Chapter 78 Zhong Cai Passes
As time passed, a scream suddenly rang out in the martial arts assessment hall.
A dark shadow flew backward with a "whoosh," crashing heavily into the invisible array before sliding down.
It's so close.
The many cultivators in line saw that this was a tall man, whose body was now a bloody mess and whose injuries were extremely severe.
His internal organs and bare bones were almost visible.
Subconsciously, several cultivators nearby swallowed.
The man's breathing was already very weak, as if it might stop at any moment.
Before anyone could react, people were forced to fly out of several different martial arts halls.
Both were seriously injured and both were on the verge of death.
Everyone understood that this must be because they failed the test, but what terrified them was that the test was so treacherous!
Those who flew out and almost died were all cultivators at the Palace Opening and Light Opening Realms!
·
The academy disciples guarding the Martial Arts Hall exchanged glances, approached, and directly stuffed a pill into the mouths of several cultivators.
Level one is for consecrating the palace, and level two is for opening the gate.
The quality of the pills is not right, and they are only of medium to low grade, so their medicinal effects are naturally insufficient.
However, they were barely able to stay alive.
Several severely injured cultivators slowly opened their eyes, looked around, and, filled with shame, struggled to their feet. They then took out their healing pills and quickly consumed them to regulate their breathing.
Some cultivators stepped forward out of curiosity, trying to inquire about the content of their assessment through the array.
However, the several seriously injured cultivators all shook their heads.
One of the academy's disciples said, "Our academy's rules state that no one may reveal the details of the assessment during the examination period; otherwise, they will be executed without mercy!"
Upon hearing this, those who wanted to inquire shut up.
·
Wu Shaogan frowned slightly.
Those who are not strong enough in the martial arts assessment will be seriously injured. The alchemist assessment is for alchemy, so A-Cai should be safe...
Thinking of this, he stared expressionlessly at the palace gate ahead.
No attention was paid to those who were seriously injured or those who were discussing the issue.
·
The alchemist assessment continued from dawn till dusk.
However, ever since one martial arts cultivator was thrown out, the same situation has occurred one after another.
The academy disciples guarding the temple followed suit and dealt with each case in the same way.
The cultivators who had recovered from their injuries had no choice but to wait on the sidelines until all the cultivators had finished their assessments before they could leave, unless they took out a contract talisman and swore never to reveal the information.
·
The alchemist's assessment lasted ten hours.
Zhong Cai had just collected the tenth batch of pills.
He refined each of the five types of pills in two batches, and all of them were successfully made into pills, yielding nine pills in total, four of which were of the highest grade and five of the highest grade.
The level of their alchemy skills is so balanced it's almost frightening.
·
As a bell rang, all alchemists had to stop.
Most alchemists naturally followed suit, but a few, perhaps at a crucial moment, were quite unwilling and tried to make some small moves—however, they found that they seemed to be suppressed by an invisible force and could not move at all.
Zhong Cai and the four or five alchemists all looked calm, clearly demonstrating their abilities.
However, most of the remaining alchemists, having only succeeded in producing pills a few times, have almost given up hope of passing the assessment.
Some alchemists were pale-faced, perhaps due to poor performance, perhaps because they came to try their luck, or perhaps because they didn't have enough time... In any case, it was a foregone conclusion that they had no chance of passing.
·
Zhong Cai sat upright on the ground, waiting for instructions.
Then he saw that the bottles containing the pills next to him suddenly disappeared.
Zhong Cai paused.
So, all that effort was for nothing...?
You should know that he paid a fee to participate in the assessment.
Although he paid very little money because of his low cultivation level, not even enough to buy medicinal herbs, I still felt a little heartache.
But soon, the bottles reappeared.
Zhong Cai became happy again.
However, since there were outsiders everywhere, he still had to maintain a certain level of composure.
He kept his happiness to himself and didn't show it.
·
A voice, indistinguishable between male and female, echoed in the hall:
"License plate numbers 17, 25, 96... 799..."
"Anyone whose number is not called has failed the test and must leave the main hall immediately."
As these words were spoken, the cultivators reacted in various ways.
Many alchemists looked grim but were helpless, so they could only reluctantly stand up and walk towards the palace gate.
Only twenty alchemists were able to remain.
A quick count revealed that more than a hundred had already been driven away.
The probability of being eliminated is extremely high.
·
Zhong Cai's number was 799.
