C135 The Competition

Inside the jade bottle were three Qi Returning Pills that Lin Xuan had previously refined.

Master Ren Yuan took it, gave it a glance, and Master Mo peered over as well.

Almost immediately, both masters couldn't help but exclaim in unison:

"These are genuine, all three with Cloud Patterns!"

"They're still radiating warmth; it's clear they've just been freshly produced!"

Both masters were astounded.

They turned their attention to Lin Xuan, paying no mind to Sun Jingyun.

"Greetings, Master Ren Yuan, Master Mo!"

Lin Xuan greeted them with confidence and poise.

"Fellow Lin, are you the one who refined these three Qi Returning Pills?" Master Ren Yuan inquired, his eyes brimming with astonishment.

"Indeed, I refined these pills. May I proceed with the Spiritual Rank High-grade Pill Refiner assessment?" Lin Xuan responded.

The two masters were taken aback, their eyes wide with amazement.

Even though they had previously been briefed by Sun Jingyun, the reality before them was still startling.

These pills were the highest caliber Third Pattern Qi Returning Pills.

The Qi Returning Pill was merely a Rank 3 pill, which they could refine with ease.

They were also capable of producing Third Pattern Qi Returning Pills, albeit reliant on fortune.

For pills below Rank 3, a single batch of ingredients typically yielded no more than three pills.

Yet, they had never managed to refine three highest quality Third Pattern Qi Returning Pills in one go.

But Lin Xuan, a newcomer, had accomplished this feat.

Their shock was undeniable.

As Earth-ranked Alchemists who had witnessed numerous proclaimed alchemy prodigies, Lin Xuan's display of talent in alchemy left them in awe.

However, much like Sun Jingyun, they attributed Lin Xuan's success to luck rather than skill.

If Lin Xuan's prowess was indeed a reflection of his true ability, then his alchemy talent was alarmingly profound.

He would surpass even the Guild President.

Without concrete evidence, they remained skeptical.

Yet, even if it was a stroke of luck, it was a testament to Lin Xuan's exceptional gift in the art of Pill Dao.

He might well be beyond their own capabilities.

"Certainly, you may," Master Mo said with a light smile, having collected his thoughts.

Master Ren Yuan also nodded, chuckling lightly:

"Fellow Lin, I must say, your alchemy talent is truly remarkable."

"I predict you'll soon achieve the status of an Earth-ranked Alchemist."

"Thank you for the compliments, masters. I'm truly honored!"

Lin Xuan responded with humility.

The two masters were just about to continue their conversation with Lin Xuan when suddenly,

a loud bang echoed through the air.

They turned to see what had happened.

Mo Ruyan's furnace had unexpectedly exploded.

She managed the Pill Fire and ejected the remnants from the furnace.

Then, Mo Ruyan turned to Lin Xuan, her face a mix of anger and frustration, and accused,

"You made me lose my focus, and now the furnace has blown up!"

She had become distracted by Master Ren Yuan's words and lost control of the flame.

Mo Ruyan blamed Lin Xuan for the mishap.

Lin Xuan let out a scoff and chose not to respond.

Alchemy demands the utmost precision and focus.

Mo Ruyan's failure to maintain concentration resulted in her failed attempt at pill refining, and now she was trying to shift the blame onto him.

It was laughable.

"Silence!

Pill refining requires unwavering focus and the exclusion of external distractions.

Your lack of concentration caused the failure, and yet you try to deflect the blame?

Have you forgotten everything I've taught you?

Apologize to Fellow Lin this instant!"

Master Mo interjected sharply.

The evidence was clear: Lin Xuan possessed an exceptional gift for alchemy.

Even Master Mo might not measure up to Lin Xuan's prowess.

He had no desire to antagonize Lin Xuan, nor did he wish for his granddaughter to provoke him.

Mo Ruyan sulked, casting a resentful glance at Lin Xuan.

She recognized her error, but it stung that her grandfather had reprimanded her for the first time over someone her own age.

Still, under her grandfather's stern gaze, Mo Ruyan murmured an apology, her voice barely audible.

Afterward, Mo Ruyan challenged Lin Xuan with a defiant tone,

"Lin Xuan, are you planning to take the Spiritual Rank First Class Alchemist exam? How about we see who can score higher? Do you have the guts?"

Regrettably, Mo Ruyan had been so engrossed in her pill refining that she missed the earlier exchange.

It was only the mention of 'Earth-ranked Alchemist' that had thrown her off, resulting in the furnace explosion.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have been so bold as to propose a competition.

"Excellent!"

"The Alchemists' Guild hasn't seen a contest like this in quite some time. Fellow Lin, you should give it a try."

Upon hearing this, Master Ren Yuan and Master Mo glanced over at Lin Xuan and Mo Ruyan, offering their encouragement.

The two exchanged a look, a knowing smile playing on their lips.

Despite having evidence from Sun Jingyun and Lin Xuan's own admission, which clearly demonstrated Lin Xuan's exceptional alchemy talent, they had yet to witness it firsthand, leaving room for a sliver of doubt.

A duel might just ignite Lin Xuan's competitive spirit, pushing him to reveal even more of his abilities, which they were eager to confirm.

After all, Lin Xuan, despite his talent, was merely a sixteen-year-old at the height of his youthful vigor.

Moreover, the competition could serve to bridge the gap between Lin Xuan and Mo Ruyan.

A young man and woman, both of similar age and alchemical prodigies—if they were to come together, it would indeed be fortuitous.

Upon hearing the proposal, Lin Xuan maintained his composure:

"Agreed."

If Mo Ruyan was up for a challenge, he was more than willing to oblige.

This was the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his abilities and draw the attention of the Guild's upper echelon.

In doing so, he could acquire new skills to enhance his strength, talent, and potential.

The two masters beamed at Lin Xuan's acceptance.

Master Mo then addressed Lin Xuan, saying:

"As this is a competition, in the interest of fairness, we shall both refine the same pill.

Yan has crafted a low Rank 6 Spirit Accumulating Pill. Fellow Lin, how about you also try your hand at refining the Spirit Accumulating Pill?"

Lin Xuan appeared momentarily taken aback, but quickly nodded in agreement:

"No problem."

Just a few days prior, he had his first glimpse of pill refining when he observed Zhang Chen crafting a Rank 5 High-grade Spirit Gathering Pill at the Pill Refining Hall.

Little did he expect that in such a short span of time, he would be tasked with refining the more advanced Low Rank 6 Spirit Accumulating Pill.

The Spirit Accumulating Pill, a staple for those in the Spirit Opening Stage, posed a significantly greater challenge in its refinement compared to the Spirit Gathering Pill.

Lin Xuan let out a sigh.

Yet, fear was nowhere to be found within him.

This might only be his second attempt at pill refining, but he possessed a top-tier alchemy talent, one that stood out even among those of the Spirit Grade.

He planned to watch Mo Ruyan's method of refining pills and study the pill recipe closely. With that knowledge, he was confident he could refine pills with ease.

Such was the formidable power of exceptional talent.