Ding!
The bell rang again to draw the audience's attention.
Immediately, the hostess stood on the platform and announced:
"Now the second round will begin. The content of this round is refining spiritual liquids. Those with the purest liquid will advance to the next stage, and the top twenty will move on to the final round tomorrow."
The same members of the Alchemy Association stepped forward, carrying trays with the required herbs.
At this moment, the audience's focus was firmly on Zhang Yong. His previous performance had captured everyone's attention, making them curious to see if he had another miraculous method to refine spiritual liquids.
Zhang Yong closed his eyes and tapped his forehead calmly. "Let's see… I remember that fox explained this to me."
Spiritual liquids were different from ordinary pills. Pills were ranked according to the alchemy grading system, but liquids were not. If ranked, it would only be based on the grade of their ingredients. What truly mattered was their purity percentage.
Wu Ruxian had literally carved every lesson into Zhang Yong's mind. Those twenty days had felt like several long months to him. Wu Ruxian was a strict teacher, but that was exactly what made her an excellent one.
Zhang Yong hated to admit it, but without her, he wouldn't know all that he knew now.
When he opened his eyes again, everyone else had already started refining.
"Could it be that the boy's skill has run out?"
"He must not know any formulas for spiritual liquids."
"Was everything he did earlier just a trick after all?"
At the same time, Xiao Qion laughed loudly.
"Ha! You definitely don't know how to refine spiritual liquids. Victory will be mine this time!"
Some other contestants also laughed. What was better than seeing a genius rise? It was seeing a genius fall.
Zhang Yong smiled faintly, glancing at him from the corner of his eye.
"Oh, my foolish grandson, this competition has nothing to do with speed. Why should I rush?"
He waved his hand, and three flags floated around the cauldron. At the same time, each flag glowed with three different colors: green, blue, and red.
He picked up the herbs, tossed them into the cauldron, and began manipulating the flags with precision.
This test was entirely about the competitors' ability to purify the liquid — in other words, to refine the ingredients and see how far they could purify them.
In Zhang Yong's mind, a process repeated constantly: pills were formed through three stages — ingredients were broken down and vaporized into gas, the gas condensed into droplets, and finally the droplets solidified into a pill.
But refining liquids altered the last stage, which left behind impurities.
This required precise control of the flame. Too weak, and the herbs wouldn't refine. Too strong, and they would evaporate before turning into vapor.
However, Zhang Yong had implemented an external process to achieve the same results with less effort. The only downside was that it wasn't exactly time-efficient.
It was similar to a distillation process, but since there was no time limit, he didn't need speed. He could take things slowly.
The three flags represented three elemental laws: Water, Wood, and Fire.
Zhang Yong focused particularly on controlling Fire. When vapor rose, he relied on Wood to gather it, then Water to purify it.
Wu Ruxian had given him the basic idea, but Zhang Yong added his own touches, drawing on knowledge from his past life's sciences.
In front of each contestant was placed a jade cup. Once finished, they could pour their refined liquid into it for evaluation.
When the crowd saw what Zhang Yong was doing, their expressions darkened. But as time passed, their surprise began to grow.
After twenty minutes, Xiao Qion had finished his liquid, achieving a purity of 88% — the highest possible with second-grade ingredients.
The audience fell silent. They expected this to be the best anyone could achieve, especially given Xiao Qion's arrogance and talent.
"Haha! Who's the real trash now? Come here and kneel to me ten times!" Xiao Qion boasted proudly, glaring at Zhang Yong.
But Zhang Yong, who had taken his time, wasn't concerned.
"The competition isn't over yet," he replied calmly.
After forty minutes — an hour in total — people began realizing something was different about Zhang Yong's method.
Even after all that time, he still hadn't finished, while the top twenty had already been decided, with Xiao Qion in first place, followed by Kuo Linan at 84%, Su Ming at 76%, then the Xue sisters, and others.
The audience couldn't help but wonder about Zhang Yong's results. Would he even make the top twenty, or had he just excited them for nothing?
"Does he still have any chance?"
"Everyone else is done already. He's the only one left."
"There's no way he'll suddenly get first place, right?"
"What if a miracle happens and he gets full purity?"
"Nonsense! Full purity from a third-rank alchemist? Impossible!"
Xiao Qion laughed loudly.
"What are you still refining? Don't be afraid, if you beg me, I'll make sure you don't lose all your dignity in front of a talented youth like me!"
Slowly, steam began to escape from Zhang Yong's cauldron as liquid formed. To everyone's astonishment, the liquid shimmered with a clear blue transparency, reflecting the lights like it contained pure spiritual energy.
"I'm finished!" he declared loudly, his voice carrying an air that shifted the very atmosphere.
Turning toward Xiao Qion, Zhang Yong looked down at him.
"I admit you're talented. But the only reason people have been calling you gifted all this time… is because I hadn't appeared yet."
He poured the liquid into the jade cup. One of the judges examined it carefully.
