A collective gasp spread through the crowd of students upon hearing Xiao Yan's wager.
Good heavens! Han Xian was eyeing Xiao Yan's pill recipes, yet Xiao Yan was targeting the entire Medicine Gang!
Among the numerous factions within the Inner Academy, who wasn't coveting the Medicine Gang? Even Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing had attempted to form alliances with them, only to be unequivocally rejected by Han Xian.
After all, alchemists were proud and aloof by nature, so it was only natural that they wouldn't agree to such propositions. Thus, until now, no one had been able to absorb the Medicine Gang.
"Since it's a bet, both sides should have something to gain," Xiao Yan said with a smile. "What you've proposed is merely what I deserve. Even if we don't wager, there's nothing you can do to stop me. As for ten thousand Fire Energy, I have no worries about earning that."
In truth, Xiao Yan was already secretly delighted. He knew that he couldn't keep refining pills endlessly, for alchemy consumed his mental energy. Even if his Dou Qi was sufficient, after refining pills he would feel exhausted and just want to lie down instead of cultivating.
Therefore, he understood that he couldn't always rely on alchemy to earn Fire Energy. If he could bring the Medicine Gang, this money-making machine, under his wing and absorb it, he wouldn't have to worry about running out of Fire Energy.
"Gang Leader, accept the bet!"
"Yeah! We believe in you, Gang Leader! You will definitely win!"
"Exactly! He's just relying on pill recipes. In terms of true strength, Gang Leader Han will definitely defeat him!"
When Han Xian heard the fervent shouts from his gang members, his confidence surged. His eyes flashed with determination as he declared in a deep voice, "Very well! Then we'll use the same pill recipe, and after the pills are completed, we'll see whose pill quality is superior!" Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Alright, but whose pill recipe will we use?" Han Xian said calmly, "Whichever pill recipe we use from either of us would likely cause suspicion from the other party. Therefore, I suggest we use a pill recipe from the Inner Academy's collection. It just so happens that I'm acquainted with Elder Hao, who is in charge of the Pill Recipe Repository. This time, we can borrow a pill recipe from him and invite him to serve as our judge and notary. What do you think?"
"Fine by me," Xiao Yan replied casually.
"Then, three days from now, at the Northern Plaza, we'll determine the victor through alchemy!"
Three days passed in a flash. Finally, under the eager anticipation of many, the day of the alchemy duel between Xiao Yan and Han Xian arrived.
Many students had gathered at the designated plaza early, especially the alchemists of the Inner Academy, who had arrived even earlier.
No alchemist would miss such a pinnacle showdown. Otherwise, it would be a lifelong regret!
Outside the plaza, people were packed so tightly that not even water could trickle through. Even in the distant sky, several Dou King elders with Dou Qi wings had come to watch. One could imagine the immense sensation this alchemy duel had caused.
"Who do you think will win?"
"Definitely Han Xian! Do you think he just became a 4th-tier alchemist? He was already a 4th-tier alchemist three years ago. Now, after three more years, he should at least be at the middle or even high grade of the 4th tier."
"That's true. I've seen the spirit liquid that Xiao Yan refined. The quality was actually average; it's just that the pill recipe was excellent, so the efficacy was good. I think his skill is probably at the low-grade 4th-tier at best."
Amidst the chatter in the plaza, the first to appear was Elder Hao, who was presiding over the bet. He had prepared the medicinal ingredients and pill recipes for both parties. The two sets of ingredients were meticulously selected; whether in age, appearance, or potency, they were nearly identical, leaving no room for discrepancy.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Han Xian arrived on time, escorted by a group from the Medicine Gang. His demeanor was outstanding as his robe fluttered, and the 4th-tier badge on his alchemist robe was particularly eye-catching.
"Hey, look! Xiao Yan is here!"
In contrast, there were only two people standing on the other side of the plaza on Xiao Yan's side.
The two were engrossed in pleasant conversation as they slowly appeared in everyone's sight. Xiao Yan's demeanor at this moment was entirely different from Han Xian's. His face was full of smiles, and his words elicited charming laughter from Xun Er.
"This Xiao Yan is actually still flirting! Is he not nervous at all?"
"Who knows? Maybe he thinks his alchemy skills are unrivaled under the heavens."
Elder Hao, seeing that both Xiao Yan and Han Xian had arrived, coughed lightly twice, and the entire venue instantly fell silent.
His voice, infused with powerful Dou Qi, suppressed all other sounds. His gaze swept across the crowd before he leisurely took out an ancient-looking, slightly yellowed scroll from his storage ring. With a faint smile, he said, "I have always been extremely interested in alchemy, but due to the stringent requirements to become an alchemist, I had to give up with regret. Today, I'm quite pleased to oversee this rare alchemy competition in the Inner Academy and ensure its fairness. However, you all know of my reputation, so please cast aside any doubts about the impartiality of this competition."
Elder Hao's words were met with waves of approval from the crowd below. Clearly, his reputation for fairness was well-known within the Inner Academy.
