Chapter 54: The Astonishment of Yao Wuchen

"Have you heard? The Myriad Treasures Pavilion is about to host a grand auction for medicinal pills. Word is, they've sent invitations to all the major families."

"This news has already spread throughout the imperial capital—how could I not have heard? I’ve even heard they won’t be accepting spirit stones for payment this time, only various rare medicinal herbs. My guess is this must be the work of some renowned alchemy master."

"Alchemy master? Do you mean Master Yao Wuchen? He’s the leading alchemist at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, second only to the Azure Pill King!"

"I've got some inside information. Supposedly, these pills weren't crafted by Master Yao Wuchen at all, but by some mysterious master of alchemy."

"What? Has the Myriad Treasures Pavilion brought in a new alchemy master?"

As soon as news of the pill auction broke, the whole city was in an uproar.

Countless people began speculating and gossiping.

The news immediately overshadowed even the academy's entrance assessments, becoming the latest sensation.

Jiang Hongru had truly gone to great lengths this time.

Not only was the event widely publicized, but invitations were sent to everyone of note within the imperial capital.

Even members of the royal family received invitations.

Though the specific details of the auction remained a mystery, an invitation from the Prince of Southern Peace was an immense honor.

Naturally, those who received an invitation were eager and excited to attend.

As a result, the anticipation for the pill auction reached its zenith.

What intrigued everyone most was the question: who was the alchemist behind these pills?

Some guessed it was Yao Wuchen.

Others speculated it was the Azure Pill King.

After all, these two were considered the finest alchemists in the entire capital.

Of course, there were a few who suspected the hand of some mysterious master, though few put much stock in this theory.

After all, master alchemists weren't as common as cabbages by the roadside; to achieve such a rank required tremendous effort.

Moreover, for the Prince of Southern Peace to make a personal appearance, it could hardly be a trivial matter.

Yao Wuchen was not originally from the Grand Qian Dynasty, but hailed from a legendary land of alchemy.

For certain special reasons, he had remained at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, not only as their chief alchemist but also as the deputy pavilion master.

He was not only a powerful expert at the Heavenly King level, but also a sixth-rank alchemist, revered as the Pill King.

In matters of culture, there is always a 'best'; in martial prowess, there is always a 'second.' The same holds true for alchemists.

Eight years ago, Yao Wuchen and the Azure Pill King publicly competed in pill refining, each vying for the title of the greatest alchemist in the Grand Qian Dynasty.

Sadly, Yao Wuchen lost that day.

Yet even in defeat, his mastery of alchemy continued to be admired by countless people.

This time, with the pill auction approaching, many wondered if it was his attempt at revenge.

Could he be planning to defeat the Azure Pill King in public and reclaim his lost title as the foremost alchemist?

Inside the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, the very person being discussed, Yao Wuchen, now sat in Jiang Hongru’s chambers.

"Grand Pavilion Master, don’t you find it absurd to hold such an extravagant auction for some unknown alchemist?" Yao Wuchen, dressed in white with an air of immortal grace, now bore a trace of anger on his face, clearly dissatisfied with the upcoming auction.

The entire capital was abuzz about the event, excitement at a fever pitch—yet none of them had even seen the pills.

Tomorrow was the day of the auction. If they failed to present the pills, they’d become the laughingstock of the city.

Moreover, the pills to be auctioned off were not his own, nor those of any other known alchemist, but were supplied by a total unknown.

This, more than anything, Yao Wuchen could not accept.

Not only was he a Pill King, but he hailed from the fabled land of alchemy, and his pride was immense.

Even after his defeat by the Azure Pill King, he’d never truly accepted it. For eight years, he’d worked tirelessly to surpass his rival and win back his lost honor.

If he was unwilling to yield to the Azure Pill King, how could he possibly accept a nameless alchemist?

"Master Yao, there’s no need for anger. I, for one, have complete faith in the gentleman," Jiang Hongru replied, well aware of Yao Wuchen’s temperament. He made sure not to reveal Jun Wushuang’s identity, lest Yao Wuchen cause trouble for the man.

Yao Wuchen had many strengths, but his pride was excessive.

"Hmph! Grand Pavilion Master, you may trust him, but I most certainly do not. The path of alchemy is no easy road. I’ve suffered more than anyone to reach my current heights, endured countless hardships.

What could some nobody possibly produce? If this auction fails, it won’t just be our Pavilion’s reputation at stake, but your own as well.

I’m skeptical of this so-called alchemist, Grand Pavilion Master. I hope you’ll arrange for me to meet him—I’d like to test his skills myself and see just how capable he truly is."

With a cold huff, Yao Wuchen made no effort to hide his displeasure toward Jun Wushuang.

"Master Yao, when the time is right, I’ll take you to meet the gentleman. For now, our priority must be to ensure this auction is a success," Jiang Hongru said soothingly.

"Grand Pavilion Master, I’ll say this now: if the pills he provides are rubbish, don’t expect me to show any mercy," Yao Wuchen declared arrogantly. When it came to alchemy, his pride was unshakable.

For some nameless upstart to dare show off before him—he’d see to it that every flaw was exposed once the pills arrived!

"The pills have arrived," Jiang Hongru announced with a knowing smile, waving his hand.

At that moment, the doors opened and Master Wu entered.

"Wu Shanhe? You’re the alchemist?" Yao Wuchen immediately recognized Wu Shanhe and frowned deeply.

"Deputy Master Yao, I’m just the messenger," Master Wu replied quickly, noting the tense atmosphere. He then drew out a jade box from his storage ring.

Inside the box were three pill bottles.

"Hmph, let’s see what sort of pills have so captivated the Grand Pavilion Master’s attention!" Yao Wuchen scoffed, full of disdain.

He reached out and took the first bottle. A single amber-colored pill rolled out.

A minty fragrance suffused the air; just one breath left one’s mind clear and invigorated, as though a sudden enlightenment had dawned.

"What… what pill is this?" Yao Wuchen’s pupils contracted as he asked urgently.

"This is the Enlightenment Pill. It can induce a state of sudden insight—the higher one’s talent, the greater the effect," Master Wu replied honestly.

Though the Enlightenment Pill was merely a lower-tier treasure pill, its effects were exceedingly rare.

In cultivation, moments of enlightenment are precious indeed; entering such a state allows one’s skill to rise dramatically.

That this pill could induce such a state—it was truly priceless.

Yao Wuchen’s scorn vanished. He quickly reached for the second bottle.

Inside was a bright green pill whose aroma made both Yao Wuchen and Jiang Hongru’s bodies tremble.

"This is the Fusion Pill. It aids the merging of the Law Manifestation," Master Wu explained again.

Yao Wuchen drew a sharp breath, his eyes filled with shock.

For experts at the Heavenly King level, fusing one’s manifestation with the body was the ultimate pursuit; such a pill would be a fatal temptation for any of them.

Unable to contain himself, Yao Wuchen seized the third bottle.

He had to see what further marvels awaited within.

A pill, radiant with starlight, appeared before the three of them.

Master Wu spoke once more.

"This is the Seven Star Life-Extension Pill."

"A single pill to extend one’s life—so potent even the King of Hell must yield!"