"After the three champions advanced, it was time for the final contest to determine the ultimate winner of the tournament," the hostess shouted as the cheers of the crowd nearly drowned her voice.
"Will the three champions please step forward to the stone tables?" She clapped her hands, and three stone tables rose from the ground, each separated from the other. On each table sat a blue crystal, inside of which was a pure milky-white liquid, and beside it, a simple jade cup.
The hostess explained calmly: "These are Crystals of Ice Origin. Everyone knows that the liquid inside them is highly useful for purifying many herbs. The goal of this final round is to extract the liquid from the center without damaging the crystal or wasting a single drop."
The three stepped forward toward the tables, each standing before one. Zhang Yong turned his head toward Ku Linan, and both of them nodded at the same time.
"You may begin!" the hostess shouted loudly.
Zhang Yong picked up the crystal and let it slip from his hand onto the ground, where it shattered the moment it touched.
"Oops, I failed."
Gasps of shock rose from the stands as they watched Zhang Yong's crystal break. Even the hostess wore a bewildered expression.
"Contestant Zhang Yong, did... did you give up on the competition?" she asked cautiously. How could a prodigy like him make such a careless mistake?
"The crystal slipped from my hand, I couldn't do anything," he scratched the back of his head foolishly, his face wearing an even sillier smile.
The stands fell into complete silence. After all the skills, techniques, and talent he had displayed, to fall in such a stupid and careless way was utterly unsatisfying.
The hostess pressed her palm to her forehead and sighed regretfully. "Since contestant Zhang Yong has failed, I hereby declare him in third place!"
The silence in the stands was heavy, as if every spectator was holding their breath in disbelief. Some whispered with disappointment, others let out soft jeers.
But Zhang Yong only shrugged nonchalantly and stood there watching the other two.
After a while, Ku Linan's crystal cracked in his hand. "Sorry guys, extraction and control really aren't my specialty," he said, scratching the back of his head apologetically.
The crowd gasped again, their shock and frustration doubling.
The hostess's face darkened, her anger barely contained. These two were treating the competition as if it meant nothing!
Trying to maintain her composure, she announced: "Contestant Ku Linan takes second place. Since only one remains, contestant Su Ming takes first place."
At that moment, the president of the Alchemy Association stood up and declared, "Then I announce that the winner of the Tournament of the Alchemy Association is Su Ming! He shall inherit the title of Heavenly Alchemy Child!"
The crowd was displeased. Neither Zhang Yong, who had dazzled them with skills, nor Xiao Qion, who had shown overwhelming talent, nor even the famed genius Ku Linan had won. Instead, it was an unknown like Su Ming—and on top of that, he was granted the title of Heavenly Alchemy Child.
Su Ming stood in the center of the arena, stunned, eyes wide as he stared at the president. He hadn't shown anything particularly outstanding, and yet he had won thanks only to Zhang Yong and Ku Linan. He was truly questioning why.
Murmurs rippled through the audience as eyes turned toward Zhang Yong and Ku Linan, waiting for their reactions. But Zhang Yong stood calmly, shoulders relaxed, face showing no trace of anger or protest. Ku Linan, meanwhile, wore a half-smile and gave a slight nod, as though agreeing with the decision.
Zhang Yong stepped forward and smacked Su Ming's back firmly. "Hold your head high, you deserve this."
Su Ming hesitated, then stepped forward slightly and said: "It is an honor for me to receive this title, but…" He faltered for a moment, reluctant to continue, but then clenched his teeth and said firmly, "But I cannot accept it."
The audience was shocked once more, though some were relieved—at least he recognized that he didn't deserve it.
The president's expression, however, did not shift in the slightest. He waited silently for Su Ming to continue.
"I know that I won this round, but…" Su Ming turned to look at Zhang Yong and Ku Linan before continuing, "Everyone here knows I'm not the best. I was only lucky. They—Zhang Yong and Ku Linan—gave up deliberately. If they had fought with all they had, the result would've been entirely different."
Both Zhang Yong and Ku Linan's faces turned ugly at his words.
This time, the silence in the arena was not born of shock but of respect. Su Ming had spoken with courage and humility.
Suddenly, a booming laugh rang from the sky—it was none other than President Cha Yonghe. "Su Ming, did you think I wouldn't know you were hiding your abilities? Boy, you'll need another thousand years before you can fool me!"
