Traveling to the future, the story with the orc king

Prime Minister Bai frowned, and after a moment's contemplation, he said, "Your Highness, this matter is of grave importance and must be thoroughly investigated. Otherwise, our Orcs will face an unprecedented crisis. May I ask if Your Highness has any clues?"

A gleam of determination flashed in Long Yan's eyes. "There are no clues. No matter what, I will protect the orcs and find out who is responsible." He knew that this incident was no accident and that there must be a greater conspiracy behind it. As a prince, he had a responsibility to protect his people and his country.

Prime Minister Bai bowed and said, "I am willing to assist Your Highness in uncovering the culprit behind this." He understood that the current situation was dire and that it would require everyone's concerted efforts to overcome it. As Prime Minister, he also had an obligation to address the country's concerns and difficulties.

"Then I'll trouble you, Prime Minister." Long Yan said to Prime Minister Bai, "Where should we begin our investigation?"

Prime Minister Bai thought for a moment and responded, "In my opinion, we should start with the rumors in the Imperial City. Understanding their recent whereabouts and the people they've come into contact with may reveal some clues."

"Well, that makes sense." Long Yan nodded in agreement. "Then let the Prime Minister take care of the rumors. In the meantime, keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals in the city."

"Yes, sir!" After Prime Minister Bai received the order, the two of them took action separately.

Prime Minister Bai walked with a sad face, completely unaware that his expression change was clearly seen by the clan leader Kong who was observing him secretly.

Chief Kong couldn't help but think to himself, "It seems that the poison that the Dragon Emperor was infected with has already taken effect. What that person said is indeed true." Then Chief Kong left.

Not long after Patriarch Kong left, a man in black also left.

...............

The Orcs' Royal Garden Square was packed with people, but now it seemed unusually quiet. The competition for advancing from Level 8 to Level 9 Alchemists had begun.

After Lin Ziyu recovered his spiritual energy, he felt bored staying in the room, so he brought Long Si to the alchemist competition.

Looking at the scene before them, Long Si whispered to Lin Ziyu, "Young Master Lin, today is the final and most important Alchemist Competition—the competition for Level 8 Alchemists to advance to Level 9. Three of the people on the field are from the Sea Clan, two are from our Orc Clan, and the remaining nine are from the Human Clan."

Lin Ziyu nodded slightly, glancing around. He noticed that many people had come to watch the competition, but only a few actually participated. He couldn't help but sigh, "It seems becoming a ninth-level alchemist isn't an easy task!"

Long Si nodded in agreement. "Yes, ninth-level alchemists are at the pinnacle of existence, and each one is a highly respected master."

Lin Ziyu raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a confident smile: "However, I believe there will always be people who dare to challenge themselves and pursue higher realms." After speaking, his eyes fell on the participating alchemists. After all, such a competition is held every five years, and it is also the best learning opportunity.

Afterwards, Lin Ziyu's attention began to focus on the alchemists participating in the competition. These alchemists from different races all displayed their unique refining styles and techniques.

The first to watch were the alchemists of the Sea Clan. The flames they used were a faint blue, giving off a chilling vibe. This flame was distinct from the more common red or orange flames, seeming to carry a hint of chill. Lin Ziyu couldn't help but observe with curiosity, wondering how such flames would affect the refining of the elixir.

Then, he noticed an orcish alchemist. His movements seemed a bit rough, yet full of power. He stirred the liquid medicine vigorously, as if trying to extract all its essence. Lin Ziyu speculated that this refining method might be more suitable for certain special herbs, allowing the elixir to be more concentrated.

The human alchemists, however, displayed even more refined and diverse techniques. Some were gentle, meticulously controlling the heat and dosage; others boldly experimented with new formulas and techniques, striving to create unique elixirs. The spiritual fires they employed varied, ranging from red, orange, and purple, each possessing unique properties and characteristics.

Lin Ziyu observed the alchemists' every move intently, sighing inwardly. He understood that everyone had their own understanding and pursuit of alchemy. It was this diversity and innovation that allowed alchemy to continue to develop and progress.

As time passed, there was a "bang." The orc alchemist's furnace suddenly exploded. The orc was startled, his face darkening, and he cursed uncontrollably. Furiously, he ordered his men to clean up the remains of the blasted furnace. Then, taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself and regroup. Then, he began refining the medicine, but his movements were still clumsy, as if he had not learned the lesson from his previous failure.

However, at that moment, two loud explosions erupted, "Bang... Bang..." It turned out that the furnaces of two human alchemists had exploded simultaneously. One of the alchemists shook his head helplessly. He had only prepared one batch of the elixir and signaled to the judges that he was giving up the competition. The other, however, was more persistent. He silently cleaned up the remaining residue and resolutely decided to continue refining the elixir.

Time passed slowly, the sun gradually set, and night quietly fell. The Royal Garden activated its lighting system, keeping the entire environment bright and clear.

The competition was nearing its end, and the alchemists were competing intensely. Beads of sweat oozed from their foreheads, and their eyes were focused and determined.

Someone had successfully refined a pill! But the man's face didn't show much joy, instead carrying a hint of heaviness and unease. He carefully held the pill in his palm, as if it were a fragile treasure, unsure of its exact grade.

Then, the second, third, and more alchemists announced their successful creations. Each one had a solemn expression, seemingly dissatisfied with their achievements. Only four or five of them showed signs of joy.

After the participating alchemists handed in their refined elixirs, the audience began to discuss enthusiastically, speculating which alchemist would successfully advance to become a ninth-level alchemist.

"I think it should be a priestess of the sea tribe? She was just a little bit away from advancing in the last competition, so there will be no problem this time!" said a spectator confidently.

"Hmph, that's not necessarily true. I'm optimistic about Master Ji. He was able to refine ninth-grade elixirs three years ago!" another audience member retorted.

At this time, another audience member interrupted and said, "You're all wrong. In my opinion, the most likely person is the mysterious old man in black robes. Who knows where he comes from? Maybe he's a hidden master."

After hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. They began to recall the scene of the black-robed old man refining the elixir, and a hint of curiosity and anticipation rose in their hearts.