On the platform, a tense atmosphere rapidly spread the moment Luo Chen successfully processed the Returning Origins Cicada Husk. Every alchemist felt a heavy weight settle on their chest. Someone has already pulled ahead!0

The most anxious competitors were the three who had chosen to begin with the simpler first-tier ingredients. They had already completed the Luminous Star Grass, Azure Aloe Vera, and Redflame Ganoderma. Yet now, faced with the two second-tier materials, they found themselves at a loss. The Blue Jade Smoke was still manageable, but the Returning Origin Cicada Husk stood before them as an immovable obstacle.0

Not every alchemist was capable of multitasking, so they were unable to observe Luo Chen or Dan Yangzi while working on their own ingredients. Even Xuan Yunzi had only caught a glimpse of Luo Chen's method before realizing that his own approach was flawed. He had then reevaluated the principles of medicine and shifted toward Luo Chen's path. The advantage was being on the right track, but at the cost of speed.0

The others were not so fortunate. They had missed their chance to learn from Luo Chen's method of handling the cicada husk. Even if they wanted to imitate him, there was nothing left to observe. For a moment, those who started early were frozen in place.1

Among the remaining contestants, the Fu family's alchemist stared into his cauldron at the failed husk, sinking into deep thought. His gaze shifted from Luo Chen to Dan Yangzi, then finally to Xuan Yunzi. After a long pause, he made his decision. With only three chances, one failure already meant little margin for error. He would first refine the other four ingredients, complete them properly,...0