Chapter 207 The Popular Xiao Yan
Then, Fama turned to Xiao Ling, with a hint of emotion in his tone: "We must admit that we did underestimate Xiao Yan before. Although he is young, the experience and insight he has shown are excellent, and his basic skills are also solid."
"Although he didn't notice the trap in the recipe as quickly as the three hidden identity contestants, Xiao Yan was able to see through the trap in the recipe without experiencing the first failure in refining. This undoubtedly proves his talent and great potential."
Hai Bodong also nodded in agreement and said with a smile: "Indeed, apart from Master Xiao Ling, the most talented person in alchemy in the Jia Ma Empire is probably Xiao Yan. It's incredible that you two are from the same family."
Xiao Ling just smiled indifferently, his expression remained calm. He did not respond to Hai Bodong and Fa Ma's words.
As a time traveler, Xiao Yan's soul power is naturally stronger than that of ordinary people, which gives him an outstanding talent in alchemy. Even if his cultivation talent has its limits, he can still accumulate rich cultivation resources for himself through alchemy.
After the people in the VIP seats chatted for a while, their eyes once again focused on the square, or more precisely, on Yan Li and Xiao Yan.
In the square, Xiao Yan was completely immersed in his own world of refining medicine. In the "Six-in-one Spiritual Flame Cauldron" in front of him, colorful flames jumped like elves, extracting the essence of each herb.
Although his movements were simple, they were as natural and smooth as flowing water. Every time he refined the herbs, he revealed his deep understanding of the essence of the herbs.
As time passed, other contestants in the square gradually began to realize the trap hidden in the prescription.
Some alchemists began to try to adjust the ratio of medicinal materials or change the order of refining, hoping to find the right method. Yaoyue was one of them. She had already removed the thick earth ganoderma and started to refine the wind-moving pill again.
However, Xiao Yan was already close to success. The seals in his hands kept changing, and the essence of the medicinal materials began to slowly condense under his control, forming a young pill with an uneven surface.
At this moment, Xiao Yan suddenly felt a strong fluctuation.
He looked up and saw one of the three Yanli members with a red face. It was obvious that he had made a mistake during the refining process, which led to the failure of the pill. If he wanted to advance, he could only refine another Fengxing Pill.
Yan Li himself remained calm and had a relaxed smile on his face. In the furnace in front of him, a young pill was being warmed by the flame driven by his fighting spirit. It was obvious that he had entered the final step of refining the pill.
The audience all around also cast their eyes towards Xiao Yan and Yan Li. They were all curious about who would be the first to refine the Wind-Running Pill and win this round of competition.
Most of the people around are residents of the Gama Empire, and they naturally don't want to see alchemists from other countries win.
Yan Li's previous arrogant attitude had offended many people in the Jia Ma Empire. Many residents of the Jia Ma Empire were worried about Xiao Yan and silently wished him well in their hearts.
If it weren't for the soundproof barriers surrounding the competition venue that blocked the sound, Xiao Yan would definitely be able to hear the crowd cheering for him and feel their enthusiasm and support.
……
As time passed, Yan Li and Xiao Yan's progress was steadily improving, and a tense atmosphere gathered over the square.
Even the people in the VIP seats were staring at the two of them, silently wondering who would win the championship in this competition.
Qing Lin approached Xiao Ling cautiously and asked in a low voice: "Master, do you think Xiao Yan can refine the elixir first?"
Although Qinglin's voice was very low, everyone present was a person with high cultivation. Without deliberately trying to conceal it, they naturally heard Qinglin's question.
Little Medical Fairy also cast a curious look at him, and Jia Xingtian, Fa Ma and others couldn't help but listen attentively. They were also looking forward to hearing Xiao Ling's opinions.
After all, among everyone present, Xiao Ling's alchemy skills were second to none. His vision was sharp and unique, and he might be able to see details that they had not noticed.
Hearing Qing Lin's question, Xiao Ling casually glanced at the situation in the two people's alchemy furnace, and then said to Qing Lin and Xiao Yixian: "If nothing unexpected happens, Xiao Yan will win first place in this competition." Xiao Ling's voice was calm and confident.
