Heartbreak

Liu Ling stared intently at Xiao Yu's face. He absolutely could not believe that Xiao Shi Yi could refine the difficult-to-refine Ironwood Spirit Leaf several times in such a short period of time.

Although no one in the hall spoke, their eyes revealed their doubt; it was just that they didn't have a teacher as capable as Liu Ling!

Xiao Yu did not speak up to defend himself, but instead stepped forward, took out the Ironwood Spirit Leaf that he had tested before from his Storage Ring, and placed it into the groove.

All eyes in the hall turned to the screen of the testing machine, where a large, crimson character: "Ten" suddenly appeared before them. The flashing red light shone on everyone's faces, reflecting their comical blank expressions.

Standing to the side, Liu Ling roared, "This is impossible!"

His handsome face instantly turned grim, his eyes fixed on the flashing red score, and he roared.

Even the usually composed Little Princess was so shocked that her mouth dropped open, not to mention the other alchemists, who were already stunned.

Liu Ling looked somewhat doubtful about the authenticity of the testing machine; the successive setbacks were hard for the extremely proud man to accept.

Many alchemists showed a hint of frustration on their faces. They knew that under the watchful eyes of so many Fourth-grade Alchemist, Xiao Yu could not possibly cheat, which also proved the authenticity of Xiao Yu's results!

Qiemier's expression darkened slightly as he looked at Liu Ling and said, "What? Are you implying that we old folks have engaged in favoritism and corruption?"

Qiemier's words made the faces of the group of Fourth-grade Alchemist behind him look rather unpleasant. Although your teacher is Gu He, Sixth Grade Alchemist master, he is still your teacher, not yourself. Even if your teacher came in person, he wouldn't go against the entire Alchemist Guild, would he?

Liu Ling's body trembled slightly. Realizing his lapse in composure, he quickly cupped his hands and said, "Vice President, Elders, that's not what I meant. I was just a little surprised. I didn't expect Brother Xiao to have such skills, able to refine this Ironwood Spirit Leaf to a perfect ten."

Seeing that Liu Ling was somewhat yielding, Qiemier and the others didn't pursue the matter further. Instead, they said to Liu Ling, "You and Xiao Shi Yi are both Third-grade Alchemist, but judging from your refining of Ironwood Spirit Leaf, your level is at the peak of the third grade. Such an achievement can indeed make you stand out among the younger generation. However, it must be said that Xiao Shi Yi's alchemy skills have already reached the level of Fourth-grade Alchemist."

"I think that if Xiao Shi Yi is willing, he should be able to get the badge of Fourth-grade Alchemist in no time. Don't underestimate your opponent. Remember, there are always mountains beyond mountains and people beyond people!" Qiemier said solemnly.

Qiemier's words weren't just for Liu Ling, but also for the Little Princess and the other alchemists. Geniuses exist, but maintaining a calm mindset is the most important thing!

Liu Ling bowed deeply and said, "I have learned a great deal, Vice President!"

The Little Princess also spoke up, "I understand, teacher!"

Standing to the side, Master Bu Lin stroked his gray beard with a smile and reminded Qiemier, "Alright, alright, stop lecturing them and announce the test results first!"

"What's there to announce? Xiao Shi Yi is first, Yan Xiao is second, Liu Ling is next, Yao Yue is last. Except for those who didn't pass, everyone else has passed," Qiemier said with a smile.

He then looked at the crowd below the stage and said, "In this Alchemist Tournament, besides those from our empire, there will also be representatives from other empires. If they win the championship, our empire will lose all face. Therefore, you must do your utmost to surpass them!"

"Yes!" The crowd below the stage was thrilled by Qiemier's words and responded excitedly in the hall.

However, Xiao Yu and Xiao Yan were not overly excited. The empire did not hold much significance for them, even less so than their feelings for Wu Tan City. Their somewhat indifferent expressions caught Qiemier's attention. Looking at their calm demeanor, it seemed that nothing could affect their mood. This state of mind was beyond the reach of ordinary people; just look at Liu Ling.

Although Liu Ling didn't shout excitedly like the others, his youthful arrogance was undeniable, but it didn't apply to Xiao Yu and Xiao Yan at all!

"When I get back, I must have Old Bu and the others talk to me about Xiao Shi Yi's potential. These two young men might become another Gu He, or even surpass Gu He!" Qiemier murmured to himself.

After the test, Qiemier told everyone to go back and prepare for tomorrow's match, but Qiemier kept Master Bu Lin and Otto behind to scout out the situation.

Xiao Yu and Xiao Yan walked side by side. Xiao Yu laughed and said, "It seems that Qiemier is trying to find out our strength through Master Bulin and Master Otto!"

Xiao Yan shrugged indifferently and said, "You won't find out anything from this. They just want to tie us to the Alchemist Guild. Everything else is just fluff. I only need something that can entice me in exchange!"

Xiao Yu laughed and said, "That's true. It's a pity that the Alchemist Guild missed out on Gu He. Otherwise, the Alchemist Guild would be the number one power in the Jia Ma Empire right now!"

As they walked out of the hall, Xiao Yu saw Elder Hai emerge from another room with a cold expression. Ya Fei, who was walking behind Elder Hai, gave Xiao Yu a wry smile, and the Great Elder's eyes were also filled with helplessness.

Xiao Yu stepped forward and asked, "What happened?"

Ya Fei whispered in Xiao Yu's ear, "Elder Jia is arguing with Elder Hai in his room. He's saying that all these years have passed and he's still only at the Five-Star Peak Dou Emperor. Has he been out enjoying himself and forgotten about cultivation?"

Xiao Yu laughed and said, "Is that really what Elder Jia said?"

"Hmph!" Elder Hai snorted, "Little girl, Little Fox, tonight I'll show this old bastard what real strength is!"

Xiao Yu's interest was piqued. "What? From what Elder Hai is saying, are you going to fight Elder Jia tonight?"

Elder Hai sneered, "That was to teach him a lesson. He's an old man, yet he still acts so disrespectfully!"

Ya Fei and Xiao Yu exchanged a smile and ignored him; it was just a quarrel between old friends.

After saying goodbye to Xiao Yan, Xiao Yu went straight back to the inn. This cultivation fanatic was unwilling to waste a single moment, especially with the Three Year Pact fast approaching!

Xiao Yu took Ya Fei's hand and walked outside. Along the way, passersby looked at the two of them with surprise, resentment and jealousy in their eyes. Ya Fei was a renowned beauty in the Imperial Capital. Who wouldn't want to marry this enchantress? Now, seeing her being held by a man's hand with a shy look on her face, their hearts shattered.

This ordinary man actually stole their dream girl. In front of the beauty, they selectively forgot that Xiao Yu was wearing Third-grade Alchemist's robe.

Night fell.

Inside the room, Xiao Yu and Ya Fei watched as Elder Hai walked out of the manor. Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Want to go and watch? A sparring match between two Dou Emperor must be very interesting!"

Ya Fei hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can I go?"

Xiao Yu chuckled softly, "Why not?" With that, he opened the window, put one arm around Ya Fei's slender waist, and with a slight flap of his Purple Cloud Wings, he carried her swiftly into the sky!