The prominent figures present had initially assumed that Ji Liang's spot was secured, and in fact, it truly was. After all, the Ninth Generation King Manor had contributed significantly to the refining of the Dragon Vein Pill, and it was natural for the Desolate Academy to accept Ji Liang as part of their relations.
However, they had not anticipated that Bai Qingming's interference would prompt the Era Immortal King to insist on a fair test, now putting Ji Liang's previously secured position at risk.
Now that the Dragon Vein Pill had been wasted, if even the predetermined spot were to be snatched away, it would be a huge loss for the Ninth Generation King Manor.
Glancing at the Era Immortal King, who appeared calm and unbothered, Ji Liang remained silent.
Ji Liang grasped the Era Immortal King’s stance.
"Very well, let’s spar," Ji Liang said with a faint smile, though a cold gleam flickered briefly in his eyes despite his friendly demeanor.
"Fang Chen, you might not know this, but Ji Liang has been diligently studying Daoist techniques for years. And alchemy... well, that's also a branch of the Dao," said a voice.
Everyone turned to see Xu Peng, who was watching Fang Chen with a look of schadenfreude.
"Several years ago, Ji Liang was already able to effortlessly refine yellow-rank, high-grade pills, and he's even managed to produce top-grade ones," Xu Peng added.
The others around Xu Qingsong, all at the Fusion Realm and from notable backgrounds, shared similar expressions of schadenfreude. While their status might not be on par with someone like Gai Hong, they were still quite distinguished.
"The Void Immortal Sword Sect values its reputation above all," Xu Qingsong added with a smile, though inwardly he sneered. “If their sword leader perishes during the tribulations of Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations, now that would truly be a disgrace.”
“Brother Ji Liang, you're already a certified pill master?” the innocent-looking Fifth Princess asked, her face filled with surprise as she looked at Ji Liang.
“I only know a little, not enough to truly be called a pill master,” Ji Liang responded with a modest smile.
He then looked at Fang Chen and added with a smirk, “Daoist Fang, we got along quite well when we first met. If you lose to me, you’ll lose your chance to enter the Desolate Academy. How about you choose Ning Tieniu as your opponent instead? That way, perhaps you and I can still become classmates.”
Ning Tieniu, who had been watching the situation unfold, was taken aback. He instinctively glanced at Ji Liang, lips trembling slightly. He wanted to say something but held his tongue in the end.
The Ning family was far inferior to the Nine Generation King Manor. The only reason he could even be here today was that his family had pulled a favor. Though he didn’t dare curse aloud, internally he was already hurling countless insults at Ji Liang.
Fang Chen merely smiled. “No need, I’ll face you.”
Ning Tieniu chuckled to himself, while Ji Liang's expression darkened. Fang Chen knew full well that Ji Liang was already a trained pill master, yet he still dared to challenge him. This was a clear signal that Fang Chen intended to oppose him.
Ji Liang pondered for a moment. It seemed impossible that his previous actions could have been known, so Fang Chen's hostility had to be due to the incident with the Langya Clan.
Ji Liang smirked inwardly. Heh, sword cultivators really do hold grudges. So, you're angry at me because of the Langya Clan?
He then turned to Era Immortal King and cupped his hands respectfully, asking, "Era Immortal King, how will the next test proceed?"
"It will still be a test of your mastery over pill fire," Era Immortal King responded with a faint smile.
In his palm, four pills appeared, which he tossed to Fang Chen, Ji Liang, Xia Ji, and Feng Ya.
"These four pills are incomplete, lacking the final refining process to remove impurities. Use your techniques to refine the impurities. The more impurities you remove, the more proficient you are in controlling pill fire, and it will show your talent in pill making."
"No wonder he's here. It looks like the Corrosive Dragon King intends to train him specifically in alchemy."
Feng Ya had been fully focused on refining the pill in his hands, but when he overheard the murmurs around him, he couldn't help but glance over at Xia Ji. To his surprise, the pill in front of Xia Ji was crystal clear, with all its impurities seemingly eliminated.
"How is that possible…."
Feng Ya was momentarily distracted, which caused him to lose control of the fire's intensity. As a result, the pill he was handling was instantly reduced to ash. His face turned pale, beads of sweat the size of peas formed on his forehead. He turned rigid as if someone had struck him at some pressure point, leaving him paralysed.
The group of cultivators close to Feng Ya exchanged astonished looks.
"This guy was playing the fool all along."
"Feng Ya’s really stumbled this time."
Fang Chen's eyes flickered with surprise. Xia Ji's mastery over pill fire was unusually refined, a level of skill that could only be achieved after many years of dedication.
"My apologies, Brother Feng Ya. It seems your skills need some more work. Better luck next time."
Xia Ji returned the refined pill to Era Immortal King and patted Feng Ya's shoulder in a comforting manner.
Ji Liang, while paying attention to Xia Ji’s unexpected skill, continued refining his own pill with ease. For him, refining impurities was a simple task that hardly required much focus, but even he was taken aback by Xia Ji's display of skill.
It was unexpected that the adopted son of the Corrosive Dragon King had such skill. It seemed he had already been exposed to alchemy techniques for some time.
Ji Liang cast a glance at Fang Chen. Fang Chen appeared to be clumsily refining the impurities from the pill using the pill fire. Whether it was the speed of refining or his proficiency in manipulating the flame, he couldn’t compare to Ji Liang.
Seeing this, Ji Liang grew confident that the spot would be his.
"This sword leader may be talented, but when it comes to alchemy, he’s far behind Ji Liang."
"Ji Liang has been fond of Daoist techniques since childhood, and now he is highly valued by the three major Daoist sects, especially Morning Star Dao Sect. I heard they’re planning to select a successor in a few years. Ji Liang is a strong contender. These sects possess many alchemy legacies, which he can study freely."
The crowd murmured in hushed tones.
Many in the crowd noticed the tension, their gazes flickering with interest. "Is this Green Elephant Sect disciple at odds with Fang Chen?"