He then launched into a lengthy account of last night’s events, detailing just how gentlemanly and tender he had been.
The more he spoke, the more he undid the sliver of good impression he had managed to create in Fang Tianhui’s heart.
“Next time, I’ll set up a barrier,” Bai Ran said, surprised by how poorly soundproofed the inn was.
“Sister Bai, let’s not talk about this,”
Fang Tianhui shot a bewildered glance at Qin Mu Bai, utterly confused as to what he had done wrong.
Bai Ran observed their interaction and chuckled softly.
“There’s an alchemy competition today, and I’ll be participating.”
“The victor gets five spots to enter the Azure Dragon Secret Realm. Would you two be interested in going?”
Yesterday, Elder Liu had informed Bai Ran about a competition for alchemists under twenty, with a generous reward.
Upon hearing this, their eyes lit up.
The Azure Dragon Secret Realm!
It was rumored to be the most precious secret realm among the Four Kingdoms, brimming with countless treasures and rich spiritual energy, a veritable paradise for cultivation!
There was even a legend that those with good fortune might encounter an actual Azure Dragon within its depths!
“Yes, yes! We definitely want to go!” Qin Mu Bai and Fang Tianhui exclaimed in unison, their hearts filled with excitement and anticipation.
The Azure Dragon Secret Realm!
After settling them in, Bai Ran left the inn and headed for the alchemy competition venue.
The arena was set within the royal grounds, with numerous guards stationed around to prevent any disturbances.
“Hey! Little one!” Elder Liu spotted Bai Ran and trotted over eagerly.
“This is the President of the Alchemist Guild, and he’s the chief judge for this competition,” Elder Liu introduced.
Standing behind him was an elder, well into his sixties, who offered Bai Ran a kind smile.
Though the President appeared benevolent and approachable with his age, the aura he exuded was undeniable.
Bai Ran looked at him and nodded.
This man possessed immense strength, the strongest Bai Ran had encountered thus far; he was not to be underestimated.
“This little one is a newly registered alchemist, named…” Elder Liu scratched his head and looked at Bai Ran.
“Little one, I still don’t know your name.”
“Bai Li,” Bai Ran replied.
“Elder Liu, who is usually so stern, has accepted a registered alchemist. It seems this child must have exceptional talent,” the President remarked, stroking his beard with a smile.
“Indeed.”
Elder Liu launched into a vivid description of Bai Ran’s peculiar alchemy process, as if pouring out precious gems.
“Mr. President, the competition is about to begin,”
A young attendant approached and gently tapped the President, whispering to him.
“Then, young Bai, I shall look forward to your performance,” the President said before leaving with the attendant.
“Little one, prepare yourself.”
Elder Liu’s eyes twinkled with excitement, envisioning Bai Ran’s brilliant performance at the competition.
Hahaha, it would surely drop the jaws of those old fogeys.
“Oh, look who it is,” Mu Qingdai’s voice chimed in as she sashayed over.
“Your Highness, it’s that country bumpkin,” a nearby maid responded cooperatively.
“Someone like you knows alchemy?”
Mu Qingdai appraised Bai Ran from head to toe, letting out a disdainful scoff.
Bai Ran glanced at the two women putting on a theatrical display, then completely ignored them.
It seemed that person’s words had not had the desired effect.
Mu Qingdai clenched her fists tightly. Her words felt like hitting soft cotton, leaving her utterly frustrated.
How dare this wench ignore her!
Those good-for-nothings! They failed to deal with her!
The memory of the person who had returned in a frenzy last night only fueled her anger.
“Wench! Do you dare to compete with me!” Mu Qingdai pointed at Bai Ran, issuing a challenge.
Elder Liu stood by, already annoyed by the impolite Third Princess, and now finding her utterly brainless.
“Third Princess, this is not the royal court! You cannot cause trouble here!”
Mu Qingdai, hearing this, assumed Bai Ran lacked skill and was merely protected by Elder Liu, which made her even more arrogant.
“I’m asking you a question!”
Bai Ran turned her head to face her. “Oh? What does Your Highness wish to compete in?”
“Alchemy! Who can refine a higher-grade pill? How about that?”
“The loser must kneel and apologize!”
Mu Qingdai looked up at Bai Ran triumphantly.
What skill could a country bumpkin possess? She was merely relying on Elder Liu’s connections!
She had just been promoted to a Rank Two alchemist! She could refine Rank Two pills!
“Is the Third Princess sure?” Bai Ran asked, tilting her head with amusement.
Mu Qingdai gave her a dismissive glance. “My word as a princess is unbreakable! I stand by what I say!”
“Then, as the princess wishes,” Bai Ran agreed.
Hearing this, her heart pounded with excitement, but she suppressed the upward curve of her lips and glared at Bai Ran before leaving.
Wench! Just wait for your humiliation!
“Little one…” Elder Liu began. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Although the Third Princess had been the one to act unreasonably, she was still a princess. If this escalated, the one who would suffer would be the little one.
Moreover, there was the elusive Crown Prince, who doted on her dearly.
Regardless of the outcome, it seemed Bai Ran would not benefit.
If Elder Liu could see this, Bai Ran surely could too.
“Elder Liu, rest assured.”
“The alchemy competition is about to commence. I shall serve as the chief judge. Alchemists participating in the competition, please come forward,” the President said, sitting in the center of the judges’ table, smiling warmly at Bai Ran.
Elder Liu watched Bai Ran ascend the stage, unable to quell his worry.
Bai Ran positioned herself in a corner, blending into the crowd.
Mu Qingdai shot her a provocative glance and stood at the very front.
“The first round is a written test. Alchemists, please answer the questions before you. You have half an hour.”
“The first round of the alchemy competition officially begins!”
As the President’s words fell, an incense stick began to burn.
Mu Qingdai confidently picked up her brush and began writing with flair. The other participants also quickly followed suit.
In contrast, Bai Ran stared at the test questions, her brush remaining still for a long time.
More than half the time had passed, and she still hadn't started. This caused Elder Liu considerable anxiety.
Could it be that the little one was only skilled in alchemy and completely ignorant of medicinal principles?
What was to be done!
In the next instant, Bai Ran picked up her brush and circled a few items, submitting her paper within a few breaths.
So fast? Had she actually written anything?
Elder Liu watched dumbfounded as Bai Ran submitted her answer sheet.
The President took the paper, glanced at it, and then burst into hearty laughter.
This girl!
How amusing!
The sudden laughter of the Alchemist Guild President left the audience utterly bewildered.
Elder Liu, however, felt a great burden lifted from his heart. The President’s laughter indicated that the little one had definitely passed, and perhaps even surpassed expectations.
Seeing that Bai Ran had finished, Mu Qingdai became frantic, her writing speed accelerating.
“I’m done!”
She slammed her test paper onto the President’s table.