Silence. A deathly silence, the once lively hall fell into an eerie hush in an instant, as the red light from the testing machine flickered across everyone’s faces, casting a comical, stupefied expression. Staring dumbfounded at the flashing screen, Otto, who had been somewhat exasperated by Xiao Yan’s earlier performance, now felt as if his heart was being tossed and turned. To refine Tiewu Spirit Leaves eight times—a feat almost on par with some newly minted fourth-grade alchemists. Otto himself, with his current flame control, could only manage nine times at best… Yet, Xiao Yan, at such a young age, had already reached this level. Such a cultivation talent could only be described with one word: monster!
Otto had never underestimated Xiao Yan’s alchemy talent, but what he displayed now made Otto realize that even his high expectations were still too low. “This guy must have had the ability to pass the third-grade alchemist assessment long ago. Hmph, he kept it hidden so well, giving me, an old man, quite a fright…”
Muttering to himself, Otto looked at the youth’s calm face and shook his head wryly.
The silence in the hall finally began to ease after a while, replaced by a variety of gazes filled with awe, curiosity, and jealousy, all directed at the slender figure. No one dared to look at Xiao Yan with the same dismissive eyes as before.
The little princess, biting her lip, gradually calmed down from her shock. Her gaze swept over Xiao Yan, and thinking about her earlier attitude, a hint of helplessness and resentment flashed in her eyes. “This guy, deliberately hiding his strength to make others look down on him. Does he have a masochistic streak?”
Of course, given the strength Xiao Yan had displayed, the little princess could only voice her thoughts in her heart. She knew that her earlier attitude had probably left a bad taste in Xiao Yan’s mouth, so she didn’t choose to immediately approach him with an apology. Even though Xiao Yan might be an excellent hidden seed, it didn’t mean the royal little princess would humble herself to try to befriend him. However, honestly, missing out on such an outstanding person did leave her a bit disgruntled.
While the little princess mumbled to herself, Liu Ling, standing beside her, wore a complex expression. His eyes fixed on the flashing red score, he seemed to be questioning the authenticity of the testing machine. Nine points—my goodness, that was two points higher than him! For the inherently proud Liu Ling, this was hard to accept.
The crowd in the hall, under the shock of such results, showed a variety of expressions, making for quite a spectacle.
Coughing lightly, Chemil woke everyone from their stupor. He gazed at the ordinary-looking youth before him with a complicated expression. After a long moment, he sighed, “Ah, it seems I’m truly getting old, nearly… But Little Friend Rock Python, you’ve kept your true strength hidden well. With your abilities, that second-grade badge on your chest is a bit unworthy of you.”
After witnessing Xiao Yan’s somewhat terrifying performance, Chemil’s address to him changed subtly. Regardless of Xiao Yan’s true strength, just his refining technique was not something an average alchemist could pull off. Moreover, Xiao Yan’s age and potential were the real reasons for Chemil’s respect. At around twenty years old, he could refine Tiewu Spirit Leaves eight times, which even Gu He, back in his prime, might not have been able to do. And, most importantly, someone who could teach such an outstanding student—what kind of strength must that teacher possess?
Sensing the subtle change in the other’s tone, Xiao Yan smiled calmly, “Vice President, you flatter me. I’m just good at fire control. Everything else is not worth mentioning.”
After this shocking test, Chemil and the others naturally wouldn’t believe Xiao Yan’s words. They smiled along, thinking he was still trying to hide his strength.
“Old Otto, you have a keen eye…” Turning to Otto, Chemil patted his shoulder, which had recovered from its shock, and said, “This is quite unexpected. Who would have thought that in just a year, this young man would improve so much? When he passed the second-grade alchemist assessment at our guild, it was still far from this level. This progress is truly astonishing.”
Although the envious glances from the old guys made Otto feel good, he still shook his head with a wry smile. “Forget it, let’s not talk about that. Let’s announce the test results.”
