Reborn Medicine King

Jiang Fann, on the other hand, was completely calm. Everything before him was no big deal, and the formula provided by the academy wasn't particularly challenging. It was clear they had considered the skill levels of the pharmacists, as most could successfully complete the task; it was just a matter of speed.    

In Jiang Fann's pill furnace, the flame was divided into different sections, each corresponding to different ingredients. However, no one was paying attention to him or could see what was happening inside his furnace at that moment. Jiang Fann even had the capacity to observe others, which only made Zhu Yan more anxious.    

The valley was very quiet, but the pharmacists in the stands had started to discuss among themselves. Due to the distance, their conversations didn't affect the competitors. The final reward had attracted many pharmacists, including top talents from all regions. Major dynasties had sent their young prodigies, and if they didn't have a pharmacist competing, they sent experts to try and trade for the legendary treasure passed down through the ages.    

These talented pharmacists were indeed surpassing most people's expectations.    

After all, pharmacists are different from cultivators. It's hard for them to master advanced pill techniques at a young age because it requires long-term dedication to see results.    

As Zhu Yan was getting anxious, he heard Fang Xiang speak up beside him.    

"I think I've seen one of those mysterious geniuses from the Pill Sect before. The one who was competing with Qin Feng for the inheritance in the secret realm seems to be here too."    

Hearing this, Zhu Yan followed his gaze and saw a pharmacist in a black robe, obscuring his appearance, skillfully manipulating flames to envelop the entire pill furnace. He was adjusting the intensity of the fire, clearly trying to speed up the pill formation process using his own methods.    

Witnessing this, Zhu Yan's eyes lit up, and his attention was completely drawn in. It was evident that this guy had a deep interest in pill techniques, and he no longer worried about Jiang Fann's pill-making.    

Although Fang Xiang had no talent for pill techniques and wasn't a pharmacist, as a manager of the Heaven Pavilion, his insight was top-notch. Because of this, he could easily identify which pharmacists among those present were exceptional.    

Two hours later, in the center area, the pill furnace of another mysterious pharmacist from the Pill Sect opened. After a burst of flames, four pills floated out of the furnace. This person was the first to complete the pill-making process in the entire first stage, and such speed was truly astonishing.    

After him, the flames on the pill furnace of the person Zhu Yan was observing began to shrink, and the lid of the furnace opened. Four successfully crafted pills floated out, hovering above the furnace.    

Zhu Yan snapped back to reality, initially wanting to offer some praise, but then he remembered Jiang Fann. He quickly looked over in that direction, only to be taken aback by what he saw. Jiang Fann was sitting cross-legged in front of his pill furnace, seemingly meditating and not controlling the flames at all. This made Zhu Yan a bit frantic.    

"What on earth is Jiang Fann doing?"    

In the first phase of the competition, the two mysterious pharmacists from the Heaven Pavilion showcased a dominating level of skill, completing their pill crafting much faster than anyone else on the field.    

About half an hour later, the poison master was the third to finish crafting her pills. She remained confident, her expression unchanged, and cast a challenging glance at the pharmacists who finished before her, clearly not considering them a threat.    

Qin Feng was the fifth to complete the first part of the competition, with Huang Rui coming in seventh. The young girl was clearly dissatisfied with her performance, but she didn't say much. Instead of observing others, she began meditating on the spot, evidently trying to calm herself down.    

Several skilled pharmacists gradually completed their concoctions, though their success rates varied. Some managed to produce only a single pill, but since this was a speed competition, success rate wasn't a requirement.    

As the number of finishers reached twenty-two, Zhu Yan grew increasingly anxious. If Fang Xiang hadn't held him back, he might have rushed over to Jiang Fann to ask about his progress.    

"It's over, we're done for..."    

It seemed like most pharmacists were finishing up, with nearly one completing their task every minute. When the twenty-fifth person finished, Jiang Fann finally opened his eyes.    

His pill furnace opened, and four pills emerged, placing him in the twenty-sixth position.    

Seeing this, Zhu Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Making it to the second stage is still pretty good. Successfully crafting four pills is impressive..."    

Fang Xiang, however, remained silent, unconcerned with Jiang Fann's ranking.    

Meanwhile, over at the main viewing platform, one of the senior members of the Pill Guild, sitting next to another, suddenly showed interest. One appeared to be in his seventies, exuding a wise and sage-like aura, while the other seemed to be in his forties, looking like a middle-aged man.    

