Chapter 191: Start of the competition

Crimson Lord World-

"We need to tread carefully through the competition. The person behind the leak is someone capable. I couldn't believe he managed to find the details about me, even after I covered my tracks so well. The only person who had the information the whole time are my two masters. I just couldn't place the facts in the right place."

"The only way someone was able to get the information is through the Pill Hall or the merchant guild you recently visited. I remember masking your identity perfectly and hence am sure about the merchant guild. The only plausible conclusion is that the information came directly from the Pill Hall."

"Although I made some appearances, I don't remember showcasing my level after I entered the 3rd level alchemist. The only two people who know about my level are the sect leader and master."

The Keeper was in deep thought for a while. "I have a theory, but I can't base it on any solid proof. You do remember the story about your master right. What if he knowingly leaked your name to the agency."

"What benefit would he get from doing that?"

"You master stood up against the ten families and helped the current sect leader achieve his position. The ten families even banished him from his clan. It means that his stance is opposite to the ten families. He would love to reduce their power. What better way to do it than directly slap their faces in the Pill-brew competition?"

"I gave that angle my consideration, but we would have the upper hand if I appeared out of nowhere. Why does he want to show his hands first?"

"The only plausible explanation is that he wants to catch them red-handed while doing the job. It would directly undermine the status of the ten families even more. But there are some pre-requisites for the plan to be fruitful. He must have a lot of confidence in you, to have declared you to be an intermediate level Pill-alchemist. He is betting everything on your achievement."

"In that case, I would need to put up an enthralling show which would never be forgotten in the history of Pill Valley." Long Tao couldn't help but smile at the moment. If his master desired for such a thing to happen, he was happy to comply.

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"Why did you decide to buy a new cauldron? Crimson lords have their own specified cauldron, which was used for alchemy for generations. Each of them is an ancient treasure which would create a bloodbath outside."

"It is the exact reason why I chose to buy a new one. Although I am going to put a grand show to undermine the ten families, I can't attract attention to myself with an ancient cauldron. I will start practicing with these."

"Just follow the same exercise routine which I set for you. If the information is even a little bit accurate, Pill refining is going to be the last set of competition. The first must be a competition of affinity and control over elements."

"Although I am not going to show the element-lord body, I would like you to upgrade my previous levels. I need to rank 1st this time."

"Are you sure about that? The ten families wouldn't sit silently once they noticed such a talented young man among the competitors."

"The ten families wouldn't dare send someone too strong. Given my current cultivation levels, they might send an intermediate king at the very best, which I can easily take care of. As per the matters beyond that level, I am quite sure about my master being present in the city. I couldn't imagine him not interfering in a situation which I couldn't take care of."

"Your control over the elements should be quite strong because of your training. The second test would more likely be a soul power test. You are already at the peak of the soul master level, something many of the participants couldn't even enter. Hence it is not going to be a burden for you."

"The last test series should involve identification and concoction of a pill. I prepared multiple encyclopedias for you to prepare and you have concocted way too many pills to lose in the 3rd level of the alchemist. You should continue the training of soul power. Who knows, you might be able to break-through into the soul-grandmaster level."

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The only matter left unresolved is the progress in cultivation. Long Tao was nearing the limit of Qi general and he would be able to break-through without any problems. The only hindrance was how long he should suppress his cultivation.

"Although I would like to open the maximum possible amount of elemental acupoint, just how long should I suppress my cultivation from breaking out."

"Unlike Su Menqi's case, you have me with you. I can help you with suppressing your cultivation. I have a clear plan in mind, but the amount of resources required for that is going to be phenomenal."

"When you win the competition and finally enter the land of fire, I will help you with searching for all the resources you would need for opening of the acupoints. You should open the maximum number, because of what I am planning next. During your break-through into the King rank, I will help you convert the energy within the acupoints into law-energy. Although it might sound bizarre as of now, believe in me and you will be elated that I stopped you from entering the King realm."

"I guess I will follow your advice then. "

"Another interesting fact about the breakthrough is that you have an incredible advantage over other cultivators."

"Are you referring to my avatars?"

"Exactly. Normal cultivators are not able to make the connection with more than two types of law, but your very body at the moment has the potential to connect with all elemental laws. You could use your other bodies to gain a connection with other types of laws."

"We can map out the specifics at a later date. Just remember to follow the route I planned." Long Tao agreed. He went back into training mode.

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At the end of the month-

Huge commotion filled the whole Pill-Bloom city. It was finally time for the Pill-Brew competition to begin. One could see thousands of people participating in the competition from all over the world.

All of them were gathered at the entrance of the central stadium where the competition was about to be held. The atmosphere was reeking of seriousness.

Soon enough a loud set of sounds led to the opening of the entrance gate. A single figure was standing atop the wall, looking down on the thousands of prospective candidates.

"I announce the formal beginning of this year's Pill-brew competition. Participants may now enter the stadium now."