Mystic Eyes: My Eyes Steal the Laws of Cultivation

Chapter 635: The Crown of Alchemy

The silence that had fallen over the arena seemed to weigh upon everyone present, an invisible pressure that spread like a blanket over the crowd.

Twenty-five participants had entered that final, each carrying hopes, techniques, and decades of experience.

Only twelve had managed to form a pill, a testament to the extreme difficulty of the trial. And now, after an hour of refinement, mistakes, successes, explosions, and countless attempts to reconstruct an incomplete rank 6 recipe, the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.

The elder responsible for the competition remained at the center of the stage, his imposing figure silhouetted against the sky of the Sky Caravan.

He held the jade bottles containing the results of the finalists, each one a small vessel of hope and accomplishment.

Beside him, Lio Han watched in silence, his eyes sweeping across the crowd with an anticipation he made no attempt to hide. The other members of the Alchemists Association were also present, some holding scrolls on which they had recorded their observations, while others carefully examined the containers that had been collected from the tables.

In the stands, tens of thousands of people waited, their bodies leaning forward, their eyes fixed on the stage. No one spoke loudly; there were only low murmurs scattered throughout the crowd, fragments of speculation that disappeared into the air.

“Who will be the winner?”

“It must be Master Bai. He has more experience.”

“I’m not so sure. That young man with violet eyes finished first.”

“The young man in the white robes also finished very quickly.”

“But Kyrian finished first, and he started later than practically everyone!”

“So what? Did you smell the fragrance of his pill? It was different from the others. Very different.”

“Could he really have surpassed Master Bai?”

“Impossible to know. Perhaps the color is misleading.”

“I’d bet on Master Bai.”

“I’d bet on that young man.”

“I’d bet on Kyrian.”

“Are you crazy? He looks barely over fifteen years old!”

“And yet he finished first.”

“That doesn’t mean he produced the best pill.”

“Then we’ll see.”

The discussions began to grow again, voices rising in a chorus of speculation, but they were interrupted when the elder raised one hand, a simple gesture that seemed to possess the power to silence the entire arena. The arena fell silent once more, anticipation hanging in the air like a cloud about to break.

He slowly looked at the twelve finalists who had managed to complete their pills, his eyes moving across each face with an assessment that was both stern and encouraging.

“Before announcing the results, I want to say a few words.”

His voice was amplified by the formations spread throughout the arena, reaching every corner with the clarity of a jade bell.

“Everyone who managed to refine the pill during this final has demonstrated sufficient qualifications to be considered a truly talented alchemist. It was not an easy trial, and each of you has shown perseverance and skill.”

The twelve participants immediately became more attentive, their bodies straightening, their eyes fixed on the elder. Some straightened their posture, their shoulders rising with silent pride. Others exchanged discreet glances, a silent connection between those who had shared the same ordeal.

The elder continued, his voice maintaining its solemn tone.

“Therefore, on behalf of the Alchemists Association, I announce that all twelve finalists who managed to complete the pill are invited to become members of the Association.”

A small commotion arose among the competitors, whispers of surprise and satisfaction spreading like a wave.

“Furthermore…” The elder paused briefly, allowing the suspense to settle in.

“None of you will enter as an ordinary member. All of you will receive a higher and fixed position within the Association, according to the abilities you demonstrated in this competition. This means access to resources, libraries, and opportunities that few alchemists are able to reach.”

This time, the reaction was immediate and much more intense. Some of the finalists took deep breaths, trying to contain the excitement that threatened to overflow.

A gray-haired man clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. A woman who had remained extremely serious throughout the entire trial let a smile escape, her face lighting up. Another alchemist closed his eyes for a few seconds, clearly trying to control his emotions, his breathing deep and uneven.

To them, that was an extraordinary reward. The Alchemists Association was a branch of an organization with influence spread across all the regions, an institution that connected the greatest talents on the continent.

Becoming a member was already an extremely valuable opportunity, but entering directly into a higher and fixed position meant access to resources, knowledge, connections, and opportunities that would be difficult to obtain on their own. It was an invitation to become part of something greater.

The stands also reacted, applause beginning to appear like raindrops falling into a lake. Soon, thousands of people were applauding, the sound growing like a storm.

“Congratulations!”

“They did it!”

“Even a lower position within the Association would already be incredible!”

“And now they’ll receive higher positions!”

“The Association is truly willing to recruit them.”

The twelve finalists heard the applause with different expressions. Some displayed pride, their chests swelling. Others looked moved, their eyes shining. Some simply smiled, a smile meant more for themselves than for the crowd.

Kyrian, however, remained indifferent, his expression unchanged. He merely observed the elder, his violet eyes fixed on his figure.

There was nothing wrong with the offer; in fact, it was an excellent opportunity for any alchemist, a chance to become part of one of the most respected organizations on the continent. But Kyrian had no intention of accepting it. He would not remain in the Sky Caravan forever, much less did he wish to make the Alchemists Association his destination.

His path lay elsewhere, cultivation, strength, exploration, understanding his eyes, and, above all, reaching ever higher realms. Alchemy would continue to be an extremely important tool for him, but it would not be his life, nor would it be the center of his existence.

While the other finalists quietly celebrated, Kyrian merely placed his hands behind his back, his posture relaxed, his mind already moving toward the next challenge.