The more Barbara contemplated the situation, the more peculiar it seemed.

If she possessed Maria's immense power, she would undoubtedly refine pills of higher grades in the second round.

Imagine the astonishment that would ensue if a young female alchemist, merely twenty years old, successfully refined superior pills like grade four or even grade five in front of a captivated audience!

“Could it be..."

Barbara harbored a suspicion within her but uncertainty still clouded her mind.

Softly, she whispered, “Could it be that Maria hasn't acquired the knowledge of advanced pill formulas and is limited to refining low-grade pills?"

"What is correct," Mrs. Jenkins affirmed with a nod.

“Maria was raised in the countryside. Despite receiving some training in ancient martial arts, how much expertise can she truly possess? Trust me; ten years of pill refining training does not necessarily equate to ten years of progress. Take Elton, for example. He could refine the Sun Pill twenty years ago and yet, today, he remains at the same level as before."

Though pill alchemy was a noble profession, achieving growth and breakthroughs proved exceedingly challenging.

Within the Pill Alchemist Association, numerous pill alchemists, like Elton, had stagnated for years without making any progress.

Barbara's excitement grew but the thought of Goodwin made her apprehensive. She voiced her concern, saying, “Mr. Gregory is supportive of Maria, isn't he? What if he is her master, teaching her the comprehension of advanced pill formulas while providing material support?"

“Humph!" Contemplating Goodwin, Mrs. Jenkins' annoyance intensified.

She had believed Goodwin was by her side, only to discover in the end that he was truly there for Maria, Leaving her feeling embarrassed.

“In the world of pill alchemists, the bond between masters and disciples holds great significance! If Mr. Gregory were truly Maria's master, he would have pointed it out today. Mr. Gregory merely mentioned providing material support to Maria, indicating that he is not her master. Considering Maria's sole focus on refining the Concentration Pill in both rounds, it appears she has not acquired any knowledge of advanced pill formulas. The highest Level Maria might have reached is probably grade two, or grade three, but highly unlikely."

Upon hearing Mrs. Jenkins' words, Barbara experienced a fleeting sense of happiness followed by renewed worry.

“Grandma, if Maria manages to refine a grade three pill in the final round, given her refining abilities, I fear I would lose to her even if I refine a grade three Sun Pill."

When it came to refining pills of the same level, Barbara lacked confidence in surpassing Maria's efficacy.

“I have considered this as well..."

Mrs. Jenkins narrowed her eyes and settled into the comfort of the wooden armchair.

Doris!"

“Yes, ma'am." Upon hearing Mrs. Jenkins’ call, Doris swiftly approached.

"Go to the inner room, open the third locked drawer on the second row of the cabinet and retrieve what's inside."

“Yes, ma'am." Doris acknowledged the order.

Barbara forced a smile and inquired, “Grandma, do you want me to learn more advanced pill formulas now? However, even if you were to provide me with a grade four pill formula, I would only be able to refine a standard version with 60% efficacy tomorrow, with just a day of learning. And if Maria can refine grade three pills with over 90% efficacy, the judges may even declare her the victor."