Seventh Grade Intermediate

Amidst the astonished and envious gazes of the other Alchemist around them, the two smoothly entered through the special passage. The passage was dimly lit, isolating them from the noise outside. After passing through a short corridor, the space suddenly opened up ahead, with bright lights shining down.

The two followed the light, and soon a very spacious, elegantly decorated, and quiet room came into view.

The room was very soundproof, and no outside noise could get in, making it exceptionally quiet. At this moment, there were about a dozen people standing in the room.

The moment Lin Ming and Ye Zhong stepped into the room, their gazes were all fixed on them, filled with a variety of emotions—curiosity, scrutiny, and... undisguised mockery and disdain.

"Hehe, Elder Ye Zhong, I didn't expect it to be you bringing people to participate in the assessment again. It seems the rest of your Ye Family also know that bringing people here to embarrass yourself is not an easy task..."

As soon as Lin Ming and his companion entered the room, before they could even get their feet on the ground, a sharp, piercing, and mocking old laugh rang out without any politeness.

Lin Ming's expression remained unchanged, and his gaze calmly followed the sound.

The speaker was an old woman dressed in a gray robe. Her hair was white, her face was wrinkled, and her open mouth revealed a set of slightly yellowed teeth. At this moment, she was looking at Ye Zhong and Lin Ming with a mocking and gleeful gaze, as if she had seen something extremely ridiculous.

Behind the Grey-robed Old Woman stood three young people, two men and one woman.

All three were good-looking; the man was handsome, and the woman was beautiful. The woman, in particular, was very eye-catching. She wore a well-tailored red robe that accentuated her already slender and graceful figure, revealing her curves perfectly. Her breasts were full and perky, her waist was incredibly slender, and her rounded buttocks and long, jade-like legs formed a breathtaking arc. Her figure was undeniably hot and sexy, extremely alluring.

The two men beside her also kept stealing glances at some of the more prominent parts of her body, their eyes filled with undisguised lust and greed.

However, in stark contrast to her alluring figure was her delicate yet frosty face, and her beautiful eyes that seemed to hold the stars, yet were extremely aloof.

Looking at the three conspicuous figures in the room, especially the woman in the red robe with a fiery figure and an icy expression, Lin Ming already understood.

This woman must be Cao Xue, the leader of the Cao Family who came to take the test, as mentioned by Ye Zhong. Judging from her aura and undisguised arrogance, she probably holds a high position among the younger generation of the Cao Family.

At this moment, Cao Xue's gaze, filled with a condescending scrutiny and undisguised disdain and mockery, swept over Lin Ming and Ye Zhong, who had just entered. Her eyes were as if she were looking at two beggars who had mistakenly entered a magnificent hall, full of contempt.

The Ye Family, having failed the assessment twice in a row, is now in dire straits, and even its reputation as one of the Five Great Families is in jeopardy. In her view, the Ye Family's decision to send someone to participate in the assessment at this moment is nothing more than a desperate struggle, a self-inflicted humiliation, and truly... utterly shameful.

"Hehe, so the Ye Family has arrived too..."

Inside the room, besides the Cao Family members, there was also an elderly man with white hair dressed in a purple Alchemist's robe. When he saw Ye Zhong, the smile on his face was much more sincere, unlike the hostility of the Cao Family members, which clearly indicated that he had some old acquaintance with Ye Zhong.

"Thank you for your help, Elder Han Li..."

Ye Zhong cupped his hands in greeting to the white-haired old man named Han Li, his tone quite polite, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible plea. Now that the Ye Family's power has waned, they need to be even more careful when using their old connections.

"Sigh, why are you being so polite with me..." Elder Han Li sighed upon seeing this, waving his hand with a hint of helplessness and regret in his voice. He was clearly aware of the Ye Family's current predicament and felt considerable sympathy for his old friend.

"Alright, Ye Zhong, stop nagging. I don't want to waste time because of you!" The Grey-robed Old Woman, clearly the leader of the Cao Family, waved her hand impatiently, interrupting the brief reminiscing. Her triangular eyes glanced at Lin Ming, and upon examining him, especially when she saw that Lin Ming chest was empty, without even the lowest-level Pill Tower badge, a cruel sneer curled at the corner of her lips, and she said in a sharp voice:

"This kid is the one your Ye Family sent this time? How come he doesn't even have Grade Badge? Has he never obtained one in the Pill Tower before? It seems the Ye Family really has no one left; they dare to send out any Tom, Dick, or Harry to fill the ranks!"

