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Chapter 192 The Alchemy Platform Breaks, the Jade Formula Begins to Appear; The Demonic Shadow Peeks into the Furnace, the Dream is About to Be Fulfilled [Part Two]

Under the watchful eyes of people both inside and outside the lake.

Following the guidance of the talisman's spiritual light, Tang Hao and his companion landed on two adjacent lotus platforms.

They arrived late to begin with, and after signing in, registering, drawing pills, and receiving medicine, it was just time for the competition to begin.

"The alchemy competition officially begins!"

At the elder's command, a layer of azure fluorescence rippled across the entire lake.

Wherever it passed, the lotus platforms trembled slightly, and the talismans in the hands of the disciples of each sect lit up.

Under their control, one water curtain barrier after another rose up, enveloping the lotus platform beneath them.

Looking at the thin barrier above his head that completely blocked out divine sense and sound, yet proved to be quite resilient to touch, Tang Hao nodded slightly in satisfaction.

He then ignored the outside disturbances and focused on the alchemy competition at that moment.

He placed the storage bag containing the medicinal herbs on the lotus platform and looked at the elixir bottle for the first question.

The moment the water curtain barrier rose, the elixir bottle made a soft "pop" sound, and the bottle body returned to transparency, making it easy to remove the cap.

Tang Hao poured out the pill, performed some rituals, and then his expression turned strange.

It was said to be an uncommon elixir, and it was no exaggeration. Based on its effects, he couldn't find any memories that matched it.

"I'm quite knowledgeable, having read many alchemical texts, yet I can't identify the name of this elixir at all. Following the standard formula would be incredibly time-consuming."

With that thought in mind, he quickly and efficiently read through the advertisement.

The information obtained from the system records shows that this thing is actually called "Warmth Preservation Pill".

'No wonder, the medicinal properties are mainly to stimulate qi and blood and maintain body temperature,'

While he was complaining, he couldn't help but wonder about the origin of this bizarre pill.

Those selected to participate in the alchemy competition are at least geniuses or above in their respective sects.

In the cultivation world, there are actually very detailed records and statistics on the classification of cultivators' aptitude and talent levels.

Tang Hao had seen a document at the residence of his master, the Pure Light True Lord.

This is the Qinghua Sect, a collection of statistics on the time it took for disciples of all levels to break through each realm since the sect's founding, up to the time it took for True Monarch Jingguang to become a deity.

He was curious at the time and looked at it carefully.

Although it's just statistical data within the sect, it can still be used here to analyze some intelligence.

As mentioned before, all participants in the exchange program competition are cultivators below the Core Formation stage.

Judging by the level of geniuses in the cultivation world, the oldest cultivator on this lotus platform is probably close to seventy years old.

That's over fifty years of cultivation experience, yet the Free and Unfettered Sword Sect is still confident that the pills in the box are still relatively uncommon for them.

'What does this mean?' Tang Hao's heart skipped a beat.

Does this mean there are countless types of elixirs in the cultivation world?
No! This indicates that many results from past alchemical competitions have been left behind.

"Many of these so-called obscure elixirs are probably the result of innovative elixir formulas developed during previous exchange meetings and alchemy competitions."

He had already seen through the truth, but this situation still made Tang Hao frown.

The first question was actually quite easy for him.

He is no longer the novice cultivator he once was.

Based on the appearance of the medicinal herbs being put into the alchemy furnace in the advertisement video, he easily mastered the pill formula after only one glance.

If these are truly just ordinary, obscure elixirs, then writing down the formulas now and finishing the first question wouldn't be a problem.

Others would just think he's knowledgeable and incredibly lucky, that he actually managed to come across such an obscure elixir that he's seen before.

However, these pills were actually creations by previous disciples of alchemy, who were trying to come up with innovative formulas to meet the third challenge.

It's unlikely that this information will circulate outside the public; it would be highly unreasonable for him to directly provide the formula.

'What a hassle. Oh well, I'll just treat it as a way to verify what I've learned.' Tang Hao sighed inwardly and began to analyze the pill in his hand according to the methods of alchemy.

