Lin Qi knew in his heart that evidently, this time Elder Wang and several alchemist elders shared the same thoughts as him. After all, the strength Ding Lin demonstrated was unmatched by ordinary alchemists, and evidently, no matter what unexpected events or surprises appeared in this Great Alchemy Competition, they wouldn't affect Ding Lin potentially winning the championship. However, Lin Qi had a headache thinking about the points raised by Sun Long and others, which indeed had valid concerns.

By doing this, Lin Qi had already violated the procedures of the Great Alchemy Competition. He indeed felt powerless to refute their arguments. But Lin Qi knew that even if he breached the procedures of this year's competition, in comparison, a Grade Nine alchemist was extremely significant. Even if not for the sake of the City Lord Mansion, Lin Qi still considered it crucial to build a good relationship with Ding Lin.

After all, a Grade Nine alchemist, capable of refining Supreme Quality Medicine Pills, is not someone one meets casually. But, Lin Qi clearly felt some difficulty, considering nearly half the people were opposed to his stance, supporting Sun Long's opinion. If only Sun Long were against it, Lin Qi might have ignored it. However, with half the people against it, he truly couldn't easily execute his decision.

Lin Qi was also puzzled by Sun Long, who usually appeared to support him significantly, but unexpectedly opposed him this time. Furthermore, Lin Qi sensed that other middle-aged elders from the City Lord Mansion seemed intentionally inclined to support Sun Long. This made Lin Qi more curious about Sun Long's intentions.

But Lin Qi knew these were merely his own speculations. Without any evidence, he couldn't assert anything. Moreover, the claims from Sun Long and others did hold some rationale, albeit somewhat frustratingly rigid. Ultimately, the reasoning stood firm. Lin Qi couldn't help but cast his gaze towards Elder Wang.

"What do you say, Elder Wang?"

Upon hearing the City Lord's words, Elder Wang earnestly replied:

"I agree with the City Lord's opinion, but Vice City Lord Sun Long's concerns aren't unfounded either. Why don't we proceed as usual, taking the Great Alchemy Competition to its conclusion? Also, I previously interacted with Ding Lin. He had a good impression of us; there are still ways to build friendly relations with him."

Elder Wang spoke with an evident focus on the larger picture. He wasn't aware of Sun Long's intentions, but Elder Wang believed that with Ding Lin's extraordinary alchemy skills, he would invariably win the Great Alchemy Competition, regardless of the ten rounds it comprised. However, while he trusted Ding Lin's capability, Elder Wang sensed that Sun Long harbored some undefined intent, requiring vigilance for Ding Lin's sake.

Elder Wang suddenly recalled the contestant alchemist Zhang Hao's participation. Knowing Zhang Hao's first-round performance was rather average, producing only third-grade elixirs, yet surprisingly listed twelve spiritual materials in the second round—an odd phenomenon, given the significant jump in difficulty from the first to the second round of the competition.

Elder Wang was taken aback by Zhang Hao's performance, suspecting some underlying anomaly. Knowing this to be one of Donglai Continent's prominent events, any cheating would eventually surface.

Lin Qi, hearing Elder Wang's words, knew he supported him. Yet in this situation, Lin Qi found it difficult to maneuver, thus he reluctantly said:

"Well then, since everyone harbors this apprehension, let's carry on with this year's Great Alchemy Competition as usual. Let's all disperse now." Newest update provided by N()velFire.net

After Lin Qi spoke, many attendees began leaving the meeting room, leaving behind only Elder Wang and Lin Qi. Elder Wang, noticing the hint of worry in Lin Qi's eyes, offered calming reassurance:

"There's no need to worry, City Lord. Don't you trust Ding Lin?"

Upon hearing Elder Wang, Lin Qi couldn't help but smile faintly, and asked:

"Don't you find Sun Long peculiar?"

"Indeed strange! We must remain cautious," Elder Wang replied cautiously, indicating the City Lord had also noticed Sun Long's odd behavior.

Listening to Elder Wang, Lin Qi shook his head indifferently and commented:

"Perhaps it's not that exaggerated. I heard about Sun Long's son's matters, presumably, Sun Long may be emotionally affected by it."

Upon hearing the City Lord's words, Elder Wang's countenance grew solemn. He indeed had heard of Sun Hua's incident, where Ding Lin killed Sun Hua. Clearly, this event must heavily impact Sun Long, fostering immense hatred towards Ding Lin. Knowing Sun Long's renowned affection for his treasured son, Elder Wang knew Sun Long had even concealed many of his son's deeds from the City Lord.

Elder Wang had heard that Sun Hua coveted some treasure possessed by Ding Lin, which led to the conflict. However, Elder Wang felt the matter was not as simple as a dispute over treasure alone. If it were merely about some treasure, what reason would Sun Long have to dispatch their family's housekeeper at the Emergence Stage? Regardless of how formidable Ding Lin was, he couldn't be a match for someone at the Emergence Stage. Clearly, this was a plan aiming to ensure Ding Lin's execution with absolute certainty.