This merciless sarcasm instantly turned Ye Zhong's face ugly.

However, to everyone's surprise, facing the Grey-robed Old Woman's mocking laughter, Lin Ming remained calm, nodded honestly, and said frankly:

"You were right, I've never received a badge in the Pill Tower before... This is my first time here for certification."

Lin Ming's tone was calm, as if he were stating a perfectly ordinary fact.

"Heh... he really is a complete novice who hasn't even entered the door!"

Upon hearing this, the Grey-robed Old Woman's sarcastic smile deepened, as if she had seized upon some enormous incriminating evidence. She glanced at Ye Zhong triumphantly. Beside her, the cold Cao Xue in Red Robe, also looked at Lin Ming with slight disdain. Her red lips parted slightly, and her voice, though calm, carried a chilling coldness as she said:

"This special testing room has limited resources. Only those who have obtained Grade Badge Fifth Grade are qualified to enter. Elder Ye Zhong, are you unaware of this? Or has your Ye Family fallen so low that you can't even find a young person capable of obtaining a badge of rank Fifth Grade, and can only send someone here to try their luck?"

These words were even more hurtful than the Grey-robed Old Woman's blunt sarcasm, directly crushing the Ye Family into the mud.

"You...!" Ye Zhong trembled with rage, his face turning ashen. Finally, unable to contain his anger, he coldly shouted, "Cao Ying! Control your own people! The Cao Family's manners are getting worse and worse! How dare they be so insolent in front of Elder Han Li?!"

The faces of Cao Ying, the old woman from the Cao Family who was addressed by her given name, and Cao Xue, who was implicitly insulted by Ye Zhong for being ill-mannered, both changed slightly. Cao Xue even snorted coldly, the cold light in her beautiful eyes almost freezing into ice, but she did not immediately lash out because Elder Han Li was present.

"Heh heh, it's been years, Ye Zhong, and your temper has gotten worse." Cao Ying sneered, saying sarcastically, "But if your Ye Family fails to make it into the top three in this year's Five Great Families Assessment, you'll probably have to relinquish your status as one of the Five Great Families. Then, let's see how arrogant you'll still be!"

"Alright!"

Just then, the white-haired elder Han Li, finally frowned and spoke in a deep voice. An invisible pressure spread out, though not strong, it carried the majesty of Pill Tower Elder.

"This is the Sacred Pill City Testing Branch Tower, not your Cao Family or Ye Family's territory! If you have any objections or want to argue, please leave and go to another place for testing!"

Upon Elder Han Li speaking, the tense atmosphere in the room was forcibly suppressed. Although Cao Ying and Cao Xue still wore expressions of resentment and sarcasm, they dared not act openly anymore.

Elder Han Li's gaze swept over both sides, and finally, following the rules, he looked at the Cao Family members who had arrived first, and said calmly, "According to the order of arrival, Cao Family, you may go first for the test."

Upon hearing this, the two white-clad men behind Cao Ying revealed a smug look on their faces. They stepped forward first and respectfully clasped their fists in greeting to Elder Han Li.

"What level of badge are you two preparing for the assessment?" Elder Han Li asked casually, glancing around at them.

"Reporting to Elder Han, we two juniors are preparing for the assessment of the Sixth Grade Intermediate Alchemist Badge!" The two spoke in unison, their voices filled with undisguised arrogance.

Upon hearing this, Elder Han Li raised an eyebrow and glanced at the two of them with some surprise.

At such a young age, looking no more than twenty-seven or twenty-eight, to be able to pass the Sixth Grade Intermediate examination is considered quite remarkable anywhere. It seems that the Cao Family has indeed put a lot of effort into cultivating the next generation over the years, resulting in a constant stream of talented individuals.

He nodded, pointing to the second one from the left among the four differently colored doors on the wall behind him, each engraved with Mysterious Runes, and said, "Hmm, not bad. You two wait here for now. Once you enter this 'Mysterious Gate,' someone inside will conduct a specific test for you..."

"Yes!" the two men from the Cao Family replied respectfully, stepping aside and giving Lin Ming a defiant look.

