The vision of dancing women vanished, and Zi Linling retrieved a table and several bottles and jars from the Nine Spirit Ring.
These containers had been prepared during her previous research for the antidote to "One Smile, Blooming Youth," specifically for unforeseen circumstances.
However, she hadn't anticipated needing them so soon.
Zi Linling continuously mixed the woman's blood with various reagents to analyze the components of the "Po Suo Dance" in the blood.
Drawing upon her prior experience in developing the antidote for "One Smile, Blooming Youth," she now found the process to be remarkably familiar and skillful.
On the Grand Plaza of the Alchemy Competition, everyone watched Zi Linling intently on the Spirit Power Big Screen.
Those who had initially held low expectations for Zi Linling were momentarily surprised when they saw her temporarily subdue the dancing woman.
Yet, this surprise did not alter their ingrained belief that the ancient poison was incurable, a notion deeply etched into their minds.
To them, Zi Linling's efforts were merely futile.
Su Lie, Feng Mo, and Nian Youyu clenched their fists involuntarily, worrying for Zi Linling.
Although they all knew Zi Linling was extraordinary, facing the "Po Suo Dance," ranked as the foremost ancient poison, they still felt a sense of inadequacy.
Rong Guang and Shangguan Yulin, however, gazed fixedly at the figure on the Spirit Power Big Screen, their eyes brimming with admiration.
In their eyes, Zi Linling was destined to save the entire Azure Star, and it was inconceivable that an ancient poison could defeat her.
Indeed, one other person shared their sentiment: Xuanyuan Xun.
As one of the reincarnated Guardians of the Nine Heavens, he understood the immense burden Zi Linling carried.
If she couldn't overcome this challenge, how could she possibly navigate the impending cataclysm?
Feng Ruyi maintained an outwardly calm demeanor, as if Zi Linling's actions were nothing more than a jest.
However, his occasional glances at the Spirit Power Big Screen betrayed his inner thoughts.
He was genuinely curious how this young girl, appearing to be only fourteen or fifteen years old, had managed to activate the hidden quest and gain entry to the Alchemist Sovereign's Secret Realm, a privilege he himself had not attained.
He looked forward to witnessing Zi Linling's exceptional performance, yet he did not wish for her success.
The only two individuals in the entire venue who were truly at ease, confident in Zi Linling's eventual triumph, were Ye Lingyuan and Shen Liuxing, who was at the inn.
Ye Lingyuan never doubted Zi Linling's spiritual power. In his mind, nothing could stump her, and she had never once disappointed him.
He recalled the miraculous feat of Zi Linling, an Emperor-tier cultivator, slaying Du Wutian, a half-step Divine King, at the Qingcheng Poison Master Association—a miracle among miracles.
Therefore, he firmly believed that wherever his Lin'er was, miracles would undoubtedly occur.
Shen Liuxing's unwavering conviction stemmed from the fact that he had never witnessed Zi Linling fail.
Thus, he chose to believe that Zi Linling, this undefeated war god, would once again emerge victorious.
On the Spirit Power Big Screen, Zi Linling was engrossed in her task, completely unaware of the varied thoughts swirling around her.
Naturally, she was also oblivious to the fact that her every action was being broadcast live.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye, yet Zi Linling had not finished analyzing the "Po Suo Dance."
Due to her intense focus and rapid mental calculations, her head had begun to throb.
Had she not become an Emperor-grade Formation Master, possessing an almost supernatural ability for deduction and calculation, she would likely have found it unbearable.
But she paid no mind to this, continuing her diligent computations.
The "Po Suo Dance" truly lived up to its reputation as the foremost ancient poison, being far more complex than "One Smile, Blooming Youth."
Another hour elapsed, and only one-fifth of the toxic components had been analyzed.
Zi Linling stood up, stretching her stiffened body, intending to relieve the throbbing pain in her head.
At this very moment, the voice of the Alchemist Ascension Platform's spirit echoed once more.
"The villagers have been infected by one-ninth!"
Concurrently, the woman Zi Linling had rendered unconscious awoke and began to dance again.
Zi Linling had no choice but to administer another drop of blood to keep her dormant, preventing her from disrupting her work.
Following this, she had to resume her efforts.
Another hour passed. Zi Linling had analyzed two-fifths of the poison's components, but the number of infected villagers had risen to two-ninths.
With time running out, Zi Linling could no longer afford to worry about her fatigued mind.
She took a deep breath and continued her intensive work.
Soon, another hour passed.
By now, the hidden quest had been active for four hours.
Zi Linling's analysis of the poison components was down to the final fifth. However, the infected villagers had reached four-ninths.
At this moment, Zi Linling's vision was blurring.
The prolonged and continuous use of her soul power, even at its Zenith Realm, was beginning to take its toll.
Her face was pale, and she was persevering solely on sheer willpower.
On the Alchemical Competition grounds, those who had initially doubted Zi Linling began to show a hint of respect.
Regardless of whether Zi Linling succeeded or failed, her perseverance alone was enough to command their solemn admiration.
Furthermore, the sheer strength of Zi Linling's soul power, mental fortitude, and willpower had left them utterly astounded.
Su Lie, Feng Mo, and Nian Youyu's hearts were in their throats.
They would rather the hidden quest fail than see Zi Linling suffer any harm.
However, the arrow was already loosed, and there was no turning back.
Thus, they could only pray in their hearts, hoping Zi Linling would exercise discretion and avoid damaging her foundation.
Xuanyuan Xun, Rong Guang, and Shangguan Yulin's eyes grew brighter, their admiration deepening.
Ye Lingyuan and Shen Liuxing remained in their respective seats.
Their confidence had not waned in the slightest, but confidence did not preclude them from feeling concern.
Especially when they saw Zi Linling's pale face and weary appearance on the Spirit Power Big Screen, their fists clenched tightly.
They longed to rush forward and stop the hidden quest from continuing.
Yet, they did not.
Since Zi Linling had chosen this path, she possessed absolute confidence. The word "surrender" simply did not exist in her vocabulary.
Therefore, they, who loved Zi Linling deeply, did not wish to be a burden to her.
Time continued to flow, and another hour passed.
Zi Linling finally completed the analysis of all the "Po Suo Dance" components.
She stood up, a smile gracing her lips.