Since we've already engaged, we can't back down halfway. Of course, we must continue the confrontation, unless one is inferior. Only then will Gu Yao genuinely acknowledge defeat.
The spirit herbs for refining the Clear Spirit Pill are naturally provided by the Star-Moon Trading Company. Increasingly, more attention is directed towards Gu Yao. There's curiosity, anticipation, and some who think he shouldn't quit while ahead. If he loses this time, it will undoubtedly tarnish his previous reputation. There are those who admire Gu Yao's boldness, and plenty who harbor jealousy and discontent.
This time, Chi Changye did not leave. He stood behind Gu Yao, while Tian Feirong and Little Fatty guarded on the left and right like door gods. Now, they share both honor and disgrace with Gu Yao, especially since they are also friends.
Observing Gu Yao calmly activating the Earth Pulse Fire without any external influence, Liu Lingge's composure faltered. She couldn't believe how this young man, Gu Yao, remained so composed. Wouldn't he feel nervous, worried, or afraid of making a mistake?
Liu Lingge couldn't comprehend it because she didn't know that Gu Yao was once a highly sought-after alchemy master in the Interstellar Alliance. Regardless of fame, skepticism, or malicious attacks, he had experienced it all. Through those experiences, he learned to remain calm, focused solely on his passion for alchemy. And it was this dedication that led to his success.
After adjusting for a while, Liu Lingge managed to shield herself from Gu Yao's influence and began her alchemical process.
However, in the eyes of Jiang Yan and others, Liu Lingge seemed to fall short from the start, easily affected by Gu Yao. If she fails this time, it might be challenging to overcome the shadow left by Gu Yao.
On the contrary, Gu Yao remained focused solely on himself, as if he were competing against his own abilities rather than his opponent, Liu Lingxiao.
The surroundings were quiet, leaving only the scene of alchemy in the center.
Jiang Yan smiled, noticing familiar energies on the commercial street since Gu Yao successfully crafted the high-grade Revival Pill. The presence was from Dan Peak. It seemed they couldn't sit idly by. Li Shurong and Liu Lingge were just their advance troops, but the outcome didn't go as planned. Now, they should genuinely pay attention to Gu Yao.
People noticed that the repeated alchemy didn't seem to have a significant impact on Gu Yao. His movements remained fluid, gaining more admiration now than before. Despite his age and somewhat youthful appearance, his composure was remarkable.
"Ah, is he starting to fuse the pills after refining them?"
"He's separating the pills. This is the pill-separating technique. My goodness, is he going to succeed again?!"
When the alchemical furnace roared, even Jiang Yan couldn't help but show a shocked expression. Only Gu Yao's expression remained mostly unchanged, still focused. However, his face turned a bit pale. Continuously alchemizing, especially surpassing his cultivation level, was a considerable burden. Some worried, even though he had reached this point, it would be regrettable if he failed.
His face continued to pale, but his gaze remained resolute, with no hint of hesitation in his movements.
"Retrieve the pills!"
After the final pill-separating decision, pills flew out of the furnace. Gu Yao, however, couldn't muster the strength to pick up the jade bottle. He slumped down, yet before reaching the ground, Chichang Ye, who had stepped forward, caught him. She held the jade bottle, catching the flying pills.
As the pills entered the bottle, spiritual energy surged, and the lid automatically sealed.
Gu Yao couldn't even scratch his chin, laughing awkwardly. He never doubted that Chichang Ye would abandon him. He just found it a bit embarrassing. "I thought I could, but I almost couldn't hold on. Fortunately, the spirit herbs for this furnace weren't wasted."
Listening to this almost murmuring voice, Zhou Li nearly stumbled. What was this guy worrying about? Not about losing to Liu Lingge but about wasting spirit herbs? These herbs didn't require him to spend spirit stones. It's really hard to understand.
"You, quickly take the pill to recuperate. I'll keep watch," Chichang Ye said, somewhat indulgent.
"Okay."
Obediently swallowing the pill Chichang Ye handed to him, Gu Yao barely sat up, closed his eyes, and began to adjust, leaving everything to Chichang Ye without worrying that his recovery would be interrupted.
Chichang Ye casually placed a few formation discs to block external sounds and ensure a sufficient supply of spiritual energy with a Gathering Spirit Formation Disc.
Zhou Li took a moment before continuing to walk over. These two guys were really acting too casually. He clasped his fists and said, "Brother Chichang's previous battle earned him a name, and today Junior Brother Gu did the same. It's truly remarkable!"
"Politeness, Gu Yao has completed the task, and these are the pills." Chichang Ye handed over the jade bottle.
In fact, everyone already understood the situation just now. Nine Clear Spirit Pills were successfully refined by both parties. However, at almost the same time, Liu Lingge collected her pills, but only obtained five. The difference was evident, and Gu Yao couldn't believe that the quality of his nine pills would be inferior to Liu Lingge's five.
Now, everyone is anticipating the announcement of the results by Jiang Yan and his two companions. Zhou Li handed the bottle in his hand to Jiang Yan.
