Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Alchemist Meet and Greet
Contrary to Nie Yuan’s opinion, Qu Luoning felt that something was amiss.
As a princess of the Royal Family, she always had considerable knowledge about the various Sects and noble families within the Chu Kingdom.
After all, the Royal Family wanted these powers to maintain a certain balance among each other.
Over the years, she had always been in control of the information regarding each Sect and family.
This included Ji Chen, the Young Sect Leader of the Lingyun Sect.
According to her knowledge, this wastrel should have been at the Eighth Layer of the Qi Refining Realm not long ago.
Now, in less than two months, he had already reached the strength of the Vein Condensation Realm.
Breaking through from the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining to the Vein Condensation Realm in two months is not something an ordinary person could achieve.
There must be some unknown secret hidden behind this wastrel Young Sect Leader.
She thought this in her heart but did not pursue it further. After all, Ji Chen’s current strength was indeed too low and not worth much of her attention.
If he were not carrying the identity of the Young Sect Leader of the Lingyun Sect, Qu Luoning wouldn’t even have paid him any attention.
...
Until late at night, the gathering finally dispersed.
Ji Chen had a few more drinks and was a bit tipsy.
After returning to the Anomaly Pavilion, he fell asleep right away.
The next day.
Waking up, Ji Chen still felt dizzy; he could only use his spiritual power to expel all the alcohol from his body before feeling a lot more at ease.
After a simple wash, Li Huayuan came over and informed Ji Chen that there would be a gathering of Alchemists at the Anomaly Pavilion today.
The attendees were all people participating in the Pill Master examination this time, and Li Huayuan asked Ji Chen if he was interested in having a look.
Ji Chen did not refuse since he had nothing else to do. Moreover, the Pill Master examination would officially take place the following day.
Soon, dressed in a clean white outfit, he proceeded to the third floor of the Anomaly Pavilion with Li Huayuan.
The Anomaly Pavilion in Celestial Essence City was the headquarters in the Chu Kingdom, divided into five floors in total.
The first floor was a lobby for ordinary guests, while the second floor was for receiving VIPs.
As for the third floor upwards, only people from the Alchemy Master Alliance could enter.
Soon, under Li Huayuan’s lead, Ji Chen arrived there.
Looking around, he saw many figures gathered here, all with the identity of Alchemists, not many in number, about a hundred or so.
Most of them were elderly, but there were a few scattered young faces.
These were the few young Alchemists within the Chu Kingdom, the rare fresh blood of the Alchemy Realm.
"Old Li, long time no see!"
Just upon reaching the third floor, an elder approached and very politely clasped his fists towards Li Huayuan.
This was also a Second Grade Alchemist, and he would be participating in the Third Grade examination.
"It’s Old Chen, my apologies."
Li Huayuan recognized him and clasped his fists in return, "I didn’t expect Old Chen to participate in the examination this year? How’s your preparation going?"
"To be honest, it’s quite shameful. Of the several Third Grade Elixirs required for the examination, there isn’t a single one that I am confident I can refine successfully. I came to the examination just hoping for some luck." Old Chen smiled wryly.
He indeed wasn’t very confident, and in terms of Alchemy Dao achievement and other aspects, he lagged behind other Second Grade Alchemists.
"What about Old Li? What Elixir are you preparing to refine to advance to the Third Grade?" he inquired.
"The Spirit Transformation Pill." Li Huayuan spoke without concealment, exceedingly confident.
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Old Chen was mildly surprised, "Relatively speaking, the Spirit Transformation Pill seems more challenging to refine, right? Old Li is so confident; it seems you are well-prepared for this advancement."
After saying a few more words of good luck, his gaze finally fell on Ji Chen beside him, inevitably curious, "This one here... Could it be Old Li’s new disciple? I have never seen him before."
"Disciple?"
Hearing this, Li Huayuan was slightly stunned before shaking his head seriously, "Let me introduce to you, this is Ji Chen, Young Sect Leader of the Lingyun Sect, and he is also here to participate in the First Grade Pill Master examination."
"Ji Chen?"
The name caused Old Chen to pause for a moment before he reacted.
Obviously, he seemed to have heard of Ji Chen’s infamous reputation.
This wastrel was actually participating in the First Grade Pill Master examination?
Old Chen was surprised.
After all, the Pill Master examination isn’t something just anyone can participate in, let alone someone like Ji Chen.
Before signing up for the examination, the alliance would conduct a simple test of the applicant’s spiritual power strength, as well as assess their knowledge and understanding of the Alchemy Dao.
Which means, as long as one could sign up, it implies they have at least a chance of passing the examination to become a true Alchemist.
How could this be?
The Young Sect Leader of the Lingyun Sect, the first wastrel known throughout the Chu Kingdom, actually came to participate in the First Grade Pill Master examination.
Could it be that in recent years, Ji Chen has been mentored by Li Huayuan, thus getting involved with Alchemy Dao, and now has the ability to participate in the First Grade Pill Master examination?
Most likely.
Old Chen thought this in his heart.
Aside from this, he could think of no other possibility.
But how could he know, it wasn’t Li Huayuan who guided Ji Chen, but rather Ji Chen had guided Li Huayuan, thus giving him the confidence to participate in this advancement to the Third Grade Pill Master examination.
"Brother Li."
At this moment, from a side near a few people, an elder walked over.
It was Qin Lan, who had arrived here early. Seeing Li Huayuan appear, he naturally stepped up immediately.
"Young Sect Leader!"
Seeing Ji Chen, he first clasped his hands in greeting.
"Master Qin Lan?"
Old Chen beside him was mildly surprised, clearly recognizing the person.
This was a genuine Third Grade Alchemist. Moreover, it was said that he had initially intended to participate in the Fourth Grade examination this year, but for some unknown reason, he later gave up on the idea.
In fact, Qin Lan did not participate in the Fourth Grade examination because he was suffering from the Pill Fire toxin.
Ji Chen advised him not to refine Elixirs above the Third Grade during this period to prevent the fire toxin in his body from worsening.
Nevertheless, in terms of credentials and achievements, Qin Lan’s status within the Chu Kingdom was unmatched by most.
Such as Old Chen, a Second Grade Alchemist, could only greet him cautiously, not daring to show any neglect.
Unlike Li Huayuan, as he had been a close friend of Qin Lan for many years.
"Uh... So it is Old Chen, long time no see." Qin Lan smiled, recognizing him.
Without much talking, after few casual exchanges, Qin Lan soon left the place with Li Huayuan and Ji Chen.
Watching them leave, and seeing Li Huayuan and Qin Lan flank Ji Chen in the middle, accompanying him with smiles, this scene left Old Chen somewhat stunned in place.