Stroking his white beard, Otto saw the calm look on Xiao Yan’s face and decided not to push the matter further, reminding them, “What’s there to announce? Rock Python’s result is obviously the best, followed by Liu Ling, and then Yue’er. Besides those who didn’t meet the requirements, the rest can be considered to have passed.”
Chemil laughed, then turned to Xiao Yan and the others, saying solemnly, “First, congratulations on passing the guild’s internal test. Tomorrow, the Alchemist Conference will begin. You should know that besides our country’s alchemists, there will also be some outstanding alchemists from other countries. Their strength is not to be underestimated. Do your best to outshine them. If our empire’s competition is won by a foreign alchemist, it would be quite embarrassing…”
“Yes!” The patriotic fervor roused the young men, and they shouted excitedly, the sound echoing through the hall.
With his hands lazily in his sleeves, Xiao Yan glanced at the enthusiastic young people around him. Besides a few like Liu Ling, most of them had flushed faces. Glancing at Liu Ling’s slightly gloomy face, Xiao Yan’s lips curled. Clearly, the guy was still upset about losing the test.
Tapping his fingers idly, Chemil’s passionate speech meant nothing to Xiao Yan. Though he was at the age when youthful arrogance was expected, it was hard to find in Xiao Yan. If it weren’t for the allure of the conference’s prize, he might not have even participated. Whether a foreigner or an imperial alchemist became the champion, frankly, it was none of his concern.
Standing on the high platform, Chemil slowly scanned the enthusiastic participants below. When his gaze fell on the calm-faced Xiao Yan, he paused, then narrowed his eyes, his respect for him growing stronger. “This young man is quite extraordinary…”
If it were an older person, displaying such composure wouldn’t be surprising, but a young man in his twenties, who should be at the peak of arrogance, had the calmness of a seasoned elder. This was certainly something to take seriously.
To Chemil, Xiao Yan had both the strength and the character to become a strong player. These were the two most important qualities for becoming a master, and he had both. Rising to the top was just a matter of time.
“After we get back, I’ll ask Old Otto for more details about Rock Python. If he’s nurtured well, he might become another Dan King Gu He, or even surpass him.”
Muttering to himself, Chemil continued, “If he has the potential, we can’t let such a talent fall into the hands of those factions from Yunlan Sect again.”
With these thoughts, Chemil stopped delaying and waved his hand, smiling at the crowd, “Well, the test is over. Everyone, please go back and remember the start time of tomorrow’s conference. Don’t be late!”
Hearing this, the crowd bowed to the elders on the high platform and dispersed.
“Rock Python, I didn’t expect you to be so well-hidden. I admire you, Liu Ling,” a voice stopped Xiao Yan as he was about to leave with the crowd. Turning to the smiling Liu Ling, Xiao Yan replied, “Just luck, nothing hidden.”
“Still so modest, Rock Python. I think you used a Heavenly Flame in the test, right?” Liu Ling smiled. Although the facts were clear, he still couldn’t believe Xiao Yan had achieved such a score solely through his own strength. Recalling the Heavenly Flame, he was more at peace. In his view, Xiao Yan must have used a Heavenly Flame to achieve such an excellent score. If he used his ace, he wouldn’t be much worse than Xiao Yan.
A genius, suddenly encountering a peer far surpassing him, would always find excuses to show he wasn’t inferior. Xiao Yan glanced at the handsome young man, understanding the hidden meaning. He smiled mockingly, “Liu Ling, if you say so, then so be it. I have no objections.”
Xiao Yan had no intention of arguing, as it was pointless. If Liu Ling wanted to believe his delusions, let him. The truth would eventually slap him in the face. Speaking now would only make Liu Ling think he was hiding something, so what could Xiao Yan say?
With a sardonic smile, Xiao Yan walked out of the door, vanishing from Liu Ling’s sight.
Staring coldly at Xiao Yan’s departing back, Liu Ling’s lips formed a thin line, and his hand tightened. He muttered coldly, “Why be so arrogant? The conference isn’t just about material refinement. In the conference, I’ll show you that without your Heavenly Flame, you’re basically useless!”
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