Possessing powerful Soul Power is the fundamental condition of being an alchemist. The stronger the Soul Power, the greater the assistance in alchemy. Therefore, the first match is specially designed to assess the Soul Power of each participating alchemist. I will set up a Soul Manifestation Formation upon this platform. The Soul Manifestation Formation can clearly manifest a person's Soul Power. Simultaneously, I will place a Soul Cauldron within the Soul Manifestation Formation. The competing alchemists will enter the Soul Manifestation Formation, release their own Soul Power, and lift the Soul Cauldron. Only those who can lift the Soul Cauldron more than one meter off the ground will be considered to have passed. Otherwise, they will be eliminated directly.
After finishing his explanation, the elderly eunuch retrieved a large handful of black Formation Flags from a spatial ring. Whoosh whoosh whoosh… One by one, he tossed out the formation flags, causing the space above the platform to begin undulating. Streams of light continuously appeared, intertwining within the space. Moments later, a formation took shape, the edges of the array distorting space slightly. Then, the elderly eunuch placed a small black cauldron within the formation. This small black cauldron was the Soul Cauldron. Etched onto this Soul Cauldron were numerous special runes, giving it a very sensitive reaction to Soul Power. As long as the Soul Power was sufficient, one could lift this Soul Cauldron.
'Alright, everyone, the first match shall now begin. Competing alchemists, please take turns ascending the platform to compete,' the elderly eunuch announced in a loud voice. Immediately, an alchemist stepped onto the platform and entered the formation. As soon as this alchemist walked into the formation, the crowd could see a strange energy rippling out from his head. This strange energy was precisely Soul Power! An alchemist's Soul Power was generally much stronger than an ordinary person's. During normal alchemy processes, an alchemist needed to use soul perception to sense the situation within the pill cauldron. Therefore, Pill Flame and Soul Power were known as the two foundations of alchemy. Furthermore, once Soul Power reached a certain level of strength, it could be released outside the body to perceive the surrounding space—that was Soul Power! Generally speaking, ordinary martial artists could only begin to release Soul Power a few meters away after cultivating to the Profound Realm. However, alchemists were different; a first-grade alchemist might be able to release Soul Power several meters away. A fourth-grade alchemist could even release Soul Power two hundred meters away!
Hum! Within the formation, that alchemist began to release his Soul Power, directing it towards the black Soul Cauldron. Boom! The Soul Cauldron instantly erupted with a radiance, colliding directly with the alchemist's Soul Power and instantly repelling it. The alchemist stumbled back several steps, his face somewhat pale, and even his divine soul trembled slightly. His Soul Power was too weak; he simply couldn't lift that Soul Cauldron.
'Eliminated,' the elderly eunuch declared expressionlessly. Flushed with shame, the alchemist hurriedly jumped off the platform. Next, alchemist after alchemist continuously ascended the stage, entered the formation, and attempted to lift the Soul Cauldron using their Soul Power. Initially, although quite a few people could make the Soul Cauldron hover, they didn't reach the one-meter height and were thus eliminated.
Hum! Finally, an alchemist managed to lift the Soul Cauldron, making it hover more than one meter high.
'Passed, you qualify to enter the second round!' The elderly eunuch smiled slightly, showing appreciation for this alchemist. Subsequently, more people were eliminated, but there were also constantly people passing the test.
'Hmph, arrogant and ignorant kid, just you watch. It's time to test real skill. In a situation like this, relying solely on a sharp tongue is useless.' Alchemist Guo swept a contemptuous glance at Ye Yunfei, then strode towards the platform.
'Look! It's Alchemist Guo Shijie! One of our Great Qin Empire's third-grade alchemists.' 'I heard he was recruited by the Third Prince and became an alchemist employed by the prince. Well, a third-grade alchemist can only be afforded by the five imperial princes of the royal family.' ... The moment Alchemist Guo stepped onto the stage, he attracted the attention of many martial artists, and discussion buzzed.
