C130 Participating in the Assessment

Inside the hall, there were numerous alchemists, but their skills paled in comparison to Master Ren Yuan and Mo Ruyan.

Yet, Lin Xuan didn't overlook them.

With a substantial number of energy points and his rare alchemy talent, he saw an opportunity.

He casually strolled through the hall, discreetly copying their talents.

Afterward, he found a quieter corner and decided to make his move.

A surge of warmth enveloped him as he activated the talents.

Lin Xuan's presence subtly shifted.

Amidst the bustling crowd, his transformation went unnoticed.

A crisp, cool voice echoed in his ears:

"Alchemy talent upgraded!"

"Congratulations on advancing to the Superior Grade Crimson Fire Talent!"

"Congratulations on achieving 40% of the Artistic Conception of Wood!"

Minutes ticked by as he fully integrated the new abilities.

Glancing at his attribute panel, Lin Xuan gave a slight nod of approval.

"With two Spirit Grade alchemy talents, plus a few of lower grade, and the addition of 40% of both the Artistic Conception of Fire and Wood, my aptitude in alchemy must rank among the elite within the entire Alchemists' Guild."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed his eyes as he whispered to himself.

He then tucked away the attribute panel and approached the nearby counter.

"Hello, I'm Lee Yue, a receptionist at the Alchemists' Guild. How may I assist you today?"

The staff member greeted Lin Xuan with a warm, professional welcome.

For a brief moment, Lin Xuan felt as if he had stepped back into the technological age of his past life.

Regaining his composure, he nodded and stated his purpose:

"I'm here to undergo the Alchemy Rank Assessment."

His words sent a ripple of surprise through the staff behind the counter.

They all turned their attention to Lin Xuan.

The Alchemists' Guild was indeed the venue for such assessments, but the journey of Pill Dao was notoriously challenging.

The number of candidates appearing for the test each month was minimal, and they were usually repeat attendees.

Seeing a young, unfamiliar face like Lin Xuan's was a first for them, and their astonishment was evident.

However, they quickly snapped back to reality and resumed their tasks.

"Please hold on for a moment," Lee Yue said, regaining her composure and bowing slightly.

She then produced a sheet of paper.

"Kindly fill out this form first, so I can assist with the subsequent steps. Also, ensure you provide accurate information. This form will be entered into the Guild's system. If you pass the assessment, the Guild will verify your identity. Any discrepancies could cause complications," she explained as she handed the form to Lin Xuan.

"Understood," Lin Xuan replied with a slight nod, then began to fill out the form swiftly with his genuine details. He had no need for secrecy and harbored no concerns about his information being disclosed.

He completed the form in short order and handed it back to Lee Yue.

"You're just sixteen and already aiming for the Mortal Rank Advanced Pill Refiner certification?" Lee Yue exclaimed after a quick glance at the form, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of those nearby.

"He's that young?"

"At sixteen, he's reached the Condensation Spin Stage and is attempting the alchemist exam?"

"Could he be that skilled?"

"A top-tier alchemy prodigy, perhaps?"

"I bet even Miss Mo Ruyan doesn't compare to him."

"Indeed, Miss Mo Ruyan was seventeen before she even attempted the Mortal Rank alchemist certification!"

The crowd buzzed with conversation, their eyes fixed on Lin Xuan in a mix of disbelief and awe. His youth, coupled with his achievements and aspirations, marked him as a rare talent, even within the vastness of Fengyun City.

The revelation left everyone astounded.

Lin Xuan, however, remained unfazed, a hint of pleasure crossing his features. This attention meant more energy points for him.

Lee Yue, momentarily taken aback, quickly regained her composure, her demeanor shifting to one of heightened respect. She carefully stowed the form and bowed deeply.

"Please come with me," she invited.

With that, Lee Yue escorted Lin Xuan past the counter and through a large door, into the inner sanctum, all under the watchful eyes of the assembled onlookers. They soon reached a spacious clearing.

Eleven individuals were gathered here, their cultivation levels spanning from the Qi Transformation Stage to the Condensation Spin Stage, with ages ranging from their twenties to their forties.

"You'll be undergoing the assessment in this area. Please wait here momentarily," Lee Yue instructed.

Lin Xuan gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping the surroundings.

The other eleven present were also there to take the assessment, each with alchemy talent listed on their attribute panels.

"I'm going to take a look around," Lin Xuan told Lee Yue, before leisurely walking away to explore.

Lee Yue, momentarily taken aback, wondered what there was to see in such a small space. Yet, she knew she couldn't deter Lin Xuan from his stroll.

Nearby, Lyu approached, accompanying another examinee.

"Lee Yue, why have you brought him here?" Lyu asked with a furrowed brow, her voice low.

"He's here to test for his alchemist level. And at just sixteen, he's attempting the Mortal Rank Advanced Pill Refiner exam!" Lee Yue responded, her voice laced with admiration.

"What? He's here for the alchemist assessment too? And he's aiming for the Mortal Rank Advanced Pill Refiner?" Lyu gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief and astonishment.

Realizing that Lin Xuan was attempting such a prestigious test, Lyu was struck with fear. As an alchemist, she held a revered status, but within the Alchemists' Guild, she was merely a maid, hardly worth mentioning.

"What's the matter?" Lee Yue inquired, puzzled by Lyu's reaction.

Lyu, however, didn't reply and wandered off, lost in thought, her face etched with worry.

The thought of Lin Xuan achieving the rank of Mortal Rank Advanced Pill Refiner filled her with dread, fearing for her own fate. Silently, she hoped for his failure.

Meanwhile, the news had the other eleven candidates in the hall reeling. Their attention was now fixed on Lin Xuan, all wondering the same thing: could he truly be an elite alchemy prodigy?

Their hearts trembled with excitement, eyes alight with eager anticipation.

They had yet to witness the grace of a top-tier alchemy prodigy.

Even if it meant failing their current assessment, the experience alone would make their journey worthwhile.

Yet Lin Xuan paid them no mind.

His stroll appeared casual, but he had skillfully replicated the alchemy talents of all eleven individuals.

He made his way back to where he started.

He decided to harness these newly acquired talents.