Evening came, and Emery stood in silence by the entrance of the Alchemy Tower as she looked at the


    third–ced name on the ranking list–Severin Feuillet. She appeared exhausted, and even the luster of


    eyes had dimmed slightly. Despite her continuous efforts during her third attempt, she managed to


    concoct only 998 pill recipes, falling short by thest two needed toplete the assessment. Mentally


    exhausted from all that exertion, she reluctantly left the ce.


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    That ordeal marked Emery’s first encounter with defeat and frustration. He looked at Severin’s name


    again and uttered with a bitter smile. “Just how talented are you!”


    She had strived for several years and failed the test thrice, yet Severin had passed it all in just over half


    year. It was a huge blow to Emery’s ego, especially since she had once asserted that her alchemical


    prowess could rival that of Celeste.


    Emery left the Alchemy Tower in despair, haunted by the thought of Severin wresting away her third


    ce. The news of Severin’s aplishments spread through the Sixth Mountain, overshadowing


    Emery’s


    reputation and reaching every corner of the Grandiuno Sect. Many considered Severin the second


    alchemy genius of the sect, and the title of the number one alchemy genius seemed within his grasp.


    All


    that was left to confirm his true abilities was a directpetition with Celeste.


    The elders in the sect took notice of that development and recognized how astonishing it was that


    Severin had surpassed Emery in the Alchemy Tower rankings. Emery’s alchemical aptitude as a


    prodigy of the Sixth Mountain had initially garnered her much favor among the elders, as many


    expected her to challenge for the position of fifth core disciple upon bing a sixth–grade alchemist,


    Severin’s ability to surpass her indicated his near–freakish talent and skill.


    Elsewhere, on the Sixth Mountain, Celeste focused intently on the cauldron before her. However, her


    distracted thoughts led to an unsessful attempt, and a muted explosion was heard as smoke


    appeared from the cauldron.


    Zelia was not too pleased with that mistake. “You got distracted again, Celeste. This is the fifth set of


    materials you’ve wasted today. This Yellowspring Pill that you’re trying to craft requires materials that


    are a pain to find.”


    Celeste felt embarrassed after being told odd. She winced. “I’m sorry.


    Zelia sighed and no longer chastised Celeste because she knew that Celeste’s unease was caused by


    Severin’s achievements. Ze doted on Emery as well because thetter was very talented in alchemy,


    but Emery’s record had been broken by Severin.


    Celeste then asked, “Do you think there are individuals in this world who are gifted both in attainment


    and


    As one of the five core disciples, Celeste had learned that Severin was appointed the sixth core


    disciple because he had activated a divine constitution in a breakthrough at the sacredke. She


    wondered about the possibility that geniuses who were proficient in every single aspect.