Invincible Soul Emperor

Chapter 207: Chapter 207: The Undisputed First Place

Purple represented lightning. Combined with what she had just seen of Ye Qingchen’s cultivation process, Cai Yunji’s discerning eyes had already led her to guess that the seed he had selected was a Thunder Attribute seed.

To be able to pick out the most peculiar Thunder Attribute seed from tens of thousands of others and successfully cultivate it under immense pressure... this kid has some real skill. Cai Yunji thought to herself, her eyes filled with curiosity about Ye Qingchen.

Finally, as the bell rang, the first round of the competition officially ended.

Ye Qingchen sighed. Time had been too tight; otherwise, he could have fully ripened all fifty-eight fruits. As it was, only a little over thirty had ripened. He began picking the mature fruits and brought them to the judges’ table.

The judges, who had been watching in astonishment, only snapped back to reality when Ye Qingchen placed the fruits before them.

”Purple fruits? Thunder Attribute, not bad at all! Fruits of this quality are undoubtedly the best in this grand competition!”

”Yes, and a total of thirty-six of them. That’s also the highest quantity in this competition.”

The judges exchanged opinions, their praise flowing continuously.

After handing over the fruits, Ye Qingchen returned to the platform.

”Qingchen, you’re so amazing! You’re definitely number one in this round!” the Qingyun Sect disciple who had received the Wood-Fire Attribute seed from Ye Qingchen exclaimed happily. He figured that the fruits he had managed to cultivate would also be enough to secure him a good ranking. Of course, the disciple understood this was all thanks to Ye Qingchen.

Cheng Zhibin knew his defeat was certain and looked utterly disheartened. Just ten minutes ago, he had been solidly in first place, but now, everything had changed.

After a final discussion, the judges on the panel handed the final results to Princess Cai Yunji.

Cai Yunji glanced at the list in her hand, preparing to announce the outcome. At that moment, the previously noisy venue fell silent as everyone awaited the final results of the first round. Although they all had a good idea of who would be number one, everyone was still eagerly awaiting the moment of the official announcement.

Cai Yunji scanned the crowd and began to declare, ”I will now announce the first-round rankings for the Youth Group of the Sect Competition. Securing first place is Ye Qingchen of the Qingyun Sect, with a score of one hundred points!”

BOOM!

The moment Cai Yunji finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the stands, cheering for Ye Qingchen’s spectacular performance.

It had flowered in three minutes, borne fruit in another three, and ripened in yet another three! In just nine minutes, Ye Qingchen had accomplished what would take other alchemists six hours to achieve.

He was the undisputed first place!

Qin Yue excitedly grabbed Qin Zhantian’s arm, cheering loudly, while Qin Zhantian beamed with a wide smile. Even Li Zongrui was dancing with excitement, but the thought of Ye Qingchen stealing the spotlight made him let out a begrudging snort.

The cheering continued for more than ten minutes before a gesture from Cai Yunji gradually quieted the crowd. She then proceeded to announce the remaining rankings. Although the audience still applauded, their response was noticeably more perfunctory compared to the ovation they had given Ye Qingchen.

Cheng Zhibin was grinding his teeth so hard they nearly shattered. He was supposed to be number one, but unexpectedly, Ye Qingchen had come from behind, leaving him to settle for second place. Although second place still yielded ninety points, Cheng Zhibin had wanted to crush Ye Qingchen completely. After all, he was a fourth-rank Alchemist. Losing to Ye Qingchen, a third-rank Alchemist, was the ultimate humiliation!

After announcing the results, Cai Yunji gracefully walked over to Ye Qingchen. Although Ye Qingchen was indifferent to royalty, he still observed the proper etiquette. Seeing the princess approach, he clasped his hands in salute.

Cai Yunji offered a faint smile, her stunning beauty like a thousand flowers blooming at once, captivating all who saw her. ”Ye Qingchen, you performed exceptionally well this time,” she said. ”I am very much looking forward to your performance in the next round.”

With that, she turned and departed.

Cheng Zhibin was filled with even more resentment and jealousy. He recalled Cai Yunji’s cold tone toward him, yet she was now so courteous to Ye Qingchen. He attributed this preferential treatment entirely to the fact that Ye Qingchen had won first place.

All of this should have been mine! Cheng Zhibin thought bitterly.

With the first round over, Ye Qingchen placed the Ironwood Flower he had cultivated into his storage ring and prepared to leave the stage, but Cheng Zhibin blocked his path.

”Ye Qingchen, don’t get ahead of yourself!” Cheng Zhibin snarled.

Ye Qingchen was left speechless. He hadn’t done a thing. How could Cheng Zhibin possibly think he looked pleased with himself?

When Ye Qingchen didn’t reply and instead looked at him with what Cheng Zhibin perceived as a mocking gaze, he flew into a rage. ”Ye Qingchen, you just got lucky in the first round and picked a good seed! The second round is a test of real talent and knowledge, the true measure of an Alchemist’s skill. Just you wait, I’m going to crush you!”

After his outburst, Cheng Zhibin flicked his sleeve and stalked off in a huff.

Ye Qingchen smiled and shook his head. Was it really just luck? The selection of a seed is itself a test of an Alchemist’s discernment. Besides, even if one did stumble upon a good seed by chance, it would be impossible to successfully nurture it without sufficient Soul Power.

Of course, Ye Qingchen had no intention of explaining any of this to Cheng Zhibin. In his eyes, Cheng Zhibin was nothing more than a clown.

However, Ye Qingchen did give some thought to Cheng Zhibin’s threat. As a mere third-rank Alchemist, his chances of winning against Cheng Zhibin, a fourth-rank Alchemist, in tomorrow’s contest were indeed slim.

Shaking his head, he decided not to dwell on it any longer and made his way toward the Qingyun Sect’s rest area.

”Qingchen, well done!” Deputy Pavilion Master Liu never hid his praise for Ye Qingchen and complimented him the moment he approached.

Pavilion Master Zhang simply nodded in satisfaction, saying nothing.

”Ye Qingchen, I knew you could do it! You’re amazing!” Qin Yue exclaimed, running up to him excitedly.

Faced with everyone’s praise, Ye Qingchen felt a little embarrassed and scratched his head.

Li Zongrui also wanted to praise him, but the words that came out of his mouth were, ”Ye Qingchen, your performance today was barely satisfactory. But there’s still another round tomorrow. You must beat those bastards from the Heavenly Profound Sect! If you can’t, you’ll see how I deal with you!”