He sifted through the assortment of herbs prepared by Maria and noted their exceptional quality, yet he struggled to discern the specific type of pill she intended to refine.

“Maria, what is your chosen refinement?" Canaan inquired, his brow furrowed in puzzlement.

The contestants had prepared their medicinal materials in advance. Maria prepared a few diverse ingredients.

“I haven't made a final decision on what to refine. Thus, I brought along some inexpensive and nearly expired medicinal materials. The outcome will depend on my mood," Maria replied nonchalantly, stifling a yawn.

“What? You haven't decided yet?" Canaan's confusion deepened.

Did Maria possess no desire to emerge victorious?

Unable to contain his concern, Canaan Lowered his voice and whispered, “Maria! If my assumption holds true, Barbara intends to refine the fifth-level Styx Pill! You shall think about it!"

“Alright," Maria responded with disinterest.

Observing the apprehension etched across Canaan's face, she offered a comforting smile and gently patted his shoulder.

“Relax. I know she was about to make a merely fifth-grade pill. I have grasped the situation. It's not that serious

“What?" Canaan uttered when taken aback and convinced that he had misheard.

She just said merely the fifth level?

What was she implying?

Was Maria out of her mind?

Even though the fifth-Level pill that Barbara aimed to refine was a form of toxic concoction, Barbara would practically become the champion of the grand finale if she made it!

This was an exceedingly rare occurrence!

A pill refiner capable of achieving a feat like this implied reaching an elevated level of mastery!

Perhaps even the esteemed Pill Alchemist Association would reconsider their opinion of Barbara!

Shortly after, the finals commenced.

Barbara initiated the process, setting her furnace ablaze.

With the aid of the specialized igniter for pill refining and the expensive fuel exclusively approved by Mrs. Jenkins, the flames dancing within Barbara's furnace emitted an astonishing hue. It was a peculiar blend of purple and blood red!

Canaan gazed intently at the violet fire, his countenance grave. Such a superior-quality fire held immense potential to enhance Barbara's refinement process.

“Barbara may not possess the ability to refine fifth-grade poison pills. But with the assistance provided by Mrs. Jenkins, even an incomplete poison pill could conceivably attain 60% of the standard level efficacy through the influence of this fire," Canaan muttered, feeling a tinge of anger.

Mrs. Jenkins had gone to great Lengths for Barbara's sake.