The crowd made way as Han Yu walked forward, confident and calm. The energy that had once ignored him now gravitated to him. Some disciples whispered his name with new respect. Others simply stared, mouths open.
He stopped in front of the judging table.
Elder Wei, the silken-bearded man who'd posted the scores, looked down with mild interest.
"You made the Mind-Mender Spirit Pill, yes?"
"Yes, Elder."
"Do you know the passing rate for this pill among Intermediate Rank alchemists?"
"I heard it was below ten percent, Elder."
"Correct. And yet your pill was not just formed—but of high purity and peak stability. That is extremely rare."
Han Yu bowed politely. "I practiced it thoroughly. I had a good teacher."
"Li Mei, I presume?"
Han Yu gave a small, respectful smile.
The elder chuckled. "Of course. Only she would pick such a troublesome pill for a student."
