CHAPTER 98: ROUND 2—TEST OF PILL REFINEMENT

After a while, they managed to process what the Master Alchemist had just said.

One of them asked, "How unbelievable... If it was others who said it, I would have not believed it. Furthermore, it makes sense more now why you invited her to be your disciple. In the first place, despite her showing potential, it’s quite not guaranteed. It’s obvious she has not built her alchemy foundation since she was a kid."

"Mhm." The Master Alchemist nodded. "That’s why I said that she’s the most talented disciple I had."

His first disciple, who announced the rewards of the top ten earlier, heard what his master said but remained quiet.

...

In the arena, from the judges evaluation, after the second test was finished, Liu Wei ranked first, and Mu Qinghai from the Evergreen Medical Sect ranked second.

She was the other three of the talented alchemists in the competition aside Liu Wei and Cai Hui.

Although it was not stated in the rules that Adept Alchemist above were unable to participate, they did not even bother.

After all, from the competition guidelines, it was more favorable to Junior and an Apprentice Alchemist.

Unless the Adept Alchemist and above have greater foundations than them.

Like the other three, Mu Qinghai has an Evergreen Liferoot Constitution.

All of the three’s physiques were at Earth Grade level, one major level lesser than the peak of the physique grade existed in the Mortal Domain.

Even in the Spirit Ascension Domain, they would not be treated as average... at most higher than above average.

Only three of them had shown their upper hand in the competition through their physiques, but they were still overshadowed by Lu Zheng, who had finally finished the third test of the first round.

He merely watched the incense stick finally being reduced into ashes.

Afterward, he did not even bother thinking of his result, for by simply sweeping his gaze, it was enough to tell he ranked first.

He curiously glanced at Cai Hui, who had just started her third test.

She was using handseals from time to time to control the flame while also integrating her Dao of Alchemy comprehension, achieving a state worthy of attention.

He praised internally. Not bad. I guess she finally achieved the Minor Completion State of Dao of Alchemy.

Liu Wei then began to observe other participants worthy of his attention.

As much as he wanted to be humble, he was confident, after sweeping his gaze, he was the strongest among the participants.

He pondered. I guess, this is only what the Mortal Domain’s talents can provide.

Liu Wei was in fact disappointed.

He thought there would be someone who would excite him...

I guess, only myself can excite me.

Not even among the three participants, who possessed an Earth grade physique, caught his attention.

In the end, Liu Wei meditated while waiting for the other participants, causing the spectators and the judges to have a mixed reaction.

Most of them simply chuckled, while others believed he was being rude.

However, none of them dared to voice out what they thought, believing Liu Wei was someone they could not afford to offend.

Not even the Senior Alchemists.

In the Judges’ Pavillion, the Senior Alchemists stared at Master Yan for some time, until one of them finally asked, "Since he felt bored that he decided to meditate, aren’t you interested in initiating a conversation with him, Master Yan?"

Master Yan shook his head and replied, "No. We will do it later. Let’s not forget that there’s other participants we need to focus on. Don’t forget, we are the judges, we must not act based on our interest."

The Senior Alchemists nodded with a solemn expression on their face.

Eventually, the first round finally finished and the top 100 advanced.

The Master Alchemist’s voice echoed once again.

"Congratulations to those who advanced to the next round. Those who failed, don’t forget that your future is not decided at this moment. Go back, reflect, and continue to comprehend the alchemy. Everyone’s opportunity in life is not the same. You will have yours soon. Just don’t give up and continue to be optimistic."

Those who failed to enter the Top 100 wept uncontrollably and bowed at Master Alchemist at once.

They then slowly left from their respective platforms.

Some joined with the spectators, while some followed the Master Alchemist’s suggestion and went back to their place, planning to reflect and would take advantage of their failure as a fuel for their motivation to continue learning alchemy.

The matured young voice soon replaced the Master Alchemist’s voice, as his voice reverberated throughout the arena again.

He said, "Congratulations, Top 100. We will not announce the list of orders. I will now be announcing the Round 2 format."

"Round 2 is called the Test of Pill Refinement.

Each participant is only required to concoct one pill."

The spectators who were not aware of Round 2 were surprised.

They believed Round 2 would be based on the quantity and quality of the pills concocted, but it turned out... they were focused more on the quality.

Their bafflement was reasonable.

After all, the Alchemist Association was also known as the only shop where others could buy authentic pills.

In other words, quantity mattered, too.

Nevertheless, not one of them dared to question the judges.

The matured young voice continued, "Contestants must refine a pill appropriate to their alchemy ranks. Alchemists who do not possess an official rank can freely choose the grade of the pills they can concoct."

The spectators were confused.

They glanced at Liu Wei and chatter incessantly.

"Then, does that mean that boy, who is in the Foundation Establishment Stage, can concoct mortal grade pills? Isn’t that disadvantageous to other participants?"

"Right. And why not just based on his cultivation level?"

"Cough." The Master Alchemist’s voice echoed, ending the noise of chatter at once. "Only alchemists will be able to understand that there are discounts for alchemists, who have an official rank, even more so when they are ranked higher. Even buying cauldrons needed to have an official alchemist license.

So, if an individual who participated here did not have one... it simply means they have just begun to learn alchemy."

Everyone was shocked.

In the Judges’ Pavillion, every Senior Alchemist stared at the Master Alchemist with a strange expression.

The Master Alchemist merely grinned.

He asked, "Am I right?"

Liu Wei, meanwhile, who heard what the Master Alchemist had said, remained quiet.

However, he was aware he was the one being questioned.

Hence, he nodded... indifferently.

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