Chapter 384: The Final Test Begins!
Chapter 384: The Final Test Begins!
Chapter 384: The Final Test Begins!
"Damn!"
After a moment, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but curse. If Fa Ma hadn't given him a heads-up today, then for tomorrow’s test, the highest-level pill recipe he could have used would have been a few tier-3 recipes that Yao Lao had previously taught him. However, with such low-level recipes, it would be nearly impossible to surpass the collections of other contestants.
Moreover, the fact that the required ingredients for the competition had to be self-provided put Xiao Yan in a tough spot.
Even though Xiao Yan now knew this information from Fa Ma, and Yao Lao could teach him a tier-4 pill recipe overnight, solving the issue of the recipe was easy. But where was he going to find the necessary ingredients?
"Though this test leans somewhat on luck, luck is also a part of one's strength, isn't it?" Fa Ma chuckled and continued, "I came here to check whether you lack anything for tomorrow. If you don't have a tier-4 pill recipe, this old man can provide one, along with two full sets of the necessary ingredients."
"Of course, if you already have a familiar tier-4 recipe but lack the materials, I can help with that too!"
"Providing a tier-4 recipe along with the required ingredients!"
Hearing Fa Ma’s offer, Xiao Yan couldn’t help but feel tempted. Although Yao Lao could also provide a tier-4 recipe, it would be foolish not to accept a free offer. Without hesitation, he replied, "Old Fa, I don’t have a tier-4 recipe or the ingredients!"
Upon seeing Xiao Yan’s reaction, a barely noticeable smile flashed in the corner of Fa Ma’s eyes. He then said slowly, "The tier-4 recipe and the ingredients aren't an issue, but the premise is that you must have the confidence to refine it!"
"I would need to know the grade of the recipe and the specific requirements," Xiao Yan replied, feeling a bit uncertain.
At his current level, refining tier-3 pills was no problem, but refining tier-4 pills was more difficult, with a rather low success rate.
"This recipe may only be a tier-4 one, but its value is comparable to, or even surpasses, that of a tier-5 recipe!" Fa Ma said with a faint smile. He tapped his storage ring lightly, and a jet-black scroll appeared in his withered hand.
"Here, take a look. I think you’ll like it." Fa Ma smiled as he handed the ancient scroll to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan carefully accepted the scroll with both hands and slowly unfurled it, scanning the information recorded on its surface.
"Three Mark Green Spirit Pill, tier-4 pill. A regular Three Mark Green Spirit Pill can help a Dou Practitioner break through the barrier to become a Dou Grandmaster. If consumed by a Dou Grandmaster, it has a small chance of raising their strength by one star, without any risk of side effects."
"The Three Mark Green Spirit Pill comes in three grades, with each grade marked by a circle of pill lines on the surface of the pill. If three lines form, it is the highest grade. When taken by anyone below the Dou Grandmaster level, it should be used with caution. If a Dou Grandmaster takes this pill, there is a chance of gaining three-star power for a short time, but there is also a risk of backlash, potentially reducing their strength by one or two stars. However, the backlash won’t be life-threatening. To refine the highest grade of the Three Mark Green Spirit Pill, you will need..."
As Xiao Yan read through the details on the scroll, his excitement grew.
However, he still wanted to hear Yao Lao’s opinion.
"Teacher, what do you think of this pill recipe?" Xiao Yan communicated with Yao Lao through the ring.
"Little Yan, Fa Ma wasn’t exaggerating. This Three Mark Green Spirit Pill is among the best of the tier-4 pills, and it is indeed comparable to a tier-5 recipe. For tomorrow’s competition… I suggest you give it a try. Even if you can’t refine the highest-grade pill with three lines, you should still be able to win first place!" Yao Lao replied, giving his approval.
"Alright, I’ll follow your advice, Teacher!" Xiao Yan responded.
Once Xiao Yan had finished reading the contents of the scroll, the jet-black scroll in his hands suddenly disintegrated into ashes.
This pill recipe was just a simplified copy from Fa Ma, and it could only be read once, which explained why it turned to ashes afterward.
"So, how confident are you about refining it?" Fa Ma asked with concern, knowing that Xiao Yan had finished reading the recipe.
"About fifty percent," Xiao Yan gave a vague estimate.
"Fifty percent... that's a bit low," Fa Ma murmured to himself upon hearing Xiao Yan's response, though he didn't let his thoughts show. Instead, he simply said, "Well, I wish you the best of luck tomorrow. Make sure to suppress that black-robed person!"
"Thank you for your kind words, Old Fa," Xiao Yan replied smoothly. Having received assistance, he wasn’t going to play coy.
In Fa Ma's heart, Liu Ling was still the strongest contender for the championship. He had only come to Xiao Yan to ensure things went as smoothly as possible. After giving a few final instructions, Fa Ma retrieved two sets of the necessary materials to refine the Three Mark Green Spirit Pill from his storage ring and handed them to Xiao Yan before bidding him farewell.
After memorizing the pill formula, Xiao Yan spent the rest of the night contemplating the refinement process.
...
The next morning, just as the sky began to lighten, the bustling city came to life like a giant machine winding up, working in perfect rhythm. The people bustling through the streets added energy to this massive machine.
The most crowded and lively place in the city that day was, unsurprisingly, the enormous Royal Plaza. Yesterday’s competition had left a lasting impression on the audience, with more and more people drawn to the thrilling alchemy contest. Even though the sky was barely bright, the area outside the Royal Plaza was already packed with a sea of people, their heads forming a dark mass stretching as far as the eye could see.
As time passed, a ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, casting its light over the vast city. When the sun finally rose, the tightly closed gates of the Royal Plaza slowly opened, and the crowd outside surged in like a tidal wave.
When Xiao Yan arrived at the plaza and saw the long line at the entrance, he was stunned for a moment before shaking his head helplessly. He sighed, "I didn’t expect today’s crowd to be even crazier than yesterday."
"Brother Yan Xiao!"
Just as Xiao Yan was staring at the long line, Nalan Jie suddenly appeared beside him.
"Marshal Nalan!" Xiao Yan nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
"Come with me. As a contestant, you don’t need to queue in the regular line!"
Nalan Jie glanced around and gestured to Xiao Yan, then led him toward a different entrance to the plaza.
(End of Chapter)
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