A cold voice sounded.
"Alright, time's up. Those caught continuing will be punished according to association rules."
The remaining trialists collapsed in despair.
"Alright, elders, collect the pills."
"Everyone, please wait, as results will be announced immediately."
...
"Yes," the elder bowed, clasping his hands together in acknowledgment of the order, then proceeded to collect the elixirs—whether finished, scrap, or half-condensed—from those who couldn't finish before the incense stick burned out. This time, it wasn't Elder Lu, but a different, unknown elder.
After collecting them, he placed them in front of the Deputy Pavilion Master, who, having noted their names from the previous round, began to call out the results.
"Lei Si: low-grade tier-one pill; number of pills refined: one; number of failed attempts: two; refinement efficiency: 30%. Final grade—fail!"
"What?!"
Immediately, as the first result was read out, the hall flew into an uproar.
"What? It's actually a fail? This…"
"Even after successfully refining a pill? Impossible!"
The Lei Si in question had the color drain from his face, turning it into a sickly pale shade as he muttered incoherently.
"It's over… this time it's really over…"
"The Luan family has been eyeing my family's property for a while and is ready to make a move on it very soon."
"This is my last chance. Only by becoming an alchemist can I deter them from acting rashly. But if I fail, then this time it is really over…"
He babbled on, not even noticing when his legs gave way beneath him and he fell onto his backside.
The deputy leader looked at him with pity but made no effort to explain, as he had already stated at the beginning that refining one pill does not guarantee passing to become an official alchemist. He simply let him be and continued grading.
"Xiong Ming: one scrap refined; no other tier-one elixir refined; refinement efficiency: 10%. Final grade—fail!"
"Shen Yi… refinement efficiency: 30%. Final grade—fail!"
"…refinement efficiency: 32%. Final grade—fail!"
"…refinement efficiency: 35%. Final grade—fail!"
"…"
The crowd grew more animated after hearing so many names fail, while the remaining trialists bit their lips in anxiety. For some, not making it was literally a death sentence.
"Xuan Chen: one low-grade tier-one pill; one nearly finished low-grade pill; number of pills refined: two; number of failed attempts: one; refinement efficiency: 40%. Final grade—pass!"
"Wow!"
Finally, there was a passing grade, which drew loud cheers and a smile from the trialist.
"…fail."
"…fail."
"…fail."
Unfortunately, that was the last pass for a series of names until—
"Zhang Can: one mid-grade tier-one pill; number of pills refined: one; number of failed attempts: two; refinement efficiency: 50%. Final grade—pass!"
Hearing he had succeeded, the old man, regardless of face or identity, jumped up high and squealed in delight. He then turned toward Lin Feng, who had been calmly observing, and gave a grateful smile before bowing deeply in his direction.
Lin Feng simply gave a curt nod and no longer paid attention to him. The man didn't mind, as which genius didn't have their own temper? He instead continued to celebrate and bask in the praises of the crowd, who gathered around him, trying to establish a relationship.
But then a person raised his hand, calling the Deputy Pavilion Master's attention.
"Wait, Deputy Head, I don't think his result is fair. After all, he was helped by others in full view of everyone. Isn't that against the rules?" Ouyang Jun said in an unconvinced tone.
The rest of those who failed felt as though they had found a lifeline and quickly supported him.
"Yes, Deputy Pavilion Master, please clear our doubts; otherwise, none of us will be convinced."
They bowed respectfully.
"Yes, it does seem a bit unfair."
"Yes, after all, others struggled to refine themselves, while someone got assistance from another person to refine it."
"Hmm, hmm…"
"Or could it be because of that genius?"
"Shhh! If you don't talk, will others think you are mute?"
"Everybody is thinking the same thing, but only you dare to say it—you're really tired of living."
The crowd began to agree one after another, feeling it was somewhat unfair, while shooting glances at Lin Feng, who remained nonchalant even as they pointed at him.
Ouyang Jun smiled coldly in his heart, seeing his plan working.
'Hmph, Lin Feng, let me see you embarrass yourself.'
The Vice Master took a deep, unhappy look at Ouyang Jun, but there was nothing he could do. If he suppressed the matter after the rules were brought up, the Alchemy Association might develop a reputation for partiality. If such news reached headquarters, even with their backing, they would be severely punished.
But before he could speak, Lin Feng stepped forward.
"Ahem. The rules of the third round state that as long as you refine a tier-one pill…"
"Let me ask you—does it say no one is allowed to talk to you or give you advice?"
"This…"
Both the crowd and Ouyang Jun were stunned.
'Nowhere does it state that people aren't allowed to assist you with words—damn!'
They all thought at once.
"Good kid. Not only are you a genius at refining pills, but you also have a sharp mind."
Hearing Lin Feng's reasoning, the vice leader couldn't help but praise him.
"The Deputy Pavilion Master overpraises me," Lin Feng replied humbly.
"There is no need to be humble," the vice leader chuckled, then turned to the crowd.
"He is right. There is no rule against that. In fact, we encourage it. If anybody can do that, it shows such a person is an absolute genius."
"Tell me—do any of you have the ability to make a person refine a mid-grade pill with just a few words?"
His question made the room deathly silent. The people lowered their heads in shame.
"A bunch of trash! You are unable to pass, yet instead of reflecting on your shortcomings, you slander others."
He snorted coldly.
"Alright, let's continue."
"Kong Mei… 10% efficiency—fail."
"…fail."
"And finally—"
"Lin Feng: one high-grade tier-one pill of each type; number of pills refined: three; number of failed attempts: zero; refinement efficiency: 100%."
He paused.
Then declared—
"Final grade—pass. Top rank."