The Great Alchemy Competition had quickly advanced to the first round of the fourth group. So far, no one had surpassed Gao Lian's score, a point Gao Lian was clearly quite proud of.

However, at this time, one of the elders in the fourth group, as soon as he entered the stage along with other alchemists, evidently captured the attention of many spectators. It was clear that this elder had already earned a certain reputation, and many cultivators were eager to see his outstanding performance in this Great Alchemy Competition.

"Miracle Elder, I heard he only started learning alchemy at the age of eighty. But his talent combined with his relentless effort is truly admirable, almost like he has the heart of a young man!"

"Indeed, age hasn't aged his heart! You must know that the Miracle Elder is a hundred years old now, and having started alchemy at eighty, his current alchemy level is quite impressive. He's even quite famous on the Donglai Continent!"

"Thinking about it, as young people ourselves, we should work hard. We have to believe that anything is possible in this world!"

"That's right! As long as you're willing to put in the effort, it's never too late!"

"Miracle Elder is a prime example. At such an age, having the determination to learn alchemy, it's truly remarkable..."

"..."

For a moment, everyone who saw the medium-height, slightly burly elder with his impeccably clean, snowy white beard couldn't help but start discussing fervently. Clearly, many cultivators were aware of this elder's story, similar to Ding Fan's judgment.

Evidently, this elder was already very well-known, and Ding Fan heard many around him discussing it, having a sense of admiration towards the elder. He didn't expect that the other party would start learning alchemy at the age of eighty and become so famous in just twenty years.

Ding Fan knew that for most alchemists, achieving a certain level in alchemy by age twenty indicates some talent, but certainly not top-tier talent. Ding Fan understood that the reason the elder was renowned was likely due to his determination not to yield to age.

Ding Fan clearly admired the elder for this. Although cultivators typically have a much longer lifespan than ordinary people, living over a hundred, nearly two hundred years is normal. However, eighty is indeed a substantial age for a cultivator.

To start learning alchemy from scratch at such an age is commendable bravery. After all, most cultivators of such an age would choose to live out their lives in tranquility.

Such as this elder, Ding Fan held deep admiration for him in his heart.

Soon, the Great Alchemy Competition for the fourth group commenced. From the cheers of the audience, it was clear that not only that elder was famous. There was also a slightly older middle-aged man whom the audience favored.

"Hu Fa is actually participating in the Great Alchemy Competition! You know, Hu Fa's alchemical skill is already at a master's level!"

"Indeed, Hu Fa's alchemy level is top-notch, even across the entire Donglai Continent..."

"It's likely that this year's Great Alchemy Competition specially invited him, thus elevating the competition's overall caliber!"

"Maybe, but I heard this time the champion's reward is very generous, and it's quite possible Master Hu Fa is aiming for that champion reward!"

"That could be the case too..."

For a moment, everyone couldn't help but discuss, clearly having high expectations for this alchemist Hu Fa. Many spectators even believed that he would be the champion of this year's Great Alchemy Competition.

At this time, the Great Alchemy Competition for the fourth group was already underway. Ding Fan noticed this renowned Hu Fa that everyone was talking about. After a few glances, he found Hu Fa's alchemical technique quite satisfactory, evidently very proficient, and even possessing his unique understanding of alchemy, something most alchemists couldn't achieve.

Ding Fan could tell that the audience's expectations were not unfounded; there was indeed some basis.

In the blink of an eye, an hour had passed, and the Great Alchemy Competition of the fourth group had concluded. The results of the fourth group were significantly better than the previous three groups. Not only did fifteen out of twenty alchemists successfully refine pills, but the highest grade also turned out to be a Grade Six Medicine Pill.

Perhaps the subsequent alchemists realized that as long as they successfully refined a pill, they would have a good chance of advancing to the next round of the Great Alchemy Competition. After all, it was clear from the previous three groups that alchemists who refined pills usually advanced to the next round.

Therefore, the alchemists in the fourth group were desperate to refine pills. Of course, many alchemists ended up refining pills that couldn't even reach the First Grade. Evidently, their skill wasn't much better than those who failed to refine pills.

After all, this Great Alchemy Competition featured excellent alchemists, and refining a mid-grade pill wasn't particularly challenging. Some alchemists had even refined High Level Pills, which are Grade Seven and above.

At this time, those who couldn't even refine a First Grade pill clearly failed to understand the pill recipe. Their skills were actually not much different from those who couldn't refine pills at all, except they were smarter. Even if they failed to refine a First Grade pill, their scores in the competition would still be higher than those who failed to refine any pill.

