"Flame Splitting Wave-Devouring Ruler!"
A massive crimson glow burst from the huge ruler in Xiao Yan's hand and slammed fiercely into the towering cliff.
With a thunderous boom, countless massive rocks tumbled down from the cliff.
Xiao Yan happily jumped over to Elder Yao and Hai Bodong.
"Teacher, wasn't my Dou Technique pretty good?"
Elder Yao stroked his beard and nodded, then continued playing chess with Hai Bodong.
Xiao Yan flopped down onto the ground.
He had stayed here for nearly three months. During those three months, he had either practiced Dou Techniques or trained in alchemy.
Fortunately, Xiao Yan had spent 500 Summoning Points to upgrade himself into a second-tier alchemist. Otherwise, Elder Yao would never have let him pass.
As for why he had not raised his rank any further, it was because Xiao Yan feared Elder Yao would say he was advancing too quickly again.
Xiao Yan looked at the panel and sighed.
Name: Xiao Yan Age: 15 years and 11 months Strength: One-Star Da Dou Shi Alchemist Rank: Second-Tier Alchemist Cultivation Technique: Flame Mantra (High Xuan Rank) Dou Techniques: Eight Extremities Collapse (High Xuan Rank), Mystic Divination Palm (Low Xuan Rank), Heaven Collapsing Technique (High Xuan Rank), Flame Splitting Wave-Devouring Ruler (Low Earth Rank) Summoned Expert: Hai Bodong (Seven-Star Dou Emperor) Eight-Winged Black Emperor Snake (Peak Dou Emperor) Yun Potian (Three-Star Dou Wang) Summoning Capacity: 3/4 Heavenly Flames: Myriad Beast Spirit Fire Green Lotus Core Flame Item: Mysterious Heavy Ruler Summoning Talisman: None Summoning Points: 5500 (Can be exchanged for various items in the System Mall)
Although Xiao Yan's current rank was lower than it had been three months ago, his combat strength had indeed improved considerably.
Just as Xiao Yan was preparing to rest, he spotted Yun Potian meditating beneath the massive waterfall nearby.
"I never expected the Misty Cloud Sect's ancestor to be such a cultivation fanatic!" Xiao Yan could not help but sigh.
Over the past three months, Xiao Yan had often slacked off with Elder Yao and Hai Bodong watching over him. Yun Potian, on the other hand, had no one to remind him, yet he cultivated at every moment.
Xiao Yan inwardly sighed. No wonder Yun Potian had been able to found a sect and leave behind a legend in the Central Plains. He truly was a genius favored by heaven.
Comparing oneself to others only brought frustration, so Xiao Yan simply stopped comparing himself to Yun Potian.
That fellow White Fang was a total playboy. During this time, he had flirted with practically every female snake in the entire forest.
Xiao Yan looked at Elder Yao and said, "Teacher, it's about time we left. We'll make a trip to Black Rock City to take the alchemist rank examination, then return to Wutan City. The time should be about right."
Elder Yao nodded, and the two of them put away the chessboard.
"Yun Potian! White Fang! Time to go!" Xiao Yan called out to them.
Yun Potian arrived beside Xiao Yan within three breaths. It had to be said that wind-attributed Dou Qi was truly fast.
Moreover, the azure longsword at Yun Potian's side never left him.
White Fang also flew over from far away in an instant.
"Boss, we haven't even played here for long. Why are we leaving already?" White Fang said gloomily.
"Mm, if we wait any longer, there won't be enough time." After saying that, Xiao Yan spread his Purple Cloud Wings.
Elder Yao returned to the ring as everyone flew toward Black Rock City together.
When they were not far from the city gates, Xiao Yan told White Fang to follow the usual rule and find a place to rest first.
White Fang left with his head hanging low.
Xiao Yan then led Hai Bodong and Yun Potian over. Flying was forbidden within Black Rock City, and Xiao Yan did not want to cause any unnecessary trouble.
After the three of them entered the city, they began searching for the Alchemist Guild.
The Alchemist Guild in Black Rock City was exceedingly impressive.
Even the guards at the entrance were Dou Shi experts, leaving Xiao Yan clicking his tongue in amazement.
Just as Xiao Yan and the others were about to enter, the guards stopped them.
"Wait. Please show your alchemist badges."
Xiao Yan spread his hands. "I'm here to take the alchemist rank examination. How could I possibly have a badge?"
They clearly did not believe him. Xiao Yan looked only fifteen or sixteen years old. How could he already be an alchemist?
Even Lin Fei and Xue Mei, the disciples of Master Otto and Master Frank, had not yet reached the level of first-tier alchemists.
However, when they saw Old Hai and Yun Potian standing behind Xiao Yan, the guards began to hesitate. Those two looked like experts at a glance.
Just then, the plump Master Otto walked over from outside. Seeing that something was happening here, he approached.
"What's going on?"
Otto asked the guards.
"Master Otto, this young brother says he is here to take the alchemist rank examination."
Otto looked toward Xiao Yan and was immediately startled by how young he was.
"Young brother, what is your name?"
"This junior is Xiao Yan. Greetings, Master Otto." Xiao Yan smiled.
Otto narrowed his eyes at Xiao Yan. "Young brother Xiao Yan, you say you are here to obtain an alchemist badge? Are you sure you have the ability? Who is your teacher?"
"My teacher is a reclusive master, so it would not be convenient to reveal his name. However, I truly am here to take the alchemist rank examination."
Seeing Xiao Yan's serious expression, as well as Yun Potian and Hai Bodong behind him, Otto ultimately decided to let Xiao Yan take the examination.
Xiao Yan said to Hai Bodong and Yun Potian, "Old Hai, Yun Potian, you may go on your own. We'll meet again after I finish my business here."
The two nodded, then each spread their Dou Qi wings and flew into the sky.
Everyone nearby cried out in unison, "Dou Wang!"
Even Otto was so frightened that he fell onto the ground.
With two Dou Wang experts following him, Xiao Yan had to be the heir of some terrifying power.
Not even the young sect master of the Misty Cloud Sect or members of the Jia Ma Empire's royal family received such treatment. Just how terrifying was the force behind this young man?
Otto was helped back to his feet. Trembling, he said, "My lord, are you certain you wish to take the examination in this remote little place of ours?"
Xiao Yan nodded and walked into the Alchemist Guild.
Otto immediately followed after him. Xiao Yan said, "Master Otto, can I directly take the second-tier alchemist examination?"
Otto wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and cautiously replied, "By convention, that would not be allowed, but it may be different for you. Please forgive me, my lord. I need to discuss this matter with Frank, the president of the Alchemist Guild here."
Xiao Yan nodded and smiled at Otto. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Otto. This junior Xiao Yan will wait here."
"Alright, alright. I'll be right back." Otto went to find Frank after speaking.
Xiao Yan, however, felt disappointed inwardly. Because he had come a year early to take the alchemist badge examination, he would not get to see Lin Fei and Xue Mei.
But it seemed those two girls had taken the examination for more than one year. Why had he not encountered them this year? Could it be that they simply had not come this year?
Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile, casually found a place to sit, and waited for Otto to bring someone over.
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