Like everyone else, he was waiting for the next test—he couldn't possibly pass just by casually refining a pill, could he?
--etc.
Zhong Cai suddenly remembered that when Shao Qing introduced it before, he seemed to have said that it was a test of alchemy skills...
So, is there really no follow-up?
·
In fact, there was a follow-up.
In front of each of the many alchemists present, a divination tube was placed.
The bell rang again.
Another voice said, "Each alchemist will draw a slip of paper and receive a pill formula to study. Afterward, each alchemist will refine the pill they drew, and their performance will be judged based on whether the pill is produced, how many pills are produced, and the time taken. Those who exceed the time limit will fail the test."
Upon hearing this, the alchemists exchanged bewildered glances.
If the one you draw happens to be the one you've already studied, there's nothing wrong with it; in fact, you'll have an advantage.
However, if it is an unfamiliar elixir, it would probably take a lot of time to comprehend it and successfully extract the elixir.
How much of an assessment session is considered overtime?
·
Before the alchemists could raise any questions, the voice provided an explanation.
"After all the alchemists have drawn their lots, a time-shifting formation will be set up in the hall."
"One day in the formation is equivalent to ten days in the outside world, and the minimum assessment time is exactly ten days."
"If it takes more than ten days, even for a moment, it is considered a failure."
"The time standard is divided into five days, seven days, and ten days."
"The shorter the time spent, the higher the rating."
After hearing these words, many alchemists gasped in shock.
A time-transformation formation!
They actually used it on the assessment of their mere level two alchemists?
Zhong Cai's expression was somewhat subtle.
How should I put it...? Azure Dragon Academy is arrogant and domineering?
·
At the same time, many formulaic scenarios suddenly emerged in Zhong Cai's mind.
If one successfully enters the academy, will there be such a common cultivation resource there?
For example, a certain cultivation room not only has an array that can gather the energy of heaven and earth, but also incorporates time-transformation mechanisms.
When the time comes, renting one of these cultivation rooms and cultivating there will allow you to accelerate the growth of medicinal herbs, just like cultivating herbs, improving day by day...
Zhong Cai quickly came to her senses.
It seems to depend on the situation. Maybe it's very expensive, maybe it can't be used for cultivation, or maybe it will affect the companion treasure.
As she pondered, her thoughts drifted away again, and Zhong Cai pulled herself back to the present.
·
Although Zhong Cai was distracted, it only lasted for a moment.
At this moment, Zhong Cai was also paying attention to the situation inside the hall.
After the rules were announced, alchemists began picking up the divination tubes and shaking them.
Zhong Cai also quickly performed the same action.
The divination stick container was very light, and he gently shook it.
Soon, a slip of paper fell to the ground with a crisp sound.
...The crisp sounds rose and fell.
Zhong Cai quickly picked up her slip of paper and looked at it.
The slip of paper wasn't narrow; the front had the three characters "White Lotus Pill" written on it, while the back was covered with densely packed small characters—the specific recipe for this pill, including the required medicinal materials, the refining method, and so on.
Zhong Cai's expression was a bit strange.
He happened to have that kind of elixir.
Moreover, it is one of the carefully selected formulas among the second-level elixirs.
Zhong Cai never refined it; it was only because its uses overlapped with Zhiyun Dan, and its medicinal effects were no better than Zhiyun Dan.
However, in order to make a comparison, Zhong Cai naturally studied both formulas.
Now, after carefully reviewing the White Lotus Pill formula provided by Azure Dragon Academy, he could see that the methods used were slightly different.
Zhong Cai pondered for a moment.
The differences are only in the details; everything else is pretty much the same.
And those different details also have their own charm.
In an instant, Zhong Cai was filled with anticipation for the various alchemy techniques available at the Azure Dragon Academy.
It seems like it can be of some help to him!
·
All the alchemists obtained the formulas and were observing them.
Zhong Cai's reaction was not abrupt.
However, those level six alchemists have been observing the many alchemists, because those who have remained all have considerable talent.
In particular, Zhong Cai, who possessed the greatest talent, was highly valued by them.
Naturally, even the sixth-level alchemists noticed the difference in Zhong Cai's demeanor at that moment.
Zhang Zi smiled and said, "It seems this young alchemist is quite lucky; he has seen the pill formula before."
Zhou Xiu and He Zhao both nodded and smiled.
·
The prescriptions placed in the divination tube were not randomly placed, but were all carefully selected.
