Chapter 128 - Qingtian’s Back (1/2)

Liu Yizhen ended up in fourth place, behind Yan Fu, Tao Danniang, and the Vicious Pill King.

In spite of all that, he accepted his spot without any complains. As for who was behind him, he had other more important things on his mind right now.

The rest of the spots were taken by people of renowned and unquestionable skill.

Xiao Ya smiled, “Everyone else, please move to the area in accordance with your clan’s strength. The first-rate clans in front, second rate clans in the middle, and third rate clans in the back. Please take your positions.”

This method also showed their relevant alchemy skills. It was a common fact first rate clans were better than second, who were better than the third.

It was also made easy for the great clans in the stands to see their abilities. It would’ve been an embarrassment if the third rate clans would’ve started making protests.

Drifting Flowers Edifice’s consideration for everyone earned the admiration of many great clans.

The alchemists had nothing to say, moving to their spots. Now that thousands of alchemists were in the arena, they were ready for the competition to begin.

A bronze cauldron was laid before them, with a gorgeous Drifting Flowers Edifice disciple beside it.

With everyone seated, Xiao Ya smiled as she explained the details of the Hundred Pill Meeting, “The competition is divided into three rounds. Contestants will be eliminated in each round and only the top twenty alchemists will be worthy of stepping onto the final round, where we will finally decide on who is the Pill King!”

In other words, Drifting Flowers Edifice only cared about the first 20 alchemists.

The participants were sporting serious faces. They knew it would be hard, but it was not that disastrously hard.

Of the thousands of alchemists, only 20 would be allowed entry in the final round.

These 20 were without a doubt the best alchemists the Tianyu Empire had to offer. With their spots set, their position would be unshakable.

It could be said that not even 300 rounds would be enough for the other contestants to get a chance to earn one of the 20 spots.

The participants were vexed, while the 20 on the stage looked on with smiles of pride.

Xiao Ya had a flash of contempt in her eyes as she continued, “This meeting has gathered a wide variety of renowned alchemists from every corner of the empire. For this, Drifting Flowers Edifice prepared their most prized treasure as a reward for the winner.”

Xiao Ya clapped and two disciples brought a red wooden box on the pedestal.

Xiao Ya flipped it open.

Something akin to a green root appeared before everyone. What was even more astonishing, was that the root throbbed like a heart.

Drifting Flowers Edifice’s Bodhi Root.

None saw this coming. Drifting Flowers Edifice was staking their most amazing treasure in this meeting. Only a handful knew the true reason behind it, squinting when the item in question appeared on stage.

“Elder Yan, you must get it.” Huangpu Qingyun clenched his fists in the eastern stand, eyeing the root with yearning

On the first stage, Vicious Pill King licked his lips, his heart throbbing to get his hands on it. He knew it was real too. All he had to do was win and the Bodhi Root was his.

“Humph, old dog, with me here, don’t even dream of getting it!” Tao Danniang snorted.

Snickering, Vicious Pill King mocked, “Just you? How?”

Liu Yizhen realized now why Drifting Flowers Edifice’s Hundred Pill Meeting attracted these two towering figures of alchemy in the empire. [They all came for this treasure!]

Liu Yizhen wiped his sweat and cried in his heart.

Forget about even winning against them, even if fantasy became reality, and he managed to win, with two tigers glaring at him, taking it would be a one-way ticket to the underworld.

[Curses! I shouldn’t have come here.]

Liu Yizhen regretted it until his insides turned green. It was too late now though. Now that he was on stage, he’d lose his name if his performance was sub-par.

He considered himself fortunate, that he was not on their level and losing wasn’t that much of a big deal.

Liu Yizhen sighed happily for the first time in life, that he was doomed to lose. His thoughts would’ve widened no few pairs of eyes.

[Grandmaster Liu, didn’t you say just now that one has to be confident when refining? Why are you quitting before even starting?]

Each had their own thoughts. Yet, most decided to take a step back on this. In such an ardent competition, they didn’t have the nerve to join.

Xiao Ya noticed the prevalent atmosphere but ignored it, “The target of the first round is… a 1st grade pill.”

Those that already took a step back shivered with confidence. [Is there anyone who can’t make it? Why the hell would we come here if we can’t make one damned 1st grade pill?]

Xiao Ya continued, “A 1st grade is simple, but the method isn’t, as well as the efficiency. In this first round, you will be competing with your refining skills. The alchemist must accomplish the refining of a 1st grade pill as soon as possible. Only the quickest hundred can advance.”

What?!

This crushed their kindling hope to dust.

A competition involving thousands of participants had the first round eliminating most of them. Was it really necessary to be so cruel?

“I have with me a little bell, as do the Drifting Flowers Edifice’s disciples. One ring gives the start and another the end. And, begin!”

Ding!

Xiao Ya directly rang her bell.