https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-338-The-Grand-Pill-Competition-Luo-Chen-Under-the-Spotlight-/12932080/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-340-Am-I-Really-Not-as-Good-as-Dan-Chenzi-/12932082/
Chapter 339: Shocking the Crowd, Astonishing Everyone
Chapter 339: Shocking the Crowd, Astonishing Everyone
On the high platform, Luo Chen was using the Vitality Nurturing Technique, which he had only mastered, to slowly process the Return to Origin Cicada Molt.
His movements were extremely slow, as if he was afraid of ruining this second-rank spirit material.
Under the control of the Vitality Nurturing Technique, strands of essence energy began to peel away from the cicada molt, gradually gathering at the center of its abdomen.
As the essence energy was extracted, the originally golden surface of the Return to Origin Cicada Molt gradually turned gray.
While performing the Alchemy Technique with the Vitality Nurturing Technique, Luo Chen confirmed his thoughts.
"If I were to go by intuition, the solution to processing this second-rank demon beast material would be the one I initially thought of. Using the Crimson Flame Spirit Ginseng as a base, burning away the Azure Star Poison, and then adding the Extreme Cold Jade Mist, followed by the Sky Blue Aloe to neutralize it, the resulting spirit liquid would be equivalent to the two auxiliary materials needed for processing the Return to Origin Cicada Molt."
"But this is just a clever method, seemingly plausible but not entirely accurate."
"The resulting neutralized spirit liquid might achieve the desired result, but it won't be as clear as the sky."
"Those who are well-versed in pharmacology would definitely avoid this misleading intuition."
"Dan Yangzi's order of adding ingredients indicates that he also discovered this trap. So, he took the second path, which is the most reliable one."
"First, add the Crimson Flame Spirit Ginseng and Sky Blue Aloe, applying the most common water and fire balance principle in Alchemy to create a more gentle environment for the medicinal properties to evaporate."
"However, in my deduction, although this method is reliable, it sacrifices speed."
"The true processing method, which is also the optimal one, is the one I'm using!"
With a thought, Luo Chen directly took out a piece of Blue Smoke Jade.
Ignoring the grayish Return to Origin Cicada Molt, which seemed to have been ruined, he used the Jade Breaking Hand at the Great Perfection level to quickly extract a wisp of blue smoke from the jade.
The reason Luo Chen had been standing still before was that he became the only exception among the nine participants.
As soon as he started moving, many eyes were fixed on him.
Regardless of whether processing the Return to Origin Cicada Molt first was right or wrong, the scene of him handling the Blue Smoke Jade was on full display for everyone to see.
The Jade Breaking Hand, devoid of any trace of smoke or fire, was executed with such proficiency, naturalness, and elegance.
It was as if, instead of extracting a wisp of blue smoke from the jade, a misty cloud had naturally emerged under the lustrous sunlight.
Someone gulped unconsciously.
Many Qingdan Valley disciples stared at those slender fingers in awe.
Such perfect hands!
Such flawless Alchemy Technique!
In the distance, on the Tao family's high platform, Tao Daonan and his grandson, Tao Yichen, looked at each other in surprise.
"What level of mastery has this Jade Breaking Hand reached?"
Entering the room?
Pure blue flame?
Peak of perfection?
As a second-rank alchemist with some talent, Tao Yichen was amazed, "This has reached the realm of perfection! I've only seen Elder Xingyun from the Great Pill Institute demonstrate such skills during occasional lectures."
Elder Xingyun!
He is one of the three institute heads of the Great Pill Institute!
In the entire Qingdan Valley, he is second only to Qingdanzi in terms of alchemy, and his foundational Alchemy Techniques have reached the pinnacle.
One-third of the pills in Qingdan Valley are made by him.
How could this Luo Chen, a mere second-rank alchemist, have such mastery?
Not only were Tao Daonan and his grandson shocked, but other Foundation Establishment Cultivators who had some understanding of alchemy were also astounded by this skill.
