Su Qisheng is questioned

"Hmm! This idea is quite good. After all, you four elders are the only alchemists in my Haoyue Kingdom who have surpassed the god level. The Dan Pavilion values strength, and with the increasing number of alchemists, you four are getting old. Let Su Qi, the god-level third-grade alchemist, become the appraiser of the Dan Pavilion. It will also put my mind at ease," Haoyuehuang nodded, agreeing with Elder Liu's proposal.

"Qi'er, Grandpa Huang personally invites you. Qi Er doesn't need to be reserved with Grandpa Huang!" Haoyuehuang smiled at Su Qi, admiring the young child with a pink and jade-like face.

Su Qi didn't rush to respond to Haoyuehuang's words, but instead looked at Su Zimo and his brother.

Su Li followed his mother's gaze and saw Su Zimo nodding. He then nodded in response to Su Qi.

"Since it's an invitation from the emperor, Qi Er will gladly accept it, as long as Grandpa Huang doesn't mind Qi Er's young age," Su Qi replied with a sweet smile. He felt a sense of excitement and curiosity, believing that being an appraiser in the Dan Pavilion would not only allow him to explore valuable secrets but also learn a lot himself.

"Well..." Haoyuehuang nodded with a satisfied smile, pleased with Su Qi's answer.

At that moment, Ji Yaotian stood up from his chair and bowed in front of Haoyue Emperor.

The crowd exploded into discussion upon hearing this. The revelation of the three siblings' identities had already shocked them, and now they were personally invited by Haoyue Huang to become appraisers in the Dan Pavilion. Many envied Su Qi's remarkable achievements.

"Wow! Personally invited by the emperor to become an appraiser in the Dan Pavilion! Su Qi is truly taking a giant leap!"

"To reach such heights, one must possess great strength!"

"Hmm! Such strength is unparalleled in the entire Haoyue Kingdom, and even among the four nations."

"Emperor, with all due respect, please reconsider. The Dan Pavilion has been established for hundreds of years, and there has never been an appraiser under the age of forty. While the second prince is talented, he is still only a five-year-old child. I'm afraid he won't be able to serve the public," Ji Yaotian voiced his opposition, clearly disagreeing with Su Qi's appointment.

Ji Yaotian's words were obvious. He didn't believe that Su Qi, a five-year-old child, could be a god-level third-grade alchemist. He suspected that there was some sort of deception involved.

Upon hearing this, Haoyue Emperor's expression instantly turned sour, and he looked at Ji Yaotian with a sharp gaze. The Zhenguo Duke was becoming increasingly audacious, daring to question the decision openly in front of the people, disregarding the decorum expected in such a situation.

Jun Shaochen's eyes flickered, but he remained silent.

The queen sat quietly, tacitly approving her father's approach.

Following that, a middle-aged man in imperial attire stepped forward in front of Haoyue Emperor.

At that moment, Su Zimo and Mu Yunxuan returned to their seats as well.

"Momo, that man is He Qing, a follower of Ji Yaotian. It's highly likely that Ji Yaotian instructed him to come forward. They were whispering to each other just now. And the woman in the pink dress near Ji Yu is his daughter, He Lanmin. She is also a first-grade alchemist at the Xuan level and just turned eighteen this year. He Qing is very proud of her accomplishments," He Yun whispered into Su Zimo's ear. He was familiar with the high and low officials in the capital and had thoroughly investigated their relationships. If Su Zimo needed any information, he would provide it promptly.

"Hmph! Their scheming won't succeed. Qi Er will fight for himself, and we can simply sit back and watch the show!" Su Zimo's naturally beautiful face turned cold and magnificent. His sharp gaze focused on Ji Yaotian, determined to thwart their plans to harm him and his mother.

Mu Yunxuan's eyes also flashed with a hint of sharpness before he casually leaned back in his chair.

Jun Zixi wanted to speak up, but Mu Yufeng quickly stopped him.

"Yun Fan, those old foxes can't accept the grapes they can't reach. They're clearly showing their envy by opposing Qi Er's appointment as the appraiser."

"Hmph! Even a blind person can see their intentions," Mu Yunfan snorted coldly.

"Emperor, I disagree. The Dan Pavilion is the Royal Dan Pavilion. How can a five-year-old child..." Ji Yaotian started to argue but was interrupted.

"Why not?" Su Qi's expression turned serious, and he stared at He Qing.

"Sir, are you doubting my strength as Su Qi just because I'm young? To strike iron, one must use their own hands. You are not me, so how can you judge whether I am qualified to be the appraiser? They say seeing is believing. Today, in front of the entire Haoyue Kingdom's capital, I, Su Qi, have been promoted to the god-level third grade. Even the esteemed Grandpa Huang trusts my abilities. I don't understand why you, sir, have reservations about the emperor's decision," Su Qi's words were sharp and meaningful. The last sentence put He Qing in an uncomfortable position.

