Tyrant Sky Martial Soul

Chapter 1277: Chapter 1277: Fighting with One’s Back to the River

”That Tianhai Zhen Zhu still has considerable power that hasn’t been unleashed yet. In this final round, I’m afraid Ling Xiao won’t have much of a chance to win.”

Sun Ran had always disliked Ling Xiao, but that did not prevent him from acknowledging Ling Xiao’s abilities.

Even with that acknowledgment, he still felt it would be difficult for Ling Xiao to defeat Tianhai Zhen Zhu, as he vaguely sensed the shadow of an old friend in Tianhai Zhen Zhu’s presence.

Although it was not certain, even a one-in-ten-thousand chance could spell big trouble.

”There’s no use saying more—let’s begin.”

Jackson Le Grandmaster shook his head helplessly. Since no one could predict the outcome about to unfold, worrying endlessly would not make much of a difference.

Better to take things one step at a time.

”Alchemists participating in the final third round, enter the stage now!”

He stood up and announced.

At this moment, both the audience and the competing alchemists had already assembled.

Different from the previous two rounds, the third round’s alchemy platforms were placed at a higher central position in the square.

Ling Xiao, Dan Qing, Ji Luoyu, and others had no special treatment either.

”Sister Moon, I’m heading in.”

Ling Xiao leaped forward and landed instantly at the alchemy platform marked with his name.

At that moment, the noise within the audience erupted once more.

People started to fervently discuss.

”That’s Ling Xiao, the first-place winner of the previous two rounds. It’s such a pity if you missed watching those matches!”

”So young! I never expected the Human Race to have such exceptional talents. It seems after being in decline for so long, they’re finally rising again.”

”Indeed, this person, Ling Xiao, is currently the Heavenly Emperor of the Heavenly Dynasty Empire—quite impressive.”

”Truly envious.”

”Envy aside, the pressure must be immense. The Sea Race’s Tianhai Zhen Zhu is incredibly formidable; Ling Xiao had to exert great effort to barely win the first two rounds. This third round is the crux.”

”Exactly. From what I hear, the scoring of the third round surpasses the combined scores of the previous two. If Ling Xiao loses, all prior efforts will be wasted.”

”Our land-based races can’t afford this kind of disgrace.”

”Let’s hope he wins.”

Amid the unabashed discussions from the audience, Ling Xiao seemed utterly unaffected.

Sitting cross-legged, Ling Xiao was reminiscing about the various alchemy techniques he had learned before, including the knowledge contained within the Eternal Divine Pill Scripture.

The third round was likely to be freestyle—in other words, each alchemist would create a pill relying solely on their skill, and the pill with the highest quality, class, and effect would determine victory.

This was a comprehensive test, and every alchemist would undoubtedly bring their best techniques to the table.

His opponents weren’t just Tianhai Zhen Zhu.

Dan Qing and Ji Luoyu were also serious threats.

The two of them might even have special pill recipes provided by Medicine King Sun Ran, making it highly possible for them to turn the tables and claim victory in the third round.

So truly, underestimating anyone was not an option.

There were still 120 alchemists remaining in this final round.

Once everyone arrived at their respective alchemy platforms, they—just like Ling Xiao—closed their eyes and meditated.

This round required extreme caution, and even Tianhai Zhen Zhu was no exception.

”Dong! Dong Dong!”

The Treasure Clock once again issued its loud chime, resonating through the skies.

At that moment, all participating alchemists opened their eyes, their expressions focused.

”The third round, as well as the final round of the Alchemy Tournament, will be straightforward. The rules are simple: using the range of materials provided by the hosts, create the pill you believe to be the finest.”

”Whoever succeeds will be crowned champion of this year’s Alchemy Tournament, regardless of their performance in the previous rounds. Therefore, do not hold anything back—show your utmost skills.”

”If you require any materials, inform the assisting alchemist next to you, and they will retrieve them for you.”

”The conditions are the same for everyone.”

”Ohhhhh~~”

A deafening cheer erupted from the audience; suppressed excitement that had built up over the past half-shichen was finally released in full force, the energy breaking through the clouds and soaring to the Nine Heavens.

”So it is.”

Ling Xiao had not known the specifics of the task, but he had largely guessed it. To ensure fairness, materials would be provided by the hosts—this demonstrated Changle Immortal Island’s profound foundations.

After all, many materials for pills were extraordinarily difficult to obtain.

The effort Changle Immortal Island poured into hosting this Alchemy Tournament was indeed a massive financial drain for them.

Still, there were undeniable benefits—promotion for the island and considerable ticket revenue, no doubt.

Once the wave of excitement temporarily subsided, Jackson Le Grandmaster spoke again: ”In this final round, the allotted time has been increased to one shichen, providing you with sufficient time to plan.”

”Moreover, you will be allowed up to three failed attempts; however, bear in mind that rare materials are scarce, and wasting them might force you to amend your plans and settle for less.”

”Therefore, my advice is to prepare meticulously and aim for a successful attempt on your first try, no matter the pill you’re making!”

Achieving success on the first attempt might be challenging, but it was clearly the best approach.

Dan Qing and Ji Luoyu seemed to have already known about the rules of this round, hinting at their connections, as they showed no sign of surprise—just anticipation.

After all, those two had powerful backers.

As for Tianhai Zhen Zhu, while similar to Ling Xiao in deducing the nature of the third round’s task, this round differed greatly from the others. Even knowing the task ahead of time offered little advantage.

Ultimately, it would depend on genuine alchemy skills.

Since the venue, tools, and materials were all supplied by the hosts, prior knowledge served only to provide psychological preparedness.

”The champion will definitely belong to our Sea Race—to the Water Temple!”

Tianhai Zhen Zhu shot a provoking glance and gesture toward Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao responded with a faint smile.

At this moment, arguments held no significance; it was better to wait for Jackson Le Grandmaster to announce the start.

”Now, the final round of the tournament officially begins!”

With Jackson Le Grandmaster’s proclamation, Dan Qing and Ji Luoyu immediately stood up and began speaking to their assisting alchemists.

It seemed they were requesting materials.

They clearly understood that even Changle Immortal Island’s resources were finite, and the quicker they requested materials, the likelier they would obtain rare and valuable ones.

The resulting pill would naturally be higher-grade.

After all, they had known beforehand what they wanted to create.

Ling Xiao, however, was in no rush.

Determining what pill to create required thorough observation before solidifying a plan.

With his ability to refine elements, Ling Xiao felt confident that even without rare materials, he could create pills that rivaled anyone’s.

The other participants, though anxious, were still reflecting and planning.

This round demanded careful thought; recklessness would lead to failure.

Even successfully crafting a pill could be meaningless if it lacked substance.

Soon after, several individuals began requesting materials.

These alchemists could only craft one exceptional pill each, leaving them with little option but to act. Their earlier hesitation stemmed from fears of failing in the attempt.

Now, with their decisions made, they had no choice but to fight with their backs against the wall.