Only Tao Yisheng, though pleased, maintained a nonchalant demeanor.
"Hmph, this is just the tip of the iceberg!"
"Brother Luo's Alchemy Technique has only revealed a fraction of its potential!"
Tao Wan glanced at Tao Yisheng, who seemed to be the only sober one among the crowd, but she didn't scold him as she usually did.
Instead, she heaved a sigh of relief.
If Luo Chen's other Alchemy Techniques were this powerful, or even if he had only half the proficiency, he could still process the other four ingredients even if he failed to complete the Return to Origin Cicada Molt.
In that case, with the time and quality of the finished products, ranking among the top five or even the top three wouldn't be a significant issue.
However, at this thought, she felt a bit aggrieved.
"If he's this capable, why didn't he start with the easier tasks to establish an advantage?"
...
The various activities, discussions, and thoughts of the audience outside the platform had nothing to do with Luo Chen.
He calmly continued to process the ingredients in the Crystal Cauldron.
After finishing with the Blue Smoke Jade, a wisp of jade smoke enveloped the grayish Return to Origin Cicada Molt.
Only then did Luo Chen slightly relax.
"There's no such thing as starting with the easy tasks; this test is clearly designed to go from difficult to easy!"
"If you don't deal with the most challenging ingredient first, the difficulty will only increase exponentially!"
"The test setter is quite cunning."
As he muttered, he reached out and brought over the Crimson Flame Spirit Ginseng.
Like Dan Yangzi at the beginning, he processed it with the Cloud Transformation Palm.
A cloud of fire, condensed from medicinal power, slowly took shape.
Under the scorching heat, the medicinal ingredients became wild and frenzied.
At this moment, Luo Chen's mind was divided, using the Washing Hand Technique to carefully peel away the tough outer skin of the Sky Blue Aloe like unwinding silk from a cocoon.
However, he did not release the full medicinal power of the ingredients.
Instead, he released them separately.
Once, and then again.
The two ingredients, which should have balanced each other with their water and fire attributes, became imbalanced due to Luo Chen's separate release, resulting in overwhelming fire and weak water.
As if provoked, the fire intensified.
A massive fire cloud enveloped the Liuzi Cauldron, relentlessly roasting the Return to Origin Cicada Molt wrapped in Jade Mist.
The originally grayish-brown cicada molt gradually turned pitch-black.
A strong, acrid smell of burning involuntarily spread.
On the high platform.
The other alchemists also caught a whiff of this scent.
Subconsciously, many of them intermittently glanced at Luo Chen.
Shangguan Yan ranked third, and Tao Wan ranked fourth.
Therefore, Huang Hezi, an alchemist under Shangguan Yan, was the closest to Luo Chen.
He was the first to smell this scent.
"Failed?"
"Haha, it's just a reckless youngster who doesn't understand the principles of alchemy, acting impulsively."
"Without a neutralizing solution, how could he possibly handle the Return to Origin Cicada Molt properly!"
Luo Chen's apparent "failure" put him in a great mood.
As a result, his speed in refining the medicinal ingredients became even lighter.
In his opinion, as long as he could fuse the four ingredients to produce the corresponding Spirit Liquid and resolve the Return to Origin Cicada Molt, it would be a simple task.
Failed?
No, he had three copies of each ingredient, and he had ample time to decoct new Spirit Liquids.
When the other alchemists saw Luo Chen's apparent "failure," their faces remained expressionless.
The more compassionate ones merely gave him a sympathetic glance.
Xuan Yunzi, standing to the side, glanced at Luo Chen.
Then, subconsciously, he looked at the partially decocted ingredients in his own cauldron and his face showed a thoughtful expression.
Gradually, his face became uncertain, shifting between gloom and cheer.
Suddenly!
To the astonishment of the crowd.
Xuan Yunzi waved his hand and cast a Purification Spell, instantly emptying all the ingredients from the Sulfur Ion Cauldron.
