Youthful Grace Pill and Youthful Grace Balm

The former President was a true democrat.

Everyone she mentored got used to her way of doing things.

Wood was no fool. He knew his role was only 'Acting President.' If he acted too much like a dictator, he'd only make everyone resent him. So, he agreed.

Grace and Vice President Conrad were pretty well-liked. In the end, the vote passed with an overwhelming majority.

Wood thought it over and decided not to object anymore. Putting on his best official face, he said, 'Since everyone believes these two should represent our Vermilion Spirit Alliance, I won't say anything more. I just hope you two won't let us down!'

Grace gave him a little smile. 'I promise I won't disappoint you, Acting President Wood!'

After the meeting, Henry Chen—who'd always held a grudge against Grace—complained to Wood, 'President, how could you let those two go? If they steal the spotlight, who knows what might happen...'

Wood sneered, 'You think they'll steal the spotlight?'

'That Grace—she did win first place in the last headquarters training! If she wins again this time, she might...'

'Ha! Things are different now. She still wants to take first place? Dream on!' Wood said.

"She's a Ninth Rank Spiritual Alchemist! Across all Eastern Alliance chapters, there are only two Ninth Rank Spiritual Alchemists. The other is Felix Xi from the Changzhou Chapter, but last time, Felix was defeated by her!"

"Rank and skill mean nothing! Do you even know what she did during her training at headquarters?" Wood's eyes twinkled with a sly smile.

"What did she do?"

"She got Vice President Ji's niece killed!" Wood said. "And Vice President Ji is about to be promoted to President at this Grand Summit!"

Bai Chen has been missing for over half a year now, so everyone pretty much assumes he's gone for good.

The Eastern Alliance is way too big to just keep dragging things out like this.

This Grand Summit will decide who the new President is.

"So that's how it is!" Henry Chen grinned, flashing his big white teeth. "She's doomed!"

...

When they arrived at Spirit Alliance HQ, Wood stood before the crowd and announced, "President Grace, you hold the highest rank. For this contest, you'll be the one refining the pill. Any objections?"

"Of course not. I'm here to bring glory to the Vermilion Spirit Alliance," Grace replied with a smile.

"Great!" Wood said. "According to my intel, your biggest rival, Felix Xi, is making a Youthful Grace Pill. It's famous for keeping people young, no matter if they're male or female."

Grace grinned. "Last time, he made an Explosive Essence Pill, but the Grand Elder gave me the win. Looks like he learned his lesson—now he's going for the safe and pretty Youthful Grace Pill."

"So, what are you planning to make?"

"Hmm... Then I'll make a Youthful Grace Balm! If we both make the same kind of product, it's way easier to see who wins!" Grace declared, full of confidence.

"You really think you can beat him?"

Grace explained, "The Alliance always judges by the same rules: for products with the same use, whoever's is more effective, lower grade, and cheaper to make wins. I'm sure my Youthful Grace Balm will outperform his, use more common ingredients, and last even longer!"

"Perfect!" Wood nodded with a big smile. "Let's go with that! We're all excited to see what you'll do."

...