Leaving Cao Ying and Dan Chen aside, although Song Qing was arrogant and sometimes even smugly believed he would surpass them someday, deep down he had always known he was no match for those two prodigies of the Pill Tower.
His expression had darkened not because he had lost to Cao Ying and Dan Chen, nor because of the two old men among the remaining contestants.
After all, one of those old men wore a badge on his chest that only an eighth-tier Alchemist was entitled to wear.
The other old man looked equally extraordinary and was undoubtedly an old monster. Song Qing did not mind losing to them. He was still young, after all.
What tormented him was the Black-Robed Youth among those five!
That man looked about his age, perhaps even younger, and was a complete nobody. Song Qing could not stomach being outdone by someone like that!
The Ninth Elder is one thing, but where did this brat come from?! How can his alchemy skills be so terrifying?!
Am I, Song Qing, destined to spend my entire life beneath those two people's feet?!
Why?! Heaven, you are unjust!
The jealousy and rage in his heart turned into silent roars, bringing threads of bloodshot red into Song Qing's eyes. Then he looked toward Cao Ying. That enchantress, crowned with countless honors, now radiated a captivating brilliance that had long since made her the focus of the entire crowd.
The love of his life seemed to be slipping farther and farther away. Before the Ninth Elder and that Black-Robed Youth appeared, Cao Ying would at least spare him another glance. But now?
Heh...
A sense of helplessness washed over him. Like a rooster defeated in a fight, Song Qing lost every trace of his imposing air. After an unwilling