Nonsense! How could my adopted son be a villain?

Shopkeeper Zhao was a little surprised that Xu Lingguang didn't know about the Hundred Refinements Competition, but then he thought that Xu Lingguang was obviously living in seclusion in the deep mountains, so it was understandable that he didn't know. Therefore, he explained in detail: "The origin of the Hundred Refinements Competition has to do with the grudges between the Hidden Sword Sect and the Nine Turns Manor."

"The Hidden Edge Sect and the Nine Turns Manor are the two major weapon-making giants in the Shangyang Continent. The Hidden Edge Sect is good at forging swords and blades, while the Nine Turns Manor is known for its unusual weapons such as bows and crossbows."

The founders of these two sects are said to have originally been a pair of brothers, but for some unknown reason they parted ways and established their own sects. From the very beginning, these two sects have been at odds with each other. Not only do the leaders and elders at the top often exchange sarcastic remarks, but the disciples below also fight whenever they meet.

The reason for the temporary ceasefire was that the demon race was powerful and the human race had to work together to resist the demon invasion. As a result, the Cangfeng Sect and the Jiuzhuan Manor had to put aside their old grudges and work together to forge weapons and magic treasures to support the front-line sects.

Later, the calamity of the demon race was temporarily quelled. The two families still disliked each other, but with the mediation of other sects, they finally agreed to hold the Hundred Refinement Competition once every fifty years.

The so-called Hundred Refinements Competition is a competition held annually by two families, who draw lots to determine the location. Afterward, each family randomly throws their own refined weapons, formations, and various magical treasures into the mountains. Then, each family sends a team of elite disciples, and at the same time, they select one hundred cultivators of the same cultivation level from among the spectators to enter the competition venue for a free-for-all.

The cultivators participating in the competition are not allowed to bring any magical artifacts or weapons; they can only use weapons and magical artifacts that they randomly find within the competition venue.

The competition lasts for ten days, during which cultivators will be continuously eliminated until only one person remains.

After the competition, the weapons and magical artifacts used by the top fifty cultivators will be tallied. The side whose weapons and magical artifacts were used the most will be the winner.

As Xu Lingguang listened, he felt that this was just a large-scale cultivation version of real-life PUBG.

He asked curiously, "But whether or not you can get into the top fifty also depends on the contestant's level of skill and ability, right? It doesn't entirely depend on weapons and magic treasures."

Manager Zhao laughed and said, "Therefore, in order to minimize the influence of individual cultivators, the participants in the competition are only selected from cultivators at the Qi Induction Realm to the Mortal Transformation Realm. Cultivators at these two realms are not enough to turn the tide on their own and need to rely more on external assistance."

Xu Lingguang understood; this was why Manager Zhao needed a large quantity of Crimson Sun Pills.

The Crimson Sun Pill is perfectly suited for fire-attribute cultivators at or below the Transcendent Realm.

However, he still had one question: "Why are there more cultivators who have completed the Hundred Refinements stage than those who have undergone the Trial of Fire stage?"

Shopkeeper Zhao said, "It all started with the rewards for the Hundred Refinements Competition. The top fifty in the competition will receive a free forging opportunity from either the Hidden Edge Sect or the Nine Turns Manor, but they will need to provide their own materials. The top thirty can commission a mid-grade Heavenly Craftsmanship weapon or magic weapon. The top ten can commission a high-grade Heavenly Craftsmanship weapon or magic weapon."

"As for the top three, the rewards are even more generous, but without exception, they are all related to weapons and magical artifacts. And these magical artifacts and weapons are provided by the losing side in this competition."

"The news circulating this year suggests that the Hidden Sword Sect is well-prepared and has a very high chance of winning, while the Nine Turns Manor has been struggling with a lack of talent in the past two years and is slightly weaker than the Hidden Edge Sect, so it is very likely to be the loser. The Nine Turns Manor is located in the north, and the area is rich in cloud iron and a kind of red fire rock. Red fire rock is a treasure for forging fire-attribute weapons and magic treasures, but because of its scarcity, the Nine Turns Manor has never sold it to the public in previous years. Therefore, many fire-attribute cultivators have come to participate in the competition after hearing the news. If they are lucky enough to be in the top thirty, they can order weapons and magic treasures forged from red fire rock from the Nine Turns Manor."

