Chapter 7: Obtaining the Qualifications
Evening arrived.
The sunset gave off a blood-red glow. Outside the clan school’s entrance, hundreds of Yao clan members had already assembled.
Other than just the clan school’s disciples, there were also other people from the branch and main bloodlines. The clan school’s Great Competition was not just for selecting members for the Medicine Competition, but it was also a chance for people to discover some talents.
A few disciples might not be good enough to attain the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, but as long as they had remarkable performances they could obtain all kinds of different opportunities. The Yao clan had all kinds of commerce and management positions outside the clan that required many talented people. Entering into one these was also very good, and although your training speed couldn’t compare to the speed you would obtain inside the clan, but Yao clan disciples had an extremely high status outside the clan, which could be considered another kind of glory.
At the moment, everyone was waiting for the clan school’s rankings.
The top eight in the rankings would not only have the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, but in addition this list was more for finding a suitable partner amongst the branch and main bloodlines. The top thirty names were all targets that people would proactively try to attract.
At this time, Yao Chen and Luo Shu had also arrived at the front of the clan school. Looking at the huge crowd that was bustling with activity, there simply was no path forward- not even a drop of water could have managed to squeeze through. Within the crowd were scouts from the branch and main bloodlines who had come earlier to attract some talents.
“There really are a lot of people….” Luo Shu had barely spoken before the crowd parted, giving them a path forward....
Luo Shu narrowed his eyes and his legs felt weak. Turning to look at Yao Chen he seemed as if he wanted to ask just what was happening.
The list was just a formality. In reality, most of the people with great power and status were all capable of finding out the names before the list was posted.
Looking at the current circumstances, it seemed that the top eight names had already been selected, and Yao Chen was definitely amongst them…. Although he wouldn’t dare to claim he was definitely first, but being in the top three was a very distinct possibility; if he wasn’t in the top three, then how could this crowd just so easily part to make a path for them?
Yao Chen took a deep breath; he had long since calculated that with the Violet Flame Pill which had shown signs of being a top quality pill there was an eighty percent chance of entering the top eight and obtaining the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition. However his heart was still jumping and it was difficult for him to stay calm now that the moment was before him.
When it came to his exact rank, he didn’t consider it to be important. The only thing he cared about was attaining the qualifications for the Medicine Competition. To be frank, his Dou Qi was still at the nine star Dou Zhe level, and although he had a Dou Technique that could explode out with a Dou Shi’s Dou Qi, this kind of Dou Qi had an extremely large weakness in that during battle with an enemy, it could be said that using it was basically asking for defeat and death. Of course when it came to refining medicine this kind of strength increase could be extremely useful. However, in the Yao clan, there were uncountable advantages, and it was unknown just how many fantastic alchemy techniques had far exceeded this kind of simple explosion Dou Technique.
Fortunately it was not like Yao Chen didn’t have follow up plans. After this time’s Great Competition, there was still more than a month’s time before the real Medicine Competition.
Although it was slightly pressing, but as long as he could persevere, then it was sufficient for the hidden potential that was inside of him to be drawn out.
Finally the clan school’s main door opened. All the clan school’s elders filed out, with the clan school elder Yao Lan at the very front.
In one hand elder Yao Lan was holding a ferule, while his other hand was holding a scroll.
This time the clan school’s Great Competition had a grand announcement ceremony. Not every Great Competition would have such a treatment; it would only happen once every five years for the Medicine Competition.
This time the top eight names would all be written into the clan school’s history, and although this wasn’t as large a glory as the Clan Monument, it was still leaving your name in the clan school, which was a great honor.
Elder Yao Lan lightly swept his eyes over this crowd of people. Not only were the clan school disciples present, but also their families, as well as groups of people from the branch families, extended families, and main bloodline families.
These disciples would eventually become the Yao clan’s core strength!
All this bustle and excitement was precisely due to the Yao clan’s proof of strength in these young generation disciples that were still growing up.
“This time’s Great Competition had many talents. 51 disciples managed to complete their pills. Comparing to last time’s Great Competition, an additional 17 disciples managed to succeed. This kind of progress gives pride to the Yao clan’s name.” Although this kind of speech was very standard, under this kind of situation it managed to raise the anticipation level and pride of the participants even more. Suddenly the first star signifying the start of the night glimmered.
“It is now time to reveal the rankings!“
Following, the scroll in Yao Lan’s hand made an explosive noise before unrolling and suspending itself in midair.
