23. Assessment Rank

The next morning, Xiao Tian woke after spending the night stabilizing his cultivation. His body had also adapted to its newfound strength. Just as he was about to head out, he heard Yue'er knocking on the door and calling for him.

Xiao Tian answered, then walked out. After washing up and eating a little breakfast, he had Yue'er lead him toward the Alchemist Association.

After all, he had never been there before. When he had sent Yue'er out shopping earlier, he had asked her to inquire about the place, and she had even visited it herself once.

So she was already familiar with the route. Naturally, she would be the one leading Xiao Tian there today.

Xiao Tian watched Yue'er walking ahead of him. He hadn't expected the girl to be even more eager than he was! He himself wasn't this excited. Why are you so worked up? It's just an Alchemist.

Yue'er was excited because she knew how formidable Alchemists were. She was happy that her kind young master was taking the Alchemist assessment! She was happy for him, even though they would have to part after the assessment. Still, it was rare to meet such an easygoing master in this world!!

The two arrived before a large yet exquisite building. A plaque above the entrance read, "Alchemist Association." Yue'er said, "Young Master, please go in. I'll wait here for you."

Xiao Tian said, "No need. You can head back. I'm not a child; do I need someone waiting for me?" Yue'er stuck out her tongue. "Yes!" Watching her departing figure, Xiao Tian smiled. Honestly.

After Yue'er left, Xiao Tian entered the Alchemist Association. As he reached an inner entrance, two guards stopped him. "Little brother, are you here to take the Alchemist rank assessment? Do you have a recommendation letter from a mentor?" Xiao Tian put on his usual smile. "I don't have a mentor. Do you believe me?"

Guard One said, "How can you take the Alchemist rank assessment without a mentor?" "So I can't take the assessment without one?" Guard Two said, "Little brother, you must be joking. How could you learn alchemy without a mentor?" Xiao Tian couldn't be bothered to waste words and directly summoned Purple Fire.

Xiao Tian said, "Is this okay now?" "Condensed true fire!!!" the two exclaimed at once. Guard Two hurriedly said, "My lord, please, please!" "All right." After Xiao Tian left, Guard One asked, "Do you know what that young man meant by 'okay' just now?" Guard Two said, "No idea..."

At that moment, another two people arrived: a middle-aged man and a young woman. The young woman said, "Hurry up!" The middle-aged man replied, "Girl, what's the rush?" Xiao Tian, who was walking ahead, heard them and looked back. Upon seeing the young woman's face and figure, he couldn't help but pause in surprise.

The young woman looked about twenty. She had a beautiful, captivating face and a slightly petite frame, with curves in all the right places. Dressed in a purple gown, she drew countless men's gazes as she entered.

When the two guards saw the middle-aged man and the young woman, they bowed and made an inviting gesture. The man led the young woman inside. When she saw Xiao Tian, she too was stunned for a moment. The young man in white wasn't exceptionally handsome; his features were merely ordinary. But the white robe he wore shimmered with golden light, making him especially eye-catching. It also slightly elevated his otherwise average looks.

When Otto noticed that Lin Fei had suddenly stopped walking, he looked toward his disciple and found her staring dreamily at the white-robed young man ahead.

Curious, he looked over as well. This young man's appearance isn't particularly outstanding, but that white robe really does catch the eye.

(Xiao Tian wasn't particularly handsome, but he wasn't ugly either. After all, he was the protagonist; being too ugly would make no sense. The main reason was his white robe with its golden shimmer. It absolutely gave off the feeling that it could captivate countless young women.)

Otto coughed twice. Hearing his voice, Lin Fei finally came back to her senses. She had merely been astonished at first sight by the man's white robe and had blanked out for a moment.

But when she remembered how she had looked just now, her face flushed. She grabbed Otto and pulled him inside. "Teacher! Why didn't you call me just now? That was so embarrassing. But that outfit is so alluring!"

Otto said, "Yes, that white robe clearly isn't ordinary clothing. It may be made from the hide of some magical beast! This young man isn't simple. I just wonder how skilled he is at alchemy!"

Otto said, "All right, girl, let's go in. You'd better make me proud today and not embarrass me." "Hmph! When have I ever embarrassed you? Isn't it just refining a pill?"

Xiao Tian also entered a room within the Alchemist Association. There weren't many people here, and everyone was busy with their own affairs.

In the hall, Xiao Tian found a quiet spot and waited calmly. At this moment, another woman hurried over and asked him, "Young Master, you look unfamiliar. Is this your first time at our Alchemist Association?"

Xiao Tian said, "Yes, I'm here to take the rank assessment." The woman asked, "You're an Alchemist?" "Yes. I simply haven't taken a rank assessment before, so I'm here to do so now."

The woman said, "Then please come with me." "All right." The two left the hall and arrived at a counter. Smiling brightly, the woman said, "Young Master, please state your teacher's name, your own name, and your age." "I don't have a mentor. I'm eighteen."

