Chapter 7 Flame Master Part 7

As the Pill Lightning finally subsided, so too did the rain that had poured from the heavens.

Inside the hall of the Alchemist Association, Alex sat cross-legged in silence, his entire focus locked onto the pill before him. The three medicinal essences, which had once been separate entities, had now fully merged into one. Slowly, under his control, the liquid began to solidify-taking shape as a deep crimson pill.

But the ordeal was far from over.

The moment the pill reached completion, it shot into the sky with tremendous force-almost as if something within it was trying to escape, yearning for freedom.

Alex's eyes narrowed. That surge of resistance-it was no ordinary energy.

This... was a spiritual backlash.

Most Rank Eight pills possessed only faint traces of awareness. But at Rank Nine, a pill's spirit began to awaken. And the Emperor Pill, known across Liberiya as a divine-tier creation... it was said to possess the intelligence of a human being.

Such pills could not be tamed by strength alone.

They longed for freedom... and refused to bow to any master.

Alex calmly observed the pill's violent reaction. His expression held no fear, only determination.

"Pill Lightning has passed... I will not falter at the final trial."

He sat down immediately, entering a deep meditative state.

Within him, his soul force surged.

If he was to claim the Emperor Pill as his own, he would have to conquer it not with his hands-but with his spirit.

This was the art of **Soul Forging**, the final mastery of a true alchemist-something even Bai Feng, the chairman of the association, had spoken of in reverence.

Above, the crimson pill glowed brightly... before transforming into a massive spectral dragon.

Gasps echoed from the crowd.

"That... That's a soul-formed dragon! Equal to a Four-Star Spirit Sovereign!"

Alex's own soul began to emerge-taking the form of a **massive grey dragon**, ethereal and ancient in appearance.

"He's manifesting his soul into physical form?!"

Even the most elite alchemists stood in awe. Only a rare few could control their spiritual energy with such precision.

But as the battle raged on, it became clear-Alex's soul was weakening.

The crimson dragon struck repeatedly, tearing through the grey dragon's form. Gaping holes began to appear in its body.

Bai Feng clenched his fists in concern.

"If this continues... I may have to step in myself."

But Alex had planned for this.

It was all a ruse.

His soul's weakness... had been a calculated trap.

And now, it was time to strike.

Alex gathered all of his soul energy. Though his eyes remained closed, a faint smile played on his lips.

"No more games."

With a roar, the grey dragon surged forward with terrifying power, catching the crimson soul-dragon off guard.

A direct hit- The soul of the Emperor Pill reeled.

The deception had worked.

Alex's voice echoed in the spiritual void:

"Soulburst!

The crimson dragon shuddered... then began to break apart.

"No-!"

But it was too late.

Alex's soul completely enveloped it.

The resistance was crushed.

And finally- The Emperor Pill fell still.

Opening his eyes, Alex raised his hands. The deep red pill hovered gently above his palms-its energy tamed, its spirit fully subdued.

"It's done," he whispered. "The Emperor Pill... is mine."

He carefully sealed it within a glowing jade bottle and turned to face Zhen Lei.

"Chairman, the Emperor Pill... it's finished. Somehow, I managed to complete it."

From the distance, Natasha rushed forward. She pressed her palm gently to Alex's back. A calming surge of energy passed into his body, instantly restoring his drained strength and soul.

Alex looked up in surprise.

"This... this energy...?"

But there was no time to question it now.

He rose, turned toward the Elders, and bowed his head.

Bai Feng was silent for a long moment. Then, with firm resolve, he stepped forward.

"In front of the entire Alchemist Association," he announced, "I declare that Alex has successfully completed the Emperor-tier trial..."

"...and from this moment forward, he shall be named the youngest **Honored Elder** in our history!"

Gasps broke out from the crowd.

"An Honored Elder?! But that rank is only given to those capable of crafting Emperor Pills or those with power on par with a Four-Star Spirit Sovereign!"

"And he... did it all alone!"

But before the celebration could begin, Alex spoke again.

"I'm sorry, Chairman," he said softly, "but I cannot accept the title of Honored Elder."

Zhen Lei's smile faded.

"What... did you say?!"

As the final bolt of Pill Lightning vanished into the heavens, the rain ceased, and the clouds slowly dispersed.

Within the grand hall of the Hakim Association, Alex sat still as stone, his entire spirit focused upon the glowing pill before him. The three medicinal liquids had fully merged, now forming a deep crimson pill-its surface gleaming like molten ruby.

But the heavens... had yet to release him from this trial.

Suddenly, the pill trembled violently-then soared into the sky, as if trying to escape its fate.

Alex's eyes flickered.

Within it... a soul had awakened.