“Rank number 30, Yao He!”
“Rank number 29, Yao Kou!”
The names were revealed starting from last place.
Even just these last two places were still met by a burst of cheering. This time’s Great Competition had over 300 people attending it, and to be able to enter into the top 30 was quite the accomplishment.
However, currently people were still able to maintain their self-control. Only by getting into the top eight could they attend the Medicine Competition, which was the real point of getting on the list.
“Rank number 9, Yao Yun….”
“What?!” From within the crowd came a cry of alarm!
In front of the entrance, a lanky disciple’s face turned pale and full of disbelief. Yao Chen also turned his head to give him a glance. Yao Yun was one of the well known members in the clan school. Normally he would be regarded highly within the clan school. Although he couldn’t necessary weigh up to the clan school’s top three, Yao Tong, Li Yanxin, and Zuo Hongle, and even if you didn’t consider Dou Qi and only compared alchemy skills, within the clan school there was no one else who would want to compare themselves to him.
However, at the moment he ended up ranking in the ninth position and didn’t even manage to get into the top eight.
“Hehe, what have I said? Evil has its own retribution. People with low morals will at key moments have bad luck.” Zuo Hongle who was always ranked as either second or third within the clan didn’t give him even the slightest face as he laughed and ridiculed. His words spread everything and his low laughter pierced the atmosphere. In reality, Yao Yun was excessively arrogant and considered everyone to be beneath him. It was unknown just how many people he had offended.
The reason why Yao Yun considered everyone to be beneath him was because he was a lackey of the main bloodline’s Yao Feng. Whenever Yao Feng had an issue it was usually Yao Yun who served as the lead figure in dealing with it.
“Rank number 8, Yao Dong….”
Elder Yao Lan’s imposing voice was still continuing to announce the rankings.
When the eighth rank’s name announced, a rumbling noise immediately followed. The crowd become much more excited as many of them started to crowd around Yao Dong, giving him congratulations, attempting to attract him to their family, and also attempting to convince him to marry their daughter, taking out a long dowry list.
The top eight had the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, making them famous amongst thousands. At the same time it would demonstrate your talent and your abilities, and more and more families and branches would favor you and think of ways to draw you to their households.
Although everyone was the same clan, but from ancient times to present, the Yao clan had always been large, and ordinary people had difficulty getting the clan’s interest. The many branches were uncountable, and each branch had their own estates and business. Even the main bloodline also had over ten families, each with their own strengths and resources.
“Rank number 7… Rank number 6….”
Each name was called out from elder Yao Lan’s mouth, and the energy within the crowd became more and more enthusiastic, such that the people whose names were currently being called all had their faces turn an exceptional red color. To be able to get the qualifications for the Medicine Competition meant that you were extremely talented with great potential. Although the Yao clan was extremely large and powerful, but the number of people needing to be fed was also large. Even if the clan had even more resources, they still couldn’t distribute it evenly. If you wanted to obtain a larger share of resources then both your talent and qualifications had to meet extremely rigid targets. If you didn’t meet those targets then you could only rely on exchanging merit points. Not even talking about Dou Zhes, even if you were a Dou Shi just how many merit points do you think you could obtain?
As a result, to obtain the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition was equal to opening a wide road full of brilliant future prospects. Amongst the clan school disciples, most of them were all striving to obtain this.
“Rank number four….”
Elder Yao Lan voice suddenly paused at this moment, his gaze stopping to look at Li Yanxin.
Li Yanxin’s face changed, and his throat trembled.
“-Li Yanxin.”
This name ended up being announced by Yao Lan.
Everyone was no longer as excited as they were before. Instead they became shocked and startled.
Among the hundreds of disciples, from the moment Li Yanxin entered the clan school he had never dropped out of the top three rankings during the Great Competition. However it was this most important Great Competition this time that he unexpectedly ranked as fourth.
Li Yanxin’s gaze fell towards Yao Chen.
“Looks like the rumor is true, Yao Chen really did enter the top three.”
“I actually thought it was wrong….”
“It’s not possible; I know who Yao Chen is. His Dou Qi shouldn’t have entered the Dou Shi class! How could it be him?”
“Impossible! It’s absolutely impossible! Just what do you think that explosion Dou Technique is? If you use that kind of Dou Technique to refine medicine, eight or nine out of ten pills would end up highly toxic and end up a garbage pill. At the time, elder Yao Lan didn’t announce his medicinal pill’s quality; obviously it was due to this reason. The reason they still haven’t announced his name is definitely because he was washed out….”
