Chapter 464: Contest
Especially the Spirit Pills and other miraculous medicines—many were treasures Zhao Dong had never seen before.
However, a single glance was enough for Zhao Dong to shake his head decisively.
Ultimately, none of these items could compare to the value of the Qianyuan Bone Changing Pill. Otherwise, Shen Xiao wasn't a fool; why would she offer them in exchange for his pill?
Seeing Zhao Dong shake his head, Duan Qiong smiled with satisfaction.
This kid really knows what matters.
Shen Xiao's face, however, turned livid. She stared daggers at Zhao Dong, her beautiful eyes narrowed with conflict and resentment.
This kid has clearly seen the world. Trying to fool him with this junk won't work! It's come to this... I have no choice but to bring out that item...
At this thought, Shen Xiao reached for her spirit ring once more.
With a flash of light, a black stone appeared in her hand. It was about the size of a palm, oddly shaped, and pulsed with intense Spiritual Energy.
Alongside it, an ancient Cultivation Technique with a tattered cover also materialized.
Shen Xiao said gravely, "I came across this black stone and this Cultivation Technique by chance. I can tell they're no ordinary items, but I cannot fathom their depths."
Zhao Dong's brows furrowed as he looked, and his heart gave a violent tremor.
I can't make out what this black stone is, but a strong premonition is telling me... this stone is definitely of great use! Besides, I think I've seen a record of this stone in the Mystic Sky Technique before. I just can't quite recall it right now.
A thought crossed Zhao Dong's mind, and he said in a deep voice, "I am quite interested in this stone. What kind of trade are you proposing?"
Shen Xiao said, "I have two items, and you have two. How about trading my two items for your Nourishing Spirit Pill and Qianyuan Bone Changing Pill?"
Zhao Dong fell into deep thought. Although her two items were extraordinary, he was reluctant to part with the Nourishing Spirit Pill and the Qianyuan Bone Changing Pill just like that.
After a moment of thought, Zhao Dong suggested, "How about we do this a different way?"
Shen Xiao's delicate brows knit together. "What other way are you proposing?" she asked, her voice filled with doubt.
Zhao Dong responded calmly, "You're from the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, so your skills in Alchemy must be extraordinary. As it happens, I also practice Alchemy. Why don't we have a competition? Whoever wins takes the other's items. How about it?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Xiao, her attendant, and even Duan Qiong were all dumbfounded.
The attendant burst out laughing, nearly doubling over. "Hahaha... Are you out of your mind, kid? You dare challenge our Young Miss in Alchemy? If you want to give away your treasures for free, just say so! Why beat around the bush? Hahaha!"
"Don't be reckless!" Duan Qiong stepped forward, pulling Zhao Dong aside. He said worriedly, "Shen Xiao may be young, but judging by her aura, she must be a Core Disciple of the Heavenly Pill Pavilion. It's even possible she's the direct disciple of an elder. If you rashly compete against her, you're guaranteed to lose your items for nothing!"
Before Zhao Dong could reply, Shen Xiao spoke with a scoff. "For Senior Duan to take an interest in you shows you have some skill. If you were to study under him for a few years, I might consider you a worthy opponent. But for now, forget it. I don't want people saying I'm bullying the weak!"
"Bullying the weak?" Zhao Dong said contemptuously. "So, you think you're that impressive?"
Shen Xiao stated proudly, "I, Shen Xiao, am a Core Disciple of the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, a genuine Five-Star Alchemist! So, what do you say? Do you still dare to compete!?"
A Five-Star Alchemist? Qing Yu once said Mu Yu was a Three-Star Alchemist, and a Three-Star Alchemist was already considered top-tier in the Blood Sect. This woman is a Five-Star Alchemist... Doesn't that mean she could completely crush Mu Yu?
Zhao Dong turned to Duan Qiong and asked in confusion, "Master, is a Five-Star Alchemist considered strong?"
What?! He doesn't even know what a Five-Star Alchemist is?
Duan Qiong's expression darkened even further, but he explained nonetheless, "Alchemists are divided into nine ranks, from One-Star to Nine-Star. The rank is determined by the highest-level pill an Alchemist can refine. For example, the Nourishing Spirit Pill you mentioned is a Six-Star Pill. For her to become a Five-Star Alchemist at such a young age makes her a true genius among geniuses!"
"I see," Zhao Dong nodded thoughtfully.
I can refine the Nourishing Spirit Pill too; I just don't have the ingredients. If that's the case, doesn't that make me a Six-Star Alchemist or even higher? What's there to be afraid of, then?
However, when Shen Xiao and her group heard that Zhao Dong didn't even know the Alchemist ranking system, the disdain on their faces grew even more intense.
"Zhao Dong, you don't even know the Alchemist ranks," Shen Xiao said, staring intently at him. "I advise you to back out of this competition. Otherwise, you'll lose your pills and get no treasure in return!"
Zhao Dong just smiled faintly. "It's fine. So she's a Five-Star Alchemist? I'd actually like to see for myself just how formidable a Five-Star Alchemist really is."
"You!" Shen Xiao's brows knitted together, a flicker of apprehension in her eyes.
He knows how strong I am, so why does he still dare to challenge me? Could it be that he's actually confident he can win?
Just then, the attendant burst out laughing maniacally.
"Hahaha! Kid, you're utterly clueless, aren't you? Courting death! Our Young Miss is a genius among geniuses! In the entire younger generation of the Provincial City, there's hardly anyone who can be her opponent! You know how formidable she is, yet you still dare to challenge her? You're just letting your pride get you killed. It's suicide!"
The attendant laughed wildly, but Shen Xiao's face was filled with hesitation.
Seeing this, Zhao Dong immediately goaded her, "Why the hesitation, Miss Shen? Could it be you feel your skills are inferior and you can't beat me?"
Zhao Dong adopted a mocking expression and waved his hand dismissively. "Sigh... forget it. Since Miss Shen is afraid, there's obviously no need for this competition to go on."
With that, he turned to go back inside.
His words were the last straw, causing Shen Xiao to flush with shame and anger.
"Zhao Dong! You are far too arrogant!" Shen Xiao stepped forward to block his path, her voice cold. "Since you're so insistent on gifting me your pills, I will gladly fulfill your wish today! We will each refine one pill. Whoever refines a pill of higher quality wins the competition!"
My goading worked! Zhao Dong gloated inwardly.
Before long, two massive Pill Furnaces were set up in the street. The commotion naturally attracted a large crowd of onlookers.
Piles of medicinal herbs, including many rare and precious ingredients, were placed at their feet. Shen Xiao had sent her people to purchase all of them.
Shen Xiao said proudly, "I've bought all the herbs you need. I hope you won't say I'm taking advantage of you!"
"Heh, it won't come to that," Zhao Dong said, waving his hand dismissively, his expression calm.
At the sight of this, the surrounding crowd erupted in laughter.
"This fellow is really full of himself. I've heard that woman is from the Heavenly Pill Pavilion, and he actually dares to compete in Alchemy with someone from the Heavenly Pill Pavilion? He's courting death!"
"You can say that again! I heard some clown was daring to challenge someone from the Heavenly Pill Pavilion in Alchemy, so I rushed right over to watch the show."
"Kid, you should just give up now! At least you'll save some face. If you lose later, you'll be completely humiliated!"