Fantasy, starting with a treasure bowl

"There's definitely potential!"

Gu Juji's expression brightened as he sensed that the essence of the medicinal herbs inside the cauldron had been completely purified.

As Lu Feng said, as long as the alchemical fire is kept at the extreme temperature of 1999 degrees, not only can the essence of the medicinal materials be preserved, but the difficulty of alchemical fusion can also be greatly reduced.

"continue!"

Before he could even feel happy, Gu Juji extended his right palm again and pressed it heavily into the center of the cauldron. At the same time, he channeled a wisp of pure Yuan energy into it, fusing the already purified medicinal essence and demon core into it.

Although he did not receive any help from Lu Feng during the final fusion process, the latter's previous guidance had greatly increased Gu Juji's chances of winning.

This time, Gu Juji dared not say he was 100% successful in refining the fourth-grade Yuan Guiyi Pill, but he was at least 80% confident!

...

Meanwhile, on the high platform of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

"Huh, why has Gu Juji suddenly become so insightful?"

Xu Liancheng's gaze also turned to Gu Juji on the side of the square, his eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of surprise flashing across his pupils.

After all, the high-temperature alchemy technique is ultimately just a side method. Although it can greatly reduce the difficulty of the final fusion of the pills, it will cause a decline in the quality of the pills, resulting in poor efficacy.

In addition, for most alchemists, mastering the art of high-temperature alchemy is not an easy task.

This technique requires not only skillful fire control, but also the alchemist's precise judgment and control over the temperature of the alchemical fire. Otherwise, it will backfire and result in a poor imitation.

Therefore, Xu Liancheng was somewhat surprised to see Gu Juji unusually using high-temperature alchemy.

After all, given the other party's current level of alchemy skills, they are not yet capable of such precise control over the temperature of the alchemical fire.

"Time's up, the match is over!"

At that moment, Mundo's calm voice came from the side again.

The next moment, Mundo leaped into the air and landed steadily in the center of the plaza outside the palace.

"Alright, bring up all the pills you've refined this round. Vice President Zhang and I will critique them one by one. As for those who caused fires, exploded furnaces, or produced defective pills, you'd better leave now. Don't force me to kick you out!"

With his gaze sweeping over the assembled contestants, Mondo crossed his arms and spoke with an air of dominance, clearly regaining the authority he once had as the vice president of the Alchemist Guild.

With Mondo's command, all the young alchemists participating in the alchemy competition stopped what they were doing and then opened their furnaces to collect their pills.

However, compared to the first round of the Pill Refining Competition, the elimination rate in the second round was much more brutal, with less than ten people ultimately advancing!

As for the other contestants, they either caused a fire that exploded their furnaces, produced defective pills, or produced pills of too low quality. In the end, they could only be eliminated!

"Vice President Meng, this is a fourth-grade pill I just refined, the Vitality Rejuvenation Pill. Please take a look!"

Stepping forward again, Zhang Yu bowed to Mundo opposite him, carefully handing him a small bottle of pills. He looked somewhat nervous, clearly referring to his signature pill: "Revitalizing Pill"!

Although he had refined a considerable number of Revitalizing Pills, about five or six in total, and the pills themselves were of high quality, being genuine Grade 4 pills, Zhang Yu was still somewhat uneasy.

Because his arch-rival Gu Juji had just successfully opened his furnace and collected pills, and the pills he produced were of high quality, being a fourth-grade Embracing Origin Returning to One Pill.

In Zhang Yu's view, his chances of winning the title of champion in the alchemy competition were not high.

After all, he couldn't compare to either Guo Tianlin from the Guo clan of the Northern Wei Kingdom or Hai Dafu, whose alchemy skills were second only to Guo Tianlin!

Therefore, Zhang Yu only had one thought at the moment: to defeat Gu Juji and at the same time save face!

"A Grade Four Revitalizing and Rejuvenating Pill?"

Mondo took the small medicine bottle, shook it gently, and then pondered for a moment. "Hmm, the quality and appearance of this pill look pretty good, but there are still some flaws..."

"Fine, it's still a complete fourth-grade pill after all. I'd say you barely pass!"

"Vice President Meng is truly wise!"

Upon hearing that the pills he had refined were up to standard, Zhang Yu's face lit up with joy, as if he had gained a better chance of winning.

"Vice President Meng, excuse me for disturbing you!"

Seeing this, Gu Juji, who was standing to the side, did not delay and immediately presented the fourth-grade Yuan Guiyi Pill that he had just refined. At this moment, his expression was also somewhat nervous.

Although he successfully refined a Grade 4 Yuan Guiyi Pill under Lu Feng's guidance, he was still somewhat uncertain.

After all, this was the first time Gu Juji had successfully refined a complete Grade 4 pill, and he knew nothing about its quality and efficacy!

"Oh?"

When Gu Juji handed over the Grade 4 Yuan Guiyi Pill, Mengduo was also stunned for a moment, looking slightly surprised.

After all, he was well aware that the other party's mediocre skills were simply insufficient to refine a fourth-grade pill.

"Hmm, it really is a fourth-grade pill, the Yuan-Returning-to-One Pill...!"

Despite his doubts, Mondo carefully examined the pills that Gu Juji had handed him, then a strange expression appeared on his face. "Ninety percent of the pills are of good quality, with less than half a percent impurities... Not bad!"

"Gu Juji, I didn't expect that your alchemy skills have improved so much since I last saw you!"

At this point, Mundo glanced at Gu Juji next to him again, a hint of appreciation appearing on his face.

"Vice President Meng, what do you mean by that?"

Seeing this, Zhang Yu was also dumbfounded, and couldn't help but say, "Could it be that the fourth-grade Yuan-unifying pill that Gu Niangpao refined is of a higher quality than my Vitality Rebirth Pill?!"

"nonsense!"

Mengduo glanced at Zhang Yu as well, and said in an authoritative tone, "Although both of you are refining fourth-grade pills, the one that Gu Juji refined, the One-Bao Yuan Pill, is not only of higher quality, but also has a lower impurity rate. It is a rare and excellent product."

"As for the Revitalizing Pill you refined, although it looks good, the quality of the finished pill is only 85%, and the impurity rate is as high as 30%, which is really not good enough."

"This! How is this possible?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu's face turned deathly pale, and his heart sank. "I am one of the four rising stars of the prestigious Alchemist Guild, and now I've actually lost to this sissy Gu...!"

"This can't be! There must be a mistake!"

As the saying goes, it's better to be beheaded than to lose to your enemy.

What's more, he has now lost to his former defeated opponent and mortal enemy!

Upon thinking about this, Zhang Yu naturally found it hard to accept, and his face turned ashen, as if he had eaten excrement.

"Hahahahaha!"

"Looks like I've won this time, Zhang!"

Seeing Zhang Yu's humiliation and defeat, Gu Juji put his hands on his hips and couldn't help but chuckle. "Zhang, didn't you used to like barking like a dog? Why are you so sore loser now?"

"Let me tell you the truth! My alchemy skills are now miles ahead of yours. Even if we compete a hundred more times, you'll still lose without a doubt!"

Gu Juji wore a smug expression, as if he hadn't beaten Zhang Yu in a long time and was finally able to get his revenge with Lu Feng's help. He couldn't help but show off.

"You sissy! You... Pfft!"

Seeing this, Zhang Yu was so angry that his face turned red and he was practically fuming. However, before he could finish speaking, he suddenly vomited blood and collapsed to the ground, then lost consciousness completely. He had obviously fainted on the spot from anger!