For a moment, a rich pill fragrance filled the entire arena.
The Medicine King Valley disciple narrowed his eyes at the second-tier pill in Qi Song's hand, then suddenly curved his lips. "This year's competition might not be as dull as it was in previous years."
With such a superior-grade pill, Qi Song naturally qualified for the next round.
The judge smiled warmly at Qi Song, his eyes shining. He placed the wooden qualification token in Qi Song's hand and repeatedly urged him to make sure he came for the next round.
After stepping down from the arena, Qi Song went straight to Su Jiu. He put away the wooden token and gave a somewhat bashful smile.
"I don't know if I'm imagining it, but I feel as though they're looking at me like I'm a gold ingot..."
A male disciple nearby, who had left the arena earlier, could not resist saying sourly, "What's so strange about that? It's been years since any of us aristocratic clan disciples refined a superior-grade pill with pill patterns in the arena.
"So even if your superior-grade pill is only second tier, they'll still put you on a pedestal.
"In the end, you were just lucky. You might show your true colors in the next round."
Qi Song's smile faded a little. But he had been raised with good manners within his clan since childhood, and although the words displeased him, he disdained trading barbs with someone like that.
Su Jiu's brows drew together slightly, and she seemed about to speak, but another voice beat her to it.
The voice held a certain refined grace, neither hurried nor slow, as though following its own rhythm. It readily inspired goodwill. "Pill refining requires a clear mind, a calm spirit, and a cultivated temperament. The work