Xin Chen spoke in surprise.
Alchemists were undoubtedly the most revered individuals on this continent.
However, alchemists typically focused on their craft and were often slightly weaker in cultivation and combat prowess compared to cultivators of the same level.
After all, human energy was finite; one could not excel in every field simultaneously.
This was why Xin Chen was astonished when Zhang Ergou claimed to have refined the pill himself.
Zhang Ergou's strength was evident to all. Although his cultivation appeared to be only at the late stage of Foundation Establishment,
his demonstrated combat abilities suggested he could rival early-stage Golden Core cultivators.
Possessing such formidable combat power and being an alchemist naturally astonished Xin Chen.
"Haha, I suppose I'm a Rank 2 Alchemist now."
Zhang Ergou chuckled softly, taking pride in surprising the usually stoic Xin Chen.
"Rank 2 Alchemist?" Xin Chen's mouth fell open, his eyes fixed on Zhang Ergou.
He seemed to be trying to discern if Zhang Ergou was lying or telling the truth.
Was this young man a Rank 2 Alchemist? Had he been refining pills since birth?
Alchemy required not only immense talent but also countless hours of practice to advance from Rank 1 to Rank 2.
Given Zhang Ergou's apparent youth, his achievement was remarkable.
Xin Chen was at a loss for words to describe his feelings.
A late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator capable of defeating early-stage Golden Core opponents, and a young Rank 2 Alchemist.
Neither of these facts was particularly frightening on its own. What was terrifying was both abilities manifesting in the same person.
Xin Chen's expression at that moment was not much different from when Lin Yichen and the others had first learned of Zhang Ergou's true identity.
"Senior Brother, are you interested in helping me with something?"
Tugging at Xin Chen's sleeve, Zhang Ergou asked again.
"What is it?" Xin Chen asked solemnly, now much more serious.
Having learned of Zhang Ergou's true capabilities, he had resolved to befriend him rather than make an enemy.
Given the potential Zhang Ergou had displayed, he would undoubtedly become someone they would all look up to before long.
Although Xin Chen typically appeared cold, his judgment of people was remarkably accurate.
With this assessment, he had made up his mind.
His tone even grew more enthusiastic.
...
"What's going on? Wasn't Senior Brother Xin seriously injured earlier? How is he fighting Zhang Ergou again?"
"Strange, they were whispering on the battle stage for quite some time. What did they say?"
The surrounding disciples were baffled, utterly confused by the sight of the two figures resuming their fight on the stage.
They had clearly seen Xin Chen's right foot pierced by Zhang Ergou's short sword, bleeding profusely.
Yet, moments later, he appeared as lively as ever, engaging in combat with Zhang Ergou once more.
What was this, some kind of game?
It wasn't just the onlookers; Lin Yichen and his companions were also perplexed.
"Didn't they already decide the winner? Why is Ergou fighting that guy in black again?"
Lin Yueru frowned, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion.
"I don't understand. That Zhang Ergou kid never plays by the rules. That guy in black doesn't seem very bright, could he have been tricked?"
Wang Teng, holding a fan he had produced from somewhere, fanned himself, drawing admiring glances from the female disciples around them.
"I find this whole situation very strange, but I can't quite pinpoint why!"
Lin Yichen's remark earned him scornful looks from those around him.
"Zhang Ergou, you can't hold on much longer. Stop pretending and just surrender!"
Xin Chen shouted towards Zhang Ergou, who had created some distance between them, while simultaneously launching a punch.
Bang!
The punch was powerful but lacked accuracy.
It created a massive crater in the bluestone ground behind Zhang Ergou, but Zhang Ergou himself remained unharmed.
"Xin Chen, is it? Shut your dog mouth. Do I look like I'm at my limit?"
Zhang Ergou swung his Ghost Spear, Tian Wen, in one hand, creating dazzling spear patterns.
They exchanged insults on the battle stage, while Xin Chen unleashed a barrage of spectacular, desperate attacks towards Zhang Ergou.
Despite their fierce combat, the onlookers found it eerie that neither of them sustained any injuries after such a prolonged engagement.
In fact, they hadn't seen any of Xin Chen's dazzling spells land anywhere near Zhang Ergou.
Zhang Ergou had also altered his fighting style, wielding his iron spear and smashing several large chunks out of the bluestone floor.
Yet, he made no move to approach Xin Chen.
"Ergou, junior brother, how is your recovery coming along?"
Xin Chen transmitted his voice to Zhang Ergou. Unlike spiritual energy, Zhang Ergou's previous battles had depleted his physical strength.
Simple consumption of pills would have little effect.
Only food or rest could alleviate fatigue and restore some of his stamina.
What Zhang Ergou had asked Xin Chen to do earlier was to stage a fight, to buy time.
He needed time to recover his strength. They had been exchanging blows on the stage for nearly two hours, and Zhang Ergou's stamina had gradually been recovering.
"Just a little longer, Senior Brother Xin. Another half an hour and I'll be back to peak condition."
Zhang Ergou transmitted back.
The crowd saw him continuously swinging his iron spear against Xin Chen, but it was all a facade.
They exchanged blows, but not a single hit landed on the other.
The commotion was grand, but the true effect was known only to the two of them.
"What is Xin Chen doing? That Zhang Ergou kid is clearly at his limit. Why are they still locked in such a stalemate after all this time?"
A group of high-ranking Inner Sect disciples, concealed in the shadows, voiced their confusion at the ongoing battle.
"Indeed. Xin Chen clearly had Zhang Ergou on the brink of death at the start. After they whispered for a while, it's like they've become different people."
"Haven't you noticed Xin Chen's fighting style is different from before?"
The others looked closely. Xin Chen was known for his ruthless precision. Now, in his fight against Zhang Ergou, every move was wide-ranging and forceful, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.
"Could this be a trap?"
Someone suddenly voiced a suspicion.
"Haha, Xin Chen, thank you for indulging me in practice for so long. You can step down now!"
Just as the others were preparing to send someone to investigate, a loud laugh echoed from the battle stage.
"Zhang Ergou, you actually resorted to trickery!"
Xin Chen clutched his chest, his face a mask of shock.
Bang!
Following the exclamation, a resounding thud was heard, and Xin Chen's body fell stiffly to the ground.
"Defeated again?"