The Female CEO's Personal Bodyguard-Chapter 1508: Killing with Flattery

"Carson Flores is actually a High-Order Alchemist now?"

Alfred Weaver blinked, his gaze showing confusion and disbelief.

Carson Flores’s alchemy skills are that remarkable?

Previously, when she had been with Carson Flores, it had definitely been a long duration. Didn’t she know Carson’s actual level in alchemy?

What’s more, the alchemy knowledge Carson Flores had learned before could only refine elixirs used in the Barbaric Wilderness Realm. They had absolutely no connection to Immortal-Level Premium Elixirs.

Thinking carefully, Carson Flores refining Mid-Level Elixirs might indeed get him through, but the next round would undoubtedly require refining Premium Elixirs—then he’d likely be instantly exposed, wouldn’t he?

The second round of the competition continued.

The competition format also continued, but with slight modifications.

Groups of one hundred people would refine elixirs, with eight people from each group advancing to the final top thirty-two.

One-hundred-to-eight—an elimination rate of 92%. That’s seriously brutal.

The rules of the competition were straightforward: the organizers would announce a list of elixirs, numbered from the beginning, and provide the participants with half a day and one set of ingredients for each elixir. Participants could start refining the second elixir after completing the first one, and after half a day, the winner would be determined based on the number of types of elixirs successfully refined.

All refined elixirs must meet quality standards; otherwise, they wouldn’t be counted. Between participants with the same quantity, the one with higher quality would win.

This round tested the alchemist’s comprehensive capabilities: not just their mastery over elixir formulas but also their adeptness, speed, and other skills. Lacking in any one area could lead to elimination.

Carson Flores, however, wasn’t intimidated. Through the previous rounds of alchemy assessments, Carson had discovered that his alchemy skills seemed even better than he had imagined?

There were four groups in total, each taking half a day. Carson was placed in the second group, coincidentally along with Archie Cooke.

In the waiting area for the competition, Archie Cooke walked past Carson and acted like he had only just noticed him, his face filled with feigned surprise.

"Carson, we’re in the same group!"

Carson smiled lightly, "Yeah, what a coincidence."

Archie Cooke chuckled, "Earlier, when I invited you for an alchemy challenge, you refused, but now we’ve run into each other."

Carson responded with a simple "Hmm," without saying more.

Of course, Archie Cooke wouldn’t pass up the chance to provoke him. "This round might be tough. All the elixirs being refined are Premium Elixirs, and the elimination rate exceeds ninety percent. Do you have the confidence to break through?"

Carson calmly replied, "We’ll know once I try."

Archie Cooke feigned surprise and admiration, "Earlier, I used to say that the White Crane Immortal Sect lacked skilled alchemists, but I might have been mistaken. You’ve successfully passed the hurdles and entered the top four hundred—that’s already quite impressive. Looking at your confidence, you must be ready to go even further."

Archie’s voice was loud enough to attract the attention of those around them.

Praise me?

Kill me with compliments?

Carson sneered inwardly. These tactics sure are a bit juvenile.

It was nothing more than trying to raise him up high in front of everyone now, so that when he got eliminated, Archie could pretend to lament while actually mocking him to release some steam later.

Carson had even predicted what kind of words Archie would say.

"I thought Carson could overturn the White Crane Immortal Sect’s reputation for being unskilled in alchemy, but it seems I overestimated him..."

"Your White Crane Immortal Sect disciples are fine at fighting, but alchemy isn’t for you guys. Better stay away from it in the future."

This kind of rhetoric might work on others, but for Carson—it wouldn’t have any effect at all.

Carson remained composed as he spoke, "Our White Crane Immortal Sect has never been strong in alchemy anyway, so this time we’re here purely to learn. Your Twin Dragon Sect, on the other hand, is renowned as a major alchemy sect across the continent. You’re the Sect Master’s True Disciple and future successor of the Twin Dragon Sect. Your alchemy skills are extraordinary. Surely, you’ll win in the end and claim the title of Pill King, right?"

Archie Cooke’s smile froze on his face.

What the hell!

I tried to kill you with compliments, but you hit me back even harder!

Pill King?

Archie quickly glanced around. Sure enough, many people were now looking at him with a hostile gaze, clearly already considering him a strong contender.

Archie hurried to deny it, "No, no! I’m just like you—here to learn with a humble attitude..."

Carson chuckled lightly, "Fellow Daoist Archie, while it’s good to be humble, excessive humility becomes pretentious. Isn’t that what you said before? The Twin Dragon Sect’s alchemy skills are second to none across the continent—nobody dares to claim first place. These people wouldn’t be your match anyway, and the title of Pill King is as good as yours..."

Archie’s face turned pale.

If these words spread, it would be a disaster!

Who doesn’t care about the reputation of being number one?

If the Twin Dragon Sect claimed to be the top, then what about the other sects skilled in alchemy?

Wouldn’t they come knocking for a challenge?

"Shut up!"

Archie felt the increasingly sharp stares from those around him cutting into his back. Hearing Carson’s continued commentary, he couldn’t bear to stay silent any longer and shouted, "You’re spouting nonsense! I never said that! Don’t tarnish the Twin Dragon Sect’s name!"

"You didn’t say it?"

Carson smirked faintly, as if he were about to say something but then waved his hand dismissively instead. "Oh... forget it. My mistake—I must’ve been dreaming last night and got confused. Sorry about that..."

Archie stared at Carson’s face, which was filled with a "wishing to speak but refraining" expression, and almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

Dammit, you’re trying to ruin me!