Assessment

A towering building of immense size stood majestically, shrouded year-round in pill fragrance. Above its grand entrance, the five ancient, flamboyantly written characters of "Alchemist Guild" gleamed with a faint silver light. Two guards clad in silver armor stood on either side of the entrance, protecting the massive structure.

As the headquarters of the Jia Ma Empire's alchemists, even the Jia Ma Imperial Family had to put aside their arrogance upon arriving here. After all, the alchemists residing within this building wielded influence that even the Jia Ma Empire regarded with utmost importance, for they belonged to the most esteemed profession on the continent.

At that moment, Yao Feng and Zhou Tong stood not far from the entrance. Among the crowd flowing in and out, everyone wore alchemist robes. Most were Second or Third Grade Alchemists, though young figures were rarely seen. Thinking of how Second Grade Alchemists were a rare sight in Wutan City, yet nearly too numerous to count here, Yao Feng could not help feeling slightly wistful. An underdog's rise really could not compare to Invincible Flow.

"Young Master, are you here to take the alchemist assessment?"

Standing beside Yao Feng, Zhou Tong looked at the large characters above the entrance and turned his head to ask.

"This isn't the Yao Clan. Alchemists are everywhere there, but here, they're quite rare."

Yao Feng replied with a smile.

Zhou Tong nodded as if he understood. He had not expected the young master to know so much about this place. Still, his task was to ensure Yao Feng's safety; whatever Yao Feng wanted to do was not something he needed to consider.

A sudden commotion arose nearby. Yao Feng turned his head and discovered that its source was an extravagantly decorated carriage. Pulled slowly forward by two flawless white horses with snow-white coats, the carriage was surrounded by golden brocade curtains embroidered with a strange beast wreathed in blue flames. The beast looked ferocious, exuding an imposing aura that shook the heart.

More than a dozen people in black robes surrounded the carriage, guarding it closely. Every one of them gave Yao Feng a sense of danger.

"Who's inside that carriage? Such a grand display."

Yao Feng muttered softly in confusion.

A black-robed man stepped forward and lifted the carriage curtain. A slender, jade-white hand extended gracefully, resting on the handrail by the carriage door. Then, a beautiful figure slowly emerged and appeared before the crowd.

She wore a purple robe embroidered with silver threads. Her exquisite makeup accentuated the innate nobility she exuded. A purple sash cinched her slender waist, fully displaying its delicate curves.

She appeared to be only fourteen or fifteen, yet her every movement was elegant and composed. However, the mischievous amusement that occasionally flashed through her eyes as she surveyed her surroundings showed that she was definitely not a quiet sort.

"Wow, she's gorgeous!"

"Hehe, I'm in love..."

The moment the girl appeared, the eyes of many nearby men lit up. Yet intimidated by the black-robed men, they could only cower behind the crowd and feast their eyes from afar.

I never expected the Dou Qi Continent to be such a place for beautiful women. This girl still looks a little immature, but in terms of appearance, she isn't much inferior to Nalan Yanran.

Escorted by the black-robed men, the girl entered the Alchemist Guild without obstruction. Only when she passed Yao Feng did she cast him a curious glance. Though it was subtle, Yao Feng still noticed it.

Watching her back disappear through the entrance, Yao Feng rubbed his nose and stepped forward as well.

"Please stop. This is the Alchemist Guild. You must wear alchemist robes to enter."

The two guards stopped Yao Feng and spoke coldly.

"I'm here to take the alchemist assessment."

Yao Feng curled his lips. If I had alchemist robes, why would I even come here? Still, he answered politely.

"Then please present your mentor's letter of recommendation."

The guard's voice remained cold.

Yao Feng's expression froze.

"Uh, a letter of recommendation... I really forgot about that." Yao Feng muttered to himself, then looked at the guards. "I don't have that, but will this let me enter?"

Yao Feng spread his hands helplessly. Pressing his lips together, he summoned a surging black flame from his palm. The scorching heat and fierce aura made the guards' expressions change.

"Th-this is Condensing Solid Fire? Are you a Four-Grade Alchemist?"

A shocked cry rang out. The two guards stared in disbelief at the blazing Black Flame in Yao Feng's palm. As guards of the Alchemist Guild, they had seen countless alchemists and understood the division of alchemist grades. Condensing Solid Fire was something only Four-Grade Alchemists could accomplish! Yet this youth before them was no more than fourteen or fifteen. How could he possibly be a Four-Grade Alchemist?

"My flame is somewhat special, but I'm not a Four-Grade Alchemist. Can I enter now?"

Yao Feng helplessly withdrew the Demonic Flame. Sensing several gazes drawn over by the guards' shout, he frowned and asked.

"O-of course. But, sir, you may only enter alone."

The guard looked toward Zhou Tong behind Yao Feng, bent over humbly, and spoke respectfully, his voice tinged with fear.

"Old Zhou, wait outside for me."

Yao Feng turned to instruct Old Zhou, then ignored the surrounding gazes and walked through the guild entrance.

Upon entering the Alchemist Guild, a faint medicinal fragrance greeted him, and the temperature in the air rose slightly.

Several alchemists stood scattered throughout the hall, chatting quietly. When they saw Yao Feng enter, they merely glanced at him before withdrawing their gazes.

Just as Yao Feng was about to find someone to ask, a pretty maid in uniform hurried toward him.

"Young Master, is there anything I can assist you with?"

The pretty maid stopped before Yao Feng with a professional smile on her face.

"I'd like to take the alchemist assessment. What is the procedure?"

"You're an alchemist?!" The maid looked Yao Feng over in surprise. This youth was at most fourteen or fifteen, yet he was already an alchemist!

Yao Feng smiled and nodded.

"Please come with me and fill out your information first."

Having undergone strict training, the maid quickly regained her composure. She led Yao Feng to a counter, took out a sheet of beast skin paper, and asked while holding a pen, "Please state your name, age, and your mentor's name."

"My name is Yao Feng. My age is... uh, thirteen. Put Wanhuo down as my mentor."

Yao Feng hesitated before answering. Within the Yao Clan, he had only studied medicinal theory under Elder Wanhuo for a period of time and had no other teachers.

"Thirteen?!"

The maid cried out, drawing the gazes of several nearby alchemists. They looked at Yao Feng with a few traces of curiosity.

"Is there a problem?"

"N-no. Young Master, you truly are remarkably accomplished for your age!"

The surprise in the maid's eyes did not subside for a long while. This was the first time in her life that she had seen a thirteen-year-old alchemist.

The maid frowned, her pen pausing in midair. After thinking for a moment, she said awkwardly, "Young Master, it seems your esteemed mentor's name does not appear in our Alchemist Guild records."