Chapter 557: Chapter 200 Differential Treatment

This alchemy competition was like a battle, with a process far more complex than that of artifact refining.

Thunder and Heavenly Tribulation were chaotic, shaking the stability of the Heavenly Dao, even affecting destiny and Qi Fortune. Almost ninety-nine percent of the cultivators were impacted and had to abandon the process halfway.

Zhou Yan was the only one in the field who wasn’t truly affected.

Of course, Wu Ji wasn’t affected either, because his elixir had already completed its transformation when the Heavenly Tribulation descended. His elixir was successfully refined.

Nurtured by the breath of the Heavenly Tribulation and augmented by the Heavenly Tribulation itself, he broke the shackles of the elixir with the breakthrough of his own realm. With the Ultimate alchemy, he created an elixir that was infinitely close to being Holy-grade.

Despite the fact that the ingredients of the elixir were merely top-quality at the Soul Level.

The moment he completed his alchemy, the endless clouds of Heavenly Tribulation dissipated. Wu Ji’s injuries were tempered and healed by the descent of the Heavenly Tribulation. Strengthened by the infusion of the Heavenly Dao, his power was not only undamaged but had also advanced further, becoming even stronger.

At the moment he finished his alchemy, Zhou Yan also completed his process. That kind of Tai Chu Soul Pill carried an indescribable breath and fragrance, clearly making the previously common Qiankun Rings objects that everyone could potentially use as top-grade treasures.

This elixir needed no inspection, for its effects could be clearly judged just by smelling its refreshing fragrance.

Thus, as soon as the elixir appeared, it immediately attracted everyone’s attention.

However, because the elixir refined by Wu Ji was against the heavens, and as the anomalous phenomena of the alchemy process disappeared and the Heavenly Dao returned to normal, the thunderclouds vanished. The alchemy of Shiyin and others resumed, once again drawing the cultivators’ gazes.

Regardless of the outcome, there was no way Shiyin and the others could come first this time.

It was clear that the first and second place would be born between Zhou Yan and Wu Ji.

Things seemed to have taken a strange turn.

Zhou Yan wasn’t worried about the result; he just watched playfully, waiting for the final result to be revealed.

…

Zhou Yan felt no psychological pressure. He simply waited silently and observed others’ alchemy attentively.

Throughout the process, he gained deep insights and felt greatly benefited.

Soon, the alchemy was completed, and aside from Wu Ji’s intense performance earlier, the overall process of the competition leaned toward calm.

Just like artifact refining, Shiyin, Jia Yongheng, and others displayed remarkable artifact refining abilities, not hindered at all by their alchemy.

Moreover, in this competition, Shi Qin’s performance was particularly outstanding, though still a few degrees behind Shiyin.

Overall, it was evident that Qi Fortune and the Heavenly Mechanism Skill indeed had their unique allure.

After the alchemy was finished, just like with artifact refining, the Saints naturally came together again.

At this point, Zhou Yan could already feel the intriguing nature of the judgment, as the Yaochi Saint was frowning from beginning to end, and the Wuxu Saint’s expression was also very ugly, seemingly dissatisfied with something.

Finally, Fairy Die stepped forward to quell the disputes, then came out to announce the results of the competition.

“In the grand alchemy competition, Wu Ji was the first to complete. At the same time, Wu Ji’s alchemy age is less than ten years. His elixir can even help cultivators of the Nine Changes of Sword Void to comprehend and even overcome the Heavenly Tribulation, proving it to be a heaven-defying elixir. After unanimous determination by the Saints, Wu Ji wins first place in this competition.”

Fairy Die spoke, casting an apologetic glance at Zhou Yan and said, “As for second place, I believe everyone has seen for themselves, yes, it’s Zhou Yan. Zhou Yanxuan’s alchemy age is similarly less than ten years, and his elixir is also quite remarkable, allowing one to comprehend a hint of Origin Qi. While this is indeed valuable, this very ability suppresses the other benefits that could have been comprehended. Origin Qi is precious, and even Saints have difficulty in comprehending it. Hence, although valuable, it might be ‘all form and no substance.’ While heaven-defying, its effectiveness doesn’t match the elixir refined by Wu Ji.