Jiang Yan's expression became more solemn. He opened the bottle, poured out one pill, took a deep breath, and announced, "High-grade Clear Spirit Pill, out of the nine pills, two are high-grade, and six are mid-grade."
Not a single low-grade pill, showing the level of Gu Yao's mastery of alchemy. This kind of alchemical talent unexpectedly appeared in a Qi Cultivation stage-five cultivator with a Four Spiritual Roots. Jiang Yan didn't know what to say.
In Liu Lingge's hands, clutching her pill bottle, her figure swayed slightly upon hearing the result. She lost, indeed!
For some reason, before the competition started, she had a premonition, but she quickly suppressed it. She was clearly in an advantageous position everywhere. How could she lose to such a weak new disciple?
However, reality was so cruel!
"Liu Junior Sister."
"No need to look; I lost. Junior Brother Gu's alchemy skills are impressive. I, Liu Lingge, am not as good. I'll seek guidance from Junior Brother Gu another day. Farewell."
Following Li Shurong, Liu Lingge also put away her alchemical furnace, stepped onto her flying tool, and swiftly left from the sky. Her figure seemed somewhat disheveled. In the sky, there seemed to be faint sighs, dissipated by the wind, without any visible figures.
Tian Feirong and Little Fatty exchanged glances and grabbed Zhou Li together. "Senior Brother Zhou, why did they leave so easily? What about the shop? Won't they give it to us? Gu Yao has won two rounds, won't a few more people come out to continue the competition?"
Jiang Yan smiled and said, "No, Dan Peak can't afford to lose this person. Rest assured, since they used the shop as a bet, they won't withhold it. Even if they don't, I, Jiang Senior Brother, will help you keep an eye on it and ensure you get it. I believe many disciples are looking forward to the opening of your shop. Don't be too modest; everyone is waiting for your high-grade pills."
"Okay, okay, we will definitely thank Junior Brother Gu." Tian Feirong hurriedly agreed, thinking that Senior Brother Jiang would help them get the shop. He laughed so much that his mouth almost split to his ears.
As Zhou Li said, this day was destined for Gu Yao to become famous. The students gathered here reluctantly left after a while. Fortunately, they also heard Senior Brother Jiang's words. The shop would open soon, and they could buy high-grade pills refined by Gu Yao. For those who could afford it, who would want to buy mid-grade or low-grade pills in the future?
As they left, news of this incident was bound to spread wider and wider. At the same time, Dan Peak's reputation was somewhat questioned. Of course, shaking Dan Peak's position was impossible. After all, Dan Peak had an eighth-grade alchemist overseeing it. Gu Yao, on the other hand, was only a Qi Cultivation stage-five cultivator with Four Spiritual Roots. Whenever his Spiritual Roots were mentioned, it was with a tone of regret.
As the students gradually dispersed, at some point, Jiang Yan looked up inexplicably and smiled. When he turned back, he saw Chichang Ye retracting her gaze. The original direction of her gaze happened to match his.
Under Dan Peak, three figures appeared. Two of them shouted to the figure walking ahead, "Senior Brother, is there something wrong with that person named Gu Yao? Did he hide his cultivation intentionally to tarnish our reputation?"
These two were the youngest disciples of Dan Peak's Lin Feng, who initially didn't take this challenge seriously. They were waiting for the moment when the opponent's true face would be exposed and not tolerated by the Outer Court. However, they received news of Li Shurong's defeat, shocking them. They immediately inquired and learned that Gu Yao had successfully refined a high-grade Revival Pill on the spot. They decided to secretly go and see what was happening. Unexpectedly, they ran into Senior Brother Ling Qi, who had come for the same purpose.
They secretly witnessed Gu Yao successfully refining a high-grade Clear Spirit Pill. They couldn't believe that a Qi Cultivation stage-five cultivator had such abilities. So, upon returning with Senior Brother, their first reaction was to question Gu Yao's situation.
Ling Qi's expression became serious. "He probably didn't hide his cultivation. His cultivation is not deep, but his spiritual sense is stronger than an ordinary cultivator's. Moreover, he should have received a decent alchemical inheritance, using different techniques and methods from our Dan Peak. Don't go and embarrass yourselves by challenging him at the same cultivation level, even if it's one level higher. For now, don't make things worse; let them give up the shop to avoid making us look bad."
The two disciples were very dissatisfied because they also had a share. However, knowing that the words had been spoken, if there was no follow-through, it would only make Dan Peak a laughingstock. With Senior Brother Ling Qi issuing the statement, they didn't dare to disobey. "Yes, Senior Brother, we will handle it."
"Let's go. Take this as a lesson today. Although Dan Peak holds a high position in our Heavenly Fortune Academy, there are still existences like Cuìyān Valley and Master Hú in Tianlin Continent. Not to mention the situation of Changxian Sect. Master has high expectations for you. Don't be limited by the Heavenly Fortune Academy and Tianlin Continent."
The two junior brothers' faces became more respectful and apprehensive.