Each alchemist's divination tube is different, and the elixirs contained within are not ones they have ever refined.
Because the mentors would carefully observe the aura emanating from the selected alchemists.
They were knowledgeable and had a very deep understanding of the subject, so they could basically identify the specific pills that the second-level alchemists had refined, and then take out the corresponding pill formulas from the bamboo tubes.
Therefore, the pill formulas that alchemists drew were at most ones they had studied.
There's a 99% chance they've never actually refined it.
It has already been done as fairly as possible.
·
The Level 2 alchemists who continued their assessment had various expressions.
But since they successfully passed the first stage, their mindset was stronger than many of the alchemists who had already been eliminated.
Therefore, upon seeing the pill formula, some alchemists might show difficulty, but they wouldn't become very agitated.
Zhong Cai rubbed the slip of paper between his fingers, missing his old man, Lao Wu, a little.
Among the ingredients of Bailian Dan, there is an auxiliary ingredient that is difficult to process. You have to pick out the intact tendrils one by one, peel off the outer skin of those tendrils, and leave only the white core inside for medicinal use.
That's very troublesome.
If Lao Wu were here, his control over his power would be exceptional. After trying it a few times with him, he would master it even faster.
and……
He hasn't seen Lao Wu in so long.
·
Before long, the corresponding medicinal materials appeared around the alchemists.
These medicinal herbs are readily available, and as long as they try them, the herbs they consume will be replenished.
At the same time, a strange power enveloped the entire hall.
The alchemists, with their keen senses, all looked up.
Then I suddenly understood everything.
The time-shifting formation has been activated!
At that very moment, a phantom water mirror floated opposite each of the alchemists.
It was clearly written above—
Countdown: 10 days
Zhong Cai's lips twitched slightly.
Time wasn't very tight, but he wanted to finish the exam as soon as possible and get better results.
Zhong Cai immediately focused her mind, took out a medicinal herb, and quickly began processing it.
·
Learning to refine a kind of elixir involves many challenges in the early stages, such as processing the medicinal materials.
Although Zhong Cai seems to be doing very well, other alchemists often make mistakes when preparing medicines according to the instructions in the prescriptions, resulting in the medicines becoming unusable.
At times like these, it's even more important not to be anxious.
However, the water mirror in front of them always made its presence felt.
The numbers above are constantly changing.
A short while later, the timer officially started, and the time had already changed.
Countdown: Nine days, eleven hours, and seven quarters.
It's really eye-catching.
Especially since the count kept changing, and the alchemists kept failing to handle it, their mentality became somewhat unstable.
·
Zhong Cai still belongs to the very few people with a stable mindset.
Before long, he had actually finished processing the three kinds of medicinal materials. He even used two different methods, one from the academy and the other from his own lineage, to process one of the medicinal materials and then compared the effects of the processed materials.
The conclusion is that they are about the same.
So naturally, he would choose the one that was more convenient for him and took less time.
We should also learn another approach.
·
To further observe the alchemists' talents, the level six alchemists accompanied them within the formation for the next ten days.
They carefully observe every alchemist's reaction to medicinal herbs, their understanding of alchemical formulas, their familiarity with techniques... everything related to alchemy.
Among them, Zhong Cai still performed the best.
Even though they had discovered that this young alchemist had studied alchemy formulas, they could still easily see that he was quite unfamiliar with some of the medicinal herbs and his techniques were rather clumsy.
Then, this young alchemist had excellent comprehension and quickly became proficient.
This has happened more than once or twice, and it has happened with many kinds of medicinal herbs.
This young alchemist even used different methods to process it—
Level 6 alchemists could certainly understand that this was because there was a difference between what junior alchemists knew and what the academy provided.
However, for the young alchemist to dare to do this under such circumstances, he must have had immense confidence in himself.
Both techniques can be mastered quickly, and it seems that a comparison and selection process was conducted...
Okay.
That's talent.
·
Zhong Cai pondered as she processed the medicinal herbs.
The prescriptions record the methods, the intervals between adding different medicinal herbs... what reactions they might have... and how to remedy any adverse reactions...
Zhong Cai gradually fell into a state of isolation from the world.
At this time, he was completely focused on comprehending the elixir formula, and many wonderful ideas popped into his mind.
To outsiders, Zhong Cai's face showed a thoughtful expression, but her movements became more and more fluid, as if she no longer felt any unfamiliarity, but rather possessed a silky beauty.
