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**
At the intersection of several bustling streets stood an enormous, grandiose building. It occupied a vast area, shrouded year-round in a light mist of medicinal fragrance and alchemical smoke.
Above the towering gate were five ancient characters spelling "Alchemist Association," their bold, flowing strokes shimmering faintly with light, drawing respectful gazes from all who passed by.
No one dared to shout or act recklessly here.
This was the headquarters of the Alchemist Association of the Jia Ma Empire—so revered that even the emperor himself would show deference here.
After all, the residents of this building represented a force powerful enough to shake the very foundations of the empire.
They embodied one of the most noble and respected professions on the Dou Qi Continent.
At that moment, outside the massive front gate of the Alchemist Association, groups of alchemists—rarely seen in public—hurried in and out, their footsteps brisk.
They wore robes of various colors, each with a badge on the chest proudly displaying their rank.
This was the scene that greeted Wei Yang and his group of four as they stood outside the gate.
They looked up at the towering headquarters, admiration flickering in their eyes.
Such a majestic atmosphere was truly worthy of being the leading alchemist force in the Jia Ma Empire.
"This is the Alchemist Association Headquarters," Ya Fei stood to the side, smiling as she looked at the unusually crowded and lively gates. "It's considered a sacred place in the hearts of everyone in the Jia Ma Empire."
Wei Yang and the others nodded lightly.
"Miss Ye seems interested in participating in this Alchemist Grand Meeting?" Ya Fei asked, noticing the yearning glimmer in Xian'er's eyes.
"Yes, I do plan to," Xian'er replied honestly—there was nothing to hide.
"This event is indeed a rare gathering for alchemists. Many from other nations have also traveled here for it."
Ya Fei giggled softly, "I'm very much looking forward to witnessing Miss Ye's alchemy skills at the event. You look quite young, but since you're by Mr. Wei's side, I'm sure your talents must be extraordinary."
She might not be an alchemist herself, but her insight was sharp.
The purchase list Xian'er had previously submitted was full of Tier 4 medicinal ingredients. What else could they be for? The implication was clear.
A Tier 4 alchemist around twenty years old!
Ya Fei's heart trembled at the thought.
No wonder she could accompany someone like Mr. Wei…
...
"Let's go," Wei Yang waved his hand and took the lead toward the gate.
"Um, Mr. Wei, shouldn't you all be wearing alchemist robes or at least your badges?" Ya Fei asked curiously.
The headquarters wasn't a place just anyone could walk into.
Without being a registered alchemist, most people wouldn't even be allowed through the door.
Then, realization dawned on Ya Fei.
Of course—Mr. Wei's status within the Alchemist Association must be incredibly high. High enough that just showing his face would be enough.
Yes, that made perfect sense.
After all, Mr. Wei was someone capable of refining Dou Spirit Pills.
As far as she knew, even within the Alchemist Association headquarters, only President Fa Ma could achieve such a feat.
However—
"As you can see, we don't have any of that," Wei Yang replied bluntly with a shrug, not breaking stride.
"We're here to take the examination and obtain our alchemist certification," Xian'er added softly.
Ya Fei was dumbfounded.
They didn't even officially have alchemist identities yet?
She was left speechless.
...
"Stop right there!"
As expected, the guards at the main gate halted Wei Yang and his group with stoic expressions.
Seeing the three well-dressed and clearly distinguished youths, along with the renowned beauty of the capital, Miss Ya Fei, following behind, the guards didn't dare bark harshly.
After all, they were just doing their jobs.
But procedure was still procedure.
A middle-aged guard who appeared to be the leader stepped forward and said, "If you wish to enter the Alchemist Association, please present your identification credentials."
As he spoke, his questioning gaze shifted to Ya Fei.
Ya Fei simply shrugged, remaining silent.
"We're here to take the alchemist certification exam," Wei Yang stated.
"All of you?" the guard's brows twitched slightly.
"Not all of us. Just her and me," Wei Yang replied, pointing first to himself, then to Xian'er.
"You two, then, please come with me. Once inside, don't wander around. Someone will guide you to the testing area," the guard said with a nod.
"They can't come with us?" Wei Yang pointed to Qing Lin and Ya Fei.
"Sorry, that's the rule," the guard replied expressionlessly.
Privileges weren't given out lightly. Not even the famously stunning Miss Ya Fei of the Mittel Clan had the right to break the rules.
"All right," Wei Yang didn't press the issue.
He turned to Qing Lin and said softly, "Wait here. We'll be back soon."
"Okay, young master. Don't worry, I'll stay right here," Qing Lin replied sweetly with a nod.
Wei Yang smiled and affectionately ruffled her hair. Qing Lin's eyes narrowed with delight.
Seeing this, Ya Fei understood immediately. This seemingly ordinary maid in green was clearly someone Mr. Wei valued deeply. She smiled and said, "Mr. Wei, don't worry. I'll stay here and keep Miss Qing Lin company."
"Thanks. That would be helpful," Wei Yang nodded.
"There's no need to be so polite, Mr. Wei. It's my pleasure," Ya Fei said with a charming smile, her chest heaving slightly as she turned to the lead guard and said in a sweet tone, "Don't you dare neglect Mr. Wei, or else... hehe."
The guard frowned slightly but replied, "Rest assured, Miss Ya Fei. We're just following procedures."
Ya Fei smiled and said no more.
"Oh, right." Just as Wei Yang was about to step forward, he remembered something and turned to Qing Lin. "Have Little Red split off a strand of her flame for Xian'er."
This was just a basic certification exam. There was no need to use a Heavenly Flame.
After all, such a thing would only invite trouble.
Especially in this den of alchemists—it would definitely cause a stir.
Even using a sub-flame of the Wind and Thunder Fury Flame was best avoided, just to be safe.
Wei Yang didn't need a flame; his Dou Qi alone could generate a high enough heat to handle a minor exam.
But Xian'er was different. Without a flame to assist her, she would be at a disadvantage. Her Fire Poison wasn't a real flame, after all.
Hearing Wei Yang's request, Xian'er immediately understood and nodded gently.
"Yes, young master," Qing Lin replied, then closed her eyes briefly.
Soon...
Hiss~
A faint, slightly aggrieved hissing sound came from within her sleeve.
It seemed Little Red was protesting.
After all, she was the only one being repeatedly tapped for firepower. Three times now, and each time, it was a one-way deal.
It was hurtful.
Too much bullying!
Both Wei Yang and Xian'er felt a bit guilty upon hearing the pitiful hiss.
They really had been taking advantage of the Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent.
Moments later—
From within Qing Lin's sleeve, a deep red flame slowly drifted out.
The flame was palm-sized and flickered gently, but its heat made Ya Fei and the surrounding guards' pupils shrink.
They had enough experience to recognize it—this was a Rank 5 beast flame!
Their gazes instinctively shifted to Qing Lin's green sleeve. A moment ago, they'd glimpsed her fair wrist, and it seemed to bear faint blue-green snake scales.
Was there really a Rank 5 magic beast hiding in that not-so-large sleeve?
And that faint hiss just now...
Ya Fei took a quiet breath and cast a deep look at the seemingly harmless green-robed girl.
...
With a gentle motion, Xian'er summoned the flame into her palm. As she curled her fingers slightly, her sleeve fell over it, and the flame vanished from sight.
This simple move once again sent a shiver down the spines of Ya Fei and the guards.
To wield a Rank 5 beast flame so effortlessly—her strength and control over fire were terrifying!
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