Blossoming Path

Through the murky water and sediment, the silhouette became clearer. In fact, it was moving too-

"Wargh!" I screamed, causing the noise to be warbled due to the presence of water. I veered off to the side, which was immensely difficult considering I was weightless here.

Jingyu Lian passed by me, almost butting heads. Her eyes were wide with focus, a flag gripped tightly in her hand. She didn't even glance my way as she continued her blind, frenzied swim toward the surface. The sight was almost comical, if not for the urgency that propelled her.

As she darted away, I couldn't help but notice the state of her Breath Gel. The protective layer that should have formed a stable, semi-permeable membrane around her was disintegrating, peeling off in patches like old paint. Something was off. Breath Gel, especially when prepared correctly, should last at least half an hour under these conditions. Yet hers was failing after merely five minutes. What could have caused such rapid degradation?

I continued my descent, my mind racing as much as my limbs. The water grew colder, the light dimmer, and then I felt it rather than saw it—the unsettling brush of Slickweed Kelp against my legs. A vast field of it lay at the lagoon's bottom, swaying gently in the underwater currents.

Why was there so much of it here?

Slickweed Kelp was a common enough component in several alchemical recipes I knew, most notably in solvents.

That was it—solvents! The kelp's most prominent feature was its ability to dissolve certain compounds, one of which was the alchemical gel used in Breath Gel. Jingyu Lian must have accidentally swam through a patch of it while fetching her flag, causing the protective gel to break down prematurely.

I suppose it was a way to trick those who thought they had it easy using the Breath Gel; my Gill Pill was focused on internal effects, and dispelling that was beyond the effect of any regular plant, unless I ate it.

It seems like those contestants with the Breath Gel would be in for a nasty surprise once they landed. No matter, I needed to secure my flag.

Internally, I was keeping track of how long I had. The fact I had a light source and didn't have to worry about the Slickweed Kelp made it less stressful for me.

'There!'

As I drew closer, the shape became more distinct—it was indeed a flag, anchored securely in a crevice, untouched by the surrounding kelp. A surge of excitement shot through me. I reached out, my fingers closing around the fabric. It was real—I had found one of the coveted flags!

Clutching the flag, I took a moment to survey my surroundings. The kelp loomed ominously, a reminder of the ever-present danger it posed. My breath, albeit artificial, came in steady rhythms, and the glow from my vial cast an eerie light on the seafloor's hidden crevices. An idea began to brew in my mind...

Collecting several pieces of the Slickweed Kelp, I carefully extracted its essence, creating a green ball of light. Because of the sheer amount, there was enough to form a fist-sized glob. Swimming closer to the surface, where light was allowed to permeate the floor. Taking my second Gill Pill, I popped it to allow me some additional time.

I looked upward, if my count was correct, Duan Jian should be...

His gaudy robes were hard to miss, even underwater. The Breath Gel covered him, although it was misshapen and uneven in certain places, showing just how inferior he was to Jingyu Lian when making the Breath Gel.

Swimming to where he was descending, I made sure to stay out of the way as I released the Slickweed Kelp extract into the water, turning into a thin stream of glowing, green energy. It was hard to predict where the essence would go, but because I had so much, I was able to spread it over a wide area.

I swam upward, feeling the cold seep into my bones. Despite the pill's effects, it couldn't protect me from the chill of being in the deep water. I was beginning to feel light-headed.

As Duan Jian continued to descend, his trajectory seemed to head straight for the glowing green essence, likely seeing it as some sort of sign that the flag was there. Almost immediately, I could see the Breath Gel sloughing off his body. I couldn't hear it, but I could see him thrashing around in a panic, as the thing that protected him from being soaked and allowing him to defend against the pressures of diving began to crumble.

Hahaha! Seeing it was so cathartic. It's like like karma was catching up to him. That's what he gets for messing with this invincible young master! A frog in a well, challenging a phoenix like yours truly!

