C23 The Test Began!

Xu Zhan waved dismissively and departed once more. At the same moment, Zhang Ye turned, his eyes flashing with a cold gleam.

"Hmph, Xu Zhan is a sly fox. But his meddling with Lin Tian might just play into my hands. Lin Tian, I'm eager to see how you'll handle Xu Zhan!"

In the Prime Minister Mansion located in the East City of Celestial Dragon City.

"Pill Fire Fusion!"

Liu Muer brought her hands together, her Qi and blood roiling within her. Instantly, she was enveloped in a swirling scarlet flame.

Pata! Pata!

Sounds like mud hitting the ground echoed as the spear of a soldier, sparring with Liu Muer, liquefied into a stream of red-hot iron, utterly disintegrating.

"Miss, your strength is remarkable. You have my utmost admiration!" The soldier promptly dropped to one knee in respect.

"Haha, excellent!"

A middle-aged man in a dark robe chuckled before turning to a purple-clad elder with a respectful fist-and-palm salute. "Great Master Zhao, you've outdone yourself. To think that in a mere fortnight, Muer has attained Martial Cultivator Level One. I'm confident she'll sail through the Celestial Dragon Sect's Inner Sect Test tomorrow."

Zhao Danhua offered a modest smile. "Prime Minister, you flatter me. Liu Muer's rapid advancement is largely due to her exceptional talent. As a Spirit Body of Hundred Herbs, she has an innate sensitivity to medicinal plants and can even directly assimilate their essences for cultivation. Coupled with her innate intelligence and formidable memory, recalling every detail of medicinal preparation and alchemy, her breakthrough to the Martial Artist Stage was inevitable. With time and continued diligence, she'll swiftly rise to become a true Pharmacist."

Liu Maohai beamed with pride, nodding continuously. "All said and done, my daughter owes her success to your mentorship, Great Master Zhao. Rest assured, we will handle the matters concerning the medicinal herbs and our liaison with the Pharmacist Association with the utmost care. It is my sincere hope that, once my daughter joins the Inner Sect, she will continue to study the Pill Refining Dao under your esteemed tutelage."

Zhao Danhua nodded with a smile, "Rest assured, my willingness to mentor her is a testament to her potential. She'll undoubtedly become a bona fide Junior Pharmacist in no time at all."

"That's fantastic!" Liu Maohai burst into laughter, fully aware of the rarity and value of a Pharmacist, especially a female one.

If his daughter could attain the rank of Pharmacist before turning twenty, even at the most basic level, the advantages for her and the Liu family would be immense. It could even pave the way for connections with the royal princes, perhaps even the Crown Prince himself.

"By the way, the Inner Sect Test of the Celestial Dragon Sect is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Prime Minister, I'd like to accompany Liu Muer there," Zhao Danhua interjected.

"Oh? Great Master Zhao, you're interested in the Inner Sect Test of the Celestial Dragon Sect?"

Liu Maohai chuckled, "That's no trouble at all, not a problem."

"Mm."

Zhao Danhua simply nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself, yet inwardly he was filled with anticipation for the young man's performance.

The next day arrived swiftly.

As the morning sun cast its radiant glow, Lin Tian stepped out of his room, a smile gracing his face. He knew today was the day of the Inner Sect Test.

Lin Ling emerged from her room as well and promptly said, "Brother, it's time for breakfast."

"Alright."

Lin Tian returned the smile and followed his sister into the next room, where they began to enjoy some buns.

After breakfast, Lin Tian said with a grin, "Ling, today's the day of the Inner Sect Test. You'll come with me, won't you?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ling nodded vigorously, "Of course, but first I need to wash some clothes and take leave from the tavern."

Lin Tian was on the verge of saying something else but, catching the concern in Lin Ling's eyes, he simply nodded and held his peace.

He understood that Lin Ling was anxious on his behalf.

Lin Ling was astute and keenly aware of the profound implications this Inner Sect Test held for both her and Lin Tian. Naturally, she felt hesitant to accompany him.

Standing up, Lin Tian quickly tidied up the dishes, with Lin Ling lending a hand. After washing up and just as he was about to head out, Lin Ling suddenly spoke up, "Brother…"

"Hmm?"

Lin Tian smiled as he turned to Lin Ling.

"Everything okay?"

Lin Ling spoke with caution, "This assessment is bound to have many gunning for you. Maybe it's best if you don't go. We have a good life here..."

Listening to Lin Ling's concerns, Lin Tian approached with a reassuring smile and tousled her hair.

"Don't worry, I've got it all under control. I've always taken care of our problems, haven't I?"

Bolstered by his words, Lin Ling found herself filled with newfound confidence and nodded emphatically. Lin Tian grinned, "So, you're not coming with me?"

"I'd have to ask for time off. I worked hard to land that tavern job, and it pays a hundred copper coins a day!"

Lin Ling's eyes went wide as she spoke, prompting a hearty laugh from Lin Tian. "Alright then, go ask for leave. Once you're done, you can come and watch."

With another affectionate ruffle of Lin Ling's hair, Lin Tian departed.

At that moment, the mountain path leading to Celestial Dragon Mountain was teeming with people.

