"Refining a Sixth-Grade Pill?"
"Are you insane? A Six-Rank Alchemist Grandmaster in his twenties?!!"
"They say it's true. My cousin advanced from the Outer Academy this year and joined the Dao Sect that guy founded. According to him, during the assessment, that fellow slammed down a colossal pillar that reached the heavens and nearly crushed that guy called Bai Shan to death. He's also a Six-Rank Alchemist Grandmaster. The clan behind him rode that straight into the clouds and is flourishing back home."
"..."
As the rumors grew ever more intense.
Quite a few people scoffed in disbelief, while others swore they had seen Xiao Yan refine pills.
In any case, the discussion raged like a blazing fire.
North Plaza.
Countless Inner Academy disciples flocked there, packing the surroundings so tightly that not even water could get through. On a raised platform nearby, several familiar figures had all arrived, drawing startled cries from the crowd. Every one of them ranked in the top twenty of the Strong Ranking.
All were at Peak Dou Ling, renowned figures within the Inner Academy.
Yet today, they had all gathered here.
The turnout was even more complete than at previous years' tournaments. They, too, had been astonished to learn that a Six-Rank Alchemist Grandmaster had appeared among the new students...
Beside the railing.
A group of handsome young men and beautiful young women gathered, drawing plenty of attention. The handsome, graceful young man at their head was naturally Lin Xiuya, second on the Strong Ranking. Han Yue stood at the far right, her silvery-white hair and cool, stunning face attracting heated gazes from many of the men.
Yan Hao, ninth on the Strong Ranking, was there as well.
"Hum..."
With a humming sound, an aura as sharp as a spear descended straight onto the