Still clutching my hard-won flag and fueled by a surge of wicked delight, I kicked toward the surface. Lungs burning, I battled against the water's resistance, each upward stroke feeling like a mile. The world above shimmered, tantalizingly out of reach.

Breaking the surface, I gasped, air flooding my grateful lungs. The cool breeze was a shock after the icy depths. I blinked against the blinding light within the arena, blinking away salty water. For a moment, the only sound was the frantic beating of my heart and my ragged breaths.

Then, the cheers of the crowd hit me like a wave. I glanced around, and my heart swelled. I closed my eyes, focusing my hearing to hear what the crowd was saying.

"Move aside, runt! Can't you see the Ice Queen has emerged? Such perfection!"

"Out of the way, out of the way!" A high-pitched voice shrieked. "Some of us want a proper look at Master Bai! Did you see his muscles? Like carved jade!"

I snapped my eyes open. What was going on up there?

Why was I being ignored like some discarded ingredient? My gaze followed the crowd, settling on Bai Hua, coming out of the water with a flag in hand.

"Did he put something on?" I muttered under my breath. His skin glistened, and, oddly enough, seemed to repel the remaining water droplets rolling across his form. It looked like the Breath Gel, but much thinner. How did he get there so quickly?

"Tsk. Show-off," I grumbled, crossing my arms. The spectacle unfolding in front of me was infuriatingly absurd. Had the crowd completely forgotten about the actual competition? Weren't they here for alchemy, not some kind of physique showcase?

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"You there! Competitor! Out of the way!" A portly woman screeched, brandishing a fan menacingly. "Don't obscure the view!"

"Unbelievable," I mumbled. Was this what fame felt like? To be acknowledged, then instantly forgotten, swept aside by a fickle crowd chasing after the next shiny thing?

I sulked and trudged forward, the weight of the flag in my hand a small comfort against the dismissal of my efforts. Yet, a part of me couldn't help but revel in the silent victory over Duan Jian. As I glanced back, I saw him floundering as the remnants of his Breath Gel dissolved completely, his frantic movements betraying his panic.

As I reached the edge of the water, the crowd's focus shifted momentarily towards me. A few scattered claps acknowledged my return, but it was clear that the drama and spectacle provided by the others had overshadowed my methodical, albeit successful, strategy. Making eye-contact with Bai Hua, he smiled at me and waved.

"Looks like we're both making it to the next round."

"Yeah, but how'd you get a flag so quickly? You didn't even have the full ingredients needed for Breath Gel."

He retrieved a narrow-necked vial, one that was similar to the sample he gave me from before. Grabbing my hand, he applied it, and I felt the substance quickly spread along my arm. I touched it, noting how slippery it was, like handling mucus.

"I made a degraded version, one that enhances the gel aspect using the Tidecaller Vine's sap. Not only does it help with surface resistance to help me swim faster," He touched his face. "It makes your skin supple and smooth."

Of course...As expected of the Summer Sun Cosmetic heir.

Only about fifty people remained on land, still creating their concoctions. We both walked past the remaining contestants, many of whom stared at the flags in our hands with visible jealousy. Some hastened their efforts, feeling the pressure as two flags were selected.

"Damn it all!"

Duan Jian clambered onto the shore, coughing and sputtering, a picture of disheveled desperation. His eyes, red-rimmed and wild, flickered between the dwindling crowd and those of us who had successfully obtained flags. When they finally landed on me, they narrowed, his lips twisting into a snarl.

Hahaha! Revenge is a dish best served cold, after all!

"You!" he sputtered, pointing an accusing finger. "You...this was some kind of trick, wasn't it?"

"Me? I would never do such a thing. It goes against my principles as an alchemist," I said. "It's quite unfortunate that your concoction failed, but there's plenty of time to try again. Or perhaps beg for ingredients..."

If looks could kill, I'd be a messy pile of ashes by now.

