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**
Following the guards ahead—
As their footsteps stepped across the threshold of the Alchemist Association's main entrance, a rich aroma of medicinal pills rushed over them, making it hard not to inhale deeply. In that moment of tranquility and delight, their eyes swept around the surroundings.
Inside the massive hall, the space was impressively vast, broadly divided into three main areas: east, south, and west.
In the eastern hall, a number of square platforms made of green granite were neatly arranged. Behind each platform sat an alchemist dressed in long robes.
On the surfaces of those platforms were all kinds of medicinal ingredients, jade bottles, scrolls, and other items.
Judging by the setup, that section was clearly designated for trading and treasure hunting.
The southern hall, by contrast, was filled with all sorts of cauldrons burning with roaring flames. Several alchemists sat cross-legged behind their cauldrons, forming hand seals with focused expressions as they carefully controlled the heat.
Surrounding the cauldrons were many low-ranked alchemists, watching and pointing, exchanging insights in hushed tones as they observed the pill refining process.
Compared to the other two sections, the western hall was noticeably quieter.
There were even guards stationed at the passageway leading in, implying that only alchemists of a certain level or above were permitted entry.
Occasionally, when lower-tier alchemists passed by, they couldn't help but cast respectful and envious glances toward that area.
"That section is only accessible to the Elders, the branch leaders from all divisions across the Jia Ma Empire, or alchemists of Tier 3 and above," the leading guard explained briefly before changing direction and heading toward the southern hall with Wei Yang and Xian'er in tow.
They soon arrived at a counter.
Behind it stood a beautiful and graceful young attendant.
The lead guard spoke to her, "Li Ya, these two are here for the examination."
"Understood." The attendant named Li Ya nodded with a sweet smile, her voice soft and pleasant.
Then the guard turned to Wei Yang and Xian'er. "Just follow her instructions from here."
"Alright," Wei Yang nodded.
"Thank you," Xian'er added with a polite smile.
"You're welcome." With that, the guard took his leave.
…
"May I ask, are you two here to take the certification exam to become recognized alchemists?" Li Ya asked with a smile.
"Yes," Wei Yang nodded.
With practiced ease, she pulled out two registration forms along with writing brushes and placed them on the counter. Her smile grew noticeably more respectful. "Please fill out the forms first."
Wei Yang picked up the brush and swiftly began writing on the form without much thought.
Xian'er did the same.
Before long, both forms were completed.
"Please give me a moment." Li Ya picked up the forms and quickly scanned through them.
Her smile began to freeze on her face.
Her eyes widened in surprise, her mouth slightly agape.
The first form read:
Name: Wei Yang
Age: Twenty-one
Instructor: Yao Lao
Certification Grade: Tier 3
…
The second form:
Name: Ye Xian'er
Age: Nineteen
Instructor: Wei Yang
Certification Grade: Tier 3
…
She blinked hard, almost thinking her eyes were playing tricks on her. But after a closer look—it was all accurate.
She was momentarily stunned.
Twenty-one years old and nineteen years old—both applying for the Tier 3 Alchemist examination?!
Was this some kind of joke?
"What is it, a problem?" Wei Yang frowned.
"Ah? N-no, not at all," Li Ya snapped back to attention and quickly shook her head, answering in a slightly flustered tone.
"Excuse me, are you two taking the identity certification for the first time… and aiming directly for the Tier 3 assessment?" Li Ya asked cautiously.
"Yes. Is that not allowed?" Wei Yang replied.
"It's certainly allowed, but… since this is your first certification, you'll need to start with the Tier One assessment. Only after passing Tier 1 can you proceed to Tier 2, and then to Tier 3," Li Ya quickly explained.
"What a hassle. Fine, let's do it that way. Go make the arrangements, and be quick," Wei Yang said calmly.
"Y-yes, of course, Mister Wei, Miss Ye… this way, please," Li Ya's tone became increasingly respectful as she stepped out from behind the counter and gestured for them to follow.
"Mm." Wei Yang gently took Xian'er's delicate hand, and the two walked forward side by side.
Li Ya, leading the way, couldn't help the touch of admiration that flashed through her eyes.
No one in their right mind would come to the headquarters of the Alchemist Association just to cause trouble. So, the information they had filled out was most likely genuine.
A twenty-one-year-old and a nineteen-year-old Tier 3 Alchemist?
The man was handsome, the woman stunning—walking hand in hand, they were a picture-perfect couple.
Especially that Miss Ye. If she truly passed the Tier 3 certification today… that would be monumental.
A nineteen-year-old Tier 3 Alchemist!
It would cause an uproar in the entire imperial capital.
In the entire recorded history of the Alchemist Associations within the Jia Ma Empire, this would be the first case of its kind—enough to break all records of genius talent.
…
They walked slowly through a wide corridor.
Moments later, they stopped in front of a massive door.
Outside the entrance, four towering, heavily armored men stood guard.
A glance at their chests revealed that all four were at the level of Nine-Star Dou Shi.
Judging by the aura of the leader among them—calm, steady, and long stabilized—it was clear he had remained at that stage for quite some time. His Dou Qi had been honed and accumulated to its peak. Stepping into the Da Dou Shi level was likely just around the corner.
"Uncle Wei Ya, has the assessment inside started yet?" Li Ya asked with a cheerful tone, handing the strongest-looking man the two forms. "These two are here for the certification exam."
"Hehe, good timing. The exam's about to begin. Any later and they'd have to wait until tomorrow," the burly man called Wei Ya said with a hearty laugh.
His gaze swept over Wei Yang and Xian'er, and surprise flickered in his eyes. With his strength, he couldn't sense even a hint of Dou Qi from these two calm, hand-in-hand young people.
At a glance, they seemed like ordinary civilians—no Dou Qi presence at all.
But when he lowered his head and saw the information on the forms, his pupils contracted sharply. A storm surged in his heart.
He checked the forms again carefully, verifying both the contents and the official stamps, then looked at Li Ya.
Li Ya gave a small nod.
Seeing this, even though he still harbored disbelief, Wei Ya quickly restrained his thoughts and showed a bit of respect on his face.
He reached into his robe and took out two black armbands. Each one had a large number embroidered on it—one with a "7" and the other with an "8".
"These are your assessment numbers," Wei Ya said with a smile.
"Mm." Wei Yang and Xian'er accepted the armbands and slipped them onto their arms.
Wei Ya then turned and gently pushed the large door open, leaving a narrow gap just wide enough for one person to pass. He extended his arm. "Please, go in."
"Mister Wei, Miss Ye, this is as far as I can take you. According to regulations, we are not permitted to enter. From here on, you'll need to go in on your own."
Li Ya bowed slightly, smiling warmly. "I wish you both the best in your examination."
"Thank you, and sorry for the trouble," Wei Yang replied with a faint smile. Taking Xian'er's hand again, the two of them stepped through the doorway.
Behind them, the door creaked softly and slowly shut with a quiet thud.
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