Douluo Traversal: I Pulled Out a Dou Technique, and You Didn't Explode? Part 45

The entire process flowed through in one go.

Less than half an hour later, the medicinal cauldron trembled again. Its lid opened, and a Pulse-Protecting Pill with a faint golden sheen and subtle pill patterns leaped into the jade bottle.

Its medicinal fragrance was even richer, and its quality had clearly reached the peak level among Second-Grade pills!

"Second-Grade assessment, passed!"

Frank's voice carried a trace of excitement.

A sixteen-year-old Second-Grade Alchemist had broken the Alchemist Guild's record for the youngest Second-Grade Alchemist!

And it was not over yet. Liu Bai directly applied for the Third-Grade Alchemist assessment.

Naturally, he passed with ease. His Third-Grade Alchemist assessment required him to refine a Wind-Travel Pill. The process was far more complicated than refining First- or Second-Grade pills, but it was nothing to him. He succeeded in a single attempt without spending much time.

During the process, Frank and the others were astonished to discover that Liu Bai had actually reached the Dou Ling realm?

A sixteen-year-old Dou Ling!

They had never even heard of such a thing. Wasn't Liu Bai rumored to be a Da Dou Shi? He had quietly broken through to Dou Ling. In the future, he would at least have the potential to become a Dou Emperor!

They had to befriend him. Immediately!

A sixteen-year-old Third-Grade Alchemist who was also a sixteen-year-old Dou Ling!

Terrifying!

President Frank and Grandmaster Otto had already hurried down from the platform, their faces glowing red with excitement.

Frank even personally picked up the bottle of freshly refined Wind-Travel Pills and examined it closely.

The pills were round and plump, with faint green currents swirling around their surfaces. Their fragrance was crisp and pure. They were indeed excellent Third-Grade Wind-Travel Pills!

"Good! Good! Good!"

Frank said "good" three times in succession before solemnly returning the jade bottle to Liu Bai. His aged palm patted Liu Bai's shoulder firmly.

"Young friend Liu Bai—no, I should call you Grandmaster Liu Bai now! A sixteen-year-old Third-Grade Alchemist, a sixteen-year-old Dou Ling! I have lived for so many years, yet today has truly broadened my horizons! For the Jia Ma Empire to produce a peerless talent like you is truly a blessing! Hahaha!"

Grandmaster Otto stroked his beard, his face full of smiles.

"The younger generation is truly formidable, truly formidable! Little fellow, your alchemy fundamentals are exceptionally solid, and your control over Flame is exquisite to the extreme. Even I must admit that I am inferior. Given time, you will surely surpass us and touch an even higher realm of alchemy!"

Flight Journey

The lavish praise of two highly respected Fourth-Grade Alchemists made the atmosphere in the hall even more fervent. The gazes everyone directed at Liu Bai were now filled with admiration and awe.

Liu Bai knew very well that his control over Flame was already as instinctive as breathing. After he absorbed the Dry Blue Water Flame, it had fused into his Martial Soul and become completely part of him. Naturally, it was easy to control, just like moving his own fingers.

Xiao Yi Xian jogged over to Liu Bai's side at that moment, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

"Xiao Bai, you're amazing! You even passed the Third-Grade Alchemist assessment right away."

Her adorably naive appearance, combined with Liu Bai's tall figure and calm bearing, made them look like a perfect pair in the eyes of others.

Frank and Otto also noticed Xiao Yi Xian. Seeing her clear and ethereal beauty and her pure, airy temperament, standing beside Liu Bai like a golden boy and jade maiden, they could not help exchanging smiles.

Frank teased, "Grandmaster Liu Bai, this young lady must be your confidante, right? You truly are a talented man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven!"

Otto also laughed. "Indeed. Such an outstanding young hero naturally ought to have an equally outstanding beauty by his side. Young lady, you have excellent taste!"

At those words, Xiao Yi Xian's pretty face instantly turned red like a ripe apple.

"No, no, we're just friends. We've only known each other for a few days."

Liu Bai smiled openly and cupped his hands. "You two Grandmasters flatter me. I was only able to pass the assessment smoothly today because the guild prepared so thoroughly."

"Hahaha, as we should, as we should!"

Frank laughed heartily and personally accepted a brand-new, finely made Alchemist robe and a silver badge representing a Third-Grade Alchemist from an attendant.

Three exquisite silver ripples gleamed brightly on the badge, symbolizing the distinguished status of a Third-Grade Alchemist.

"Grandmaster Liu Bai, please change into the robe and wear the badge. From this moment onward, you are a formally certified Third-Grade Alchemist of our Alchemist Guild! You will enjoy all the corresponding rights and conveniences of the guild!"

Frank solemnly handed the robe and badge to Liu Bai.

Liu Bai accepted them and thanked him before changing into the Alchemist robe, a symbol of status and glory, in a designated changing room at one side of the hall.

When he emerged again, the entire hall seemed to brighten by several degrees.

The fitted silver-white robe was woven from special silk, its edges embroidered with faint cloud patterns of medicinal herbs. It was understated yet luxurious.

Worn over Liu Bai's tall, slender frame, it made his face seem even more refined and his bearing even more outstanding.

