After Xiao Yan appeared, the other contestants emerged from the spatial passage one after another.
Although the first two rounds had eliminated the vast majority of the alchemists, nearly a thousand still remained.
When Cao Ying, Dan Chen, and the others appeared, the surrounding crowds erupted with astonishing enthusiasm.
The reason was simple: unlike Xiao Yan and Yao Ling, who had appeared out of nowhere,
Cao Ying, Dan Chen, and the others were the favorites to win the Pill Gathering in the public's eyes.
Some people had even set up betting pools on the outskirts.
Atop a building outside the square, Zi Yan cheered, "Xiao Yan's out! I can see him!"
Xiao Xun'er and the other two women smiled faintly as well. Although they knew the Pill Gathering championship was already in Xiao Yan's pocket, seeing him become the focus of countless eyes still stirred their excitement and filled them with pride.
Meanwhile, on a raised platform deep within the square!
The Pill Tower's Three Giants and the other elders were all engaged in discussion.
Aside from Xuan Kongzi and his two companions, who knew something of Xiao Yan's background, the other elders still favored Cao Ying and Dan Chen.
"This year's champion will most likely be one of those two girls, Cao Ying or Dan Chen."
"Dan Chen's talent is undoubtedly even more terrifying than Cao Ying's, but her age is an undeniable disadvantage. I'm still more optimistic about Cao Ying."
"Say, have you forgotten that Old Monster Qing Hua is competing too?"
"That old fellow is still competing with these youngsters for the Pill Gathering championship at his age. He truly has no shame."
"Haha, that may be true, but he's a genuine eighth-tier alchemist. He can't be underestimated!"
"With Old Monster Qing Hua here, those two youngsters,