'Kid, hear that? I, Guo Shijie, have long enjoyed immense renown within the Great Qin Empire. How could an unknown youngster like you compare?' Listening to the waves of discussion, Guo Shijie felt somewhat smug, thinking to himself inwardly. His gaze sweeping over Ye Yunfei became even more disdainful.
Boom... Guo Shijie walked into the Soul Manifestation Formation, abruptly releasing his Soul Power with a rumbling noise that stirred the surroundings and made many onlookers turn their heads. Hum! The Soul Cauldron was suddenly propped up by Guo Shijie's Soul Power, hovering and rising continuously. Ultimately, it rose to a height of five meters! Instantly, the whole venue erupted in an uproar. So far, Guo Shijie's result was the best!
'Truly worthy of being a famous third-grade alchemist of our Great Qin Empire! Too amazing!' 'It seems Alchemist Guo is also one of the contenders to win this match!' ... One wave of discussion after another rose continuously across the square.
'Haha, Alchemist Guo is indeed formidable!' Seeing this, the Third Prince couldn't help but be overjoyed and laughed.
'Hmph!' Not far away, a man wearing a purple-gold high crown and draped in a golden robe had an expression of displeasure all over his face. This man had remarkable bone structure, a dignified and imposing bearing, and bore some resemblance to the Third Prince in facial features. However, he possessed an innate arrogance and the commanding presence of a superior. With every glance, he exuded the imperial air of one who lords over the world. It was precisely the Eldest Prince!
'Great Prince, there's no need to be upset. In my eyes, Guo Shijie is merely trash, unable to withstand a single blow. For the Third Prince to think he can rely on this Guo Shijie to win the championship is utterly wishful thinking.' Standing beside the Eldest Prince was a young man in apricot-yellow robes, his face full of pride. With his hands clasped behind his back, he spoke indifferently, his tone dripping with scorn.
'With Young Master Tang here, that Guo Shijie indeed won't be able to make any waves!' The Eldest Prince laughed, setting his mind at ease.
'Young Master Yan, what do you think of this Guo Shijie?' At another location in the square, a purple-robed youth whose face seemed powdered spoke slowly.
'Second Prince, Guo Shijie is not worth mentioning in my eyes. For this competition, I have only one opponent—Tang Feng. Everyone else is merely here to make up the numbers.' A man dressed in black robes with a lean face spoke in a placid tone. This man was precisely Yan Qing, the disciple of fourth-grade alchemist Master Huangfu Sheng.
'Haha, correct. In today's match, only Tang Feng is qualified to be your opponent,' the Second Prince laughed heartily.
By this time, Guo Shijie had already returned to the Third Prince's faction. His expression cold and proud, he gave Ye Yunfei a contemptuous smirk before turning his gaze away, not sparing Ye Yunfei another glance. The large group of martial world figures recruited by the Third Prince crowded around Guo Shijie, vying to flatter him, their sycophantic praises ceaseless. Of course, while praising Guo Shijie, these people didn't forget to hurl various taunts at Ye Yunfei. Ever since that evening banquet, they had developed a grudge against him.
'Ignorant brat, open your eyes wide and look carefully at what real strength is.' After Guo Shijie returned, Alchemist Lin also lifted his foot to walk towards the platform to prepare for his match. Before leaving, he shot a glare at Ye Yunfei.
'Look! It's Alchemist Lin Ming, one of our Great Qin Empire's third-grade alchemists. I heard he was also recruited by the Third Prince.' Alchemist Lin's ascent to the stage also attracted much attention and discussion from many people. After all, a third-grade alchemist already carried significant weight within the Great Qin Empire. A third-grade alchemist was basically known to everyone.
Lin Ming entered the formation and utilized his Soul Power. The result: he lifted the Soul Cauldron over four meters. Such a result could also be considered quite good, drawing gasps of admiration. Returning to the Third Prince's faction, Lin Ming naturally received another round of adulation from quite a few people. Ye Yunfei paid no attention.
'Eh? They actually came to participate as well.' Suddenly, Ye Yunfei saw two stunning young women step onto the platform. They were precisely the two beauties he had encountered earlier in Tianteng City.