C126 Mo Ruyan
Outside the Alchemists' Guild, there were no guards standing watch.
This was because no one would dare to stir up trouble within the Guild's walls. Order was maintained effortlessly, without the need for sentries.
And don't be misled into thinking alchemists are only adept at concocting potions and are feeble in strength.
Each alchemist was capable of crafting a multitude of valuable medicinal pills for sale, amassing considerable wealth. They were never short on spirit stones, and their collections of spirit weapons, secret tomes, and treasures were vast.
They didn't even need to launch an attack; their arsenal of treasures alone was enough to effortlessly crush peers of equal standing.
Yet, this was not their greatest asset. The true power of an alchemist lay in their influence.
Even the most formidable warriors sought out alchemists for their pill-refining services.
As such, each alchemist was at the center of an extensive and formidable network.
Many troubles were resolved on their behalf without them ever needing to lift a finger.
Those foolhardy enough to cause a commotion at the Alchemists' Guild often found it impossible to leave unscathed.
Lin Xuan surveyed his surroundings, and after a brief contemplation, he made his way toward the Guild's entrance.
Just then, a haughty female voice called out from behind him.
"Why are you loitering at the entrance? Move aside!"
Turning, Lin Xuan saw a striking young woman with shoulder-length hair striding toward him.
She was clad in the distinctive white robe of an alchemist, adorned with a palm-sized Pill Tripod on her chest, above which were two gray pentagrams.
Upon seeing this, Lin Xuan's expression shifted.
He hadn't expected to encounter a pill-refining prodigy so effortlessly.
Having perused the Pill Dao literature provided by Zhang Chen, Lin Xuan had acquired a fair understanding of both the Pill Dao and the inner workings of the Alchemists' Guild.
Within the Guild, alchemists were categorized by rank, assessed by the highest-grade pills they could proficiently produce.
These ranged from Mortal, Spiritual, Earth, to Heaven Rank, each divided into low, middle, and high grades.
Mortal Rank low grade was the most basic, while Heaven Rank First Class was the pinnacle.
Mortal Rank alchemists were only qualified to refine Rank 3 pills, used primarily for those in the Qi Gathering Stage, marking the lowest tier.
Consequently, the robes of such alchemists were unadorned and modest.
They were the most commonly encountered alchemists.
Above them, the Spiritual, Earth, and Heaven Ranks were significantly less common.
The Alchemists' Guild's specially crafted alchemist robes were far more intricate.
A palm-sized Pill Tripod, adorned with a pentagram, was etched onto the chest of these robes.
One star signified a low grade, while three stars indicated a First Class rank.
Colors further distinguished the ranks:
A gray Pill Tripod and pentagram denoted the Spiritual Rank, silver for Earth Rank, and gold for Heaven Rank.
Yet, within the vast Scorching Sun Domain, the highest attainable was the Earth-ranked Alchemist, revered as a Pill Refining Master.
Heaven Rank alchemists, also known as Grandmaster Alchemists, were non-existent in the Scorching Sun Domain.
It was speculated that they might only be found in realms beyond or in more flourishing regions.
The emblem on the chest of this graceful young woman signified her status as a Spiritual Rank, Middle Grade alchemist.
Her youthful appearance, not even twenty years old, underscored her prodigious talent in pill refining.
Lin Xuan promptly turned his attention to her attribute panel.
"Name: Mo Ruyan."
"Cultivation: Condensation Spin Stage, Level 7."
"Talents: Spirit Grade Cultivation, Spirit Grade Alchemy, Top Grade Strength, Top Grade Speed, Top Grade Swordplay, Top Grade Crimson Fire, Top Grade Green Wood, High-grade Gale, High-grade Sharp Gold."
"Martial Arts: Flame Yuanhua Cloud Mantra (Rank 6 High-grade, Initial Perfect Level), Flame Manipulation (Rank 6 Low-grade, Initial Perfect Level), Green Flame Feather Condensing Sword Technique (Rank 6 Low-grade, Great Completion), Green Wood Life Transforming Hand (Rank 6 Low-grade, Great Completion), Tornado Palm (Rank 6 Low-grade, Great Completion)..."
