Chapter 7: Obtaining the Qualifications
Evening came.
The sunset gave off a blood-red glow, as outside the clan school's entrance hundreds of Yao clan members were already assembled outside it.
Other than just the clan school's disciples, there were also people from the branch and main bloodlines. The clan school's Great Competition was not just for selecting members for the Medicine Competition, but it was also a chance for them to discover some talents.
A few disciples might not be good enough to attain the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, but as long as they had remarkable performances they could obtain all kinds of different opportunities. The Yao clan had all kinds of commerce and management outside the clan that required many talented people. Entering into one these was also very good, and although your training speed couldn't compare to the speed you would obtain inside the clan, but Yao clan disciples had an extremely high status outside the clan, which could be considered another kind of honor.
At the moment, everyone was waiting for the clan school's lineup.
The top eight in the lineup would not only have the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition, but in addition this list was more for finding a suitable partner amongst the branch and main bloodlines. The top thirty names were all targets that people would proactively trying to attract.
At this time, Yao Chen and Luo Shu had also arrived at the front of the clan school, looking at the huge crowd that was bustling with activity, there simply was no path forward- not even a drop of water could have managed to squeeze through. Within the crowd were scouts from the branch and main bloodlines who had come earlier to attract some talents.
"There really are a lot of people…" Luo Shu had barely spoken before the crowd parted, giving them a path forward....
Luo Shu narrowed his eyes and his legs felt weak. Turning to look at Yao Chen he seemed as if he wanted to ask just what was happening.
The list was just a formality. In reality, most of the higher-ranked more powerful people were all capable of finding out the names before the list was posted.
Looking at the current circumstances, it seemed that the top eight names had already been selected, and Yao Chen was definitely amongst them… although he wouldn't dare to say he was first, but being in the top three was a very distinct possibility- if he wasn't in the top three, then how could this crowd just so easily part to make a path for them?
Yao Chen took a deep breath; he had long since calculated that with the Violet Flame Pill which had shown signs of being a top quality pill, there was an eighty percent chance of entering the top eight and obtaining the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition. However being at the actual scene, his heart was still jumping and it was difficult for him to stay calm.
However when it came to his rank he didn't consider it to be important. The only thing he cared about was attaining the qualifications for the Medicine Competition. To be frank, his Dou Qi was still at a nine star Dou Zhe, and although he had a Dou Technique that could explode out with a Dou Shi's Dou Qi, but this kind of Dou Qi had an extremely large weakness in that during battle with an enemy, it could be said that using it was basically asking for defeat and death. Of course when it came to refining medicine this kind of strength increase could be extremely useful. However in the Yao clan, there were uncountable advantages, and it was unknown just how many fantastic alchemy techniques had far exceeded this kind of simple explosion Dou Technique.
Fortunately it was not like Yao Chen didn't have follow up plans. After this time's Great Competition, there was still more than a month's time before the real Medicine Competition
Although it was slightly pressing, but as long as he could persevere, then it was sufficient for the hidden strength that was inside of him to be drawn out.
Booming noises….
Finally the clan school's main door opened. All the clan school's elder filed out, with the clan school elder Yao Lan at the very front.
In one hand elder Yao Lan was holding a ferule, while his other hand was holding a scroll.[i]
This was the clan school's Great Competition which had a grand announcement ceremony. Not every Great Competition would have such a treatment; it would only happen once every five years for the Medicine Competition.
This time, the top eight names would all be written into the clan school's history, and although this wasn't as large a glory as the Clan Monument, it was still leaving your name in the clan school, which was a big honor.
Elder Yao Lan indifferently swept his eyes over this crowd of people. Not only were the clan school disciples present but also their families, as well as groups of people from the branch families, extended families, and main bloodline families.
These disciples would eventually become the Yao clan's core strength!
All these bustle and excitement was precisely due to the Yao clan's proof of strength in these young second generation disciples that were still growing up.
"This time's Great Competition had many talents. 52 disciples managed to complete their pills. When comparing to last time's Great Competition, only 17 managed to agglomerate their pill." Although this kind of speech was very standard, under this kind of situation, the more it was like this the more people would want to hear it finish. Suddenly the first star signifying the start of the night glimmered.
"It's time to now reveal the list-"
Following, a sudden burst came out elder Yao Lan's hand. The scroll made an explosive noise, before unrolling and suspending itself in midair.