“Now that you mention it, in the refining records of the clan school, Yao Chen ended up causing quite a few cauldron explosions right?”
There were some people who admired him, but there were also people who were simply jealous. Although the rumor had been passed around, there were still people who didn’t accept it. These cynical remarks were not cold, but also not indifferent. Most of them were from people who said Yao Chen’s potential was completely burnt out.
“Rank number 3….”
Hearing Elder Yao Lan’s voice, the crowd immediately became completely silent.
“Zuo Hongle!”
The crowd immediately burst into noise!
The third name actually ended up being Zuo Hongle! Then just what was the second name? Yao Chen?
In any case, first place was never shaken, not even by lightning. It was certain to be Yao Tong.
However… saying Yao Chen was second place… the number of people who didn’t believe it grew even greater!
“Saying that Yao Chen is second, hehe… it really is absurd. I can’t even bear such a joke. Just wait for the truth to come out.”
“No, the way I see it is that Yao Chen was hiding his strength before now, waiting to reveal it at such a critical time.”
“Haha, to say such words means that you don’t actually know his circumstance. His family only has him and his mother, so how could he possibly be hiding his strength?”
That clansman who had been in support of Yao Chen immediately fell silent. Everyone knew that while the benefits received from the clan were great, but the struggles within the clan were also very miserable. Even when it comes to the Musk Essence Foundation Strengthening Pill, only one was given out every three months to him. Even according to the Yao clan standards, just taking one a month would barely be enough to keep up in training. Without a male pillar in the family and without displaying your strength to the clan you wouldn’t be able to obtain any special resources or opportunities. Therefore hiding your strength was shortening your future potential. What could be more foolish than that?
“Hey, everyone be quiet. They’re about to announce second place.”
Elder Yao Lan had paused briefly. Waving his ferule, the noisy crowd calmed back down. Lightly sighing, he waited for the crowd to become completely silent before slowly open his mouth, “Rank number two….”
Yet again he paused for a moment, and this his gaze fell on Yao Chen.
The whole crowd noticed Yao Lan’s gaze was looking at Yao Chen, and immediately various expressions appeared on their faces. Was it actually true that this unremarkable little fellow had caused this upset?
“Yao Tong!”
Elder Yao Lan loudly announced the rank.
Silence!
To the side, Yao Tong who had previously been maintaining a calm expression ended up with an extremely complex expression on his face when he heard his name called out as second place. Second place!
Ever since Yao Tong had entered the clan school he had always been a crane amongst a flock of chicken. The first place position had always been taken by him. The saying about the clan school’s top three was totally made up by other people of their own initiative, and Yao Tong had never bothered to correct them. Li Yanxin and Zuo Hongle were simply never put in his eyesight. Previously when they had done a couple private challenges, the result to Yao Tong was always two words- not worthy. The difference between him and them was definitely not merely one level.
He had never expected that this time, the most important clan school’s Great Competition’s first place would not fall to him.
Just who was first!?
Yao Tong was askance for a couple moments, before recovering to his normal tranquil self. Shooting a glance at Yao Chen, he wondered, was it actually him?
Was that actually possible?
The only possibility was a Violet Flame Pill whose quality was assessed as top grade. Other than this, no one else could compare to his third tier Moon Suppressing Wind Pill. And even if it was a top grade pill, so what? Yao Chen simply had no way of competing with him. Not only had he been the constant first place of the clan school ever since he had entered, the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill he had refined had come from an ancient ruined formula. That was no small matter. Using a repaired ancient formula was something that was a level higher than just a top grade pill.
The other clansmen in the crowd also evidently knew this argument. The Moon Suppressing Wind Pill was definitely the most amazing pill in this time’s Great Competition. No other pills were able to compare to it, not even Yao Chen’s Violet Flame Pill. Although it was nice to think that the pill was top grade, but it wasn’t necessarily definite. Just because it had shown signs of being top grade didn’t necessarily mean that it was. Its quality was still unknown, and just how was the pill’s toxicity? A disciple who was always ranked below the forties who didn’t seem to improve ever lacked the persuasiveness to convince the crowd.
However, if it wasn’t him, then who else could first place go to? All the evaluated pills had already been ranked except for Yao Chen. Other than his unexpected pill, there was no one else that could compete with the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill.
