Chapter 113: Cheng Jiang

"Am I... am I really going to die?" Master Alchemist Chen Xiao's lips trembled, and his body shivered slightly.

When Zhang Xuan first said those words, Chen Xiao thought he was being cursed or insulted and paid no attention. But now, seeing with his own eyes the test beast die instantly after consuming the pill he had refined, his heart was completely shaken, even filled with panic.

"This..." Seeing his reaction, everyone felt a pang in their hearts. They wanted to offer comfort but didn't know what to say.

If he wasn't really going to die, how could a test beast die immediately after taking a pill he refined? It was clear that Zhang Xuan was telling the truth!

"I've explained what needed explaining. Who wants to challenge next?" Zhang Xuan scanned the room.

"No... Young Friend Zhang Xuan, don't be in a hurry!" Master Alchemist Chen Xiao couldn't hold back anymore and quickly looked over. He had previously called him "kid," but now it was "Young Friend."

"What's wrong? Master Alchemist Chen Xiao, are you still unconvinced and want another test?" Zhang Xuan looked at him.

"No, I... I want Young Friend to tell me why I'm going to die. If you can tell me the truth, I, Chen, will repay your kindness with my life!" Master Alchemist Chen Xiao couldn't help but say.

There was nothing wrong with his body. Even if he ate less or slept poorly, it wouldn't be life-threatening! Why was he on the verge of death yet completely unaware as the affected party?

"It's fine to tell you. When you were refining the pill just now, your techniques and movements were flawless, but your body felt a little stiff, clearly showing a lack of strength, as if suffering from heart failure. Most importantly, your skin began to turn grayish, somewhat resembling corpse spots on a dead person! If I'm not mistaken, the exposed skin you have is specially covered with a medicinal substance to deceive others, making them unable to see that your entire body is actually covered in blue spots!" Zhang Xuan looked at him with sharp eyes.

His pupils contracted, and Master Alchemist Chen Xiao stumbled back as if struck by lightning.

Just as Zhang Xuan said, he indeed had some spots on his body. He had thought it was just an unsightly illness and planned to find time to see Master Yuanyu about it, as it wasn't painful or itchy, so he hadn't taken it seriously. He never expected them to be death spots!

"Please, Master, save me!" Holding his breath, Master Alchemist Chen Xiao no longer had any doubts and couldn't help but cup his fists. His address changed from "Young Friend" to "Master."

No matter who it was, no matter how old they were, no one wanted to die, especially when they knew death was imminent. Everyone hoped they could continue to live!

"Have you recently acquired any treasures? If my guess is correct, it must have been obtained from a deceased person, and its use is ill-fated. If you want to live longer, it's best not to touch it again!" Zhang Xuan waved his hand, saying no more. "My words end here. Take care of yourself!"

"You... you..." Hearing his words, Master Alchemist Chen Xiao's body stiffened again.

What Zhang Xuan said was correct. He had recently acquired an alchemy furnace, far superior to the one he had used before. He cherished it as a treasure, touching it daily, wishing he could sleep with it every night. This item was indeed obtained from a dead person, and that person had only recently passed away. This person had given him the furnace, wanting him to help seek revenge, but the enemy was formidable, so Chen Xiao had only casually agreed at the time, with no intention of actually doing it. After the person died, he no longer paid attention to it. Could it be... that this was the very alchemy furnace Zhang Xuan was referring to?

The acquisition of this item had been very discreet; even his descendants were largely unaware of it. How... how did Zhang Xuan know? Master Alchemist Chen Xiao looked at the young man before him again, as if seeing a phantom.

"All right, who's next?" Ignoring the old man before him, Zhang Xuan looked at the remaining eight people.

Actually, Chen Xiao's condition wasn't an illness, but a curse. He had promised someone revenge, which was why the other party had given him a most precious item. However, he went back on his word after receiving the item. The other party, anticipating this, had imprinted a curse on the alchemy furnace. As long as he remained close to it, he would be corroded. Although he didn't suffer from any illness or disaster, he wouldn't live much longer! Unless he truly committed to helping the other party exact revenge!

