The strange exchange naturally attracted the attention of the nearby contestants. Dave, whose refining platform wasn't far away, couldn't help looking over.
"What happened?"
Another contestant shrugged.
"Apparently someone brought a strange cauldron."
Dave looked toward Tyler's covered machine and laughed.
"A fellow who can't even afford a proper pill cauldron actually dares to participate."
None of the attendants paid him any attention.
Once every refining platform had passed inspection, Qin Zhao stepped forward once more.
"Now that the inspection is complete, I'll explain today's competition."
He pointed toward several tables placed beside the arena.
"Each participant will receive the same three medicinal herbs. No additional materials are permitted. No personal ingredients are permitted."
"The pill you will refine today is one every Qi Refining cultivator is familiar with."
He paused briefly before announcing,
"The Qi Restoration Pill."
