"Haha... Slapping that old Huo Tan in the face, I'm starting to like this kid," Jia Xingtian laughed openly from the VIP platform, watching Xiao Se's actions without hiding his amusement.
"Haha... Seems like I was worrying for nothing," Fa Ma sighed in relief, patting his chest as he laughed excitedly.
"He really is a reliable young man," Ya Fei smiled slightly as she saw Xiao Se not only avoid failure like the others, but also be the first to form a pill, marveling at his talent.
"Yes, reliable indeed. It's as if everything is under his control, which makes one feel reassured," Nalan Yanran echoed, her gaze soft as she watched the young man near the pillar of light.
Although it was only the second round, Xiao Se's alchemy skills were clearly ahead of the other contestants, including the gray-robed boy who was suspected to be a fifth-grade alchemist.
Yao Ye, sitting nearby, heard Ya Fei and Nalan Yanran's admiration and couldn't help but glance curiously at the two women who were intently watching Xiao Se. In Ya Fei's eyes, Yao Ye caught a faint trace of affection, and it seemed that Nalan Yanran was beginning to show similar feelings.
"He sure knows how to attract women," Yao Ye muttered to himself, a smirk tugging at his lips as he looked at Xiao Se once again.
On the other side, the gray-robed boy was practically fuming. As the president of the Alchemist Association of the Izumo Empire, he had just been publicly humiliated by a young boy who was still wet behind the ears.
While the injury wasn't severe, the insult certainly was.
After placing the newly refined Windwalking Pill into the copper mirror, the gray-robed boy glared coldly at Xiao Se and said, "Kid, when tomorrow's final comes, I won't hold back."
"I'll be waiting," Xiao Se responded nonchalantly to the threat, shrugging as he stood still with his eyes closed, calmly waiting for the competition to end.
Time passed slowly, and half an hour later, after Xiao Se and the gray-robed boy, Liu Ling also succeeded in refining his pill. Following Xiao Se's earlier advice, the other alchemists gradually passed the test one by one.
By the time the examination concluded, the sky had darkened, and the sunset in the west had painted the square a fiery red.
"Everyone, today's competition is over. Please return and rest well. Tomorrow is the final round, the championship, so I hope none of you will miss it for any reason. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Fa Ma announced with a loud, jovial voice from the edge of the platform.
As the competition ended, the crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief. Xiao Se seemed unfazed, but after two consecutive high-intensity competitions, most of the alchemists, who were at the Dou Shi level, were exhausted and visibly fatigued.
As Xiao Se packed his things and prepared to leave the square, the gray-robed boy cast a cold, unfriendly glance at him, even making a throat-slitting gesture before departing.
Meanwhile, Liu Ling, seemingly shaken by the second round, left quietly without his usual mocking smile toward Xiao Se.
Under the heated gazes of numerous young men and women, Xiao Se followed the crowd of contestants out of the square, taking a deep breath of fresh air. Just as he was about to head back to his residence, a soft and clear voice rang out from behind him, "Mr. Xiao Huo, please wait a moment."
Turning around, Xiao Se saw a large crowd exiting the square, with Nalan Yanran, Ya Fei, and Yao Ye leading the way—three stunning beauties attracting everyone's attention. Behind them, Nalan Jie and Miteer Tengshan followed, smiling and chatting.
Recognizing Nalan Yanran's voice, Xiao Se looked at her and calmly asked, "Miss Nalan, is there something you need?"
Nalan Yanran smiled lightly, linking arms with Ya Fei and Yao Ye, and said cheerfully, "Princess Yao Ye will be hosting a banquet for you and Liu Ling at the royal palace later. Would you be interested...?"
"Ugh, another banquet..." Xiao Se's lips twitched slightly as he rubbed his forehead in frustration.
Seeing that he seemed ready to refuse, Nalan Yanran's face turned pale, and she quickly said, "My teacher will also be there tonight. She's a Dou Huang expert, and not only are you skilled in alchemy, Mr. Xiao Huo, but you're also quite formidable in combat. She could give you some guidance on Dou Techniques."
"The Misty Cloud Sect Master?" Xiao Se was taken aback for a moment, but then shook his head, "Sorry, I'm really tired today and need to prepare for tomorrow's competition. I'll have to decline."
After saying this, Xiao Se took a deep look at Ya Fei, gave a slight bow to the three women, and amidst the astonished gazes of the onlookers, turned and left. Given the current circumstances, even if he went to see Yun Yun, it would be like meeting the high and mighty Sect Master of Misty Cloud Sect, which didn't hold much interest for him.
He preferred the future Yun Zhi, who was gentle and soft-spoken, like a little woman in front of someone she liked. Besides, with the Izumo Empire stirring up trouble tonight, things could get quite lively.
In a carriage from the Miteer Auction House, Xiao Se sat next to Ya Fei.
Ya Fei kept glancing at Xiao Se with a playful smile, nodding every now and then. Ever since they had pierced the veil between them yesterday, things felt more comfortable between the two.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Xiao Se asked with a smile, inhaling the light fragrance coming from Ya Fei.
Ya Fei smiled and shook her head, "I thought you would've agreed just now. Not to mention Nalan Yanran and Yao Ye, that Sect Master Yun Yun is not only a Dou Huang expert but also a super beauty. Didn't she catch your eye?"
Hearing this, Xiao Se smirked and mischievously removed his mask, "What's this? Are you jealous?"
"Bah! Who would be jealous for you?" Ya Fei's face blushed slightly, and she responded in a soft, playful voice.
Xiao Se's eyes swept over her enchanting face, finally resting on her tempting lips. Remembering their kiss in the pavilion yesterday, a smile spread across his lips.
Seeing the way he was looking at her, Ya Fei's blush deepened, and she whispered shyly, "Don't get any ideas, or I'll have to call out..."
"Ya Fei, I assume you'll attend the banquet hosted by the royal family tonight?" Xiao Se chuckled and changed the subject. Last night had been an accident, and kissing Ya Fei in front of Long Kui wouldn't leave a good impression, even if she was willing.
"Mhm." Ya Fei nodded, a hint of disappointment in her heart at his sudden shift to seriousness.
Xiao Se's tone became solemn, "Most likely, the Izumo Empire will pull something tonight. It would be dangerous for you to attend. It's safer to stay with the Miteer family."
"The Izumo Empire?" Ya Fei was startled, then looked at him in surprise, "There are four Dou Huang experts in the Holy City right now. How would they dare...?"
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