"I'll lose to you?!"

Zou Hong pointed at his own nose mockingly.

Already dissatisfied with losing to the young man in Martial Arts, he would not relent in the realm of Alchemy Dao!

The path of Alchemy Dao has always been his greatest pride!

"Since you're so confident in winning, what are you worried about?"

Su Chen replied with a casual smile.

Upon hearing this, Zou Hong became agitated:

"Worried? Fine, if you want to compete, I shall compete with you!"

Hearing Zou Hong's words, the people of Medicine King Valley did not oppose, as doing so would make it seem they were afraid!

Moreover, if Zou Hong won again, it would be another blow to Myriad Medicine Valley!

Why not seize the opportunity?!

Although they were curious where this young man's confidence came from, perhaps he knew a bit about alchemy, they couldn't possibly believe Su Chen's alchemy skill could surpass Zou Hong!

As for what Qiu Yufei said earlier, they believed she had an unusual relationship with this young man, and had spoken out of indignation.

Old Master Qiu pondered briefly and did not object either, for since they had already lost, there was a sliver of hope in this endeavor!

He considered the outcome of this competition critically, as they had lost five years in a row and yearned for victory!

Though losing again would bring further disgrace, treating a dead horse like a live one was the only option!

Thus, Su Chen stood up and reunited with Zou Hong by the Alchemy Cauldron!

The judges said nothing, as it was customary.

Inviting someone to compete, whether in elixir contests or Martial Arts bouts, was normal as long as both parties agreed!

Just three years ago, Medicine King Valley had invited a Loose Cultivator skilled in Alchemy Dao to compete for them, winning a match and defeating Myriad Medicine Pavilion 2 to 1!

That victory was largely due to the brilliant alchemist from the Loose Cultivators!

With precedent, Medicine King Valley had no grounds to speak up!

It wouldn't hurt to take a nominal disciple; after all, both the Medicine King Valley and Myriad Medicine Pavilion had so many disciples!

Su Chen casually claimed to be a disciple of the Myriad Medicine Pavilion, although falsely, no one could object!

"This kid actually dares to compete with Zou Hong; he really doesn't know his place!"

As soon as the two took to the stage, someone immediately remarked.

"Right, Zou Hong's alchemical talent is one in twenty years!"

Someone quickly chimed in agreement.

"I really don't know what Old Master Qiu is thinking, not opposing this!"

At this moment, another person shook his head and sighed.

"Alas, Old Master Qiu is out of options; he really wants to win!"

The person next to him quietly remarked.

"Afraid they'll be embarrassed again!"

Another person echoed in a low voice.

People around nodded in deep agreement!

Evidently, no one believed Su Chen could win, not even remotely!

Likewise, He Shijie snorted disdainfully in his heart:

"Hmph, I really don't know what the old man was thinking, agreeing to this kid representing their Myriad Medicine Pavilion in the contest!"

"Yufei, does your friend surname Su really understand alchemy?"

Upon hearing these discussions, Old Master Qiu couldn't help but feel worried and asked softly.

Qiu Yufei nodded:

"Yes."

"How does his skill compare with yours?"

Old Master Qiu asked again.

Of course, he felt it was redundant to ask, since his granddaughter's alchemy skill was likely second only to Zou Hong among the younger generation in the Ancient Martial World!

Qiu Yufei pondered for a moment and said:

"Probably above mine."

Old Master Qiu didn't expect Qiu Yufei to say this, and his spirits lifted, a gleam shot from his eyes:

"Really!"

"Grandfather, when have I ever lied to you?"

Qiu Yufei said with a slight smile.

Hearing this, a smile appeared on Old Master Qiu's face, realizing that perhaps there was a glimmer of hope with this young man after all!

Moreover, he sensed that the young man deliberately provoked Zou Hong into competing again!

With such intention, regardless of winning or losing, both he and Myriad Medicine Pavilion should be grateful!

...

"How do you want to compete?"

Su Chen glanced at Zou Hong beside him, and asked casually.

"You decide, to avoid claiming it was unfair after losing!"

Zou Hong replied confidently, wearing an expression of assured victory!

Hearing this, Su Chen smirked slightly and said:

"Let's compete on crafting the Green Jade Pill."

Su Chen spoke calmly, but in the ears of the crowd, it was like thunder!

He's going to compete with Zou Hong on the Green Jade Pill?!

Mind you, Zou Hong had just crafted the Green Jade Pill, what was he implying?

It was a complete dismissal of Zou Hong's ability!

Though he didn't utter any harsh words, it was thorough contempt!

Thus, as soon as his voice fell, silence enveloped the scene!

Upon hearing this, the people of Medicine King Valley displayed faces alternating between white, red, and black, their discomfort and anger evident!

But they couldn't say anything, as competing on crafting the Green Jade Pill wasn't insulting Medicine King Valley!

"Good!"

Upon hearing this, Old Master Qiu first froze, then slapped his thigh and laughed heartily!

"Hmph, old Qiu, don't be too pleased yet, he still has to craft it!"

Zou Yuan sneered.

Old Master Qiu felt no need to retort, as Zou Yuan was right; whether it shames Myriad Medicine Pavilion or Medicine King Valley depends on the outcome!

Thinking about this, he couldn't help but worry again!

Of course, those feeling most ashamed in the arena were naturally Zou Hong, who upon hearing Su Chen's words, coldly said:

"Do you truly want to compete in crafting the Green Jade Pill?"

"Of course."

Su Chen replied casually.

"Then you're asking for humiliation yourself!"

Zou Hong snorted internally, then steadied his emotions as it would affect the alchemy!

Then, he began concentrating on his task...

Su Chen did not rush into crafting but first observed the Alchemy Cauldron and the flames below, familiarizing himself with several valves!

After all, controlling the fire's intensity is crucial in alchemy!

After about ten minutes of study, he began, casually placing two types of herbs into the cauldron, as if cooking!

To be honest, facing off against Zou Hong barely interested Su Chen; even though the latter was somewhat skilled, he still considered it unimpressive!

To gauge from a sample, Su Chen estimated that the alchemy level across the Ancient Martial World wasn't remarkable either!

If Zou Hong knew Su Chen's thoughts, he'd be infuriated to the point of coughing blood!

Of course, in Su Chen's view, the Green Jade Pill presented no challenge, even less so compared to the basic elixirs recorded in the Laws Forbidden Tome's Elixir Chapter!

The forbidden tome's arcane knowledge coupled with Su Chen's inquisitiveness and talent reduced his interest in the Ancient Martial World's Alchemy Dao!

Compared to others, Su Chen felt akin to a college student watching elementary students solve math problems, realizing they were even lower in skill!

In his view, it was no wonder they called it the Pill Conference rather than Alchemy Dao Conference, likely because they knew they hadn't grasped true alchemy and were embarrassed to name it so!