Chapter 37 - 37 One Win One Loss
Chapter 37: One Win One Loss
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
As their conversation came to an end, the two on stage resumed their alchemical endeavors.
The process remained the same as before. Jiang Xiaobai tossed all the medicinal herbs into the cauldron at once. This time, no one ridiculed him. Instead, many felt a burning sensation of shame on their faces.
Earlier, they had all scorned Jiang Xiaobai’s method of alchemy, but the fact proved that this method wasn’t incapable of successful elixir production.
Therefore, there was a certain sting of regret on their faces.
Meanwhile, compared to building foundation pellets, the demands for creating cultivation pellets were lower, and its main function was to provide monks with quick spiritual power recovery.
Mostly used to deal with insufficient spiritual power, the difficulty of crafting these pellets was not high.
However, with such simple effects, reaching a higher level was a greater test of an alchemist’s mastery.
Given Kong Yuhuai’s victory in the first round, the people of Five Lotus Mountain remained relaxed, convinced that Jiang Xiaobai would undeniably lose after this round.
Below the stage, Ao Cheng, Ao Yan, and the three Elders were intently watching Jiang Xiaobai, anxiously anticipating his performance.
“Ao Cheng, you can stop dreaming. Jiang Xiaobai is bound to lose. Our Holy Son’s alchemy is not something he can compare to.” Xu Nianliang scorned.
“Would you shut up? Even if Jiang Xiaobai is going to lose, his alchemy skills are at least better than yours. Look at you, spending my spirit stones all day, but there is barely any improvement.” Ao Cheng retorted disdainfully.
“I…you!”
Rendered speechless by the remark, Xu Nianliang snorted coldly, shot a malicious look at Jiang Xiaobai, and began to mutter to himself.
“No matter what, you are doomed to lose…”
Time passed quickly. Within the relaxed atmosphere, seven to eight minutes had quietly passed. This time, Jiang Xiaobai was the first to open his cauldron, followed by Kong Yuhuai half a minute later.
The elixir had been concocted. Two remarkably well-crafted cultivation pellets were presented to the Elders.
“Hiss… the drug’s residual strength is actually 97%!”
The Elder couldn’t believe what he saw from Jiang Xiaobai’s cultivation pellet:
“Good heavens, I’m afraid even the sect leader couldn’t achieve this level of perfection, right?”
“What, 97%! Let me see!”
The Elders started to examine Jiang Xiaobai’s pellets. Upon confirming the potency of the pellets, they marveled at Jiang Xiaobai.
Kong Yuhuai sighed, shook his head, “It seems that I have lost this round. Brother Jiang’s alchemy is indeed formidable, with 97% potency, and even faster than my speed… It’s truly unexpected.”
“Your praise flatters me, I just happened to get lucky.” Jiang Xiaobai replied modestly.
Such demeanour made Kong Yuhuai admire him even more, and his respect for Jiang Xiaobai grew further.
Kong Yuhuai nodded solemnly: “In the final round, I’ll do my best. Brother Jiang, please do the same.”
“Of course, I’m looking forward to the rewards from my future brother-in-law.”
The two shared a laugh, and then fell silent.
Eventually, after much deliberation by the Elders, this round was declared a victory for Jiang Xiaobai. Kong Yuhuai’s cultivation pellet only had 94% potency, reaching a level that is almost the limit of a pellet.
No pellet could achieve perfection. Could you guarantee that there would be no loss of potency under the flame?
At this point, the audience was utterly flabbergasted.
Xu Nianliang was petrified. He swallowed hard and muttered, “It’s just luck, there is still one more round. The Holy Son will surely win.”
This time, Ao Cheng didn’t react in retort. He was completely astounded by Jiang Xiaobai’s performance.
It was not only Ao Cheng, but also the three Elders and Ao Yan.
They all knew that Jiang Xiaobai could concoct the Pure Cleansing Pill, but they had no idea about his true alchemical skills. However, it seemed like he was on par with the Holy Son of Five Lotus Mountain!
Ao Yan became even more excited at this realization. Her mind was filled with anticipation for the result of the final round!
Almost everyone was waiting for this moment.
The once relaxed atmosphere had quietly turned tense. The noise downstairs had ceased, and the stage was completely silent.
The gentle breeze stirred the hair of the two men on stage.
The third round had been declared, but both of them had yet to make a move and were evidently preparing.
“Brother Jiang, let’s get started,” Kong Yuhuai said, taking a deep breath.
Jiang Xiaobai nodded. Without uttering a word, he lit the flame and threw the spirit medicine into the cauldron.
He seemed to be very nervous.
But in reality, he was incredibly relaxed. With the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord’s Alchemy Skills, defeating Kong Yuhuai would be exceedingly easy.
Although he had not fully mastered the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord’s Alchemy Skills, he was capable of breaking some alchemical limitations. He could even concoct pellets with pill patterns now.
He estimated that Kong Yuhuai could attain at most 95% potency. The upcoming Bone Tempering Pill wouldn’t be any less challenging than the Foundation Building Pill. Whenever it involved physical form and spiritual cultivation, the difficulty of concocting the pill would greatly increase.
The challenge lay in the combination of different kinds of spirit medicines!
Jiang Xiaobai had already thought of a strategy before he started alchemy.
As the two were engrossed in their work, time ticked away. The audience became increasingly anxious.
They didn’t even dare to breathe, afraid to disrupt the two on stage.
At this moment, the people of Five Lotus Mountain no longer dismissed Jiang Xiaobai as a joke; they regarded him as a contender equal to Kong Yuhuai.
Ao Yan was staring at Jiang Xiaobai’s face. Her brows were furrowed, her breath slightly faster, and her small hand clenched tightly. She didn’t even notice the tiny beads of sweat forming in her palms.
It could be said that Jiang Xiaobai had already given her too many surprises. She sincerely wanted Jiang Xiaobai to win and couldn’t figure out why; she just had a strong feeling of anticipation.
“He must win!” Ao Cheng muttered, gritting his teeth.
All eyes were fixed on the two men on stage.
After an unknown length of time, Jiang Xiaobai with his grave expression swiftly lifted the lid of the cauldron. The moment he lifted the lid, Kong Yuhuai on the other side also started to open his cauldron.
But he was a bit slower after all.
“Good, even one step ahead is an advantage!” Ao Yan couldn’t help but say to herself.
Kong Yuhuai frowned, clenched his fist tightly, took a deep breath, seemingly dissatisfied with being slower than Jiang Xiaobai.
Jiang Xiaobai also breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to Kong Yuhuai, “Holy Son, shall we begin the test?”
“Brother Jiang, there’s no need to address me so formally, you can just call me
DY my name.’
“Alright then, Brother Kong, this round is the final one. How confident are you?”
“I’ve done my best, with no regrets.”
Kong Yuhuai smiled faintly, a perfect gentleman. Jiang Xiaobai also nodded, smiling.
Soon after, the people who had been waiting for a long time stepped forward, took the pills from both of them, and delivered them to the Elders.
At this moment, everybody’s hearts had risen to their throats, forgetting the ridicule they initially had, and even their aim to learn.
At this time, their gazes were all tightly focused on the two pills on the table.
What will the result be?