Yao Chen’s heart was also jumping. He himself knew best that the Violet Flame Pill’s effect. Even if it was a top grade pill, it would still have quite a gap compared to the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill. Furthermore, the Violet Flame Pill also had a quite a few drawbacks… Yao Chen had had confidence in entering the top eight, but looking at the current situation, even up to the second rank his name had still not been called.
Had he failed?
Or was he actually… first?
First… this, was it actually possible?
Just as Yao Chen was worrying about whether he had failed or succeeded, he heard elder Yao Lan’s voice once again ring out. The ferule in hand waved once more, appearing completely solemn, as he slowly announced: “Rank number 1….”
Everyone was completely silent. The many clan members present all held their breath. This was the first time in many years that the first place of the clan school’s Great Competition wasn’t Yao Tong!
Was it the newly emerged, apparently talented Yao Chen?
The people sent from the branch families and households were all looking at Yao Chen. If it was him… their sharp gazes as the shot towards their fellow competitors. Yao Chen’s background was extremely poor, just suitable for them to attempt to attract with a partner.
“Yao Chen!” Elder Yao Lan’s voice was like a raging flood as it loudly rose out.
Just as he spoke, the previously silent crowd suddenly seemed like a boiling cauldron of voices.
“It really was him!?”
“This is too ridiculous!”
“Yao Tong’s expression is pretty ugly now.”
“Haha, after this time’s Great Competition, Yao Tong will definitely make some moves.”
“The one that’s more likely to get mad is Yao Yun.”
Yao Yun had ranked number 9 during this time’s Great Competition. In the past, with Yao Yun’s ability he had steadily stayed within the top eight. It could even be said that originally he had been guaranteed one of the spots to attend the Medicine Competition. But due to Yao Chen suddenly emerging as a force to be reckoned with, he had been squeezed out of the top eight and had no way of attending the Medicine Competition.
This kind of enmity couldn’t be said to be a life and death hatred, but it was also one that couldn’t be easily resolved. After all, the Medicine Competition’s meaning was too deep, too serious, and too heavy for the clan school disciples.
However, training in and of itself involved constant struggle, struggle against the heavens, against oneself, and against others. If you were to dispute this then you would end up on a dead end, spending your last years as a nameless nobody.
As for Yao Chen, all the countless commentary around him was completely blocked out by him. He simply felt his mind empty of all but one thought… he was rank one!
Although he said that he didn’t care about his rank as long as he was within the top eight and could attend the Medicine Competition, but actually obtaining first place still caused his heart to pound faster and a wondrous sensation started to fill up his chest.
However, in moments like this , there would always be someone who would come out of nowhere to spoil it. Luo Shu was even more excited than Yao Chen, and he grabbed Yao Chen’s shoulders and incessantly shook him back in forth as his mouth constantly repeated, “Brother Chen… You’re rank one, you’re rank one, rank number one!
“Brother Shu.” Yao Chen helplessly shook his head.
“Brother Chen? What’s the matter?”
“Can you let go; right now I’m still very dazed.”
Although he had already rested for a couple hours, but he had basically gone all out in order to use his Energy Explosion Technique; the explosive hand seal Dou Technique caused Yao Chen to be in a kind of muddleheaded condition.
“Xi… hehe, I forgot.” Luo Shu scratched his head, mischievously laughing. He simply was just too happy.
At this moment, elder Yao Lan coughed lightly. But by using his Dou Qi to amplify his voice, the sound was like thunder, causing everyone present to hear it. “Yao Chen, Yao Tong, Zuo Hongle…….. these top eight people have obtained the clan school’s qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition. Hopefully with great effort in training, you can rise to another level during the Medicine Competition.”
They were encouraging words, but Yao Chen didn’t hear even a bit of it. His head was completely thinking about how he was first place at the Great Competition and how he had the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition.
There was still one month’s time before the Medicine Competition. Advancing to Dou Shi within this month was a challenge that Yao Chen must complete. If he wasn’t a Dou Shi, even if he attended the Medicine Competition, then no matter what kind of talent he had in alchemy he would not be anything more than background.
At this time, a voice coldly sounded out, “Elder, the Violet Flame Pill is pretty good, but when compared to the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill there is still quite a disparity. Yao Chen ended up ranking above Yao Tong, but we don’t know for what reason. If you don’t announce the reason then I’m afraid it will be hard to convince everyone.”
