Chapter 527: Meeting Too Late, the Pill Master Withdraws

A wave of sorrowful emotion spread among the alchemists in the hall.

Even the Pavilion Master Shangguan, who once stunned the entire immortal realm, is about to meet his end—how could I escape?

"What are you doing? Acting as if I'm already gone," the Old Pavilion Master shook his cane, blew his beard, and glared: "Pull yourselves together—what's with this behavior?"

After I'm gone, the future pillars of the alchemy world will have to rely on them; this pessimistic attitude is truly unwarranted.

As for my lifespan being exhausted and unable to break through……

Sigh, sometimes I wonder how high a cultivation level must be to be considered high, and how long a lifespan must be to be considered long.

"Stop standing around—it's time to discuss, time to spar; why are you all crowding around me?"

After gathering his thoughts, the Old Pavilion Master continued walking toward the front of the hall.

At that moment, Liu Miao Miao was meditating ahead; she actually also wished to discuss and spar with the alchemists.

But their cultivation levels are insufficient to keep up with my thoughts; better to send them back to the sect first and talk later.

"This must be the renowned Daoist Friend Liu, right? I, Pavilion Master Shangguan Chongchi, offer my respects," the Old Pavilion Master glanced at the person before him; though mentally prepared, he was still shocked!

Before I arrived, the juniors below had already recounted recent major events: the Divine Lord Tianmiao of the Qingyun Immortal Sect, a quasi-Immortal Emperor in cultivation, and like me, a Divine Rank Great Perfection Alchemist!

There is hope for the alchemy world! It won't be left without a pillar after my fall.

Furthermore, Divine Lord Liu seems to be in his prime, with good prospects of breaking through to Immortal Emperor! How shameful—compared to him, I've practically been cultivating like a dog these years……

"Don't flatter me—the Old Pavilion Master is the renowned evergreen tree of the alchemy world," Liu Miao Miao said, still holding the Old Pavilion Master of the Divine Abyss Pill Pavilion in high esteem; his character and mindset are among the finest in the immortal realm.

Hmm… should I invite him to come sit at my Qingyun sect? I need to weigh this carefully.

"Haha, Daoist Friend Liu, don't tease me—who in this world dares claim everlasting vigor? Who dares call themselves undefeated?"

"But seeing you, Daoist Friend Liu, puts my mind completely at ease—having you in the alchemy world is a boon!" As the Old Pavilion Master spoke, though still stooped, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

The hall's exchange continued; Liu Miao Miao no longer needed to worry about lacking opponents, as she and the Old Pavilion Master shared alchemical insights, their conversation flowing ever more smoothly.

"Old man and Daoist Friend Liu, we truly met too late!" the Old Pavilion Master exclaimed from the heart; if we had met earlier as rivals, I would surely have advanced further!

Outside the alchemy area, time flew by swiftly.

The third incense stick had burned to its end, and the second round of the competition was announced concluded.

"In the Alchemy Congress second round rankings: Chief Disciple Li Yanzi of the Qingyun Alchemy Hall refined Purple-Descending Immortal Pill, Lotusless Immortal Pill, and Blood-Flowing Immortal Pill within the time of one incense stick; the five elders of the judging committee judged all three pills as perfect quality, placing her first."

"Divine Abyss Pill Pavilion Pill Master Fan Danxing, using the time of one incense stick, refined Purple-Descending Immortal Pill, Blood-Flowing Immortal Pill, and Soul-Capturing Immortal Pill, all of perfect quality, tying for first with Li Yanzi."

""

The second round rankings were announced, quite unexpected—two tied for first.

Under everyone's watch, there was definitely no foul play; the pills they refined were of identical grade and took the same time, so a tie for first is completely unproblematic.

In this segment, the Heavenly Pride Camp and the Fame Camp each selected the top one million alchemists for advancement.

The two million alchemists who succeeded in advancement are waiting in the arena; the final round free creation competition will begin in an hour.

"Daoist Friend Li, your alchemical talent surpasses mine; I admire you."

In the waiting area, Fan Danxing shook his head ruefully, gave an embarrassed smile, and said: "Daoist Friend Li, you are destined to take first place in the Heavenly Pride of this Alchemy Congress; I have no need to participate, lest I seek boredom."

"Alas, I have ultimately failed to meet the expectations of the Pill Pavilion's elders."

His words truly carried a semblance of heartfelt sincerity, as if revealing genuine emotion after a wounded dao heart, plus a hint of resentment at being born Fan yet Li emerging.

Having spoken, he turned and left without waiting for Li Yanzi's reply; his lonely silhouette lengthened in the twilight, quite desolate.

Li Yanzi: ……She even wondered if this Pill Master Fan had some serious illness?

Otherwise, why would he specially come to my face to pull this stunt? His personality shift is far too rapid.

Recalling Fan Danxing's hateful gaze earlier, Li Yanzi caught a whiff of conspiracy……

In a secret chamber beneath the judging platform, two figures sat facing each other.

"Are you certain this will be foolproof?"

"Rest assured, under my arrangements, even if the Divine Lord Tianmiao came, it would be useless."

"Then good; as long as we can eliminate that lowly person, I will fulfill whatever I promised you after we return."

One of the figures finished speaking, opened the secret chamber and stepped out; light shone on his face—revealing Fan Danxing's countenance, furious to the point of ferocity.

Fan Danxing walked while circulating his technique, using his immortal power to repeatedly strike his meridians; with two "puff! puff!" sounds, he suddenly spat out two large mouthfuls of blood.

Inside the secret chamber, another figure revealed himself—one of the five authoritative elders of the judging committee.

After seeing Fan Danxing off, the corner of his mouth involuntarily rose: "You fool, just in time to lend me a hand."

Not long after, an explosive piece of news spread throughout the venue.

【One of the two top contenders for the championship, the Pill Master of the greatest alchemy force, the alchemy world's once-in-a-millennia heavenly pride of alchemy, the dream lover of countless maidens and married women across the Upper Three Dao Regions, Divine Abyss Pill Pavilion Pill Master Fan Danxing announced his withdrawal from the Alchemy Congress.】

"What shocking news is this? I couldn't have been addled by blowing up my furnace in the second round, could I?"

"Hmm… that's possible; I was right beside you at the time, I suspect I was also affected by your blast."

"No, no, how could this be? Obviously he had a strong chance to take first in the Heavenly Pride—he placed second in the first round, first in the second; if he just took the third round seriously, how could the championship escape him?"

"Stop guessing; the report is true—I heard it myself from the judging team: apparently Fan Danzi was struck by Li Tianyao's unparalleled heavenly talent, causing a minor immortal power backlash that damaged his meridians; I heard he even vomited blood."

The surrounding alchemists, upon hearing this, widened their eyes and nodded, yet remained half‑believing.

ps: There's still another chapter soon; the next chapter will wrap up the alchemy grand meeting—it's absolutely wonderful, big shots, please give a little push for more updates.