Su Ming's eyes widened in shock 'what the hell?!'
Zhang Yong then stepped forward, speaking calmly: "Su Ming, the goal was to extract the liquid. I failed because even if I had tried, I wouldn't have been able to. I know my limits."
He wasn't lying. Reaching this round was the best he could do—beyond that, all his tricks were useless.
Ku Linan also spoke seriously: "The same applies to me. It wasn't giving up or disrespect—it's simply that we had no chance in this field."
Zhang Yong nodded. "Just accept it."
"Brother…" Su Ming whispered, smiling warmly, then turned toward the president. "Then I will accept this title, and strive to live up to its expectations."
The president smiled faintly. "Then it is official. From now on, I declare you the Heavenly Alchemy Child of the Pill Association!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Though some still felt the title was given too easily, the president's words left no room for protest.
The princess couldn't help but stare in shock before a tender smile spread across her face. "It really is him… even after six years, he hasn't changed."
The maid beside look at her smile and said"your majesty looks happy seeing him again? Did you miss him?"
"What?"The princess looked at her before looking away, her ears turning red. "You can't ask something like that… I-I mean it's been a long time and…"
The maid smile mischievously but didn't push the matter more , It was better for her to see a more this side of her mistress than to have to endure the moodiness in the palace.
As the three left, the Alchemy Competition finally came to an end—a historic event in the empire, their names echoing across the continent.
When the three emerged from the passageway, they happened upon the Xue sisters, who had been waiting for some time. The elder sister bowed politely. "Congratulations to the three of you on your victory in the Alchemy Competition."
Zhang Yong cupped his hands and smiled. "Thank you, Misses Xue. We wish you better luck in the next tournament."
The elder sister smiled brightly, her eyes shining with joy, and added: "Thank you for your support, young master. The competition was truly splendid—I was deeply impressed by the skills you displayed. If possible, may I speak with you in private, Young Master Zhang Yong?"
Zhang Yong frowned slightly at her words, suspicion flickering in his eyes, but he nodded nonetheless. "Very well." He turned toward Su Ming and Ku Linan. "I won't be going for long."
Both su ming and and ku linan nod as her was leaving
Zhang Yong followed the elder sister as they left the stands. In a restaurant, he sat on one side while the two sisters sat opposite him.
Leaning his elbow on the table, Zhang Yong asked, "So then, what is it that the two young ladies of the Xue family desire from me?"
"Please, call me Xue Sui, and my younger sister is Xue Yuyan," the elder sister with blue hair said, gesturing to her sibling.
Xue Yuyan lowered her head shyly, her expression a little awkward.
"As you wish—Xue Sui, and Xue Yuyan," Zhang Yong said with curiosity in his eyes. "What can I do for you?"
Xue Sui smiled gently and replied: "In truth, we have been assigned a mission by our family—to collect herbs from Stormwind Mountain. We were wondering if Young Master Zhang could accompany us as a guard. Of course, we will reward you generously and treat you with the utmost respect."
Zhang Yong's eyes widened at the name. "That mountain… is it the greatest convergence of wind and lightning laws on the continent!"
The sisters glanced at each other, then nodded. "That is correct."
According to what Zhang Yong knew, if any natural phenomena caused by the Yggdrasil seed existed, there was a high chance of finding them there.
But there was a problem. He couldn't allow anyone to accompany him. If he accepted the role of their guard, he would be occupied protecting them the entire time, leaving him no chance to search. Besides, he had other matters to attend to right now.
"I'm afraid I must refuse, Miss Xue Sui."
Xue Sui froze, clearly not expecting rejection. "But Young Master Zhang, the mountain is a natural treasury, filled with rare and precious plants."
Zhang Yong shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry, but I cannot risk my life." He stood up, ready to leave.
Xue Sui clenched her teeth. No matter what, she had to win him over! Even if he hadn't been the champion of the competition, the abilities he displayed guaranteed a brilliant future. If she could pull him to their side and keep him, their clan would rise immeasurably. "Young Master Zhang Yong, please reconsider—we are willing to offer many treasures in exchange."
But Zhang Yong didn't even turn back. He left the restaurant quietly. If he wished to stay, he would. If he wished to go, he would. He had already decided not to accompany them and would not change his mind.