The crowd held their breath, waiting anxiously. Would he succeed? Would he fail? Everything was riding on this.
"Purity 91%!" the judge exclaimed in shock.
The audience erupted into cheers. Gasps and shouts of amazement filled the arena. Zhang Yong had done what no one expected. Even Xiao Qion, who had been so sure of himself, was stunned.
Xiao Qion scowled in disbelief. "Impossible! How could you get higher purity?"
Zhang Yong tapped his head, smirking.
"What? Did you think you could surpass your ancestors? I have enough talent to make your ancestors turn in their graves a thousand times over."
Hearing this, Xiao Qion's rage burned like fire in his veins. The thought of being outdone by someone he deemed a mere beginner was unbearable. He shouted irrationally,
"This is nonsense! Using arrays is blatant cheating!"
The crowd froze, shocked by his outburst. Their eyes turned to Zhang Yong, waiting for his response.
But Zhang Yong only smiled calmly, further infuriating Xiao Qion.
"Xiao Qion, are you calling the judges and everyone here blind? Or are you the only blind one? There's no rule against using arrays. Competition rules, Article Seven: no external aids to boost mental energy are allowed, and only the ingredients provided by the Association may be used. Isn't that right, President?"
The Association President stood and replied,
"Correct. There are no rules forbidding arrays in this type of competition. Contestant Zhang Yong has not cheated."
Xiao Qion staggered back, overwhelmed. Everything was against him. He felt the ground crumble beneath his feet. Still, he tried to protest.
"This is outrageous! That man came out of nowhere, using techniques we've never even heard of!"
Zhang Yong cursed at him with disdain.
"Whose fault is your ignorance, idiot , Just because you don't know something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And don't expect me to explain it to you — your mind is too small, and I'm not a kindergarten teacher to waste my time on you."
Xiao Qion's face turned crimson. He spun around to leave, but as he did, he caught sight of Ku Linan laughing. Instantly, Xiao Qion's hand shot out, grabbing Kuo Linan's throat viciously.
"How dare you mock me, trash? I'll kill you!"
At once, a masked man intervened, stopping him. He pulled Xiao Qion's hand away.
Suddenly, Zhang Yong disappeared from where he stood and reappeared in front of Xiao Qion.
"Didn't you forget something?"
"What do you want?" Xiao Qion muttered, seething with rage.
Zhang Yong's gaze was empty. 'This boy… what a disappointment. He can't even control his expressions or temper'
"You said you'd bow to me, didn't you? Do it now. I spared you the first time, don't think I'll do it again."
Hatred boiled in Xiao Qion's heart. He refused to kneel — the humiliation was too great.
Zhang Yong spoke casually,
"Oh? Did your legs go stiff? Let me help you."
He placed a hand on Xiao Qion's shoulder, and instantly, Xiao Qion felt a crushing pressure like mountains weighing down on him. He collapsed to his knees.
"He knelt! He actually knelt!"
"Dammit, Zhang Yong is so domineering!"
"He completely crushed him!"
Seeing such a supposedly gifted youth humiliated like this was unforgettable. Some pitied Xiao Qion, but everyone knew — he had agreed to such wagers not once, but twice! He had no one to blame but himself.
Zhang Yong grabbed his head and slammed it against the ground.
Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!
Blood spilled from his forehead.
Then Zhang Yong pressed his head harder into the floor.
"Go on, say it. Call me grandfather!"
Sweating cold, face contorted from pain and shame, Xiao Qion had no choice. His voice choked as he muttered,
"Aaaah… G–Grandfather!"
Zhang Yong stood and smiled, planting his foot on Xiao Qion's head.
"How dare you deny your elders! I don't want garbage like you as a grandson!"
That moment shattered Xiao Qion's pride. His dignity was torn apart in front of everyone. Yet he could do nothing but endure. Standing slowly, broken inside, his eyes glimmered with unhidden hatred.
Zhang Yong received a system notification but ignored it. He removed his foot and turned toward the stage.
"Announce the result."
The hostess immediately declared excitedly:
"In first place — contestant Zhang Yong, who surpassed all with his astonishing performance!"
"All who passed this round have qualified for the third round tomorrow."
The final results were announced. There was no doubt now: Zhang Yong had established himself as one of the strongest competitors. Calling him a black horse would be an understatement.
As the crowd dispersed, all eyes followed Zhang Yong. Everyone present — audience or contestants — had one thought:
This boy is no ordinary person.
Zhang Yong left with Su Ming, who wore a wry smile.
"Zhang Yong, you really made that poor guy look like a fool."
Stretching his arms, Zhang Yong replied,
"Su Ming, wipe that smile off your face. I should be asking you — what's your deal? You're holding back from the top three on purpose, aren't you?"
Su Ming scratched the back of his head with an awkward grin.
"You're overthinking. I just advanced to third-rank recently. How could I compare to geniuses?"
