novelraw Chapter 1169 - 1164: Exception Made to Compete
Chapter 1169 - 1164: Exception Made to Compete
"The Exotic Grass is currently in the Hidden Pill Pavilion." Young Master Xu explained, "The Hidden Pill Pavilion was jointly created by four major managing forces. Its purpose is to temporarily store items for merchants and buyers. We’ve already purchased that Exotic Grass from the herbalist. To increase traffic and promote the development of the Flea Market, we’ve decided to hold an Alchemy Conference, where the first prize is that grass."
"Isn’t that a coincidence?" Qin Hao’s eyes lit up as he rubbed his hands together and said, "Isn’t this just prepared for me?"
Young Master Xu was surprised: "Brother Qin, you know alchemy?"
"Absolutely!" Qin Hao patted his chest, "Flying skyward or diving to the depths, healing or harming, there’s no elixir I can’t make!"
Young Master Xu smiled slightly; he found Qin Hao to be flamboyant, but not one to boast. What he said should be true, so he nodded and said, "That’s great."
Qin Hao asked again, "When does the Alchemy Conference start?"
It’s almost the fifteenth; it would be troublesome if the timing doesn’t match.
Am I really being forced to break into the Hidden Pill Pavilion and loot all the precious medicines inside?
"Brother Qin, coincidentally, the Alchemy Conference is held this afternoon."
Young Master Xu revealed a serene smile.
"Wow, even the heavens are helping me!" Qin Hao was overjoyed, "Little Xuxu, I just love you to death!"
Young Master Xu gave a "bashful" smile, blushing: "If you love me, let me have a blast!"
"Pfft!"
Qin Hao almost puked blood and died.
...
The official start time for the Alchemy Conference was set for two in the afternoon.
During the time before it started, Qin Hao rested at Young Master Xu’s small abode,
which wasn’t far from the Flea Market.
Beside the small abode was a bamboo grove and a Pentagonal Pavilion, just sitting there would bring a sense of tranquility.
At two o’clock, the two of them went together to the venue for the Alchemy Conference.
The location was on the outskirts of the Flea Market.
This place used to be a resting area for visitors.
But now it was being used as a temporary competition site.
Originally flat grounds were laid out with tables.
There was nothing on the tables; they were just for the contestants to use for alchemy.
As for alchemy skills and materials, they were to be prepared by the contestants themselves.
When Qin Hao and Young Master Xu arrived, the place was already a sea of people.
The demand for purchases was far smaller than the interest in enjoying the spectacle.
Furthermore, the profession of an alchemy master was inherently rare and considered to be distinguished guests by all households.
If nothing unexpected happens, many powerful alchemy masters are expected to gather for this competition.
It can be said that the attention of passersby was completely drawn.
Being Young Master Xu had many advantages.
For instance, even though the two arrived quite late, because of Young Master Xu’s presence, the crowd made way, their gazes respectful.
Qin Hao followed Young Master Xu forward, nodding inwardly: "It seems Little Xuxu’s reputation is quite good, with so many people appearing to respect him."
Upon reaching the participant area, two guards responsible for maintaining order approached.
"Greetings to Young Master Xu!"
The two spoke in unison.
Young Master Xu wore a graceful smile, "Have the judges arrived?"
"Yes, they have."
"Very well, carry on with your duties."
After speaking, Young Master Xu led Qin Hao forward.
"What are judges?" Qin Hao blinked.
"They are us four managers." Young Master Xu smiled and said: "You know, these kinds of events need some referees."
Qin Hao nodded, and Young Master Xu continued, "The registration ended yesterday. However, out of respect for me, they will still allow Brother Qin to participate."
"Thank you, Little Xuxu." Qin Hao’s expression showed some gratitude.
Then, the two reached the center of the alchemy area.
Here stood an elder, with dark skin, robust arms, and a stern face.
"Elder Gong, this is my friend Qin Hao." Young Master Xu introduced as they approached.
The elder nodded, "Indeed a talent, just like Young Master Xu."
Young Master Xu smiled gently, while Qin Hao secretly sized up the elder.
With merely a glance, he realized the elder’s strength was no less than that of the Jade Stone Daoist.
"If I’m not mistaken, Elder Gong is also a manager of the Flea Market?" Qin Hao’s tone carried a hint of surprise.
"Indeed, this old man temporarily serves in this position." Elder Gong said without expression.
"Respect." Qin Hao clasped his fists slightly.
No matter what, as long as the manager isn’t a brain-dead like the Jade Stone Daoist, it’s still necessary to build a good rapport.
Without speaking, Elder Gong nodded. Young Master Xu then said, "Elder Gong, Brother Qin wants to participate in the Alchemy Conference, is there any way to accommodate the registration?"
As a judge, Elder Gong should be impartial.
However, Young Master Xu was a good man, and the two had a decent relationship, so it wasn’t good to outright refuse.
He could only nod in agreement, "It can be arranged."
"Thank you." Young Master Xu smiled.
Qin Hao was secretly pleased as well.
Just then, a discordant voice came, "So even the dignified Young Master Xu knows how to pull strings!"
The three turned to follow the voice.
In the distance, Jade Stone Daoist was leading Li Yu over at a leisurely pace.
"Oh, isn’t this the Fly King and the Queen Fly!" Qin Hao chuckled and laughed.
"Hmph!" Perhaps having learned a lesson in the morning, Li Yu didn’t get angry, just snorted coldly.
The Jade Stone Daoist, however, kept his expression unchanged, looking at Elder Gong and Young Master Xu: "Isn’t this against the rules?"
Young Master Xu felt a headache coming on. This damn guy, not coming when you’re expected, and now coming just to cause trouble?
However, after careful analysis, if Jade Stone Daoist genuinely opposed, it seemed there was no way around it.
After all, rules are meant to be hidden in the shadows.
If participants knew someone was pulling strings, it would be a very bad influence.
Elder Gong’s expression remained unchanged, "The original purpose of hosting the Alchemy Conference is to attract traffic and uncover alchemical talents. If Young Friend Qin truly has skills, I think a slight alteration of the rules is harmless."