Translator: Silavin
In the western part of the Alchemy Tower, there was a huge pavilion where subtle ripples emanated. This was the location of the Alchemy Tower’s Spiritual Refinement Array.
In front of this pavilion’s gate stood a huge stone tablet about ten metres in size.
At the top of the stone tablet were three glowing red characters… Spiritual Refinement Ranking!
This was the ranking board for current Apprentices who challenged the Spiritual Refinement Array. Only those who ranked on both the Spiritual Refinement Ranking and the Alchemy Technique Ranking qualifies for the Alchemy Ranking!
Below the three characters ‘Spiritual Refinement Ranking’, golden light flickered, with names in golden light. They permeated honour, and were engraved there, receiving the admiration and reverence of the Alchemy Tower Apprentices.
“Spiritual Refinement Ranking 100th Place: Three Stars Apprentice: Ye Xiongmeng! Spiritual Refinement Array Fourth Heaven First Layer!”
“…”
“Spiritual Refinement Ranking Second Place: Four Stars Apprentice: Zhao Ritian! Spiritual Refinement Array Sixth Heaven Ninth Layer!”
“Spiritual Refinement Ranking First Place: Four Stars Apprentice: Wang Daoyun! Spiritual Refinement Array Seventh Heaven First Layer!”
In the Alchemy Tower, Qin Yichen continued his daily cultivation. Two days passed quickly under such training, and today was the day for New Apprentices get to challenge the Spiritual Refinement Array.
During these two days, news about the lowest-ranking New Apprentice defeating several Senior Apprentices had spread to many ears. Thus, outside the Spiritual Refinement Array, many One Star, Two Stars, and even Three Stars Apprentices had gathered.
“Where’s Qin Yichen? Why hasn’t he shown up yet?”
“Who knows? Maybe those useless Senior Apprentices did not tell him about how he can challenge the Spiritual Refinement Array?”
It was nearly noon, and except for Qin Yichen, all New Apprentices had arrived. Seeing that Qin Yichen had not appeared yet, many Senior Apprentices who had rushed over could not help but whisper among themselves.
“Could it be that he is too scared to challenge the Spiritual Refinement Array?”
“Hehe, those useless fellows gave him so many Contribution Points. Even if he doesn’t come, he’ll only lose ten Contribution Points. That isn’t much to him.”
“That’s unlikely. That kid isn’t just some lowest-ranked Apprentice. I heard he defeated Elder Chixing’s Grandson in an Alchemy Duel.”
When in front of the Spiritual Refinement Array, hearing these discussions, Huyuan Songqing’s expression gradually grew dark.
“Young Master, don’t mind what they’re saying. As long as that brat dares to come, after today, he won’t exist in this world anymore.”
Seeing Huyuan Songqing’s dark expression, the Two Stars Apprentice beside him immediately said flatteringly.
“Hmph! If he dares come, I’ll make him regret being born into this world!” Huyuan Songqing coldly snorted, his eyes flashing with cold light, saying. “Du Yuanhong, remember, I don’t want him to die too easily. If you handle this well, in the future, you’ll follow me, Huyuan Songqing!”
“Rest assured, Young Master, I’ll definitely make that brat regret opposing you!” That Two Stars Apprentice called Du Yuanhong, hearing these words, immediately showed a trace of joy in his eyes, and quickly patted his chest in guarantee.
After all, Qin Yichen was just a slightly talented kid from a low tier city. Being able to deal with someone without any background while securing Huyuan Songqing’s support was something countless people dreamed of.
Finally, at noon, a tall figure appeared in view, and then, under everyone’s gaze, walked over calmly from the distance.
“Is that Qin Yichen? He seems ordinary, I can’t see anything special about him…”
“His timing is precise though, damn it. The Array challenge is about to begin, and he just shows up now.”
Seeing Qin Yichen appear, the Senior Apprentices curiously sized him up. They found that he did not have anything extraordinary about him. Thus, in their mind, he had made them wait so long, and cold mockery immediately rang out.
Under everyone’s gaze, Qin Yichen walked directly to Bian Lingzhu’s side and gave her a slight smile. To everyone’s surprise, Bian Lingzhu’s cold beautiful face also showed a trace of a smile, which immediately caused some Senior Apprentices to feel jealous.
“Damn that bastard. Fine, just enjoy your final moments!” Seeing Bian Lingzhu’s attitude toward Qin Yichen, Huyuan Songqing was enraged. He had pursued Bian Lingzhu for so long, but she had never smiled at him like that.
However, Qin Yichen seemed unaware of others’ gazes. He just stood there, quietly waiting for the Spiritual Refinement Array to open.
“This term’s New Apprentices, prepare to enter the Spiritual Refinement Array!”
Finally, two Instructors walked to the Spiritual Refinement Array, their gazes sweeping over Qin Yichen and other New Apprentices as they shouted.
*Hum…* As the two Instructors’ Spiritual Energy moved, the Spiritual Refinement Array’s door slowly opened.
“New Apprentices quickly enter. If you can’t handle it, crush the Talisman, and you’ll return here!”
One Instructor waved his arm, and nine Talismans flew out. Qin Yichen and others each caught one, then their figures darted into the pavilion.
“Instructors, Elder Chixing is worried about me, so he let him accompany me into the Spiritual Refinement Array.” Huyuan Songqing cupped his hands towards the two Instructors and said.
Hearing this, the two Instructors first frowned. After all, during New Apprentices’ first challenge of the Spiritual Refinement Array, Senior Apprentices were not allowed to enter. However, after Huyuan Songqing mentioned Elder Chixing’s name, the two Instructors exchanged glances, then threw out another Talisman without saying much.
Seeing Qin Yichen and others charge into the Spiritual Refinement Array, the many Senior Apprentices outside the pavilion could not help but create an uproar.
“Like newborn Calves unafraid of Tigers… hehe, when I first entered, I was also as impulsive as them. But, I ended up embarrassing myself as soon as I went in.”
“Hehe, among this batch of New Apprentices, three have Spiritual Energy Mastery reaching the Spirit Realm. I wonder if anyone can make it onto the Spiritual Refinement Ranking?”
“Not likely. You should know, in these decades, only one person has made it onto the Spiritual Refinement Ranking during their first attempt as a New Apprentice.”
As they discussed this, gazes could not help but turn to that Spiritual Refinement Ranking. Below the topmost position, the three characters ‘赵日天’ (Zhao Ritian) seemed to remind these Senior Apprentices of the sensation he had caused back then.
That incredibly arrogant guy, with his absolute monstrous talent, had forced the Alchemy Tower’s Apprentices to admire him. He was the one, in just a few short years, who had become an enviable Four Stars Apprentice, creating the record for the one fastest to advance to become a Four Stars Apprentice.
There were many people with monstrous talent, but none could match Zhao Ritian in making it onto the Spiritual Refinement Ranking as a New Apprentice.
Although Qin Yichen had defeated Huyuan Songqing, no one thought he could make it onto the Spiritual Refinement Ranking.