Pill completed, Pill Tower Elder

"You..."

Cao Ying had never expected Qin Chen to speak like that. Accustomed to being the moon surrounded by a host of stars, she was momentarily at a loss.

Over the years, her exceptional alchemy talent and outstanding beauty had made her the center of attention wherever she went.

In the Cao Clan, her elders showered her with affection. In the Pill Tower, her peers treated her with reverence, while young men flocked to her. Whatever she asked, someone would scramble to answer; whatever she wanted, someone would eagerly offer it.

Yet the young man before her had deep, unfathomable eyes, and his gaze remained remarkably indifferent. There was none of the fervor or infatuation other men his age showed, as though she were merely an ordinary alchemist.

The feeling was novel, yet faintly uncomfortable.

"Hahaha, very well said!"

Just then, Xuan Kongzi smiled faintly and told Cao Ying, "Ying'er, never let a few achievements make you proud and complacent. Remember, beyond every master stands another, and beyond every heaven lies another sky. I brought you out today precisely so you could see that there are young people in this world even more outstanding than you."

He took no issue with Qin Chen's words. Cao Ying was indeed extremely talented, but dulling her sharp edges a little would do her no harm.

This was exactly the effect he had hoped for today. Flowers raised in a greenhouse could never withstand wind and rain.

"Thank you, Mr. Qin Chen. I... have learned my lesson!"

A captivating smile appeared on Cao Ying's exquisite face. With light, graceful steps, she approached Qin Chen, covered the corner of her lips, and said softly, "May you win instant victory in this assessment!"

"Thank you for your kind wishes, Miss Cao Ying."

Qin Chen smiled, though