Harris could only smile bitterly after Felix's suggestion. "There's no doubt over his status as an alchemist if he possesses a cauldron like that. He must have some skill as well. That's the most plausible explanation aside from a possible connection to someone powerful."As the notion of a connection to someone powerful crossed Harris's mind, he inhaled sharply and added, "Wait, didn't they mention earlier that our sect leader arranged for them to stay here? Are they close with our sect leader? Could our sect leader have given him that cauldron?"Felix shot a glare at Harris. "You're always overthinking things. Why would our sect leader give him that? That's a stretch, even from you!" After a brief thought, Felix added, "Don't worry. He's probably just trying to bluff us. He hasn't even taken out his materials yet. I'll make it more challenging for him so we won't necessarily lose the challenge even if he does succeed in producing a third-grade pill.""Ahem! What are the two of you
Harris gulped after observing Severin's movements.Felix, too, was left dumbstruck. "His ability is out of this world! Just look at that impeccable timing and sense of rhythm! I'm in awe of his technique!"Their shared passion for alchemy led them to anticipate Severin's potential missteps, which they were hoping to find delight in. However, the strength of one's abilities was reflected in the way in which one executed their technique. They knew right away that Severin was no faker."Now rise!" Severin commanded. With a raise of his palm, a pill levitated right in front of him."This can't be! It's a superior-quality pill with five lines!" Felix looked closely at the pill with marked astonishment."You're right. It is a superior-quality pill made even better from the five lines! I'm speechless! This all but confirms that he's a third-grade high-rank alchemist at a minimum, possibly even a fourth-level low-rank alchemist," Harris stammered. His emotions were in a mess.Severin kep
Alchemists commanded the highest level of respect within any sect. Igor's two apprentices had reached second-grade high-rank and would likely become third-grade low-rank alchemists in due time if their progress continued unhindered. Alchemists of their caliber were treated with great reverence within the sect, and even the protectors accorded them the utmost respect. For his two students to kneel and apologize was akin to a blatant insult to their teacher.Severin looked at Igor with a cold smile and asked, "Are you their master? They lost a bet to me and knelt to apologize for their loss. Is there a problem with that?"Igor frowned. If his two students did lose, then he surmised that they had been competing with the young man related to alchemy, and neither of his students was able to outdo the young man."Haha, judging from your appearance, you must be the newcomer alchemist, yes?" Despite not understanding the reason for Severin's presence in the courtyard, Igor deduced that the
Those comments only further served to fuel Igor's displeasure. He retorted coldly, "Watch your mouth! Letting him humiliate you is equivalent to letting him humiliate me. You might think that it's fine to be humiliated like that, but I don't share the same sentiment. Do not stop me from challenging him."Severin was speechless for a moment. He pondered for a moment and suggested to Igor, "Well, I can accept the challenge if you're so insistent on one, but we don't have to resort to kneeling and whatnot. There's no element of excitement in that. How about we stake our bet on spiritual herbs?"Igor perceived Severin's proposal as a sign of fear, fear of making a fool of himself if he lost and had to kneel in apology. A cold smile unfolded across his lips as he retorted, "What a scheming little rascal you are. You were willing to bet with my apprentices that the loser has to kneel and apologize, but now you're changing the terms of the bet because you think you can't beat their master.
"Fourth-grade low-rank materials?" Felix and Harris were left utterly dumbfounded upon seeing the materials Severin had unveiled. It did not cross their mind that Severin would attempt to refine a fourth-grade low-rank pill. If he succeeded, there would be no doubt that he was a fourth-grade low-rank alchemist.In that instance, it was highly likely that their sect leader had scouted him and made the necessary living arrangements for him in the sect. Consequently, there was not much that they could do about it if Severin were indeed a fourth-grade low-rank alchemist who had been permitted to reside there."After you, then. I'll have no choice but to concede defeat if you manage to successfully craft your pill. My skills are capped at third-grade high-rank. I'm not capable of producing pills any higher than that," Igor declared after considering the matter for a while. He had spent the past few months attempting to craft a fourth-grade low-rank pill but made insignificant progress in
"He's almost done! Such amazing speed and technique!" Harold remarked, feeling somewhat humbled after observing Severin's work."Rise!" Severin exclaimed less than half a minute after Harold's remark. He raised his hand and gracefully levitated a pill before their eyes."He succeeded! This all but confirms that he's a fourth-grade low-rank alchemist!" Felix was left in awe of Severin's abilities. Deep down, he could not help but scold himself for looking down on Severin and attempting to show off in front of him."He's… He's a fourth-grade alchemist!" Igor grappled with his mixed emotions. On the one hand, he was delighted that the sect had one more formidable alchemist as a member. On the other, he regretted that their initial exchange came off as a confrontation. It would be awkward for him to approach Severin for alchemical advice in the future since he had offended Severin so gravely."Impressive. This is an elite-quality three-lined pill," Harold remarked after approaching him
"Did you make some sort of bet with him?" Harold asked with an odd expression. Observing Severin's alchemical expertise had been immensely instructive for him. It would offer much potential for him to improve his standards once he went back to reflect upon what he had learned.Igor nodded bitterly. "I didn't expect such a formidable alchemist to join our sect."Severin smiled and spoke up, "Ahem. Well, you've lost the bet, so you should hand over…""I will address you with the utmost respect from now on. Your demonstration has been such an inspiration, and I have gained much insight from it. I hope that you'll be so kind as to provide us with some guidance if such an opportunity ever arises. I will be very thankful for that," Igor remarked as he took out ten fourth-grade low-rank spiritual herbs for Severin. Many alchemists put on an aloof demeanor in the presence of other disciples or protectors, showing only the most profound of respect when addressing alchemists of higher rank.
Selene's reaction elicited a chuckle from Severin. "Haha, you're already very strong, Selene, but we all have to continue working hard. Even though you won't be able to come with me this time, perhaps you'll get the chance the next time the Paradise Secret Realm opens. Hmm… Maybe not. That'll be six years from now, which is too quick. Still, if you're able to make a lot of progress, you might even be able to surpass that of a saint by then!"Selene giggled and said, "Hehe? Really? I'll be super strong then!"After Igor and the others left, news of a fourth-grade medium-rank alchemist began to spread throughout the sect. Many of the sect's alchemists came to visit Severin that afternoon, and he greeted them all warmly.When nightfall came, Severin enjoyed a good night's rest.The following morning, Severin prepared to enjoy a peaceful morning in the courtyard when Wuhlricht came to meet him all of a sudden."Good morning!" Sheila greeted Wuhlricht warmly upon his arrival.Wuhlrich