"Teacher, this person's refining technique is probably even better than mine!" Xiao Yan quietly said to Medicine Elder in his heart, unable to conceal his shock.
"Mm, his talent is indeed extraordinary," Medicine Elder said calmly.
"But don't be discouraged. Your talent is no worse than his."
Xiao Yan was a disciple Medicine Elder thought highly of. He wanted Xiao Yan to understand that there were always people better than him, but he did not wish to crush his confidence too severely.
Meanwhile, after Otto and Frank inspected Xiao Yu's pill and found no errors, they smiled and announced the result.
Just when everyone thought it was over, Xiao Yu spoke softly.
"Um... I want to continue with the second-tier alchemist examination."
As soon as Xiao Yu's words fell, Otto and Frank's pupils abruptly widened, and their smiles froze on their faces.
"You said... you want to continue with the second-tier alchemist examination?"
Otto asked uncertainly. One had to know that becoming a first-tier alchemist at nineteen was already exceptionally gifted. A nineteen-year-old second-tier alchemist was something Otto had never even heard of.
In the hall, everyone's expressions went blank.
Seeing the looks around him, Xiao Yan hesitantly asked Medicine Elder in his heart.
"Then... Teacher, should I continue with the examination too?"
Medicine Elder heard the unwillingness to admit defeat and excitement at meeting an opponent in Xiao Yan's voice.
He replied with a smile, "Yan'er, the Dou Qi Continent is so vast. Now that you have finally encountered a truly worthy opponent, are you willing to back down?"
Back down?
Ever since Nalan Yanran broke off their engagement, Xiao Yan had forgotten how to write those words. What did he have to fear?
Smiling faintly, Xiao Yan's voice echoed through the hall as well.
"Master Otto, I also