But when it came to actual skill — when it came to technique — that was another matter entirely.
Surely, a young man competing against a recognized titan of alchemy would still be at a disadvantage in terms of hands-on experience?
This Shao Yuan was choosing to pit his weakness against his opponent's strength. Was that not an incredibly foolish decision?
For a moment, even the people from the
After all, this was a pill that Shi Xuan absolutely could not refine. If he failed to produce the Cauldron Heaven Pill, then he would have effectively lost two rounds in a row.
And the entire wager would be decided.
Ziche Min clicked his tongue in dismay, feeling genuinely pained by Jiang Chen's choice. The Three Great Sacred Masters also silently lamented the decision in their hearts, though they assumed this young man must have his reasons. Perhaps he was already entirely confident in his ability to defeat Shi Xuan.
Shi Xuan had no idea what Jiang Chen was plotting, but when he heard this proposal, a flicker of surprise and delight crossed his heart.
In truth, he had genuinely feared that Jiang Chen would come up with some bizarre and unusual challenge — just like the first question. If that were the case, Shi Xuan might truly have been unable to cope.
But comparing fire construction? That was a practical, hands-on skill. Shi Xuan asked himself — surely, with his strength as an alchemy titan, he had every chance of beating some young upstart.
Thinking this, Shi Xuan chuckled inwardly: "The boy really is young and rash. He wants to outdo me, Shi Xuan, in technique as well? How laughable!"
Shi Xuan had been in a state of near-despair, as though trapped in an endless night with no light in sight.
But at this very moment, he glimpsed a ray of hope.
Since his opponent had given him this chance, Shi Xuan would be a fool not to seize it. He let out an odd chuckle: "Very well, very well. I would very much like to see just how skillful your fire construction methods are."
Jiang Chen paid no attention to the strange looks from the crowd. His gaze was calm, carrying a faint, enigmatic smile. "I've heard that Elder Zimu was defeated by you in the art of fire control. I'm simply curious — just how remarkable are your fire manipulation techniques, really? Or were you simply cheating back then?"
Shi Xuan no longer cared about Jiang Chen's barbs. He had already lost this far; his pride was no longer as important as the outcome of the contest.
At this stage, the most critical thing was to recover his position.
So Shi Xuan didn't even bother defending himself. He simply waited for Jiang Chen to set the terms.
He was convinced that as long as the competition was about fire control, he still had a chance to turn things around.
Jiang Chen, unhurried and composed, said lightly, "I've prepared two standard pill cauldrons here, identical in material and quality. I'd like everyone to examine them first. We'll use the same fire construction method and see who can complete the cauldron heating first — who can make the cauldron resonate first. How about that?"
This was a common method for competing in fire control.
However, Shi Xuan hesitated. Since the cauldrons were supplied by Jiang Chen, he naturally harbored some concerns — worried that they might have been tampered with.
So he said, "I don't think we need to use two cauldrons. We should use just one. And this cauldron must come from a neutral party. That way it's truly fair."
When everyone heard Shi Xuan's words, they shook their heads in speechlessness. Was this really the same arrogant, untouchable Shi Xuan of old? Was this the same Shi Xuan whose pride had once been beyond all reason?
How had he suddenly become so nitpicky, so timid and cautious, fussing over every tiny detail?
But when the others thought it through carefully, they understood. In Shi Xuan's current situation, if he let any detail slip, the loss would likely be even more devastating.
The young man from the Eternal Sacred Land, on the other hand, was remarkably gracious.
"Shi Xuan, I'll defer to the guest's wishes. One cauldron, then — I have no objection. Which of our fellow alchemists would be willing to contribute a cauldron?"
For the sake of witnessing the spectacle, none of the alchemy grandmasters from the Ten Great Divine Kingdoms were stingy. They all immediately volunteered to offer their own cauldrons.
After both sides inspected and agreed upon a selection, a single cauldron was chosen — one from the Duowen Divine Kingdom. This was because the Duowen Divine Kingdom had no particular ties to either the Baishen Divine Kingdom or the Eternal Divine Kingdom.
A cauldron from the Duowen Divine Kingdom was as neutral as it could possibly be. There could be absolutely no favoritism based on allegiance, nor any possibility of aiding in cheating.
Moreover, the cauldron had to be verified by both parties and mutually approved before it could be used.
Both Jiang Chen and Shi Xuan inspected it and confirmed that it was indeed free of issues.
Since they would be using a single cauldron, the competition could not proceed simultaneously. One would have to go first, then the other. After the first person finished, the cauldron would need to cool completely before the second could begin.
The timing could be measured by either an hourglass or incense.
Jiang Chen smiled leisurely. "Shi Xuan, I'll be generous to the end — you go first. How about it?"
This time, however, Shi Xuan did not want to go first. Instead, he feigned magnanimity: "No, you go first."
Jiang Chen chuckled. "If I go first, you won't get your chance. I'm afraid that after witnessing my technique, you'll lose all confidence and won't even have the courage to continue."
Shi Xuan snorted coldly. "If you can truly destroy my confidence, then losing would at least not be unjust."
Shi Xuan had no intention of taking the lead. In this kind of competition, going second was naturally advantageous. At the very least, he could observe his opponent's process of heating the cauldron and take note of any peculiarities it might have. For an onlooker, this was also an opportunity to become familiar with the cauldron.
Put plainly, the person who went second held the advantage in this contest.