Inside the vast alchemy hall, two second-tier alchemists stood before blazing cauldrons, wholly absorbed in the refinement of the Rainbow Chrysanthemum pill. One of them moved with calm precision, his every gesture steady and deliberate. The other appeared just as focused, yet the faint twitch of his brow betrayed the tension hidden beneath his composed exterior.

Around them, spectators had gathered in silence, at least outwardly. In truth, many were exchanging thoughts through spirit consciousness transmission, their lips still, but their minds active.

With Luo Chen’s powerful divine soul, he did not even need to listen intently. The conversations of early-and mid-stage Initiates flowed into his ears as clearly as spoken words.

"Tsk, tsk… even after ten years away in Yuanzhao, Tao Yisheng’s alchemy hasn’t declined at all! Not only has he maintained his level, but look at how he applies Unadorned Heart. Steady, refined, focused... Since when was he so good?"

"You’re right. That Cliffside Chrysanthemum is notoriously difficult...