Alchemy Master

Chapter 999, Rotten Inside

Translator: Silavin

“Damn, how domineering! Worthy of being Sacred Master Candidate Xuan!”

“He must have come to his senses. Buying more would just be a waste of Spirit Liquid anyway, so he might as well save some.”

“Exactly. Ten thousand drops of Spirit Liquid. If Sacred Master Xuanwu found out, he’d probably fly into another rage, wouldn’t he?”

At this moment, the onlookers all around wore expressions of astonishment. However, upon further reflection, they came to accept it.

After all, Xuan Mingge’s reputation in this upper-class circle was hardly a secret, and Sacred Master Xuanwu’s explosive outbursts at him had become something they were all quite accustomed to.

This fellow must have decided to give up completely!

In truth, how could they know that Xuan Mingge’s decision stemmed from two reasons: first, because of Qin Yichen’s reminder; and second, because he wanted to lose in a more respectable manner.

He had only spent half his Spirit Liquid. Even if he lost this way, it would not be too bad. Perfectly normal, really. Moreover, he could still use this opportunity to show off a bit.

Why not?

Immediately, Xuan Mingge gave himself a mental thumbs-up for his own cleverness.

Xu Yuzhu was obviously in a foul mood.

Xuan Mingge’s approach was simply too damaging. Regardless of who won or lost, Xu Yuzhu could not save face.

However, having already selected his crystals, he couldn’t very well return them.

Besides, even if he wanted to, Ancient Jade Pavilion wouldn’t allow it.

As the Crystal Cutter arrived, the cutting began…

Worth mentioning was that the Crystal Cutting Master was the same elderly man who had cut crystals for Qin Yichen the previous day.

Upon seeing Qin Yichen, he nodded slightly in acknowledgement.

This scene left the surrounding onlookers somewhat puzzled.

The Crystal Cutters at Ancient Jade Pavilion each had peculiar temperaments. If one displeases them, they might simply refuse to cut their crystals.

It was rare for anyone to witness these Crystal Cutters greeting someone in such a manner.

*Swish swish swish…*

The first to be cut were those selected by Xu Yuzhu.

He had chosen six in total.

The first five were each worth only just over a thousand drops of Spirit Liquid, while only the final piece was valued at over three thousand drops of Spirit Liquid.

The first piece was quickly cut open.

It yielded two Peak Grade Spirit Seeds along with several other quality Spirit Seeds, valued at merely just over two hundred Spirit Liquid.

Even so, this caused the surrounding crowd to nod approvingly.

Although it represented a loss, being able to select two Peak Grade Spirit Seeds already demonstrated exceptional discernment.

The second piece was also cut.

Three Peak Grade Spirit Seeds plus several other quality Spirit Seeds immediately drew gasps of surprise. Many found it incredible.

This was not to say that three Peak Grade Spirit Seeds meant breaking even, but rather that Spirit Crystals capable of generating three Peak Grade Spirit Seeds were exceedingly rare.

This directly demonstrated Xu Yuzhu’s capabilities as a Heaven Grade Divine Appraiser!

Xuan Mingge watched from the side, sweating profusely.

“What’s there to fear? So what if there are three Peak Grade Spirit Seeds?” Qin Yichen encouraged him, bolstering his confidence.

The next several Spirit Crystals worth over a thousand drops of Spirit Liquid also yielded only two Peak Grade Spirit Seeds each, and one even produced just a single piece.

In other words, those five Spirit Crystals collectively yielded ten Peak Grade Spirit Seeds plus several other quality Spirit Seeds, valued at over a thousand drops of Spirit Liquid.

“Worthy of Master Xu, truly formidable.”

“Indeed. Among Heaven Grade Divine Appraisers, few possess such ability.”

“I wonder what Master Xu’s final selection will yield…”

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, finally focusing their gazes on that last Spirit Crystal.

The value of this Spirit Crystal was double that of the previous five combined!

Clearly, Xu Yuzhu was gambling on obtaining a Mutated Spirit Seed, or perhaps even… a Five-Coloured Profound Stone.

The cutting began…

Even Xu Yuzhu felt his palms growing sweaty.

Nervousness was inevitable.

This wasn’t about winning or losing, but rather the mentality of a gambler.

*Ding!*

The first Peak Grade Spirit Seed was extracted.

At this point, only about a fifth of the entire Spirit Crystal had been cut.

In other words, this belonged to the outer layer, yet already a Peak Grade Spirit Seed had emerged. This made everyone anticipate what might be revealed from the crystal’s core.

*Ding!*

The second Peak Grade Spirit Seed was extracted.

*Ding!…*

The third Peak Grade Spirit Seed was extracted.

By the time only a watermelon-sized core remained, a total of four Peak Grade Spirit Seeds and several other quality Spirit Seeds had been extracted.

That watermelon-sized Spirit Crystal radiated visible Spiritual Energy, forming an iridescent glow. It was striking.

“Could this be a sign that a Five-Coloured Profound Stone will emerge?” Someone in the crowd called out questioningly.

Once he said this, everyone felt it was quite reasonable. Some in the crowd even claimed to have witnessed a Five-Coloured Profound Stone being extracted, and the phenomenon had been similar to the current phenomena.

Hearing them say this, Xu Yuzhu’s face flushed red, immediately displaying the bearing of a true Master.

If he could extract a Five-Coloured Profound Stone, he could compete for the title of top Heaven Grade Divine Appraiser!

“Allow me to congratulate Master Xu in advance on extracting a Five-Coloured Profound Stone. Upon returning, I shall certainly report to the Sacred Master and recommend that you be elevated to the position of Grand Adviser.” Ying Xinghui spoke up, cupping his hands in congratulation.

Within his eyes, the desire for the Five-Coloured Profound Stone was clearly evident.

With his talent, barring any accidents, he would definitely ascend to the Saint Realm!

However, Five-Coloured Profound Stones were far too scarce. Even Ethereal Spirit Sacred Land had none in reserve.

Once he became a Saint, how could one not desire to possess one’s own Saint Grade Weapon?!

If a Five-Coloured Profound Stone truly emerged this time, wouldn’t his future Saint Grade Weapon be secured?

“Of course, of course.” Xu Yuzhu’s eyes also lit up.

Clearly, this was exchanging the Five-Coloured Profound Stone for the position of Grand Adviser!

One must understand that Grand Adviser was a position that only those at the Saint Realm could attain. For him, Xu Yuzhu, to reach while not being a Martial Artist. Didn’t this prove that Xu Yuzhu surpassed even those at the Saint Realm?!

At this moment, the Crystal Cutting Master also became considerably more cautious. Obviously, his cutting speed slowed down.

*Swish swish swish…*

Everyone’s gazes followed the Crystal Cutter’s movements.

Even Xuan Mingge and the others were no exception.

[This time, the loss will be devastating…] He wailed inwardly.

Only Qin Yichen remained calm and composed, his lips curling in an unfathomable smile.

This left Ying Xinghui, who had wanted to provoke him, with no opening, and he could only snort sullenly.

However, despite everyone’s anticipation, that Spirit Crystal itself proved to be disappointing…

As the crystal skin was peeled away, rather than intensifying, that Spiritual Energy and iridescent glow grew increasingly faint.

“This…” The surrounding crowd fell silent. Those who had been offering praise earlier now said nothing, as though they hadn’t been the ones speaking before.

“Could this be… a hollow crystal?”

An elderly man in the crowd who appeared rather aged spoke up, revealing the truth.

A hollow crystal.

This too was extremely rare.

To put it simply: outwardly brilliant, yet rotten inside.

Hearing this, Xu Yuzhu’s expression immediately transformed, instantly darkening.