Mu Qingyuan stepped forward once more, his presence drawing every gaze in the hall.
The murmurs gradually subsided.
His eyes swept across the participants, checking whether everyone was prepared.
"Before we begin, let me lay down the rules."
The young alchemists straightened instinctively.
"This competition has no restriction on equipment or ingredients."
A slight pause.
"You may use your own cauldrons, flames, and materials."
Although it won't be entirely fair—since depending on one's background, one can obtain better equipment and ingredients—in the end, that too is an ability.
This was the reality of the cultivation world.
After all, no one would care about what materials were used or what equipment was involved.
The only thing that mattered was the quality of the pill.
"Of course," he added, "for those who did not prepare, the Mu Clan has already provided standard cauldrons and ingredients."
His gaze shifted briefly toward the neatly arranged platforms.