It feels a bit mysterious.
·
The level six alchemists didn't bother them at all.
However, in their hearts, the thought of taking this boy as their disciple was also stirring.
They were still planning:
The White Lotus Pill is no crude elixir; the fact that this young man knows the formula suggests that his lineage is quite prestigious.
The unique elixir formulas they each possess, apart from those created by themselves, are probably not truly unique.
It's insufficient to attract such a genius...
So, what resources can each of them bring out from their own resources?
Is it a rare medicine or something needed for cultivation?
·
Just then, the three alchemists received some messages.
They all sent out subordinates to gather information, and the subordinates were probably competing with each other, gathering information and sending it back in about the same amount of time.
Zhang Zi quickly finished reading and said, "They came with the Shao family from Jade Dragon City."
He Zhao said, "This boy is named Zhong Cai. He has a husband who is also participating in the martial arts assessment. His name is Wu Shaogan."
Zhou Xiu coughed lightly: "It is said that Zhong Cai and her husband were very...loving."
Level 6 alchemists: "..."
So why is it that even something as intimate as a married couple is being passed on?
He Zhao pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps, this means that Wu Shaogan is a breakthrough point."
Zhang Zi and Zhou Xiu both suddenly realized what was happening.
Yes, they're so affectionate that even those who inquire can't help but mention it, which shows how good their relationship really is.
When giving the conditions, Wu Shaogan can also be included.
Moreover, this makes it easier to select the resources needed for preparation.
The alchemists rummaged through the resources stored in the Dao Palace, picking out what they deemed suitable and piling it in a corner.
However, neither of them would reveal the specifics of what they had prepared to each other.
·
Zhong Cai did not look up to check the time.
But he heard the occasional sounds of the oven exploding.
Undoubtedly, alchemists from other regions have already begun to attempt alchemy.
Zhong Cai wasn't in a hurry; she simply continued to examine the medicinal herbs, sensing their medicinal properties.
In his mind, he was constantly simulating the refining process.
After two full days, Zhong Cai finally felt that she could give it a try.
Next, Zhong Cai threw the firewood into the furnace to quickly warm it up.
Add the first medicinal herb at the right time!
·
It was common for alchemists to have their furnaces explode.
Zhong Cai also frequently experienced oven explosions.
But after each furnace explosion, Zhong Cai would refine the material again, and he would not repeat the same mistake.
Its self-correction ability is also top-notch.
One furnace, two furnaces, three furnaces...
On the third day, Zhong Cai fried food from morning till night.
It was blown up at least a dozen times in total.
However, in the beginning, he would always explode after a short while, a quarter of an hour, or half an hour, but in the later stages, it would take more than half an hour.
Moreover, the alchemy furnace lasted longer each time than the last.
·
On the morning of the fourth day.
Zhong Cai devoted herself wholeheartedly to the task.
The various medicinal herbs in the alchemy furnace have been peacefully blended together, and the impurities are constantly being "thrown out" and then burned away by the timely wood fire.
Zhong Cai had a premonition that this time they would most likely be able to successfully extract the elixir!
He became even more cautious at that moment.
He wants to be the first to produce the elixir!
·
Several level-six alchemists also looked at Zhong Cai's alchemy furnace with complicated expressions.
With their keen eyesight, they could already confirm it.
This batch will surely produce pills!
But if we can successfully extract the pill now, wouldn't it only take a little over three days?
Judging from his handling of the situation in the first two days, it's clear that he hadn't done much hands-on work.
So……
Even if he had studied the formula, he would definitely be able to complete it within five days.
Then his alchemy talent is at the top-tier level.
·
Those one day, five days, seven days, and ten days represent the three talent levels of an alchemist.
Within five days, this is considered top-tier talent.
Within seven days, this is considered a high-level talent.
Within ten days, this is considered an intermediate-level talent.
Those who have been in the talent pool for more than ten days are, of course, considered ordinary talents.
The Azure Dragon Academy doesn't have many rules on the surface regarding the miscellaneous cultivators it can recruit, but the reality is quite different.
Those they recruit must have at least intermediate-level talent.
Of course, the levels of talent are just a somewhat imprecise classification.
·
Zhong Cai quickly brought the fire under control and completed the final step!
In an instant, many clear sounds came from inside the furnace wall.
The impact sound was quite loud.
Zhong Cai's ears twitched slightly as he tried to discern the approximate number.
