Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 547 The Gap Between Alchemist Geniuses

Mu Qingyuan advanced again, his appearance capturing the attention of everyone within the hall.

The hushed whispers gradually ceased.

His gaze swept over the participants, ensuring all were ready.

"Before we commence, allow me to outline the regulations."

The aspiring alchemists instinctively straightened their postures.

"This contest places no limitations on equipment or the materials used."

A brief pause followed.

"You are permitted to utilize your own cauldrons, flames, and ingredients."

While it might not be perfectly equitable — as individuals from privileged backgrounds could procure superior tools and substances — such advantages are, in essence, a form of capability in itself.

This was the unvarnished truth of the cultivation world.

Ultimately, the specific materials or apparatus employed would be of little consequence.

All that would matter was the resultant quality of the pill.

"Naturally," he added, "for those who arrived unprepared, the Mu Clan has already furnished standard cauldrons and a selection of ingredients."

His gaze briefly shifted towards the meticulously arranged platforms.

"No one will be barred from entry due to a deficiency in resources."

Subsequently, his expression grew noticeably more somber.

"During the course of the competition..."

A subtle pressure emanated from him.

"No participant shall interfere with another alchemist, be it intentionally or by accident."

"Any individual found violating this decree will face immediate disqualification."

Under the watchful eyes of so many formidable figures, none dared to defy the pronouncement.

Not even the slightest fluctuation of Qi could evade the perception of a Grandmaster Alchemist.

Finally, Mu Qingyuan raised his hand slightly.

"As for the ultimate determination of the outcome..."

Every ear became acutely attentive.

"The victor shall be decided by the caliber of the pill successfully refined."

The criteria were straightforward and unambiguous.

"And should multiple pills achieve the same grade..."

A subtle gleam flickered within his eyes.

"We shall adjudicate based on the intrinsic qualities of the pills themselves."

No two pills were ever truly identical.

Some required more intricate refinement processes, while others were comparatively simpler, even if they attained the same final grade.

With such a distinguished assembly of alchemists present, even if consensus proved difficult, a vote could be enacted if necessary — but only when the top-tier pills shared identical grades. With that understood—

The foundational rules were now firmly established.

Mu Qingyuan lowered his hand.

"Now..."

A faint smile played upon his lips.

"Begin!"

The instant Mu Qingyuan gave the signal, the alchemy competition commenced.

Almost immediately, the surrounding atmosphere underwent a palpable transformation.

One by one, the competing alchemists raised their hands.

Flashes of light flickered.

Storage rings shimmered brilliantly.

And then, the alchemical cauldrons materialized.

A sequence of resonant metallic hums filled the air as substantial vessels were carefully placed upon the designated

platforms.

Some were of a basic design.

Ordinary-grade cauldrons — robust in their construction, yet unremarkable in appearance.

Others were more elaborate — high-quality vessels, their surfaces adorned with simple runic markings, clearly identifiable as Yellow Grade artifacts.

These were already considered quite respectable among the majority of alchemists.

And yet—

The moment the preeminent prodigies unveiled their chosen implements—

The stark disparity in their resources became acutely apparent.

A deep, sonorous clang reverberated through the hall.

Yan Ruichen's cauldron settled before him.

Its body, a profound azure hue, featured intricate flame motifs etched along its exterior.

The inherent aura it exuded was stable and deep, with faint tendrils of spiritual heat subtly distorting the very air surrounding it.

"Profound Grade..."

Someone uttered in hushed tones.

Not far from that spot—

Qi Meiling's cauldron materialized with equal elegance.

Graceful.

Exquisite.

Its jade-green surface possessed a faint, shimmering quality, mimicking the appearance of flowing water. The inscriptions upon it were delicate yet intricate, unmistakably the work of a master artisan.

Another Profound Grade artifact. While Profound Grade weaponry might not be exceedingly rare, the prevalence of cauldrons of this grade was considerably less common.

Consequently, even though it was merely a Profound Grade artifact, its status as a cauldron elevated its perceived value, making it akin to possessing Earth-Grade weaponry.

A wave of hushed discussion spread through the attendees.

Already, the imbalance in material resources had begun to manifest prominently.

But then—

An even more imposing sound echoed.

BOOM!

The instant Huo Shenyu's cauldron appeared, a palpable hush fell over the entire assembly, as if the hall itself had paused.

A deep crimson coloration marked its body, interwoven with faint golden lines that snaked across its surface like molten lava. The aura it projected was not merely potent; it was overwhelmingly oppressive. Even without direct activation, the surrounding Qi seemed to instinctively converge towards it.

Then—

"...That... that cannot be... Earth-Grade?!"

The words spread like wildfire, igniting audible gasps of astonishment.

Shock!

Utter disbelief!

An Earth-Grade cauldron.

An item that even many alchemists of Grade-7 status did not possess.

Yet, here it was, in the possession of Huo Shenyu.

"It truly is the Vermillion Pill Empire..." "They actually bestowed such a treasure upon a junior..."

"This... this is utterly preposterous..."

Even Yan Ruichen's usually composed brows furrowed slightly in response.

