Even as mere onlookers, having witnessed so much, their own standards had naturally risen.
One Pill Master after another stepped forward.
Unfortunately, to date, the display with the most numerous and dazzling flames still belonged to that Southern Sky Great Witch.
Clearly, the skill of an Elixir Dao Master was guaranteed.
Others produced at most two beams of flame.
Not until that Medicine Venerable from the Sky Sea Continent once again made the Divine Furnace display three beams of flame—accompanied by an intense golden aura—did a genuine top-grade Spirit Pill clearly appear.
"Medicine Venerable, long time no see. You've fallen a bit behind."
Master Wu commented critically, "Although this elixir possesses three beams of flame, the golden aura means it can only be used by Buddhist cultivators dedicated to ascetic practices—far too restrictive. It might seem more formidable than that Great Witch's, but in reality, it's quite lacking…"
If anyone else had dared to spout such criticisms, Wang Mu would definitely have snorted in scorn.
"Master, aren't you going up yet?" Luo Qifang asked softly from the side.
"What's the hurry?" Master Wu responded calmly. "Let those few old fellows go first. The more powerful the Spirit Pills, the later they appear."
Having said that, he nodded. The disciples remained silent.
The Dan King Sect hadn't invited many Elixir Dao Masters; there were at most one or two from each major region of the Nine Provinces. Even more formidable masters weren't invited because their attendance was uncertain. Some others couldn't come for various reasons, but even those who didn't attend would often send their disciples to participate.
Most Elixir Dao Masters, after all, knew each other by reputation, so naturally, there was a competitive spirit among them.
「Soon, Shen Yuanzi also took the stage.」
This was an elder who made the best impression on Wang Mu; he had the refined bearing of an immortal, appearing like a celestial being.
The Spirit Pill he presented produced four beams of pure white flame, emitting an unusual fragrance so potent it jolted the senses and cleared the mind upon smelling it.
Generally, the colors of the flames indicated their use for different cultivators.
Like the initial blood-red flames, these were generally suitable for those practicing Body Cultivation.
The golden ones were largely used by Buddhist Cultivators.
The white flame, however, signified that it could be used by most cultivators, making it superior in terms of versatility.
As expected, Master Wu's expression changed slightly upon seeing this, as if he recognized he had encountered a true competitor.
"My pill is merely average," Shen Yuanzi said, lightly stroking his long beard with a faint smile. "Limited by the available Spiritual Medicines, it can, at best, slightly improve a cultivator's Divine Sense and soul."
"Senior, you jest," Chen Feng laughed. "To refine a top-grade Spirit Pill that enhances Divine Sense and soul using only four types of Spiritual Medicines is remarkable. Elixirs like these, which can also be used by cultivators across most realms, are exceedingly rare in the Cultivation World. This is already incredibly impressive."
Even the Four Symbols Elixir Furnace had given its affirmation, so naturally, nothing more needed to be said.
"Then I wonder if it might catch the eye of your Dan King Sect?" Shen Yuanzi laughed heartily.
Chen Feng and Shen Jiao exchanged glances and smiled slightly.
"Whether it catches the eye of our sect…" Shen Jiao said, "The Four Symbols Divine Furnace has its own judgment; we merely record the results. If it contains Spiritual Medicines that our Dan King Sect is seeking, the Pill Furnace itself will show a special sign."
Shen Yuanzi glanced at the Pill Furnace and dared not say more.
After Shen Yuanzi's presentation, the remaining Pill Masters mostly seemed lackluster by comparison.
Master Wu hesitated a bit.
Seeing this, Wang Mu thought, Master Wu seems a bit unsure of himself.
Speaking of which, Wang Mu himself was also hesitating. I'm feeling a bit indecisive too.
"Master, how about I give it a try first!" Luo Qifang volunteered eagerly from the side.
Master Wu was momentarily stunned, then laughed.
"You're a brave lad. Go on, give it a try."
With that, Luo Qifang, his expression clear and resolute, strode forward bravely.
Wang Mu thought, Brother Luo is certainly brave... As far as I know, his Alchemy Skill isn't even at 10. Maybe 5 or 6 at best?
Of course, many Pill Masters presenting their elixirs didn't have a skill level of 10. Some didn't produce a single beam of flame, meaning the Four Symbols Divine Furnace didn't even bother to evaluate their concoctions, deeming them purely substandard.
However, rather unexpectedly, the Spirit Pill Luo Qifang presented actually garnered a beam of flame, predominantly golden with a purplish hue, displaying a fair level of skill.
After he came down, Luo Qifang said somewhat excitedly, "Master, I think I lucked out! I added all the Spiritual Medicines, trying various pairings… It seems I've stumbled upon a decent low-grade Elixir Recipe!"
Master Wu met his gaze with approval. "Not bad," he praised, then paused for a moment, apparently at a loss for further words.
Wang Mu thought, Brother Luo really is lucky. Moreover, he has a Special Physique and a natural top-grade fire spiritual root. He's a born talent for Alchemy, and his Qi Fortune has improved. So even if he lacked innate aptitude in Alchemy, it seems like any casual attempt of his could succeed... It's like fate itself is chasing him to hand him success. A truly promising future.
After this interlude with Luo Qifang, Master Wu also stepped forward and presented his pill.
His pill exhibited four beams of flame, a brilliant crimson color, and an imposing aura accompanied by unusual phenomena. It was clearly a top-grade Fire-element Spirit Pill, suitable for cultivators practicing Fire Techniques.
However, it seemed somewhat inferior compared to Shen Yuanzi's earlier offering.
When he came down, many disciples looked at Master Wu with utmost admiration.
This made Master Wu feel considerably better.
"On the path of the Alchemy Dao, there are always heavens beyond heavens..." Master Wu sighed. "I must admit, that old fellow Shen Yuanzi's marvelous pill is indeed a notch better than mine. If nothing unexpected happens, considering everything, he will likely take the top spot in this Alchemy Dao assembly."
"If any of you want to give it a try, learn from Luo Qifang. It's alright if you fall a little short; what's important is to have the courage to innovate!"
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