"Rank number 30, Yao He!"
"Rank number 29, Yao Kou!"
The names were revealed starting from last place.
After releasing just two names, amongst the group of people was a burst of cheering. This time's Great Competition had over 300 people attending it, and to be able to enter into the top 30 was a great honor.
However, currently people were still able to maintain their self-control. Only by getting into the top eight could they attend the Medicine Competition, which was the real point of getting on the list.
"Rank number 9, Yao Yun…."
From within the crowd a cry of alarm rang out!
In front of the entrance, a lanky disciple's face turned pale, with his fill of disbelief. Yao Chen also turned his head to give him a glance. Yao Yun was one of the well known members in the clan school. Normally he would be regarded highly within the clan school. Although he couldn't necessary weigh up to the clan school's Top Three, Yao Tong, Li Yanxin, and Zuo Hongle, and even if you didn't consider Dou Qi and only compared alchemy skills, within the clan school there was no one else who would want to compare themselves to him.
However, at the moment he ended up ranking in the ninth position, and didn't even manage to get into the top eight.
"Hehe, what have I said? Evil has its own retribution. People with low morals will at key moments have bad luck." Zuo Hongle who was always ranked as either second or third within the clan didn't give him even the slightest face as he laughed and ridiculed. His words spread everything and his low laughter pierced the day. In reality, Yao Yin was excessively arrogant and considered everyone to be beneath him. In public and in secret, it was unknown just how many people he had offended.
The reason why Yao Yun considered everyone to be beneath him was because he was a lackey of the main bloodline's Yao Feng. Whenever Yao Feng had an issue it was usually Yao Yun who served as the lead figure in dealing with it.
"Rank number 8, Yao Dong…."
Elder Yao Lan's imposing voice was still continuing to announce the rankings.
When the eighth rank's name announced, a rumbling noise immediately followed. The crowd become much more excited as many of them started to crowd around Yao Dong, giving him congratulations, attempting to attract him to their family, and also attempting to convince him to marry their daughter, taking out a long dowry list.
The top eight had the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition which was already a big honor, becoming famous amongst thousands. At the same time it would demonstrate your talent and your abilities, and more and more families and branches would favor you and think of ways to attract you to their households.
Although everyone was the same clan, but from ancient times to present, the Yao clan had always been large, and ordinary people had difficulty getting their interest. The many branches were uncountable, and each branch had their own estates and business. Even the main bloodline also had over ten families, each with their own strengths and resources.
"Rank number 7… Rank number 6…."
Each name was called out from elder Yao Lan's mouth, and the energy within the crowd became more and more enthusiastic, such that the people whose names were currently being called all had their faces turn an exceptional red color. To be able to get the qualifications for the Medicine Competition meant that you had obtained two acknowledgements: you were extremely talented and had a great aptitude. Although the Yao clan was extremely large, but the number of people needing to be fed was also large. Even if the clan had even more resources they still couldn't distribute it evenly. If you wanted to obtain a larger share of resources then both your talent and qualifications had to meet extremely rigid targets. If you didn't meet those targets then you could only rely on exchanging merit points. Not even talking about Dou Zhes, even if you were a Dou Shi just how much work or how many merit points do you think you could obtain?
As a result, to obtain the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition was equal to opening a wide road full of brilliant future prospects. Amongst the clan school disciples, most of them were all striving to obtain this.
"Rank number four…."
Elder Yao Lan voice suddenly paused at this moment, his gaze stopping to look at Li Yanxin.
Li Yanxin's face changed, and his throat trembled as he inhaled.
"Li Yanxin."
As expected, this name ended up being announced by Yao Lan.
Everyone was no longer as excited as they were before. Instead they became shocked and startled.
Among the hundreds of disciples, from the moment Li Yanxin entered the clan school he had never dropped out of the top three rankings during the Great Competition. However it was this most important Great Competition this time that he unexpectedly ranked as fourth.
Li Yanxin's gaze fell towards Yao Chen.
"Looks like the rumor is true, Yao Chen really did enter the top three."
"I actually thought it was wrong…."
"It's not possible, I know who Yao Chen is, his Dou Qi shouldn't have entered the Dou Shi class, how can it be him?"
