"That's good."
The Third Prince said.
He cared deeply about this Alchemy Competition.
Because this Alchemy Competition had, in reality, become a stage for the five princes of the royal family to compete with each other.
Whoever recruited an alchemist who could win the championship at the Alchemy Competition and, moreover, could cure the Empress Dowager's illness,
would undoubtedly gain the favor of the Empress Dowager and the emperor. There was a very high probability that such a prince would be officially appointed as the Crown Prince, formally becoming the heir to the throne!
One day later.
Finally, the imperial capital's Alchemy Competition began.
On this day.
the imperial capital was exceptionally lively, as if celebrating a festival.
Countless martial artists came flocking from all corners of the Great Qin Empire, hoping to catch a glimpse of the participating alchemists.
Many influential major forces also sent their people to attend, aiming to scout and recruit those alchemists with superb pill-refining skills.
After all, in the world of martial artists, alchemists were highly precious.
One could imagine that during this Alchemy Competition, those alchemists who performed outstandingly would undoubtedly become the objects of competition for recruitment by all the major factions.
The venue for the Alchemy Competition was in a large plaza to the west of the imperial capital.
This grand plaza was the largest in the imperial capital, specifically used to host various large-scale celebrations.
In the center of the plaza stood a massive platform.
This platform was where the competition would take place.
At this moment,
the plaza was already packed to capacity.
No one wanted to miss such a grand event.
The Third Prince, leading several hundred subordinates, strode imposingly into the plaza.
The Third Prince took the lead, with Ye Yunfei, Alchemist Guo, and Alchemist Lin close by his side, their status prominent.
Because this time, these three would represent the Third Prince's faction in the competition.
The martial artists in the plaza, seeing the Third Prince's arrival, quickly made way.
Soon, the Third Prince's men had secured an advantageous position.
"Brother Ye, Alchemist Guo, Alchemist Lin, it all depends on you next,"
the Third Prince said, his gaze shifting between Ye Yunfei and the two alchemists, his tone full of expectation.
"Third Prince, please rest assured. I, Guo, will exert my full effort in today's competition and will definitely not disappoint you.
Humph, unlike some people who are only good at boastful talk."
Alchemist Guo hurriedly replied, casting a contemptuous glance at Ye Yunfei as he spoke.
The Third Prince was aware of the bad blood between the three, but he didn't know how to mediate, and could only offer a helpless smile.
"Indeed.
No matter how impressive someone's words, what does it matter?
This is a down-to-earth pill-refining competition, not an oratory contest.
Third Prince, soon you will know who is truly worthy of your patronage as an alchemist."
Alchemist Lin also shot a glare at Ye Yunfei before speaking.
Ever since they lost face at that banquet, the two of them had harbored a deep grudge against Ye Yunfei.
Ye Yunfei merely gave a faint smile, paying no mind at all.
Alchemist Guo and Alchemist Lin were only third-grade alchemists. With such a level, Ye Yunfei couldn't be bothered to spare them another glance.
At this time, the crowd in the plaza was swelling continuously, the din shaking the heavens as everyone awaited the start of the competition.
"Look! That's Tang Feng, the personal disciple of Master Chen Xuan. Truly, his bearing is outstanding!"
"I heard Yan Qing, the disciple of Master Huangfu Sheng, will also come to compete.
Without any accidents, the contest for the championship in this competition will be between Tang Feng and Yan Qing."
"Master Chen Xuan left the Great Qin Empire to travel abroad five years ago.
Master Huangfu Sheng has also been in seclusion all this time. It's said the emperor has sent people multiple times to request his presence, but could not convince Master Huangfu Sheng to emerge.
I wonder when these two Grandmaster Alchemists will show their faces again."
...
Countless people were discussing fervently.
Near the high platform, a large group of alchemists preparing to participate in the Alchemy Competition had already gathered.
This Alchemy Competition was personally hosted by the imperial family of the Great Qin Empire. It was said the rewards were extremely generous, and those who performed excellently would have the chance to be personally summoned by the emperor, or even granted official titles and nobility!
Therefore, alchemists from all over the Great Qin Empire came flocking to participate.
