Such an experience, akin to sudden enlightenment, had never occurred in his more than three hundred years of cultivation.
Yet now, at such a crucial moment, inspiration had struck and carried him past the hurdle. To him, it was truly a heaven-sent surprise.
Of course, such a surprise had not appeared out of thin air.
The reason this old independent cultivator, whose lifespan was running short, had encountered such fortune today was indeed because a certain "divine power" had been giving him a push from behind.
As early as Yang Yuanzhao's first encounter with this old alchemy cultivator, Chen Huaien had felt that the man might be worth cultivating.
Though advanced in years, he still possessed genuine skill and insight in the Dao of alchemy.
In the Central Region, where geniuses sprang forth in droves and powerful figures gathered like clouds, he might have been nothing remarkable. Even if he joined some major faction, at most he would become a guest alchemist who received little attention.
But with his cultivation realm and alchemy skills, he was exceptionally suited to serve as an Inner Sect Grand Elder of Alchemy in the newly established Heaven-Clearing Academy.
After observing him for some time, the old Daoist's performance in every regard had also passed Chen Yang's scrutiny.
Chen Yang then discussed the matter with the newly appointed patriarch, Yang Yuanxing, and Yang Lingshu, the current head of Heaven-Clearing Academy. They decided to recruit this old independent alchemist, who belonged to no sect or faction, into the academy.
With that decision made, Chen Yang had left a strand of divine power within the man beforehand, ensuring that he could pass the assessment and enter the ceremony.
That was the reason the old Daoist had experienced that sudden flash of inspiration at the critical moment of