But it's clear that Zhong Cai failed.
It's impossible to hear that clearly at all.
·
Gradually, the alchemy furnace calmed down.
Zhong Cai then opened the furnace lid and looked inside.
One, two, three, four...
Zhong Cai let out a long breath and picked out all the pills.
The result was alright.
Only then did he look at the water mirror in front of him.
The handwriting above clearly reads—
Countdown: Six days, seven hours, three quarters of an hour.
Zhong Cai held back her laughter.
It's only been three and a half days, hasn't it?
I'm so amazing!
[I must tell Lao Wu about this when I get back.]
I'm absolutely dominating!
I'm so cool!
·
The sixth-level alchemists also checked the condition of that batch of pills from afar.
Zhang Zi said, "Seven pills were produced on the first try."
He Zhao sighed and said, "It has already reached the number of pills that a top-level alchemist can produce."
Zhou Xiu said, "The quality of the pills has also met the requirements."
The three alchemists exchanged glances, reflecting on this sentiment countless times over the past few days.
Because among those seven pills, there were two low-grade, four medium-grade, and one high-grade pill.
This is only the first time the pill has been produced.
There is no such genius alchemist in the Azure Dragon Academy who can achieve such results on the first attempt at refining a certain pill.
At least, none of the current alchemist disciples are like that.
·
The moment Zhong Cai successfully produced the elixir, the timer on the water mirror in front of him stopped.
Zhong Cai was stunned.
So, there's no need to continue refining the quality of the pills?
...Is it only the quality of the first batch that is being tested?
What exactly is this judgment method?
Immediately afterwards, the illusory water mirror changed.
Three letters spewed out from it.
Zhong Cai blinked.
At the same moment, the bell rang.
All the alchemists present heard a majestic voice—
"Alchemist No. 799 passed the test and was awarded 13 points. If he succeeds within five days, he will receive three times the points."
"Final score: 39."
"You passed the test!"
Zhong Cai opened her eyes wide, a look of joy on her face.
The sound continued—
"The alchemist may leave the assessment hall directly."
Without hesitation, Zhong Cai packed up all her belongings, stood up, and strode out of the hall.
·
Zhong Cai left with great ease, but the alchemists who heard the broadcast and watched him go felt a strong sense of crisis.
Wow, that was fast! And that score was so high!
Many alchemists aren't fools; a little calculation would tell them that the alchemists who passed the assessment must have produced a considerable number of pills.
If they can successfully produce pills within five days, their results might catch up with that alchemist.
But what if things don't go smoothly for them...
I'm afraid this gap will widen too much.
It's very possible that the figures are nearly forty and a mere twenty-odd.
·
The beautiful young woman was slightly taken aback.
At that moment, her slender fingers, which were handling a rather rough, spherical medicinal herb, suddenly slipped.
The sharp thorns on the medicinal herbs accidentally fell into the alchemy furnace, and the inside was instantly burned.
The beautiful young woman took a deep breath and quickly cleaned the alchemy furnace.
She was intelligent from a young age, and she was always successful in refining elixirs without ever making a mistake.
Every time her uncle came back and gave her advice, he always praised her highly.
The pretty young woman was very confident, even a little arrogant.
But now, because of a young alchemist, her pride has been destroyed.
Previously, the girl was focused on her own alchemy furnace and didn't pay attention to the other alchemists, but this time was different, and she had to pay attention.
Further analysis...
When everyone was studying the new elixir formula, they were basically starting from the same point.
Now, the young alchemist is running the fastest.
It's much faster than the girl herself.
The young alchemist didn't even go to the fourth day, but the girl herself felt that there were still multiple obstacles blocking her way to the elixir she was trying to comprehend.
It will take at least several more days before she has a chance to successfully produce the elixir.
The girl bit her lower lip lightly with her silver teeth, feeling somewhat unwilling.
But she quickly adjusted her mood.
Regardless, it's currently the evaluation period, and her uncle must be keeping an eye on her.
She needed to start over quickly and absolutely could not let her uncle down.
·
Zhou Xiu took in her niece's performance and a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
Zhang Zi congratulated him, saying, "Brother Zhou, your niece has a good character."
He Zhao also praised her, saying, "In terms of her talent, although it's not top-tier, it's still quite advanced."
Zhang Zi: "Brother Zhou's teaching is excellent."
He Zhao: "Brother Zhou, there is a worthy successor."
