Four Great Villains' Scheme

"The Imperial Preceptor once predicted that the Long Family would win this gamble. The prophecy may not necessarily be wrong; we still have a chance of winning," Long Xiaoyao said hurriedly.

"You mean that genius named Long Xuan might win? Do you think a Third-Grade Alchemist has any chance of defeating a Fourth-Grade Alchemist?" the Dragon Emperor said gravely.

Though he spoke thus, he had calmed down considerably by now.

"It cannot be said for certain. If the Heaven-Burning Ancestor is arrogant enough not to refine a fourth-grade pill in the finals, then there is still hope of victory."

"Perhaps the Imperial Preceptor predicted that our Long Family would win precisely on the premise that the Heaven-Burning Ancestor would not refine a fourth-grade pill," Long Xiaoyao said, his voice somewhat uncertain.

"Have you investigated his background?" the Dragon Emperor asked again.

Long Xiaoyao shook his head. "I have not investigated him. The Long Family has no Third-Grade Alchemists living outside our domain, so I have no idea where he sprang from."

"But one thing is certain: his Alchemy surpasses Princess Yuyao's. From now on, the Long Family's hopes of winning must rest on him."

The Dragon Emperor nodded and added, "Mm! Send the Gu King to protect him. Although the Feng Clan has no reason to assassinate him, we must still guard against such things."

"I will be careful. No matter what, there cannot be another accident this time. Time waits for no one; I will arrange the manpower at once." Long Xiaoyao clenched his fists. After taking his leave, he finally put away the mirror and departed.

With his departure, the room fell silent once more...

Meanwhile, at another inn.

Two elderly men, a young man, and a beautiful woman sat around a table.

The table was laden