"Today's competition topic was personally selected by me. Until now, neither Xiao Yan nor Han Xian knows what they will be refining." The responses from below made the smile on Elder Hao's face grow a bit wider. He lightly tapped the scroll with his palm, then turned to Xiao Yan and Han Xian, smiling as he said, "I'll say this in advance; this topic is rather challenging. I wonder if you two dare to accept it?"
"Of course," Han Xian said proudly.
Xiao Yan shrugged nonchalantly, "Doesn't matter to me. The result will be the same."
"Very well. This is the pill recipe for the Low Tier 5 Dragon Strength Pill. Its effect is to temporarily increase physical strength and is suitable for those at the Dou King realm." "I've prepared two sets of medicinal ingredients for each of you, identical in age and quality," Elder Hao said as he handed the pill recipes to the two.
Even Xiao Yan's eyes flashed with excitement upon hearing it was a tier 5 pill recipe. A tier 5 pill recipe was extremely precious even for him. After all, it was suitable for elite Dou Kings!
"Wow, the academy really went all out this time!"
"Between the two of them, there are four sets of tier 5 medicinal ingredients, and they even provided a tier 5 pill recipe. This is quite the investment. If this were outside, it would be worth as much as a Dou King Pill."
"Is this old fellow here to ensure fairness or to cause trouble? Making two juniors refine a tier 5 pill?" Some of the elders who had come to watch couldn't help but mutter upon hearing the
difficulty of the topic.
After reading the pill recipe's introduction, Han Xian furrowed his brows but then cupped his fists toward Elder Hao and said, "Since Elder Hao thinks so highly of us, I will definitely give
Elder Hao nodded, then turned to look at Xiao Yan. "What about you?"
"Me?" Xiao Yan replied nonchalantly, "I can start anytime. If he has no objections, then
With both sides having no objections, Elder Hao announced, "Since there are no issues, let's not delay. The alchemy duel between Han Xian and Xiao Yan begins now."
Han Xian was full of vigor and confidence after receiving the medicinal ingredients. He took a deep breath, and his entire being became sharp and imposing. He stared at Xiao Yan and said, "Now, let's begin the refinement."
"Hmm? 'Let's'? You go ahead first." Xiao Yan yawned and said, "I know you're very confident
in your alchemy skills. If we refine at the same time, I'm afraid you might even struggle to control your flame. To avoid you making excuses later, I'll let you start first. I'll begin after you successfully refine the Dragon Strength Pill."
Xiao Yan didn't want to refine pills at the same time as Han Xian. If his Heavenly Flame influenced Han Xian's flame, and Han Xian later accused him of interference and refused to
accept the result, wouldn't that be unjust?
"You!" Han Xian felt deeply insulted by Xiao Yan's words, his face flushing red with anger. He had absolute confidence in his alchemy skills and had always been considered the most talented alchemist in the Inner Academy, even expected to become an elder in the Alchemy
Department in the future!
How could he not be furious?
The spectators felt that Xiao Yan's words were too arrogant. Although many acknowledged his formidable cultivation talent and impressive feats, such as leading the freshmen to defeat numerous senior students and maintaining a close relationship with Zi Yan, the top ranker on the Strong Ranking, even the 5th-tier alchemist elders of the Alchemy Department didn't dare underestimate Han Xian's alchemy skills. Yet now, Xiao Yan actually didn't put Han Xian
Han Xian took a deep breath, quickly suppressing his anger and regaining his composure. He said seriously, "Fine, then I'll respectfully comply! I will make you admit defeat wholeheartedly!"
It had to be said that Han Xian was indeed worthy of being a genius who had reached the 4th tier in his early twenties. He managed to calm his anger in such a short time.
Xiao Yan secretly nodded. No wonder the Medicine Gang was thriving under his leadership.
Han Xian snorted coldly as he saw Xiao Yan really step off the plaza and sit aside. With a wave of his hand, a golden-yellow medicinal cauldron appeared. Sunlight reflected off its surface, emitting dazzling brilliance that forced people to avert their gaze.
But that wasn't all. In the next moment, a golden flame emerged from his palm. Although this flame was far inferior to a Heavenly Flame, it was the highest-grade flame Xiao Yan had seen apart from Heavenly Flames. It was even slightly stronger than the Beast Flame of the Rank 6 Amethyst Winged Lion King.
Han Xian couldn't help but feel proud when he noticed Xiao Yan's slightly surprised expression. He declared loudly, "This flame of mine is called the 'Illusionary Golden Flame'.
It remains in the shell of a Rank 7 Illusionary Fire Scorpion Dragon Beast after its hatchling
"Damn! Han Xian actually possesses such a beast flame!"
Not only did the students below react with shock, but even Elder Hao and some elders showed signs of astonishment upon hearing the name. Rank 7! That was equivalent to an elite Dou Ancestor! Who would have thought that this flamboyantly brilliant golden flame had such an
But then, remembering that this freak Xiao Yan even possessed a Heavenly Flame, Elder Hao and the others could only shake their heads helplessly. No wonder Xiao Yan let him go first.
When the Heavenly Flame appears, all other flames submit. Even a Rank 7 Beast Flame was no exception. "Ha!" Han Xian slapped the Illusionary Golden Flame into the medicinal cauldron and began adding the ingredients. His movements were swift and fluid, indeed showcasing some skill.