The alchemists standing near the high platform each wore expressions of slight arrogance. They kept separate from the surrounding ordinary martial artists, a large empty area around them making them stand out distinctly.
The martial artists in the plaza all cast respectful glances towards these alchemists.
Right then,
a sharp, high-pitched voice announced loudly, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Instantly, the entire plaza fell silent.
It could be seen that a thousand soldiers holding spears and wearing bright armor, moving in orderly formations, rushed into the plaza, forcefully clearing a wide pathway.
Next, two rows of palace maids, one hundred in each row, filed into the plaza and began to play elegant, melodious music.
Then, an emperor robed in imperial dragon garb and wearing a ceremonial crown, accompanied by dozens of maids and eunuchs, entered the plaza amidst their worship, as if stars crowding around the moon.
His stride was steady and imposing with every step, radiating a powerful majesty and nobility, emanating an aura befitting an emperor!
This was the current Emperor of the Great Qin Empire, named Qin Shenghuang!
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live, long live!"
Many princes, dukes, and nobles had long been waiting in the plaza. Upon seeing the Emperor's arrival, they rushed forward, bowing and saluting respectfully.
The five princes also came forward to receive him.
The Third Prince was among them.
"My esteemed subjects, please refrain from excessive courtesy!
Let us take our seats quickly and commence the Alchemy Competition."
The Emperor waved his hand and said.
Thus, the Emperor led a group of ministers to ascend a large viewing platform on the east side of the plaza.
After the Emperor and the ministers were seated, an elderly eunuch appeared on the platform in the center of the plaza and began to speak in a loud voice.
"Everyone, today's competition consists of three rounds.
The first round tests Soul Power.
The second round tests pill-fire.
The third round is the true test of alchemy skills."
The elderly eunuch proclaimed loudly.
"Both the first and second rounds will eliminate unqualified alchemists. The third round is the finals, which will determine the top three.
The alchemists who place in the top three will receive substantial rewards from the royal family.
The alchemist who attains first place will be granted the title of National Scholar of the Great Qin Empire!
Therefore, it is hoped that all participating alchemists will not hold back any of their abilities."
The elderly eunuch continued.
As soon as his words fell, the entire plaza erupted in an uproar.
The status of a National Scholar was extremely high; one need not perform a kneeling kowtow even when meeting the Emperor, and one could enjoy generous provisions from the royal family.
To be granted the title of National Scholar was a supreme honor!
At this moment, all the alchemists preparing to compete were filled with fervor, tightly clenching their fists.
Many alchemists, though well aware they had no chance of winning first place in this competition, couldn't help but feel stirred with excitement.
Because this Alchemy Competition had the attention of the entire nation. If they could perform well during the competition, they would undoubtedly be noticed and recruited by various forces within the Empire.
In short, today's competition was a great opportunity for every alchemist to achieve fame and glory.
"National Scholar... hmm, not bad.
After I obtain the title of National Scholar, when Master returns from his travels, he will surely praise me even more."
Tang Feng's face broke into a confident smile.
"Master, your illness from pill-fire backlashes has left you paralyzed for years, unable to practice alchemy anymore.
However, Master, please rest assured. I, Yan Qing, will certainly not disappoint your expectations. I will carry on and expand your alchemy techniques!
The title of National Scholar is mine and no one else's!"
In the crowd, a young man in a black robe muttered quietly to himself, a resolute expression on his face.
"Heh, once I obtain the title of National Scholar of the Great Qin Empire, and then reveal my identity from the Tang Kingdom, I wonder how the Emperor of Great Qin will react.
I think his expression will be quite entertaining then."
In a secluded corner of the plaza, a tall, slender young man in a green robe sneered on his face.
"Years ago, my father separately conducted pill-refining duels in the Great Qin Empire against Chen Xuan and Huangfu Sheng, and both ended in tragic defeats. Today, I shall crush all the alchemists of the Great Qin Empire, taking revenge for my father!"
The young man in the green robe said softly.
"Alright, everyone. Now, we shall commence the first round of the competition: the Soul Power test."
On the platform in the center of the plaza, the elderly eunuch announced clearly.