Han Li's voice boomed like thunder through the hall. "This is the Pill Tower's branch, not the Bai Clan's private hall! Watch your words. Everything here proceeds according to proper procedure!"
Turning, he faced Liu Xi squarely, eyes sharp and tone solemn. "First—this old man is a 7th Tier Beginner Alchemist. That means the highest examination I can administer is for 7th Tier Intermediate. Second—the Pill Tower's assessments are not to be taken lightly. If you participate frivolously and fail, all your honors will be revoked. Any alchemist not recognized by the Pill Tower will lose its protection and privileges. Everyone must bear responsibility for their own claims. Now, tell me seriously—which level do you wish to test for?"
'This Deacon Han isn't bad,' Liu Xi thought. Seeing the man's earnest explanation, he found the elder quite decent. Since he couldn't take the 7th Tier Advanced test, there was no need to force it.
Ignoring the mocking and resentful gazes from around the room, Liu Xi kept his usual calm and replied, "Then… I'll test for 7th Tier Intermediate Alchemist."
Yao Tianhuo chuckled quietly, clearly enjoying the situation—not because he doubted Liu Xi, but because he knew exactly how foolish these people would look soon. With Liu Xi's talent, even the title of "future Pill Tower giant" wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Xiao Yixian, however, frowned coldly. Her icy gaze swept toward the old Bai Clan Elder who had provoked the commotion. In her heart, she thought, 'Protecting my Young Master's reputation is my duty!'
The old woman still wore her sneer, entirely oblivious to the danger of her own arrogance—dancing on the edge of a blade.
Han Li's Adam's apple bobbed once. Seeing Liu Xi's resolute expression, he gave up further persuasion and announced, "The 6th Tier Lower and Intermediate Alchemists, proceed to your respective rooms for examination!"
At his command, the others—two men and one woman—filed into the Huang and Xuan rooms to begin their tests, leaving only Cao Dan and Liu Xi behind.
Elder Cao watched Liu Xi closely, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. There was something unusual about this young man—something he couldn't quite place. Meanwhile, the Bai Clan Elder stared at the Xuan Gate, glancing occasionally toward Liu Xi, her thin lips curling into a wrinkled, spiteful smile.
Liu Xi simply took a seat in the corner, closed his eyes, and gathered his thoughts—his mind turning toward the greater goal ahead. The Pill Tower, as the holy land of alchemists, was one of the most neutral powers on the continent. Its path of advancement was public and fair.
If one could win the championship at the Pill Gathering, not only would they obtain the Pill Tower's top-tier soul cultivation method and the chance to approach the Three Thousand Burning Flame, but also—more importantly—the Pill Gathering champion had the qualifications to become one of the Tower's giants.
But achieving that was anything but easy. To stand above the countless competitors, one had to refine an 8th Tier pill strong enough to summon four-colored or even five-colored Pill Lightning.
'My soul has already reached the Spirit Realm, but without an 8th Tier Pill Recipe, I can't progress further,' Liu Xi mused. 'Within the next two years, I must find a high-grade Pill Recipe—and master it completely.'
Time passed quietly. After an unknown span, the previously sealed doors finally creaked open.
The three alchemists who had entered earlier emerged, their faces beaming with joy. Fresh badges gleamed on their chests—each marked with six purple-gold stars, the insignia of a 6th Tier Alchemist.
Elder Cao and the Bai Clan Elder both smiled in satisfaction. Failing such a test would have been humiliating. The young Bai woman, Bai Xue, lifted her sharp chin proudly, exposing her slender neck and snowy skin. Her every movement exuded self-satisfaction as she flaunted the newly earned badge pinned to her chest—six purple-gold stars, though the last one was faint.
Han Li rose from his seat and strode toward the final testing chamber. "Now, the two candidates for 7th Tier Alchemist—enter. I'll personally conduct your examination."
Liu Xi stood, meeting Han Li's gaze calmly. At the same moment, Cao Dan also rose, his eyes flashing with provocation as they met Liu Xi's.
This was supposed to be his stage. Among his generation, aside from his monstrous younger sister, he had never bowed to anyone. And now this nameless youth dared challenge his limelight!
Liu Xi paid him no mind. 'If I had an 8th Tier inheritance,' he thought, 'I'd already be an 8th Tier Alchemist by now—matching that so-called prodigy of the Cao Clan herself.'
Following Han Li's lead, he stepped through the Tian Gate. Cao Dan followed immediately behind, unwilling to yield.
With a solid bang, the heavy doors sealed shut.
Outside, the Bai Clan Elder stared fixedly at the closed doors, her gnarled fingers tightening unconsciously. Her eyes flickered with resentment and frustration.
She had studied alchemy her entire life, yet had only reached 7th Tier Beginner—and now two young men were attempting the 7th Tier test before her eyes. Cao Dan, she could accept—he came from a great family. But the other youth? A nobody from nowhere daring to proclaim himself a 7th Tier Advanced Alchemist? It was as if he was mocking her very life's effort.
'Arrogant brat,' she fumed inwardly. 'When you fail, I'll make sure everyone knows you for the fraud you are!'
The onlookers waited, their eyes fixed on the sealed door. Hope, doubt, jealousy—each carried their own expectations.
Time flowed slowly. No one grew impatient; even whispers died away as anticipation built.
At last—after about an hour—the door creaked open.
Han Li stepped out first, his face complex—admiration, surprise, and faint regret mingled in his expression.
The watchers craned their necks, desperate to know the result. Xiao Yixian and Yao Tianhuo, however, remained utterly calm; they had no doubt Liu Xi would succeed.
The one most on edge was, of course, the Bai Clan Elder. Her family's candidates had finished long ago, yet she lingered only to witness Liu Xi's humiliation.
Then—two figures emerged from the chamber.
Cao Dan held a badge in his trembling hand—seven purple-gold stars, though the last was dim. Despite his success, his face was blank, as if he'd seen something that shattered his pride.
Beside him, Liu Xi idly turned a similar badge between his fingers—seven bright purple-gold stars gleaming, the seventh shining even more brilliantly than Cao Dan's.
The hall fell utterly silent.
(End of Chapter)
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