Chapter 564 562: Already Targeted

Venerable Black Water followed Jiang Chen's advice. To his surprise, the elixir that was on the verge of exploding suddenly stabilized.

Events had unfolded so quickly that Venerable Black Water was still struggling to process it all.

Fortunately, he was an experienced Alchemist. He quickly composed himself, controlled the elixir, and began the process of formation and purification.

"What happened? The elixir isn't exploding anymore?"

"No way. It was about to explode a moment ago. How did Venerable Black Water stabilize it?"

"Stop wondering. An incredible Alchemist like Venerable Black Water surely has ways to turn a failure around. His ability is plain to see, and his Alchemy Skill is second to none."

"That's right! The near-explosion was just Venerable Black Water playing a little joke on us."

The crowd marveled one after another. Venerable Black Water's Alchemy Skill was truly remarkable.

No one even considered that it might have something to do with what Jiang Chen had just said.

Only Chang Mao, Wenzhu, and a few others frowned.

They cast a meaningful glance at Jiang Chen.

The two exchanged a look. Wenzhu asked in disbelief, "Could it be? Did Elder Black Water listen to that kid's advice during his process just now, and that's why he stabilized the elixir?"

But Chang Mao shook his head, refusing to believe it.

"Impossible. Venerable Black Water must have figured out a solution on his own."

"That kid is just a young brat. His words are nothing but hot air. We'll ask Venerable Black Water about it later."

But Wenzhu's brow remained furrowed, his doubts only deepening.

"If Venerable Black Water really came up with the solution to stabilize the elixir himself, it means his Alchemy Skill has improved dramatically. He might even surpass the two of us."

This was the heart of the matter. Neither of them believed Jiang Chen's words had made a difference.

Therefore, there was only one possibility: Venerable Black Water had a moment of sudden enlightenment.

The consequence of this was that Venerable Black Water's Alchemy Skill had definitely advanced again.

Previously, Venerable Black Water's Alchemy Skill was more or less on par with theirs. Now, with this improvement, he might very well surpass both Chang Mao and Wenzhu.

Chang Mao was instantly alarmed.

His expression turned slightly grim.

His gaze shifted to Venerable Black Water.

Although Venerable Black Water's Cultivation was slightly lower than theirs—at the Martial Arts Sect Eighth Heaven—if his Alchemy Skill improved, he would become a significant threat to their ambitions of becoming the President of the Alchemist Guild.

"This..."

"I hope that's not the case. Otherwise, I'm afraid this Venerable Black Water will truly become a threat to us."

Chang Mao sent a voice transmission to Wenzhu.

Clearly, whether it was Jiang Chen's guidance that worked or Venerable Black Water's own breakthrough, neither outcome was good for them.

"Master, this... Elder Black Water actually stabilized it."

Wen Shixuan was extremely shocked and looked toward the two masters with even greater confusion.

Chang Mao waved his hand dismissively. "We'll ask Venerable Black Water after this is over. Then we'll know the details."

But Wen Shixuan asked again, "Master, could it really be that Jiang Chen's words made the difference?"

Chang Mao snapped in annoyance, "Impossible! Don't overthink it. That kid is just an amateur. What could he possibly know?"

Standing there, Jiang Chen vaguely sensed many people looking at him with suspicion. It seemed some did believe that his words had been effective.

Even Mr. Qiu Shui, after Venerable Black Water successfully formed the pill, immediately turned to Jiang Chen with a fervent look in his eyes.

"Young Master, you truly are brilliant."

"I never would have thought a single sentence of guidance could prevent Venerable Black Water's elixir from exploding."

"Not only did he save face, but I'm afraid his Alchemy Skill has also improved considerably."

It might have been just a single sentence of guidance, but it was enough to change the course of Venerable Black Water's entire alchemy career.

Jiang Chen gave Venerable Black Water a look of appreciation.

'It's true. Just now, Venerable Black Water did listen to me. Otherwise, the elixir would have certainly exploded.'

"Collect!"

At a certain moment, Venerable Black Water, who was on the stage, let out a soft cry.

Immediately, the Pill Furnace trembled slightly.

A silver light shot out from within the Pill Furnace.

When the crowd got a clear look, they cried out in astonishment.

"A Silver Quality Third-Grade Golden Healing Pill!"

"Heavens! Venerable Black Water truly lives up to his name as a powerful Alchemist! There are only a handful of people in the entire Fire Sparrow Kingdom who can refine a Silver Quality Third-Grade Golden Healing Pill."

The exclamations of admiration were endless.

Clearly, Venerable Black Water had succeeded.

On the stage, Venerable Black Water held the Silver Quality Third-Grade Golden Healing Pill. The quality of this Golden Healing Pill was significantly higher than any he had refined before.

He was so excited that his hands were trembling slightly.

"Thankfully, I did not fail."

Venerable Black Water cupped his hands in a salute to the crowd.

Everyone immediately cheered, their applause thundering like a storm.

Venerable Black Water's face was alight with triumph.

However, at this moment, he was also a little puzzled.

Despite his excitement, he knew that this was all because of that earlier sentence: "Lower the temperature by one part, then raise it by three."

That one sentence had not only allowed him to succeed in his alchemy but had also led to a significant improvement in his Alchemy Skill.

He turned his head, looking toward the direction the voice had come from.

But all he saw was a dense sea of people; it was impossible to tell who had shouted.

At the time, he hadn't had a moment to spare to see who was speaking.

Just as he was searching for the person who had spoken, Chang Mao and Wenzhu suddenly emerged from the crowd.

They walked onto the stage and said to Venerable Black Water, "Elder Black Water, congratulations, congratulations."

"To shine so brightly in front of so many people is not only an honor for you, but it also brings great prestige to our Alchemist Guild."

This was the truth. Venerable Black Water's success brought prestige to the Alchemist Guild.

Venerable Black Water gave a modest smile.

"You flatter me."

But he continued to look out at the crowd, searching for something.

It seemed that because the gazes of some people below were converging in one direction, he had a faint feeling that the person who spoke must be where the onlookers' gazes were gathered.

Although he sensed most of the gazes were focused near Jiang Chen and his group, there were simply too many people, and he couldn't be sure which one it was.

"Elder Black Water, what are you looking for?"

Wenzhu asked curiously.

Venerable Black Water said, slightly puzzled, "I'm looking for the person who spoke out while I was refining the elixir."

Chang Mao immediately snorted. "Don't worry, Elder Black Water. When we Alchemists are performing alchemy, the biggest taboo is being interrupted by someone spouting nonsense."

"I've already got my eye on the person who spoke. By speaking out like that, he showed disrespect to all Alchemists."

"People like him bring shame to our entire alchemy community. We absolutely cannot let him get away with it. He must receive the punishment he deserves."

"In a moment, I will invite this person onto the stage and teach him a harsh lesson in front of everyone."

As he spoke, he gestured to someone in the crowd below.

Venerable Black Water was completely stunned.

Things were clearly not as Chang Mao described. He was just about to explain.

"No, Vice President Chang Mao, you've misunderstood..."

Chang Mao forcefully cut Venerable Black Water off and continued, "Elder Black Water, first we'll invite that kid on stage and make him a laughingstock for everyone."

"After we've taught him a lesson, you can share your experience from the alchemy session just now."