"Good, this is a good idea!" Xia Cangliu nodded in agreement, "We old folks should indeed make room for the younger generation! Letâs have our disciples and the many young alchemists present compete against each other!"
As he spoke, Xia Cangliuâs gaze shifted to a young man behind him and said, "Jiang Shaocheng, you may go down!"
Everyone hurriedly looked over.
They saw a slender young man stepping out from behind Xia Cangliu.
Although in his twenties, he already possessed the demeanor of a master.
The other top masters naturally did not refuse and sent their own disciples down. Along with the young alchemists present, in no time, three to four hundred alchemists had gathered in the squareâs center.
Witnessing this scene.
"You may go too!" Mu Shanhe nodded at Zhou Long Army, then looked directly at Kong Shun with a playful smile, "Alchemist Kong, why donât you let your âdual geniusâ disciple show off as well, so we can see his skills?"
Swish!
As his words fell.
Countless eyes in the crowd turned to Kong Shun and Ye Qingchen.
At this moment.
Kong Shun knew there was no avoiding it, no retreating, and could only sigh deeply and stand up, "I apologize for making everyone laugh! While Ye Qingchenâs alchemy talent isnât bad, heâs been with me for a relatively short time, and currently, he canât handle this situation!"
Upon hearing this, a hint of disdain appeared in the eyes of those looking at Ye Qingchen.
Originally.
They thought this existence touted as âdual geniusâ was quite the character.
Turns out, he was just all talk, exposed before even entering the field!
Upon hearing Kong Shunâs words, Xia Cangliu didnât insist, but how could Mu Shanhe miss this opportunity? He coldly said, "Brother Kong, Ye Qingchenâs alchemy talent is no less than anyone present here. This is a rare training opportunity, and youâre just going to keep your prized disciple hidden?"
Xia Cangliu was confused, "Even with high talent, a short learning period in alchemy naturally means a lower level. Since Alchemist Kong has refused, why insist?"
Just as everyone nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, another voice interjected, "Thatâs incorrect. Ye Qingchenâs âdual geniusâ is something Iâve witnessed personally. Several months ago, he competed with my disciple Dongfang Yu to concoct the Dragon and Tiger Pill and surpassed him. How could he not handle this situation?"
Everyone looked over and realized it was Zhu Tao speaking.
At this moment, Zhu Tao sneered; heâd anticipated Mu Shanheâs challenge, waiting for this moment!
Boom!
As these words landed, the surroundings buzzed with astonishment.
Itâs known.
The Dragon and Tiger Pill is a Profound-grade Elixir, quite difficult to concoct. Not only can Ye Qingchen create it, but he also surpassed Dongfang Yu? Could this young man truly be a âdual geniusâ?
"Is this true?" Not only was Xia Cangliu surprised, but the other top alchemists were also full of astonishment.
Zhu Tao nodded, "Itâs true. Many witnessed it that day at Bishui Manor. They are here; you can call them out to testify!"
The crowd roared with excitement upon hearing these words.
Originally.
Those who looked at Ye Qingchen with disdain suddenly became full of doubt and astonishment.
"Zhu Tao is one of Cyan Continentâs top alchemists. What he says cannot be false! Could Ye Qingchen truly be a âdual geniusâ?"
Yet, at this moment, someone sneered, "Hmph! If he truly is a âdual genius,â today might very well be his doom! Although alchemists canât wield âSword Qiâ like cultivators, they can certainly kill with alchemy!"
"Indeed, if Ye Qingchen doesnât step into the competition, he might survive. But once he does, not just Mu Shanhe, even Zhou Long Army could end him!"
For a moment.
The crowdâs gaze on Ye Qingchen shifted from curiosity to pity.
The saying goes: Heaven is jealous of talent, and a tree standing tall catches the wind.
Throughout history.
Countless stunning geniuses were completely snuffed out before they even reached their prime.
Initially.
Even if Mu Shanhe incited trouble today, Kong Shun could still protect Ye Qingchen. But with Zhu Tao stepping in, Kong Shun might be unable to offer any further protection.
Sure enough, hearing Zhu Tao, Xia Cangliu looked at Ye Qingchen with admiration, "Alchemist Kong, youâre being too modest. If Ye Qingchen can concoct the Dragon and Tiger Pill, heâs already surpassed most of us here. It took my disciple Jiang Shaocheng six years to reach this level!"
Dongfang Yu, hands behind his back, looked at Ye Qingchen with a smirk, "Ye Qingchen, several months ago, we competed in concocting the Dragon and Tiger Pill, and I was slightly behind. Today, I wonât lose to you again!"
Zhou Long Army taunted, "Ye Qingchen, arenât you quite arrogant? Claimed to be a âdual genius,â yet you donât even dare to compete? In alchemy, I could crush you with a single finger!"
"Yes, let Ye Qingchen show his skills!"
"Letâs see the âdual geniusâ in action!"
For a moment.
Many who were unaware of the situation joined in the shouting.
Seeing Mu Shanhe and Zhu Tao join forces, coercing the crowd to press Ye Qingchen into competing, Kong Shunâs expression turned dire. Publicly refusing would mean offending most of Cyan Continentâs alchemists, even the top-tier ones.
But if he didnât refuse.
Ye Qingchen would surely face grave danger!
Itâs known.
An alchemistâs method of killing, though not as visually striking as a cultivatorâs swords and blades, is far deadlier.
Kong Shunâs eyes flashed with determination, deciding that even at the cost of angering a majority of Cyan Continentâs alchemists, he must protect Ye Qingchen. However, suddenly, Ye Qingchen, who had remained silent behind him, stepped forward and said:
"Alright!"
"Since you all insist on seeing my alchemical skills, Iâll let you frogs in the well witness it!"
"Ye Qingchen!" Kong Shun was taken aback, quickly turning to Ye Qingchen, "How can you agree?"
"Elder Kong, rest assured, I have my strategies!"
Ye Qingchen smiled calmly.
With that, amidst the crowdâs stunned gazes, he walked confidently towards the center of the square.
Everyone was dumbfounded.
It was evident; Kong Shun would rather offend most of Cyan Continentâs alchemists to protect Ye Qingchen. Yet, the boy chose to compete anyway!
Upon hearing this.
Dongfang Yu glared angrily.
Ye Qingchen dared to call him a frog in the well?
Laughable!
"Fine! I really want to see what skills you have that can open the eyes of us âfrogs in the wellâ!" Dongfang Yu remarked, his face wearing a cold smile.
Zhou Long Army glaring coldly, said, "Ye Qingchen, Iâll show you the terror of what an alchemist can wield!"