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Bo Hai Dong and Ling Ying exchanged glances, both fully aware of Su Qian's formidable strength, yet they still felt a burning determination in their hearts.
However, when faced with a Dou Zong powerhouse as invincible as Su Qian, they couldn't help but feel a trace of helplessness.
If a fight really broke out, they weren't sure they could protect their master.
Nevertheless, both Ling Ying and Bo Hai Dong remained resolute.
Ling Ying stared at Su Qian, her voice steady as she said, "If anyone from Jia Nan Academy dares to harm our master, we will risk our lives to protect him."
Bo Hai Dong's gaze was equally determined, and he immediately added, "That's right. We won't allow anyone to harm our master."
"How outrageous! What do you think this place is?"
Su Qian's anger flared at their words. He advanced, his Dou Zong energy swirling around him, preparing to strike at Ling Ying and Bo Hai Dong.
"Wait!"
Just as he was about to make his move, he heard Xiao Yan's voice calling out, causing him to pause.
Su Qian turned to face Xiao Yan, who stood firm, his expression resolute and unafraid. "I will never hand over the strange fire," Xiao Yan said. "However, as I promised, I will compensate the academy for its losses.
Those pills I just showed you, Su Qian, you may not find them useful, but what about the Ascension Pill? Surely, that would catch your interest?"
The Ascension Pill, as the name suggests, could elevate a Dou Zong's power by one star.
Such a pill was invaluable, especially to someone of Su Qian's caliber. It was a treasure beyond measure.
"What!?"
Su Qian's expression changed drastically upon hearing the name "Ascension Pill." He froze for a moment, stunned.
After hesitating, he shook his head, a skeptical look in his eyes. "How could such a powerful pill possibly exist?"
Xiao Yan remained unfazed, his confidence unwavering. "It does exist, and I can refine it myself.
Please, give me a chance, Su Qian. If I can refine it, all our grudges will be wiped away. If I fail, you can do as you wish."
Su Qian, intrigued by Xiao Yan's words, glanced toward the head alchemist of the academy standing nearby. He asked, "Can I believe what this kid is saying?"
The alchemist frowned, pausing to think before responding, "It sounds unbelievable, but the top-tier pills he had earlier were genuine."
Su Qian, hearing this, frowned deeply, his mind conflicted.
He knew that if such a pill really existed, it would be an immense boon for him.
But the idea of a pill with such power was far too extraordinary for him to easily accept.
Still, after hearing Xiao Yan's firm declaration, Su Qian hesitated no longer. The temptation of gaining an upgrade was too great.
With a deep breath, a determined glint flashed in his eyes as he made his decision.
"Alright, I'll give you a chance to try."
Su Qian's tone was heavy but held a note of anticipation. "If you can refine the Ascension Pill within seven days, I will forget about the stolen异火 and let the matter slide."
"But if you fail, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Xiao Yan, upon hearing this, raised an eyebrow, his expression resolute yet filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Su Qian. I will not disappoint your trust."
Xiao Yan's words caused a quiet sigh of relief from both Xiao Xun'er and Bo Hai Dong, who had been anxiously waiting.
This opportunity was undoubtedly invaluable to Xiao Yan; it was his only chance.
Under Su Qian's arrangements, Xiao Yan received the precious materials he needed and was placed inside the Burning Heaven Refining Qi Tower to refine the pill in isolation.
Outside the tower, a crowd of high-ranking officials from Jia Nan Academy gathered, surrounding the tower tightly, eager to witness whether Xiao Yan could successfully refine the legendary Ascension Pill.
"Guard the gates carefully. Don't let anyone disturb that boy, and don't let him escape," Su Qian commanded the guards beside him, his voice cold and firm.
The guards immediately nodded in acknowledgment, their figures darting like hawks as they perched on top of the Burning Heaven Refining Qi Tower, ensuring the gates remained securely guarded.
Inside the tower, Shui Wuyá stood in silent concentration, gently rubbing each precious herb between his fingers. His expression was focused and calm, his mind fully immersed in the art of alchemy.
Xiao Yan and the Old Pharmacist stood quietly to the side, observing Shui Wuyá's alchemical process.
Shui Wuyá was tall and imposing, his face serious, with precious herbs floating gently in his hands.
Xiao Yan and the Old Pharmacist exchanged a look, both filled with uncertainty.
"Does the Ascension Pill really exist?" Xiao Yan whispered, his eyes fixed on the herbs in Shui Wuyá's hands, trying to glean some clue from them.
The reason Xiao Yan had mentioned the Ascension Pill earlier was because his master, Shui Wuyá, had once brought it up. Now, the task of refining the Ascension Pill had naturally been entrusted to Shui Wuyá.
But Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel some disbelief—such a miraculous pill seemed too incredible to be real.
The Old Pharmacist furrowed his brows, his eyes reflecting a mix of doubt and expectation. "I've never heard of the Ascension Pill before, but since Senior Shui Wuyá says it exists, if it doesn't, it will eventually, right?"
Despite the many questions they had, Shui Wuyá ignored them, his attention wholly focused on the alchemical process. His demeanor was solemn and intense, as though he was merging with the very essence of the medicinal fragrance in the air.
Shui Wuyá's gaze fixed on the herbs in the furnace, his fingers gently caressing each one as if communicating with them on a spiritual level. His movements were measured and graceful, yet filled with a quiet strength and authority.
With a soft flick of his hand, he tossed the herbs into the furnace. Immediately, the flames surged, raising the furnace's temperature to its peak.
Xiao Yan and the Old Pharmacist couldn't help but furrow their brows tightly.
They could sense the overwhelming power emanating from Shui Wuyá, but at the same time, they could also feel the immense effort and pressure Shui Wuyá was facing in refining this pill.
Xiao Yan's palms grew slightly damp with sweat as he nervously bit his lip, silently praying that Shui Wuyá would succeed in refining the Ascension Pill.
The Old Pharmacist's frown deepened as well. He knew that if Shui Wuyá failed to complete the refinement within seven days, it could spell an even greater crisis for everyone.
The flames danced inside the furnace, and the herbs burned in the fire, releasing potent medicinal energy.
Shui Wuyá's movements became increasingly rapid, but a shadow of worry never left his brow, as if he were facing an unpredictable challenge.
This Ascension Pill was one that Shui Wuyá had never refined before.
Due to the rarity of the materials, he had never had the opportunity to practice.
Now, with the generous support of Jia Nan Academy providing all the necessary herbs, he could finally display his skills.
(End of Chapter)