"Although he started refining pills a little later than Yanli, thanks to the help of the beast fire and the blessing of the pill furnace, his refining speed is much faster than that of ordinary people. That pill furnace has been with me and has been tempered by strange fire. Its quality is so high that it cannot be achieved by ordinary pill furnaces."
Hearing this, Fa Ma and Jia Xingtian both breathed a sigh of relief. Since Xiao Ling said so, it was a sure thing that Xiao Yan would win.
After all, Yan Li’s previous arrogant attitude has already made many people in the Jia Ma Empire dissatisfied, and Xiao Yan’s victory will be able to wipe out these negative influences.
Moreover, if Xiao Yan could get first place in the competition, it would also indirectly prove his strength in alchemy. In this way, even if Xiao Ling did not participate in tomorrow's final, the champion of this conference could remain in the Jia Ma Empire.
After all, with Xiao Ling's current status and level, it would be a bit of a loss of face to participate in such a competition.
As if confirming Xiao Ling's speculation, not long after Xiao Ling finished speaking, Xiao Yan responded.
The atmosphere of the entire square froze at this moment, and all eyes were focused on the glowing "Liuhe Lingyan Cauldron" in front of Xiao Yan.
Suddenly, a dazzling light burst out from Xiao Yan's alchemy furnace, and a strong medicinal fragrance spread along with the light, instantly filling the entire competition venue.
In front of Xiao Yan, the Wind-Running Pill slowly took shape in the colorful flames, with a faint halo flowing on its surface, like the brightest star in the night sky.
In that light, a round, smooth, and crystal-clear pill slowly rose up. It slowly rotated in the air, emitting a heart-warming luster.
As the last seal in Xiao Yan's hand fell, the pill shook slightly, and countless points of light gathered towards it.
It rotates gently above the alchemy furnace, emitting an intoxicating aroma that is fresh yet profound, making people feel lighten just by smelling it.
The audience watched with bated breath, only to see the Feng Xing Dan, under Xiao Yan's control, slowly fall into the jade bottle beside him, making a crisp sound.
This sound was like a trumpet of victory, announcing Xiao Yan's success. Immediately, thunderous cheers broke out from the audience seats around him, and continuous applause cheered for Xiao Yan's victory.
Although Fa Ma and Jia Xingtian in the VIP seats had anticipated this result, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when they saw this moment. Their originally calm faces now showed a relieved smile.
As the cheers from the audience seats around him surged like a tide, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but burst into laughter, with a proud light flashing in his eyes.
Some high-ranking officials from surrounding forces cast envious glances at him. They bowed and expressed heartfelt praise to show their support for Xiao Zhan.
"Brother Xiao Zhan, your son's alchemy skills are truly amazing. He has achieved such success at such a young age. The young are truly formidable." A leader of a faction dressed in gorgeous clothes spoke first, his tone full of admiration. "So extraordinary, he has the qualifications to be an alchemy master!"
Another representative of another faction also said: "Yes, the Xiao family has such a son. The future will surely be prosperous and reach a higher level. Brother Xiao Zhan, you really teach your children well."
Xiao Zhan was filled with indescribable joy as he listened to the praises from all sides. He knew that Xiao Yan's victory today was not only a personal victory, but also a symbol of glory for the entire Xiao family.
Waving his hand, Xiao Zhan responded loudly: "You are all too flattering. Xiao Yan's achievements today are all due to his own efforts and persistence."
However, some people around who are more sensitive have already thought of a deeper level.
Xiao Yan now no longer has an engagement with the Nalan family, which undoubtedly provides him with the possibility to establish relationships with various major forces.
If we can form an alliance with the Xiao family, it will undoubtedly help us quickly improve our relationship with the Xiao family, which is now at the peak of its power.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, a representative of a faction interrupted and said, "Brother, there is a girl in my family who is very beautiful and talented. She is about the same age as Young Master Xiao Yan. Perhaps the two families can sit down and talk to improve their relationship."
Another representative was not to be outdone and said with a smile: "Brother Xiao Zhan, there is also a beautiful lady in our family who is both talented and beautiful. She is quite famous in the imperial capital. Perhaps, we can arrange for the two young people to have the opportunity to get to know each other and enhance their understanding in the future. Our family's main business is medicinal materials, which complements Master Xiao Yan's talent in refining medicine. If we can become relatives, it will undoubtedly be a win-win situation for the two families."
