Yan Li's Despair

"What's going on? What kind of pills are those two making?" Both the spectators and the competitors were very surprised by the sudden phenomenon. They all turned their attention to Xiao Yan and his companion.

If the others were accidents, then Yan Li was in utter despair. Although he had never eaten pork, that didn't stop him from having seen pigs run!

This is clearly a sign that Fifth Grade Pill is about to be produced.

"How is this possible? How could Fifth Grade Alchemist appear at this Alchemist Grand Meeting?"

At this moment, Yan Li no longer felt any joy at having successfully refined Peak Fourth-Grade Pill; instead, he felt an urge to flee immediately.

He didn't think those two would fail at the final hurdle. They'd already overcome the toughest challenge; how could they possibly falter here?

Since that's the case, then his mission is doomed. All the honor and power that came with success have vanished, and he'll have to flee like a stray dog. Those old guys will definitely not let him live.

Wrong!

In a flash of inspiration, Yan Li discovered his only chance of survival.

Hahahaha!

Like a drowning man grasping at a last straw, Yan Li laughed wildly, "So what if you've refined Fifth Grade Pill? You're out of time. Even if you're disqualified, the championship is still mine!"

At this moment, the others who were immersed in the strange phenomena of the pills suddenly realized that there were less than ten minutes left before the deadline. Although this was the final step, there was simply not enough time.

What should we do? Are we just going to lose the competition for such an absurd reason and let the Alchemist from the Chu Yun Empire win the honor?

The expressions on everyone's faces suddenly turned grim.

"Fa Ma! Is what he said true?" The series of ups and downs had taken a toll on Jia Xing Tian's heart today.

What was supposed to be a sure win turned into such a blunder—how could an old man like him accept this?

"It's true!" Fa Ma nodded expressionlessly at first.

"The refining time for Fifth Grade Pill is much longer than that for Fourth Rank. Judging from their progress, it will take at least another quarter of an hour."

"Now..." Jia Xing Tian was getting impatient. He didn't want someone to trample on the face of the Jia Ma Empire.

However, Fa Ma was also a shrewd person, "But there are other rules for my Alchemist Grand Meeting."

"Hmm?" Jia Xing Tian asked impatiently, "What rule?"

Then, Fa Ma slowly pulled a Scroll from his sleeve, a strange smile on his lips, and handed the Scroll to Jia Xing Tian, who snatched it away.

After Jia Xing Tian took it, he examined it carefully. At first, he frowned, thinking, "Isn't this the rule of the third game?"

His gaze fell upon the last sentence. "If any contestant refines Fifth Grade Pill, their corresponding competition time will be increased by one hour."

The ink is still wet!

"You old codger, looks like you're not exactly a law-abiding citizen either!" Jia Xing Tian glanced at the smiling Fa Ma, drastically changing his previous impression of the other man as a pedant.

Is this pedantry? It's downright cunning!

"Oh? It seems Chairman Fa Ma had a contingency plan for this?"

Xiao Zhan, who had remained silent since the start of the match, noticed Jia Xing Tian's rapidly changing expression and knew that something favorable to his side had probably happened.

"Xiao Clan Leader, please take a look!" Jia Xing Tian then tossed the Scroll to Xiao Zhan and Hai Bo Dong.

After reading it, the two looked at each other and were equally impressed with the old man!

"However, it's a pity that I guess my Xiao Clan's Alchemist won't be needed." However, Xiao Zhan said with some regret.

"What do you mean by that, Xiao Clan Leader?" Everyone else looked at Xiao Zhan with curiosity.

The latter smiled mysteriously and did not answer.

"Oh My God!"

Suddenly, a gasp rang out from outside. The group looked in the direction of the sound and witnessed a shocking scene.

Move the time forward one minute.

The others appeared extremely angry and tense at Yan Li's mockery. However, Xiao Wu Yue found it more amusing.

"So you're actually pinning your hopes on the match time? Well, you're about to be disappointed!" Xiao Wu Yue sneered inwardly.

Immediately, his hand seals changed in succession, drawing mysterious marks in the air. In an instant, a loud bang came from the Medicine Cauldron, attracting everyone's attention.

Then, the previously inconspicuous energy fluctuations suddenly surged, and some of the weaker Alchemist on the field were even forced back two steps by this sudden burst of power.

Upon witnessing this strange phenomenon, Fa Ma, initially filled with doubt, suddenly widened his eyes. After a long while, he could only manage a wry smile, "What a clever tactic! The younger generation is truly surpassing the older!"

Seeing the suspicious looks from the others, Fa Ma took the initiative to explain,

"I don't know what methods that Fifth Grade Alchemist used, but I can tell you definitively that the final refining time for this pill has been shortened, and it will definitely be ready in time."

Fa Ma then turned to Xiao Zhan, saying somewhat humbly, "I wonder if Xiao Clan Leader could trade such methods to my Alchemist Guild?"

"Rest assured, the compensation paid by my Alchemist Guild will definitely satisfy Xiao Clan Leader."

Upon hearing this, Jia Xing Tian and the other looked at Fa Ma in surprise. This old guy is so generous! But the latter ignored their gaze.

Fa Ma really wanted to get this method to shorten the medicine-making time! Even a few minutes could have a huge effect.

Xiao Zhan said apologetically, "I'm sorry, President Fa Ma. Although I am the patriarch of the Xiao Clan, I am not qualified to ask the Xiao Clan's Alchemist to hand over their alchemy techniques."

"So... please forgive me Fa Ma!"

Although Fa Ma was disappointed, he felt it was only natural. Alchemy techniques were an Alchemist's specialty, and no Alchemist would choose to trade them unless absolutely necessary.

As the head of the clan, Xiao Zhan was clearly aware of this.

"I was being presumptuous!"

However, Fa Ma still hadn't given up on this idea. "I wonder if Xiao Clan Leader could introduce me to that Alchemist so I can exchange some alchemy insights?"

If Xiao Zhan didn't agree to this, it would be unreasonable, so he immediately made a guarantee.

Moreover, Fa Ma is a senior figure, and Fifth Grade Peak Alchemist himself. I believe Xiao Wu Yue would be happy to communicate with him.

"Thank you, Xiao Clan Leader!"

"So, should we still announce these rules?" Hai Bo Dong was the first to raise the blind spot.

Fa Ma pondered for a moment, the Yao Tian surfacing in his mind.

"This is natural; it's the rule, and we should abide by it."

"You're in charge of this conference; everything is up to you!"

Since Yan Li was no longer a hope, and Jia Xing Tian was equally interested in this battle between Alchemist of the Jia Ma Empire, he had no objections.

"Zhan is also eager to see what that young man has accomplished!" Xiao Zhan agreed.

"Oh?" The atmosphere among everyone relaxed completely, and they even had time to joke. "Could it be that Xiao Clan Leader isn't worried about the Xiao Clan's Alchemist losing the competition?"

"Ha ha!"

Xiao Zhan laughed heartily, "If he can really do that, I will be even more gratified."