Hearing these words, Zhou Xiu was very pleased and said, "Not at all, she has a long way to go."
The group chatted for a few minutes.
Zhang Zi and He Zhao were speaking from the heart, and they both felt a little envious of Zhou Xiu.
Because Zhong Cai might not be willing to become their disciple, while Zhou Xiu, even if he couldn't take Zhong Cai in, would definitely have a niece who would become his disciple.
Zhou Yalan is indeed very outstanding.
If it weren't for the emergence of an indescribable genius like Zhong Cai, Zhou Yalan would undoubtedly be one of the most outstanding individuals.
And now...
If nothing unexpected happens, Zhou Yalan and several other somewhat renowned genius alchemists will no longer be top-tier; they will be slightly downgraded.
·
Wu Shaogan stood guard in front of the palace gate, once again ignoring the blurry flesh and blood that flew out and crashed directly near him.
His expression hadn't changed in a long time.
Since he stopped making any expressions, he hasn't tried to make any.
Suddenly, the doors to the alchemy assessment hall opened!
In an instant, Wu Shaogan's eyes lit up.
At the same time, a gentle smile appeared in his eyes.
·
Zhong Cai quickly walked out of the assessment hall and looked up to search in the crowd.
He wanted to tell Lao Wu the good news immediately!
Then, Zhong Cai met Wu Shaogan's gaze directly.
His father, Mr. Wu, stood out from the crowd like a crane among chickens, as if surrounded by countless stars, making him stand out from everyone else—quite remarkable!
Zhong Cai immediately put on a bright smile.
He quickened his pace and rushed straight out of the formation!
At this moment, if it weren't for the large number of people, Zhong Cai would have shouted "Old Wu" directly!
In the end, Zhong Cai simply rushed into the crowd and threw herself at Wu Shaogan.
Wu Shaogan immediately put his arm around him.
Shao Qing, who had already quickly moved away, silently retreated even further.
Since everyone around was a member of the Shao family, and they were quite familiar with the couple, they made way for them.
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan then gave each other a tight hug.
Then, Zhong Cai was met with intense gazes from all directions.
Especially those from the Shao family alchemists—and also alchemists from other families in Jade Dragon City.
They all looked at Zhong Cai.
They all seemed to be asking why Zhong Cai came out now and what his outcome was.
Zhong Cai didn't hesitate and said directly, "I passed."
The many alchemists were immediately in an uproar.
This is not surprising. If even Zhong Cai, with her abilities, cannot pass, then other alchemists have even less of a chance.
Knowing is one thing, but getting a definite answer is another.
The alchemists were very excited, but they did not ask any further questions.
Those who were previously tested in martial arts are not allowed to reveal any information about the tests after they are released.
Although Master Zhong Dan has passed the assessment, he probably can't reveal the details, right?
Since that's the case, they don't need to speak, so as to avoid being scolded by the disciples guarding the temple again.
·
But actually...
Zhong Cai was not restricted at all.
The main point is that the alchemist assessment is definitely different from the martial arts assessment.
The martial arts side might pull off a surprise attack, so we can't let the cultivators make any preparations in advance.
Even if Zhong Cai tells everyone now that the test is on alchemy first, then comprehension—what good will that do?
Last-minute cramming won't work; alchemists still need to demonstrate their alchemical skills and comprehend new formulas on their own.
·
Zhong Cai didn't think too much about it; she just held Wu Shaogan's hand, her heart pounding with excitement.
"Old Wu, haven't you finished your exams yet?"
Wu Shaogan shook his head slightly and said softly, "I only saw a few people who were eliminated."
Zhong Cai laughed and said, "We also eliminated more than a hundred people over there, so the competition was quite fierce."
Wu Shao chuckled and nodded: "Ah Cai is still the best."
·
The alchemists who had already failed the alchemy test left the examination hall dejectedly and quickly departed.
Some alchemists who hadn't yet taken the test opened their mouths, but it was obvious at a glance that they were all failures, so they hesitated to speak.
Many other examinees who failed the miscellaneous skills exams also left quickly.
None of my fellow enthusiasts greeted me.
Cultivators would be even less likely to provoke these miscellaneous cultivators.
And Wu Shaogan...
He didn't see Zhong Cai, so to him it was as if he hadn't seen anything at all.
·
In the line not far away.
The moment You Xiang saw Zhong Cai step out of the main hall, his eyes lit up.
What a talented young man!
