Joining the Alchemy Department

The next day.

A faint glow appeared on the horizon. Early-rising birds frolicked and chased one another through the treetops, chirping and twittering.

At Jia Nan Academy, only the sounds of footsteps could be heard—tap, tap, thud, thud. All the teachers and students of the outer academy were heading toward the square in front of the teaching buildings to gather, because today was the opening ceremony for the new students.

"Respected instructors, students..."

"On this picturesque... Here, on behalf of Jia Nan Academy... on behalf of the Academic Affairs Office... looking back on the past year... not only have we achieved... looking ahead to the future... as the dean, I have a dream..."

"As the new school year is about to begin..."

"New students, I hope..."

"Next, I would like to emphasize several more points..."

Amid an atmosphere of solemnity, the opening ceremony in the academy square had reached its final stage.

The atmosphere could not have been more serious, the ceremony could not have been more grand, the procedures could not have been more rigorous, and the speech onstage could not have been more brilliant and weighty...

Every newly enrolled student gazed at the stage expectantly, listening to the dean's teachings and losing themselves in the splendid speech and address.

Some were even moved to tears, raising their sleeves from time to time to wipe their eyes as they choked out, "That was so well said, truly so well said."

The corner of Xia Mo's eye twitched slightly. He looked around, trying to find anyone as bewildered and shocked as himself, but every single person wore a serious expression.

Forget it. I can't do this. I just want to leave already. It looks like opening ceremonies are the same in every world. Oh, heavens... Xia Mo thought in despair. He was so bored that he wanted to lie down and sleep.

Who knew how much time had passed? Xiao Yi Xian dazedly pulled him back to the classroom of Yellow Class Two, and then...

"Snore, snore." Xia Mo had already fallen asleep facedown on his desk.

"Instructor Ruo Lin, how can I join the Alchemy Department?" Xia Mo asked.

"To join the Alchemy Department, you only need to meet the requirements for becoming an alchemist: fire with wood within it, along with powerful soul perception..." Instructor Ruo Lin explained seriously.

"Oh, then that's fine. If I join the Alchemy Department later, it won't affect you, will it, Instructor?" Xia Mo asked.

"Ah, you actually have the talent to become an alchemist too? What kind of monster are you?" Instructor Ruo Lin teased in surprise.

"Alchemists and the Enforcement Team do not conflict with our regular classes. They have their own methods of instruction," Instructor Ruo Lin added.

"Got it. Then I'll go take a look at the Alchemy Department later," Xia Mo replied to Instructor Ruo Lin, though he thought to himself, I have my teacher's inheritance, so I don't need the academy's instruction. But medicinal herbs will be easier to obtain in the Alchemy Department, and there should be some discounts when buying them too.

"Then let's go. I'll take you there. I don't have anything to do later anyway," Instructor Ruo Lin said.

"Ah, thank you, Instructor Ruo Lin." Xia Mo had not expected Ruo Lin to be so considerately "free."

Led by Instructor Ruo Lin, Xia Mo soon arrived at the teaching building of the Alchemy Department.

In the Alchemy Department, Instructor Ruo Lin found an instructor and told him that Xia Mo wanted to join the department.

This instructor from the Alchemy Department was named Li Ming. After taking one look at Xia Mo, he felt that Instructor Ruo Lin had come to tease him. He was so young—had he even broken through to the Dou Zhe realm? Instructor Li Ming was doubtful, but he said nothing and simply followed the standard procedure.

Instructor Li Ming had a student beside him bring over a testing crystal.

"Hold out your hand," Instructor Li Ming said.

Upon hearing him, Xia Mo unhesitatingly placed his hand over the testing crystal.

Instructor Ruo Lin and Instructor Li Ming both stared intently at the testing crystal. They might have had some doubts, but they were even more hopeful that the academy might produce an alchemy prodigy.

After a brief silence, the testing crystal suddenly burst with blazing red light, hot and dazzling, with a striking trace of green mixed within it.

"Mm, not bad, not bad. You have the talent to become an alchemist. As long as you study for a while, once your strength reaches the Dou Zhe realm, you can try refining medicine," Instructor Li Ming said excitedly. The Alchemy Department was about to gain a genius today.

"Uh, Instructor, I'm already a Dou Zhe, and..." Xia Mo had not even finished speaking before he was interrupted.

"What? You're actually a Dou Zhe? Then that's even better!" Instructor Li Ming nearly jumped up. A Dou Zhe not even ten years old, who also possessed alchemist talent.

He did not doubt it, because he saw Instructor Ruo Lin nod at him. It was fortunate that he had not sensed Xia Mo's strength, or he would have needed to refine himself a bottle of "Quick-Acting Heart Pills"—though they probably did not know what those were.