My gaze swept across the remaining contestants, who were frantically grinding, stirring, and mixing with renewed urgency. I caught sight of Zhi Ruo, his brows furrowed in concentration, muttering under his breath as he carefully added ingredients to his mortar. He looked up as I approached, his face splitting into a hopeful grin.

"Kai! You did it!" The librarian said with a grin. "And thanks again for the Sea Lantern fruit…I think I've managed to make the Gill Pill."

"Good to hear," I responded with a nod, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "Make sure to grab a flag before they're all gone, though. Time's ticking."

As Zhi Ruo nodded and turned back to his work with renewed vigor, Bai Hua and I made our way to the invigilators' table to hand over our flags. The official behind the table nodded at us, marking something on a large, leather-bound ledger.

"Congratulations, Kai Liu, Bai Hua," Ma Hualong said, his voice neutral but his eyes flickering with a hint of respect.

We nodded and stepped back, watching as the official raised his voice to make the announcement. "Attention, competitors! Fifteen flags remain!"

The crowd stirred, some with renewed hope, others with despair. It was a stark reminder of the brutal nature of this competition—only the quickest, the cleverest, or the luckiest would advance.

Bai Hua and I retreated to the interior, a makeshift lounge where those who had secured their flags could wait out the rest of the round. Jingyu Lian was already there, now changed into simpler, dry attire.

She barely acknowledged us as we entered. I simply closed my eyes and turned away. All I had to do here was prove her wrong, and by making the first round, I already had.

Several others were there too—three other competitors who had managed to secure their flags early. They were engaged in quiet conversation, their expressions a mix of relief and anticipation. I didn't know them well, but their faces were familiar from the briefings and the opening ceremony.

As I settled into a seat, my clothes still damp and clinging uncomfortably to my skin, a couple of officials approached us.

"Gentlemen, if you'd like, we can take your clothes for drying," one of them offered, gesturing to a secluded area set up with privacy screens and a variety of alchemical heaters.

"Thank you," I said, standing. The prospect of warm, dry clothes was too good to pass up. Bai Hua and I followed them, passing our soggy garments to be treated.

While waiting for our clothes, Bai Hua leaned against a partition, his gaze thoughtful. "This round is more intense than I expected," he mused.

As we spoke, we could hear the sounds of the arena—the cheers, the splashes, the occasional shout of triumph or frustration. It was a symphony of competition, each note a reminder of the stakes at play. We talked further about who we knew that could make it here.

"Speaking of which, what do you think about Tao Ren's chances?" I asked, turning to Bai Hua. Despite the casualness of my tone, I was genuinely curious. Tao Ren had marketed himself as a simple blacksmith, but his earlier enthusiasm and the way he'd handled himself suggested there might be more to him.

Bai Hua's eyes flicked towards the area where Tao Ren was working, his expression contemplative. "From the brief moments I observed, Tao Ren is much more capable than he lets on," he said thoughtfully. "His approach to alchemy stems more from practicality than theoretical knowledge, a stark contrast to Zhi Ruo."

"That's interesting," I mused, rubbing my chin. The idea that practical skills could sometimes outweigh theoretical knowledge in certain situations wasn't new, but it was always fascinating to see it in action.

At that moment, the officials returned with our dried clothes, a relief that was almost palpable. I quickly changed back into my now warm and comfortable attire, feeling a renewed sense of vigor.

As we settled back to observe the ongoing competition, my thoughts drifted to the remaining contestants below. The arena was a flurry of activity, with the remaining competitors fiercely working on their concoctions. Through the crystal-clear water wall, I watched as each one scrambled to secure one of the dwindling number of flags.

Even though I harbored a strong dislike for Duan Jian, I couldn't help but grudgingly respect his ability to work under pressure. He was already back in the water, his movements calculated and desperate as he tried to concoct another batch of Breath Gel.

My gaze then shifted to Jingyu Lian. Having witnessed her skill firsthand, I knew that even my well-practiced methods might not measure up to hers in a direct contest. Her precision and efficiency were something to behold, and I realized I would need to rely heavily on my unique talents like Essence Extraction if I hoped to stand any chance of winning the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet.

