Chapter 51
Public Testing
Bai Fanxian shook her head and closed the laptop, ignoring those fools. Right then, Fang Niang opened the door with a group of people.
They all wore formal robes with golden cauldron emblems on their chests.
Leading them was a serious-looking old man who chaired recent meetings. Besides being vice president of the Alchemists' Association, he currently served as acting president for the traveling Grandmaster Lu Qing.
"Greetings, Grandmaster Bai, Grandmaster Xie. The association is honored by your visit."
He bowed without pretension. His titles meant nothing compared to the two Grandmasters in this room.
His courtesy and consideration were only natural.
"I'm Chen Deming. Pleased to meet you."
"Mm..."
Bai Fanxian acknowledged him with a slight nod. The others introduced themselves one by one—all elder-level figures of the association. Everyone not occupied with business or supervising the seminar had gathered here.
Among them was someone Bai Fanxian knew well: "Master Sun," or Sun Mingchuan, whose reputation she'd shredded in his own forum thread.
Neither recognized the other. Sun Mingchuan couldn't imagine that "Alchemy Empress," who'd nearly made him cough up blood in rage, would be someone like Bai Fanxian.
He regarded her with the same respectful admiration as the other elders.
"What did you need?"
Bai Fanxian got straight to the point. Originally Fang Niang had only invited her to be a guest while the library was inconvenient to access.
"We learned Grandmaster Bai isn't a Tier 4 alchemist..." Elder Chen sat across from her, speaking hesitantly.
"Mm... I'm not." Bai Fanxian nodded honestly.
She truly wasn't Tier 4.
"Then would you like to become one?" The old man asked hopefully.
"...Not interested."
The elders' heads snapped around in shock. They stared in confusion. Becoming Tier 4 was every alchemist's dream in this era.
The difference between Tier 3 and 4 was enormous.
At Tier 3, they still had to fear and respect Grandmasters. But at Tier 4, the Grandmasters had to turn and respect Tier 4 alchemists!
Don't forget—Tier 4 alchemists were also Grandmaster-level beings! Combined with being sought-after by cultivators, they'd stand near the pyramid's peak.
"Why not!? Becoming Tier 4 brings incredible benefits!" Elder Chen tried persuading.
Elder Fang, with the kindest face, observed Bai Fanxian's manner and had a sudden thought.
"If you became Tier 4, you could access all our high-level texts and association documents."
That made Bai Fanxian pause. She turned to Fang Niang in surprise.
"Plus, if you register as an association alchemist, you can freely use all resources within your authority," Fang Niang added.
"And if you worry about us taking advantage, we can appoint you as a special elder. You wouldn't need to do any work for us. Just occasionally share knowledge and research." Chen Deming offered terms anyone would struggle to refuse.
It was basically all benefits with no obligations!
If the Alchemists' Association announced they had another Tier 4 alchemist, the reputation and credibility boost would be immense!
A Tier 4 alchemist's name carried that much weight!
"My lady... there's no downside." Huang Zihuan, who'd been listening behind Bai Fanxian, walked over and whispered his opinion.
Even his master Tang Tianjie had his name registered with the association.
"Mm... alright then." Bai Fanxian nodded after some thought.
Since crossing to this era, having a powerful organization backing her would probably make many things easier.
Maybe she'd get leads about her Alchemy Palace, or learn why cultivation had declined so drastically through the association's connections and resources.
"Then we'll arrange a public test. Elder Fang told me about your interest in our texts. Meanwhile, just let her know what you need, or wait until after the seminar to browse the library yourself." Elder Chen spoke cheerfully.
"Choose whenever you're ready, and I'll announce it publicly."
"I need to test publicly?" Bai Fanxian sounded surprised.
"Yes. Tier 4 differs from Tiers 1 through 3. Since currently only Grandmaster Lu Qing has reached that level, no other Tier 4 can certify you." Elder Chen sighed.
Even if she'd claimed to be Tier 4, testing would still be necessary.
