Down on the stage, Ace and Lotus stood in their respective positions, the anticipation in the air palpable.
"It's still not too late to back out," Lotus said calmly, her tone devoid of any mockery. It was just a simple offer.
Ace chuckled, his expression relaxed. "You don't have to worry. I take great pride in my alchemy skills."
But in his mind, he sighed. Do I really have to act like an arrogant prick?
Ignoring her, he proceeds to grab the cauldron before him.
And From the neatly arranged basket of herbs, his hand moved with precision, plucking out the Yin Bell Herb first. He turned it over in his fingers, inspecting it.
"A ten-year-old Yin Bell Herb… just perfect," he murmured.
Then, to the absolute shock of the audience—he bit into it.
A hush fell over the spectators, quickly followed by an uproar.
"Wait, what is he doing?"
"Shouldn't he start the furnace first?"
