382 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

### Chapter 382: The Competition Begins! "No way! Xiaoyan, the Soul Condensing Grass is such a rare treasure. How can you use it as a wager?" The man's voice was filled with urgency, clearly not expecting Taishi Yan to use the Soul Condensing Grass as a bet. Hearing the mention of the Soul Condensing Grass, Ye Linglong’s eyes lit up. This grass had the effect of solidifying the soul, and most importantly, it was the main ingredient for refining the Soul Condensing Pill. She had already found all the other ingredients except for this one. Wasn't this like having a pillow delivered when you're drowsy? She was determined to obtain the Soul Condensing Grass. "The Soul Condensing Grass is indeed precious, but isn't Master Hai's alchemy insights and furnace important as well? In my view, the value of your Soul Condensing Grass isn't quite enough." Ye Linglong began using provocative tactics. "The Soul Condensing Grass is a rare herb that can enhance spiritual power, acquired with considerable effort by your father. Xiaoyan, you can't just casually use it as a bet," Ming Qian advised. Taishi Yan waved dismissively. "Don't worry, Brother Ming Qian, I'm definitely not going to lose." ... On the competition platform at the front gate of Xianling Academy, Taishi Yan and Ye Linglong faced each other. The area was surrounded by layer upon layer of onlookers, all of whom were newly admitted students to the academy this year. Upon hearing that the student, who had been personally pursued by the deans of both great academies but eventually chose the Array Court, was going to compete in alchemy against Taishi Yan, the top talent of this year's Alchemy Hall, everyone gathered to see who was truly more skilled. After all, although Ye Linglong was supposedly extraordinary, they hadn't witnessed her alchemy firsthand. However, they were well aware of Taishi Yan's skills; despite her young age, she was already a profound-level alchemist, and many there had purchased her crafted pills. Fearing that Ye Linglong might renege on handing over Master Hai's insights and furnace, Taishi Yan decided to move the competition to the public platform, determined to defeat Ye Linglong in plain view so everyone would know who truly deserved to be Master Hai's disciple. Ye Linglong didn't mind the small crowd around them; she was unfazed, having performed at concerts with audiences much larger than this. Taishi Yan held her head high, looking at Ye Linglong with disdain. "Just wait, I'll defeat you in front of everyone and expose your façade. I'm the one who rightfully deserves to be Master Hai’s apprentice." Ye Linglong shrugged. "Whether I'm qualified isn't for you to say, after all, you're not the one I'm apprenticing under." Taishi Yan was infuriated, shooting a glare at Ye Linglong. "You have a sharp tongue, but let's see if your alchemy skills are as formidable as that mouth of yours!" Ye Linglong responded calmly, "Don't worry, you'll soon see." "Master Hai is here, it's Master Hai!" A sudden uproar arose from the crowd, with everyone in the Alchemy Hall fixated in a single direction. Master Hai, renowned as the top alchemist in the Lower Celestial Realm, was the reason a great number of students applied to Xianling Academy every year. After all, while one could go without formations, living without pills was another matter altogether. Master Hai nodded to the crowd before making his way through, reaching the best viewing spot. Taishi Yan looked excitedly at Master Hai as she called out, "Master Hai, are you here to watch our competition? I’m determined to win." The presence of Master Hai renewed Taishi Yan's resolve to win. Master Hai gave her a nod before turning to Ye Linglong, his gaze noticeably softer. "You're betting with my things, are you?" It was a casual inquiry, as if he were just making small talk, without the slightest hint of reproach. Ye Linglong replied, "I had no choice. The other party's offer was too tempting." Master Hai's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" Ye Linglong revealed, "The Soul Condensing Grass!" Master Hai acknowledged, "That is indeed quite enticing." The friendly banter between the two further deepened Taishi Yan's jealousy, her gaze toward Ye Linglong like one ready to devour. Just as Master Hai was about to announce the start, another commotion rose from the crowd. Zou Guanqing emerged, striding forward, "Hai, how could you start without waiting for me for my apprentice’s match?" Master Hai glanced at him indifferently, "They're competing in alchemy. Do you even understand what you're watching?" That remark left Zou Guanqing temporarily speechless, his face turning a shade darker. "What, don't tell me I can't even call for the start of a pill-making match!" Zou Guanqing retorted, recalling the jibe about rolling pills, a jibe that ruffled the feathers of those in the Alchemy Hall but left them unable to protest too much. Master Hai remained untroubled, instead accommodating the rivalry, "Then you can announce the start." After years of verbal sparring, Zou Guanqing knew this was typical of Master Hai, grudgingly complying as he turned warmly to Ye Linglong, "My dear apprentice, I believe you will surely win." Ye Linglong nodded with a smile, while Taishi Yan clenched her teeth in frustration. With the announcement, both competitors quickly produced their alchemical furnaces and began the contest. Taishi Yan's furnace was of high quality, even surpassing the one Master Hai previously used, whereas Ye Linglong used the furnace gifted by Master Hai. As Taishi Yan spread open her hand, an orange flame appeared, instantly raising the surrounding temperature significantly. "An exotic flame, and it seems to be Sirius, ranked twentieth." Amid the envious murmurs, Taishi Yan looked at Ye Linglong with pride. Ye Linglong smiled back, and as she opened her hand, a flame of icy blue flickered, lowering the temperature to freezing. Even the once vigorous Sirius in Taishi Yan's hand dimmed substantially. The Heart of the Ice Phoenix laughed arrogantly, "Who dares to prance around in front of this lady with such weakness?" The surrounding audience was left speechless with awe; the disparity in talent and tools was evident, with Ye Linglong using an exotic flame too. Master Hai, taken aback, cast a glance at Ye Linglong. He hadn’t anticipated she possessed the Heart of the Ice Phoenix, ranked eighth among exotic flames, though... his gaze darkened, speculating something about its power. Zou Guanqing had fewer apprehensions, simply feeling proud to have such a talented apprentice. Taishi Yan, though, began to feel a subtle hint of anxiety creeping in. She steeled her nerves, throwing Sirius into the furnace to start her alchemy. Simultaneously, Ye Linglong moved as well. The Spirit-Breaking Pill was something she had crafted innumerable times; she could do it with her eyes closed. Soon, beads of sweat densely dotted Taishi Yan's forehead. Ye Linglong was simply moving too quickly!