RNP 482. Eldar's Response
482. Eldar's Response
Xiao Yan's score was finally revealed amidst great anticipation.
"Seventy-four."
This result was extremely disappointing to most of the people present, since they had come here on their own initiative hoping to see Xiao Yan achieve a third perfect score.
This result, which didn't even rank in the top five of this trial, naturally failed to satisfy the expectations of those who loved to stir up trouble. Immediately, boos and doubts filled the air.
Unlike them, Xiao Yan himself was satisfied with the result, and even somewhat surprised. After all, he knew that the final result was not perfect; by his own fairest standard, it was probably around 68 points.
Xiao Yan never expected that the extra points would come from his biggest rival, Ling Zhuo. In order to demonstrate the absolute fairness of the projects controlled by the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, even after Xiao Yan's furnace explosion, Ling Zhuo still allowed Xiao Yan to score above seventy.
This advantage for Xiao Yan was designed to silence everyone when it came time to suppress his score later. Ling Zhuo believed Xiao Yan's current mistake was only temporary. As long as Xiao Yan could maintain his momentum, breaking the 80-point mark was inevitable. He didn't intend to completely defeat Xiao Yan in this trial; the one with his great-grandmother overseeing it was the safest option.
Ultimately, a favorable outcome is always a good thing, so Xiao Yan didn't dwell on it and left side by side with Xiao Yi Xian, who was waiting on the side. The numerous questions and doubts that greeted them were completely ignored by the two of them.
Only a few people noticed that although Xiao Yan hadn't achieved the incredible feat of scoring 300 points in three matches, his total score had reached 274. He had undoubtedly broken into the top 30 of the Heavenly Talent Ranking, and two more trials awaited him...
……
"Don't you have anything to say to me?" Xiao Yan asked Little Fairy Doctor, who was preparing to part ways with him after arriving at the Pill Tower residence.
Upon hearing this, Little Fairy Doctor paused, her ethereal and captivating face remaining composed, but a hint of doubt flickered in her expressive eyes: "Then what should I ask?"
"Aren't you surprised by my erratic performance in today's trial?"
"I know you're not feeling well, but take it slow and don't rush. I've never doubted your talent and ability in alchemy."
Little Fairy Doctor's voice was clear and crisp: "If you say anything else, I absolutely believe that my lover will handle everything well and will not let me down."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan fell silent. He didn't know what to say or what he should say.
"Get some rest. I'll shield you from any questions or urging from the Pill Tower. If there's anything I can do, I'll be right outside." With that, Little Fairy Doctor left.
Little Fairy Doctor left decisively, leaving only the faint fragrance of medicine. Xiao Yan was speechless for a moment...
After failing the third trial, Xiao Yan didn't rest for a few days as usual, but instead went to the fourth trial the next day after slightly adjusting his condition. The reason for this was simple: after Xiao Yan's failure, the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion released news that the trial was about to end.
The reason given is to ensure the smooth running of the Alchemy Competition and to give talented alchemists ample time to achieve good results. The rankings on the Heavenly Talent List will be finalized in ten days, at which time all rewards will be distributed.
Logically speaking, the fact that Tianji Pavilion was ending its long-prepared Tianji Talent Ranking so hastily would certainly have drawn criticism. However, this time, there was very little skepticism, because the rewards announced by Tianji Pavilion for the Tianji Talent Ranking were simply too enticing.
The first place winner will receive the "Spirit Fusion" furnace, ranked third on the Heavenly Cauldron Ranking, as well as one of ten high-level Earth-rank soul skills and one of five top-grade eighth-rank pill recipes.
Those ranked second through fifth can choose one from the remaining high-level Earth-rank soul skills and one rank-eight pill formula.
Those ranked sixth to tenth can choose low-level Earth-rank soul skills and seventh-grade pill recipes.
Rewards were given to those ranked 10th to 100th, but they were far less impressive compared to the top ten. Regardless, the Spirit Clan released a large number of Soul Skills this time, something extremely rare and valuable even within the Pill Tower. Pill recipes were relatively easy to obtain through trade, but the Spirit Clan's preparation of a hundred Soul Skills easily ignited the enthusiasm of many alchemists.
Of course, among these rewards, the most precious is the Spirit Fusion Cauldron. A cauldron of this caliber is the ultimate goal of every alchemist. This immediately sparked a huge wave of discussion.
It now seems that only two people can actually obtain this medicine cauldron: Ling Zhuo and Xiao Yan.
Ling Zhuo's score is now a full fifty points ahead of second-place Hua Qingyu from the Hua Sect. Most of the other players' scores have stabilized, making further significant breakthroughs unlikely. Only Xiao Yan holds two perfect scores, giving him considerable potential for further improvement. Although he had a poor performance in one event, it doesn't affect his overall score.
The champion will be chosen from Xiao Yan and Ling Zhuo.
Danta naturally disagreed with this request, but ultimately the final interpretation rested with Tianjilou, and their reasons were reasonable, given that the Pill Gathering was indeed only about three months away. Tianjilou announced the matter first, explaining to Danta that the rewards for the top 100 would be issued in ten days, and if Danta wanted to continue, they were free to do so, but Tianjilou would not cooperate.
This approach has put Danta in a dilemma.
Continuing would greatly increase Xiao Yan's chances of winning first place, but by then the prizes would have already been awarded, making the value of first place seem very cheap.
Even if Danta wanted to explain, whether others would believe him was a big question; often, actions speak louder than words. And there wasn't enough time for Danta to prepare the prizes. The Spirit Clan's decisive action drew considerable skepticism, but they had at least taken real action. Danta, being a step behind the Spirit Clan, was thus constrained at every turn.
Xuan Kongzi could only apologetically ask Xiao Yan if ten days would be enough. Considering his current situation, Xiao Yan couldn't give Xuan Kongzi a definite answer. However, Xiao Yan knew beforehand that the fourth trial of the Pill Gathering was a rather peculiar one, and that it was a trial organized by the Pill Gathering itself. Therefore, Xiao Yan decided to try out the fourth trial first.
Before Xiao Yan headed to the venue, he encountered a black-clad figure blocking his way for the third time in the passageway of the Pill Tower.
"Why are you always squatting here in a black robe?" Xiao Yan asked, looking at Wei Jiangyuan.