Chapter Twenty-Two: Pure Nonsense

"Pre-selection," to put it bluntly, is just code for cronyism.

The prestigious Alchemy Pavilion’s grand alchemy exchange meeting apparently lacks even a semblance of fairness. Worldly bias is eternal.

There is no such thing as true fairness in this world. There were only ten spots to begin with, six of which were already earmarked for insiders. With only four spots left, they still insist on holding a preliminary round. Is this fair to the young alchemists from various sects who have traveled thousands of miles to be here?

It is akin to scholars traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations, arriving with hearts full of passion, only to be doused with a bucket of ice water.

Truth is always in the hands of the few. They could have easily filled all ten spots with their own people, yet they left four open just to put on a show of equality. How ironic.

This is reality; these are the rules. If you are weak, you must follow the rules; if others are powerful, they get to set them.

Not satisfied? Then become the one who sets the rules. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut!

Inside the Alchemy Pavilion’s examination hall, there was silence. Hundreds of desks and chairs were arranged, and they were nearly all occupied. These were young alchemists from various regions, teenagers or in their early twenties, their faces glowing with excitement, their eyes burning with anticipation for the future. They sat stiffly, looking toward the old man at the front of the hall like anxious students eyeing a proctor.

"Ahem!" The old man cleared his throat, preparing to speak.

Just then, Lin Hao walked in. The old man glanced at him from the corner of his eye, expressing his displeasure at the tardiness. Lin Hao found a desk in a remote corner with a placard bearing the name "Tianbao." He walked straight over and plopped down nonchalantly.

"Where did this little nobody come from? To be late for something as important as the Alchemy Pavilion’s preliminary round—if the Elder were to speak up, he’d be disqualified for sure."

"Look at his sloppy attitude. He’s just here to make up the numbers; he poses no competitive threat to us."

"Don't know which backwater sect he’s from. You can tell at a glance he has no real skills. I’ve seen his type plenty of times—no talent, yet full of grandiose delusions. They come to the Alchemy Pavilion to try their luck. Too bad this isn't a place for luck. Without true talent and learning, he’s just cannon fodder."

"Don't say that. It’s good for small-time players to come and see the world."

...

Lin Hao was speechless. He hadn't done anything or provoked anyone, yet he was subjected to a chorus of mockery the moment he sat down.

"I'll let you all show me what you've got in a moment," Lin Hao sneered inwardly.

"Quiet," the old man said, his voice sharp. "No chatter."

"Let me introduce myself. I am Ling Zhen, and I am in charge of your preliminary examination," the old man said.

Lin Hao’s gaze turned cold, and he couldn't help but study the old man more closely. He was particularly sensitive to the surname "Ling," especially here in the Imperial Capital.

*It seems he is from the Ling Clan,* Lin Hao thought. *The Ling Clan truly is powerful; even the Alchemy Pavilion is filled with their people.* As the premier martial arts clan of the Great Xia, the Ling Clan’s roots ran deep, and their influence was far greater than ordinary people could imagine. Even in places like the Alchemy Pavilion and the Great Xia Imperial Academy, their people were everywhere.

"You are all the elite selected by your respective sects. You carry the future of the Great Xia alchemy world on your shoulders," Ling Zhen began. "What is the Alchemy Pavilion? It is the highest authority in the Great Xia alchemy world. The Pavilion has no room for mediocrity. Being able to sit here already makes you a success. The moment your name was placed on the Pavilion’s rolls, it became your pride, your bragging rights for the future, one of the most important entries on your resume, and perhaps the most glorious moment of your life."

With just a few words, the old man had the hundreds of people present fired up and surging with excitement.

"You are all geniuses. A battle between geniuses is the most high-end game of all. Although there are only four spots, you should understand that the fewer the spots, the higher the value. In tomorrow's alchemy competition, the Pavilion will only take ten people. We want to select the most outstanding among you and bestow upon you the highest honor."

Ling Zhen continued, "The four who pass today's preliminary round will see their names become famous tomorrow. You will become the top of your generation. The Alchemy Pavilion will prepare generous rewards for you, and similarly, you will be selected by the Pavilion and the Ling Clan. As long as you are willing, we will provide you with the greatest resources."

The crowd below began to stir. Some were already breathing heavily, their heads held high, brimming with fighting spirit.

Lin Hao wanted to laugh. The preliminary round hadn't even started, and Ling Zhen was already painting a grand picture. The old man might not be a brilliant alchemist, but he was certainly a brilliant lecturer.

"Elder Ling, what is the topic for today’s preliminary exam?"

"We can hardly wait."

"We’ve worked so hard for this very day. If I can make a name for myself in the Alchemy Pavilion, I will have no regrets in this life."

...

The young people could no longer contain themselves. They were filled with hope and longing for the future, some already fantasizing about the glorious scene of being courted by various great powers after achieving fame.

In other words, they were starting to daydream.

"Good! A young person must have fighting spirit! Now, I announce the topic for today’s preliminary round." Ling Zhen praised them, giving everyone a thumbs-up.

The young alchemists in the hall were all flushed with excitement, sitting straighter than before, their eyes burning with anticipation.

"Today’s preliminary round will take a different form. Do you see the paper and ink placed before you?" Ling Zhen said loudly. "The preliminary round does not test alchemy itself, but your understanding of it. Each of you has one hour to write down your understanding and insights regarding the Dao of Alchemy. A hint: you can approach this from several angles—analysis of herb melting points, the application of fire control techniques, the formation of pill patterns, or the different effects of various pills. You may write about any of these."

As soon as he spoke, some people began writing immediately, filling half a page with ease; it was clear they had bribed Ling Zhen beforehand and already knew the topic.

For a time, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was writing with intense focus, all striving to express their unique insights into the Dao of Alchemy, hoping to write something extraordinary that would catch the eyes of the Pavilion’s elders.

Yet, while everyone else was racking their brains to write, a boy in purple sat in a remote corner with a vacant expression, looking completely lost and helpless.

Yes, Lin Hao was stunned.

He was in a state of absolute bewilderment. He looked at the paper and pen in front of him, feeling as if he were sleepwalking.

*Damn it, an alchemy competition that turns into a written exam?*

This move by the Alchemy Pavilion completely blindsided him. Was this aimed at him? He had only been exposed to alchemy for a few days! What kind of "insights into the Dao of Alchemy" could he possibly have?

*Slap!*

A harsh sound rang out in the silent hall. Lin Hao stood up, slamming his hand on the desk. "Nonsense! Pure, unadulterated nonsense!"

"I came here for a competition, and you’re asking me to write poetry?"