"Impossible! It's absolutely impossible, just what do you think that explosion Dou Technique is? Using that kind of Dou Technique to refine medicine, eight or nine out of ten pills would end up highly toxic; it would only end up a garbage pill. At the time, elder Yao Lan didn't announce his medicinal pill's quality; obviously it was due to this reason. The reason they still haven't announced his name is definitely because he was washed out…."
"Now that you mention it, in the refining records of the clan school, Yao Chen ended up causing quite a few cauldron explosions right?"
There were some people who admired him, but there were also people who were simply jealous. Although the rumor had been passed around but there were still people who didn't accept it. These cynical remarks were not cold, but also not indifferent. Most of them were from people who said Yao Chen's potential was completely burnt out.
"Rank number 3…."
Hearing Elder Yao Lan's voice, the crowd immediately became completely silent.
"Zuo Hongle!"
The crowd immediately burst into noise!
The third name actually ended up being Zuo Hongle! Then just what was the second name? Yao Chen?
In any case, first place was never shaken, not even by lightning. It was certain to be Yao Tong.
However… saying Yao Chen was second place, the number of people who didn't believe it grew even more!
"Saying that Yao Chen is second, hehe… it really is absurd, I can't even bear such a joke. Just wait for the truth to come out."
"Haha, to say such words means that you don't actual know his circumstance. His family only has him and his mother, and no matter how hard they work in secret, reality is cruel. Even when it comes to the Musk Essence Foundation Strengthening Pill, only one is given out every three months, and in reality their family doesn't have even one male pillar to rely on. With just the regular stipends given out by the clan he can only barely manage to keep up with everyone else, so he's clearly trying to show his strength to gain favor and get special treatment."
Hiding one's strength was actually an unwise path inside the clan.
"Shh, everyone shut up, the second place is about to be announced."
Elder Yao Lan paused briefly, waving his ferule, the noisy crowd calmed back down. Lightly sighing, he waited for the crowd to become completely silent before slowly open his mouth, "Rank number two…."
Yet again he paused for a moment, and this his gaze fell on Yao Chen. The whole crowd noticed Yao Lan's gaze was looking at Yao Chen, and immediately various colors appeared on their faces. Was it actually true that this unremarkable little fellow had used one action to shock everyone?
"Yao Tong!"
Elder Yao Lan loudly announced the rank.
Silence!
To the side, Yao Tong had previously been maintaining a calm expression ended up with an extremely complex expression on his face when he heard his name called out as second place. Second place!
Ever since Yao Tong had entered the clan school he had always been a crane amongst a flock of chicken as he was way above others. The first place position had always been taken by him. The saying about the clan school's Top Three, was totally made up by other people of their own initiative, and Yao Tong had never bothered to correct them. Li Yanxin and Zuo Hongle were simply never put in his eyesight. Previously when they had done a couple private challenges, the result to Yao Tong was always two words- not worthy. The difference between him and them was definitely not just one level difference.
No one would expect that this time, the most important clan school's Great Competition would not fall to the magnificent Yao Tong. Unexpectedly he had only gotten second place. Just who was first!?
Yao Tong was askance for a couple moments, before recovering to his normal tranquil self. Shooting a glance at Yao Chen, he wondered, was it actually him?
Was he actually capable?
The only possibility was a Violet Flame Pill whose quality was assessed as top tier. Other than this, no one else could compare to his third tier Moon Suppressing Wind Pill. However Yao Tong would still have confidence. Even if it was a top tier pill, so what? Yao Chen simply had no way of competing with him. Even if he ended up ranked as second place, the more important thing was the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill came from an ancient ruins, and considering he had completely repaired it and used it at the Great Competition, it would still be a higher level compared to a top tier pill.
The other clansmen in the crowd also evidently knew this argument. This time's Great Competition's Moon Suppressing Wind Pill was definitely the most amazing, with no other pills being able to compare to it, not even Yao Chen's Violet Flame Pill. Although it was nice to think that the pill was top tier, but it wasn't necessarily definite. Its quality was still unknown, and just how was the pill's toxicity? A disciple who was always ranked below 40 who didn't seem to improve or decline lacked the persuasiveness to convince the crowd.
However, if it wasn't him, then who else could first place go to? All the evaluated pills had already been ranked except for Yao Chen. Other than his unexpected pill, there was no one else that could compete with the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill.