Xiao Zhan was embarrassed when he heard this. Ever since Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran broke off their engagement, he had indeed considered finding a suitable partner for Xiao Yan. After all, as the heir of the family, Xiao Yan's marriage was not only a personal matter, but also an important bond for the family alliance. Many people had mentioned this to him before.
However, Xiao Zhan also heard that his youngest son seemed to have a good relationship with the empire's little princess, which made him weigh more in his mind.
He smiled and responded, "I appreciate your kindness. As for Xiao Yan's marriage, we naturally hope to find a partner who shares his feelings. As for marriage, our Xiao family has always been open-minded, but we also believe in letting things happen naturally. As elders, we should still give enough respect and space to young people's feelings and choices."
Xiao Zhan's answer was both polite and cleverly expressed the Xiao family's cautious attitude towards marriage.
The representatives of the forces present heard the hidden meaning of Xiao Zhan's words and knew that the Xiao family was not in a hurry, so they nodded to show their understanding. At the same time, they were also thinking about how to find a more suitable opportunity in the future to improve the relationship with the Xiao family.
At this time, Xiao Yan had already walked out of the competition venue and headed towards the VIP seats. His steps were firm and calm, and every step seemed so confident.
When he walked in front of Xiao Zhan, he smiled and said softly, "Father, I haven't brought shame to the Xiao family, have I?"
Xiao Zhan patted Xiao Yan's shoulder, his eyes full of love and pride: "Hahaha, Yan'er, you did a great job and brought honor to the Xiao family."
Looking at Xiao Yan's departing back, Yan Li's expression turned gloomy. He couldn't believe that he had been defeated by such a young opponent.
His heart was filled with resentment and resentment, and he secretly roared in his heart: "Damn it, if it weren't for the assistance of the medicine cauldron and the beast fire, how could that kid surpass my medicine refining speed? How abominable. In the next round of competition, I will let you see who is the strongest alchemist in this alchemist conference."
A quarter of an hour later, Yan Li slammed the medicine cauldron, and a round and full pill came out. He quickly reached out and grasped the pill steadily in his hand.
Then he glanced in Xiao Yan's direction with resentment, and without paying any attention to the two people sent by Luoyan Empire and Mulan Empire, he left alone.
At this moment, half of the time for the competition had passed. After seeing Yaoyue give up using Hou Tuzhi, many alchemists came to their senses and began to light fire and refine medicine again.
Time passed by minute by minute, the sun gradually set, and the number of alchemists in the square decreased rapidly.
Soon, Yaoyue also successfully refined the Fengxing Pill, which made Jia Xingtian in the VIP seat smile with satisfaction again.
Although Yaoyue failed to win the first place in this competition, being able to rank among the top is also a glory for the royal family.
As the allotted time was drawing to a close, Liu Ling and the black-robed man who had encountered the furnace explosion earlier finally succeeded in refining the Wind-Driven Pill.
Liu Ling picked up the pill, and a trace of depression flashed across his dark eyes. His purpose of participating in this Alchemist Conference was originally to shine in front of Nalan Yanran and show his talent and strength.
However, in today's two rounds of competition, his performance was not as expected. Not only did he fail to stand out, but he also witnessed Nalan Yanran's former fiancé Xiao Yan shine in this competition, which made him feel a little depressed.
If he can't even compare to Nalan Yanran's ex-fiancé, how can he attract Nalan Yanran's attention?
He silently encouraged himself in his heart: "The third round is my last chance to show my strength. I must turn the tide and win the championship. Only in this way will Yanran see my true ability and look at me with new eyes."
Then, he waved his sleeves, put away the equipment around him, and turned around to leave the competition venue.
Soon after, when the sunset glowed over the square and the last gong sounded, today's competition came to an end.
The square, which was once bustling with alchemists, is now reduced to only a few hundred elites.
They were either excited or tired, but without exception, everyone's eyes were shining with anticipation and nervousness for tomorrow's decisive battle.
(End of this chapter)