Chapter 361: Chapter 361: Has it Been Treasured?

The majestic yet silent door of the great hall was forcefully opened by Zhuge Cang, who rushed in hurriedly before resealing the entrance with a loud thud.

Inside this grand hall stood a crystal stone, the sole object within the room.

Zhuge Cang stood before the stone, catching his breath somewhat frantically. After calming his mind, he appeared significantly more composed.

Without further ado, Zhuge Cang reached out, placing his hand on the crystal stone. Immediately, the stone emitted a radiant blue glow, soft yet dazzling.

The next moment, a towering figure appeared within the stone’s glow, his back to Zhuge Cang, and let out a somewhat gloomy voice.

“What is it?”

Zhuge Cang respectfully bent in a bow, holding forward the pill formula that had been clenched so hard it had deformed in his hand.

“Hall Master, I have a pill formula here that I would like you to review.” Zhuge Cang reverently responded.

“What pill formula?” the figure asked, indifferently.

Zhuge Cang took a deep breath and said, “The refined Lifespan Extension Pill.”

Upon hearing this, the figure outstretched his hand and the pill formula in Zhuge Cang’s possession instantly flew to the figure’s front, quietly levitating in mid-air.

Zhuge Cang stood back, a mix of anticipation and tension etched on his face.

After a while, Zhuge Cang noticed a slight tremor from the Hall Master’s figure.

“Who refined this pill formula?” The figure questioned, unable to maintain his earlier calmness.

Zhuge Cang promptly replied, “Fang Lin, a Pill Refiner of the Pill Alliance in Qian Country.”

“Fang Lin?” The Hall Master repeated the name, seemingly puzzled.

Zhuge Cang explained: “This young man is currently participating in the Pill Refining Conference in our Black Cauldron City. He has a deep understanding of both herbal medicine and pill formulas. Even though he’s not even twenty years old, he already holds the rank of Three Cauldrons Pill Refiner.”

“Hmm, this formula will be kept by this hall. Furthermore, this event must not be known to others. As for Fang Lin, he is worth cultivating.” The Hall Master stated.

Zhuge Cang hesitated and then said, “Hall Master, may I ask a question?”

“Ask,” the Hall Master replied.

Zhuge Cang appeared more hesitant, as if unsure whether he should voice his question.

However, in the end, Zhuge Cang still said, “May I ask, Hall Master, is the big shot upstairs really as the rumors claim?”

“No.” The Hall Master replied, his figure vanished into thin air in the next moment, taking with him the refined pill formula of Fang Lin.

Zhuge Cang stood in shock for quite some time, his facial expression going through several changes before finally returning to normal.

With a sigh, Zhuge Cang, his hands behind his back, slowly proceeded out of the great hall.

The middle-aged man returned to the center of the square, his face was grave. He had learnt from Zhuge Cang that Fang Lin’s pill formula had been appreciated and taken by the higher-ups.

What did this signify?

It signified that Fang Lin’s refined pill formula had been recognized by the higher-ups and was very likely to be adopted.

The thought of this made the middle-aged man somewhat excited. Although the pill formula was not his refinement, he had discovered it. In the future, when the merits are recognized, he should be credited as well.

However, the other Pill Refiners in Black Cauldron City, as well as the prodigies from the three countries, were all puzzled. What had just happened? Why did Zhuge Cang, after receiving the pill formula, hurriedly leave, only to reappear soon looking quite calm, but without the pill formula at hand?

Fang Lin also found it strange. He had a hunch but chose to suppress his doubts for the time being.

Chen Mu and Lu Wuwei watched as Zhuge Cang looked a little nervous. Zhuge Cang didn’t say anything, just gave a slight nod of his head towards the two.

Seeing this, both were stunned, exchanged glances but did not ask further.

Elder Su, the Old Woman Gu, and the old Yan were all frowning, confused at the behavior and expression of Zhuge Cang. It seemed like he was hiding something from them.

However, since Zhuge Cang didn’t want to reveal it, they didn’t ask. For some matters, it’s better off not knowing than to know.

The middle-aged man steadied his mind and looked at the refined pill formulas of Zhao Shenkong, Guo Zhen, and Su Xiaotong, his face remained expressionless.

As for others, they had no ability to refine the Lifespan Extension Pill and could only give up.

Therefore, the only ones who truly managed to replace the medicinal herbs, apart from Fang Lin, were the triad of Zhao Shenkong.

“The three of you didn’t meet the requirements for substitution in your pill formulas, so you did not pass.” the middle-aged man announced.

After hearing these words, Zhao Shenkong’s face darkened, Guo Zhen clenched his fists, and Su Xiaotong simply sighed.

In fact, they all understood how hard it was to substitute the medicinal herbs into the formula. Replacing one or two was barely achievable, but substituting five? It was a tall order and exceeded the realm of geniuses. Without enough experience and insights, it’s virtually impossible.

However, upon understanding this, everyone was struck by a frightening reality–could it be true that Fang Lin’s pill formula was successful?

All eyes in the room turned to Fang Lin. Even Zhao Shenkong, a man infamous for his arrogance, stared wide-eyed at Fang Lin at moment, as if intending to eat him alive.

Fang Lin, under the gaze of so many people, shyly said: “Why are you all staring at me like this?”

The middle-aged man had a slight smile: “Fang Lin’s pill formula accomplished perfect substitution, and was favorably reviewed by the City Lord who has decided to keep it in the Black Cauldron City Pill Formula Pavilion for safekeeping.”

Hearing this, the crowd’s face was filled with shock.

Fang Lin’s pill formula was collected for safekeeping in the Black Cauldron City Pill Formula Pavilion? Was this for real?

The prodigies from the three countries were displeased and puzzled. Why did Fang Lin, who displayed no talent on the Gold Testing Stone, perform so aberrantly at this moment?

Zhao Shenkong was so frustrated that he was trembling all over. Although he had an excellent demeanor, being upstaged by Fang Lin over and over again was difficult to tolerate.

Originally, he, Zhao Shenkong, should have been the one everyone’s eyes were on. All the glory and limelight should have been his.

However, all of this was seized by Fang Lin, and in an unreasonable manner at that.

Zhao Shenkong was so frustrated that it was physically painful. He wanted to vent his pent-up anger, but there was no place to do so. Was he supposed to physically assault Fang Lin?

Although Fang Lin did indeed look like he deserved a good beating, they were in Black Cauldron City. Here, everyone had to follow the rules. If he really did beat up Fang Lin, it was likely that Zhao Shenkong himself would face undesirable consequences. Black Cauldron City wouldn’t care who you were, even if you were a prince of Yun Country, you would still be punished for breaking the rules.

The next part was still the appraisal of the pill formulas, but because of Fang Lin’s brilliant performance, it all seemed somewhat dull.

Therefore, this part was quickly ended.

The third part then came – the main event: the Alchemy Tao competition.