Chapter 150: I’m Not, I Didn’t, Don’t Make Stuff Up!
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On the elevated platform, the elders wore varied expressions, each lost in thought. Meanwhile, the disciples at the Pill Refining Platform worked with unwavering focus. Even Wang Qian, typically the most self-conscious about others’ opinions, was entirely absorbed in handling the spiritual herbs.
The Green Wood Sect’s Pill Hall disciples were seasoned experts at preparing herbs, with none making a single mistake. As the first disciple opened their pill refining furnace and began adding herbs in sequence, the rest of the disciples seamlessly transitioned into the next and most critical phase.
Red flames illuminated their faces, which were resolute and brimming with concentration. Yu Zhao, witnessing over four hundred individuals refining pills simultaneously for the first time, was filled with an indescribable sense of awe. Her amazement grew when she saw Mu Ye, someone she knew well, calmly controlling the spiritual fire in her palm. Mu Ye’s precise hand seals and serene demeanor made her appear like an entirely different person from her usual cheerful self.
It was evident to all how much Mu Ye loved alchemy, and Yu Zhao couldn’t help but feel a deep respect for her.
The sect master and elders of the Green Wood Sect were equally pleased with the Pill Hall disciples’ performance. Renowned for its expertise in pill refining, the sect prioritized cultivating talent in the Pill Hall. Even the selection of the Young Sect Master was exclusive to its disciples.
The disciples’ performances lived up to expectations, even presenting a dilemma for the elders. Based on their current displays, Mu Ye and Wang Qian stood out, but several others also showed promising potential. Choosing the next Young Sect Master among them seemed a daunting task. Fortunately, there was ample time to deliberate.
Three days passed in a flash. Apart from a few disciples who caused explosions due to errors in operation, most completed their pill refining process smoothly. By this point, differences in their skills became apparent. Disciples like Mu Ye and Wang Qian, with solid foundations and rich experience, remained composed and confident, whereas others began to falter.
The Medicine Hall and Martial Hall disciples, unable to contain their curiosity, engaged in quiet discussions, speculating about the eventual victor. Most placed their bets on Wang Qian—not because he was particularly well-liked or universally acknowledged as superior, but because news of Mu Ye’s recent quarrel with the Medicine Hall had spread widely.
It was rumored that someone had swapped Mu Ye’s herbs, nearly causing her to miss the examination. Many believed such incidents would inevitably affect her performance. However, Mu Ye’s reputation and relationships within the Green Wood Sect remained strong, and some still firmly supported her.
While the debate raged on, Wang Qian suddenly made a shocking move. With a loud cry, his spiritual energy surged, and the flames in his palm flared violently, engulfing the entire pill refining furnace.
The elders were taken aback. In alchemy, controlling the flame was crucial. Insufficient heat would fail to refine the herbs fully, while excessive heat could destroy their properties. The fire needed to be balanced, neither too weak nor too intense.
One elder exclaimed, “No, look closely at his palm! There seems to be a talisman seal. Could he be attempting a second pill purification?”
Pill purification was a technique to refine impurities from pills. Though even the most meticulously refined pills retained trace toxins, alchemy masters striving for perfection would attempt purification just before completion. However, the success rate for such an endeavor was less than one percent, so few dared to risk it.
Yet here was Wang Qian, attempting this perilous move during a critical assessment. His audacity earned him newfound admiration. If he succeeded, the title of Young Sect Master would almost certainly be his.
Yu Zhao slipped unnoticed among the Green Wood Sect disciples, listening intently to their excited discussion about Wang Qian’s second Pill Purification Method. Her eyebrows raised slightly.
It seemed the unique technique recorded in that fourth-grade alchemy recipe was indeed the second purification method Wang Qian was using. If Wang Qian dared to employ it publicly, he must have at least 70-80% confidence in its success, if not more. A month ago, Mu Ye would have struggled to counter such a method.
However, Wang Qian likely had no idea that the desperate measures his father took to help him had unintentionally given Mu Ye an extraordinary opportunity. She had found a recipe better suited to her and even mastered a unique alchemical technique.
The situation was far from settled. Anything could still happen.
A bead of sweat slid down Wang Qian’s temple as he focused intensely. His expression grew heavier as he slapped the Pill Refining Furnace with his flame-controlling right hand. The furnace trembled violently.
“Poof—”
A breathy sound escaped as a wisp of black smoke puffed from the furnace. The shaking slowed rapidly. Wang Qian’s face lit up with joy as he reduced the flame. A faint medicinal fragrance wafted out from the furnace.
Success!
He had achieved a second purification!
“Wonderful!” Elder Wang slapped his thigh in sheer delight, his grin almost splitting his face.
“With this, the Young Sect Master position is as good as Qian’er’s!”
“Congratulations, Elder Wang!”
“Wang Qian’s performance today is simply outstanding. Elder Wang, you have an incredible son.”
“Congratulations to Elder Liu as well.”
Voices filled with admiration poured toward Elder Wang and Elder Liu like a tide. Bowing in gratitude, Elder Wang gave a not-so-innocent glance at Elder Lotus.
“Elder Lotus, don’t you have any insights to share?”
Elder Lotus’s face remained impassive. “Wang Qian’s purification technique is quite good,” she admitted. Acknowledging skill was one thing; she wouldn’t stoop to dishonesty.
Elder Wang blinked in surprise, then grew even smugger. “Elder Lotus, having Mu Ye withdraw earlier was really for her own good. At least she won’t lose too badly.”
“Losing isn’t shameful. What’s shameful is forfeiting without a fight. Don’t you understand something so simple, Elder Wang?” Elder Lotus retorted scornfully.
“You—”
“Look! What is Mu Ye doing now?” an excited voice cut Elder Wang off mid-sentence.
All eyes turned toward Mu Ye. She grasped the furnace handles with both hands, giving them a firm twist. The furnace spun rapidly, like a top.
“Huh? What is this technique?”
From the sect leader to the disciples of the Green Wood Sect, everyone was stunned. While Wang Qian’s method was at least familiar, Mu Ye’s technique was something entirely new.
“Elder Lotus, is this one of your unique creations?” someone asked.
Elder Lotus looked bewildered, responding with a quick denial. “No, it’s not mine. I have no idea. Don’t make baseless assumptions.”
Doubt lingered in the gazes directed at her, their disbelief evident.
Elder Lotus let out a wry smile. The truth was, over the past month, she had been so focused on crafting an antidote for Master Qing Yan’s disciple that she had neglected Mu Ye. This wasn’t a matter of irresponsibility—Mu Ye’s alchemical skills had already reached the limits of what Elder Lotus’s cultivation could enhance. Only a breakthrough in cultivation could push her further.
What she hadn’t expected, however, was for her disciple to undergo a complete transformation within a month. Mu Ye’s progress left even her own master astonished and unfamiliar.
So… had she underestimated her disciple all along?