Chapter 7: Obtaining the Qualifications
Evening arrived.
The sunset gave off a blood-red glow. Outside the clan school’s entrance, hundreds of Yao clan members had already assembled.
Other than just the clan school’s disciples, there were also other people from the branch and main bloodlines. The clan school’s Great Competition was not just for selecting members for the Medicine Competition, but it was also a chance for people to discover some talents.
A few disciples might not be good enough to attain the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, but as long as they had remarkable performances they could obtain all kinds of different opportunities. The Yao clan had all kinds of commerce and management positions outside the clan that required many talented people. Entering into one these was also very good, and although your training speed couldn’t compare to the speed you would obtain inside the clan, but Yao clan disciples had an extremely high status outside the clan, which could be considered another kind of glory.
At the moment, everyone was waiting for the clan school’s rankings.
The top eight in the rankings would not only have the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, but in addition this list was more for finding a suitable partner amongst the branch and main bloodlines. The top thirty names were all targets that people would proactively try to attract.
At this time, Yao Chen and Luo Shu had also arrived at the front of the clan school. Looking at the huge crowd that was bustling with activity, there simply was no path forward- not even a drop of water could have managed to squeeze through. Within the crowd were scouts from the branch and main bloodlines who had come earlier to attract some talents.
“There really are a lot of people….” Luo Shu had barely spoken before the crowd parted, giving them a path forward....
Luo Shu narrowed his eyes and his legs felt weak. Turning to look at Yao Chen he seemed as if he wanted to ask just what was happening.
The list was just a formality. In reality, most of the people with great power and status were all capable of finding out the names before the list was posted.
Looking at the current circumstances, it seemed that the top eight names had already been selected, and Yao Chen was definitely amongst them…. Although he wouldn’t dare to claim he was definitely first, but being in the top three was a very distinct possibility; if he wasn’t in the top three, then how could this crowd just so easily part to make a path for them?
Yao Chen took a deep breath; he had long since calculated that with the Violet Flame Pill which had shown signs of being a top quality pill there was an eighty percent chance of entering the top eight and obtaining the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition. However his heart was still jumping and it was difficult for him to stay calm now that the moment was before him.
When it came to his exact rank, he didn’t consider it to be important. The only thing he cared about was attaining the qualifications for the Medicine Competition. To be frank, his Dou Qi was still at the nine star Dou Zhe level, and although he had a Dou Technique that could explode out with a Dou Shi’s Dou Qi, this kind of Dou Qi had an extremely large weakness in that during battle with an enemy, it could be said that using it was basically asking for defeat and death. Of course when it came to refining medicine this kind of strength increase could be extremely useful. However, in the Yao clan, there were uncountable advantages, and it was unknown just how many fantastic alchemy techniques had far exceeded this kind of simple explosion Dou Technique.
Fortunately it was not like Yao Chen didn’t have follow up plans. After this time’s Great Competition, there was still more than a month’s time before the real Medicine Competition.
Although it was slightly pressing, but as long as he could persevere, then it was sufficient for the hidden potential that was inside of him to be drawn out.
Finally the clan school’s main door opened. All the clan school’s elders filed out, with the clan school elder Yao Lan at the very front.
In one hand elder Yao Lan was holding a ferule, while his other hand was holding a scroll.
This time the clan school’s Great Competition had a grand announcement ceremony. Not every Great Competition would have such a treatment; it would only happen once every five years for the Medicine Competition.
This time the top eight names would all be written into the clan school’s history, and although this wasn’t as large a glory as the Clan Monument, it was still leaving your name in the clan school, which was a great honor.
Elder Yao Lan lightly swept his eyes over this crowd of people. Not only were the clan school disciples present, but also their families, as well as groups of people from the branch families, extended families, and main bloodline families.
These disciples would eventually become the Yao clan’s core strength!
All this bustle and excitement was precisely due to the Yao clan’s proof of strength in these young generation disciples that were still growing up.
“This time’s Great Competition had many talents. 51 disciples managed to complete their pills. Comparing to last time’s Great Competition, an additional 17 disciples managed to succeed. This kind of progress gives pride to the Yao clan’s name.” Although this kind of speech was very standard, under this kind of situation it managed to raise the anticipation level and pride of the participants even more. Suddenly the first star signifying the start of the night glimmered.
“It is now time to reveal the rankings!“
Following, the scroll in Yao Lan’s hand made an explosive noise before unrolling and suspending itself in midair.
