[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan":3,"chapter-turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-548":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},60686,84,"Chapter 548 Breakthroughs and Failures","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-548",548,"\u003Cp>One by one, the alchemists began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Herbs were drawn out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fires were adjusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cauldrons hummed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp, distinct fragrance of medicinal ingredients began to spread, layer upon layer, filling the entire hall with a dense, almost intoxicating aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, it seemed uneventful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even... dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ordinary cultivators-especially the younger generation-the process was slow, repetitive, and difficult to find anything interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For alchemists?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a completely interesting event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes shone as they kept their eyes on the participants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because what they saw was more than what ordinary cultivators could perceive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could see the participants' control over the flame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The timing of ingredient insertion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The subtle fluctuations of Qi within the cauldron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the smallest adjustment spoke volumes about how skilled an alchemist truly was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among all, one person stood at the very center of attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Shenyu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost everyone's gaze was fixed on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Younger Alchemists see him as an idol whereas the older ones wanted to see just who skill he really was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Shenyu's movements were smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every action carried a sense of absolute confidence, as if everything was already within his calculations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His flame roared steadily beneath the Earth-Grade cauldron, its oppressive aura making even nearby alchemists feel a faint pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is he refining...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many were trying to decipher the pill that he was going to refine-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He definitely won't go below Mid-tier Grade-4...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That much is certain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With his level, even attempting a High-tier Grade-4 pill isn't impossible...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after observing for a long time, no one could tell exactly what pill he was trying to refine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most knew that Huo Shenyu must be refining a pill from the Vermillion Pill Empire, whose recipes are closely guarded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Vermillion Pill Empire had many such pills, and it would be difficult to guess what he was refining until the very end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, it was very hard to estimate which grade of pill Huo Shenyu was trying to refine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the Grade-4 and Grade-5 ingredients, it was very likely a Top-tier Grade-4 pill or above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And since Huo Shenyu was a Top Grade-4 alchemist, many believed that it was going to be a Top-tier Grade-4 pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other side-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Ruichen moved with precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Azure Serpent Flame coiled like a living entity, wrapping around his\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>cauldron as he carefully controlled the temperature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's the Blue Spirit Tempering Pill...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An experienced alchemist muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mid-tier Grade-4.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Difficult, but with his skill, he should be able to succeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Qi Meiling was no less impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Jade Mist Spirit Flame flowed gently, almost like a soft breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet beneath that gentleness was terrifying control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She's refining the Verdant Heart Nourishing Pill...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also Mid-tier Grade-4...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And one that requires extreme precision...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, her reputation for a high success rate wasn't exaggerated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every movement she made was meticulous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the rest, the gap became increasingly clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some attempted Top-tier Grade-3 pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others pushed themselves toward Low-tier Grade-4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this alone, many knew that the outcome was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Huo Shenyu doesn't mess up, he would be the winner!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The pill is about to form...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the platforms, the flames intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cauldrons trembled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi surged inward, drawn toward the center of each vessel as the refining\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>process reached its final and most crucial stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was where success and failure were decided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a sharp burst of qi echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lid trembled violently before settling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice rang out clearly, carried by powerful Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lie Fang has successfully refined a Top-tier Grade-3-Crimson Meridian Pill!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ripple spread through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not bad!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone of his age, it was already an impressive achievement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before the murmurs could settle-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A puff of black smoke burst from a cauldron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp scent of burnt herbs spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Failed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice announced without emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhung Wi has failed to refine a pill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft sighs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No ridicule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No mockery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alchemy was never absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even geniuses failed, especially under pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More so when pushing beyond one's limits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone was trying to refine pills they were already capable of making. Some tried to go beyond their limits and break through here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were able to do so, while others failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, it was commendable in both cases.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could say the former was reckless, but others could see it as courage-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>stepping out of one's comfort zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, the latter could be seen as cowardly, while others might say\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>they were simply aware of their own strength and chose to do what they did\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Obviously, no one was right or wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, more results followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"... has successfully refined a Top-tier Grade-3-Bone Tempering Pill!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"... has failed in refinement!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"... has successfully refined a Low-tier Grade-4-Flowing Essence Pill!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That last announcement drew more attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Low-tier Grade-4 pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among geniuses, that was no small feat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Alchemist revealed a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A breakthrough under pressure. That alone spoke of potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, the number of active cauldrons decreased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, participants finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some exceeded expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others fell short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But throughout it all, no one looked down on anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because everyone here knew that standing on that platform alone already\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>proved their talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today's failure did not mean tomorrow's defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With enough opportunity...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With enough enlightenment... Any one of them could rise in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The path of alchemy was long and unpredictable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only one group remained as arrogant as ever. The Vermillion Pill Empire!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their representatives watched with faint smiles, some even carrying traces of\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To them-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in their eyes, they controlled the pill market in the Eastern Region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grade-7 pills-the finest-were in their hands, so no matter how strong other alchemists were, they believed none could surpass Grade-6.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, until now. But now, with Mu Tianxuan, their position was being threatened. Still, they believed that Huo Shenyu would be able to give a stern reminder that\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>even if there was a Grade-7 alchemist outside their Empire, they were still the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only four cauldrons remained active.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Ruichen, Qi Meiling, Huo Shenyu and Mu Linyue. Many felt curious about what pill Mu Linyue was trying to refine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among all the remaining participants, she was the only Grade-3 alchemist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she were refining a Grade-3 pill, she would have finished long ago with her\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>talent. Other than the Mu Clan, no one paid attention to her, and they didn't know what pill she was refining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others speculated that perhaps she was trying to break through to a Grade-4 alchemist here, like some.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, it was just curiosity and nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They still knew that the competition was between the other three, especially depending on whether Huo Shenyu would succeed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, the best pill that had been refined was a Low-tier Grade-4. If the four of them could refine something higher than that, then the winner\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>would be chosen from those results-though almost everyone knew it wouldn't come to that.\u003C\u002Fp>",1194,"2026-05-28T18:17:28.844Z","2026-06-01T04:28:34.960Z",1,"novelbin.me","4cd09d9d58b921e9851af9ba0c9b5ed178aea69b2c69b7b051b11e258c1bb3fd","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-549","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-547",580,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fturns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-cover.jpg"]