Everyone understood that their dissatisfaction stemmed from Su Qi's young age, and Su Qi himself was well aware of it. However, he still had to confront it.

Haoyue Emperor had made his decision, and it was improper to oppose him openly.

"Qi Er is right. Lord He seems to have doubts," Haoyue Huang's tone turned cold, and his face darkened.

He Qing's body trembled slightly. He worried that Su Qi, young as he was, might have been scheming and would use his words against him. In just a few sentences, what he intended as good intentions had turned into disrespect and angered the emperor.

If he continued to oppose, the emperor would certainly punish him for disrespect.

"Your Majesty, I didn't mean to oppose you. I only expressed concerns about a five-year-old child being the appraiser in the Dan Pavilion. It's unprecedented, and the appraiser carries great responsibility. The grades assigned by the appraiser must be accurate to ensure the safety of those who rely on them," He Qing explained, attempting to justify himself.

"My Emperor! The old minister shares the same concern. Although the second prince is talented, his age is a bit too young," Ji Yaotian quickly echoed He Qing's words.

Su Qi narrowed his eyes, gently pursed his lips, and fixed a deadly gaze on Ji Yaotian. He had been taken advantage of in the past, but now he had learned to stand his ground. This old man and his family had also suffered significant losses at the hands of Su Qi. Why hadn't they learned their lesson?

"Qi'er, it seems that many people here still doubt your abilities. What can you do to convince them?" Haoyue Huang shifted in his seat, his eyes scanning the room. He suggested that Su Qi personally prove his strength, as actions speak louder than words.

Su Qi raised his eyes and looked at Haoyue Huang gently. It was a good suggestion. With many old foxes in attendance, he wondered what other tricks they had up their sleeves. It might be better to convince them through action.

"Grandpa Huang, although there are three alchemy competitions, I fail to see the purpose of continuing with the other two. Alternatively, we can ask the four elders to provide Su Qi with elixirs below the third grade of the god level. If Su Qi can answer the questions regarding those elixirs, one by one, he will be qualified for the position of appraiser."

Su Qi's eyes sparkled with confidence, but when he looked at Ji Yaotian and He Qing, his gaze was filled with contempt and disdain.

Haoyue Huang's eyes shifted slightly, and he couldn't help but feel anticipation. Despite his young age, Su Qi's mind was comparable to that of an adult.

The underground spectators showed excitement and anticipation upon hearing Su Qi's words.

"Elder Liu, in your opinion, should the other two competitions continue as scheduled?"

"Your Majesty, Chen Xunlao has already inspected the elixirs of all the alchemists, and only the Second Prince's elixir has the highest and purest level. It is followed by Ji Yugongzi and Miss He's elixirs. There seems to be no point in continuing the alchemy competition."

Elder Liu believed that the competition was unnecessary. He emphasized that a god-level third-grade alchemist was extremely rare, and a god-level three-pin pill was even more precious. Su Qi should be retained since he had dedicated his whole life to the Dan Pavilion and could greatly benefit the institution.

"Elder Liu, how can it be deemed pointless? Just based on Su Qi's Dan furnace, it raises suspicions. His Dan furnace has a narrow opening, and it's peculiar. Originally, he was a seventh-grade alchemist, but he can refine a god-level three-pin pill. Isn't that strange? Ji Yaotian is still not convinced, and he wants to let everyone know that there is something wrong with Su Qi's Dan furnace."

Ji Yaotian's words aimed to cast doubt on Su Qi's Dan furnace, causing everyone to scrutinize him with suspicion. After all, who would believe that a five-year-old child could be a god-level third-grade alchemist? It seemed unbelievable unless witnessed firsthand.

The spectators began discussing among themselves once again.

"Emperor, I also have doubts. It would be better to have Su Gongzi change his Dan furnace and refine the god-level three-pin pill again."

The palace scholar stood up at that moment, and Jiang Qin followed suit.

Jiang Qin's appearance led many of Ji Yaotian's followers to stand up as well, expressing their agreement. They did not support Su Qi becoming an appraiser of the Dan Pavilion.

"Momo, that's Jiang Qin, a scholar from the palace pavilion. His son also participated in this alchemy competition and was also supported by Ji Yu. Naturally, he will speak up for Ji Yu. Among these people sitting on my side, they all support Jun Lintian, while those on the right support the prince."

He Yunting whispered to Su Zimo.

"Hmm!" Su Zimo nodded. She believed that her son could handle the situation.

Mu Yunxuan narrowed his deep eyes, his thoughts unclear.

"Big brother, this group of old fogies can't recognize true talent and question Qi'er's abilities. It's truly despicable," Mu Yunhan said angrily.

