Elder Wang really couldn't fathom why such exaggerated rumors would exist; this was the only reason he could think of.

As a result, Elder Wang was evidently a bit worried about Ding Lin, but he also had an inexplicable feeling that Ding Lin would still create a miracle. Elder Wang knew the possibility of this was very slim, yet he couldn't understand why he consistently felt this way.

Right now, Sun Long, in the room, witnessed this scene involving Ding Lin, his expression darkened. Clearly, he didn't expect Ding Lin to reach this level. If based on Ding Lin's cultivation, ascending twenty or thirty steps would already be impressive, which is the normal level for a Nascent Soul Early Stage alchemist. Even at the best, they wouldn't exceed fifty steps. But at this moment, Ding Fan had already climbed halfway up that high platform.

It's simply unbelievable!

Watching Ding Fan's figure, Sun Long's eyes grew more sinister and determined; the feud of killing his son cannot be forgiven!

Understand that his grudge wasn't just mortal with Sun Long but posed a major obstacle to his plans! Sun Long knew he must eliminate Ding Fan! Even dismembering the opponent wouldn't quench his rage. Now, Sun Long's hatred for Ding Lin was deep-seated; unless Ding Fan was eradicated, Sun Long's heart would not be at peace.

However, Sun Long clearly knew Ding Lin had already made significant waves in this Great Alchemy Competition, even attracting the special attention and care from Lord Lin Qi. Considering Ding Lin demonstrated capabilities not typical of ordinary alchemists, even reaching the level of Grade Nine alchemist—a rarity. Still, Sun Long resolved to kill Ding Fan regardless of his alchemic talent, avenging his son.

But Sun Long understood that now wasn't the right time to act against Ding Lin, given they were still in Dancheng and during the Great Alchemy Competition. Moreover, the Lord had already warned him that if he made a move, it would certainly anger Lord Lin Qi, which was not a wise choice. Therefore, Sun Long decided that the day Ding Lin left Dancheng would be the day his head rolled!

Although Sun Long was shocked by Ding Fan's performance, he wasn't terribly worried; after all, Ding Lin was only a cultivator at the Emergence Stage. Climbing that high platform was simply impossible. Even for a cultivator at the Nascent Soul Late Stage, ascending the platform wasn't easy, let alone for one at Nascent Soul Early Stage—it was downright impossible!

Sun Long knew although the opponent had climbed half the height of the high platform, soon enough he'd realize that ascending further was impossible. For a brief moment, a contemptuous smile appeared on Sun Long's face...

At the Great Alchemy Competition below, He Qianyao saw Ding Fan, evidently stunned. Never expected Ding Fan to ascend the high platform so smoothly, even reaching halfway in such a short time—absolutely remarkable!

He Qianyao felt immense joy for Ding Fan, even proud. It's truly a privilege to have a friend like Ding Fan beside her, yet she noticed the discussions around her, clearly showing they were worried whether Ding Fan could climb those last few steps on the high platform.

After all, the further along the high platform, the more daunting it becomes; the pressure of existence grows larger. Not even Dividing Soul cultivators can handle it easily. Therefore, He Qianyao also felt a bit worried for Ding Fan, even though Ding Fan's current performance was outstanding, it didn't guarantee future success. For a moment, He Qianyao was quite nervous. Although she knew Ding Fan didn't prioritize winning this Great Alchemy Competition heavily, winning would naturally be the best possible outcome.

Given this Great Alchemy Competition wasn't arbitrarily organized, it's evidently the most authoritative event on Donglai Continent's Alchemist Realm. Were Ding Fan to win this competition, Ding Lin would undoubtedly gain substantial resources, critical for cultivators. If Ding Fan acquired such resources, his cultivation speed would significantly accelerate.

This certainly meant Ding Fan's strength would greatly enhance, making it much easier to avenge Dayang Sect. Even now, Ding Fan's strength was formidable. Though some might not believe Ding Fan killed a Dividing Soul cultivator, He Qianyao saw it firsthand. While she wasn't aware of Ding Fan's methods in killing that Dividing Soul elder, the fact remains.

He Qianyao's heart was suspended with anxiety for Ding Fan, cautiously watching over him on that platform...

At this moment, Ding Fan continued his arduous climb; as he ascended further, he clearly felt the increasing pressure from the high platform. At one point, each step felt overwhelmingly heavy, evidently not as easy as before. Ding Fan glanced back at Elder Herr, now drenched in sweat, but no better off than himself.

