Chapter 52: The Second-Tier Alchemist
Brin furrowed his brow and said, "Is this white flame truly heavenly flame?" Slowly regaining his composure, he was clearly puzzled.
Otto, equally stunned, exchanged glances with Brin before shaking his head slightly. "This can't be heavenly flame. With this kid's skill, how could he possibly control such a terrifying flame?"
Brin nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it's unlikely. Even Master Gu He couldn't handle heavenly flame so skillfully."
With the barrier isolating the examination, they couldn't verify it for sure. They decided to wait until Xiao Yu was done to inquire further, but they were certain that the white flame was not a Dou Qi-based flame.
Otto sighed lightly. "This kid certainly has many secrets. It seems he came well-prepared."
As they spoke, Xiao Yu began the alchemy process. The Strength Pill, known for its aggressive properties, was aided greatly by the Bone Spirit Cold Flame's characteristics. Xiao Yu skillfully added ingredients into the cauldron, and the Cold Flame swiftly enveloped and refined them. For Xiao Yu, creating a first-tier pill was second nature, and soon, the Pill began to take shape.
Brin and Otto admired Xiao Yu's proficiency in creating the pill. "This kid is remarkably adept at first-tier alchemy. I wonder who his mentor is," Brin commented.
"Yes, I'd like to see what kind of mentor could produce such a disciple," Brin added as he signaled a maid.
Taking the parchment from the maid, their eyes were drawn to the mentor's name, causing Brin to frown in confusion. "Since when did the Alchemist Guild have a Master Dan Lao?"
Otto speculated, "Probably a reclusive hermit. Some old experts prefer to stay out of the limelight."
Brin mused, "That would explain the origin of the white flame. It must have been provided by this Master Dan Lao!"
They refocused their attention on the barrier, where Xiao Yu was now carefully shaping the Pill. As the Pill's surface began to form visible patterns, a rich aroma filled the air, causing a stir among the onlookers.
Brin was surprised. "Is that the aroma of a Strength Pill?"
Otto, astonished, added, "Not only is it a Strength Pill, but the energy contained in this aroma seems to have been refined to perfection. We underestimated him!"
When the Pill's surface revealed faint patterns, Xiao Yu smiled slightly. He manipulated the Cold Flame to refine the Pill further, making the patterns clearer.
With a flick of his fingers, the cauldron's lid was flung open. Xiao Yu quickly drew the red Pill into his hand and transferred it into a jade vial.
With the final clang of the bell, the examination concluded.
Noticing the crowd's gaze, Xiao Yu raised the vial and smiled. "As expected!"
The Little Doctor's face flushed slightly with pleasure, and she nodded in acknowledgment.
Otto approached Xiao Yu with a smile. "Young man, your alchemy skills have truly amazed both Brin and me. I'm eager to see your mentor, Master Dan Lao. Such a teacher must be extraordinary!"
Xiao Yu shrugged. "What can I say? I have a natural talent for alchemy."
Brin laughed heartily. "Well said! Your talent is indeed exceptional. Even in the entire Jama Empire, there are hardly more than ten who can achieve such skill at your age."
Otto took the vial from Xiao Yu and examined the Pill. The surface was adorned with vibrant red patterns.
Otto was astonished. "Is this… a pattern on the Pill?"
Brin also marveled. "To produce a Pill with patterns in just half the time allotted for the assessment is remarkable. Even experienced first-tier alchemists would find it challenging to create such a Pill."
Corei, standing nearby, turned pale. The realization that Xiao Yu had created a Pill with patterns made even Corei's second-tier alchemy skills seem insufficient.
The Little Doctor glanced at Corei and said, "I wonder if he can make such a Pill."
Corei dared not respond and remained silent, while the Little Doctor chose not to press further.
"Congratulations, Xiao Yu. You've passed the first-tier alchemist assessment!" Otto said, gently placing the Pill back into the vial and smiling warmly at Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu looked at Corei and said, "When we made that bet, it was to pass the second-tier alchemist assessment. A gentleman's word is as good as gold, so I'd like to proceed with the second-tier assessment."
Brin and Otto were momentarily taken aback. "You want to continue with the second-tier alchemist assessment?" Brin asked.
Xiao Yu nodded. "Yes!"
Otto thought for a moment and said, "Given that you've already produced a Pill with patterns, it's not surprising you want to attempt the second-tier assessment. What do you think, old man?"
Brin nodded. "Indeed. If you want to proceed, then let's go ahead. Passing this would bring great honor to the Desert City Alchemist Guild!"
Otto joked, "You're really making us look bad. If Master Frank finds out, he'll be furious!"
Brin was unconcerned and smiled at Xiao Yu. "The assessment is fine, but to become a second-tier alchemist, you must also be a Dou Shi. Are you a Dou Master?"
Xiao Yu chuckled, "A Dou Master? I'm close enough."
Brin and Otto exchanged amused glances. "What a little monster!"
Brin then called out, "Prepare the second-tier alchemist assessment immediately!" His voice carried a hint of excitement, as the Desert City Alchemist Guild was about to witness the rise of a new alchemy master!
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