"That's right. I know a thing or two about pill refining," Xu Mu said calmly as he began to work with practiced ease.
He hadn't actually needed to leave earlier — everything he required was stored inside his personal spatial storage.
But with so many masters present today, he decided to keep a low profile and make it look like he'd gone to fetch supplies.
Formation masters were indeed powerful, but in terms of status and demand, alchemists stood even higher.
Xu Mu himself also knew formations, but there was no need to compete using the same skill.
This time, he planned to show just a little of his ability — refining a few Marrow Cleansing Pills would be enough.
"Impossible! Alchemists require absolute control and perception of qi. There are barely any across the entire Dragon Nation!"
Cui Yu stared at Xu Mu, shaking his head violently. "You can't possibly be an alchemist!"
Wei Jingzhi and Guo Wenmo leapt down from the platform, standing directly in front of Xu Mu to observe his every move.
Jiang Sheng soon followed, eyes gleaming. Every alchemist was a figure of renown — and most were old men.
If Xu Mu could really refine pills, he'd discovered a priceless treasure.
"I'll just make three pills this time."
Xu Mu had already prepared the ingredients. He rolled three small balls of medicine powder in his palms and dropped them into his miniature furnace.
Then he placed the furnace into the fire. Within minutes, it turned bright red.
"Is that Fire-Sun Wood?" Wei Jingzhi asked.
"That's right," Xu Mu nodded. When the time felt right, he extended his hand toward the flame.
Whoosh!
At the infusion of his qi, the flames surged fiercely.
For twenty minutes he maintained the blaze before slowly withdrawing his qi, letting the fire calm back to normal.
After a while of gentle heating, Xu Mu retrieved the furnace. The glowing red wood gradually cooled and returned to its natural color.
He opened the lid and took out three shining pills.
"All done."
He handed them to Wei Jingzhi, who in turn passed them to Guo Wenmo and Jiang Sheng.
The three elders examined the pills carefully — each seemed to emit a faint luster.
"What kind of pill is this?" Wei Jingzhi asked.
"Marrow Cleansing Pill," Xu Mu replied.
"What? You can refine Marrow Cleansing Pills?" Guo Wenmo exclaimed.
"You expect us to believe that? You just rolled up some powder and called it a pill!" Cui Yu sneered as he strode closer.
"That's exactly why I chose this pill," Xu Mu replied calmly. "Its effects are obvious. After taking it, you'll see results immediately."
He looked around the crowd. "Anyone here who has never taken a Marrow Cleansing Pill before — you may try it for free."
That offer caused a stir. Many people hurried forward excitedly.
Even in major sects, only gifted disciples were ever allowed to take such pills.
They'd seen clearly that Xu Mu had used genuine heavenly materials — even if the mixture were burned, the medicinal effect should remain.
"Alright, you three were first. The rest, stand back," Guo Wenmo said, pointing to three men in their twenties and thirties.
They approached Xu Mu, bowing.
"Thank you, Brother Xu!"
"I always knew you were a real expert!"
"And I knew from the start that you and Miss Jiang were made for each other!"
"Enough talk," Guo Wenmo said. "Each of you, one pill."
He gave his pill to the first man; Jiang Sheng and Wei Jingzhi handed theirs to the other two.
"Take off your shirts," Xu Mu instructed.
"Alright."
All three bared their upper bodies.
Moments after swallowing the pills, they felt warmth spreading through their limbs — their pores opening wide.
Within a minute, one man began exuding thick black filth from his skin.
"Incredible! The medicine is taking effect in just one minute!" Wei Jingzhi gasped in disbelief.
Soon, the other two also began to sweat out impurities.
Cui Yu's expression darkened. He knew well that alchemists were even rarer than formation masters.
Since his score was tied with Xu Mu's, the result was now obvious.
"Brother Xu Mu!"
Overcome with emotion, Jiang Huihui leapt from the platform and threw herself into his arms, knocking him down.
[Favorability +40]
She had never imagined that the burden weighing on her heart would be solved by Xu Mu himself.
Jiang Sheng's eyes softened into a smile. "I think the winner is quite clear now, isn't it?"
"Yes — this round's victor is Xu Mu," Wei Jingzhi declared.
The crowd erupted in discussion.
This "Rigged Brother" was too overwhelming — powerful, artistic, and an alchemist!
Almost everyone now thought the Jiang family had gained far more than they gave.
Even the high-ranking sect leaders on the platform came down to befriend Xu Mu.
"Xu Mu, I'm Lü Chuan, Grand Elder of the Golden Radiance Hall. Would you be interested in joining us? I could recommend you straight to the Elder Council," Lü Chuan said with a smile.
"Xu Mu, I was wrong before," Xue Dongsheng quickly added. "I lost my temper seeing my grandson hurt. I hope you'll forgive me."
One after another, major sect figures introduced themselves.
They knew even if Xu Mu's alchemy never advanced further, he'd still be a priceless asset.
Every sect needed Marrow Cleansing Pills — but professional alchemists charged exorbitant prices.
If Xu Mu could refine them freely, even just this one pill, he'd be treated as an honored guest everywhere.
"Thank you all for your kindness," Xu Mu said politely. "But I already belong to a sect. Everything must first be decided by my master. My apologies."
Lü Pinlong and Xue Kaixuan glared at him, eyes full of envy and resentment.
That damned Xu Mu — all because he knew how to refine pills!
Cui Yu lowered his head and knelt before Jiang Mingzhuo. "Master, I've failed you."
"Get up. Losing to an alchemist is understandable," Jiang Mingzhuo said with a faint wave of his hand.
He had originally wanted Cui Yu to marry Jiang Huihui — she despised marriage tournaments, and if she must marry, better to his own disciple than a stranger. Cui Yu was a good man and would never mistreat her.
But after seeing her grab Xu Mu's hand to run away, he knew she already had someone she liked.
Even if Cui Yu had won, he wouldn't have let him marry her.
"Alright, Cui Yu, go outside for now. What's coming next will involve you if you stay."
Jiang Mingzhuo smiled slightly.
"Yes, Master." Cui Yu rose and left without hesitation.
"Brother Zhuo, what's going to happen?" Zhang Que asked curiously beside him.
"Our Eternal Life Research Institute is about to capture a few people," Jiang Mingzhuo said with a grin. "For example… Xu Mu."
"Brother Zhuo, are you insane? He's Brother Shou's son — his biological son!?" Zhang Que roared in disbelief.