The tension in the hall remained as high as ever, perhaps even higher.
Four cauldrons remained.
And among them, the first to reach completion was Yan Ruichen.
A deep blue glow suddenly surged from within his cauldron.
His Azure Serpent Flame coiled tighter, compressing the heat inward as the final stage of condensation was forced together.
The cauldron trembled.
The lid rattled.
Then—
Clang!
Yan Ruichen raised his hand and withdrew the flame.
A wave of medicinal fragrance spread outward as the lid lifted slightly.
Inside, a pill floated calmly, its surface smooth and perfectly formed.
The announcement quickly followed.
"Yan Ruichen has successfully refined a Mid-tier Grade-4—Blue Spirit Tempering Pill!"
A ripple spread through the hall.
"Mid-tier Grade-4!"
"As expected of Yan Ruichen! His fame is well deserved."
Yan Ruichen exhaled slowly.
Only now did people notice the thin layer of sweat running down the side of his face.