The Celestial Dragon Sect's annual Inner Sect Test was a major event in Celestial Dragon Country. As the preeminent organization with deep, enigmatic ties to the royal family, the test drew not only the Sect's disciples but also the gaze of the nation's elite and the curious eyes of the public, all eager to witness the emergence of new talents.

In the heart of the Celestial Dragon Sect, a special platform had been erected for the disciple's examination.

Surrounding this central stage were several elevated platforms adorned with chairs and laden with fresh fruits and tea, catering to the distinguished guests who had come to observe the spectacle.

Upon Lin Tian's arrival, he noticed many Outer Sect disciples already gathered on the platform, and they, in turn, noticed him.

"Look at that, Lin Tian actually showed up! He must be confident about passing the Inner Sect Test to be here."

"Indeed. Lin Tian has undergone a remarkable transformation lately. He took down Ye Ku, disabled Ye Hu, and even left Ye Feng mentally shattered. Not to mention, Zhang Zhong and Zhang Ye from the Zhang family suffered heavy losses at his hands. His presence here speaks volumes of his confidence in passing the test."

The disciples were abuzz with conversation, their gazes filled with eager anticipation when they looked at Lin Tian. His reputation for strength was well-known among them, and they were all aware of it.

Yet, Lin Tian paid no mind to their chatter.

Flattery or secret curses, it was all the same to him; his focus was solely on passing the upcoming test quickly so he could share the good news with his sister.

"Senior Brother Lin, you've arrived!"

An excited voice cut through the noise. Zhao Hai and Kong Ling emerged from the crowd and made their way to Lin Tian's side.

"Hehe, you two have made quite the progress."

Lin Tian offered them a smile, noting that both Zhao Hai and Kong Ling had reached Martial Apprentice Level Six and had awakened their Spirit Bodies.

"We owe it all to the secret formula you shared with us, Senior Brother Lin. Without it, such rapid improvement would have been impossible!" Zhao Hai said with a look of deep respect, while Kong Ling nodded vigorously, her eyes brimming with admiration.

They had practiced with the cultivation formula Lin Tian had provided, and their progress had been astonishing, earning them praise from their elders who hailed them as prodigies. But they knew the true credit belonged to Lin Tian.

"Hehe, the formula was merely a tool; your own talents are what truly matter," Lin Tian said with a chuckle, then added, "Speaking of the formula..."

"Senior Brother Lin, rest assured, we haven't breathed a word to anyone," Zhao Hai and Kong Ling quickly assured him. Lin Tian nodded, his satisfaction with them growing.

He knew they could be trusted to keep secrets, which made them incredibly valuable for the future.

"By the way, Senior Brother Lin, you'll need to be cautious this time around. Our intel suggests that Ye Hsing from the Ye family is back. With his level of cultivation, he could join the Inner Sect without even taking the exam, yet he's chosen to participate, likely with you in mind. And it seems the Zhang family and a guy named Xu Zhan are also gunning for you..."

"It's of no concern," Lin Tian said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Be it the Zhang family, the Ye family, or anyone else, let them come. I'll simply crush them one by one."

As soon as he spoke, Zhao Hai and Kong Ling were momentarily taken aback before simultaneously nodding in agreement.

Had Lin Tian made such a statement before, they might have dismissed it as an exaggeration, the naive boasting of an innocent child. But now, when Lin Tian spoke, they sensed an undeniable conviction.

It wasn't a facade; it was an aura that radiated from within, commanding their increased reverence.

"Are you Lin Tian?"

Out of nowhere, a languid voice cut through the air. A group of young men clad in pale yellow robes approached, among them a familiar face—Ye Feng. Their attire was indistinguishable from that of the Celestial Dragon Sect's Outer Sect disciples, yet the air of arrogance they carried was unmistakable, clearly marking them as scions of noble lineage. They promptly encircled Lin Tian and his companions.

Zhao Hai and Kong Ling's faces tensed, their eyes sharpening as they recognized the significant threat these newcomers posed. Their attention quickly shifted to Ye Feng.

But Ye Feng paid them no heed, his gaze fixed on Lin Tian with venomous contempt.

"Lin Tian, this time, you're finished..."

Crack!

Before Ye Feng could finish, Lin Tian struck with lightning speed, sending him sprawling to the ground with a slap!

"What?!"

"What just happened?!"

The commotion drew the eyes of countless onlookers on the platform, who watched in stunned silence.

Lin Tian casually shook his hand as if discarding something filthy, a smirk on his face. "Ye Feng, I'm surprised you're still among the living. Seems the Ye family's discipline is lacking. You've brought such disgrace upon your family, and yet here you are, bouncing around as if nothing happened."

"Ah! I'll kill you!"

Enraged, Ye Feng lunged at Lin Tian, intent on attack.

With a cold chuckle, Lin Tian delivered a swift kick that sent Ye Feng hurtling through the air. He hit the ground hard, blood streaming from every orifice, and lay there unconscious.

"Just trash, and you dare speak of killing?" Lin Tian scoffed, shaking his head. He turned his cold smile to the others encircling him. "Now, it's your turn. Are you ready to be schooled by me, or would you rather wait your turn?"