"Yun Han, don't worry. Let's see how Qi Er handles it first."

Mu Yunxuan remained calm. He felt a pang of sorrow for this group of people. His son would not allow others to bully him unjustly.

Observing the situation, the Haoyue Emperor furrowed his brows deeply. Ji Yaotian possessed the ability to respond to challenges.

Meanwhile, the queen maintained a composed smile. This was the outcome she desired. Although the Mu family didn't support the prince or Jun Lintian, she couldn't allow them to become more influential. She had to suppress them in various ways to ensure they wouldn't pose a threat to her son, Chen'er, in the future.

"Qi'er, they all question your abilities. What do you say?"

Haoyue Huang smiled as he addressed Su Qi. Considering his young age and the doubts surrounding him, Su Qi's calm and composed demeanor was truly incredible.

Su Qi looked at the opposing group of people below with contempt. These people were sour grapes, unable to appreciate his talent. His eyes, filled with determination, revealed a hint of anger.

"Grandpa Huang, since you question my abilities, then let me change to a different Dan furnace to refine the pills!"

Su Qi spoke with confidence, his eyes scanning the group of opponents. They could wait and watch as he would repay them one by one.

Upon seeing Su Qi's gaze, starting from Ji Yaotian, the opponents couldn't help but shiver. That piercing gaze made their entire bodies uncomfortable, as if poisoned.

"By the way, Qi'er, why is your Dan furnace so small? It can hold all the medicinal herbs, and Grandpa Huang has seen many treasures, but he rarely encounters a Dan furnace like yours."

Haoyue Huang asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

Ji Yu, in particular, suspected that Su Qi's ability to refine a god-level three-pin pill was connected to his Dan furnace.

"Grandpa Huang, though the sparrow is small, it possesses all its organs. Even though Qi'er's Dan furnace is small, it can refine the same quantity of pills as others. Furthermore, the Dan furnace in Qi'er's hands is a Void Ding Dan Furnace."

"Void Ding Dan Furnace...?" Ji Yu almost thought he misheard. How could the Void Ding Dan Furnace, which had disappeared for decades, be in Su Qi's possession? The Void Ding Dan Furnace was the most precious treasure of alchemists. If the Void Ding Pill Furnace was with Su Qi, then the Eight Great Mysterious Weapons must be with Su Zimo.

"Void Ding Dan Furnace...?"

Elder Liu looked at Su Qi in disbelief and exclaimed!

Everyone present was familiar with the Void Pill Furnace, and they were dumbfounded.

The Void Pill Furnace was an extremely mysterious existence.

"My Emperor, the Void Ding Dan Furnace is the supreme treasure of the alchemy world. It can change the interior of the Dan Furnace with the user's thoughts. While the pills refined are several times purer than ordinary pills, the alchemist must continuously infuse it with Xuan Qi. It has nothing to do with advancing their Dan level. Unless the owner is within reach, the power in the Void Ding Dan Furnace will backfire." Elder Liu explained the facts about the Void Ding Dan Furnace.

Su Qi looked at him gratefully. This old man seemed to be good-hearted.

"Hmm!" Haoyue Huang nodded.

Everyone looked at Haoyue Huang and nodded in agreement. Elder Liu's explanation had convinced them to some extent. However, it wasn't enough to persuade the entire audience.

Elder Liu was aware of this.

"My Emperor, here's a suggestion. To prove Su Qi's abilities and convince everyone, we can modify the competition. Originally, the alchemy competition was divided into three parts. Since everyone doubts Su Qi, then I propose that we change the second part. In the mountains behind the Dan Pavilion, there are numerous wild spirit herbs and medicinal materials. The elixir for the second competition was originally the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill. This pill, when consumed, can extend one's lifespan by ten years. Let all the alchemists go up the mountain to find the spirit herbs and medicinal materials needed to refine the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill. They will have half an hour to gather the herbs and another half an hour to refine the elixir. Those who succeed can stay in the Dan Pavilion for further cultivation. Of course, the first-place winner will still be appointed as an appraiser. What does my emperor think?"

After Elder Liu finished speaking, a chilling silence fell over the audience.

"Just follow the elder's instructions," Haoyue Huang nodded in agreement. He also had a moment of wonder whether Su Qi could refine a god-level three-pin pill without the Void Ding Dan Furnace.

"My Emperor, Ji Yu also agrees," Ji Yu quickly nodded.

With a sharp and gloomy gaze, Su Qi looked back at Ji Yu, indicating that he wouldn't be held responsible for any accidents that might happen in the back mountain.

Su Qi's dark eyes flickered, and a mischievous smile formed on his face as he stared back at Ji Yu fearlessly. His cute expression, with a grimace, made him look funny and adorable.

