Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 118: Chapter 118: I Want to Certify as a Second Grade Alchemist

Ye Qingchen began to refine the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir with practiced ease, and soon the room was filled with the fragrance of medicinal herbs.

Elder Wang watched Ye Qingchen’s actions with disdain. The Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir was known as the most difficult First-Grade Pill to refine, a reputation Elder Wang knew was well-deserved. Moreover, with only one chance, even a true First-Grade Alchemist would likely fail, let alone a fledgling apprentice alchemist like Ye Qingchen.

Du Pengcheng also watched Ye Qingchen nervously. He knew Ye Qingchen had a gift for alchemy, but he was even more aware of how difficult it was to refine the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir. What troubles me now is the fear that Ye Qingchen accepted this assessment in a fit of pique. If that’s the case, his temperament is far too reckless! But looking at his youthful face, I’m reminded he’s just a seventeen-year-old boy. Such youthful pride and arrogance are inevitable. At this thought, Du Pengcheng sighed. Perhaps letting him suffer a setback would be for the best. It might prevent him from becoming blinded by his small achievements. Otherwise, he’s bound to suffer a great loss sooner or later!

As time passed, Ye Qingchen continued to refine the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir at an unhurried pace, while Elder Wang’s expression gradually soured. Ye Qingchen’s methods, from refining the medicinal herbs to the purification steps, were flawless, showing no trace of an apprentice alchemist’s inexperience. When Elder Wang finally sensed that the medicinal liquid Ye Qingchen produced had reached a terrifying ninety-nine percent purity, his jaw dropped in astonishment.

At that moment, a thought surfaced in Elder Wang’s mind. Maybe Ye Qingchen could actually succeed in refining the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir on his first try!

However, Elder Wang quickly shook his head, casting the unrealistic thought from his mind. That’s simply impossible. Ye Qingchen is still so young. If he can refine the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir now, doesn’t that mean he’ll soon be able to break into the realm of Second-Grade Alchemists? I daren’t imagine the uproar a seventeen-year-old Second-Grade Alchemist would cause!

What Elder Wang didn’t know was that Ye Qingchen had managed to increase his success rate for refining the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir to over ninety percent in just three days. Subsequently, Ye Qingchen spent another four days refining Second-Grade Spirit Pills, becoming even more proficient in the techniques and artistry of alchemy. Now, when attempting the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir again, while a one-hundred-percent success rate might be an overstatement, the chance of failure was extremely low.

Furthermore, Ye Qingchen was determined to prove himself and had even activated his Dual Pupil Martial Soul to assist in the refinement, greatly increasing his chances of success.

Twenty minutes went by in a flash. Ye Qingchen had already stopped his movements, but he didn’t rush to open the Alchemy Furnace.

Elder Wang was puzzled. He had set a one-hour time limit specifically to make things difficult for Ye Qingchen, knowing an ordinary person couldn’t possibly complete the refinement in that time. Only twenty minutes have passed. Could this kid have already succeeded? Impossible! In twenty minutes, anyone else would have, at best, only reached the purification stage. Solidifying the pill would be out of the question!

At this point, Ye Qingchen had stopped manipulating the furnace. This was a major taboo in alchemy; stopping mid-process would inevitably cause the furnace to explode. Yet, since there was no explosion, it could only mean one thing: the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir was a success.

Du Pengcheng watched Ye Qingchen anxiously. Seeing him stop, he couldn’t help but ask, ”Ye Qingchen, how did it go?”

Ye Qingchen gave a faint smile, then finally opened the Alchemy Furnace. A crystal-clear Spirit Pill emerged—the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir had been successfully refined!

Ye Qingchen took the Six Yang Soul Gathering Elixir, handed it to Elder Wang, and said, ”It was a fortunate success. Please, Elder Wang, have a look!”

Elder Wang stared at the elixir in astonishment. Its crystalline appearance was proof of its immense purity. He scrutinized the elixir, desperately seeking a flaw with which to fault Ye Qingchen, but even with his discerning eyes, he could find no imperfection! Hearing Ye Qingchen’s words filled Elder Wang with bitterness. Twenty minutes... success on the first try... and you call that a fortunate success?

Elder Wang sighed. Although he was reluctant to admit defeat, Du Pengcheng was watching him closely. If he were to insist there was a problem with the elixir, Du Pengcheng would undoubtedly take the matter to the Sect Master. He would have a difficult time explaining himself then. Therefore, Elder Wang had no choice but to say, ”Not bad. You’ve passed the certification for a First-Grade Alchemist!”

Ye Qingchen smiled faintly. This was all within his expectations, so he showed no excitement.

Du Pengcheng, however, was a different story. He had been worried about Ye Qingchen the entire time. Now that the dust had settled and Ye Qingchen had passed the assessment, Du Pengcheng forgot his composure as a deacon, hugging Ye Qingchen and cheering with excitement.

Elder Wang shook his head with a wry smile. Ye Qingchen is truly capable. It seems the Young Sect Master won’t be able to play any of his little tricks behind the scenes. With that thought, Elder Wang no longer dwelled on the matter. He quickly completed the paperwork for Ye Qingchen and handed him a token engraved with the character for ”Elixir”.

Ye Qingchen took the token. On the front was the character for ”Elixir,” and on the back was the numeral ”1.” This, he surmised, was the token proving his status as a First-Grade Alchemist. Seeing that Ye Qingchen had received it, Du Pengcheng offered his congratulations.

To Du Pengcheng’s surprise, however, Ye Qingchen handed the token back to Elder Wang.

”Ye Qingchen, what is the meaning of this?” Elder Wang frowned, his tone laced with displeasure. Returning the First-Grade Alchemist certification? Does he not want to be a First-Grade Alchemist of the Sect? This is utterly disrespectful to the Alchemy Pavilion!

Ye Qingchen remained polite and said calmly, ”My apologies, Elder Wang. I’m not here to be certified as a First-Grade Alchemist. I want to be certified as a Second-Grade Alchemist!”

”What?” Du Pengcheng’s face went blank. Did I hear him correctly?

”What did you say?” Elder Wang looked at Ye Qingchen in surprise, not expecting him to have such grand ambitions. But considering his performance just now, his claim probably isn’t baseless.

Elder Wang nodded and said to Ye Qingchen, ”Certifying as a Second-Grade Alchemist is possible. However, I am only responsible for First-Grade certifications and lack the authority for that. Wait here. I will go and ask the Vice Pavilion Master to certify you personally!”

After saying this, Elder Wang turned and left, while a still-astonished Du Pengcheng continued to stare at Ye Qingchen.

Ye Qingchen nodded at Du Pengcheng, signaling for him to be at ease. This was also part of my plan. Since I’ve decided to display my strength, being a First-Grade Alchemist is clearly not enough to deter Li Zongrui’s little schemes. Since I’m capable of becoming a Second-Grade Alchemist now, why not go for it?