The latter half of the morning, the second part of the Alchemy Grand Competition, the Pill Arts Grand Tournament, officially commenced.
By the time Zi Linling and Ye Lingyuan returned, the venue for the Alchemy Grand Competition was already swarming with people.
Opposite the Alchemy Ascension Platform, a massive arena slowly rose under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Su Dan Novel Network.
At noon precisely, Elder Nangong stepped onto the arena, cleared his throat, and announced, "Welcome everyone to the Alchemy Grand Competition."
"I believe everyone witnessed yesterday's Dao Discussion Assembly, which was truly spectacular. Miss Zi Linling, number seven-four-eight, was particularly outstanding. Not only did she claim the top spot in the Dao Discussion Assembly, but she also activated a hidden mission, leading to the opening of the Alchemy Venerable's Secret Realm."
"Yesterday, the spirit of the Alchemy Ascension Platform also informed us that the Alchemy Venerable's Secret Realm will open in three days. There are only ninety-nine spots available, and participants must be alchemists under the age of thirty-three, above the Great God Realm, and below the God King Realm."
"Therefore, today's Pill Arts Grand Tournament, in addition to its original significance, carries an added layer of importance: the selection of candidates who will enter the Alchemy Venerable's Secret Realm. So, I urge all participating contestants to give their best efforts."
"Next, please welcome President Feng Ruyi of the Alchemist Guild, to lead the judges into the arena!"
As his words fell, Feng Ruyi, accompanied by a group of Imperial rank alchemists, strode onto the arena with high spirits and headed towards the judges' bench.
"Hold on!"
As the voice echoed, the scholar Rong Guang stood up and sneered, "He is no longer the president, so he is not qualified to lead the judging panel!"
"Alchemist Feng, a bet is a bet. Yesterday, we agreed that if you lost, you would relinquish your position as president of the Alchemist Guild!"
Shangguan Yulin stood up and chimed in, "Therefore, in front of everyone, we ask Alchemist Feng to fulfill his promise!"
Zi Linling, who had intended to contact the spirit of the Alchemy Ascension Platform mentally, was drawn to the unfolding scene. She looked at Ye Lingyuan questioningly.
Ye Lingyuan then vividly recounted the events of the bet from yesterday, leaving Zi Linling stunned.
She had originally been planning how to deal with Feng Ruyi herself! She never expected that a hidden mission would be the downfall of Feng Ruyi.
This was truly… the work of fate!
"This…" Elder Nangong appeared troubled.
He was aware of the bet between the two parties and therefore could not refute them.
Feng Ruyi took a deep breath and said with a forced smile, "You two jest. It was all in good fun, why take it so seriously?"
"Oh! Alchemist Feng certainly has a thick skin!" Rong Guang retorted sarcastically.
"Brother Rong is mistaken. Alchemist Feng has no skin to begin with,"
Shangguan Yulin echoed Rong Guang's sentiment, shaking his head. "When you bet, you were so confident. But now that you've lost, it's just a game? I wonder if the person who wins first place in the Pill Arts Grand Tournament is not one of their own, will the tournament also become just a game?"
He spoke as if to himself, but his voice, amplified by the power of law, resounded across the entire Central City.
Feng Ruyi's expression grew grim as he said with a smile, "You two, I will certainly honor my promise, but can we wait until after the Pill Arts Grand Tournament is concluded?"
Rong Guang shook his head and said, "No!"
Shangguan Yulin also waved his fan and added, "The moment the bet is decided is the moment the stakes become effective. Alchemist Feng, you wouldn't claim to not understand the rules, would you?"
Feng Ruyi's face darkened. "Why must you two be so aggressive? I never said I wouldn't fulfill the bet, I only asked to delay its execution!"
"Furthermore, the Pill Arts Grand Tournament is of great importance, as it needs to determine the candidates for the Alchemy Venerable's Secret Realm. We ask for your understanding."
Rong Guang scoffed, "Does Alchemist Feng mean to say that the Pill Arts Grand Tournament cannot proceed without him?"
Before Feng Ruyi could respond, Shangguan Yulin delivered the final blow. "Some people truly consider themselves indispensable! Aren't you just trying to use your position as president of the Alchemist Guild to secure spots in the Alchemy Venerable's Secret Realm for your own people?"
The phrase "Alchemy Venerable's Secret Realm spots!" immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
"So that's how it is!"
"Does this mean the spots in the secret realm have already been divided?"
"Most likely!"
"Then what's the point of us participating in the Pill Arts Grand Tournament?"
"I said it yesterday, the Alchemist Guild is in disarray, and it's not fair at all!"
"I've also heard that the Alchemist Guild is full of President Feng's cronies, and his opponents have all been squeezed out."
"…"
Though their voices were low, every word reached Feng Ruyi's ears.
His face turned ashen, and he said, "You two! You are guests. If my hospitality has been lacking in any way, please speak up. Do not try to sow discord again, otherwise, do not blame me for showing no leniency!"
Rong Guang said, "Alchemist Feng, I find your skin to be incredibly thick! It is no less than the city walls of Central City! You clearly lost the bet, yet you refuse to honor it, and somehow it becomes our fault?"
Shangguan Yulin also stood up and agreed, "Brother Rong is correct! Someone who has lost the position of Alchemist Guild President is still wearing the title of President and brazenly serving as part of the judging panel? Therefore, Alchemist Feng doesn't have thick skin; he has no skin at all!"
"You!"
Feng Ruyi's face was still ashen, but he was unable to refute them.
Rong Guang shot Feng Ruyi a mocking glance. "What? Are you allowed to do as you please, but we are not allowed to speak? Yesterday's bet was witnessed by everyone. What? Alchemist Feng, are you trying to renege on your word?"
Shangguan Yulin continued, "Alas, you cannot renege even if you wanted to! Miss Zi won so brilliantly, the position of Alchemist Guild President rightfully belongs to her!"
"Moreover, I believe that if Miss Zi becomes president and leads the judging panel, she will surely provide a fair and just competitive environment for everyone!"
Rong Guang nodded and said, "I believe so too!"
"This seat guarantees that Miss Zi will be fair and just!" Ye Lingyuan interjected at the opportune moment.
"Su and the Huatian Merchant Guild are also willing to guarantee Miss Zi!" Su Lie said with a smile.
"This King and the Xuanyuan Dynasty are also willing to guarantee!" Xuanyuan Xun added with a smile.
Shen Liuxing also stepped forward and said, "Shen and the Linxian Wine House and Linxian Auction House are also willing to guarantee Miss Zi!"
Feng Mo, under the persistent urging of Nian Youyu, also stood up.
"Feng and the Linxian City Alchemist Guild are also willing to guarantee!"
"Feng and the Phoenix Pavilion are also willing to guarantee!" the beautiful proprietress of the Phoenix Pavilion said as she slowly entered.
Feng Ruyi's face cycled through green, then black, then purple. "What do you all mean by this?"
Rong Guang said mockingly, "What do we mean? Isn't it obvious? Alchemist Feng, please honor your bet and step down as president, allowing Miss Zi to take over!"
Feng Ruyi angrily retorted, "Her? She's just a young girl, what qualifications does she have?"