Of course, Zhang Xuan didn't say these things aloud. Aside from the fact that Master Alchemist Chen Xiao was merely an acquaintance with no real connection or favor owed, more importantly, Chen Xiao was ungrateful, breaking a promise he had made, which made Zhang Xuan look down on him greatly.

Zhang Xuan had successively made two alchemists concede, leaving them speechless. Even the dullest of the remaining eight knew he possessed genuine skill. For a moment, they were all dumbfounded, and not a single person stepped forward.

"If none of you wish to continue, then that signifies your surrender, and I win the pill debate!" Zhang Xuan smiled.

"The Tranquil Heart Pill requires a calm mind to refine. Normally, one needs three days of adjustment, fasting, and bathing. Master Alchemists Meng Yan and Chen Xiao rushed into refining without adjusting themselves, so they were naturally affected by their own emotions. As long as he doesn't refine this type of pill, he should be helpless!"

"Exactly. Only the Tranquil Heart Pill is affected by one's own state. The influence on other pills is minimal. All he needs to do is avoid refining it!"

A murmur spread through the crowd, followed by a voice. "I'll go!" An alchemist stood up. He was a middle-aged man, about the same age as Du Man, with a square face and steady, determined eyes.

"It's Master Alchemist Cheng Jiang!"

"Master Alchemist Cheng is the most promising among us. In just three years as an alchemist, he can already refine over a dozen types of pills. In time, it's not impossible for him to surpass President Ouyang!"

"With him stepping forward, I'm relieved!"

...

Everyone's eyes lit up simultaneously. They had initially been full of confidence, planning to give this "kid" named Zhang Xuan a harsh lesson. However, the defeat of Master Alchemists Meng Yan and Chen Xiao had severely dampened their spirits, and they desperately needed someone to boost morale.

"Zhang Xuan, your observations in the previous two rounds were incredibly keen. You could even discern an alchemist's essence, qi, and spirit. I am truly impressed!" Stepping out from the crowd, Master Alchemist Cheng Jiang smiled and nodded.

"You flatter me, Master Alchemist Cheng!" Zhang Xuan replied.

"You could even see the killing intent on Master Alchemist Meng Yan. If I continue to refine the Tranquil Heart Pill, I certainly won't escape your observation. Therefore, I've presumptuously devised a method to increase the difficulty for you. I wonder if you dare to accept it!" Master Alchemist Cheng Jiang said.

"I'd be glad to hear the details!" Hearing that the other party was increasing the difficulty again, Zhang Xuan looked over.

"I've just created a new set of alchemy techniques, and I only named it a few days ago. I've never demonstrated it to anyone else. If I use this to challenge you, even with your extensive knowledge, you'd certainly find it difficult to answer!" Master Alchemist Cheng Jiang smiled. "So, I've thought about it: I won't ask you to name it. I only hope that after I refine the pill, you can discern which alchemy methods I've drawn inspiration from. If you can name three, I will willingly bow in admiration!"

"Created new alchemy techniques? Impressive!" Alchemy techniques, much like a martial artist's combat skills, if one can create a set, it signifies extraordinary talent, destined to leave a mark on history. As long as such a person doesn't perish prematurely, they are bound to become renowned in their region sooner or later.

Hearing his words, the numerous alchemists all looked on with admiration and profound respect.

"Master Alchemist Cheng is formidable! This challenge is truly too difficult!"

"Indeed. Since it's a newly created alchemy method, it must be completely different from existing ones. To discern and name three methods from which it drew inspiration is far more difficult than merely pointing out flaws!"

"This time, Zhang Xuan will probably have to concede!"

"Yes, it's so difficult. Not to mention an apprentice, even a three-star alchemist would likely be powerless!"

After their admiration, everyone sighed with emotion.