On the morrow, as the first light of dawn began to peek through the veil of night, the bustling city started to hum like a massive, well-oiled machine. The people streaming through its streets were the fuel that brought this great engine to life. Without question, the most crowded and lively place in the city that day was the grand Imperial Square. News of yesterday’s breathtaking alchemy competition had spread like wildfire, drawing an ever-increasing number of onlookers, all captivated by the spectacle. Despite the early hour, a sea of heads already stretched to the horizon outside the square, waiting for the gates to open.
As time passed, a ray of morning light pierced through the clouds, illuminating the vast city. When the sun finally rose, the tightly shut gates of the Imperial Square slowly creaked open. The throngs of people outside surged forward like a tidal wave, pouring into the square.
When Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong arrived at the square, they were met with a long line of people winding through the entrance. They exchanged glances and shook their heads, recognizing that today’s audience would be even more frenzied than yesterday’s.
“Follow me,” said Hai Bo Dong, scanning the crowd. He then led Xiao Yan away from the main entrance, walking towards a quieter side of the square.
As they walked, the noise gradually diminished. Turning a corner, Xiao Yan noticed a side entrance to the square, guarded by a contingent of fully armed soldiers. Ignoring the guards, Hai Bo Dong led Xiao Yan through the gate, and the soldiers, recognizing them, did not interfere.
Inside the gate, they walked a short distance before the view opened up. To Xiao Yan’s surprise, Liu Ling and Little Princess were already there, along with many other contestants who had passed the previous two rounds of testing. The group of young alchemists chatted and laughed among themselves.
Upon seeing Xiao Yan and Hai Bo Dong enter, the conversations of the others hushed. Although Xiao Yan was still wearing his robes of a second-grade alchemist, no one here was foolish enough to believe that this was his true strength. The awe-inspiring display he had shown yesterday had left everyone in amazement, and he now held a commanding position among the contestants.
This leading status was something even Liu Ling and Little Princess could not match. After all, Yan Li’s scornful remarks had demoralized most of the contestants from the Jia Empire, but Xiao Yan was the only one who had retaliated with his formidable skills.
Wherever you go, those with real talent and power always command respect, and this was no different in the world of alchemy.
“Haha, Mr. Yan Xiao, you’re quite early today,” Little Princess greeted, turning to Xiao Yan with a smile.
“You’re not late either, Little Princess,” replied Xiao Yan, maintaining a polite demeanor despite his initial reservations about her.
“Today’s test is the final round, Mr. Yan Xiao. We can’t lose to that guy,” Little Princess said, undeterred by Xiao Yan’s noncommittal response.
“I’ll do my best. That guy isn’t simple, either,” Xiao Yan nodded, acknowledging the challenge.
“Mr. Yan Xiao, I’m counting on you not to make any mistakes. I’m looking forward to our showdown,” Liu Ling added, joining the conversation with a faint smile. Though he had also managed to pass the previous rounds, he was clearly outmatched by Xiao Yan, which was a blow to his pride.
Xiao Yan nodded casually and looked up, noticing Fa Mar and the other guild elders descending from the second floor. Seeing Xiao Yan, Fa Mar smiled warmly and led the group down to greet them.
As they descended, Xiao Yan noticed Elder Jia following behind, chatting lightly with the other guild elders. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Fa Mar and Elder Jia, Xiao Yan turned, sensing a presence. At the entrance, a gray-robed youth was walking in.
The arrival of the gray-robed youth immediately quieted the hall. All eyes, filled with various emotions, were fixed on him.
“Looks like what he said last night was true; he’s returned to his usual appearance today…” Xiao Yan thought, shaking his head. Was the so-called “Restoration Pill” really so effective that even a Battle Emperor could not distinguish the truth?
Fa Mar and Elder Jia exchanged a glance, their smiles hiding a chill. As the pinnacle of power in the Jia Empire, Yan Li’s brazen display of arrogance in front of them was provocative, if not suicidal. If it weren’t for the setting and the reputation of the guild, the three Battle Emperors would have put an end to him on the spot.
The gray-robed youth, or rather, Yan Li, walked in with a smirk on his youthful face, his gaze indifferent as it swept over Fa Mar and the others. He strode confidently toward the entrance to the square. As he passed Xiao Yan, he paused and sneered, “Among you three, you’re the only one with some skill. But your luck ends today. In this final round, I won’t hold back. Haha!”
Xiao Yan merely shrugged calmly, while Little Princess’ face darkened, and Liu Ling’s face turned ashen. As a disciple of the Alchemy King, this was the first time he had been so disrespected.
“Let’s just focus on the competition,” Xiao Yan sighed, estimating the time and turning to walk into the square. Little Princess followed reluctantly, while Liu Ling stood there, grinding his teeth and cursing Yan Li before finally leaving the hall.
Seeing the contestants filing into the hall, Elder Jia frowned and whispered to Fa Mar, “You seem to be putting your hopes on Yan Xiao. But can he really defeat Yan Li?”
“Sigh… I don’t know. I’ve done everything I can. The rest is up to Yan Xiao,” Fa Mar replied, honestly unsure of the outcome. Despite Yan Xiao’s talent, his youth was a disadvantage.
Elder Jia nodded, understanding, and did not pry into the details of Fa Mar’s arrangements.
Stepping out of the corridor, the blinding sunlight illuminated the vast, open space. Roars of excitement washed over Xiao Yan like a tidal wave. Shielding his eyes, he gazed at the packed stands, marveling at the sheer number of people. He smiled at Little Princess, who was standing beside him, and made his way to his designated spot in the center of the square.
In the stands, the appearance of Xiao Yan caused a stir. Many people whispered among themselves, discussing his performance.
“He’s the one from yesterday, isn’t he? He’s so young too…”
“His name is Yan Xiao, right? He looks no older than twenty. How envious.”
“Only he seems to be a match for that gray-robed youth from the Cloud Empire. If it weren’t for him, the Cloud Empire would have taken the top spot yesterday.”
“Today is the most crucial test. I hope he can beat that Cloud Empire guy. Otherwise, the Alchemist Guild will look bad…”
Ignoring the chatter, Xiao Yan quietly took his place and sat cross-legged on the stone platform, closing his eyes to meditate and review the intricate techniques and crucial points of the “Three-Line Green Spirit Pill.”
As time passed, more and more contestants filled the square, each settling into their spots to prepare for the final round. The ones who had made it this far were no slouches in terms of both strength and composure. No one wanted to be eliminated due to a minor mistake.
As the sun climbed higher, the seats around the square were packed with eager spectators. Suddenly, the clear sound of a bell echoed across the square, silencing the crowd.
Opening his eyes, Xiao Yan exhaled deeply and stood, looking toward the VIP seats where Fa Mar was seated.
“Cough,” Fa Mar cleared his throat, his calm gaze sweeping the crowd. Gradually, the noise died down, and his deep, steady voice resonated, “Ladies and gentlemen, today’s test is the most critical. The winner will be the champion of this gathering. So, give it your all!”
The audience erupted in cheers, their roars echoing to the sky. Massaging his ears, Xiao Yan glanced at Yan Li, who was smirking nearby, and murmured, “It’s finally starting. Prepare to fight with everything you have…”
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