"What proposal? What proposal?" Hearing this, Han Xian was momentarily stunned, as if completely taken aback. After a while, he finally grew alert and said, "Since all of us are alchemists, if we were to compete in a straightforward, conventional manner, it would somewhat fall short of our status. Therefore, if Master Han has the ability, let us settle this matter using the methods of alchemy. Should I lose, the Pan Sect will have no share in any medicinal sales at all. But should you lose, then please kindly retrieve all the things you've been quietly accumulating. How does that sound?" Xiang Yan swept his sleeve and looked directly at Han Xian, speaking with a warm, confident smile. "Do you wish to compete in alchemy?" Han Xian was once again taken aback, and with a touch of amusement added, "My alchemy is not only among the top in the entire inner courtyard, but even ranks among the leading alchemists within the Alchemy Department. As a fourth-rank alchemist, I am well positioned to surpass my peers. Of course, if Master Han prefers a combat-style duel using Qi, I would not hesitate to accept that." Xiao Yan arched a cold smile, saying, although Han Xian's strength was also at the Du Ling level, his aura seemed no more than comparable to that of Lian Na. If they were to engage in a direct battle, Xiao Yan could summon a small Buddha's Fury Lotus to drive Lian Na into a state of combat exhaustion—then, as for Han Xian, his fate would likely not be much better. Hearing the rumors of Xiao Yan's exceptional combat prowess, Han Xian was no stranger to them. Thus, he naturally refused to fight Xiao Yan using Du Qi, opting instead to compete in alchemy. He wasn't particularly afraid of that. But the fact that Xiao Yan had proposed this very idea first—this made him feel cautious, and for a moment, he found himself unsure of what to say. "The Revitalizing Pills, the Regeneration Pills, and the Ice-Clear Pills he produces—though their effects are quite good, the craftsmanship is somewhat rough. If I were to receive the recipes for these three pills and have them prepared myself, I believe the resulting pills would be even superior in quality." Han Xian's mind raced with thoughts, yet he had forgotten that even with the most refined techniques, a single person like Xiao Yan, crafting so many pills, would inevitably grow clumsy. "Wait a moment, Han Xian, senior, are you actually hesitating to accept? Haha, if this were to reach the ears of the public, I doubt your pharmacy's reputation would fare well..." Xiao Yan, observing Han Xian's shifting expressions and evident hesitation, couldn't help but coldly mock. "You don't need to push me. I'm not going to be impressed." With a cold glance at Xiao Yan, Han Xian, far from being naive, immediately sensed the underlying intent. "I'm willing to compete in pill-making, but the stakes seem rather modest." After a lightning-fast series of thoughts, Han Xian suddenly said, "Here's the deal: if you lose in the competition, not only will the Pan Gate be barred from selling any more pills in the future, but you'll also have to hand over the formulas for Huagui Pill, Futi Pill, and Bingqing Pill to me. On the other hand, if I lose, not only will I not block your path, but I'll also transfer five of the busiest trading locations within the Inner Courtyard to your Pan Gate. These five locations were acquired by my herbal society after investing a total of eight hundred days' worth of fire energy—far superior to the ones you've casually selected. So, you won't be at a disadvantage at all." Xiao Yan waved his hand and said softly, "I simply wonder, Brother Han, how would you like to proceed with the trial?" "Using the same prescription, we will simultaneously start the refining process in the furnaces. After the pills are completed, we'll compare their quality—whichever one is superior will win!" Han said firmly. "Agreed," Xiao Yan replied, "but which prescription shall we use?" "The prescription from either of our sides might raise suspicion in the other party," Han said calmly. "Therefore, I propose that we use one from the Inner Courtyard's archive. I've previously met with Elder Hao, the head of the Pharmacy Archive, and I'd like to borrow a prescription from him. Additionally, I'd like to have him serve as the official judge and witness. How does that sound?" "Elder Hao? Someone you know?" Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow slightly. "You needn't doubt that Elder Hao will be biased in my favor—I haven't yet developed that level of influence. As for Elder Hao's character, you're far more familiar with him than anyone else in the Inner Courtyard. In fact, he's probably the most impartial and rigorous among all the elders here." "Han Xian seemed to clearly sense Xiao Yan's suspicion, and opened his mouth with a cold laugh. "Yes, he's absolutely right. Hao Elder is indeed an excellent choice—fabrication and corruption are precisely what I detest." Noting Xiao Yan's gaze, Lin Yan nodded in agreement. "Then, very well." After a brief pause, Xiao Yan looked up at Han Xian and smiled. "Let's go together and find Elder Hao shortly. Once everything is settled, we'll have a competition on the art of alchemy at the North Plaza tomorrow—how does that sound?" A faint air of disdain curled at Han Xian's lips as he waved his hand and turned, heading toward the plaza's outer area. "I'm looking forward to your three prescriptions," Xiao Yan murmured, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. His eyes suddenly shifted to Bai Cheng, and he said softly, "Bai Cheng, your 'favor' of creating a scene—I'll never forget it. I'll make sure to settle that with you at some point in the future." "Haha, just don't rely on anyone else again, and I'll be there every time," Bai Cheng replied, rolling his eyes with a mocking tone. Xiao Yan smiled calmly. Now that he had identified the one responsible for the incident, it would naturally be necessary to hold that person accountable—the Bai Clan would have to retreat accordingly... "He naturally has the confidence—being a fourth-rank alchemy master, he'd be treated like a top-tier battle-tier powerhouse wherever he goes. And with his skills, he'd be among the outstanding talents in the alchemy department. Over the past three years at the inner academy, while he frequently prepared pills during his first two years, now, after a year, few people can even manage to get him to step in and prepare a batch of pills." Lin Yan pursed his lips and said. "Indeed, achieving fourth-rank alchemy status at his age, with such exceptional talent, is certainly commendable," Xiang Yan nodded in agreement, without offering any counterpoint. "Then, do you have a chance?" Wu Hao furrowed his brows. Now that they'd tasted the sweet rewards of high-profit pill sales, they naturally didn't want to give up on this substantial opportunity. Under the watchful eyes of the others, Xiang Yan merely kept his mouth closed, arms folded behind his back, slowly walking in steady steps. After a long while, he finally smiled gently and said, "Isn't it just a fourth-rank alchemy master? What's there to fear? Just wait until tomorrow to see his expression." Hearing Xiao Yan's confident words, almost bordering on arrogant, Lin Yan and the others all paused, exchanged glances, and could only offer weary, nodding smiles—what other options did they have now? ... Within just one night, the news that Xiao Yan of Panmen would be competing against Han Xian of the Herbal Society in a trial of alchemy had spread like wings, reaching every corner of the inner courtyard. And thus, the inner courtyard was instantly abuzz with excitement. Although daily disputes were common within the courtyard, a competition of this nature—specifically a refining potion contest—was exceptionally rare. As a result, nearly every student was filled with great curiosity about the event. Moreover, several senior elders who had previously found themselves idle in the courtyard also developed considerable interest upon hearing of the contest. Indeed, the name Xiao Yan had been on their lips frequently over the past few days... Today, the North Plaza—usually quiet and sparsely populated—was packed with a dense crowd, its bustling sounds nearly as vibrant as those in the arena. Gazing at the sea of heads crowding the plaza, some elders who had come unexpectedly found themselves marveling: aside from the trading district and the arena, had the inner courtyard ever been this lively before? "咚!" A clear, resonant chime suddenly echoed gently through the plaza, and as it rang out, the surrounding clamor instantly quieted. In the midst of the throng, a tall, elderly figure suddenly descended from the sky, his face unmistakably that of Elder Hao. Master Hao's gaze slowly swept across the dense crowd below, pausing occasionally at certain spots, and a smile gradually bloomed on his face: "These old fellows truly can't wait anymore." A raspy cough escaped from Master Hao's lips, instantly silencing the entire hall. As the commotion settled, a figure in a pharmacist's robe suddenly materialized from below, leaping onto the stage and standing silently beside Master Hao. The four silver waves prominently displayed on his chest clearly indicated that he was none other than Han Xian, the head of the Pharmacy Guild. As soon as Han Xian appeared, cheers erupted from the audience below—clearly, he held considerable prestige within the inner courtyard. Soon after Han Xian took the stage, a passage suddenly opened up in the crowd. A young man in a black robe, smiling warmly, led the group steadily through the array of curious glances from the onlookers, finally stepping onto the plaza alone. He bowed slightly to the audience, his posture composed and calm, earning quiet admiration from those observing closely.