A Million Alchemists!

The attendees were numerous!

"In Grand Martial Immortal City, there is actually such a small world!" Duan Qingyao exclaimed in amazement, while Xiao Ling'er's beautiful eyes sparkled with the same shock.

All attendees, as well as the onlookers, were guided by the city lord's mansion into this small world, which seemed endless at first glance. 

In the massive venue, there were countless stone tables, each laden with identical materials. Surrounding them were gigantic viewing stands, some ordinary and others floating above the clouds.

"At a rough estimate, there must be nearly a million participating alchemists," Duan Qingyao remarked with a sigh, "What a grand event."

Then, her mood dimmed slightly.

With nearly a million participants, just the materials needed for the first round amounted to an astronomical figure, far beyond what the current Moon Grasping Sect could afford even if sold a hundred times over.

But at its peak, the Moon Grasping Sect could have managed it.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a yearning, her face showing a hopeful expression, "Go on, Ling'er. Do not feel pressured; just do your best. You are still young. Bringing you here this time is not about securing a high ranking, but because your alchemy talent is exceptional. This is an excellent opportunity for you to gain experience."

"Yes, Fifth Elder." Xiao Ling'er nodded firmly, heading towards the venue and casually selecting a spot, where she quietly waited.

She had already registered, and now it was just a matter of waiting for the time to come to start alchemy.

"Teacher. Do you think I should advance boldly or... keep a low profile for now?"

"Naturally, keep a low profile and bide your time," Liang Danxia smiled.

When it comes to alchemy and related experience, who could compare to her?

"Don't be careless. Your talent is indeed excellent, but with your and Moon Grasping Sect's current strength, you cannot protect the Core Earthfire. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, do not use it. Moreover, the alchemy field is also a battlefield. If you stand out too much, you will naturally become a thorn in the side of competitors, who will try everything to disrupt or even eliminate you.

"So. Start modestly, aim to advance, and only reveal your true strength at the end to stun everyone! However… Your master and the elders will probably be greatly surprised."

Xiao Ling'er also laughed.

"This is a pleasant surprise," she whispered.

Since she was here, she naturally aimed for a high ranking.

First place was pressure she couldn't claim to guarantee, but she was confident that a spot in the top ten was certain.

"Hehe, there's still some time. Why don't you take a look at these herbs and materials and guess what the first round's challenge will be?" Liang Danxia chuckled.

Xiao Ling'er rolled her eyes, "Teacher, are you underestimating me?"

"Although there are about ten herbs included to confuse and mislead, the other herbs clearly point to Condensation Realm Pills."

"You're only half right."

"Only half right?!" Xiao Ling'er was stunned.

"Those extra ten herbs are not for confusion or interference, but because the current formula for Condensation Realm Pills includes them. The formula I gave you is an ancient one. Ancient formulas use fewer ingredients but are more challenging to refine. The current formula uses more ingredients but is easier to refine, though the effect is somewhat inferior."

Xiao Ling'er blinked, "Then why not stick with the ancient formula?"

"The difficulty is too high. Not all alchemists have your talent, and the success rate is too low. The wasted materials far exceed the cost of the additional herbs. These extra herbs are mainly for assistance, so they don't increase the potency but can improve the success rate. Each has its pros and cons. At least, for ordinary alchemists, that's the case."

"I see!" Xiao Ling'er understood.

But then she heard Liang Danxia continue, "Let's add a bit of a challenge. Make it more convincing. This time, use this new formula you've never used before to refine the Condensation Realm Pills."

"What if I fail and fall flat on my face?" Xiao Ling'er asked nervously.

Liang Danxia snickered, "The elders have little expectation of you anyway. If you fail, it's no big deal."

"Teacher~~~"

"Alright, alright, I'm teasing. The truth is: I believe in you."

Xiao Ling'er: "..."

***

Time passed.

Soon, a powerful figure took the stage, their immense aura soaring into the sky, instantly silencing the entire venue.

"This is..."

Xiao Ling'er's eyes narrowed slightly.

In her mind, Liang Danxia's voice echoed, "A cultivator at the seventh realm, they have the right to be arrogant."

"A Seventh Realm cultivator."

Xiao Ling'er was secretly surprised and couldn't help but be more cautious.

On the stage, the cultivator spoke calmly, "The rules of alchemy competitions are similar everywhere, so I won't elaborate. Since you are here to participate, you must give it your all. In this first round, we will be testing the Condensation Realm Pills. Within one hour, those who successfully condense a pill of third grade or above will advance to the next round. Now. Begin!"

The other alchemists immediately started their processes.

Xiao Ling'er hesitated slightly. "Teacher, this formula..."

"Figure it out yourself," Liang Danxia did not offer any guidance. "As I said earlier, I believe in your ability. Although you've never used this formula, it's only third grade. It may be challenging, but not too difficult for you."

"Hmm. Yes, Teacher, I will do my best."

Xiao Ling'er felt more confident.

She had never competed in alchemy before, so she was unsure of her standing compared to other alchemists. But if her teacher believed in her, she knew she could do it!

However, being unfamiliar with this formula and not knowing how to handle the extra ingredients, she couldn't start blindly.

So, among the sea of alchemists, Xiao Ling'er became an outlier.

While every other alchemist was already working, she stood there, her eyes darting around as if completely confused and at a loss.

Soon, people in the stands noticed her.

She was so out of place that it was hard not to.

"Ha, look at that female cultivator. All the other alchemists are racing against time, but she seems lost and bewildered?" A cultivator found it amusing and couldn't help but mock her.

The surrounding audience also chuckled.

"Could it be that she doesn't know how to make the Condensation Realm Pills?"

"She dares to participate without knowing how to make even a basic pill? Her courage is commendable."

"Maybe she's a disciple from some unremarkable sect, hoping to join the excitement and try her luck? But didn't they consider that this is Grand Martial Immortal City! There are countless skilled alchemists here. Her level only adds to the entertainment."

"..."

The surrounding comments were particularly harsh.

Duan Qingyao couldn't help but frown, but she did not retort.

She knew Xiao Ling'er's alchemy skills well. The Condensation Realm Pills was one of her specialties. The requirement for a mere third-grade pill couldn't possibly be difficult for her.

"But why isn't Ling'er starting?" 

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