Chương 74: Chapter 75: Alchemy Assessment, First Glimmer of Brilliance (1)

A mere second level of Qi Condensation, and devoid of spiritual roots to boot. Dan Chenzi's gaze swept over Reyn with a flicker of poorly concealed disdain. To his experienced eyes, such meager progress was likely the result of force-feeding himself low-grade pills—a hollow foundation built on medicinal dregs rather than true talent. He shook his head inwardly and shifted his attention elsewhere, his expectations for the boy plummeting to zero.

"Before you lie the materials for several grades of medicine," Dan Chenzi announced, his voice echoing through the hall as he gestured toward the arrayed herbs.

"Eighteen sets each for the Tier 1 Low-grade Spirit-Condensing Pill, Tier 1 Mid-grade Spirit-Gathering Pill, Tier 1 High-grade Minor Restoration Pill, Tier 2 Low-grade Peiyuan Pill, Tier 2 Mid-grade Spirit-Restoring Pill, and Tier 2 High-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. The six of you shall choose according to your own capabilities. Begin." With a sharp flick of his sleeves, he turned and took his seat. The gathered cultivators nodded in silent approval.

These were common yet essential pills, their difficulty levels perfectly calibrated to test a disciple's true mettle and control over spiritual fire. Once Dan Chenzi was seated, Duan Zhonghua stepped forward. After a moment of calculated reflection, he bowed deeply, his voice carrying a practiced humility.

"Master, during the last assessment, I refined the Tier 2 Low-grade Peiyuan Pill. By all rights, I should attempt the Mid-grade Spirit-Restoring Pill today. However, having broken through in my cultivation this past year, my understanding of the alchemical path has deepened. Therefore, I wish to challenge the Foundation Establishment Pill." He collected three sets of materials and, with a final respectful salute, marched toward his alchemy furnace with an air of supreme confidence.

"The Foundation Establishment Pill? That is among the most grueling Tier 2 medicines to master!" a voice whispered from the crowd.

"To think Duan Zhonghua is so accomplished at such a young age. Not only is his cultivation formidable, but his talent in alchemy is truly a once-in-a-century phenomenon."

"With such a future Grandmaster Alchemist in their ranks, the Xuanxiao Sect's prosperity is guaranteed for generations."

"Indeed. Their dominance over the North Yue State seems unshakable now." The hall buzzed with restless energy. Younger disciples from other sects looked on with naked envy, while the elders maintained masks of approval, though their hearts were likely heavy with concern for their own sects' futures. Dan Chenzi scanned the room, savoring the reactions. A rare smile of genuine pride touched his lips as he offered a word of encouragement.

"To attempt the Foundation Establishment Pill at your age... even I did not achieve such a feat in my youth. Go, refine with a calm heart."

"Yes, Master!" Duan Zhonghua replied. He could feel the weight of every gaze in the hall. The approving nods from the Sect Leader and his Master fueled his ego, yet he maintained a facade of stoic indifference, retreating to his station with practiced grace. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Following Duan Zhonghua, the second disciple, Li Zidu, stepped out.

"Master, I choose to refine the Tier 2 Low-grade Peiyuan Pill." While a respectable choice for a Foundation Establishment cultivator's primary supplement, it felt lackluster following Duan Zhonghua's bold declaration, leaving Li Zidu in a shadow of mediocrity.

"I choose the Foundation Establishment Pill," grunted Hei Shi, the third disciple. Known for his icy temperament and brevity, he didn't waste words. He took his materials, offered a curt bow to Dan Chenzi and Qingxiaozi, and retreated into his own silent world. Then came Liu Junru. She approached with a degree of ceremony that bordered on the theatrical, kneeling fully before her master. Though she was Dan Chenzi's favorite, she knew the gravity of the occasion.

"Master, my skills and cultivation remain inferior to my senior brothers. Though I have practiced diligently, I only have the confidence to attempt the Tier 1 High-grade Minor Restoration Pill. I beg for Master's forgiveness." Dan Chenzi's expression softened into one of doting indulgence. He shook his head helplessly.

"To master the Minor Restoration Pill is progress enough. Take your materials and proceed."

"Thank you, Master!" Liu Junru beamed, her eyes sparkling as she retreated. Finally, Dan Chenzi's gaze landed on Ji Yueli. Rumors of her monstrous talent in both cultivation and alchemy had reached his ears during his seclusion, but he had yet to witness it personally. A spark of anticipation ignited in his chest.

"Yueli, since you entered my tutelage, I have been focused on my own breakthrough. Aside from passing down the core scriptures, I have taught you little. Which pill do you intend to refine today?" Ji Yueli stepped forward, her movements as fluid as flowing water. Her face, a masterpiece of jade-like perfection, remained serene. Dressed in a white pleated skirt embroidered with azure silk, she carried an air of celestial detachment that left the young men in the hall breathless.

"Reporting to Master," she began, her voice like a clear spring echoing in a mountain valley—cool, melodic, and inherently noble.

"I intend to refine the Dragon-Tiger Pill." The heat in the eyes of the young disciples intensified, but the elders froze. A heavy silence fell, followed by the sound of ragged breathing as the senior cultivators stared at her in sheer disbelief. The Dragon-Tiger Pill—a Tier 3 Low-grade medicine. Forged from rare ingredients like Heart-Severing Grass and Dragon-Whiskers Flower, it allowed a Golden Core cultivator to temporarily surge in power, even jumping a sub-realm in strength.

However, the cost was dire: the user could not fight for three years afterward. A second use meant certain death or total crippling of one's cultivation. As the realization spread, the lustful gazes of the crowd were replaced by a profound, wary respect. An alchemist capable of Tier 3 refinement was a rarity in the North Yue State, rivaled only by Dan Chenzi himself. Such a person held a status far above any Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"The Dragon-Tiger Pill?" Dan Chenzi's composure cracked, his eyes widening.

"Are you certain? Yueli, talent is a gift, but one must not let ambition outpace reality. Alchemy requires a steady, grounded path." The hall exhaled collectively. Perhaps she was just overreaching. If the Xuanxiao Sect produced a Tier 3 alchemist at such an age, the balance of power in the region would be shattered forever. Yet, the fact that she even dared to speak the name suggested she possessed a terrifying level of skill. However, Ji Yueli merely offered a graceful salute, her voice unwavering.

"Master, I have at least a thirty percent chance of success. I would not speak of it today otherwise. I ask Master to grant me three sets of materials."