This sudden turn of events.
In the eyes of all the spectators, it caused a huge commotion.
At the second high platform.
He Yuanqing was furious, slamming the table as he stood up.
"You fool, what are you doing?"
Before he could finish.
A cold gaze landed on him.
The overwhelming pressure of a Golden Core suppressed him, forcing him to sit back down in his seat.
"You don't know your place!"
"You don't understand the truth!"
"You disregard the big picture!"
The three accusations left He Yuanqing pale-faced, and a cold sweat drop fell to the floor.
Chu Kui was startled.
Subconsciously, he looked towards the alchemy competition stage at the white-haired Supreme Alchemy Institute Elder.
The might of the Golden Core was terrifying.
He pursed his lips and said with a chuckle, "He Zhenchuan, let's just quietly watch the competition!"
He Yuanqing struggled with his palpitations and straightened his body.
He forced a smile and bowed towards the elder.
"This disciple has been reckless."
"Hmph!"
The Supreme Alchemy Institute Elder snorted lightly, but did not hold him accountable.
With a soundproof formation in place, the voices from outside did not affect those inside.
Earlier, it was mainly He Yuanqing who had gone too far.
Shouting so loudly! It was unclear if his abrupt standing up had affected this junior.
His gaze returned to Xuan Yunzi, and his eyes now revealed admiration.
"Decisiveness, unyielding to chaos."
"Although he has to start over, he's on the right path, and may even surpass others who have strayed, becoming a late bloomer."
"This young man is a great talent!"
He had already made up his mind.
After the alchemy competition, he would invite Xuan Yunzi to join the Supreme Alchemy Institute for further training.
The young man had a bright future and could become a great alchemist! Xuan Yunzi, who had found his way back from the wrong path, was a great talent in his eyes.
As for Luo Chen, who was on the right path and making rapid progress, what was he? "It's a pity he's just an outsider loose cultivator with an unclear foundation, and it's a time of many concerns. Otherwise, he could have become a guest elder in my Supreme Alchemy Institute."
Watching Luo Chen's alchemy techniques, devoid of any hint of impurity.
The Supreme Alchemy Institute Elder's appreciation only deepened his regret.
Such a person was a heaven-sent talent, born for the path of alchemy.
"Fortunately, my sect already has such a raw jade."
He subtly glanced at Dan Yangzi's location.
Dan Yangzi merely looked up at Luo Chen once before focusing on his own tasks.
Luo Chen was on the most correct path.
But Dan Yangzi was also on the right path.
It's just that his path was relatively slower.
Actually, it's not slow! It was mainly due to the second round's restriction, preventing Dan Yangzi from using his Primordial True Fire.
Otherwise, even with obstacles, he could have made rapid progress.
"It's not right, this kid's foundation is too solid!"
"Previously, with the Jade Breaking Hand, he displayed a profound mastery, and I thought he had immersed himself in that technique for years, achieving such success. But..."
(End)
"Why is this Cloud Transformation Palm, Washing Hand Technique, so perfect and flawless?"
"The last ingredient, Azure Star Grass, is about to be processed. He won't even use Pure Heart Hand Technique..."
Under the Great Pill Institute Elder's expectant and astonished gaze.
Luo Chen cast out a Guiding Spell.
The spirit grass, shimmering with azure starlight, slowly floated towards the Liuzi Cauldron.
At this moment, Luo Chen manipulated the Earth Fire, roasting the Return to Origin Cicada Molt.
With one hand, he performed a single-handed incantation.
With the Pure Green Wood Essence Energy, the Pure Heart Hand Technique gently wafted into the Azure Star Grass.
The next moment.
Starlight, drop by drop, drifted down.
This was not the pure essence of the Azure Star Grass, but rather the Azure Star Grass Poison, discarded by countless people!
Countless eyes watched as the starlight fell into the cauldron.
A burst of exclamations!
