Chapter 884: Perfect

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: Papatonks

The remaining candidates followed Baili Jingwei behind the manor, to a wide clearing that had three high seats carved meticulously from wood.

The only seat taken was the main one, by a middle-aged man in lavish clothes and of imposing demeanor, Shangguan Feiyun.

Among the candidates, only Shangguan Yulin knew Sword King Feiyun. Recognizing him, the youth was instantly on guard.

Shangguan Feiyun had left eastern lands a century ago, but the younger generation had the benefit of the clan holding the portrait of this best in eastern lands expert, revealing it before this job.

Shangguan Yulins heart hammered in his chest, his brow soaked.

Shangguan Feiyun, why arent I seeing Dragon Cleaving Sword King around? Baili Jingwei asked, seeing the empty chair next to him.

[Hes Sword King Feiyun?]

The candidates went into a bow on the spot, Greeting Sword King Feiyun. May you always know glory!

Ignoring all of them, he glanced at Baili Jingwei, Brother Danqing doesnt like crowds and is walking around the manor. He wont be joining this hearing.

Oh, what a shame.

Baili Jingwei sat next to Shangguan Feiyun under the candidates dumbstruck gazes. His eyes shone as he spoke, The play is finally starting, ha-ha-ha

Shuddering, the hearts of others sank. They were stunned and puzzled at Baili Jingweis demeanor.

[Who is he? Isnt he a steward of Flying Cloud manor?]

[Out of the question. No steward will be this rude to Sword King, daring to sit right next to the lord himself. Then how else could he control the manors forces?]

The candidates were shocked at Baili Jingweis young age. Who was he to stand next to the Sword King?

Shangguan Feiyun grinned and pointed at him, You still havent figured it out? Your host so far is our imperial Prime Minister, Sir Baili Jingwei!

[The Prime Minister himself?]

It was as if a bomb was dropped, with everyone shaking in the aftermath. The great Prime Minister of the empire, the imperial familys key figure, had actually graced this compet.i.tion with this presence.

That meant pa.s.sing it would make one Prime Ministers man. Oned get all the glory and power he could ever want in an instant.

Everyone got fired up, eyes burning with excitement.

Shangguan Yulin was the most shocked of them all. Baili Jingweis fame had been widespread even before he came to the Sword Star Empire.

An immense talent in governing, of sharp mind and with ingenious plans.

Word went around that he was the wisest in the Sword Star Empire. The four lands powers knew the Sword Star Empire only reached such height all thanks to power correlated with politics.

Invincible Sword held the power and Baili Jingweis foolproof policies wielded politics.

While less known than Invincible Sword, as if to conceal this sages ability, the four lands were sure Baili Jingweis intellect had given Invincible Sword wings to spread his power.

The same Baili Jingwei was now before them, giving this compet.i.tion a whole new value.

[Is this a trap?]

Shangguan Yulin felt like crying.

If hed known Baili Jingwei was here, Shangguan wouldve stayed put and missed this rare chance of ambush.

This was the power Baili Jingwei wielded, that of the mind. One wrong step and it was curtains for any that crossed his path.

Scanning their reverend gazes, Baili Jingwei remained silent. Shangguan Yulins tense look caught his eye the longest, but then he shook his head.

[That miss pointed out one suspicious man. From his appearance, I sense fear. A guilty conscience is more like it, ha-ha-ha]

Grinning, Baili Jingwei said, Youre all here, in the finals, handpicked by me. This must make you grandmaster alchemists. Then, you must all grasp this chance and refine what I ask of you!

Please guide us, Prime Minister! The people bowed in excitement.

[Prime Ministers man, Prime Ministers man]

Baili Jingwei snickered, The goal is perfection!

[What does that mean?]

They were all stumped.

[Why have all of the Prime Ministers requirements been so weird? We cant make sense of it.]

Baili Jingwei dispensed with the mystery, explaining, Youve refined the highest grade you could in the last round, some were average 9th grade, others inferior 8th grade. This time, I want you to make me a perfect pill to test just how exquisite your skills are. I want to see a flawless pill. Grade is secondary, as long as you make a perfect pill of that grade. Understand?

Yes, we shall follow Prime Ministers instructions. The candidates cupped their hands and confidence surged in their eyes.

Making a high quality pill by dropping a grade couldnt be easier, especially compared to the hasty way the last round was held.

This was a test of their basics, to see how well they mastered them.

For a pretender like Shangguan Yulin who went through h.e.l.l last week, the topic had him stuck. His pills grade was all due to his cultivation and some super secret refining arts. Oh, and dont forget top ingredients.

As for top and perfect pills, this tested an alchemists skill, control, sharpness, and familiarity of the art.

Hed be exposed in seconds since he was no professional at this job.

His eyes darted around for a way out, only to find Soul Harmony Stage guards covering all bases, while Shangguan Feiyun was glaring from his perch.

The instant he fled, he was done for.

He felt like sobbing.

[What d.a.m.n rotten luck]

[I told them I didnt want to but no, they had to send me. Now Ill never come back!]

Shangguan Yulins face fell at the sordid fate awaiting him. He felt victimized. Though failure was quite nigh, he was thinking of any lifeline that he could grasp.

[Maybe theyre holding a true Pill King Convention, not a trap to ferret spies.]

Shangguan Yulins mind cooked up a fantasy to avoid reality, praying that luck hadnt left him completely.

[Let me be eliminated and come out alive.]

At worst, hed fail and Zhuo Fand get the credit.

[Theres plenty of chances to get recognition. Must have patience.]

Unaware his jittery and anxious att.i.tude gave him away in Baili Jingweis eyes.

[Ha-ha-ha, this guy is shaking in his boots.]

Baili Jingwei said, Begin!

The flames were burning hot as the finals started. Shangguan Yulin had to sigh and take out his flame as well

While the candidates gave their all one last time, Zhuo Fan and Shangguan Qingyan were cruising through the manor with a couple guards showing the way.

Brother, does the grand Flying Cloud manor only have these lame sceneries? So boring. Isnt there anything worth seeing here, a feast for eyes?

Zhuo Fan asked a guard. He had his own goals, seperate from Shangguan clans, the World Wind Tunnel.

The guard frowned, Uhm

So there is one! Come on, cant you take me to it? Zhuo Fan was giddy at his reaction, thinking he scored, The views of Flying Cloud manor must be spectacular!

The guard shook his head, Sir Gu, it is forbidden to go there. Only by Sword Kings authorization can

[Forbidden? All the more reason.]

Zhuo Fan was thinking how to get past this problem when a very familiar voice sounded, Leave, Ill take Grandmaster Gu to enjoy it!