"Concept: 5% Artistic Conception of Fire, 15% Artistic Conception of Wood, 5% Sword Intent."
"Personal Treasures: None."
As Lin Xuan gazed at Mo Ruyan's attribute panel floating before him, he was taken aback.
With a Spiritual Rank in alchemy talent, she theoretically had the potential to ascend to an Earth-ranked Alchemist.
This attribute panel was far superior to that of Zhang Chen, the top alchemy prodigy of the Drifting Cloud Sect.
And Lin Xuan had merely encountered this individual by chance at the entrance.
He was profoundly astounded.
Indeed, the Alchemists' Guild far outstripped the Drifting Cloud Sect in the realm of alchemy.
His decision to make this journey was proving to be a smart one.
He certainly wasn't going to overlook Mo Ruyan's Spirit Grade alchemy and cultivation talents.
With a thought,
"100,000 energy points expended. Replication successful. [Spirit Grade Alchemy Talent] acquired."
"100,000 energy points expended. Replication successful. [Spirit Grade Alchemy Talent] acquired."
He immediately opted to utilize it.
A warm sensation coursed through him.
"Congratulations on enhancing your Cultivation Talent!"
"Congratulations on advancing to Spirit Grade Alchemy Talent!"
The cool announcement echoed in his ears.
"I've ascended to Spirit Grade."
Lin Xuan whispered to himself, a flicker of contentment in his eyes.
And this was just outside the Alchemists' Guild. He was convinced that within, he would find even more alchemy talents.
By copying them, he could significantly boost his abilities.
Lin Xuan was filled with anticipation.
Yet all of this transpired in a mere instant, unnoticed by anyone present.
A short distance away, Mo Ruyan sensed Lin Xuan's gaze on her chest and a flush of embarrassment and irritation colored her expression.
But upon seeing Lin Xuan's face,
The sight of his exceptionally handsome features quelled her anger.
With a huff, she let the matter slide and continued on her way to the Alchemists' Guild.
"Miss Mo Ruyan!"
A call suddenly rose from the crowd.
"Miss Mo Ruyan?"
"Don't tell me you're unaware of Miss Mo Ruyan? She's one of the three great beauties of Fengyun City!"
"And that's not all; at just eighteen, she's already reached Level 7 of the Condensation Spin Stage!"
"Furthermore, Miss Mo Ruyan is a Pill Dao prodigy, currently a Spiritual Rank Middle Grade alchemist!"
"A lady as beautiful and gifted as Miss Mo is truly a rarity!"
The area was abuzz with the lively chatter of young martial artists.
All eyes were drawn to Mo Ruyan, their gazes brimming with open admiration.
Yet Mo Ruyan seemed oblivious to the attention, making her way to the entrance of the Alchemists' Guild.
A servant girl in plain green attire emerged, her smile coy as she greeted Mo Ruyan,
"Miss Mo, are you here to take the Spiritual Rank High-grade Alchemist's exam?"
"Yes, I've attempted it several times before. This time, I'm confident there won't be any issues," Mo Ruyan replied with a light laugh.
"Well then, allow me to extend my early congratulations on your successful assessment," Lyu said with a beaming smile.
"Lyu, once I pass, I'll be sure to reward you generously," Mo Ruyan promised, her smile growing broader.
"Thank you so much, Miss Mo. With your incredible talent, I have no doubt you'll rise to become an Earth Rank Alchemist. Not like some people who freeze up at the mere sight of the Alchemists' Guild. They even think they can stand in your way," Lyu said, lavishing praise on Mo Ruyan while slyly mocking Lin Xuan.
Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan's expression chilled.
Most martial artists would be too tongue-tied to speak in the presence of a beauty like Mo Ruyan, their focus solely on her, neglecting Lyu's remarks.
But Lin Xuan had encountered his fair share of beauties in his past life, such as Guan Yuanshuang, the unrivaled belle of the Drifting Cloud Sect's Outer Sect, who was every bit Mo Ruyan's equal.
Lin Xuan was unyielding in his indifference.
He felt no connection to Mo Ruyan, a stranger to him.
He simply paid her no mind.
What did it matter if she was a servant at the Alchemists' Guild?
Lin Xuan had no desire to spare her a second glance.