Therefore, there is a good chance to smoothly enter the next round of the Great Alchemy Competition, but Ding Fan knows that regardless of any clever tricks, ultimately, the only thing reliable is one's own strength.

Among them, the one who refined a Sixth Grade Medicine Pill was Hu Fa. When everyone saw that Alchemist Hu Fa refined a Sixth Grade Medicine Pill, they were evidently very excited. After all, everyone believed in this Alchemist Hu Fa, so many cultivators couldn't help but feel that their judgment was very good when he produced such impressive results.

Although the medicine pills refined by Hu Fa and Gao Lian were both Sixth Grade Medicine Pills, the judges clearly assessed that Hu Fa's Sixth Grade Medicine Pill was better than Gao Lian's, thus the first place shifted from Gao Lian to Hu Fa, the middle-aged alchemist.

Gao Lian, seeing this scene, couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed in his heart, but his mood wasn't too bad. Evidently, even if he wasn't the first, being the second was still pretty good, after all, he knew that Hu Fa was evidently much older than himself.

Therefore, his alchemy experience was richer than his own, and it was very normal to be able to produce better medicine pills. However, Gao Lian had confidence in his heart that when he reached Hu Fa's age, he would definitely surpass him!

Unlike Gao Lian's previous proud demeanor when he was in first place, Alchemist Hu Fa was evidently more low-key, merely smiling slightly at his achievement, then following the other alchemists into a designated room to await the final results of the Great Alchemy Competition.

Meanwhile, the Miracle Elder from the fourth group also performed very well, not only refining a pill, but the rank of the pill was also a Fifth Grade one. Such an achievement clearly did not disappoint the many cultivators supporting him. When the competition results were announced, everyone was already extremely excited.

"The Legendary Elder truly lives up to his reputation, creating miracles time and again!"

"Indeed, who would have thought the Legendary Elder would create another miracle this time, given that a Fifth Grade Medicine Pill is already quite remarkable!"

"Evidently, the Miracle Elder will certainly make it to the next round of the competition..."

"So amazing!"

...

For a moment, everyone began to discuss enthusiastically, clearly optimistic about this elder, since the deeds of the Miracle Elder were truly inspirational, and many cultivators admired the elder's spirit of defying age. Such spirit indeed deserved admiration.

At this time, Ding Fan heard everyone's discussions but evidently felt no resentment. Ding Fan also highly regarded the Miracle Elder's achievement, as a Fifth Grade Medicine Pill was already quite good, especially since this time the pill recipe was indeed challenging. Evidently, being able to refine a Fifth Grade Medicine Pill after twenty years of alchemy is already commendable.

This is certainly the case for those with slightly above-average alchemic talent. If one's alchemic talent was top-notch, it might take only half a year to refine an Intermediate Level Pill, or perhaps just one year to refine a High Level Pill.

Just like Ding Fan.

Ding Fan knew that talents like his were rare in the Cultivation World, and even if there were others, they might not surpass him greatly. After all, Ding Fan not only had exceptional talent, but his postnatal efforts were also something few could match.

After some time, it was finally Ding Fan's turn to enter the field. Following the arrangements of some staff members, Ding Fan directly entered the competition field for the Great Alchemy Competition. Evidently, just by appearing, Ding Fan's group already sparked intense discussions among the crowd.

Evidently, the crowd's discussions weren't only about Ding Fan; there was also an elder, whom Ding Fan couldn't help but glance at. Evidently, his cultivation was decent, as he was already at the Emergence Stage. Ding Fan silently estimated that the elder's alchemy level should also be good; otherwise, he wouldn't have reached the Emergence Stage.

Ding Fan knew that this elder evidently cultivated by following the alchemist's path since having a wealth of spiritual materials and medicine pills boosted a cultivator's advancement significantly.

"Elder Herr actually came to participate in the Great Alchemy Competition! Incredible!"

"He's probably here for the championship rewards in this Great Alchemy Competition. I really wonder what the rewards for this championship are to attract so many alchemy masters!"

"I'm also curious, since Elder Herr has been with a medium-sized sect for several years, and evidently, his cultivation is already very strong. One could say he lacks nothing, so surely he's participating for the championship rewards!"

"I reckon the pills Elder Herr refines will be at least Seventh Grade, considering how remarkable Elder Herr already is!"

"That's for sure, they must be Seventh Grade Medicine Pills, maybe even Eighth Grade, who knows!"

"Eighth Grade? That's already quite extraordinary, almost unimaginable..."

"Since Elder Herr usually has no problem refining some high-level pills, Elder Herr is truly a master of genuine skill..."

...