When he returned to the arena, Su Ming and Ku Linan were waiting for him—along with a third person, a man in black wearing the robes of the Alchemy Association.
As Zhang Yong approached, his eyes stayed fixed on the man, who bowed respectfully. "Honored young masters, I was sent by the president to escort you for the award ceremony."
Zhang Yong nodded and replied, "Lead the way."
The three followed the masked man closely, passing by many alchemists along the way, each showing them respect. The competition had truly changed how others viewed them.
Slowly, they walked through two long streets, until they finally lifted their heads in awe at the majestic building before them.
This building was unlike any other. From the outside, it resembled a giant cauldron, while the surrounding windows looked like the cauldron's fire vents. At the very top, a massive lid loomed, covering all the rooms below.
But what shocked them even more was who awaited them at the gates—it was none other than the president of the association himself. For the president to personally welcome them meant he held them in very high regard.
Immediately, the three bowed with the masked man and greeted respectfully: "President!"
Cha Yonghe stroked his beard with a smile. "Xiao Hong, you may leave. I will handle things from here." His tone was directed at the masked man.
The man nodded and vanished in the blink of an eye. The president then turned his gaze back to the three. "Congratulations on your victory, young ones. Follow me."
The three quietly followed him into the association building.
As they entered, the refreshing scent of pills and herbs filled the air—it was truly a paradise for alchemists.
The place was fairly empty, only a few individuals quietly tending to their work. But as they heard footsteps, some lifted their heads. When they saw the president leading three young men behind him, it was clear these youths had significant status.
The president walked ahead, ascending a red wooden staircase.
Above the stairs hung a massive mural depicting a man holding a pill and offering it to others, alongside various other events.
The trio's eyes fell on it instantly, admiration flickering in their expressions.
The president smiled at their looks and said: "This mural depicts our ancestor—the Heavenly Pill King—one of the ancient kings of glory, and the true founder of the Alchemy Association."
Zhang Yong couldn't help but remark, "That looks incredible… what happened to him?"
The president sighed softly, a faint smile on his face. "He perished in the Great War a thousand years ago, and his techniques were lost. If someone were ever to inherit his legacy, they would be treated as the disciple of the founder himself, granted the highest respect within the association. In fact, their status would equal my own."
Zhang Yong listened silently, then recalled the refining technique Xiao Qion had used in the competition 'Could he be the heir? Possible, with his luck… Forget it. I'll just extract his soul now'
With his thought, a spiritual aura stirred quietly within Zhang Yong's soul sea, though he did not rush.
Cha Yonghe glanced at Zhang Yong's calm expression and was inwardly shocked 'An ordinary person would never hesitate to claim such an inheritance for the sake of power and wealth. Yet his expression was different, making the president suspect he truly might be the heir—but the techniques were undeniably authentic.
The group followed the president until they reached a room. He pushed open the doors wide, revealing a rather messy chamber with scrolls scattered everywhere.
The president walked to one of the piles, picked up two scrolls, and turned toward them. "Su Ming, your reward is the recipe for a fourth-grade pill—the Celestial Flight Pill."
Su Ming took the scroll, his hands trembling. He had obtained a treasure! He felt he could die happily now.
The president chuckled at his expression. "Hahaha, you really are just like your master, boy."
Su Ming froze for a moment in shock. "You know my master?"
The president smiled and handed him another scroll. "Of course I know that old rascal. He left this behind for you."
When Su Ming opened the scroll and read its contents, a bright smile spread across his face. "That old man, truly…"
The president smiled faintly. "He left it here long ago. You may have hidden your abilities in the competition, but did you really think I wouldn't know you were his disciple? This reminds me—from today onward, the three of you are honorary elders of the Alchemy Association."
With a wave of his hand, three badges and three alchemist robes flew toward them. The robes were purple with silver embroidery along the edges.
Zhang Yong caught his robe and badge, placing them directly into his storage.
The president looked at them proudly, excitement swelling in his chest. "Very well, children. Since you achieved the top three ranks, you may now proceed to the association's Flame Valley and attempt to obtain an Origin Flame."
He clapped his hands, and three association elders entered the room, bowing respectfully to him.
"I cannot accompany you, as I have many duties within the association. But I will be awaiting good news"