Just then, a commotion snapped me out of my thoughts. Emerging from the water with a triumphant splash, Tao Ren surfaced, a flag in one hand and, oddly enough, a clam clamped firmly in his mouth. The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter as he waved his flag, his other hand making a grand gesture towards the Jade Flame Foundry banner draped nearby.

I even heard a few swoons from the women admiring his musculature.

'I have muscles too...It's just hidden under my robes...'

"Only at Jade Flame Foundry! We're taking commissions after the Gauntlet! For all your alchemy and smithing needs!" he shouted after spitting out the clam, his voice booming across the arena. His antics drew a mixture of admiration and amusement from the spectators.

I watched, dumbfounded by his unconventional methods, as he walked over to where Bai Hua and I were sitting, a wide grin splitting his face.

"Did you just... swim with a clam in your mouth?" I asked, incredulous as he plopped down beside us, still dripping. "How did you sneak a banner into the arena?"

Tao Ren chuckled, holding up the clam for us to see. "Ah, this little beauty? Pearl Diver clams—they're nifty little buggers. Used it as a makeshift air reservoir, works well when you combine it with some of the Breath Coral. Not the most orthodox method, but hey, it worked!"

I didn't even ponder the idea of using the clams as an ingredient. As I took the clam from his hand, I noticed how it had a natural contour on the shell that could fit around a human's lips.

"These guys have siphon-like appendages on the inside. If you just fiddle with it, it can take you from the bottom of the water and back."

Bai Hua made a face. "Breathing through that doesn't seem pleasant at all."

I raised an eyebrow, impressed despite myself. "And the Breath Coral? Did you use it to enhance the clam's properties?"

"Sorta just mashed them together in my palm with some Tidecaller sap leftover. It wasn't precise, but it formed a sort of pulpy mix that seemed to do the trick. Once you slather it on the clam, it'll make these large air bubbles you can breathe from."

Listening to him, it dawned on me that Tao Ren was an instinctual alchemist. He understood how things reacted and worked together not through studied knowledge but through a hands-on, trial-and-error approach. That was something I couldn't do. Perhaps this strategy only worked because of his strong physique; if I tried to accomplish what he did, I would've run out of time and sunk like a stone.

"I learned a lot of this stuff when I was a kid," Tao Ren continued, a faraway look in his eyes as he remembered. "Old man used to try and teach me the finer points of alchemy, but I only stuck with what I thought was useful. Turns out, it really came in handy today."

Laughing, I shook my head. "Well, it certainly paid off. You've got a knack for making the most out of unusual situations."

As we chatted, my gaze wandered back to the water. The competition was winding down, with only a few flags left. The intensity of the remaining contestants was palpable; each one desperate not to be left behind. Duan Jian rose from the depths with an ugly expression on his face, trudging over to hand his flag in to Ma Hualong, glaring at me viciously as he passed by me.

"Two flags remain!"

Each competitor here brought something unique to the table, showcasing the wide array of approaches and innovations that alchemy could foster. From Jingyu Lian's precise technique to Tao Ren's resourceful pragmatism, and even Duan Jian's fierce determination under pressure—each had proven themselves a formidable opponent. Yet as I peered over the water's edge, my focus settled on Zhi Ruo.

As the top contender from the preliminaries, I had expected more from him. But he seemed to lack the practical skills to effectively apply his vast knowledge. Many of the older contestants also struggled with this challenge, either unable to keep up with the physical demands of the task or the pace required to swim deep underwater, even with alchemical aids. Was it unfair? Perhaps. But as I scanned the crowd, noting the flurry of bets and the spectators' animated discussions, I realized that the Grand Alchemy Gauntlet was as much a spectacle as it was a test of alchemy skills.

'Come on, Zhi Ruo! Don't let it end here...!"

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