The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Upon hearing Fang Lin’s words, Gu Hanshan’s eyes tightened. He hadn’t anticipated such a retort, and a deep sense of surprise welled within him.

Meanwhile, the other Pill Sect disciples present marveled at Fang Lin’s sharp wit.

What Fang Lin had said earlier wasn’t mere offhand remarks. Gu Hanshan had wanted to remind him of the disparity in their status. Yet, Fang Lin’s retaliatory words placed himself on par with Gu Hanshan, using his identity as a ‘Second Cauldron Pill Refiner’.

Fang Lin’s response could not have been more astute, leaving Gu Hanshan momentarily lost for words.

But, well aware of his place in the hierarchy, Fang Lin knew that Gu Hanshan was a true disciple of the Pill Sect and the only son of Gu Daofeng. His own rank as a mediocre disciple in the Sect could hardly compete with Gu Hanshan.

However, his status as a Second Cauldron Pill Refiner was different. Even if Gu Hanshan’s rank within the Pill Sect was high, their standing within the Pill

Alliance remained equal. Neither party could claim superiority over the other.

Dugu Nian cast a sidelong glance at Fang Lin. She might have been slow to react, but she wasn’t dimwitted. She knew that Fang Lin was being intentionally shrewd.

Gu Hanshan brandished a cold smile, being forced to admit that Fang Lin was no simple adversary. It wasn’t surprising that he had been unable to outmaneuver him time and again from the shadows.

“I will soon travel to the Pill Alliance for the evaluation of the Third Cauldron Pill Refiner,” Gu Hanshan declared indifferently.

Fang Lin expressed his surprise and then showed his regard with a formal bow. “Then, I wish you success in your evaluation, Senior Brother.”

Gu Hanshan chuckled coldly. “Fang Lin, did you come here to challenge the Pill Forest Stone Tablet?”

Fang Lin nodded, maintaining an innocent look.

Upon hearing his confession, Gu Hanshan let out a derisive snort, shaking his head in amusement. The higher ranked disciples regarded Fang Lin curiously, many mocking smiles creeping across their faces.

“Hey, why are all of you behaving like you’ve seen a ghost?” Dugu Nian snapped, irritated.

Gu Hanshan glanced at Dugu Nian but decided to ignore her outburst. Gu Daofeng had repeatedly warned him not to provoke the eccentric girl.

Otherwise, the consequences would be too severe for anyone to handle.

“Fang Lin, all I can say is that you’re too naive. The Pill Forest Stone Tablet, it’s not something you can challenge just because you feel like it,” Gu Hanshan chided, shaking his head.

Fang Lin frowned slightly. “Are there any other conditions I should know about?”

Gu Hanshan clarified, “Any disciple of the Pill Sect who wishes to challenge the Pill Forest Stone Tablet must pass a test. If you cannot pass this test, you are not qualified to attempt the Stone Tablet.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Lin found himself surprised. He had thought that all Pill Sect disciples were eligible to challenge the Pill Forest Stone Tablet, unaware of such a stipulation.

However, to Fang Lin, it made no difference whether a test existed or not.

“So, how do I go about this test?” Fang Lin asked.

Gu Hanshan sneered, ignoring Fang Lin entirely.

Fang Lin turned his attention to the other high-rank disciples, but everyone remained silent.

Dugu Nian, now irate, berated Gu Hanshan and the others. “Are you all so petty? Will you drop dead by just giving me an answer?”

Insulted in such a way by Dugu Nian, Gu Hanshan’s face darkened. He snorted, “Once you step inside, you’ll understand what the test is.”

Fang Lin regarded the mysterious cave entrance with a flickering light curtain. It was impossible to discern anything inside.

“Hmph! What’s the big deal? I’ll go in first!” Just as Fang Lin was about to step in, Dugu Nian beat her to it, rushing headlong through the light curtain.

Fang Lin’s heart skipped a beat. This reckless behavior from Dugu Nian was unexpected. Then his gaze softened, as if realizing something.

“Even as a member of the Dugu Family, getting through that test won’t be so straightforward,” Gu Hanshan commented coldly.

Fang Lin glanced at Gu Hanshan. “Do you have any idea how bad the repercussions will be for the Pill Sect if anything were to happen to her in there?”

Gu Hanshan adopted a stoic expression. “Then what? She hacked her way in recklessly. Even if something does happen to her, the Dugu Family can’t do anything. Besides, if she can’t even get through this minor test, she doesn’t deserve to be a Talent of the Dugu Family.”

With a smirk, Fang Lin mocked Gu Hanshan. “It’s you who is quite naive. With the Dugu Family’s insistence on superiority, if anything were to happen to the girl, experts from Dugu Family would flatten the Pill Sect without a second thought. And guess who will be the prime culprit? The Dugu Family would not hesitate in making you the sacrificial lamb.”

At Fang Lin’s words, Gu Hanshan’s face paled. Angrily, he glared at Fang Lin.

Gu Hanshan grew truly worried. If something were to happen to Dugu Nian, the Dugu Family wouldn’t stand idly by. Even if the Pill Sect was innocent, the Dugu Family would assume the worst.

And Gu Hanshan might really become the prime suspect. Even if his father was Gu Daofeng, he wouldn’t be able to protect him.

“Hehe, don’t think too much. I’m just joking,” Fang Lin added suddenly.

Gu Hanshan was nearly taken aback, angered by how Fang Lin’s words had stirred unnecessary panic, followed by a casual dismissal. It was enough to infuriate anyone.

At that point, Gu Hanshan had no desire to engage with Fang Lin further, fearing the latter’s knack for stirring up unsettling notions.

An old woman with a single eye, who sat silent and aloof, looked up at the ancient cave and then lowered her head again.

Meanwhile, Dugu Nian emerged from the cave, a look of bewilderment on her face.

Fang Lin walked over. asking. “How was it? Did you encounter any tests?”

Dugu Nian glanced at him. “It was pitch black inside, except for a glowing Pill Furnace. I stared at it for a while, and it flew towards me all of a sudden. It scared me, and the next thing I knew, I was outside.”

Hearing this, Gu Daofeng and the high-rank disciples collectively marveled. As expected of a Talent from the Dugu Family. She easily navigated through the cave’s trial and earned the qualification to challenge the Pill Forest Stone Tablet.

In reality, this cave had existed since the distant past. Anyone who stepped into it had to undertake a trial presented by the Spirit of the Ancient Cave.

Only when recognized by the Spirit of the Ancient Cave could you venture forward to challenge the Pill Forest Stone Tablet.

Those who the Spirit did not acknowledge, regardless of their cultivation level, would be blocked by the Formation outside the cave, preventing them from taking a single step in.

The trial was peculiar. Some people could pass it while others couldn’t, despite multiple attempts.

There were exceptionally talented disciples in the Pill Sect who believed they could pass the cave’s trial. Unfortunately, they repeatedly failed.

The cave’s test did not evaluate one’s talents. There was no standard. It seemed like as long as the Spirit of the Ancient Cave took a liking to you, it would let you in. If it didn’t, despite your exceptional talent, you couldn’t enter..