Fortunately, his own mastery of alchemy was also quite remarkable.

In addition, with the prescription already available in the video for reference, we avoided any detours.

In less than half an hour, the formula for the pill was easily deciphered.

He entered the elixir recipe into the talisman and casually tossed it aside.

Meanwhile, in the lakeside pavilion.

The moment Tang Hao entered the pill formula into the talisman.

A light screen was projected out in mid-air, and a message appeared on it.

"Lotus Platform No. 233, Tang Hao of the Qinghua Sect, [Warmth Preservation Pill], Formula: Fire Spirit Ginseng, Dried Rehmannia..."

The elders of various alchemy sects, who were either resting with their eyes closed or chatting over tea, were suddenly awakened by the appearance of the light screen.

They couldn't help but cast their concerned gazes towards the sky.

"Someone has already finished the first question. How come they're so fast?"

"Speed ​​is useless; the key is accuracy. If the prescription is wrong, no matter how short the time is, it will not be taken into account during the evaluation."

"They're actually disciples of the Qinghua Sect. Tsk tsk, usually the alchemy competitions are a place where the Hundred Flowers Valley competes for supremacy."

"Tang Hao, isn't this the one who just boasted that he wanted to refine the [Golden Elixir Jade Rejuvenation Pill]?"

After a brief discussion, everyone turned their attention to a lotus-petal-shaped bronze mirror in front of them.

Then, bursts of spiritual light fell, and the process of Tang Hao analyzing the pill began to be examined, as well as the differences between the pill formula he obtained and the actual pill formula.

"Elder Mei?" Helian Jinxi looked at Mei Zhen expectantly.

Yan Yumin's gaze also turned to her best friend.

Mei Zhen smiled gently at the two of them, activated the lotus petal bronze mirror, placed it in a suitable position, and watched it with them.

Although the three looked at the boy's reflection in the mirror with different expressions, they were all full of concern.

Unfortunately, in the art of alchemy, Yan Yumin only knew some special water-refining techniques, while Helian Jinxi was still a novice who had just begun to understand the basics.

They were completely baffled by Tang Hao's explanation of the elixir.

All eyes turned to Mei Zhen. Although neither of them spoke, the unspoken meaning in their eyes was clear.

Some couldn't help but shake their heads, and Mei Zhen pondered how to explain it to them in a simple way.

The sudden stream of comments and evaluations from all around them made them prick up their ears.

"This Tang Hao has quite the skill in alchemy!"

"Indeed, no wonder he took so little time. Every step was concise and efficient, without any unnecessary delays."

"The key point is that, considering the actual prescription, Tang Hao's judgment is extremely accurate. Every step and every direction is flawless, and every action is effective. He is truly remarkable!"

"With this skill alone, let alone first and second-tier alchemists, even third-tier alchemists are few and far between."

Yan Yumin and Helian Jinxi's eyes lit up as they listened to the comments.

Upon seeing this, Mei Zhen suddenly realized that the two of them didn't really want to know the knowledge in the analysis process; they simply wanted to hear others praise Tang Hao.

'However, my junior brother's talent in alchemy is truly astonishing. Once he forms his core, it probably won't be long before he surpasses me.'

While she felt proud, she couldn't help but feel a little melancholy.

On the lotus platform number 233, Tang Hao was unaware of everything that had happened in the waterside pavilion.

He has summoned the [Purple Gold Fiery Cloud Treasure Furnace] and is preparing to begin the second question.

Since most of the participants in the competition were renowned genius alchemists.

Everyone has their own exclusive alchemy furnace. As long as you can handle it, even if you bring over a spirit treasure alchemy furnace, no one will say anything.

With a wave of his hand, Tang Hao summoned a small mountain of various medicinal herbs for refining the Golden Elixir Jade Rejuvenation Pill in front of him.

With a few more casual strokes, he divided them into several piles. These medicinal herbs appeared to have been taken from a storage bag provided by the [Free and Unfettered Sword Sect].