Ding Fan took notice of the elderly white-robed man behind Elder Herr, and felt a slight shock as this elder appeared slightly flushed but his breathing was even. Compared to Elder Herr, he seemed to handle it much easier.

After a short while, unsurprisingly, the white-robed elder surpassed Elder Herr.

Elder Herr's heart was utterly shocked, never expecting such a humble elder to be stronger than him, able to surpass under such pressure—truly remarkable! Elder Herr was astonished, yet what shook him more was Ding Fan, whom he imagined should've stalled long before.

Among these individuals, Ding Fan had the weakest cultivation, yet continued pressing forward. Though he slowed compared to before, he hadn't stopped and maintained his determined momentum, shocking Elder Herr!

The situation turned unexpectedly dramatic for Elder Herr, who originally thought himself superior among the three, now realizing he was last.

For a moment, Elder Herr felt a surge of mixed emotions in his heart, but it was evident he was not willing to give in. He immediately gathered all his True Qi and rushed upward with all his might!

At this moment, Ding Fan saw this scene and smiled faintly. He knew well that Elder Herr was already at the end of his resources; no matter how hard he sprinted, it wouldn't yield any significant results. However, Ding Fan had expectations for the white-robed elder, who was only five steps behind him. Yet, the momentum of his opponent was strong, clearly showing he hadn't reached his limit yet!

Ding Fan's heart was filled with a sense of battle due to this white-robed elder's presence. He then intensified the release of his spiritual power, sprinting with full effort. Only fewer than twenty steps remained to reach the top of the high platform. At this moment, Ding Fan released his Divine Vigor, which he had been using to withstand the pressure of the high platform.

Initially, Ding Fan had been pleasantly surprised by the fact that his Divine Vigor seemed to have some immunity effects against the pressure of the high platform, allowing him to climb without much difficulty at first. But later, Ding Fan realized this immunity was diminishing, so he had to increase the output of his Divine Vigor.

For a moment, Ding Fan's speed increased significantly, but this so-called quickness was relative; his speed was still several times slower than that of an ordinary cultivator merely walking. Nevertheless, it was obviously much faster compared to Ding Fan's previous climbing speed — a noticeable improvement.

Seeing Ding Fan's actions, those around were amazed, clearly unexpecting Ding Fan to accelerate at this point. This was simply unbelievable!

"It's not that exaggerated! There are less than twenty steps remaining to the top of the high platform, yet he can still speed up! My Brother Dalin is truly defying the heavens!"

"Brother Dalin is powerful and domineering!"

"Brother Dalin is powerful and domineering!"

"..."

Witnessing this, the crowd felt shocked and excited, clearly unexpected that Ding Fan could accelerate at this point. Even Elder Herr was slowing down as he climbed, yet Ding Lin's speed was not only not slow but significantly faster than before! This was extraordinarily impressive!

For a moment, the crowd couldn't help but cheer a lot, clearly not disappointed by the Brother Dalin they admired!

At this moment, the white-robed elder noticed Ding Fan's increased speed and a resolute look flared in his eyes. His aura suddenly grew substantially, and he too accelerated his climbing. The white-robed elder's climbing speed now surpassed Ding Fan's, approaching the normal walking speed of a cultivator!

"Damn! That elder is too impressive! Ascending so fast!"

"Indeed, he seems to be catching up to my Brother Dalin. This is incredible!"

"Previously, this elder didn't stand out much, but now he's giving everyone such a surprise! This is too amazing!"

"..."

Observing the elder's actions, the crowd felt deeply shocked, clearly unexpected that the elder was so formidable, and now completely overtaking Ding Fan's speed. Although the white-robed elder was still behind Ding Fan, the crowd could clearly see he only needed a brief moment to surpass Ding Fan.

Ding Fan was also shocked by the white-robed elder's speed, never anticipating he could climb so fast. Ding Fan's mouth slightly curved upwards, feeling amused — meeting such an interesting opponent was indeed delightful.

He then accelerated his pace again, still far from his previous limit. But now, Ding Fan had reached his limits, yet his speed showed a great enhancement, unlike typical alchemists. The alchemists stalled at the foot of the high platform watched Ding Fan and the white-robed elder's actions in disbelief.

They were astonished, yet convincingly admitted defeat. Both Ding Lin and the white-robed elder possessed strength that ordinary alchemists simply couldn't compare to.