Then, the aloof and beautiful Cao Xue in Red Robe, also stepped forward slowly. Her steps were elegant and confident, like a proud Fenghuang. She gave Elder Han Li a slight bow and said in a clear, cold voice:

"Elder Han, this junior Cao Xue, is preparing for the assessment of Sixth Grade High-level pharmacist badge."

Sixth Grade High-level!

Upon hearing this, even Elder Han Li's eyes flashed with genuine surprise. Such a young, Sixth Grade High-level Alchemist was definitely considered an elite even within the Pill Tower! Cao Xue's talent was indeed astonishing!

"Not bad... very good..." Elder Han Li nodded slowly, his tone filled with undisguised praise.

Meanwhile, the Grey-robed Old Woman Cao Ying, wore a smug and delighted smile, as if she herself had passed the test. Her gaze swept over Ye Zhong and Lin Ming with a mixture of pride and disdain.

The Cao Family is full of talented people! In comparison, the Ye Family...

Thinking of this, Elder Han Li couldn't help but sigh, glancing with pity at Ye Zhong face before turning his gaze to him and saying, "Ye Zhong... it's your turn."

As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes in the room instantly turned to Lin Ming, who had been standing quietly.

These gazes came from the three members of the Cao Family, Elder Han Li, and even some of the Pill Tower staff responsible for chores in the room. Their eyes were filled with undisguised suspicion, curiosity, and, more than anything else, a faint disdain as if looking at the losers as a continuation of tragedy.

The Ye Family has lost face quite a bit over the years, practically becoming a laughingstock in the Pill Region. They were eager to see what tricks this young man, who didn't even have a badge, could pull this Ye Family. He probably didn't even qualify to step into the testing gate.

Under the scrutiny of numerous gazes filled with a mixture of emotions, Lin Ming's expression remained impassive. He then slowly stepped forward, glancing calmly at Elder Han Li. Unlike the Cao Family members, he didn't directly state his rank, but instead asked in a casual tone, as if inquiring about dinner:

"Elder Han, may I ask if this place is open to all levels of testing, or... are there any restrictions?"

Upon hearing this, the room fell silent for a moment, then suppressed laughter erupted from the direction of the Cao Family. The two men from the Cao Family burst into laughter, as if they had heard the biggest joke in the world.

He doesn't even know the certification process? And he's asking what level he can be tested for? Is this kid genuinely ignorant or just pretending? Does he think he can test for Tier 7 or Tier 8? That's utterly ridiculous!

A mocking smile appeared on Cao Xue's cold and beautiful face. She shook her head slightly, showing no interest in even glancing at Lin Ming.

Elder Han Li was taken aback by Lin Ming's abrupt question. Seeing Lin Ming's serious expression, he frowned but patiently explained, "The Seventh Grade Intermediate is the limit of my Disciplinary Tower's tests. Because I myself am only Seventh Grade Low-level Alchemist, I am unable to preside over higher-level certifications. So, can you tell me now what level you want to test?"

His tone carried a hint of barely perceptible helplessness, as if he felt that the young man Ye Zhong had found this time was somewhat... unreliable.

Amidst the mocking, helpless, or pitying gazes of everyone, Lin Ming seemed completely oblivious to those unusual emotions. He simply nodded slowly, then, still with that casual demeanor, uttered a single sentence:

"Oh, the Seventh Grade Intermediate is the limit... then, the Seventh Grade Intermediate, it is."

Lin Ming's voice wasn't loud, but it exploded like a thunderclap in the quiet testing room!

"..."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the snickers and whispers in the room instantly ceased!

It felt like someone had grabbed my throat at the same time!

The smiles on the faces of the two men from the Cao Family froze, as if they were carved.

Cao Xue's usually aloof and disdainful eyes suddenly widened, filled with disbelief.

The Grey-robed Old Woman on Cao Ying's face froze instantly, turning into astonishment and absurdity.

Even the well-informed Elder Han Li was stunned, his hand holding his beard froze, and he wondered if he had misheard.

Seven... Seventh Grade Intermediate?!

This kid, who looks a few years younger than Cao Xue and doesn't even have Pill Tower badge, immediately asks to take the test for Rank 7 Intermediate Alchemist?!

The entire room fell into an eerie, deathly silence. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the Black-robed Youth had uttered those shocking words, as if they had seen a ghost.