Chapter 216 – Alchemy Duel Determines the Victor, Yet He Refuses to Be a Personal Disciple

“Very well.”

You Xiaohua’s expression remained calm as she waved her hand, and a cauldron flew out, hovering before her.

“We’ll refine here. I’ll make a top-grade Tier-4 Biluō Spirit-Nourishing Pill. As for what you wish to refine, fellow Daoist, choose whatever you prefer—but I suggest you choose something you are most proficient in.”

Guo Pin’s brow twitched slightly upon hearing her words. He took a deep breath and stepped forward. With a wave of his hand, a cauldron of his own flew out and landed heavily on the ground.

He looked at You Xiaohua with a blazing gaze and calmly replied, “Since you’re refining a Biluō Spirit-Nourishing Pill, then I shall refine a Xiao Yun Divine Aid Pill.”

The Xiao Yun Divine Aid Pill—also a top-grade Tier-4 pill.

Seeing this, Hongshao chuckled. “Very well. For this alchemy duel, all disciples, take a few steps back. Give them some space and do not cause any disturbance.”

The Foundation Establishment disciples immediately rose and retreated, clearing a space of about twenty zhang. Each of them had different expressions as they sat in silence, waiting for the alchemy duel to begin.

You Xiaohua remained unfazed by Guo Pin’s warlike attitude. With a light smile, she said, “I’ve brought my own ingredients. How about you, brother? Need time to gather yours? I can wait.”

“No need.”

Guo Pin replied calmly, “I too have already prepared everything.”

Clearly, both had long decided what they would refine.

Now that they were dueling, everything fell neatly into place.

“In that case, let’s not waste any more time,” You Xiaohua said, sitting cross-legged before her cauldron, her demeanor tranquil.

Guo Pin followed suit, exhaling deeply and sitting opposite his cauldron with an equally calm expression.

Hongshao smiled faintly. “Are you both ready?”

The two responded simultaneously, “Yes, Master. We are ready.”

With a wave of her hand, Hongshao said simply, “Begin.”

As her words fell, You Xiaohua flicked her hand, and several charcoal pieces flew from her storage pouch to ignite the cauldron.

Guo Pin, too, calmly produced his own charcoal and began heating his cauldron.

This initial step wasn’t particularly worth watching.

All present had some level of alchemy proficiency, though their skill varied, so everyone remained composed—waiting to observe the true techniques.

While the cauldrons heated, both alchemists swiftly laid out their ingredients without wasting any time.

The cauldrons were of the same tier and quality, so their heating process finished almost simultaneously.

As the heat reached its peak—

All eyes sharpened!

In the next moment!

Both You Xiaohua and Guo Pin moved simultaneously!

Spiritual energy surged, forming tendrils that activated and drew out the properties of the herbs!

You Xiaohua was a rare alchemy genius. Under Chen Manman’s guidance over more than a decade, her techniques were refined, masterful—so much so that observers were struck with awe at first glance.

Her skill seemed dreamlike, far beyond what most could replicate.

Guo Pin, though not quite as naturally gifted, had also been recognized as a talent. He had been the previous chief elder’s disciple, and after decades of training, research, and experience—at over ninety years old—his knowledge far exceeded hers.

Thus, even if his talent was slightly inferior, his experience more than compensated.

His technique was steady, calm, like an immovable mountain.

You Xiaohua and Guo Pin both showcased their full alchemical prowess. The hall grew warm with the rising energy.

Yu Xian, meanwhile, observed intently. He also knew how to refine both pills, possibly even better than either of them, but he knew there was always more to learn from others’ methods.

Every strength could serve as another stepping stone.

The cauldrons blazed. Ingredients melted into essence, releasing faint medicinal aromas.

Some of the surrounding disciples gasped, awed; others were thoughtful or impressed. Whether at You Xiaohua or Guo Pin, it was clear their skill was leagues above the norm.

Yu Xian watched a while longer, then his eyes narrowed in thought.

In the end, You Xiaohua would win.

Guo Pin’s technique was sound, but his control of the flame lacked precision.

Perhaps the pressure of the duel rattled him—he had made a mistake.

By contrast, You Xiaohua was utterly composed, as if calmly refining alone in her room rather than in a public contest. No errors, no stumbles—just smooth, flawless work.

The result was obvious: she would produce a top-grade pill.

Guo Pin, at best, would make a high-quality one.

Yu Xian relaxed his gaze, already confident of the outcome.

Clink!

A crisp sound rang out—You Xiaohua’s pill emerged first, a glimmering, top-grade Biluō Spirit-Nourishing Pill landing in her palm.

Ten breaths later, Guo Pin also raised a hand. His pill emerged, falling into his grasp.

As Yu Xian had foreseen, it was a high-quality Xiao Yun Divine Aid Pill—still rare, but not quite the same level.

Under normal circumstances, Guo Pin would have been proud. But seeing You Xiaohua’s perfect product, his heart was heavy.