"This young man is intriguing, as if he's deliberately hiding his true abilities," remarked the older one.    

The middle-aged pharmacist looked puzzled. "What makes you say that?"    

"You see his pill furnace? There's no fire inside, and it's completely cooled down. This means he finished making his pills a while ago but didn't take them out right away. He's clearly trying to hide something."    

The middle-aged pharmacist listened and extended his spiritual sense to confirm. It was exactly as the other had said.    

"You've got a keen eye. This kid looks like he's from the Zhu family of Fire Valley. Their clan doesn't usually produce pharmacists. Where did this kid come from?"    

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"How would I know? But that troublemaker from last time had great potential too, though he wasn't interested in joining our Pill Sect. Is their clan's luck turning around? Another gifted pharmacist emerging?"    

"Keep an eye on him during the second phase..."    

Jiang Fann was preparing for the second phase of the pill-making competition when Xiao Yu's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.    

"Master, someone just scanned this area with their spiritual sense. It seems you've caught someone's attention."    

"Looks like I was a bit careless. I'll need to be more cautious in the second phase."    

Jiang Fann thought for a moment and realized where he had slipped up. The Pill Sect had sent those two prodigies, determined to win the final victory, which is why they offered such high rewards.    

Trust is essential, but Jiang Fann knew better than to let his guard down. The best strategy was to play it cool and surprise everyone with a decisive victory.    

As the first stage concluded, forty pharmacists emerged victorious. The platform's mechanism gently transported those who didn't advance off the stage using a mystical force.    

At this moment, Chen Ning addressed the crowd: "Congratulations to all who passed the first stage. You have a half-hour break before preparing for the second phase. Those who were eliminated, along with their assistants, can either leave or stay to watch from the stands."    

With his words, the platform began to transform. Small sections merged into larger squares, creating forty distinct areas, each accommodating one of the remaining contestants.    

The pharmacists who didn't make it were disappointed but knew better than to cross the influential guild, especially given the fate of someone like Zhu Yan.    

With the elimination complete, the valley quieted significantly.    

Chen Ning continued, "Your assistants may now join you on stage. They can help prepare materials but are strictly forbidden from assisting in the actual process. Violating this rule will result in disqualification."    

Zhu Yan, clearly ready, eagerly pulled Fang Xiang onto the stage, his face alight with excitement. Fang Xiang didn't hesitate and followed him directly toward Jiang Fann.    

Zhu Yan approached Jiang Fann and asked, "What was that all about just now? This is a competition, and I almost thought you were asleep."    

Jiang Fann chuckled, "Why rush? It's just the first stage. If you can't handle this, why even bother showing up?"    

Zhu Yan replied, "Well, I've got my money on you, so you better step it up. At least rank higher than the Chen family, or I won't be able to let it go."    

As they spoke, Chen Ye walked by, clearly intending to pass through this way. "I can't believe you actually made it past the first round. But ranking in the twenties is far from my family's tenth place. Still, for your clan, that's quite an achievement."    

Zhu Yan was about to lose his temper, but Jiang Fann stopped him. Jiang Fann smiled at Chen Ye and said, "Tenth place? I thought you were going to say first. Isn't the Chen family supposed to be masters of the pill arts? How did they end up with someone like you?"    

Chen Ye wasn't fazed. "You've got a sharp tongue, but words won't help you in the pill arts. Once our family's disciples join the Pill Sect and learn from the masters, you'll be following them around. That should fulfill Zhu Yan's dreams, ha!"    

Clearly, Chen Ye didn't take Jiang Fann seriously, which is why he acted that way.    

After speaking, Chen Ye didn't wait for Zhu Yan to react and walked directly towards his juniors, ignoring Zhu Yan altogether. Zhu Yan was so angry he could grind his teeth.    

"Jiang Fann, my reputation is all riding on you..." Fang Xiang laughed, "What reputation? All you have is a bad name..."    

Zhu Yan: "..."    

Half an hour later, Chen Ning appeared again. This time, he was straightforward, first using his spiritual strength to write a formula in the air before speaking.    

"This is the Grand Exquisite Pill, a second-tier formula of immense value. Today, I'm giving it to everyone here for free. To ensure fairness, the materials will still be provided by my Pill Sect. They will be distributed shortly, and the test will last one week. Anyone who exceeds the time limit will be disqualified."    

Soon, disciples from the Pill Sect began delivering materials to each area. The quality of the pill furnaces was much better than those used in the first stage, and participants could only use their own furnaces in the third stage.