"Mm, since you're already a Dou Zhe, let me explain some common knowledge about 'our' Alchemy Department," Instructor Li Ming said earnestly as he looked at Xia Mo.

"First, in our Alchemy Department, instructors who are Fourth-grade Alchemists or above regularly come to give lectures. The classes are open, and anyone may attend. After class, you may ask the instructors questions."

"Of course, if a student's talent for alchemy is outstanding, they may be accepted as a disciple by an instructor or even an elder. They will teach their own disciples everything they know."

"Second, every time you advance by one alchemist grade, you can receive three Alchemical Formulas as an advancement reward. You may choose the types yourself."

"If you want more Alchemical Formulas, you will need to exchange contribution points for them. Contribution points can be earned by refining medicine for the academy. Remember, Alchemical Formulas obtained from the academy must not be passed on freely."

"Of course, the academy will provide the medicinal ingredients for refining medicine on its behalf, but you must guarantee a certain pill success rate."

"Also, alchemists of different grades may apply to the academy each month for a certain amount of medicinal ingredients to practice with. Success or failure does not matter. If you succeed, the pills belong to the academy; if you fail, the medicinal ingredients are still paid for by the academy."

"Alright, thank you, Instructor." Xia Mo politely thanked him.

"However, you're still a beginner, so there's no need to think about so much for now. Just focus on learning properly first."

"The resources consumed by an alchemist's growth are enormous. Buy more medicinal ingredients to practice with first. Once you become a First-grade Alchemist, you can refine medicine for the academy to obtain the resources you'll need afterward."

Xia Mo nodded. "Instructor, I want to take the First-grade Alchemist examination."

"What? Are you sure?" Instructor Li Ming looked at Xia Mo in shock.

"I'm sure." Xia Mo nodded seriously.

"Alright, come with me." Instructor Li Ming spoke solemnly. A few portions of Medicinal Herbs needed to refine a first-grade pill were not particularly valuable to the academy. If he could truly assess such a young alchemist himself, it would be an honor as well.

Upon arriving at the alchemy room, Instructor Li Ming handed Xia Mo an Alchemical Formula and some Medicinal Herbs. "This is the pill for this examination. There are three sets of ingredients. You only need to refine one pill."

Xia Mo accepted the Alchemical Formula and ingredients. "Rejuvenation Pill—Green Spirit Grass, Dark Orchid Flower, a first-tier earth Monster Core. A healing pill."

Xia Mo walked over to the cauldron, extended his palm, and ignited his Dou Qi flame. He did not use the Dragon Phoenix Flame. Tossing the herbs into the cauldron one by one, he used his Soul Power to control the flames and extract all the herbs' essences.

"What? He's actually a Da Dou Shi? Who exactly is he?" Instructor Li Ming stared at Xia Mo in astonishment. Though filled with doubts, he said nothing. Since the academy had allowed Xia Mo to remain there, they must have investigated him and found no issues.

Xia Mo had no idea what Instructor Li Ming was thinking. Even if he did, he would not have cared. The academy's records had probably investigated his background several times already.

The various herbal essences inside the cauldron began to merge into a crude pill with an uneven, pitted surface. As the flames continued refining it, the pill within grew increasingly smooth and round. It was pale green, and a faint medicinal fragrance spread from the cauldron.

"Collect!" When the pill flew out of the cauldron, Xia Mo circulated his Dou Qi and caught it in his hand.

"Instructor, here." Xia Mo handed the pill to Instructor Li Ming.

"The pill is round, its color is rich, and it even has a Pill Pattern. Xia Mo, you have a master, don't you?" Instructor Li Ming asked.

"Yes, I have a teacher," Xia Mo replied.

"What a pity. I was planning to recommend you to an elder. Let's go out." Instructor Li Ming spoke regretfully.

The two left the alchemy room. By then, word had spread outside that a child was taking the alchemist examination, and everyone wanted to see whether a true genius had appeared.

Instructor Li Ming stepped before Xia Mo. "Xia Mo, you have passed the First-grade Alchemist examination. This is your Alchemist Badge. Badges issued by our Jia Nan Academy are recognized throughout the Northwest Continent. From now on, you are a respected alchemist."

"Wow..."

"He's so young..."

"Such terrifying talent..."

Very soon, all of Jia Nan Academy learned that an unprecedented prodigy had appeared in the alchemy department—a First-grade Alchemist not yet ten years old.

However, Xia Mo paid no attention to any of this. He exchanged for some Medicinal Herbs in the alchemy department and returned directly to his dormitory...

PS: Half a month has passed. Whether the response has been good or bad, thank you all for your support, rewards, monthly votes, recommendation votes, favorites, and comments. Xiao Qi appreciates them all.