The Female CEO's Personal Bodyguard

Chapter 1514: Chapter 1514: What do you mean by that reaction!

”Ladies and gentlemen, entering the stage now are the top eight contestants in the Pill King Championship! They will engage in an intense battle to determine who will claim the title of this year’s true Pill King!”

”The rules for this round are simple: The eight contestants will be divided into four groups. Each group will receive the same task and start simultaneously. The outcome will be decided based on the quality of the elixirs they refine. If the quality is indistinguishable, the time taken will serve as the deciding factor—whoever finishes faster wins!”

”In this round, four contestants will advance, and four will be eliminated.”

”Now, please draw your lots.”

Carson Flores and the other seven contestants each took their turn drawing lots, determining their matchups.

Carson drew number three. As he examined his number, across from him, Archie Cooke had already revealed his.

Number five!

Carson was up against number four, narrowly missing Archie Cooke.

Archie glanced at Carson’s number three, his expression showing a hint of disappointment. He’d hoped to face Carson sooner—if someone else defeated Carson, wouldn’t his ambitions be dashed?

”The task for this round is to refine a Five Desires Pill.”

Carson let out a breath of relief. The Five Desires Pill was a mainstream elixir, with materials that weren’t particularly rare, though the technique required was exceptionally demanding. This pill was a staple in his practice routine, as mastering the technique had always been his focus.

Not much pressure!

Carson’s opponent was Beau Compton, an elder from the White Moon Dynasty’s Fire Thunder Sect, who also served as the Peak Master of their Pill Peak.

Beau studied Carson with a slight frown.

The White Crane Immortal Sect wasn’t known for its alchemy skills and had no renowned alchemists. How could a young man with such prowess suddenly emerge from there?

When it came to competition, there was no room for conversation. As soon as the match began, Beau swiftly started his preparations.

This time, each pair of contestants operated face-to-face, their every move visible to the other. This undoubtedly added significant tension to the atmosphere.

Carson didn’t even glance at his opponent, focusing entirely on his own work with singular determination.

Carson’s pace wasn’t particularly fast, but every movement was executed with exceptional precision, smooth and effortless, giving off an almost mesmerizing sense of grace.

One by one, the materials were refined into essences. Once all the preparations were complete, Carson didn’t hesitate, immediately diving into the alchemy process.

Time ticked away as the Five Desires Pill took shape bit by bit.

No difficulty at all!

”Bang!”

Carson slapped his Pill Furnace, the Pill Fire surging as the furnace lid popped open. A dark red Five Desires Pill shot out, landing on a tray with a crisp sound.

Beau, still immersed in his own process, was drawn by the sound. He glanced up instinctively and saw Carson had already finished refining his pill, causing his heart to skip a beat.

That momentary distraction was all it took for the flames in Beau’s furnace to become chaotic.

Beau was startled, quickly reining in his focus to stabilize the Pill Fire, but despite his efforts, faint wisps of a burnt odor began to emanate from the furnace.

Beau’s expression grew grim. He knew that in the brief moment of distraction, the quality of his elixir had decreased ever so slightly.

And sometimes, that slight difference was all it took to determine the victor in such a high-stakes match.

Beau calmed his mind and completed his refinement.

The dark red Five Desires Pill he produced had an even coloration, but a fine black streak marred its center.

Beau sighed inwardly. After all of his years, and in such a critical competition, his mental resilience proved no match for that of a younger competitor.

In the end, he was far too preoccupied with winning and losing.

The match concluded.

Carson emerged victorious!

Beau cupped his hands respectfully: ”I concede wholeheartedly. Youth is truly formidable!”

Carson returned the gesture. ”Thank you for letting me learn from you.”

On the other side, Archie Cooke also defeated his opponent. He looked at Carson, surprised.

Carson actually won, too!

Was he really this strong?

The results were plain to see, so Archie didn’t dwell on it much. Instead, he began considering the probabilities—now that it was down to the top four, there was a one-in-three chance he and Carson would be matched up!

Archie was eager to face Carson. They’d already reached the semifinals; if not now, would it be in the finals?

Archie’s wishes were fulfilled early the next morning.

”Archie Cooke, number one!”

”Carson Flores, number two!”

Archie turned to see Carson also looking his way. Their eyes met in midair.

Carson smiled and waved casually, his demeanor relaxed.

Archie felt provoked by Carson’s attitude. How could he be so confident?

This was a duel against me!

How could he wear that expression? Didn’t he fear defeat?

Or did he truly believe he could win?

Very soon, the two stood face-to-face. The rules were the same as the previous round—the same elixir, with quality as the primary criterion and time as the tiebreaker.

Archie looked at Carson’s calm demeanor and said firmly, ”Though I’ve said it before, I must say it again: I will surely defeat you!”

”Alright!”

Carson responded absentmindedly, looking up at Archie’s serious expression with a light laugh: ”Why so tense? Relax, smile a little.”

Archie was so taken aback that he almost lost his composure.

I’m telling you I’m going to beat you!

And this is your reaction?

What do you even mean by this?

Carson smiled faintly, his calm gaze meeting Archie’s increasingly frustrated one.

What do I mean?

I mean nothing at all!

Let’s get to it and see who comes out on top!