Xu Lingguang listened in a daze, feeling as if his eyes had been opened.

Manager Zhao is indeed a business savvy person with foresight; no wonder he has already started preparing for the Hundred Refinements Competition, which is still half a month away.

Those fire-attribute cultivators came for the Crimson Fire Rock. To stand out from so many people, they must participate in the competition in their best condition. At this time, they will definitely need a lot of pills. And the Spirit Inquiry Slope is only a hundred miles away from Qingyu City, so it is probably the first choice for these cultivators to stay.

No wonder he vaguely sensed that the streets were much more lively when he came today.

Xu Lingguang exclaimed, "I've never seen such a grand event before."

If given the chance, he would like to broaden his horizons.

To everyone's surprise, Manager Zhao immediately produced an invitation after hearing this: "Qianjinlou is one of the organizers of this competition. If Young Master Xu wishes to attend, you are welcome to join us." He sighed with some regret, "Although Young Master Xu's level is not high enough to participate in the competition, it would still be nice to watch the excitement. Every Hundred Refinements Competition produces many new talents, which is worth seeing."

Xu Lingguang: "..."

He thought Manager Zhao was overestimating him. He was somewhat envious of the rewards from the Hundred Refinements Competition, but being unfamiliar with the place and the people, he was a little unsure of himself and didn't dare to participate rashly. He planned to go and take a look when he had time.

Even if you don't participate in the competition, it's good to broaden your horizons.

However, he always remained silent in the face of Manager Zhao's blind praise, since he figured his image as a reclusive master wouldn't collapse anytime soon.

Xu Lingguang didn't dwell on that and returned to the main topic: "So, during this period, Qianjin Tower should need a large amount of Chiyang Pills?"

Manager Zhao nodded: "That's right, top-grade Crimson Sun Pills are rare, so naturally the more the better."

Xu Lingguang was a little puzzled: "Is it rare to find a high-grade Crimson Sun Pill? Isn't the Crimson Sun Pill just a second-grade pill?"

Based on his own experience refining the Crimson Sun Pill, although it was more difficult than refining the Qi-Boosting Pill and the Bone-Growing Pill, it wasn't that difficult. After refining several batches, he gained experience and it became easier and easier.

To everyone's surprise, Manager Zhao shook his head and said, "The Crimson Sun Pill is classified as a Grade Two pill for two reasons. First, it is designed for cultivators below the Transcendent Realm. Second, its effects are rather limited, only targeting fire-attribute cultivators."

"But in reality, because the Crimson Sun Pill is extremely yang and strong, the yang fire power it contains is too active, making it particularly difficult to control during the refining process, and explosions of the furnace often occur."

Manager Zhao shook his head with a sigh and said, "I have dealt with many alchemists. According to them, it is relatively easy to refine the Crimson Sun Pill into a mid-to-low grade pill, and occasionally one or two high-grade pills can be produced. However, if one wants to consistently refine high-grade pills, the control and observation of spiritual power needs to be extremely meticulous. Although it is a second-grade pill, the difficulty of producing a high-grade pill is no less than that of a third-grade pill."

He looked at Xu Lingguang with a smile and took the opportunity to flatter him again: "Young Master Xu has a 90% success rate in producing high-grade pills, which is unheard of. If the news were to reach the ears of those alchemists, their doorsteps would probably be worn down. It's only because you live in Ailao Mountain that you can keep them at bay."

Xu Lingguang truly hadn't expected that the superior grade of the Crimson Sun Pill would be so valuable. Before refining it, he studied Yuan Jiu's notes and was actually worried about the furnace exploding, especially since he had just recovered from his illness and was afraid that an explosion would aggravate his old injuries. Therefore, he was extremely careful when refining the Crimson Sun Pill, which is why no accident occurred.

Later, with more practice, I gradually figured out the tricks of the trade.

Xu Lingguang pursed his lips and said modestly, "Actually, I just practiced a lot and got used to it."

"Young Master Xu is too modest. The art of alchemy is not something that just anyone can easily master."

Xu Lingguang spoke modestly, while Manager Zhao flattered him. He chuckled and invited Xu Lingguang to sit down, pouring him a cup of tea with great enthusiasm. He then got down to business: "I'll settle the accounts for this batch of pills first, and then order more pills later. What do you think, Young Master Xu?"