The woman was somewhat surprised. "No mentor? How is that possible! Then how did you learn..." Xiao Tian said, "What, can't one refine pills without a mentor?" The woman said, "No, no, it's just..."

Seeing her stammering, Xiao Tian raised his hand and summoned Purple Fire. "Is this enough?" "Condensed true fire! Gasp—Young Master, you're a Fourth Grade Alchemist??" "Yes."

The woman was stunned. This was a genius! No, no, this was a monster—someone even more formidable than a genius. If what he said was true, then this young man was truly terrifying.

Xiao Tian said, "Is that enough? Take me to the assessment." "Y-Yes, but you'll have to take the assessments one rank at a time!" "Whatever. Let's go." "A-All right." Having been so shocked, the woman still couldn't speak normally!

The woman led Xiao Tian to the assessment area. He walked in, glanced over a group of Second and Third Grade Alchemists, then looked toward the platform, where two men stood. One was Otto from earlier, while the other was probably Franck.

He then looked at the seven young people standing by the assessment area. They were likely all here for the assessment. Xiao Tian walked over.

On the platform, Otto said, "Franck, where's Xue Mei? Why hasn't she come out yet? The assessment is about to begin!" Franck smiled. "Don't rush, don't rush. She'll be out soon." Otto said, "There are only ten minutes left. If she still doesn't show up, we'll begin. Even if you're the president, that won't change anything!"

Franck shook his head, then noticed Xiao Tian approaching. "Little fellow, are you here to take the Alchemist assessment too?" "I'm here for a rank assessment. I've been an Alchemist for a long time." "What! Then what grade Alchemist are you?" "Fourth Grade, that's all."

"What!!" This time, it wasn't just Franck who was stunned; even Otto was dumbfounded! This young man was a Fourth Grade Alchemist?? Was he joking? If he was truly Fourth Grade, then they had lived their lives for nothing!

Xiao Tian said indifferently, "How about I directly refine a Fourth Grade Pill for you to see?" Franck said, "Little brother, are you serious? Who is your mentor?"

Xiao Tian said, "Geniuses don't need mentors. I taught myself." Franck coughed twice. It was his first time meeting someone so shameless—someone who could praise himself like that!

Otto said, "Fine, then refine it. I want to see whether it's real or not!" Otto was clearly a little angry, as though Xiao Tian were making a fool of him. Xiao Tian couldn't be bothered to argue. He walked to a stone platform, took out the ingredients for a Three-Patterned Green Spirit Pill, and said, "I've brought my own ingredients, so I don't need yours. Just watch."

Without paying any further attention to the two nobodies, he directly tossed the ingredients into the cauldron, ignited the flames, and began refining. Franck and Otto had only said it casually, but they hadn't expected him to actually start refining!

At that moment, a curvaceous young woman entered and said, "Sorry I'm late!" But no one paid her any attention. She found it strange. Though she was usually cold in demeanor, whenever she appeared, everyone's eyes would turn toward her. What was going on today?

Curious, she walked over and asked Lin Fei, "The assessment hasn't started yet?" Lin Fei looked at the late Xue Mei and said, "A younger boy came and took over a stone platform!" "What? Teacher and the others aren't stopping him?" "They probably can't."

Lin Fei said, "There, see for yourself!" Xue Mei followed Lin Fei's gesture and looked over. Who is this young man? What a beautiful outfit!! Then she saw the Purple Fire in the young man's hand. Who is he? Why have I never seen him before?

She then walked over to Franck and said, "Teacher, sorry I'm late." Franck didn't look at her, merely giving an "Mm." He said nothing further and focused on the young man refining pills across from him. He hadn't expected such a young man to be capable of refining a Fourth Grade Pill!!

Xue Mei thought, Hmph, let's see what exactly you can refine to make everyone stare at you without blinking. (Since she had arrived late and no one had told her, she didn't know Xiao Tian was refining a Fourth Grade Pill!)

About an hour later, Xiao Tian began condensing the pill. The flames in his hands grew focused. Now, he could refine a Three-Patterned Green Spirit Pill without even using Heavenly Flames, relying only on Purple Fire. It would merely have two pill patterns rather than three; after all, since he wasn't going to use it himself, there was no need to make it that good!

Boom—The pill was complete, and a fragrant scent spread through the air. Everyone was stunned. He had really succeeded!! A monster, an absolute monster!! Xiao Tian picked up the Two-Patterned Three-Patterned Green Spirit Pill and handed it to Franck. "See for yourself. If it's acceptable, just give me proof of my rank."

"Y-Yes!!" He was only eighteen, yet he could already refine a Fourth Grade Pill—and a Two-Patterned Three-Patterned Green Spirit Pill at that! Gasp! Too incredible. Naturally, they had to be polite. Otto, standing nearby, also asked, "Little friend, did you truly teach yourself?"