“Rank number 30, Yao He!”
“Rank number 29, Yao Kou!”
The names were revealed starting from last place.
Even just these last two places were still met by a burst of cheering. This time’s Great Competition had over 300 people attending it, and to be able to enter into the top 30 was quite the accomplishment.
However, currently people were still able to maintain their self-control. Only by getting into the top eight could they attend the Medicine Competition, which was the real point of getting on the list.
“Rank number 9, Yao Yun….”
“What?!” From within the crowd came a cry of alarm!
In front of the entrance, a lanky disciple’s face turned pale and full of disbelief. Yao Chen also turned his head to give him a glance. Yao Yun was one of the well known members in the clan school. Normally he would be regarded highly within the clan school. Although he couldn’t necessary weigh up to the clan school’s top three, Yao Tong, Li Yanxin, and Zuo Hongle, and even if you didn’t consider Dou Qi and only compared alchemy skills, within the clan school there was no one else who would want to compare themselves to him.
However, at the moment he ended up ranking in the ninth position and didn’t even manage to get into the top eight.
“Hehe, what have I said? Evil has its own retribution. People with low morals will at key moments have bad luck.” Zuo Hongle who was always ranked as either second or third within the clan didn’t give him even the slightest face as he laughed and ridiculed. His words spread everything and his low laughter pierced the atmosphere. In reality, Yao Yun was excessively arrogant and considered everyone to be beneath him. It was unknown just how many people he had offended.
The reason why Yao Yun considered everyone to be beneath him was because he was a lackey of the main bloodline’s Yao Feng. Whenever Yao Feng had an issue it was usually Yao Yun who served as the lead figure in dealing with it.
“Rank number 8, Yao Dong….”
Elder Yao Lan’s imposing voice was still continuing to announce the rankings.
When the eighth rank’s name announced, a rumbling noise immediately followed. The crowd become much more excited as many of them started to crowd around Yao Dong, giving him congratulations, attempting to attract him to their family, and also attempting to convince him to marry their daughter, taking out a long dowry list.
The top eight had the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, making them famous amongst thousands. At the same time it would demonstrate your talent and your abilities, and more and more families and branches would favor you and think of ways to draw you to their households.
Although everyone was the same clan, but from ancient times to present, the Yao clan had always been large, and ordinary people had difficulty getting the clan’s interest. The many branches were uncountable, and each branch had their own estates and business. Even the main bloodline also had over ten families, each with their own strengths and resources.
“Rank number 7… Rank number 6….”
Each name was called out from elder Yao Lan’s mouth, and the energy within the crowd became more and more enthusiastic, such that the people whose names were currently being called all had their faces turn an exceptional red color. To be able to get the qualifications for the Medicine Competition meant that you were extremely talented with great potential. Although the Yao clan was extremely large and powerful, but the number of people needing to be fed was also large. Even if the clan had even more resources, they still couldn’t distribute it evenly. If you wanted to obtain a larger share of resources then both your talent and qualifications had to meet extremely rigid targets. If you didn’t meet those targets then you could only rely on exchanging merit points. Not even talking about Dou Zhes, even if you were a Dou Shi just how many merit points do you think you could obtain?
As a result, to obtain the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition was equal to opening a wide road full of brilliant future prospects. Amongst the clan school disciples, most of them were all striving to obtain this.
“Rank number four….”
Elder Yao Lan voice suddenly paused at this moment, his gaze stopping to look at Li Yanxin.
Li Yanxin’s face changed, and his throat trembled.
“-Li Yanxin.”
This name ended up being announced by Yao Lan.
Everyone was no longer as excited as they were before. Instead they became shocked and startled.
Among the hundreds of disciples, from the moment Li Yanxin entered the clan school he had never dropped out of the top three rankings during the Great Competition. However it was this most important Great Competition this time that he unexpectedly ranked as fourth.
Li Yanxin’s gaze fell towards Yao Chen.
“Looks like the rumor is true, Yao Chen really did enter the top three.”
“I actually thought it was wrong….”
“It’s not possible; I know who Yao Chen is. His Dou Qi shouldn’t have entered the Dou Shi class! How could it be him?”
“Impossible! It’s absolutely impossible! Just what do you think that explosion Dou Technique is? If you use that kind of Dou Technique to refine medicine, eight or nine out of ten pills would end up highly toxic and end up a garbage pill. At the time, elder Yao Lan didn’t announce his medicinal pill’s quality; obviously it was due to this reason. The reason they still haven’t announced his name is definitely because he was washed out….”
