The Alchemy Competition was divided into three rounds, largely following the rules of previous Pill Gatherings. These all tested an alchemist's basic abilities, so the Yao Clan had no objections.
The first two rounds tested the soul power needed to see through a fog and the ability to find medicinal ingredients in the Pill Realm, respectively. Most alchemists could more or less pass the first round.
The second round, however, was somewhat dangerous. The Pill Realm was a rather damaged space. Although it contained many natural treasures, it also held plenty of ferocious magical beasts. And the greatest danger was not the beasts, but the other contestants who entered alongside them.
The best way to win the championship was to eliminate every other contestant. That held true anywhere.
The first round was not particularly interesting, and the second would take ten days. After watching the competition's opening proceedings, Karn and the others went straight back to wait for the third round.
"Where's Zi Yan? Hasn't Ichikishimahime come back either?"
Karn swept the area with his senses. Nothing good ever came of those two getting together. Back on the Northwestern Continent, they had hunted for treasure everywhere, specifically in other people's treasure vaults.
Medusa, who was serving as Karn's personal bodyguard beside him, stepped half a pace forward and said, "They seemed to leave just now, when they heard what the second round involved."
"That girl!"
Karn sighed helplessly. Back then, he should have stopped Tsunade from agreeing to take Zi Yan as her goddaughter. Putting a leash on her and keeping her as a pet would have been better. She caused far too much trouble.
Tsunade smiled and said, "Forget it, let her go. Maybe she suffered too much as a child, so she wants to stockpile more treasures. If