Chapter 496, A Frog in a Well

Translator: Silavin

 

“To think he actually possesses such skill!”

 

“Wait! Then, could the rumours about the assessment be true?”

 

A series of astonished exclamations resonated throughout the vast square, with nearly everyone surprised by Qin Yichen’s sudden appearance.

 

However, some people’s expressions changed at this moment.

 

For instance, opposite Qin Yichen, that young man from the White Cloud Alchemy Manor, who had thought the matter settled, was shocked by this unexpected turn of events.

 

There was also Duan Zihai in the crowd, whose expression had darkened to the extreme.

 

Originally, when the Pill Conference began, he had taken the stage to demonstrate his strength in order to attract attention. However, compared to Qin Yichen who had suddenly emerged at this critical moment, that kind of inconsequential Alchemy Duel was lacklustre.

 

Moreover, he had heard many people in their discussions vaguely mentioning the gap between his assessment results and Qin Yichen’s.

 

He was a genius; how could he possibly be content with being trampled underfoot!?

 

“Damn him!” Duan Zihai quietly cursed, hatred flashing in his eyes, but now that Qin Yichen had successfully attracted everyone’s attention, he no longer had the opportunity to act against him.

 

Now, his only hope was that Qin Yichen would dare to engage in an Alchemy Duel and then perish in it.

 

However, even with Qin Yichen stepping forward, the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor remained shrouded in gloom.

 

It was worth noting that the opponent had merely sent an ordinary person, but the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor’s acknowledged strongest of the younger generation had been defeated!

 

The impact on them was truly enormous.

 

They had once been so arrogant, feeling smug at the slightest achievement. Now it seemed they were nothing but frogs in a well, gazing at the sky from the bottom of a well.

 

…

 

“Hmm?” At this moment, on the high platform, the important figure standing with the Manor Master frowned, clearly not having anticipated this sudden change of events.

 

“When did the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor produce such a prodigy?” Frowning, his gaze sweeping over Qin Yichen, secretly lamenting. In fact, the relationship between the various regional Alchemy Manors was not particularly harmonious. While they might not be mortal enemies, confrontations were quite normal.

 

Just like with the Flaming Heart Fruit. If they did not resort to challenges like Alchemy Duels, obtaining one from the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor would be virtually impossible.

 

His earlier intervention to prevent the Manor Master’s interference also carried with it the intent of suppressing future threats.

 

She was not only the number one among the younger generation of the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor but also the Daughter of the Manor Master!

 

With the Manor Master’s support, coupled with her talent in Spiritual Energy, even his White Cloud Alchemy Manor did not have anyone who surpassed her in terms of Spiritual Energy cultivation.

 

His visit this time was firstly for the Flaming Heart Fruit, and secondly to take advantage of the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor’s Pill Conference to properly suppress the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor. If given the opportunity, as just now, they would spare no effort to eliminate someone who posed a threat to them.

 

“Brother Shen, I didn’t expect your Ten Corner Alchemy Manor to have concealed so well.” The important figure from the White Cloud Alchemy Manor smiled at the Manor Master.

 

Regarding the barely teenage youth before them, he had not received any information at all.

 

“*Hmph!* Brother Wen, there are many things you have not anticipated.”

 

The Manor Master was clearly angered by his earlier intervention, but due to his wariness of the other’s status, he could not afford to openly antagonise him.

 

However, as his peripheral vision fell upon Qin Yichen, it too was filled with peculiarity.

 

It was also his first time seeing Qin Yichen…

 

Being able to block that attack meant that Qin Yichen’s Spiritual Energy cultivation was no longer at the Spiritual Initiation Realm, but had reached the Spiritual Flow Realm!

 

A teenager at the Spiritual Flow Realm!? Even as the Manor Master, he had never seen someone like this in this region before.

 

“Hehe, is that so? That boy from my Alchemy Manor is determined to obtain the Flaming Heart Fruit though.” The important figure from the White Cloud Alchemy Manor chuckled, his eyes flashing with bright light.

 

“I think he’s also quite interested in your Heaven Earth Heaven Silkworm Spirit Cocoon.” The Manor Master likewise chuckled, pointing at Qin Yichen.

 

As they conversed, the two Grand Advisers and numerous Elders behind them were trembling with fear, worried that the two might start fighting at the slightest disagreement. These two individuals were both Peak Human Grade Alchemy Masters!

 

If they were to fight, the residual Spiritual Energy alone would be enough to bring catastrophic disaster to the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor!

 

Fortunately, although their words were filled with hostility, neither showed any intention of making a move, instead quietly watching the platform ahead.

 

By now, the Young Lady had been assisted down by several members of the Alchemy Manor.

 

On the platform, Qin Yichen and the young man from the White Cloud Alchemy Manor stood facing each other, their eyes meeting as if sparks might fly from their gaze.

 

“A brat who isn’t even fully grown dares to come up. Should I praise your courage or lament your ignorance?”

 

At this point, the young Alchemy Master from the White Cloud Alchemy Manor had recovered from his earlier shock. In his view, Qin Yichen must have used some Artifact to resist his Spiritual Energy Attack.

 

Otherwise, the Spiritual Energy Attack that had been amplified by the Pure Flame Furnace was not something that a mere eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth could have blocked.

 

*Heh!* Faced with the White Cloud Alchemy Manor youth’s provocative words, Qin Yichen shook his head slightly and coldly laughed. Then, his eyes suddenly narrowed, and his tone abruptly changed, his voice turning cold. “Actually, you should feel sorry for yourself.”

 

[After all, meeting me is indeed unfortunate for you.]

 

When he had come to the Ten Corner Alchemy Manor years ago, there had been no news of that Young Lady. Now, he deduced it was probably because of this event.

 

“*Hmph!* Such big talk! I just fear you don’t have the ability to back it up!” The youth from the White Cloud Alchemy Manor snorted coldly. As his words fell, an obscure wave spread out, terrifying to the mind and Soul.

 

The confrontational exchange between the two instantly filled the space between them with a thick atmosphere of hostility.

 

“Is he really going to engage in an Alchemy Duel with that guy from the White Cloud Alchemy Manor?”

 

“Although he luckily blocked one attack, that does not mean he can block a second or third one…”

 

“He is so young; if given a few more years, perhaps he could truly match up…”

 

Whispers rose from below.

 

Originally, due to Tian Liang’s recommendation and possible irregularities in the assessment, many had looked down on Qin Yichen. Many had even questioned the authenticity of what had happened during the assessment.

 

But when he had stepped forward at the critical moment, it had directly made many Alchemy Masters regard him with new respect.

 

However, this was merely respect for his character. As for his strength, looking at his face, which apart from having extremely profound eyes, it still retained a hint of immaturity. They simply could not view him as someone comparable to a Human Grade Alchemy Master.