In reality, apart from the auxiliary medicines, the main medicines were all rewards he received in real life after watching the video on site.

Just as they were about to turn on the alchemy furnace and put the medicinal herbs into it.

Suddenly, Tang Hao had a thought and slowed down the hand seals.

Summon the information panel for [Nightmare Butterfly].

"Nightmare Realms: Spell effects under construction, current progress: 49/100"

He glanced at the record; in just a moment, the progress had increased by three points.

'This is the first challenge: deciphering the effects of the pill formula? Not bad.' A smile flickered across Tang Hao's lips; he was quite satisfied.

The deciphered formula is currently only known to the alchemy elders who participated in the evaluation. Their numbers are not large, and it is already quite remarkable that they can provide three points of progress.

Receiving positive feedback, Tang Hao was immediately energized. He turned off the information panel and focused on refining the [Golden Elixir Jade Rejuvenation Pill].

Because Tang Hao answered the first question quickly and accurately.

Many elders in the waterside pavilion fixed the viewpoint of the lotus petal bronze mirror directly at their position.

Analysis of elixirs and refining elixirs are two relatively unrelated fields of alchemy. Being outstanding in the former does not necessarily mean being proficient in the latter.

However, Tang Hao's precision and efficiency, and the fact that he used far less time than others, were remarkable.

Furthermore, his unexpected choice of pills before the competition aroused great interest among the crowd regarding his pill-refining process.

Those who were watching the spectacle from the lakeside also focused their attention on him.

It can be said that Tang Hao has become the focus of the entire alchemy competition, and even many distracted participants frequently turn their attention to him.

The reason is simple: the tools used for analyzing pills are different. Only on Tang Hao's lotus platform is there a huge alchemy furnace that is taller than a person.

"This person arrived late, but made quick progress."

"It's only been half an hour, and we're already on the second question?"

"Don't forget, he just said he was going to refine the [Golden Liquid Jade Rejuvenation Pill]. That's the most time-consuming of the second-tier pills. Could it be that he's skipping the first question just to save time?"

"Is this your first time watching a Daoist alchemy competition? This isn't a speed race; the time taken accounts for a negligible percentage of the score."

"To be honest, this guy is good-looking, and his alchemy furnace is beautiful too. I like him!"

Alchemy competitions are actually quite boring.

Therefore, the cultivators who come to watch are either already practitioners of this path or newcomers who intend to enter this path.

If they initially paid attention to Tang Hao simply because he was fast and the extra alchemy furnace on his lotus platform was eye-catching.

However, as Tang Hao's alchemy process progressed, everyone gradually became immersed in it.

Two hours passed quietly, and on the other lotus platforms, many people had already completed the alchemy and were beginning the third task.

Tang Hao, however, continued to control the heat at a leisurely pace.

For a moment, everyone felt that there was a very high chance that his batch of pills would be successful.

"Who was it that said it was their first time refining the Golden Elixir Jade Rejuvenation Pill?"

"Really, you've gotten this skilled on your first time?"

"Could this guy be a seasoned Foundation Establishment cultivator, a second-tier veteran?"

"Hey, that's not true at all. I am a disciple of the Medicine Peak of the Qinghua Sect. Although I don't have much interaction with this Senior Brother Tang, I know that he has been in the sect for no more than a year."

Upon hearing this, many people asked the man for more information about Tang Hao.

Jiang Yourong also listened intently, but other thoughts were swirling in her mind.

'I never expected Tang Hao's talent and skill in alchemy to be so outstanding. It would be a waste to just use him as an ordinary male concubine.' Her eyes were full of amazement.

She couldn't help but lick her lips, thinking to herself, 'I'll find an opportunity to capture him. Once this batch of Core Formation elixirs is complete, the resources I get in return will be enough for me to find a place to cultivate in seclusion until I reach Core Formation.'

In the short time it took, Jiang Yourong had completely adjusted her plans.

