The final day of the Intersect Alchemical Symposium dawned bright and unnaturally windless—a sign, according to Q.E.D., that someone had likely altered the microclimate for ambiance.
:: Probability of decorative weather manipulation: 94.7%. Aesthetic impact: significant. Functional necessity: zero. ::
Rayen adjusted his formal robe, a crisp design accented with spectral embroidery that shimmered in different light frequencies. Lin Xue wore a modified alchemist's coat with frozen silver trim. They looked like a pair of eccentric prodigies—which, Rayen reasoned, was accurate.
The final presentations were to be held at the Grand Nexus Pavilion, a rotating stage of translucent stone surrounded by floating memory crystals. Each participant had fifteen minutes to showcase their research to the assembled sect leaders, high elders, and delegates from far-flung research halls.
Rayen stood backstage, watching a Pill Master from the Ivory Bloom Sect explain a soil-reactive fertility tonic.
"Very practical," Lin Xue whispered.
"Very beige," Rayen muttered. "Where's the spark? The irrational leap?"
"Probably where your exploding soup pot is still banned in three provinces."
He grinned.
When their turn came, Rayen stepped forward with deliberate calm. Lin Xue activated the projection arrays. A spiral of light expanded into a three-dimensional model of the Philosopher's Core, showing its layering, quantum-entangled lattices, and adaptable energy signatures.
Rayen began. "Alchemy is no longer static. No longer reactive. It is predictive. A dynamic partner to the cultivator, evolving with their path."
He let the Core hover midair. "This pill doesn't just support a breakthrough—it understands it. Learns. Adjusts. Responds."
Gasps from the crowd. The memory crystal recorded everything.
"And before anyone asks," Rayen added, smiling, "yes, it's sentient. No, I haven't taught it sarcasm. Yet."
Laughter rippled through the gallery.
He stepped back as Lin Xue presented the harmonized Catalyst variations, noting their application in meditation and cultivation stabilization. She concluded with a graceful bow, and the memory crystal dimmed.
The elders conferred. Whispers spread.
Moments later, a thunderous chime signaled recognition.
The Azure Serpent Sect booth—Rayen and Lin—had been awarded the Symposium's Grand Innovator Prize.
But not everyone applauded.
As the crowd dispersed, a stern man in crimson robes approached them, his insignia marking him as a Flamecore Institute representative.
"You've disrupted centuries of established alchemical theory," he said. "Be careful what you unravel. Some formulas are bound for a reason."
Rayen gave him a half-smile. "So were chains. Until someone questioned the lock."
The man narrowed his eyes. "You've made powerful admirers, Wu Rayen. And powerful enemies. Keep that in mind."
With that, he walked off, his footsteps leaving faint scorch marks behind.
Rayen exhaled slowly.
Lin Xue leaned close. "Was that a threat or a compliment?"
"Both," Rayen said. "Perfect ratio for progress."