Chosen
[Here are ten ordinary Da Huan Dan. Nine contain fire poison. If you can pick the safe one within one incense stick’s time, I’ll consider you passed!]
Xiao Yifeng’s brows furrowed.
He scanned the pills in the brocade boxes.
Low-grade pills often exposed their flaws—black spots, inconsistent texture.
But these ten pills?
They were flawless.
He scoffed internally.
“So, this ‘senior’ is setting a trap?”
These pills had clearly been tampered with, disguised to appear identical.
But he wasn’t just any alchemist.
Confidence Born from Talent
Xiao Yifeng was born with a Yimu Spiritual Root—
The best spiritual root for alchemists.
His sense of smell alone could distinguish the herbs used in any pill.
His taste was even more refined—
He could detect pill toxins that even Spiritual Transformation cultivators couldn’t.
He smirked.
“Let’s see who traps who.”
But first—
“Senior, what if I succeed?”
Xiao Yifeng’s voice was steady, fearless.
“If I pass your test, you must personally heal my third and fourth senior brothers and convince Sect Master Wu to revoke their punishment.“
The Sect Holds Its Breath
Wu Duantian’s face twitched.
“This brat dares to negotiate with an unknown powerhouse?!”
Taoist Qingxuan, however, stroked his beard in satisfaction.
He had never believed Xiao Yifeng poisoned Li Qingran.
Now, his disciple’s confidence only confirmed it.
“That’s my disciple.”
Xiao Yifeng would prove Li Qingran’s accusations were false.
But then—
[Alright, I accept. But!]
[You have only three chances. Fail, and you will eat all ten pills.]
A Deadly Gamble
The square fell silent.
Xiao Yifeng stiffened.
That was not the answer he expected.
But retreat now? Impossible.
His pride wouldn’t allow it.
He forced a smile.
“Senior, you are truly magnanimous. I will do as I say.“
With that, he stepped forward.
The brocade boxes glowed faintly, each pill resting in divine clarity.
A Test of Alchemy
Xiao Yifeng began his examination.
First, he inhaled deeply, smelling each pill multiple times.
No differences.
Then, he ran his fingers over the surface.
All identical.
His brows furrowed.
Each pill had the same temperature, same texture, same density.
“How can they be this perfect?”
Even high-level alchemists couldn’t create ten pills with such absolute uniformity.
His forehead broke into a cold sweat.
Doubt Creeps In
Wu Duantian, watching closely, leaned toward Taoist Qingxuan.
“Elder Qingxuan, can Xiao Yifeng do it?“
Taoist Qingxuan scoffed.
“Don’t worry. He was born with a Yimu Spiritual Root. That person’s trick is useless.“
His confidence reassured Wu Duantian.
Lu Changtian smirked.
“That old monster is truly vicious.”
“Li Qingran is following such a ruthless person… She’ll be no different from a demon cultivator.”
Mu Baishuang, hidden behind him, rolled her eyes.
“He has no idea what a real demon cultivator looks like…”
A Losing Battle
Time slipped away.
Xiao Yifeng grew frantic.
His nose failed him.
His fingers failed him.
No differences.
He licked each pill, hoping to taste the poison.
Nothing.
Sweat dripped down his temples.
The more he examined, the less confident he became.
“Why… Why are they all the same?”
His hands trembled.
He was losing control.
The Time Is Up
[Your incense stick is almost burned out. Have you made your choice?]
Xiao Yifeng flinched.
His throat bobbed.
He was out of time.
There was no more thinking.
No more logic.
Only gambling.
He forced his eyes onto one pill.
His heartbeat thundered in his ears.
“This one…”
His fingers tightened around it.
“I’ve chosen. This is the one!”
