Chapter 9: The Alchemist's Arena
The Alchemist's Guild competition filled Dawnriver City's grand arena, white stone gleaming under jade carvings. Lin Xuan stood among competitors, his gray robes plain. Liu Yue, Luo Shuang, and Liu Yang watched from the stands.
Master Huo announced: refine a 3rd-grade pill in an hour. Lin Xuan used a red flame publicly, hiding his silver-blue flame, crafting a glowing pill with Spirit Bone Grass and Starlight Petal. A Zhi Clan spy sabotaged a rival's cauldron, sparking chaos. Three assassins—7th Layer of Qi Gathering—targeted Lin Xuan.
Their qi blades slashed, but Illusion Diversion's clone distracted them. Celestial Glide wove him through, Tooth Dagger tearing an assassin's chest. A qi spear grazed his arm, but Iron Body Art held. Energy Devour weakened their strikes. The last assassin's qi eagle raked his back, but Tooth Dagger pierced its heart. The crowd cheered, mistaking it for a show.
Master Huo named Lin Xuan winner, giving rare herbs and spirit stones. "You've made enemies," he warned. Lin Xuan glanced at Liu Yue's relieved smile, that ache flaring.