Xiao Tian smiled. "I don't need a teacher. That is true now, and it will remain true in the future!" Lin Fei was now completely entranced by Xiao Tian, while the other young people looked on in envy! Xue Mei asked, "What did he refine??" "A Fourth Grade Pill!"

Xue Mei said, "What did you say??" She too was shocked. This young man, who looked even younger than she was, was actually a Fourth Grade Alchemist like her teacher! And she had thought herself a genius?

Lin Fei suddenly turned to Xue Mei. "I suddenly remembered that a certain girl once said if someone stronger than her appeared among her peers, she would... Hmm?" Xue Mei's face reddened slightly. "Hmph! He's not from Shiyan City!"

Lin Fei said, "Then I'm going to get to know him. Bye-bye~!" Xue Mei said, "You... shameless!" Lin Fei said, "Strong men are delicious meat~ If I'm too slow, will there still be any left for me? Don't tell me you're going after him too, or I'll look down on you. Oh, haha!" Hearing Lin Fei's words, Xue Mei realized she had been set up! Damn it! Hmph!

After receiving his Fourth Grade Alchemist certification, Xiao Tian said, "I don't need the outfit. You can keep it." "That outfit has... a whole bunch of functions." Xiao Tian said, "My clothes can withstand and reduce attacks from experts below the Dou Zong level!" "Gasp!"

Xiao Tian said, "If there's nothing else, I'll head back." "N-No, that's all!" Lin Fei ran over. "Hello, my name is Lin Fei~" "Xiao Tian."

Though Xiao Tian's tone was flat, Lin Fei wasn't angry. A powerful and young man being a little aloof was only normal. Lin Fei asked, "Can I invite you to go shopping later?" "Oh? Invite me shopping?" "Y-Yes!"

Xiao Tian thought about it. He had nothing to do anyway, so he said, "All right." He gave Lin Fei the address where he was staying and left the Alchemist Association. As he walked out, he unexpectedly saw an old acquaintance.

Xiao Tian looked at the blue-clad young man nearby. I didn't expect it. He's already reached the Dou Master level and has come to take the Alchemist assessment too. But it seems he hasn't been allowed inside as smoothly as in the original story.

Forget it, I'll help him out. I've taken so many of his opportunities, and we're fellow townsmen with no real grudge between us. Besides, I'll run into Xiao Yan once I leave anyway. Rather than speak up later, I might as well help him now.

Let Xiao Yan owe me a favor. Hmph! He walked over and said, "Xiao Yan, why are you here?" "Xiao Tian!!" Seeing the Fourth Grade Alchemist certification on Xiao Tian's chest, Xiao Yan was stunned. After recovering, he asked, "You've actually become a Fourth Grade Alchemist?"

Xiao Tian said indifferently, "Yes. You're here to take the Alchemist assessment too?" "Yes. Unfortunately, I don't have a recommendation letter, so they won't let me in." Xiao Tian said to the two guards, "Let him in. We're from the same clan."

When the two guards saw Xiao Tian's Fourth Grade Alchemist certification, they practically wanted to grovel before him. Now that they had an opportunity, they naturally wouldn't miss it! "Yes, my lord!" They immediately allowed Xiao Yan through.

Xiao Yan said, "Thank you, Xiao Tian. But you're truly incredible! You've actually become a Fourth Grade Alchemist! I really want to know what kind of person your teacher is." Old Yao was also curious about what sort of person this young man's teacher could be!

Xiao Tian said, "I don't have a teacher. I researched all of this bit by bit on my own. Do you believe me?" Xiao Yan was greatly surprised, because he didn't think someone as expressionless as Xiao Tian would lie to him. This left him even more stunned. No wonder Xun'er had chosen him!

(In Xiao Yan's eyes, Xiao Tian had always worn an indifferent expression. Thus, he was considered a dull-faced man.)

Xiao Yan said, "You're strong. I admire you! But I will surpass you in the future." "Oh. Work hard. I have things to do, so I'm leaving." "O-Okay!"

After Xiao Tian left, Old Yao said to Xiao Yan, "Little fellow, that little fellow's strength has already reached the eight-star Da Dou Shi level!!" "What??" This struck Xiao Yan even harder. So strong... How did he manage it on his own? (If Xiao Tian were here, he would definitely say, Tian Can Tu Dou told me where the opportunities and lucky encounters were!)

Yao Chen said, "Little fellow, don't let it discourage you. That little fellow is indeed formidable, but that doesn't mean everyone is as monstrous as he is. Just cultivate properly and be yourself. Even if someone like him cannot become a friend, it's best not to make an enemy of him. If he were an enemy, it would be best to kill him before he grew stronger!"

Xiao Yan said, "Gasp—Teacher, we're clansmen, and there's no hatred between us. Even when my cultivation dropped to the third stage, he never said anything to me." "Hehe, I was only giving an example. Do you understand?" "Mm, I understand!" Old Yao said, "Good. Let's go in!"

A big chapter. Brothers, I hope you liked it. If you liked it, please toss a few votes my way.