The wager between Pan Gate and the Medicine Gang spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves throughout the Inner Academy. Students eagerly anticipated the showdown. Bloody duels in the Arena were common, but a contest between Rank 4 Alchemists was rare—something even five years of study might not guarantee witnessing.
Rank 4 Alchemists already enjoyed the respect and treatment of a Dou Wang-level expert, and only a handful existed in the entire Inner Academy. Naturally, this news had many students too excited to sleep, with some arriving early at the North Plaza to claim the best viewing spots.
The morning sun slowly rose, chasing away the lingering chill of night.
Figures dashed across rooftops, heading toward the North Plaza.
Outside Pan Gate's headquarters, over a hundred members stood in neat rows along the entrance road, waiting silently.
When Xiao Jietian and the others appeared, they all straightened and saluted loudly, respect in every gesture.
Xiao Jietian led the group toward the North Plaza. Along the way, bystanders noticed the imposing procession and the badges displayed on their chests, stepping aside with subtle envy. Pan Gate was the most prestigious and well-endowed force in the Inner Academy; many longed to join.
By the time they reached the plaza, it was packed with onlookers—but everyone made way. Eyes turned to Xiao Jietian, staring at his attire and badge with disbelief.
Elder Hao stood on the central high platform, flanked by a confidently poised Han Xian. Xiao Jietian guided the Pan Gate members to the edge of the platform, where they stopped, leaving only him and Xiao Yan to ascend.
"Am I seeing things? That's a Tier-5 Alchemist badge on Xiao Jietian?"
Students whispered, shocked by his robe. One by one, more noticed, gasping in unison.
Damn… damn it… damn it!
This is a new student? Has anyone ever seen such a ferocious newcomer? Where's justice?
Tier-5 Alchemists were extremely rare. Even Fire Elder, the head of the Alchemy Department, was only a Tier-5 Alchemist—and he was already elderly.
"This is terrifying. His cultivation is Dou Wang-level, and he's a Tier-5 Alchemist. Is he some kind of heaven-sent prodigy?"
Han Yue and Lin Xiuya, watching from the crowd, were equally stunned. Their own reputations as geniuses suddenly seemed insignificant.
"No… how could he cultivate like this? Is he even human?"
Yan Hao's small eyes widened, as if seeing a ghost. Han Yue, however, subtly smiled, a trace of pride she hadn't even realized.
Many elders of the Inner Academy were concealed around the high platform. Even Grand Elder Su Qian was present, clearly showing strong interest in the competition.
On the platform, Han Xian's hands trembled as he gazed at Xiao Jietian's Tier-5 robe. His mind went blank. What should I do now? I'll just split directly…
He realized he wasn't scheming against them—he had already been schemed against. Yet, he had no intention of conceding immediately; he would struggle, at least for show.
"I didn't expect Sect Master Xiao to be a Tier-5 Alchemist. It seems I've walked right into a trap," Han Xian muttered.
He forced his composure, cupped his hands to Xiao Jietian, and spoke respectfully.
Elder Hao nodded kindly at Xiao Jietian, choosing not to speak further, avoiding any appearance of partiality. Xiao Jietian returned the courtesy politely.
The plaza quieted as Elder Hao announced the rules, then unrolled a scroll with the pill formula.
Once all three received the information, Xiao Yan and Han Xian's expressions darkened, while Xiao Jietian remained calm. As expected, it's the Tier-5 Dragon Strength Pill, he thought.
The Dragon Strength Pill temporarily granted immense strength. Even among Tier-5 pills, it was difficult to refine; failure rates were high for Tier-5 Alchemists, and even greater for Rank 4.
"This time, the Inner Academy will provide each of you with three sets of medicinal ingredients. If all three attempts fail, you will be deemed to have failed."
Elder Hao's words triggered murmurs across the plaza.
Although Han Xian's face was grim, he regained some confidence. Even if Xiao Jietian was Tier-5, failure was still possible. A stroke of bad luck could give him an opportunity.
"The competition begins now!"
Elder Hao descended from the platform. Onlookers stared, unblinking.
Han Xian waved his hand, summoning a golden-yellow cauldron. He had wanted to provoke, but Xiao Jietian's rank forced him to exercise caution.
Xiao Yan waved his hand, and a black medicinal cauldron appeared. Xiao Jietian noted that Venerable Yao had ensured his disciple's appearance matched the situation.
Ultimate Class Introduction:
The Black Demon Cauldron, ranked eighth on the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking, is formed from a fragment of the world's dark essence. It greatly increases the success rate of pill refinement.
Xiao Yan's past cauldron explosions often embarrassed Venerable Yao. As his direct disciple, Venerable Yao could not bear to see him mocked repeatedly, so he lent him the prized Black Demon Cauldron. Xiao Yan had coveted it for a long time, even sleeping while hugging it the previous night.
Xiao Jietian brought out his Purple Heaven Cauldron, its magnificent presence drawing the attention of many. Elders frowned at the sight, sensing familiarity, and even Grand Elder Su Qian's eyes gleamed.
Han Xian's face darkened further as he sensed the powerful aura of their cauldrons. He summoned his Phantasm Gold Flame.
"Phantasm Gold Flame—the residual flame of a seventh-tier Phantasm Fire Scorpion Dragon hatchling," an announcer introduced. A seventh-tier magical beast was a Dou Zong-level existence.
Xiao Jietian and Xiao Yan summoned their Life Spirit Purifying Devouring Fate Lotus Flame and Green Lotus Core Flame.
Upon seeing the Heavenly Flames, Han Xian's Phantasm Gold Flame immediately seemed to bow, as if acknowledging an overwhelming superior.
His expression darkened further. These two appeared to be his natural nemeses, crushing him in every way.
Su Qian, familiar with the Fallen Heart Flame, recognized the Heavenly Flames immediately, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Once the flames entered the cauldrons, Han Xian's Phantasm Gold Flame stabilized.
The three focused, beginning refinement of the Dragon Strength Pill.
Xiao Jietian tossed medicinal ingredients into the Purple Heaven Cauldron, initiating purification.
Time flowed as herbs crackled in the flames, branches turning to ash, gradually forming medicinal liquid or powder.
At this moment, Xiao Jietian refined the last two ingredients carefully, methodically purifying them.
Puff…
A faint sound echoed across the plaza. Many onlookers' faces reflected both regret and awe.