"What is Qi Er laughing at, lady? Is he mocking someone?" Mu Yunxuan and Su Zimo looked at Su Qi simultaneously, and Mu Yunxuan furrowed his brows, asking Mu Yunxuan.

Being connected by blood, Su Zimo could guess that Su Qi was thinking of some nonsense again. However, she didn't know what it was, nor did she care to find out.

"He's probably thinking about how to deal with the people who offended him," Su Zimo answered and was momentarily surprised. Did she just involuntarily respond to his words?

Mu Yunxuan's lips twitched when he heard this, recalling what he and Qi Er had discussed earlier. Looking at Ji Yu and his sister, he could well imagine the consequences of offending Qi Er.

"Then let's go! You must return with the spiritual herbs and medicinal materials for the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill within an hour," Haoyue Huang instructed.

"Understood!" The remaining alchemists, around a hundred and fifty or so, all nodded in agreement.

Su Qi also nodded, glanced defiantly at Ji Yu, gave Su Zimo an assuring look, then turned and walked towards the back mountain.

"Big brother, won't it be too dangerous to let Qi Er go alone? I'm afraid Ji Yu will harm him," Mu Yunhan expressed his concern.

"Don't worry, Qi Er will be fine," Mu Yunxuan reassured, his faith in his son unwavering.

Following that, the alchemists participating in the competition headed towards the back mountain. They could also take this opportunity to rest and have a meal before resuming the competition upon their return.

At the Three Kings' Mansion, Qi Lei snuck into the study.

Jun Lintian lazily lay on the soft bed, absentmindedly gazing into space. His thoughts were unclear.

Qi Lei glanced at Jun Lintian and realized he was not asleep, so he softly reported the latest information.

"My Lord, the situation has changed. Su Zimo's true identity has been exposed, and the three children are the Holy Lord of Cloud City. There are rumors circulating on the streets and in the martial arts world. Su Qi won first place in the alchemy competition and was personally invited by the emperor to become an appraiser at the Dan Pavilion. However, not everyone is convinced. Now the second round of the competition has begun, and the task is to find the spiritual herbs and medicinal materials for the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill in the back mountain of the Dan Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Jun Lintian's narrow black eyes snapped open, and he sat up straight.

"So, it truly is Mu Yunxuan's child. How is it possible for him to achieve so much in such a short time...?"

The rest of Jun Lintian's words remained unspoken. Could it be that Mu Yunxuan had hidden something from the world?

Very well, Su Zimo. Since you've concealed yourself so well, if you had shown your true abilities from the beginning, how could I have suffered a public withdrawal from the marriage arrangement? Or perhaps you and Mu Yunxuan already had feelings for each other?

A trace of hatred flickered in Jun Lintian's narrowed eyes as he contemplated his current situation, all of which resulted from his defeat at Su Zimo's hands.

"Reviver, continue gathering information. The competition is not over yet, and I cannot make a move until it concludes. Once the competition is finished, no matter how far it has progressed, we must act immediately."

"Yes, My Lord. I will take care of it right away," Reviver swiftly replied and left the room.

Jun Lintian lay back on the soft bed. Going now would only invite ridicule from the queen and hatred from his father. With the queen consorts banished to the cold palace, there was no one by his father's side to mediate. He could only rely on himself.

Su Zimo, since I cannot use you to my advantage, then I can only apologize to you.

The back mountain of the Dan Pavilion protruded, its peaks obscured by clouds and mist.

As it was springtime, the mountains and forests were lush with greenery, and birds sang melodiously.

The clamor of the crowd in the distance was somewhat irritating.

Carrying a small cloth bag on his back, Su Qi leisurely enjoyed the scenery while searching for the required spiritual herbs.

With a redbud flower on his head and a stalk of dog's tail grass in his mouth, Su Qi mused to himself.

"Heavenly Soul Shou Pill, even with the emperor's wealth, it's difficult to purchase a prolonged lifespan. But a Heavenly Soul Shou Pill can grant an additional ten years of life. It requires thirty-six types of spiritual herbs, twenty-six precious medicinal ingredients, and precise ratios to refine the Heavenly Soul Shou Pill. Elder Liu really set up a challenging task. If he manages to refine a god-level three-pin Heavenly Soul Shou Pill, the emperor will surely not let him go to waste..."

As Su Qi walked, his words were somewhat muffled due to the dog's tail grass in his mouth.

"Huh! How fortunate! White dew grass, star spirit grass, bone-washing grass. The back mountain of the Dan Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation; the spiritual herbs are abundant here." Su Qi used his Xuan Qi to carefully pluck the three spiritual herbs. His little face wore a proud expression, as if wherever he went, luck was always on his side.

"Ji Gongzi, Su Qi has already found three spiritual herbs. What should we do now?" Ji Yu and He Lanmin watched Su Qi from a distance, their eyes filled with venomous intent.

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