Moreover, the main reason for judging Wu Ji as the first place winner is that he was indeed the first to complete the alchemy. Even as the Heavenly Tribulation descended, his elixir had been refined already; he simply wanted to augment the elixir with the Tribulation and ensure his own success in overcoming it. Therefore, his victory is without any foul play.”

Fairy Die explained in detail.

This, Zhou Yan could understand because even though Fairy Die’s words contained the intent of the Yaochi Saint, they were, after all, the truth.

Because the vast majority of cultivators do not have the capacity to comprehend the Original Dao, and even with a multitude of chances, if the probability of comprehension is zero, then no matter how much it’s increased, the result would still be zero.

Zhou Yan knew this outcome was possible, but it wasn’t his objective; his goal was to make those Saints aware that he could refine an Elixir that offered a greater chance at comprehending the Original Dao.

Just with this one tactic, those Saints who saw him as an enemy would have to weigh their options more carefully.

Yaochi Saint’s pursuit of the Original Dao was something that no one knew better than Zhou Yan, and it was for this reason he played this trump card, to see what the Yaochi Saint would decide.

Indeed, as he had anticipated, the Yaochi Saint didn’t grant him first place but also refrained from nitpicking too much. Moreover, the Yaochi Saint understood that once the problems were pointed out, the ridiculous fact that the Qiankun Ring couldn’t be used would immediately become apparent, and he would lose face completely.

After Fairy Die announced the results, she began to declare the other rankings, but at this point, Zhou Yan had lost interest in listening further.

He directly flew away, waiting for the final segment to occur after three days.

The competition in Nine Origin Heavenly City had concluded.

The final bridal gift was meant only for the Holy Daughter.

This matter would be dealt with in three days, at Guanghan South Mansion before all under heaven.

During this time, Zhou Yan simply began to cultivate his physique and nurture his spirit, quietly waiting for the coming three days.

…

Three days passed quickly.

On this day, the weather was exceptionally clear with no clouds in sight.

In the grand hall of Guanghan South Mansion, a Void channel was created, leading directly to the Yaochi Sacred Land.

In Yaochi Sacred Land lay the Yaochi Secret Realm. The Secret Realm, like an Immortal Pool, was boundless and ethereal, immensely beautiful and mysterious.

Early in the morning, Zhou Yan, accompanied by his disciple Hou Chen, arrived at Guanghan South Mansion and entered the Yaochi Secret Realm through the channel.

Outside the grand hall in the Secret Realm, just as Zhou Yan was about to enter, he was stopped by two pretty-faced female guards at the entrance to the Secret Realm.

“Cultivator Zhou Yanxuan, your disciple is not permitted inside; he lacks the qualifications to enter,” said the two female guards as they glanced at Hou Chen behind Zhou Yan, and after sensing the Blood Qi within Zhou Yan’s body, confirmed his identity, and spoke with seriousness.

“Hmm?” Zhou Yan frowned.

“Master, it’s alright. Your disciple will wait outside for your triumphant return,” Hou Chen, slightly startled, held back his anger and chuckled.

He didn’t get angry because he knew that today was his Master’s day and he couldn’t afford to lose his composure.

If he couldn’t enter now, as soon as the powerful allies from the Thunder Expansion Sacred Land—his Master’s formidable subordinates—arrived, he would naturally be allowed to come in.

Zhou Yan instantly understood Hou Chen’s thoughts and nodded, saying, “Very well, then wait here for me; I’ll go ahead first.”

“Cultivator Zhou Yanxuan, your assigned place is in a corner of the North Garden; make your own way there. We certainly don’t have time to escort you,” the two guards said haughtily, showing no regard for Zhou Yan.

At that moment, an elderly man accompanied by two young women arrived at the entrance to the Secret Realm.

Seeing this, the two female guards immediately filled their faces with smiles, almost fawning, and said, “Turns out it’s Heavenly Book Saint and Cultivators Shiyin and Shi Qin arriving. The Yaochi Saint has made preparations; please allow us juniors the honor of escorting the Saint and the two ladies to the East Garden Heavenly Spirit Hall.”