"Yes — this year's Pill Gathering championship will be mine."
The calmness of Liu Xi's voice carried a force that resonated through the hall — a quiet but absolute dominance.
Every alchemist present turned toward him, expressions varying between disbelief and awe. Some opened their mouths to retort, but the words never came.
Because Liu Xi was an 8th Tier Alchemist.
And they were not.
He had the right to make such a claim — and they did not.
Even Cao Ying, with all her grace and poise, froze momentarily. She hadn't expected him to say it so bluntly. Yet instead of irritation, a spark of competitive fire flared in her beautiful phoenix eyes.
Cao Ying — the most gifted prodigy in the Cao Clan's history, a direct disciple of one of the Pill Tower's Three Giants — had set her sights on only two goals: becoming an 8th Tier Alchemist and seizing the Pill Gathering championship.
Her gaze lingered on Liu Xi for a long moment before she smiled charmingly, her long lashes casting shadows over her glimmering eyes. "Such boldness, Master Liu. But as it happens, I too have my eyes on the championship. And besides..."
She turned slightly, her delicate chin lifting toward the Dan Clan's section, a sly glint flashing in her eyes. "...that little girl from the Dan Clan might also give you some trouble. If you underestimate us, Master Liu, you might suffer an unexpected loss. Let's see who laughs in the end."
Liu Xi's lips curved faintly. His gaze stayed calm, his tone amused. To him, such provocations were almost endearing. 'This is the Dou Qi Continent,' he thought. 'In front of absolute power, all schemes are illusions.'
"Then let's wait and see," he replied lightly. "Just don't cry when you lose."
Cao Ying's heart skipped a beat. She met his clear, unwavering gaze and saw no mockery there — only unshakable confidence.
"I'll be waiting," she said softly, though a hint of irritation crept into her tone. Her pride wouldn't allow her to back down.
With a soft snort, she turned, her slender waist swaying hypnotically as she strode back toward the Cao Clan's seats. Behind her, Cao Shan and Cao Xiu — two of the Cao Clan's famed prodigies — quickly followed.
They didn't even dare meet Liu Xi's eyes. The pressure radiating from him wasn't just physical — it struck directly at the soul.
When Cao Ying and her entourage finally took their seats, the hall began to tremble slightly. The five family platforms beneath their feet shifted with a low rumble, sliding backward to reveal a vast circular square in the center of the grand hall.
As the open space formed, an elderly man with snow-white hair walked slowly to the middle of the arena. His posture was straight, his steps steady, and his eyes gleamed with vigor.
Once he reached the center, his smile broadened as he swept his gaze across the five families. "All five clans have arrived, I see. In that case, there's no need for delay. As always, I will be overseeing this examination. I trust none of you have objections?"
A light, teasing laugh broke the solemnity. "Hehe, Elder Sheng, who would dare object to you presiding?"
It was Cao Ying, her voice sweet yet commanding. Her familiarity with the elder's authority drew several glances — few here would dare to jest with a man of his standing.
Ye Zhong leaned close to Liu Xi, whispering quietly, "This is Elder Sheng Yao — one of the eight Elders of the Pill Tower. His influence runs deep, and his authority within the Tower is second only to the Three Giants."
Liu Xi nodded slightly, eyes narrowing in observation. The old man's Spiritual Power was formidable — if not an 8th Tier Alchemist, then certainly at the peak of the 7th Tier.
Elder Sheng Yao chuckled at Cao Ying's playful tone. "You little lass, your flattery might make an old man blush. Very well then — since everyone's ready, let's begin. Representatives of the five clans, step forward."
As his voice echoed through the hall, the surrounding chatter fell silent.
Liu Xi stood, brushing the dust from his sleeve. Without hesitation, he clasped his hands behind his back and strode toward the center.
Behind him came soft voices of encouragement — Xiao Yixian's gentle tone, and Ye Xinlan's nervous whisper.
"Young Master, do your best."
"Senior, the Ye Clan is counting on you."
Liu Xi didn't look back. He merely waved a hand lightly in acknowledgment. This so-called examination — to him, it was nothing more than a warm-up.
Meanwhile, the other four clans also sent their representatives forward. What caught Liu Xi slightly off guard, however, was who they sent. It seemed this year's internal trial might be slightly more interesting than he'd expected.
At the Cao Clan's table, Cao Xiu had just stood up when Cao Ying's sharp gaze flickered. She rose gracefully, pressing a slender hand on his shoulder to make him sit back down.
"I'll handle this," she said with a confident smile.
Across the hall, at the Dan Clan's table, Dan Xuan was about to step forward — but when Cao Ying took the stage, the delicate Dan Chen hesitated, then whispered, "Brother, let me go. Cao Ying won't be easy to deal with... and the Dan Clan can't fall behind."
Dan Xuan froze, then sighed softly. A gentle smile curved his lips as he nodded and returned to his seat. Clearly, his doting nature as an elder brother was impossible to hide.
At the Bai Clan's table, Bai Ying rose stiffly, his expression grim. When his gaze swept across his competition — Liu Xi, Cao Ying, Dan Chen, and a nervous youth from the Qiu Clan — his heart sank.
'Great,' he thought bitterly. 'Even if I don't come last, I'll still be second-to-last. Damn Ye Clan for inviting him of all people.'
As for the Qiu Clan's representative, a pale, gray-robed man named Qiu Ji stepped forward with the expression of a man heading to his own funeral. One look at the lineup was enough to make anyone despair.
Five participants took their positions on the broad stage, each keeping a cautious distance from the others.
Cao Ying flashed a bright smile and offered a polite bow. "Cao Ying of the Cao Clan, greets Elder Sheng."
Her voice carried a charming warmth, making several hearts skip a beat.
"Dan Chen of the Dan Clan, greets Elder Sheng."
Soft, clear, and shy — her tone made even Elder Sheng's old face light up with delight.
"Haha, good, good! Such fine young talents — splendid, splendid!"
He stroked his beard, smiling broadly. Who could resist the sight of two beautiful prodigies greeting you so sweetly?
"Bai Ying of the Bai Clan, greets Elder Sheng."
His tone was cold but respectful. Even a proud man like him wouldn't dare act otherwise before a high-ranking Pill Tower Elder.
"Qiu Ji of the Qiu Clan, greets Elder Sheng."
Though his voice trembled with resignation, his bow was proper.
Finally, Liu Xi stepped forward with easy calm. "Liu Xi, representing the Ye Clan."
His voice was neither humble nor arrogant — simply steady.
Unlike the others, he didn't bother with excessive courtesy. He was, after all, a true 8th Tier Alchemist. The Pill Tower's Elders might hold power, but he owed them no deference.
Elder Sheng didn't take offense. In fact, his smile only widened. He could see the brilliance in Liu Xi's eyes — the promise of a future that might one day surpass even his own.
He also knew the Ye Clan well; they had once been powerful allies before their decline. That they had survived two failed evaluations without being expelled from the five clans was, truthfully, due in part to his leniency.
Now, seeing Liu Xi standing for them, Elder Sheng's old eyes glimmered with a mix of nostalgia and hope.
Perhaps the Ye Clan's fortune was about to rise again.
(End of Chapter)
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This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on P4 treon, For those who want to read 2 chapters ahead for free, you can find me on P4 treon by searching for my username: Fallen_Archangel_.
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