“Now that you mention it, in the refining records of the clan school, Yao Chen ended up causing quite a few cauldron explosions right?”
There were some people who admired him, but there were also people who were simply jealous. Although the rumor had been passed around, there were still people who didn’t accept it. These cynical remarks were not cold, but also not indifferent. Most of them were from people who said Yao Chen’s potential was completely burnt out.
“Rank number 3….”
Hearing Elder Yao Lan’s voice, the crowd immediately became completely silent.
“Zuo Hongle!”
The crowd immediately burst into noise!
The third name actually ended up being Zuo Hongle! Then just what was the second name? Yao Chen?
In any case, first place was never shaken, not even by lightning. It was certain to be Yao Tong.
However… saying Yao Chen was second place… the number of people who didn’t believe it grew even greater!
“Saying that Yao Chen is second, hehe… it really is absurd. I can’t even bear such a joke. Just wait for the truth to come out.”
“No, the way I see it is that Yao Chen was hiding his strength before now, waiting to reveal it at such a critical time.”
“Haha, to say such words means that you don’t actually know his circumstance. His family only has him and his mother, so how could he possibly be hiding his strength?”
That clansman who had been in support of Yao Chen immediately fell silent. Everyone knew that while the benefits received from the clan were great, but the struggles within the clan were also very miserable. Even when it comes to the Musk Essence Foundation Strengthening Pill, only one was given out every three months to him. Even according to the Yao clan standards, just taking one a month would barely be enough to keep up in training. Without a male pillar in the family and without displaying your strength to the clan you wouldn’t be able to obtain any special resources or opportunities. Therefore hiding your strength was shortening your future potential. What could be more foolish than that?
“Hey, everyone be quiet. They’re about to announce second place.”
Elder Yao Lan had paused briefly. Waving his ferule, the noisy crowd calmed back down. Lightly sighing, he waited for the crowd to become completely silent before slowly open his mouth, “Rank number two….”
Yet again he paused for a moment, and this his gaze fell on Yao Chen.
The whole crowd noticed Yao Lan’s gaze was looking at Yao Chen, and immediately various expressions appeared on their faces. Was it actually true that this unremarkable little fellow had caused this upset?
“Yao Tong!”
Elder Yao Lan loudly announced the rank.
Silence!
To the side, Yao Tong who had previously been maintaining a calm expression ended up with an extremely complex expression on his face when he heard his name called out as second place. Second place!
Ever since Yao Tong had entered the clan school he had always been a crane amongst a flock of chicken. The first place position had always been taken by him. The saying about the clan school’s top three was totally made up by other people of their own initiative, and Yao Tong had never bothered to correct them. Li Yanxin and Zuo Hongle were simply never put in his eyesight. Previously when they had done a couple private challenges, the result to Yao Tong was always two words- not worthy. The difference between him and them was definitely not merely one level.
He had never expected that this time, the most important clan school’s Great Competition’s first place would not fall to him.
Just who was first!?
Yao Tong was askance for a couple moments, before recovering to his normal tranquil self. Shooting a glance at Yao Chen, he wondered, was it actually him?
Was that actually possible?
The only possibility was a Violet Flame Pill whose quality was assessed as top grade. Other than this, no one else could compare to his third tier Moon Suppressing Wind Pill. And even if it was a top grade pill, so what? Yao Chen simply had no way of competing with him. Not only had he been the constant first place of the clan school ever since he had entered, the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill he had refined had come from an ancient ruined formula. That was no small matter. Using a repaired ancient formula was something that was a level higher than just a top grade pill.
The other clansmen in the crowd also evidently knew this argument. The Moon Suppressing Wind Pill was definitely the most amazing pill in this time’s Great Competition. No other pills were able to compare to it, not even Yao Chen’s Violet Flame Pill. Although it was nice to think that the pill was top grade, but it wasn’t necessarily definite. Just because it had shown signs of being top grade didn’t necessarily mean that it was. Its quality was still unknown, and just how was the pill’s toxicity? A disciple who was always ranked below the forties who didn’t seem to improve ever lacked the persuasiveness to convince the crowd.
However, if it wasn’t him, then who else could first place go to? All the evaluated pills had already been ranked except for Yao Chen. Other than his unexpected pill, there was no one else that could compete with the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill.
