Li Chuan nodded slightly.
"I passed the Pill Hall's assessment."
It would be easy enough to find out, so there was no point hiding it.
Zhao Guangyao said in surprise,
"You really passed? I heard that assessment alone weeds out a lot of people."
"Brother Li, it seems you truly have a talent for alchemy."
He Wanqing was astonished too. She had only asked in passing, never expecting Li Chuan to have passed.
She had looked into it herself. The Pill Hall's assessment was no simple matter; passing it already put him ahead of many others.
Cui Qiongyu said enviously,
"Congratulations, Brother Li. You're doing far better than I am."
"You don't have to go out on missions. You can earn Contribution Points just by making pills in the Pill Hall."
Duan Jinglan was somewhat surprised as well, but he shook his head.
"I disagree, Brother Zhao. Passing the assessment doesn't mean much."
"Only someone who has mastered alchemy can truly earn Contribution Points from it."
"And that's no simple feat."
He Wanqing agreed.
"I've heard that too. If you aren't cut out for it, you're actually better off taking missions like us."
Cui Qiongyu stepped in to smooth things over with a laugh.
"Whatever else you say, getting in is a good thing. Now we have an alchemist among us."
Duan Jinglan offered no opinion, but judging by his expression, he clearly doubted Li Chuan could earn many Contribution Points there.
"Oh, right, Brother Li. We Outer Disciples are assigned a mission every month."
"It's mandatory, but it won't be too difficult or dangerous."
"Still, Zhu Xu may have his eye on you. Be especially careful."
Warmth stirred in Li Chuan's heart. He cupped his fists.
"Thank you for the warning, Brother Zhao."
The five talked a while longer,