Otherwise, many would falsely claim the title. Some high Tier 3 alchemists who could barely refine low Tier 4 elixirs might get praised as Tier 4.
"So we have a testing ceremony. You must answer questions from the public until they're satisfied. You must demonstrate Grandmaster power. And refine a Tier 4 pill publicly."
"So don't rush. When you're ready, just have Tang Clan notify me." Chen Deming explained thoroughly.
He gave Bai Fanxian time to prepare, understanding the test would be difficult.
He wanted her properly prepared since these tests couldn't be held often. Any mistakes would damage Grandmaster Bai's reputation.
"Questions about what?" Bai Fanxian asked calmly.
"Alchemy questions within early Tier 4 scope," Elder Fang Niang answered.
"Not history?" Bai Fanxian narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
"Correct." Fang Niang nodded, confused. Elder Chen also looked puzzled.
History questions should be easiest, right?
Analytical questions or those with unknown answers should be the real concern.
"Then just test me today..."
WHOOSH!
Several elders choked on their drinks.
"Uh... are you sure, Grandmaster Bai?" Chen Deming tried once more.
"...I don't have much time. Let's get this over with."
.
.
.
That afternoon, shocking news came from the Alchemists' Association—news that stunned everyone who heard. Even cultivators in Village Beneath the Clouds or from outside tried forcing their way to the association.
Bai Fanxian would take a public test to become a Tier 4 alchemist!
Bai Fanxian's name had been circulating constantly lately, as if she created shocking events daily. But cultivators like them didn't mind such entertaining developments!
Director Wang was among them. He prepared cameras and microphones to broadcast this historic event online for cultivators who couldn't attend.
The test was scheduled for exactly 1 PM in the association's grand hall. Any seminars or exhibitions in the hall were temporarily moved outside.
This test was infinitely more interesting than those seminars!
As time approached, people filled the hall. Tang Tianjie, learning about it later, quickly brought both children to the front. Grandmaster Xie's presence nearby helped, and Bai Fanxian sat calmly on the sofa.
The audience chattered excitedly. Many young alchemists hungry for knowledge were seeing such a test for the first time.
When the clock struck one, stage lights brightened. People turned toward an old man walking to center stage with dignified bearing.
"Welcome everyone... the public test to become a Tier 4 alchemist will now begin!"
Chen Deming himself was speaking. The stage transformed as he finished. A raised wooden platform rose from the floor, sized for one person, with an empty space and small podium appearing.
"Please invite Grandmaster Bai to center stage."
Elder Chen bowed politely. Bai Fanxian stood and walked gracefully toward the raised platform, but instead of using stairs like normal people, her figure floated slightly with each step.
Like walking on air stairs!
Her sublime manner impressed everyone. It was the best public confirmation that she'd truly reached Grandmaster level!
Walking on air was a Grandmaster's privilege!
No one in the hall dared doubt her power anymore. Chen Deming sighed in relief. This method of proof greatly reduced his burden.
"Now, we'll test knowledge. Please invite Elder Fang on stage."
The petite middle-aged woman walked onto stage. She smiled politely and bowed once to Bai Fanxian before stepping onto the tall platform.
"Grandmaster Bai, I'll open for public questions. Ready?"
Seeing Bai Fanxian nod simply, Fang Niang turned toward the audience and raised her microphone.
"Everyone can ask Grandmaster Bai one question each about alchemy. Questions today won't exceed ten total."
Cheering erupted immediately. Many people, especially lower-level alchemists, raised hands instantly.
The microphone was sent to one random audience member.
It landed with an ordinary-looking teenager in white alchemy robes who made an embarrassed face. He'd only come to watch while waiting for his idol. He turned pleadingly toward his hot-blooded senior brother reading forum threads beside him.
They hadn't expected to be picked.
Excitement came over him, and perhaps the entire hall's stares pressured him. The young man's mind went blank and he asked:
"Uh... does Grandmaster Bai know Alchemy Empress?"