Still, being older and more composed, he didn’t lose face. Taking a deep breath, he cupped his hands and said, “Fellow Daoist, your skill surpasses mine. I concede defeat. From now on, you shall serve as chief alchemy elder—I shall follow your lead.”

You Xiaohua stored her pill, smiling lightly. “Your technique was excellent, but your composure wavered slightly. If you had steadied yourself, the outcome could’ve gone either way.”

Guo Pin offered a strained smile and said nothing more, returning to his seat with dignity.

You Xiaohua followed suit.

Seeing this, Hongshao said, “The result is clear. If any disciple still wishes to challenge for this position through alchemical skill, you are welcome to step forward. If your skill is worthy, I will not deny you a promotion.”

The disciples remained silent.

No one dared step forward.

The moment You Xiaohua demonstrated her skill—refining a top-grade Tier-4 pill in full view—she had crushed all doubt.

Who could challenge that?

Hongshao turned to Chu Li’er and said with a faint smile, “What about you? Would you like to duel her?”

Chu Li’er bit her lip but said nothing.

She was still unconvinced, but couldn’t argue. Her real complaint was their difference in cultivation. If she too were in the late Foundation Establishment stage, she would not fear You Xiaohua.

How old was that woman, really? She might be as old as her master!

Given ten more years, Chu Li’er believed she could refine a top-grade Tier-4 pill too!

Hongshao saw her expression and said calmly, “Do not be discouraged. Alchemy requires both talent and effort. Learn diligently. If you feel ready in the future, you may challenge her again. If you surpass her, the chief elder’s seat will be yours.”

Though not a child, Chu Li’er understood Hongshao’s authority. She bowed and replied sincerely, “Thank you, Master. I was ignorant. Today I’ve seen that there is always someone greater. I will learn from Senior Sister Xiaohua and work hard.”

Hongshao nodded. “That’s good. You are talented. If you don’t understand something, consult the Fourth Elder.”

Chu Li’er’s eyes lit up. She quickly knelt and kowtowed to Hongshao and Chen Manman. “Thank you, Master! Thank you, Fourth Elder!”

This effectively meant Chen Manman had taken her as a registered disciple.

Chen Manman smiled. “A clever girl. If you have questions about alchemy, come find me. Work hard to catch up with Xiaohua—she’s your age, after all.”

Chu Li’er froze.

The same age?

She’s only eighteen or nineteen too?

But… she’s already late Foundation Establishment and can refine such complex pills?

What kind of monstrous talent was that?

Chu Li’er had always considered herself a genius, but now… she felt utterly average.

“I understand…”

Crushed in spirit, she kowtowed and returned to her seat quietly.

Meanwhile, Hongshao turned to Su Xiaoduo. “Su Xiaoduo.”

“Yes, Master!”

“From today onward, you are my personal disciple. You are exempt from sect duties and may take anything from the alchemy hall without contribution points.”

A personal disciple!

That was a powerful status.

Chu Li’er glanced at her fellow disciple Su Xiaoduo—also only at early Foundation Establishment—her eyes filled with envy.

Even her own elder was only a sixth elder in another sect, yet she never received this kind of treatment.

As for Yu Xian, he said calmly to Su Xiaoduo, “I have my reasons. It doesn’t matter if you’re a personal disciple or not—you and I are still from the same sect.”

Then he turned and left the hall.

Su Xiaoduo’s eyes flickered as she watched him walk away. She turned and re-entered the hall.

Of the three who came, only one returned to the lower compound.

Yu Xian didn’t mind. After completing his task at the alchemy hall, he decided to visit the herb hall to buy medicinal plants and beast-related items.

At a distance, two figures watched Yu Xian walk away.

“Master… is that really him?” Chu Li’er murmured.

“I’m not sure,” Guo Pin replied, narrowing his eyes. “It could be. He was saved by Gu Hanfeng and became a disciple of Medicine King Valley. Then, when the Valley fell, he followed Fairy Hongshao here.”

“But… he was only at mid-Qi Condensation back then. Now he’s mid Foundation Establishment!?”

Guo Pin shook his head. “Could be a coincidence. There are many with the same name.”

Besides, if it really was him, would he not recognize them? He showed no reaction whatsoever.

Chu Li’er snorted, “What grudge? We didn’t kill him. He got himself into trouble. I hope he’s not that brat, or I’ll make him suffer.”

Guo Pin frowned. “This doesn’t matter. What matters is you. This is your opportunity. Treasure it well.”

“I will,” Chu Li’er said, eyes glinting with determination. “I’ll surpass them all.”

Guo Pin smiled faintly and left.

Having multiple masters was common in the cultivation world—only someone as inflexible as Yu Xian would remain so loyal to one.

Chu Li’er looked again at the distant figure. “Yu Xian… I hope you’re not that little bastard. If you are… you’ll regret it.”

Meanwhile, Yu Xian kept walking, as if unaware he was being discussed.

He entered the herb peak, smiling faintly. “No rush… I’ll take it slow.”