Although Ye Qingchen was brimming with self-confidence, Du Pengcheng felt somewhat uneasy.
When Ye Qingchen readily agreed to refine the Six-Yang Soul Gathering Pill, Du Pengcheng had thought him a bit too young and frivolous. Even though Ye Qingchen successfully refined it and earned his certification as a First-Rank Alchemist, Du Pengcheng still felt that directly challenging for the rank of a Second-Rank Alchemist was somewhat flippant.
While the difficulty of refining the Six-Yang Soul Gathering Pill could rival that of a Second-Rank Spirit Pill, some Second-Rank Spirit Pills were notably more difficult to refine, far beyond what the Six-Yang Soul Gathering Pill could compare with.
Moreover, Ye Qingchen must have sensed the deliberate obstruction during his First-Rank Alchemist certification. It was therefore highly likely that a similar situation would occur during the certification for a Second-Rank Alchemist.
If they chose a particularly difficult Second-Rank Spirit Pill for the test, would Ye Qingchen still be confident in his success? If he were to fail the challenge, the small amount of prestige he had just established would be used by those with ulterior motives to ruin his name. Most importantly, it would severely dent Ye Qingchen’s self-confidence. For an alchemist, a lack of sufficient confidence was a major obstacle to future growth!
Even as an outsider, I can see that someone is targeting Ye Qingchen. Could it be that he doesn’t realize it himself? From what I know of him, he is a sharp and meticulous person. Though young, he possesses a maturity and shrewdness beyond his years. He shouldn’t be blind to such blatant targeting. So, what exactly is his purpose in doing this?
"Ye Qingchen, you..." Du Pengcheng began, unable to suppress his curiosity, but at that moment, Elder Wang returned to the room, accompanying an older man.
Elder Wang’s attitude toward this man was extremely respectful. He had been intentionally walking a step behind the elder, but as they entered, he hurried forward to personally lift the door curtain for him.
"Pavilion Master Liu!"
Du Pengcheng naturally recognized the man. He was the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Alchemy Pavilion. Within the Qingyun Sect, his alchemy skills were second to none, save for the mysterious Pavilion Master himself.
Hearing Du Pengcheng’s address, Ye Qingchen also became aware of the elder’s identity and promptly paid his respects.
"Greetings, Pavilion Master Liu!"
Pavilion Master Liu’s gaze passed over Du Pengcheng, fixing firmly on Ye Qingchen. As the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Alchemy Pavilion, his status was far above that of deacons like Du Pengcheng, and his power far exceeded that of ordinary elders.
Being scrutinized by such a distinguished figure, Ye Qingchen showed no hint of panic. Instead, he calmly met Pavilion Master Liu’s gaze.
A moment later, Pavilion Master Liu nodded in satisfaction. "So, you are Ye Qingchen? You are quite impressive."
Ye Qingchen clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Pavilion Master Liu."
Pavilion Master Liu waved his hand. "I do not praise people lightly. For someone your age to pass the First-Rank Alchemist certification and remain so composed under my scrutiny, your talent and temperament are both of the highest caliber."
Ye Qingchen was about to offer more polite remarks, but Pavilion Master Liu’s tone suddenly sharpened. "Youthful vigor is a good thing, but being too arrogant and proud will only be detrimental to your future development!"
Ye Qingchen nodded. Although Pavilion Master Liu’s tone is stern, his words are sincere. Since Elder Wang went out of his way to make things difficult for me during my First-Rank certification, he surely must have spoken ill of me on his way to fetch Pavilion Master Liu. Yet, the Pavilion Master’s earnest advice is for my own good; he isn’t deliberately targeting me at Elder Wang’s instigation.
This realization greatly increased Ye Qingchen’s favorable impression of Pavilion Master Liu. He then spoke respectfully, "You are right to reprimand me, Pavilion Master Liu. However, I believe my current skills are sufficient to challenge the Second-Rank Alchemist certification."
Pavilion Master Liu shook his head and sighed. "Since you are so determined, I will let you try. However, according to the rules of the Qingyun Sect, if you succeed in the Second-Rank Alchemist certification, the Spirit Pill belongs to the Sect. If you fail, you must bear the cost of the medicinal herbs yourself."
Ye Qingchen nodded in understanding. The herbs for a Second-Rank Spirit Pill were very precious. Without such a rule, some would inevitably abuse the certification process, using the Sect’s resources to practice. The Qingyun Sect was large and powerful, but its disciple population was also vast. If too many people did this, even the Sect would struggle to bear the cost.
Seeing that Ye Qingchen had no objections, Pavilion Master Liu took out a pill formula and handed it to him. "Look at this formula. You have three chances. If you successfully refine it, you will pass the certification for a Second-Rank Alchemist!"
Ye Qingchen accepted the formula and shot a meaningful glance at Elder Wang, who quickly averted his gaze. Deciding not to expose the elder, Ye Qingchen focused his attention on the formula.
Quenching Soul Pill, a Second-Rank Spirit Pill!
Ye Qingchen nodded to himself. The difficulty of refining the Quenching Soul Pill was about average among Second-Rank Immortal Pills, making it a fair choice for the assessment. He had even attempted to refine this very pill during his closed-door cultivation. With three chances, success was practically guaranteed.
At that thought, Ye Qingchen didn’t hesitate. He walked directly to the Alchemy Furnace and began the process of refining the Quenching Soul Pill.
Watching Ye Qingchen’s skilled movements, Pavilion Master Liu nodded. An amateur watches the spectacle, but an expert sees the craft. As the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Alchemy Pavilion, my alchemy skills are unquestionable. From Ye Qingchen’s actions alone, I can tell this isn’t the boy’s first time refining a Second-Rank Spirit Pill. No wonder he is so confident.
The subsequent steps—Quenching Flame, purification, and Solidifying Pill—all proceeded in an orderly fashion. Ye Qingchen performed exceptionally well, succeeding on his very first attempt and producing the Quenching Soul Pill.
Seeing Ye Qingchen succeed, Elder Wang was filled with shame.
Du Pengcheng was overjoyed. He’s truly worthy of being the disciple I personally recruited!
Pavilion Master Liu took the Quenching Soul Pill from Ye Qingchen, brought it to his nose, and sniffed gently. He nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, a success on the first try. Moreover, the purity of this Quenching Soul Pill is extremely high, even more perfect than those refined by alchemists who have been at the second rank for years. Ye Qingchen, you are truly impressive."
Faced with Pavilion Master Liu’s praise, Ye Qingchen merely smiled faintly, not allowing the commendation to make him arrogant.
Pavilion Master Liu put away the Quenching Soul Pill and addressed him once more. "Ye Qingchen, you have great potential. Are you willing to stay in the Alchemy Pavilion?"
After a moment of thought, Ye Qingchen nodded. "I am willing!"