primordial physique was fully dispersed.

He extended his hand…

…a white power flowed out, falling gently over her.

A comfortable warmth spread through her body and mind. In mere three seconds… all the pain simply evaporated.

Looking at herself, she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Soon, Darian nodded and extended his hand toward her.

She turned to him, speechless, her mind in chaos, trying to process what was happening.

Darian smiled faintly. "If you follow my orders, I guarantee everything will be fine. You'll work for me properly, right?"

Her eyes widened, and her body moved before her mind could process it, firmly grabbing his hand.