"Smack!"
A sharp slap echoed through the hall, followed by a stunned voice."Damn, that actually hurt… So I really wasn't dreaming. There truly is a monstrous anomaly."
Frank and Otto were also jolted awake by the sound. They turned toward Xiao Zhitian with complicated expressions.
"You truly intend to attempt the Third-Rank Alchemist assessment?" Frank asked slowly. "You're not joking, are you?"
"I'm serious," Xiao Zhitian replied calmly.
The two old men exchanged glances. If Xiao Zhitian succeeded, the prestige brought to the Blackrock City Alchemist Guild would be immeasurable. Not only would their status rise, but the main Guild would also reward them with resources and support.
Excitement surged through them.
"Quickly, prepare the Third-Rank assessment!" Otto shouted—then immediately shook his head. "No, forget it. We'll prepare it ourselves!"
The two activated their Dou Techniques, leaving behind afterimages as they rushed toward the Third-Rank assessment chamber.
Lin Fei walked up to Xiao Zhitian and poked his arm suspiciously."You… are you even human? I seriously think you're some old monster pretending to be young."
"A genuine young man. Guaranteed authentic," Xiao Zhitian said, patting his chest.
"Then how can someone your age reach Third-Rank?" Lin Fei pinched his arm again.
"I just kept refining. Then the rank went up. It's not that difficult," he said with a shrug.
Lin Fei ground her teeth in frustration. That answer was far too infuriating.
"Little friend Xiao Zhitian, the assessment room is ready," Frank's voice called out.
Xiao Zhitian walked to the entrance and stepped inside. Otto closed the door firmly behind him.
About an hour later, the door opened again.
Otto and Frank walked out first, their expressions a strange blend of exhilaration and utter defeat.
"He's simply a monster," Frank sighed deeply. "There's no comparison at all. We're truly old… truly old."
The excitement came from the enormous benefits Xiao Zhitian's success would bring to the Guild.The despair came from being completely crushed by his talent.
Moments later, Xiao Zhitian emerged as well.
Frank waved his hand, and a subordinate approached carrying a tray upon which lay a black robe.
"You already understand the basic functions of an Alchemist's robe, yes?" Frank asked.
Xiao Zhitian nodded.
"There are also hidden benefits," Frank added meaningfully. "You'll understand once you wear it outside."
Xiao Zhitian accepted the robe. On its chest was embroidered an alchemy cauldron emblem—within it, three ripples shimmered faintly.
He removed his old robe and donned the new one. A cool, refreshing sensation flowed through his body, as though his spirit itself had been purified.
Clad in the Third-Rank Alchemist robe, his already refined temperament became even more transcendent—like an immortal who had descended into the mortal world.
Xue Mei and Lin Fei stared at him absentmindedly, momentarily lost.
Frank turned to the others. "All candidates who passed may go forward to register and receive your own robes."
Once the crowd dispersed, Frank personally led Xiao Zhitian outside.
"Little friend Xiao Zhitian," he said warmly, "In half a year, the capital will host the Alchemist Conference. Alchemists from the entire Jia Ma Empire—and even from other empires—will gather. With your talent and age, participating would benefit you greatly. You could gain experience, reputation, and perhaps even rise to fame."
Xiao Zhitian nodded. "If I have time, I'll attend."
He had already planned to go anyway—after all, the Conference preceded Xiao Yan's three-year agreement.
"Good! Excellent!" Frank and Otto laughed heartily. "We'll await you at the Capital's Alchemist Guild."
Little Fairy Doctor, who had been waiting anxiously, hurried toward him."How did it go?"
"As expected," Xiao Zhitian said lightly, pointing at the emblem on his chest.
"That's an Alchemist robe?" Her eyes sparkled. "It looks so good—and it feels comfortable too. What rank is yours?"
"Third-Rank," he said proudly, taking her hand as she touched the fabric. "Not bad, right? Don't I look more handsome now?"
"Ahem." Otto coughed pointedly. "There are elders present."
"Couldn't help it, couldn't help it," Xiao Zhitian said shamelessly.
Little Fairy Doctor's face flushed crimson as she looked down shyly.
Xiao Zhitian then turned toward Frank and Otto."Masters, do you know where I can obtain poisonous herbs and poison-attribute Dou Techniques?"
Frank frowned. "Why would you seek those? Planning to become a poison master? That path is not well regarded and would waste your talent."
"I merely wish to collect them. I won't use them myself," Xiao Zhitian replied.
Frank studied him for a moment, then nodded. "In that case… the Guild doesn't possess such items. However, they can be found in the black market."
"The black market?" Xiao Zhitian asked.
"Blackrock City has an underground black market in the west. Entry requires a token." Frank retrieved a golden token from his ring. A black skull was engraved upon its surface. "This is a golden token. It grants access to three people. I'll give it to you—but you must conceal your identity and be cautious."
Xiao Zhitian accepted it. "Thank you, Guild Master."
After bidding farewell, Xiao Zhitian and Little Fairy Doctor purchased two black cloaks and masks. Completely concealed, they followed Frank's directions to a secluded street in the west and entered a shop named Purple Tower.
Inside, Xiao Zhitian presented the golden token. The shopkeeper's pupils shrank—golden tokens were exceedingly rare in all of Blackrock City.
With great respect, the shopkeeper led them through the back hall to a hidden door, where two burly men stood guard.
"Show your token," one said coldly.
Xiao Zhitian raised the golden token.
Their expressions changed instantly. They opened the door and bowed slightly."Masters, please enter."
Beyond the door lay a staircase descending underground, illuminated by moonstones embedded along the walls…