A minuscule ripple disturbed the otherwise placid expression of Qi Meiling.

Not only did Huo Shenyu demonstrably possess superior refining skills compared to everyone else present, but now, equipped with a cauldron of such an exceptional caliber, the chasm separating him from his rivals widened dramatically.

Within the throng, countless individuals could only manage internal sighs.

(How can anyone possibly contend with such a display...?)

On the Mu Clan's side, even some of the esteemed elders couldn't suppress a slight furrowing of their brows.

They had anticipated that Huo Shenyu would be well-prepared, but the sheer extent of it was beyond their expectations. Mu Linyue, likewise, found herself gazing at Huo Shenyu's cauldron with a pang of envy.

She possessed her own Profound Grade cauldron, a tool superior to the vast majority, yet it

palely contrasted against an Earth-Grade one. However, jealousy was not the emotion she felt.

(Bai Zihan gave his word that he would present me with an Earth-Grade cauldron once I achieve Grade-6!)

In possession of the legendary treasure of the Immortal Emperor Feilian, he command not only Earth-Grade cauldrons but even those of Heaven-Grade.

The sole reason an Earth-Grade cauldron had not yet been bestowed upon Mu Linyue was his conviction that a Profound Grade cauldron sufficed, perhaps even being excessive for someone at her current cultivation level.

Regardless of the implement, he held the belief that if the wielder lacked the inherent capability to harness its power, it would inevitably be squandered.

Furthermore, by pledging to grant her one upon reaching Grade-6, he effectively amplified her determination to strive for even greater cultivation prowess.

Sigh!

A pervasive sentiment arose that victory seemed unattainable even before the arduous process of pill refinement commenced.

Yet, these were not individuals inclined to relinquish their efforts readily.

Then—

Flames began to ascend.

Whoosh! Spiritual flames, vivid and potent, ignited throughout the expansive hall.

Even the least capable among those gathered commanded spiritual flames that vastly surpassed ordinary fire.

After all, no one standing within these hallowed grounds could be deemed commonplace.

They were, without exception, acknowledged geniuses.

And yet—

Mirrored in the disparity of their cauldrons—

The chasm in their capabilities rapidly became apparent.

Yan Ruichen gracefully raised his hand.

A flame of profound blue erupted into existence.

It exhibited no wild fluctuations; rather, it flowed with the grace of water, exhibiting remarkable steadiness and control.

The temperature it radiated was fearsome, yet its movements remained impeccably precise.

"Could that be... a Beast Flame?!"

"It appears to be the Azure Serpent Flame, if my senses do not deceive me!"

Murmurs rippled through the onlookers.

A flame directly harvested from a high-ranking spirit beast—

Exceedingly rare and immensely powerful.

Its potency far exceeded that of standard spiritual flames.

Not far removed from this display, Qi Meiling unveiled her own formidable flame.

A gentle green flame blossomed within her palm.

To the casual observer, it possessed an appearance of tranquility—

Almost benign in its nature.

However, the instant it made contact with the cauldron, the surrounding atmosphere subtly warped, as if undergoing a refinement process alongside the ingredients themselves.

"Another Beast Flame..."

"The Jade Mist Spirit Flame..." "Her reputation is indeed well-earned..."

Her degree of control— Her unerring precision—

When combined with such a potent flame—

It was hardly surprising that her success rate was so astonishingly high.

Across the vast expanse of the competition floor, several other recognized geniuses likewise revealed their unique flames.

Each and every one, without exception, possessed spiritual flames of superior quality.

Two individuals even wielded lesser forms of Beast Flames.

This alone served as a stark indicator of the elevated caliber of this particular competition.

But then—

Huo Shenyu made his move.

He simply lifted his hand.

BOOM!

A flame of deep crimson erupted with explosive force.

It did not flicker erratically.

It exhibited no wavering instability.

It roared with primal power.

Resembling a sentient entity.

Veins of pure gold threaded through its fiery mass, akin to molten channels pulsing with an almost unbearable heat.

The very instant it manifested, the surrounding flames grew visibly agitated.

Some even perceptibly dimmed, their brilliance momentarily overshadowed.

As if subjected to an overwhelming suppression.

"...!"

Utter shock cascaded through the hall.

"What... what manner of flame is that?!"

"It's undoubtedly a Beast Flame, but... demonstrably more potent than the other two!"

Even Yan Ruichen's formidable blue flame exhibited a faint, involuntary tremor.

Qi Meiling's serene green flame seemed to lose a fraction of its preceding radiance.

When placed side-by-side—

The disparity between them was starkly evident.

If their respective flames were deemed exceptional, then Huo Shenyu's could only be described as overwhelmingly dominant.

The sheer thermal intensity was sufficient to violently distort the surrounding air.

The palpable pressure emanating from it induced even the distant spectators to feel a faint warmth pressing against their exposed skin.

"This..."

"How is any competitor expected to stand a chance against such power...?"

Whispers propagated uncontrollably through the crowd. Background! Cauldron!

Flame!

In every conceivable aspect, Huo Shenyu demonstrably surpassed all rivals present.

Even before the true commencement of the competition, the final outcome appeared conclusively predetermined.