Published: December 25, 2024
“Who’s next?” The old man looked over again.
Everyone exchanged glances, but no one stepped forward.
“It’s just a test. Even if you lose, what does it represent?” The master of Xuan Sheng Pavilion said lightly.
“Alright, I’ll give it a try.”
Another alchemist stepped out and placed their palm on the crystal pillar.
Buzz.
The crystal pillar lit up and finally stopped at the seventy-third level, unable to advance further.
The person retreated with a dejected expression.
“Another one failed.”
“No wonder they are alchemists from the Northern Heaven Domain, they are the real deal.”
“Hahaha.”
Another round of laughter erupted.
Next, two more individuals stepped forward, reaching levels sixty-eight and seventy-four, but none passed the test.
Four consecutive individuals had failed, and even the master of Xuan Sheng Pavilion had a grim expression.
“I’ll go.”
Qiao Aoling coldly declared as she stepped forward.
“Eh, it’s a girl.”
“She looks quite good.”
“Considering her age, she seems to be under forty? Is she also here to participate in the competition?”
Qiao Aoling had a tall figure, fair skin, and flowing long hair, exuding a heroic aura that caught everyone’s attention.
She approached the crystal pillar and pressed her palm on it.
Buzz!
The crystal pillar rapidly illuminated.
First row, second row, third row… sixth row, seventh row…
In the blink of an eye, she reached the seventh row. Following that, the first level, second level, third level passed through the sixth level without any hindrance and continued to rise.
Damn, this girl is something else.
The crowd gasped in amazement, and under everyone’s watchful eyes, the crystal pillar continued to rise, crashing through the eighth row, finally stopping at the third level of the eighth row.
Eighty-three levels!
Hiss!
The crowd collectively inhaled sharply.
Eighty-three levels, even among other domains, is considered top-notch. How is it that someone from the Northern Heaven Domain can reach this level?
“This time, there are many geniuses from the Southern Hua Domain, but only eight have reached eighty-three levels. Who exactly is this girl?” someone said tremblingly.
“Qiao Aoling, eighty-three levels, passed.” The old man looked at Qiao Aoling in astonishment, smiling slightly.
Such a result may not guarantee victory in the Alchemy Competition, but she is certainly a top talent.
“Who’s next?”
With Qiao Aoling leading, the remaining talents from the Northern Heaven Domain felt a surge of motivation.
“I’ll go.”
A male alchemist in his early forties stepped forward.
“It’s Master Gu Chenfeng.”
“He broke through to become a Medicine King three years ago at the age of forty-one.”
“I wonder if Master Gu Chenfeng can pass.”
The crowd appeared tense, watching intently, while Gu Chenfeng’s expression was serious. He took a deep breath and pressed his palm against the crystal pillar.
Buzz!
The crystal pillar instantly lit up, one row, two rows, three rows… quickly reaching the seventh row.
One level, two levels, three levels. When he reached the fourth level, his speed slowed down, finally stopping at the fifth level.
Seventy-five levels?
Suddenly, gasps echoed, as it was just one level short. If he was eliminated at this level, it would be too unjust.
Gu Chenfeng knew how rare this opportunity was. He bit his teeth, blood oozing from his mouth. He had come all the way to Central State City; if he couldn’t participate in the Alchemy Competition, it would not only be a blow to him but also a disgrace to the Northern Heaven Domain, subject to ridicule. Now, the success or failure lay in this moment, and he refused to believe he couldn’t achieve seventy-six levels.
Roar!
He let out a roar, his robe billowing without wind, as he pushed his internal strength to the limit.
Buzz!
The previously stopped crystal lit up a level again. Although it quickly dimmed, it had indeed lit up.
Gu Chenfeng couldn’t maintain the power, released his hand, and panted, looking eagerly at the old man.