Yao Chen’s heart was also jumping. He himself knew best that the Violet Flame Pill’s effect. Even if it was a top grade pill, it would still have quite a gap compared to the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill. Furthermore, the Violet Flame Pill also had a quite a few drawbacks… Yao Chen had had confidence in entering the top eight, but looking at the current situation, even up to the second rank his name had still not been called.
Had he failed?
Or was he actually… first?
First… this, was it actually possible?
Just as Yao Chen was worrying about whether he had failed or succeeded, he heard elder Yao Lan’s voice once again ring out. The ferule in hand waved once more, appearing completely solemn, as he slowly announced: “Rank number 1….”
Everyone was completely silent. The many clan members present all held their breath. This was the first time in many years that the first place of the clan school’s Great Competition wasn’t Yao Tong!
Was it the newly emerged, apparently talented Yao Chen?
The people sent from the branch families and households were all looking at Yao Chen. If it was him… their sharp gazes as the shot towards their fellow competitors. Yao Chen’s background was extremely poor, just suitable for them to attempt to attract with a partner.
“Yao Chen!” Elder Yao Lan’s voice was like a raging flood as it loudly rose out.
Just as he spoke, the previously silent crowd suddenly seemed like a boiling cauldron of voices.
“It really was him!?”
“This is too ridiculous!”
“Yao Tong’s expression is pretty ugly now.”
“Haha, after this time’s Great Competition, Yao Tong will definitely make some moves.”
“The one that’s more likely to get mad is Yao Yun.”
Yao Yun had ranked number 9 during this time’s Great Competition. In the past, with Yao Yun’s ability he had steadily stayed within the top eight. It could even be said that originally he had been guaranteed one of the spots to attend the Medicine Competition. But due to Yao Chen suddenly emerging as a force to be reckoned with, he had been squeezed out of the top eight and had no way of attending the Medicine Competition.
This kind of enmity couldn’t be said to be a life and death hatred, but it was also one that couldn’t be easily resolved. After all, the Medicine Competition’s meaning was too deep, too serious, and too heavy for the clan school disciples.
However, training in and of itself involved constant struggle, struggle against the heavens, against oneself, and against others. If you were to dispute this then you would end up on a dead end, spending your last years as a nameless nobody.
As for Yao Chen, all the countless commentary around him was completely blocked out by him. He simply felt his mind empty of all but one thought… he was rank one!
Although he said that he didn’t care about his rank as long as he was within the top eight and could attend the Medicine Competition, but actually obtaining first place still caused his heart to pound faster and a wondrous sensation started to fill up his chest.
However, in moments like this , there would always be someone who would come out of nowhere to spoil it. Luo Shu was even more excited than Yao Chen, and he grabbed Yao Chen’s shoulders and incessantly shook him back in forth as his mouth constantly repeated, “Brother Chen… You’re rank one, you’re rank one, rank number one!
“Brother Shu.” Yao Chen helplessly shook his head.
“Brother Chen? What’s the matter?”
“Can you let go; right now I’m still very dazed.”
Although he had already rested for a couple hours, but he had basically gone all out in order to use his Energy Explosion Technique; the explosive hand seal Dou Technique caused Yao Chen to be in a kind of muddleheaded condition.
“Xi… hehe, I forgot.” Luo Shu scratched his head, mischievously laughing. He simply was just too happy.
At this moment, elder Yao Lan coughed lightly. But by using his Dou Qi to amplify his voice, the sound was like thunder, causing everyone present to hear it. “Yao Chen, Yao Tong, Zuo Hongle…….. these top eight people have obtained the clan school’s qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition. Hopefully with great effort in training, you can rise to another level during the Medicine Competition.”
They were encouraging words, but Yao Chen didn’t hear even a bit of it. His head was completely thinking about how he was first place at the Great Competition and how he had the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition.
There was still one month’s time before the Medicine Competition. Advancing to Dou Shi within this month was a challenge that Yao Chen must complete. If he wasn’t a Dou Shi, even if he attended the Medicine Competition, then no matter what kind of talent he had in alchemy he would not be anything more than background.
At this time, a voice coldly sounded out, “Elder, the Violet Flame Pill is pretty good, but when compared to the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill there is still quite a disparity. Yao Chen ended up ranking above Yao Tong, but we don’t know for what reason. If you don’t announce the reason then I’m afraid it will be hard to convince everyone.”