Could it really be just for the treasure? This seems a bit unnatural. However, what truly shocked Elder Wang about this matter was that Ding Lin actually managed to slay that Emergence Stage cultivator. This is simply incredible! Of course, Elder Wang's attitude towards this matter is somewhat similar to City Lord Lin Qi's. Evidently, there's a lot of doubt about the truth behind these events. After all, Ding Fan is merely an Emergence Stage cultivator, yet achieving this is simply defying the heavens!

Moreover, Ding Lin is also an exceptional alchemist. Apparently, the common flaw among most outstanding alchemists is that their cultivation in the initial stages is quite poor, because alchemists often pour most of their energy into alchemy research. And Ding Lin's alchemy level has already reached the Grade Nine Alchemist level. Such a level, coupled with his remarkable cultivation despite his youth, is truly hard to believe.

Elder Wang is quite wary of Sun Long at this moment. Obviously, it's not only City Lord Lin Qi who finds Sun Long somewhat peculiar; Elder Wang has naturally also noticed some strange behaviors from Sun Long lately. After all, Sun Long has already interfered twice when the City Lord was deciding the champion reward, which is something Sun Long wouldn't normally do.

Elder Wang's face carries a few traces of solemnity, then he says to City Lord Lin Qi:

"Although I believe Ding Lin is certain to be this year's Great Alchemy Competition champion, it's still better to be cautious!"

Lin Qi heard Elder Wang's words and gazed at Elder Wang with some meaningful intent in his eyes, looking somewhat thoughtful, then said nothing...

It is already dusk, the sky is gradually darkening.

Ding Fan and He Qianyao have now returned to the inn, Ding Fan looking quite troubled and worried. Ding Fan and his companion spent the afternoon inquiring, but unfortunately, they couldn't find any trace of Zhou Ruoran. Though it wasn't a completely unproductive endeavor for Ding Fan.

Ding Fan asked several cultivators and indeed saw a very beautiful woman. During one of his inquiries, many cultivators were discussing the stunning beauty of this woman, and from their conversation, Ding Fan gained a rough idea of her appearance. To Ding Fan's delight, this exceptionally beautiful woman might just possibly be Zhou Ruoran.

However, when Ding Fan asked numerous cultivators whether they knew which sect Zhou Ruoran belonged to, almost none could answer. Many cultivators had noticed Zhou Ruoran but few knew much about her.

Returning to the inn, Ding Fan went straight to his room. It was already dark, and many cultivators had dispersed from Wuji Square, hence Ding Fan and his companion decided to head back, as it wasn't very safe for He Qianyao after nightfall, especially since Ding Fan knew he had offended the Vice City Lord.

Despite Great City Lord Lin Qi's assurance of a proper explanation, Ding Fan has been cautious these last few days. Considering the opponent's identity and status in Dancheng still bear significant influence, Ding Fan brought He Qianyao back to the inn.

Ding Fan entered the room, silent and subdued, clearly not experiencing the happiness of advancing to the second round of the Great Alchemy Competition. Instead, he was worried about not finding Zhou Ruoran. He Qianyao naturally noticed Ding Fan's distress and felt a deep sense of regret for not having stopped those people earlier.

Though opposing them was challenging given their numbers, it was, after all, held during the Great Alchemy Competition, where naturally, they'd be more restrained, possibly affording an opportunity to rescue her.

But now it's too late to say anything. He Qianyao, unsure of how to comfort Ding Fan, eventually returned to her room alone.

In his room, Ding Fan's mind was entirely occupied by Zhou Ruoran's image, feeling a spark of excitement. Although he hadn't located her yet, there was at least some news, which was a positive development for Ding Fan.

Moreover, Ding Fan believes that since she appeared during the Great Alchemy Competition, he will surely find information about her. No matter what, Ding Fan will not give up, especially as Zhou Ruoran's situation seems dire, truly needing him right now, so he absolutely cannot give up.

Furthermore, Zhou Ruoran's beauty is surely remembered by the cultivators who have seen it. Ding Fan believes he can soon find her. Suppressing his excitement, Ding Fan quickly began cultivating throughout the night.

The night of cultivation quickly passed for Ding Fan. The next morning, before dawn broke, Ding Fan eagerly found He Qianyao, and the two went out directly, continuing to inquire about Zhou Ruoran's whereabouts. There are still two days remaining until the Great Alchemy Competition, and Ding Fan firmly believes he can find Zhou Ruoran. Once he finds her, the Great Alchemy Competition will evidently no longer matter.

However, two days swiftly passed without any news about Zhou Ruoran, yet Ding Fan evidently refused to give up. He then instructed He Qianyao to continue helping him find Zhou Ruoran during the Great Alchemy Competition, while Ding Fan himself clearly aimed to participate in the third round of the Great Alchemy Competition.

Ding Fan realizes that Zhou Ruoran came looking for him during his second-round match. Clearly, he must continue competing, hoping Zhou Ruoran will come find him...