At that moment, all were still immersed in astonishment and envy, utterly unaware of the arrival of Master Yin and Elder Mu.
Gu Qingli's talent was nothing short of extraordinary—what took others half a year of arduous effort, she had accomplished in less than a single day.
Gu Qiqi was left utterly speechless, unable to muster even a single mocking word. After all, no one present was blind; such an achievement was unparalleled among the entire cohort of apprentices.
Within the current generation of the Gu clan, though numerous in number, there were scarcely any with genuine potential to become alchemists.
But Gu Qingli had no time to concern herself with their thoughts. Her mind was focused, carefully recalling the final step of the alchemy process described in the Phoenix Flame Codex.
She began by adding the four medicinal powders with compatible properties into the cauldron, then guided the flames with her soul power, gradually merging them into one.
This stage posed little difficulty—the four powders blended smoothly into a harmonious whole.
However, the final ingredient was far more troublesome. It was a mild, temperate herb, meant to neutralize the potency and conflict among the previous four, thus making the final elixir more easily absorbed and tolerated by the human body.
Ironically, it was precisely this herb—meant to bring balance—that proved the most resistant to integration. Every other substance instinctively rejected it.
This step demanded soul power and concentration of the highest caliber. Gu Qingli dared not relax for a moment. She intensified the flames beneath the cauldron, and with a surge of soul force, began to forcefully compress the two powders together.
The moment they touched, they repelled one another violently, like two water-filled spheres pushed into contact, only to spring apart again.
It would take immense spiritual might to subdue and fuse them.
Sweat streamed down Gu Qingli's face; her robes clung to her from the exertion. The strain on her soul was immense, leaving her utterly exhausted. Yet sensing how close she was to success, she gritted her teeth and deepened her soul's influence.
Suddenly, the powders within the cauldron erupted in a fierce upheaval, resisting violently in one final struggle. Knowing the critical moment had arrived, Gu Qingli summoned every last ounce of soul power within her, pouring it forth to pin the two rebellious substances together.
Time seemed to lose meaning. Her soul force nearly depleted, her body trembling from fatigue, yet not once did she falter. Her eyes remained locked on the cauldron, wide with sheer determination.
Her soul force held the powders firmly in place. Around her, the apprentices held their breath, all eyes fixed upon the cauldron with bated anticipation.
Even Elder Mu appeared tense, turning to Master Yin to ask in a low voice, "Do you think the Sixth Miss will succeed?"
His heart pounded in his chest. If she could complete the pill on her first attempt, what staggering talent that would be!
Even if she failed, her performance thus far had already proven her to possess the most formidable alchemical gift seen in generations of the Gu clan.
Master Yin watched Gu Qingli's focused, delicate face with deep appreciation and murmured,
"This little girl is far from ordinary. It seems the Gu clan is about to welcome a true alchemist."
No sooner had his words fallen than a rich, fragrant aroma began to drift through the hall.
A wave of joyful exclamations broke out:
"She did it! The Sixth Miss actually succeeded!"
"Incredible!"
Strength commands respect—and reverence for strength is only natural.
Especially when they knew: only when a pill has truly taken form does such a unique medicinal fragrance fill the air.
To succeed on the very first try—what did that signify?
No one would be foolish enough to offend a rising alchemist.