Chapter 8: Level Seven Grand Alchemy Master

Words : 1785 Updated : Feb 26th, 2025

A single cauldron, nine pills—each one upper grade. The entire room fell into stunned silence. In his lifetime, even Denver had only ever refined three upper-grade True Essence Pills. That achievement alone had been his most excellent source of pride in Sunway City. But now, in the face of Abel's batch, his pride vanished like smoke in the wind. "Monster!" That was the only word the onlookers could find to describe Abel. "Impossible!" Caleb's face was twisted in shock, his muscles twitching uncontrollably. He suddenly erupted in a hysterical roar. "He's too young! He doesn't even have a robe, no rank, no title! How could he possibly refine upper-grade True Essence Pills? This must be a trick! He cheated! He must have cheated!" Abel scoffed at Caleb's outburst. "Cheat? I refined these pills right in front of everyone. Tell me, how exactly did I cheat?" Caleb had no intention of handing over the Spiritual Energy Pills. He was looking for an excuse to back out of the bet. "You must have used some sleight of hand! You switched out the pills in the cauldron!" Abel sneered. "Are you an idiot? With so many experts watching, do you think I could pull off a switch? And even if I could, where would I find nine upper-grade True Essence Pills lying around?" The crowd exchanged knowing glances. They could all see what was happening—Caleb was grasping at straws, refusing to admit defeat. But no one dared to call him out, not with his background and influence. That was when Denver spoke. "Abel cheated in alchemy. He must be severely punished to set an example!" The room fell into a heavy silence. Everyone knew exactly what was happening—Denver was siding with Caleb and using this as an excuse to eliminate Abel. Caleb, having calmed down, now wore a twisted grin. "You? Challenge me in alchemy? Kid, you're not even qualified." Abel swept his gaze over Denver and Caleb, his voice sharp with contempt. "You two are nothing but partners in crime!" "Seize him! Throw him in the dungeon!" Denver barked. Caleb reached out to grab Abel. SMACK! A crisp slap rang through the air. A bright red handprint appeared on Caleb's face. "You dare hit me!" Caleb roared, his fury exploding. The next second, he unleashed his full strength, his aura surging with the power of the ninth stage of the Body Refining Realm. "Die!" He struck with a powerful palm attack, the force whistling through the air, shaking the very walls of the hall. Abel didn't even flinch. He countered with his palm, meeting the attack head-on. BOOM! Abel remained as steady as a mountain. Caleb, on the other hand, was sent flying backward. The crowd was left speechless. Many gasped, sucking in sharp breaths. Caleb lost. That shouldn't have been possible since Abel was only at the fifth stage of the Body Refining Realm. Just then, a furious voice rang out. "Insolence!" A powerful aura descended upon the room. "The pressure of a first-stage True Essence Realm expert!" The crowd instinctively retreated, avoiding being caught in the overwhelming force. But Abel stood firm, utterly unfazed by the crushing pressure. Denver's expression darkened. "You dare cause trouble in Elixir Pavilion! Don't blame me for being ruthless!" His aura locked onto Abel, preparing to strike. Abel clenched his fists, channeling all his energy into them. He knew he wasn't Denver's match—not yet. A first-stage True Essence Realm expert was too powerful, but that didn't mean he would go down without a fight. If only he were back at his first stage of the True Essence Realm cultivation… He might stand a chance if he pushed himself up two levels with the power of the Flame Dragon Meridian. Just then, another presence descended upon the hall. A terrifying, overwhelming force crushed Denver's aura in an instant, leaving him drenched in sweat, his body trembling uncontrollably. "Madam Bane!" Denver's face was a mask of pure shock. The suffocating pressure lifted moments later, and a woman appeared before the crowd. She looked to be around thirty, her beauty striking yet commanding. She exuded an aura of absolute authority, wearing a robe with seven crimson patterns. "A Level Seven Grand Alchemy Master!" The room erupted in gasps of disbelief. One by one, the crowd bowed in deep respect, not even daring to breathe too loudly. Even the Alchemy Apprentices, the Alchemists, and Caleb immediately bowed to the woman. Sunway City was just a speck within the Crinada Kingdom. Usually, their Elixir Pavilion was overseen by a Level One Alchemy Master. They had never seen someone of this caliber before. Denver quickly bowed low, his voice trembling. "Madam Bane, why have you come down here?" The woman, Christina Bane, was an elder of Elixir Hall and the highest authority over all regional Elixir Pavilions. Sunway City's Elixir Pavilion was merely a tiny outpost, reporting to the Aspor Grand Elixir Pavilion, which was, in turn, overseen by Elixir Hall. Christina was someone Denver could never hope to have direct dealings with. Her mere words could change everything. Christina's expression was unreadable, though a hint of displeasure flickered in her eyes. "I came down to witness a fascinating alchemy duel and a disgraceful act of corruption." Her voice turned sharp. "You, the owner of this Pavilion, abusing your position to bully an alchemist and tarnishing the reputation of Elixir Hall—do you not feel ashamed?" Denver felt his body go cold. With a thud, he dropped to his knees. "I have sinned! Please, grant me mercy!" Christina pointed a slender finger toward Abel. Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Your fate is in his hands now. Whatever he decides will determine whether you live or die." Abel's voice was calm. "Have him fulfill his promise." Denver wasn't beyond redemption, and Abel had no interest in taking his life. "Thank you, Mr Abel!" Having barely escaped death, Denver bowed to Abel repeatedly before handing over fifty middle-grade Body Refining Pills with utmost reverence. Abel then turned to Caleb. A chill ran down Caleb's spine. He felt like a primordial beast was staring down, his entire body trembling. With a forced smile, he hastily crawled forward, presenting fifty lower-grade Spiritual Energy Pills with both hands. The second Abel accepted them, a flicker of pain flashed in Caleb's eyes. The pills weren't easy to obtain—his uncle, Luca, had pulled countless strings to acquire them. They were meant to aid in his cultivation. Now, they were gone, just like that. Abel smirked. "Mr. Denver, I'll leave him to you." Denver's eyes gleamed with barely suppressed rage. He had nearly lost everything because of Caleb. He wasn't about to let that slide. "Caleb, not only did you lose, but you tried to slander your opponent. You've disgraced yourself and this Pavilion!" His tone was ice cold. "I hereby revoke your alchemist status. You are permanently expelled from Elixir Pavilion." Caleb's face went deathly pale. He had no choice but to remove his robe and leave in disgrace. Once everything was settled, Christina turned to Abel. "Mr. Letherdale, would you care to speak with me upstairs?" The room went silent once more. A Level Nine Grand Alchemy Master had invited Abel. It was a rare opportunity. The crowd enviously stared at Abel. Abel nodded and followed her. Denver, still shaken, trailed after them. On the top floor of the Elixir Pavilion, Christina opened a door and gestured for Abel to enter. As soon as Abel stepped inside, he saw a young man. The young man appeared to be around the same age as Abel. He was dressed in a plain robe and exuded confidence and dignity. However, a faint black aura lingered between his brows.

Chapter 8: Level Seven Grand Alchemy Master

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