"Old man, what do we do now?" Lu Fan asked. "I've never refined a Grade 1 pill before. Will something go wrong?"
"Don't worry, kid. You refined Grade 2 pills so well, Grade 1 pills are as easy as lifting a finger for you," the Hongmeng old man chuckled. "For something this simple, you don't need to report to me."
Lu Fan gave a wry smile but said no more. He held the medicinal ingredients, preparing to refine a Grade 1 pill. Lu Fan was very familiar with the pill refining techniques; under the Hongmeng old man's tutelage, he had achieved considerable skill in alchemy.
Long Yi and Bi Yao waited nearby, also somewhat expectant.
The thin old man was indifferent, but upon seeing Lu Fan's refining technique, his expression changed drastically. This refining technique was very similar to someone he knew, someone far beyond his reach. Yet, he could clearly sense this familiar presence.
"Kid, what is your sect?" the thin old man asked. "And where did you learn this refining technique?"
"I'm here to participate in the Alchemy Competition, not to be interrogated!" Lu Fan declared. "As for this alchemy skill, I naturally learned it through diligent practice since childhood."
Lu Fan spoke with conviction. He had promised the Hongmeng old man not to reveal his identity, so he couldn't tell the truth.
The thin old man frowned slightly. He said something to a man beside him, 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 ingredients turned into liquid. Lu Fan intensified the fire, then added a few more herbs. The spiritual energy in his body surged, causing the flames to grow even larger.
The aroma of the herbs spread throughout the entire Alchemist Guild. Soon after, an old man in a Taoist robe walked over, appearing flustered.
"Guild Master, this person's movements are extremely similar to someone. Can you tell?" the thin old man inquired.
Elder Lei nodded slightly, then looked at Lu Fan to observe him closely. He was also startled. Even he noticed that the technique was indeed quite similar to that person's. Moreover, this technique was widely known, yet few could truly grasp it.
"Young man, can you tell us who your master is?" President Lei asked, 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 worry too much. If you feel it's inappropriate, I can simply withdraw from the Alchemy Competition."
The thin old man frowned. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to have such a temper, making him somewhat overwhelmed.
"Junior Brother Lu is just joking. Please don't take it to heart, both of you," Bi Yao quickly stepped forward with a smile. "Actually, my junior brother is a good person, but his alchemy skills are indeed self-taught, not passed down from anyone."
"If he has no master, how did he learn alchemy?" the thin old man asked doubtfully.
"In the Spirit Realm, there are countless alchemy books. He is exceptionally talented and his alchemy skills are superb. Isn't that reasonable?" 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, freshly refined.
"This Grade 1 Disinfection Pill has been refined. Is it acceptable?" Lu Fan took the pill and handed it to the thin old man.
The thin old man looked at the Grade 1 pill, feeling a touch of emotion. "You truly have some skill, young fellow. Although this is only a Grade 1 pill, I've never seen one refined so smoothly and with such medicinal potency."
"There's really nothing much to say, it's just a Grade 1 pill," Lu Fan chuckled. "My purpose in coming to Dan City this time is to win the championship!"
"Young people indeed have ambition!" President Lei nodded. "At such a young age, possessing such formidable alchemy techniques, would you be willing to join the Alchemist Guild? If you are, I will ensure your smooth progress within the guild, and you may even have the opportunity to study at the Pill Tower!" Su Dan Novel Network.
"I'll pass. I prefer to be a lone wolf," Lu Fan waved his hand. "Besides, alchemy is just my side profession. My main focus is cultivation, and I won't let alchemy delay my cultivation."
"Listen to what you're saying. You might not know how respected esteemed alchemists are in the Spirit Realm," Elder Lei said with a smile. "Do you know the status I hold in Yunzhou as the Guild Master of Dan City's Alchemist Guild?"
"I really don't know!" Lu Fan smiled slightly. "But I am certain of one thing: in the face of true strength, everything else becomes nothingness! No matter how great your alchemy skills are, without powerful backing, you will only be bullied in the end."
"Good, well said!" President Lei nodded. "I like you, kid. Being so straightforward is exactly to my liking."
"Even if it's to your liking, I won't join," Lu Fan said with a light laugh. "But speaking of which, my goal in coming to Dan City is to obtain the Alchemist Guild's tag. I hope you won't make things difficult for me based on what I just said?"
"The Alchemist Guild is not that insignificant!" President Lei chuckled. "Don't worry, as long as your refined pills surpass those of other contestants, you will earn the Alchemist Guild's tag, and you will become a figure of widespread admiration."
"That would be excellent!" Lu Fan nodded slightly and then left with Bi Yao and the others.
"A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Why did you refuse it, kid?" As soon as they left the Alchemist Guild, Bi Yao said sternly. "Do you know how difficult this opportunity is to come by?"
"Is it difficult to join the Alchemist Guild, Senior Sister Bi Yao?" Lu Fan asked in surprise.
"To join the Alchemist Guild, one must at least be a Grade 2 Spirit Alchemist. Furthermore, one must stand out in the annual Alchemy Competition. Only then can one join the Alchemist Guild," Bi Yao stated frankly. "The Guild Master personally invited you to join, and he would surely invest in your development. Refusing him like this is truly a waste of talent."
"I don't care about those things," Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression indifferent. Joining the Alchemist Guild was of no use to him. After all, he already had the Hongmeng old man, such a powerful alchemist, who was enough to help him go further. As for this Alchemist Guild, he didn't care about it.
Inside the Alchemist Guild, the thin old man gave a wry smile. "I never expected someone to refuse the Guild Master's promotion, something so many people desperately want."
"That kid is not simple!" President Lei smiled. "I also like his personality, but unfortunately, he doesn't share my wishes."