The assessment for second-tier alchemists was more complex than for first-tier, and it took place in a separate, private room. Lin Fei and Xue Mei were eager to witness Xiao Yu's second-tier alchemy assessment, but Otto gently shook his head, refusing their request. Only he and Master Brin entered the room, closing the door with a loud thud.
Lin Fei huffed in frustration. "If we can't watch, then we'll find out the results later. Hmph!"
Xue Mei, unaffected by Lin Fei's frustration, approached the Little Doctor and asked softly, "Sister Xiao, how did you and Xiao Yu meet?"
The Little Doctor was taken aback by the question. After a moment's thought, she replied, "He saved me once, and that's how we got to know each other."
Though brief, her response conveyed the danger involved, piquing Lin Fei's interest. "Really? Sister Xiao, could you tell us the whole story? I love hearing stories!"
With no reason to refuse and having nothing else to do, the Little Doctor recounted their encounter, including the dangers in the Monster Mountain Range and the ruthless actions of the Qing Shan Town Mercenary Group.
Lin Fei and Xue Mei, who had lived sheltered lives within the Alchemist Guild, found the tale fascinating. As the three girls chatted, Corei stood by, feeling a bit out of place.
Soon, the door creaked open, drawing everyone's attention. Brin and Otto emerged, their faces still showing traces of shock. Lin Fei and Xue Mei rushed over. Lin Fei grabbed Otto's sleeve and asked, "Teacher, has the assessment ended? What's the result?"
Brin spread his hands and smiled. "The young friend is truly impressive. I've never seen such skillful second-tier alchemy, nor a second-tier pill with patterns. I'm in awe!"
Xue Mei's hands clenched slightly under her sleeve, and Lin Fei looked at Xiao Yu in amazement. "You really passed the second-tier alchemist assessment?"
Xiao Yu nodded with a smile. "Is it that difficult?"
Lin Fei felt a pang of frustration at Xiao Yu's nonchalant attitude. She thought, "Is it difficult? Of course it is!"
Otto continued, "Well, this should show you that there are always people better than you. Xiao Yu's alchemy skills are exceptional. In the entire history of the Jama Empire's Alchemist Guild, there has never been an eighteen-year-old second-tier alchemist. You both need to work harder. I'm counting on you to participate in the alchemy conference in six months!"
Otto then remembered something and looked at Xiao Yu. "Will you be attending the Alchemist Conference in the Jama Empire's capital six months from now?"
Brin added with a smile, "Yes, the Alchemist Conference is a major event, attracting many alchemists from across the continent. It would be a shame to miss it."
Xiao Yu raised an eyebrow. Considering the three-year promise with Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran, and that the Yun Lan Sect was near the capital, he naturally planned to attend. He nodded, "If I have the time, I will go."
Brin and Otto laughed heartily. "If you're coming, we'll be looking forward to your outstanding performance!"
A servant entered with a tray holding a set of exquisite black robes. Brin took the robes and said, "This is the special attire for second-tier alchemists. It has some unique properties. You can explore them yourself. Hahaha!"
Xiao Yu received the robes with a smile. The cool, comfortable fabric was pleasant to the touch, and the robe had a badge on the chest, featuring a pill cauldron with two silver waves, symbolizing his status as a second-tier alchemist.
Seeing the robes and noticing Corei's absence, Xiao Yu put on the black robe, feeling refreshed and comfortable. His tall figure and ethereal demeanor were enhanced, making him look like an otherworldly being.
The three girls present glanced at Xiao Yu, their gazes lingering briefly on his serene smile, stirred by an unusual emotion.
Brin then said, "Since the assessment is complete, let's disperse. Do you have any plans, Xiao Yu?"
Xiao Yu smiled. "I have two relatives in the desert. I came here to visit them and need to buy some medicinal materials before heading into the desert."
Brin nodded. "There's no need to trouble yourself. Just tell me what materials you need, and I'll arrange to have them delivered. We in the Alchemist Guild are capable of handling this!"
Xiao Yu accepted the offer graciously. Since the second-tier alchemist assessment had given the Alchemist Guild a chance to shine, he listed the materials he needed.
Brin waved his hand. "Don't worry. Everything will be delivered by tomorrow. You can rest here tonight and leave whenever you're ready!"
"Thank you, Master Brin!" Xiao Yu bowed in gratitude.
Brin smiled. "It's nothing. I should be the one thanking you for giving me a chance to show off in front of my peers!"
Xiao Yu smiled slightly but did not say more.
Brin then arranged rooms for Xiao Yu and the others, with Otto also staying at the guild. Back in his room, Xiao Yu entered a state of meditation. Little White and the others were with the Little Doctor, so he had no interruptions.
After drinking a small amount of the accompanying purple crystal essence, a powerful force surged from his abdomen. Xiao Yu formed seals with his hands, guiding the energy to refine throughout his body, while part of it was absorbed by the Life Tree in his dantian. The tree seemed to evolve, its emerald body darkening and its life aura becoming denser, indicating a transformation.
Feeling the turbulent Dou Qi in his veins, Xiao Yu knew he was on the verge of a breakthrough. As night fell, a layer of Dou Qi aura covered his body, first with a light red glow, then blending with blue Dou Qi, causing the aura to twist. The surrounding energy was continuously absorbed by Xiao Yu.
"Breakthrough!"
With a shout, Xiao Yu's eyes snapped open, and a burst of energy exploded outward.
*Boom!*
A soft sound resonated from within, marking the breaking of his internal barriers. This signified his successful advancement to the Eight-Star Dou Master realm!