Not taking its essence, but instead its poison.
What was this pill concoctor doing?
Yet the next moment.
The transparent Crystal Cauldron revealed a strange and beautiful scene, stunning everyone.
Starlight entered the cauldron, falling onto the pitch-black cicada molt.
A wisp of blue smoke suddenly rose.
Then, the originally pitch-black molt violently trembled.
Black gradually faded.
Gray-white turned blue, suddenly trembled, and finally became bright azure, thin as cicada wings!
The massive Yuan Qi, originally wrapped in the center, now freely gushed out, covering every corner of the cicada wings.
Luo Chen gently waved, perfectly handling the Return to Origin Cicada Molt, and slowly flew towards the white-haired Great Pill Institute Elder.
This scene was like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, and like a cicada's final splendid song after a summer of dormancy.
The elder's expression was complex as he looked at the cicada molt, free of any impurities.
"Bright azure, Yuan Qi undiminished, a perfect product!"
"Time taken, half a shichen!"
"The first pill concoctor to successfully process the Return to Origin Cicada Molt is Dan Chenzi!"
Luo Chen slightly smiled, not delaying further.
Instead, he lowered his head, processing the other three ingredients.
This was because, not the other four.
Because he had already processed the Azure Star Grass poison in the final step of refinement.
Sometimes, processing ingredients could be done simultaneously.
Taking its dregs, while also taking its essence!
When Luo Chen was the first to deliver the finished product.
In the Pill Valley, not a sound could be heard.
But when the Great Pill Institute Elder declared its qualification, no, its perfection, the entire Pill Valley erupted in excitement!
"Did it succeed?"
"How is that possible! He messed around, how could he produce a perfect product?"
"You must be joking!"
"Do you think a Cloud Transformation Palm, Pure Heart Hand Technique user like him, who can use pill techniques with divine mastery, would mess up the ingredients?"
"Senior Brother, you can fool others, but fooling yourself is pointless."
"Although I very much don't want to admit it, this senior named Dan Chenzi seems to have surpassed our Master Senior Brother in pill concocting prowess."
"No, I don't believe it, Master Senior Brother is perfect and flawless!"
Whether Master Senior Brother is perfect and flawless is hard to say.
But everyone knew that Luo Chen, using numerous perfect and flawless pill techniques, had refined a perfect and flawless Return to Origin Cicada Molt.
On the Tao Family's high platform.
The crowd of cultivators glanced at each other, and then simultaneously erupted in high-spirited cheers.
The first to successfully process the most difficult Return to Origin Cicada Molt, what did this mean.
Everyone understood!
"Sister..."
Before he could ask for credit, the nearby Tao Wan turned her head and said, "After the first round, there will be a short break. You can go and retrieve the Leisure Fragrance that our Tao Family Patriarch refined, for Luo Chen's use."
Tao Yisheng was startled.
The nearby Clan Head Tao Da Nan immediately said, "But that's the one our Old Ancestor refined for your True Transmission Sword Duel, and only three remain."
Tao Wan still stared intently at Luo Chen, and her words were already filled with powerful confidence, becoming calm and unhurried.
"If Luo Chen achieves an absolute advantage in the second round, my entry into the top three is an inevitable matter."
"Rather than coveting a slight recovery during the sword duel, it's better to help him win this second round, and I can have more rest time later."
"With him and I, both benefit."
Tao Da Nan suddenly realized.
He almost lost out on something big due to a small matter!
Tao Yisheng didn't say another word, not even looking at the subsequent events, as he led two family Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and directly headed towards the Qingdan Valley's outer South Mountain.
The Tao Family's Leisure Fragrance was uniquely refined and uniquely preserved.
It couldn't be stored in a storage bag, but had to be constantly nurtured with secret methods to ensure the pill's power didn't diminish.
While the crowd outside clamored.
Inside the competition venue, a heaven-shaking, earth-overturning change had already occurred.
(End of Chapter)
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