But there was something hidden in his eyes — he was concealing something.
Zhang Yong didn't press. After all, if it was personal, it wasn't his business.
Just then, he noticed Xiao Qion walking away down a distant street. Behind him, however, was none other than Ku Linan — his eyes burning with killing intent.
Zhang Yong slowed his steps, then turned to Su Ming.
"Su Ming, go ahead to the inn first. I'll catch up later."
Su Ming raised an eyebrow in curiosity, shrugging.
"Alright, but don't cause trouble."
Zhang Yong chuckled.
"Since when do I cause trouble?"
Su Ming gave him a meaningful look.
"Should I count how many times you nearly got us both killed already?"
Zhang Yong grumbled.
"Fine, I won't do anything."
Then he slipped away, trailing Ku Linan through the city streets until they left its walls.
They arrived at a secluded hill dotted with large rocks.
Xiao Qion stood there, venting his rage and hatred by striking the stones furiously, unaware that Ku Linan was stalking him from behind.
Ku Linan emerged, sword in hand, murderous intent in his eyes. Just as he was about to strike, Zhang Yong darted forward, seizing him and pulling him behind a boulder.
He clamped a hand over Kuo Linan's mouth, silencing him.
Shocked, Ku Linan struggled, but Zhang Yong's strength pinned him easily.
Zhang Yong whispered in his ear, calm but firm.
"Stop now, or there will be consequences."
Kuo Linan trembled, unable to cry out, staring at him in alarm.
"I'll let you go now. Don't make a sound, understood?"
Ku Linan nodded. Zhang Yong slowly released him. With a trace of hostility, Ku Linan hissed,
"You're Zhang Yong, aren't you? What are you doing?"
Zhang Yong smiled serenely.
"Stopping you from doing something foolish."
"This is none of your business!" Ku Linan snapped, avoiding Zhang Yong's steady gaze. He knew he was trapped — if Zhang Yong exposed his attempt, his career as an alchemist would be ruined.
"And that's exactly why you're a fool. Think — this is the Alchemy Association's territory. If someone is killed here, their reputation suffers, they'll investigate thoroughly. You might not escape."
Ku Linan couldn't deny it. He realized he'd almost acted recklessly. His anger toward Xiao Qion still burned, but fear of the consequences crept in.
"So you came here to stop me?"
Zhang Yong's words carried understanding.
"You hate Xiao Qion deeply, don't you?"
Ku Linan's voice was sharp.
"I loathe him! Two years ago, he challenged my father. Back then, I was only a first-rank alchemist. After defeating him, Xiao Qion humiliated him and shattered his spiritual sea, leaving him bedridden. I want to kill him, drink his blood! And today he even dared choke me in public!"
Zhang Yong nodded calmly, beginning to understand his nature: talented but inexperienced, consumed by hatred.
From the deepest desires of the human heart comes murderous hatred. Blind rage makes one believe the ends justify the means. For someone unstable like him, he's easy to manipulate — all you need is to solve the root of the problem.
"I get it. I hate his arrogance too. Why do you think I humiliated him several times already?" Zhang Yong shook his head knowingly.
He continued, speaking gently but with meaning.
"I won't stop you if you want to meet your doom. But… I know a way to get rid of him without trouble."
As he walked away, a hidden smile flickered across Zhang Yong's face. He had planted doubt, then offered a solution.
Kuo Linan froze.
"Wait! What do you mean you have a way to deal with Xiao Qion?"
Zhang Yong paused, looking at him intently.
"I said what I meant. But it depends on you. Will you remain a worm squirming in his hand… or will you stand for yourself?"
Kuo Linan's mind was torn, anger still boiling.
"I want to surpass him at any cost."
Zhang Yong approached.
"Good. But there's something I want in return."
Kuo Linan frowned. He expected this. Who appears out of nowhere to help for free?
"What's the price?"
"I want you to become my servant."
Kuo Linan stared in shock, unable to believe what he heard.
"A servant? Do you think I'd agree to that?"
Zhang Yong had anticipated this reaction and smiled.
"I'm offering to help you eliminate your enemy and guarantee you'll rise above him. Of course, you can ignore me and keep eating Xiao Qion's dust, or kill him now and throw away your future. The scales are balanced, aren't they?"
Breathing deeply, Kuo Linan wrestled with the choice.
"I can't. My dream is to become a high-level alchemist. If I become your servant, I can't pursue that."
Zhang Yong's smile widened.
"I never said you had to give up your dream. Though I call it servitude, you'll actually be a supervisor. Just manage others and refine pills from time to time — that's enough. A title won't change your path."
Kuo Linan inhaled deeply, then replied firmly.
"If you can get rid of Xiao Qion, I'll accept."
Zhang Yong pointed at him with a confident grin.
"Don't worry. I won't let him live. So — do we have a deal?"
He extended his hand.
Kuo Linan hesitated, suspicion flickering, but finally reached out and shook it.
"Deal."