Yao Chen's pulse quickened. He himself knew best that the Violet Flame Pill's effect, even if it was a top grade pill, if compared to the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill it would still have quite a gap, and also, the Violet Flame Pill also had a quite a few drawbacks… of course, he still had faith. Yao Chen's intention was only to enter the top eight, but looking at the current situation, even up to the second rank his name was still not called.
Had he failed?
Or was he actually… first?
First… this, was it actually possible?
Just as Yao Chen was worrying about whether he had failed or succeeded, he heard elder Yao Lan's voice once again, as the ferule in hand waved once more, appearing completely solemn, as it slowly announced: "Rank number 1…."
Everyone was completely silent, as the many clan members present all held their breath. This was the first time in many years that the first place of the clan school's Great Competition wasn't Yao Tong!
Was it the newly emerged, apparently talented Yao Chen?
The people sent from the branch families and households were all looking at Yao Chen. If it was him… their sharp gazes as the shot towards their competitors. Yao Chen's background was extremely poor, just suitable for them to attempt to attract with a partner.
"Yao Chen!" Elder Yao Lan's voice was like a raging flood as it loudly rose out.
Just as he spoke, the previously silent crowd suddenly seemed like a boiling cauldron of voices.
"It really was him?"
"This is too ridiculous!"
"Yao Tong's expression is pretty ugly now."
"Haha, after this time's Great Competition, Yao Tong will definitely make some movements."
"I'm afraid the one that's more likely to get mad is Yao Yun."
Yao Yun had ranked number 9 during this time's Great Competition. If it was in the past, with Yao Yun's ability he could steadily stay within the top eight. It could even be said that originally he had been guaranteed one of the spots to attend the Medicine Competition, but because Yao Chen suddenly emerged as a force to be reckoned with he had been squeezed out of the top eight and had no way of attending the Medicine Competition….
This kind of enmity couldn't be said to be a life and death hatred, but it was also one that could be easily resolved. After all, the Medicine Competition's meaning was too deep, too serious, and too heavy for the clan school disciples.
However, training in and of itself involved constant struggle, against the heavens, against oneself, and against others. If you were to dispute this then you would end up on a dead end, spending your last years as a nameless nobody.
In regards to Yao Chen, all the countless commentary around him was completely blocked out by him. He simply felt his mind flash… he was rank 1!
Although he said that he didn't care about his rank as long as he was within the top eight and could attend the Medicine Competition, but actually obtaining first place still caused his heart to pound faster, as a wonderful sensation started to fill up his chest. This kind of feeling was hard to suppress, as it was both strange but wonderful. However, in critical times like this, there would always be someone who would appear and spoil it. Luo Shu was even more excited than Yao Chen, as he grabbed Yao Chen's shoulders and incessantly shook them back in forth as his mouth constantly repeated, "Brother Chen… You're rank 1, you're rank 1, rank number 1!
"Brother Luo." Yao Chen helplessly shook his head.
"Brother Chen? What's the matter?"
"Can you let go, right now I'm still very dazed."
Although he had already rested for a couple hours, but he had basically gone all out in order to use his Energy Explosion Technique; the decisive hand seal Dou Technique caused Yao Chen to be in a kind of muddleheaded condition.
"Xi… hehe, I forgot." Luo Shu scratched his head, mischievously laughing, he simply was just too happy.
At this moment, elder Yao Lan coughed lightly, using his Dou Qi to amplify his voice, the sound was like lightning, as everyone present heard it. "Yao Chen, Yao Tong, Zuo Hongle…….. these top eight people have obtained the clan school's qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition. Hopefully with great effort in training, you can rise to another level during the Medicine Competition.
They were encouraging words, but Yao Chen didn't hear even a bit of it. His head was completely thinking about how he was first place at the Great Competition and how he had the qualifications to attend the Medicine Competition.
There was still one month's time before the Medicine Competition. Advancing to Dou Shi within this month was a challenge that Yao Chen must resolve. If he wasn't a Dou Shi, even if he attended the Medicine Competition, then no matter what kind of talent he had in alchemy he would not be anything more than the background.
At this time, suddenly a voice coldly sounded out, "Elder, the Violet Flame Pill is pretty good, but when compared to the Moon Suppressing Wind Pill there is still quite a disparity. Yao Chen ended up ranking above Yao Tong, but we don't know for what reason. If you don't announce the reason then I'm afraid it will be hard to convince everyone."
[i] Yes a ferule… basically just a ruler.