Not Even Sixth-Rank Alchemists Were Spared

The nine alchemists participating in the Pill Battle chose their spots in the small courtyard plaza. Without much fuss, each took a cushion or mat from their Ring of Holding and sat cross-legged on the ground.

Those qualified to take part in this Pill Battle were all Seventh-Rank Alchemists. In other words, they were all Dou Zong experts. They were not necessarily fire-elemental cultivators, though the proportion was still quite high—three of the nine possessed the fire attribute!

Master Xiao, a Guest Elder of the Pill Tower, waved his hand, and a pale blue flame appeared in his palm. Smiling, he said, "Xiao Yan, this is my Mirror Lake Fire. Its nature is gentle and beneficial for alchemy, though it ultimately cannot compare to an Exotic Flame..."

"Yesterday, I witnessed Grandmaster Nalan's Exotic Flame, the Fallen Heart Flame. I presume Xiao Yan must also possess an Exotic Flame. Would you be willing to take it out and let us have a look?"

Xiao Yan froze and turned to look at me in surprise. He had not expected me to possess the Fallen Heart Flame too. After subduing the Fallen Heart Flame at Canaan Academy, he had one himself. What a coincidence.

What he did not know was that my Fallen Heart Flame had also come from beneath Canaan Academy's Heavenly Flame Training Gas Tower. That place was a true treasure trove—there were another twenty Exotic Flames down there!

Seeing that Xiao Yan did not respond, Master Xiao's face tightened slightly. "Could it be that Xiao Yan is unwilling?"

Xiao Yan hurriedly shook his head. I was only hesitating over which of my many Exotic Flames to take out!

After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yan made up his mind. With a gesture, strands of Dark White Flame surged from his