Ancient Fiend Dragon Emperor

Chapter 1567: Chapter 1566: Three-Tiered Trial

Upon hearing Su Han’s words, Shen Mengli’s tightly knitted brows furrowed even deeper.

”Miss, don’t misunderstand. Zhou merely had some previous interactions with Young Master Lyu. During this competition, Zhou will naturally put in his utmost effort.” Zhou from the Zhou Dynasty said to Shen Mengli.

Since he had already said this, what else could Shen Mengli say?

The decision to hire Zhou Wang, Wei Zihen, and Miao Hua was made to guard against any unforeseen circumstances. It was a decision by the Shen Family, not Shen Mengli herself.

In the eyes of the Shen Family, even if Su Han was strong, there are always stronger forces out there. Hiring a few more pill masters was merely spending some Spirit Crystals.

The cost of hiring three First Grade Alchemists was still easily affordable for the Shen Family.

Yet Shen Mengli never expected that Zhou Wang would turn out to be the type to curry favor with outsiders so easily.

Using one’s toes to think, it’s easy to guess that everyone knows Young Master Lyu Qingyu holds the identity of a First Level Trainee at Taihang Academy and is a Young Master of the Lyu Family with an innate talent in the Alchemy Dao.

His future achievements, while not limitless, will certainly be outstanding and strong.

Zhou Wang was merely flattering Lyu.

Although he is a First Grade Alchemist who can refine a Superior Quality Pill, there are many of that level across the Lower-Class Star Region, and he is not particularly esteemed.

The truly esteemed pill masters are at least Third-Grade!

”Sir, you were hired by my Shen Family at the expense of Spirit Crystals, so we hope you respect yourself.” The speaker was the elderly man in red.

Pressure emanated from him, causing Zhou Wang’s face to change slightly, and he hurriedly said, ”Rest assured, elder. I will certainly do my best.”

”That’s good.” The elder withdrew his pressure and nodded.

”Look quickly, Alchemist Yao is coming out!”

Just at that moment, someone suddenly started to shout.

Everyone looked up, and saw a crowd of figures emerging from the entrance of the Pill Refining Master Association, their badges worn openly, all were alchemists!

Leading them was a somewhat aged and hunched figure, appearing to be in the twilight of life.

He was leaning on a cane, his face wrinkled, wearing gray robes, with a badge prominently displayed on his chest.

Yellow, with three Pattern Marks...a Third-Grade Alchemist refining Superior Quality Pill!

Though both were of Superior Quality, the difference between Zhou Wang and the elderly man was vast.

The disparity in status among alchemists is far more complex than the difference between the Spirit Transformation Realm and the Void Heaven Realm.

This signifies immense strength, a high level of alchemical attainment, and...a vast network!

Simply put, unless there’s a deep-seated hatred, even a Seventh Grade Void Heaven Realm would avoid provoking a Third-Grade Alchemist.

Even if they only refined a Lower-Class Quality Pill!

Because, very likely, behind this Third-Grade Alchemist stands dozens, or even several dozen Void Heaven Realm alchemists!

The esteemed status of Third-Grade Alchemists was fully exhibited now.

Numerous gazes revealed intense reverence and admiration upon seeing the old man.

”We greet Alchemist Yao!”

Someone spoke, hands clasped in a fist, bowing deeply.

”We greet Alchemist Yao!”

The others followed suit, including Lyu Qingyu, Shen Mengli, and Su Han.

However, among the gathering, there were those who did not bow, such as those on the level of the red-clothed elder from the Shen Family, in the Void Heaven Realm!

Of course, while they did not bow, their faces were smiling, nodding courteously towards Alchemist Yao.

Could they afford not to be polite?

Because you never know when they might need Alchemist Yao’s assistance in pill refining; leaving a good impression is naturally beneficial.

”Everyone, stand up.”

Alchemist Yao wore a kindly smile: ”What merit or virtue do I have, to deserve such regard from all of you, do not break this old man!”

This remark was merely polite, as Alchemist Yao often spoke to others.

Yao Qing, Third-Grade Alchemist, President of the Pill Refining Division at the Star of the Shen Clan!

This identity is truly high in this place; even the Patriarch of the Shen Family would not dare to act arrogantly upon meeting him.

Everyone stood up, and Yao Qing’s gaze fell upon Shen Mengli.

”Little girl, your Master is out traveling and hasn’t returned; how is the preparation this time?”

”Thank you for your concern, Alchemist Yao. Mengli is fully prepared and determined to win the Third-Grade Pill.” Shen Mengli bowed slightly, respectfully.

The reward of a Third-Grade Pill was refined by Yao Qing.

Seeing Shen Mengli’s confidence, Yao Qing was very satisfied, and chuckled: ”Indeed, as is the Master, so is the disciple. Your unabashed attitude remains unchanged!”

”Speaking of unabashed, my sister is even more so.” Shen Mengli said.

”Little Menghan? Haha...”

Obviously, Yao Qing also knew of Shen Menghan and seemed to have a fondness.

”Okay.”

Without conversing further with Shen Mengli, Yao Qing leaned on his cane and slowly moved to the center of the venue.

”Today, as usual, is just a small competition.”

Yao Qing said: ”Though it is a small competition, and those participating are all First Grade Alchemists, I hope everyone gives their utmost. If your alchemical talent and pill refining accomplishment shine through, the rewards will not solely be from the Shen Family; the Pill Refining Association will pave your future path as well.”

”Wow!”

Amongst the multitude of alchemists, there was a sudden stir.

Yao Qing’s meaning was clear; being noticed by the Pill Refining Association would surely lead to significant cultivation.

And perhaps...there might be a chance to become Yao Qing’s disciple!

With such a Master, in this area encompassing several hundred planets, who would dare to provoke you?

Thinking of this, the crowd grew enthusiastic.

”Today’s small competition follows the same rules as before, with a total of three levels of testing.”

”First level: Medicine Recognizing and Naming!”

”Second level: Efficacy Elucidating!”

”Third level: Pill Formation!”

Yao Qing continued: ”For these three levels, each will have dedicated alchemists to score you, including myself.”

”Ultimately, the alchemist with the highest score will earn that Third-Grade Pill for their assisting family.”

As his words fell, with a wave of his hand, several hundred tables were quickly carried onto the stage.

On those tables, there was only one Pill Furnace and some medicinal ingredients.

This was used for the third level of testing, Pill Formation!

The phrase Medicine Recognizing and Naming refers to the ability to identify the name of an herb upon first sight.

This is the first test, where the first person to correctly name the herb earns extra points from the scoring alchemist; subsequent correct answers are invalid.

The second test, Efficacy Elucidating, involves describing the effects of the herb upon sight. Similarly, the first correct description earns points.