Especially the gleaming Third-Grade Alchemist badge on his chest, its three ripples flowing beneath the lights, flashed with captivating radiance as it silently proclaimed his identity as a Third-Grade Alchemist.

Handsome and youthful, clad in a long robe with a dazzling badge, he exuded a noble aura completely unlike the easygoing air he had possessed in ordinary black clothes.

After all, being an Alchemist naturally gave him an extra buff.

"Wow..."

Xiao Yi Xian stared a little blankly and could not help whispering in amazement.

"Xiao Bai, you look... pretty handsome in that!"

Liu Bai blinked at her, a teasing smile curling at the corner of his lips.

"Only pretty handsome?"

"Hmph, so full of yourself!"

Xiao Yi Xian shot him an adorable glare, though the corners of her lips still rose uncontrollably.

Frank and Otto smiled knowingly as they watched the young pair interact.

The two personally escorted Liu Bai and Xiao Yi Xian out of the Alchemist Guild, drawing countless sidelong glances and respectful greetings from guild members along the way.

Outside the guild, the sunlight was perfect.

Liu Bai's eye-catching Alchemist robe and the Third-Grade badge on his chest, which reflected a dazzling silver gleam beneath the sun, immediately attracted the attention of every passerby on the street.

"Look! An Alchemist!"

"Gasp... that badge... three silver ripples! He's a Third-Grade Alchemist!"

"My heavens, such a young Third-Grade Alchemist?! Is he a newly accepted disciple of some Grandmaster?"

"He's so handsome... and the girl beside him is so pretty too..."

"Shh, keep your voices down. Show some respect to an Alchemist!"

Whispers swiftly spread through the crowd. Then, everyone who clearly saw Liu Bai's attire and badge, regardless of age, gender, or status, unconsciously slowed their steps and looked at him with awe, envy, and curiosity, automatically making way for him.

On the Dou Qi Continent, the noble status of Alchemists was deeply ingrained in people's hearts. Let alone one who was such a young Third-Grade Alchemist!

At first, Xiao Yi Xian felt somewhat uncomfortable under so many gazes and instinctively moved closer to Liu Bai.

But as she sensed the calm, steady aura coming from him and the pure reverence in the surrounding people's eyes, she gradually relaxed.

Liu Bai, on the other hand, remained completely composed. He was already used to being the center of attention.

He gently squeezed Xiao Yi Xian's slightly cool little hand and spoke softly.

"Let's go. We'll buy some supplies and pick out a few clothes that fit you. Then it'll be time to set off for Stone Desert City."

"Mm!"

Xiao Yi Xian nodded.

The two bought several sets of clothes at the largest clothing store in the city, some for Xiao Yi Xian and some for Liu Bai. Since they were heading into the desert, they naturally needed clothing suitable for it.

When the shop owner saw that an Alchemist had come to her store, she was overjoyed. She felt deeply honored that an Alchemist would visit her shop.

After purchasing dozens of outfits, the two finally left in satisfaction.

"Let's go. It's time to depart for Stone Desert City."

"Mm-hm."

Xiao Yi Xian skipped along behind Liu Bai. These past two days had been the most interesting days of her life. From childhood to now, she had rarely traveled far from Green Mountain Town. Only by following Liu Bai had she seen how vast this world truly was.

The two strode toward the Flight Transport Station in the center of the city.

Upon arriving, they saw more than a dozen enormous flying birds resting within the vast Flight Transport Station.

"So big. Are these all magical beasts?"

Liu Bai shook his head and explained.

"They aren't magical beasts. They're called Thick-Winged Birds, genuine birds. Because of their extremely gentle temperament, humans have domesticated them for use as flying transportation."

"I see. Ordinary birds can actually grow this large."

The moment they entered the plaza, they caused a stir. Liu Bai's Alchemist robe was simply too conspicuous, though the benefits were equally obvious.

Because of his status as an Alchemist, he could use the Flight Transport Station's services for free and even had access to flying mounts specially prepared for Alchemists.

The two did not need to queue and were directly led to the designated flying mount.

"Your status as an Alchemist really is so prestigious that it's jaw-dropping. I really got to enjoy some benefits by sticking with you today."

Standing by the window of the pavilion atop the magical beast, Xiao Yi Xian looked at the bustling crowd below and sighed.

An Alchemist's exclusive mount could not be compared with those Thick-Winged Birds. These were genuine flying magical beasts, and they were much faster.

"What's so special about that? If you're strong enough, even Alchemists can only work under you. In the end, this world still judges superiority by one's own strength."

Liu Bai walked over as well and looked outside.

Xiao Yi Xian turned to him with a half-smile.

"By the way, that attendant's hints just now were so obvious. You really weren't tempted?"

Liu Bai rolled his eyes.

"I have no interest in getting involved with those people. But if it were you, Xiao Yi Xian, I could consider it."

Xiao Yi Xian blushed and shoved his face away with one hand.

"Shameless."

Cultivating the Purple Cloud Wings

After fooling around for a while, Liu Bai finally felt the giant flying beast beneath them flap its wings. Strands of wind-element energy swirled around it as its enormous body soared into the sky.

It flew straight toward the border of Desert City in the eastern region of the Jia Ma Empire.