Your smile is so beautiful!
Although You Xiang had been telling himself to focus on reviewing the methods he had already practiced, he did not pay attention to those failed alchemists and martial arts practitioners when they appeared.
But Zhong Cai came out alone, without blending into the crowd.
You Xiang only glanced at it casually, but his eyes were already drawn to it and he couldn't take them off.
Then, his gaze followed Zhong Cai's movements...
You Xiang watched as the spirited young man threw himself into the arms of the extremely handsome youth he had been staring at in a daze.
ha?
Do these two know each other?
Then, You Xiang discovered something even more bizarre: the two of them were hugging and cuddling in public, with a group of people around them covering for them.
That's outrageous.
The feeling of pink bubbles everywhere, the atmosphere where nothing could possibly fit in, left You Xiang a little bewildered.
You Xiang was somewhat speechless.
These two are definitely a couple.
Then, he quickly realized it was good.
They were both his type, and they were quite a good match.
I remember there was some saying on Earth...
Is this something I can have a little bit of?
·
Zhong Cai is also very perceptive of how others perceive her.
Even though his successful passing of the assessment did attract a lot of attention, different people had different feelings.
Both goodwill and malice are possible, and many emotions are understandable.
However, one gaze was quite strange.
Zhong Cai leaned against Wu Shaogan and subtly nodded in the direction from which their gaze had come.
Wu Shaogan understood and said in a low voice, "It's a strange man."
Then, Wu Shaogan told Zhong Cai about how he had been watched by the same person before.
Zhong Cai frowned.
Neither of them sensed anything bad from that gaze, even though it was strangely intense, it didn't seem to be malicious at all.
Zhong Cai glanced at Wu Shaogan.
Wu Shaogan also glanced at Zhong Cai.
They both laughed at the same time.
Who cares?
As long as there's no malicious intent, it's fine.
Take a look if you like.
·
Not far away, You Xiang withdrew his gaze.
I had another attack!
Stop right now! Stop right now!
You Xiang simply closed his eyes.
Calm down, calm down...
Naturally, You Xiang didn't notice that the couple he had seen earlier were casually glancing at him.
But I only glanced at it.
·
The two of them stood in line together, and time flew by.
Wu Shaogan was in a good mood.
Zhong Cai also saw martial arts cultivators being thrown out from time to time. He was a little worried about his old man, but at the same time he felt that with his old man's strength, it was impossible for him to be in such a bad situation.
As she pondered this, Zhong Cai couldn't resist taking out a foot-long bottle and handing it to Wu Shaogan.
Wu Shaogan recognized it at a glance; it was Zhiyun Dan.
Even the finest Zhiyun Pills have limited use for cultivators who have attained enlightenment, but they are still somewhat useful.
Wu Shaogan carefully put it away.
Zhong Cai felt somewhat relieved.
·
More practitioners of miscellaneous knowledge emerged from the different examination halls.
After a while, the last batch of miscellaneous cultivators who came out all looked rather unwell.
Clearly, those who came out first, like Zhong Cai, were the successful miscellaneous cultivators, while those who came after were the ones who failed.
They all left or returned to their respective factions.
Zhong Cai didn't pay attention to the other miscellaneous studies, but only looked at the alchemists and couldn't help but say, "They all seem to be level two alchemists?"
Wu Shaogan understood what he meant and replied, "Indeed, I haven't seen any alchemists of the first, third, or fourth level come out."
Zhong Cai was a little puzzled: "A level two alchemist is the fastest?"
Wu Shaogan thought for a moment: "Perhaps the Level 1 Alchemist assessment is more rigorous, and the Level 3 and 4 assessments take longer."
Zhong Cai thought about it and said, "That makes sense."
·
Another hour passed.
The first-level alchemists emerged one after another, and judging from their expressions, they all seemed to have failed the test.
Two or three more hours passed.
The third-level alchemist emerged, his expression revealing neither whether he had passed nor failed.
The academy disciples guarding the alchemy assessment hall spoke again: "The second batch of alchemists, step forward—"
Therefore, none of the alchemists who participated in the previous assessment were level four alchemists.
·
At this moment, even more alchemists sprang into action.
Before long, another two hundred alchemists entered the main hall.
They participated in their assigned assessments.
·
Zhong Cai was a little puzzled: "Old Wu, haven't the first batch of martial arts test takers finished yet?"
Wu Shaogan was also unsure and shook his head slightly.
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