C139 The Nominal Elder

"Are they all Earth Rank low-grade alchemists?"

Lin Xuan's gaze settled on the badges adorning the chests of the Guild President and Vice President, his eyes betraying a flicker of surprise.

He had assumed that the President of the Alchemists' Guild would be at least one tier above Master Mo and Master Ren Yuan.

To his astonishment, both the Guild President and Vice President were of Earth Rank low-grade.

But Lin Xuan quickly understood.

Even among Earth Rank low-grade alchemists, there were significant distinctions.

Such alchemists could concoct Rank 7 medicinal pills.

Yet, Rank 7 pills were categorized into low-grade, middle-grade, and high-grade.

An alchemist only needed to master the creation of one low-grade pill to pass the assessment.

For instance, he and Mo Ruyan had successfully crafted a single low-grade Rank 6 pill, which sufficed to clear the Spiritual Rank first-class alchemist's examination.

Thus, despite all being Earth Rank low-grade alchemists, the disparities were considerable.

Elders like Master Ren Yuan might only be capable of producing low-grade Rank 7 pills.

In contrast, the Guild President and Vice President could potentially craft middle-grade or even high-grade Rank 7 pills.

This explained the significant gap in their statuses.

However, Lin Xuan was more intrigued by their attribute panels—how many treasures could they offer him?

He scrutinized them.

"Name: Chen Anyu."

"Cultivation: Sixth Level of the Spiritual Essence Stage."

"Talents: Spirit Grade Cultivation Talent, Spirit Grade Alchemy Talent, Top Grade Strength Talent, Top Grade Speed Talent, Top Grade Saber Talent, Top Grade Gale Attribute Talent, High-Grade Sharp Gold Talent, Top Grade Crimson Fire Talent, High-Grade Earth Attribute Talent, Top Grade Green Wood Attribute Talent."

"Martial Arts: Burning Fire Essence Technique (Low Rank 8, Initial Perfect Level), Flame Manipulation (High Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level), Sky Quake Palm (High Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level), Shadow Wind Step (High Rank 7, Initial Perfect Level)."

"Concepts: 35% Saber Intent, 50% Artistic Conception of Fire, 50% Artistic Conception of Wood, 30% Artistic Conception of Wind, 20% Artistic Conception of Gold."

"Personal treasure: none."

Lin Xuan gazed at the attribute panel floating in the void before him, his heart pounding with shock.

The wealth of the Alchemists' Guild President was truly astonishing.

This attribute panel was the most comprehensive one he had ever encountered.

He then examined Vice President Zhou's attribute panel.

It was marginally less impressive than the Guild President's. His cultivation level was at the fifth level of the Spiritual Essence Stage, far surpassing that of elders like Master Mo.

Next, Lin Xuan turned his attention to his own attribute panel.

"I still have 1.5 million energy points. That's more than enough."

An idea quickly formed in his mind.

"100,000 energy points spent, duplication successful, [Spirit Grade Alchemy Talent] acquired."

"200,000 energy points spent, duplication successful, [Burning Fire Essence Technique (Low Rank 8, Initial Perfect Level)] acquired."

"100,000 energy points spent, duplication successful, [50% Fire Mastery] acquired."

In an instant, he had replicated all the treasures he coveted.

Lin Xuan surveyed his newfound wealth with a grin.

The depletion of his energy points was of no concern to him.

With the integration of these treasures, his talent, potential, and strength were set to skyrocket.

Soon, amassing a new fortune in energy points would be a breeze.

And all this transpired in a mere breath, unnoticed by anyone present.

"Fellow Lin, I witnessed your entire refining process.

You truly have a gift.

In terms of talent, you rank among the elite in the Pill Dao—indeed, you surpass even me."

Chen Annrann's chuckle resonated through the air.

He regarded Lin Xuan with eyes brimming with both admiration and astonishment.

He had not anticipated encountering such a prodigy in the Pill Dao at the Alchemists' Guild today.

As the Guild President in Fengyun City, Chen's perspective was far broader than that of the Earth-ranked alchemists.

He had encountered numerous prodigies from the Scorching Sun Domain.

Yet, Lin Xuan stood out as one of the most exceptional among them.

This was precisely why he had stepped forward to extend an invitation to Lin Xuan.

Even as Lin Xuan devoted himself to martial arts, the Pill Dao could serve as a powerful complement to his journey.

With Lin Xuan's innate gift for the Pill Dao, his accomplishments in that realm are sure to be significant, ensuring he won't be lacking in cultivation resources. Consequently, his achievements in the Martial Dao are bound to be impressive as well.

Moreover, despite recognizing his exceptional Pill Dao talent, Lin Xuan remains committed to the Martial Dao. This clearly indicates that his Martial Dao talent is also extraordinary.

Therefore, even if Lin Xuan doesn't have the opportunity to fully exploit his alchemy talent in the future, he is destined to become a formidable martial artist of his generation.

He is certainly deserving of Chen Anyu's personal attention.

Ultimately, in this world, strength commands the highest respect.

"Thank you for your praise!"

Lin Xuan responded with poised humility.

Chen Anyu gave a slight nod and continued:

"Fellow Lin, I've observed your process of refining the Spirit Accumulating Pill. Your proficiency in the Pill Dao rivals that of many Earth Rank low-grade alchemists.

However, you haven't undergone the Earth-ranked Alchemist assessment. By the Guild's standards, you are not yet recognized as an Earth-ranked Alchemist.

Given this, once you join the Guild, you will receive the treatment accorded to a nominal elder. What do you say?"

Upon hearing Chen Anyu's proposal, the crowd was astounded once more.

They had all seen Lin Xuan's prowess in pill refining and were aware of his high level of skill in the Pill Dao.

Yet, they hadn't anticipated that Lin Xuan had already attained the Earth Rank.

And this was an acknowledgment coming directly from the Guild President himself, leaving no room for doubt.

Consider that within the Guild, it's rare for an Earth-ranked Alchemist to achieve such status before turning thirty.

And here is Lin Xuan, merely sixteen.

At his age, many alchemists are still learning to identify herbs and committing pharmacology to memory, far from beginning actual pill refining.

The revelation left everyone even more astounded.

"A nominal elder?"

Lin Xuan echoed thoughtfully.

Chen Anyu smiled and elaborated:

"A nominal elder is essentially an elder in title within the Guild.

Aside from the expectation to assist in times of grave peril to the Guild, you are free from further obligations.

The Guild will not constrain your freedom in any way."

The position of a nominal elder held the same status as the other elders within the guild.

However, the benefits afforded to a nominal elder were only one-third of those received by the other elders," Chen Anyu elaborated, and Lin Xuan grasped the concept immediately.

This arrangement was quite agreeable to him and aligned perfectly with his intentions.

He nodded in response and said:

"Thank you, Guild President. I am very pleased with these arrangements."

"Here is the token for the nominal elder. Please, take it."

Upon hearing Lin Xuan's acceptance, Chen Anyu allowed a smile to grace his features.

He produced a token, its black surface framed by silver trim.

With Pill Fire dancing at his fingertips, he inscribed a few symbols onto the token before tossing it to Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan caught the token and examined it closely. The front bore the image of a Pill Tripod, while the back was inscribed with "Nominal Elder" at the top and his name, "Lin Xuan," below.

A look of contentment crossed Lin Xuan's face.

The rewards of his journey had once again surpassed his expectations.