Any grand scheme of infiltration by the demonic sects pales in comparison to the improvement of one's own cultivation and strength.

With this thought in mind, and seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she immediately took out her communication jade pendant.

With each movement of his lips, commands were issued to his handsome subordinates.

Some of the demonic cultivators who cooperated with her were also mobilized by her under various pretexts, with the intention of using them to achieve her own goals.

This includes Shen Mengyao.

The two finally made contact after arriving at the Free and Unfettered Sword Sect, using a coded message.

One of them wanted to complete the sect mission of the Hehuan Sect, while the other wanted to seek benefits and resources. After a brief exchange, they hit it off immediately.

Meanwhile, on another spot by the lake, Shen Mengyao was staring at Lotus Platform No. 233 with a complicated expression.

After Tang Hao retrieved the Nightmare Butterfly, her symptoms of madness were somewhat relieved, but she did not fully recover.

However, she also realized that she had been acting abnormally recently and wanted to make adjustments, but she found it difficult to control her emotions.

This has driven her almost crazy in the past two days.

Fortunately, her collaboration with You Rong Huanzhu allowed her to vent a lot of her negative emotions and also helped her gain some resources.

'This exchange meeting should be able to raise all my Jade Faces to the Foundation Establishment stage. With this team, my future path will become smoother and smoother.' Thinking this, she narrowed her eyes slightly.

His gaze pierced through the water curtain barrier and landed on the young man refining pills: 'I couldn't do anything to you before, but no matter how strong you are, you're still only at the Foundation Establishment stage. Facing an attack from more than a dozen cultivators of the same realm, I don't believe you can escape alive!'

'At that time, your people will be mine, the Core Formation Elixir will be mine, your cultivation will be mine, everything will be mine!' Shen Mengyao's eyes gradually reddened.

Just as Zhuang Yun was preparing the [Heart-Cleansing Mantra] beside her, the movement of the communication jade tablet woke her from her delusions.

After quickly checking the messages and replying briefly, Shen Mengyao let out a breath and looked at Lotus Platform No. 233 again.

To their shock, they discovered that Tang Hao had already formed the "Collecting Pills Incantation" with his hand, and seven or eight pills, enveloped in light, "clinked" into the pill bottle in his hand.

"Tang Hao actually succeeded in refining the Golden Elixir Jade Rejuvenation Pill?"

53, 61, 72, 85...

As the pills were produced, eight lustrous pills fell into the pill bottle, and the numbers on the information panel in front of Tang Hao began to jump wildly.

'Sure enough, a well-prepared display of power in front of others yields effective feedback!' He summoned the information panel of [Nightmare Butterfly] before collecting the pill.

At this point, the progress bar slowly rolled forward one digit at a time, finally stopping at eighty-six.

"Nightmare Realms: Spell effects under construction, current progress: 86/100"

While Tang Hao was pleased, he also felt a little regretful.

'It's all that Wind-Calling Master's fault for causing trouble; otherwise, the number of disciples coming to watch the alchemy competition would probably be much higher, and the progress might have been pushed to the maximum.'

With a sigh, he activated the talisman and shook it at the pill bottle.

The built-in spell for checking the type and properties of elixirs automatically records the results into the talisman.

'Even if they see the results at the waterside pavilion, they probably won't be able to accelerate the progress any further,' he concluded.

The elders of each sect of alchemy were all experienced individuals. They had witnessed the process of the pills being completed and had already formed a basic judgment.

Their contribution should have already contributed to the recent surge in progress.

Sure enough, after taking a short break, the construction progress remained unchanged.

Tang Hao frowned: 'Looks like we have no choice but to take the gamble.'

Because of the previous incident with Ji Liang, he was somewhat worried that the kendo competition would not yield any feedback.

Once the opportunity of the exchange meeting is lost, the Nightmare Kingdom will have to wait until the [Cultivation Doubling Technique] a month later to push the progress to the maximum.

Thinking this, Tang Hao channeled his own aura into the [Dream Entry Jade Talisman] in his robes.

(End of this chapter)