"Old man, what now?"
Lu Fan asked, "I've never refined a Grade One pill before. Is anything going to go wrong?"
"Don't worry, kid. You refined Grade Two pills so well, Grade One pills will be a piece of cake for you," the Hong Meng old man chuckled. "There's no need to report such a simple matter to me."
Lu Fan gave a wry smile and said no more. Holding the medicinal herbs, he prepared to refine a Grade One pill. Lu Fan was very familiar with the pill refining techniques. Under the Hong Meng old man's tutelage, he had become quite accomplished in alchemy.
Long Yi and Bi Yao waited nearby, also feeling a sense of anticipation.
The thin old man was indifferent, but upon seeing Lu Fan's refining techniques, his expression changed dramatically. These techniques were remarkably similar to those of someone he knew – a person beyond his reach, yet he could clearly feel this familiar presence.
"Kid, what school do you belong to?" the thin old man asked. "And where did you learn these refining techniques?"
"I'm here to participate in the alchemy大会 (dàhuì), not to be interrogated!"
Lu Fan stated, "As for my alchemy skills, they come from diligent practice since childhood."
Lu Fan spoke with conviction. He had promised the Hong Meng old man that he would not reveal his identity, so he could not tell the truth.
The thin old man frowned slightly, whispered something to a man beside him, and then quietly returned to his original position, observing silently.
Lu Fan said nothing more. After several rounds of refining, steam began to billow from the alchemy furnace, the medicinal herbs turned into liquid. Lu Fan intensified the flame, then added a few more herbs. His spiritual energy surged, causing the flames to grow ever larger.
The aroma of the medicine spread throughout the entire Alchemists Guild. Soon after, an old man in a Taoist robe walked over, appearing flustered.
"Guild Master, this person's movements are remarkably similar to someone. Can you recognize him?" the thin old man asked.
Elder Lei nodded slightly, then looked at Lu Fan for a closer observation. He was also startled. Even he found that the techniques were indeed very similar to that person. Furthermore, these techniques were said to be widespread, yet few could truly grasp them.
"Young friend, can you tell us who your master is?"
Guild Master Lei inquired, his expression becoming even more solemn.
"To be honest, I am self-taught!" Lu Fan replied. "I have no sect, so you don't need to be overly concerned. If you feel it's inappropriate, I can simply withdraw from this alchemy大会."
The thin old man frowned. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to be so temperamental, making it difficult for him to handle.
"Junior Brother Lu is just joking. Please don't take it seriously, you two,"
Bi Yao quickly stepped forward with a smile. "In fact, my junior brother is a good person, but his alchemy skills were indeed learned independently; he doesn't have a master."
"If he doesn't have a master, how can he possess such alchemy skills?" the thin old man questioned.
"In the Spirit Realm, there are numerous alchemy books. He has exceptional talent and outstanding alchemy skills. Isn't that within reason!" Long Yi interjected. "Are you going to question even this?"
"Of course, that's not what I meant!" the thin old man waved his hand.
Just then, Elder Lei also looked at Lu Fan, as Lu Fan now held a pill – the one he had just refined.
"This Grade One Detoxification Pill has been refined. Is it acceptable?"
Lu Fan took the pill in his hand and presented it to the thin old man.
The thin old man looked at the Grade One pill, feeling a touch of emotion. "You truly have some ability, little fellow. Although this is just a Grade One pill, I've never seen one refined to be so smooth and potent."
"There's really nothing much to say about it; it's just a Grade One pill," Lu Fan chuckled. "My purpose in coming to Dan City this time is to win the championship!"
"Young people certainly have ambition!" Guild Master Lei nodded. "At such a young age, possessing such impressive alchemy techniques, would you be willing to join the Alchemists Guild? If you are, I will ensure your smooth progress within the guild, and in the future, you may even have the opportunity to study at the Pill Pagoda!"
"I think I'll pass! I prefer to go solo!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Besides, alchemy is merely my secondary pursuit; my primary focus is cultivation, and I won't let alchemy hinder my progress."
"Listen to yourself. You might not realize how highly respected alchemists are in the Spirit Realm!" Elder Lei said with a smile. "Do you know the status I, as the Guild Master of the Alchemists Guild in Dan City, hold throughout Yun Province?"
"I really don't know!" Lu Fan smiled slightly. "But one thing is certain: in the face of true strength, everything else becomes vanity! No matter how profound your alchemy skills, without powerful strength to back them up, you will only be bullied in the end."
"Good, well said!" Guild Master Lei nodded. "I like you, kid. Being so straightforward is exactly to my liking."
"Even if it suits your taste, I won't join," Lu Fan said with a light smile. "But speaking of which, my purpose in coming to Dan City is to obtain the Alchemists Guild's token. I hope you won't make things difficult for me based on what I just said, right?"
"The Alchemists Guild is not that petty!" Guild Master Lei chuckled. "Don't worry, as long as your refined pills surpass those of other contestants, you will receive the Alchemists Guild's token, and at that time, you will become the focus of everyone's admiration."
"That would be excellent!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly and then left with Bi Yao and the others.
"A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you rejected it? Do you know how many people would want it?"
As soon as they left the Alchemists Guild, Bi Yao said coldly, "Do you know how difficult this opportunity is?"
"Senior Sister Bi Yao, is it that difficult to join the Alchemists Guild?" Lu Fan asked in surprise.
"To join the Alchemists Guild, one must at least be a Grade Two Spiritual Alchemist, and furthermore, one must stand out in the annual alchemy大会. Only then can one join the Alchemists Guild."
Bi Yao stated frankly, "The Guild Master personally invited you to join, and he would surely invest in your training. Your refusal is a true waste of talent."
"I don't care about those things!"
Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression indifferent. Joining the Alchemists Guild was of no use to him. After all, he already had the Hong Meng old man, such a powerful alchemist, which was enough for him to go further. As for this Alchemists Guild, he didn't pay it much mind.
Inside the Alchemists Guild, the thin old man sighed with a wry smile. "I never imagined someone would refuse the Guild Master's offer, something so many people strive for."
"That kid is not simple!"
Guild Master Lei smiled. "I also like his personality, but unfortunately, he doesn't comply with my wishes."