Battle Through the Heavens: Heavenly comprehension

The assessment concluded, and Frank and Otto meticulously examined the pills Xiao Yan had refined.

The Fire Condensation Pills, the size of dragon eyes, were fiery red with a faint ripple-like fire pattern, resembling spreading ripples. They appeared quite extraordinary.

"Dan Patterns!"

"And all three pills have Dan Patterns!"

Looking at the fiery red patterns on the three pills, Frank and Otto were astounded, clicking their tongues in amazement.

The other participants in the assessment, hearing the comments of the two presidents, stared in shock at the black-robed teenager, who was much younger than them.

It was well known that pills generally only manifested Dan Patterns when their quality and luster reached perfection. Compared to this boy, who could refine such pills, they, who hadn't even managed to produce finished products, were truly...

Seeing the dejected expressions of the group, Frank smiled and consoled them:

"Hehe, no need to be discouraged. If not this year, then next year. Youngsters have plenty of time on their side."

Encouraged by Frank's words, the participants regained some confidence and slowly exited the hall.

"Someone's coming out?"

Seeing the examinees exiting the hall, Lin Fei leapt down from the counter, searching the crowd intently.

The typically aloof Xue Mei also became slightly nervous. If Xiao Yan were to emerge at this moment, there'd be no question of attempting the second-grade alchemist test.

The Little Doctor Fairy, however, had confidence in Xiao Yan and continued waiting patiently.

Not spotting Xiao Yan's distinctive black-robed figure, Lin Fei and Xue Mei couldn't help but inhale sharply. This clearly meant he had succeeded!

Even if Xiao Yan were to fail the second-grade alchemist test later, the fact that he was a sixteen-year-old first-grade alchemist was already a rarity in the entire Jia Ma Empire!

To put it into perspective, even the Alchemy King Gu He had been nineteen years old when he became a first-grade alchemist.

Crystal-clear Lin Fei approached the Little Doctor Fairy with a smile:

"Little sister, what's your name? I believe you came here with Xiao Yan, didn't you?"

Lin Fei's long, flowing green hair, tied with a purple ribbon, cascaded down to her shapely hips. She lightly patted her round, perky derrière, the gentle sounds it made akin to cat claws scratching at one's heart.

Her graceful, full figure only added to her charm. After overhearing Lin Fei and Xue Mei discuss Xiao Yan for a while, the Little Doctor Fairy coldly responded:

"What do you want?"

"So wary, as if I'm here to steal your treasure." Lin Fei chuckled, as though finding something amusing.

"What's your relationship with Xiao Yan? His sister? Doesn't seem like it."

Lin Fei shook her head while speaking to herself. Her eyes sparkled mischievously before she blurted:

"Could it be… a child bride?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" The Little Doctor Fairy's face flushed crimson instantly.

Even Xue Mei's usually composed expression shifted, her beautiful eyes widening slightly. If that were the case, given their apparent age difference, it would be quite unusual.

"I… I'm just Xiao Yan's assistant." Fearing Lin Fei would continue her wild guesses, the Little Doctor Fairy reluctantly clarified her identity.

Brushing past Lin Fei, the Little Doctor Fairy avoided further engagement with this bold woman. She cast a deep gaze toward the still-closed door, unsure of her own connection with Xiao Yan—they had only met yesterday, after all.

"Are you really going to proceed with the second-grade alchemist assessment?" Frank and Otto glanced at Xiao Yan's information before looking at his youthful face and asking seriously.

Xiao Yan nodded firmly:

"I heard that being a higher-grade alchemist in the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association grants certain trade privileges, and the higher the rank, the greater the benefits."

"What do you need?" Frank asked curiously.

Xiao Yan rattled off a list of items like a string of firecrackers:

"Blood Lotus Essence, Ice Spirit Flame Grass, Ice Spirit Cold Spring, and the magic core of a third-grade magical beast."

Hearing Xiao Yan's list, Frank and Otto were visibly stunned before exclaiming:

"These items, except for the third-grade magic core, are extremely rare treasures of heaven and earth."

Xiao Yan shrugged. If the items were ordinary, he wouldn't need to continue with the assessment.

Frank contemplated for a moment before saying:

"If you can pass the second-grade alchemist test, we'll help you look into these items."

"However, passing the second-grade alchemist test not only requires refining a second-grade pill but also reaching the strength level of a Dou Shi!" Frank stared curiously at this young man.

Was it possible that his combat strength was as astonishing as his alchemical talent? Frank and Otto's prospective disciples were still at the Dou Zhi Qi stage...

Xiao Yan removed the Heavy Xuan Ruler from his back and casually tossed it to Frank.

"What are you doing?" Otto asked, puzzled.

Frank instinctively caught the ruler, and his expression immediately shifted.

"What's with this terrifying weight? And it suppresses my Dou Qi!"

With a shout, Frank unleashed a torrent of Dou Qi to stabilize the ruler. His alchemist robes billowed despite the absence of wind. After exerting significant effort, he finally held the immensely heavy ruler steadily.

"You've been carrying this the whole time?" Frank asked incredulously.

Even as a Dou Ling expert, he had struggled initially to manage the ruler's unique suppressive qualities.

Otto, noticing the peculiar reaction, inquired:

"What's wrong with it?"

"Try it yourself," Frank replied, tossing the ruler toward him.

Prepared this time, Otto braced himself and activated some Dou Qi. However, as soon as he caught the ruler, he felt his Dou Qi falter under the oppressive weight. The ruler's head smashed into the ground with a loud thud.

Startled, Otto shouted at Frank:

"What are you doing?!"

Frank calmly declared:

"Xiao Yan does indeed possess Dou Shi-level strength. He's qualified to begin the assessment."

"Dou Shi-level strength?" Otto stared at the massive ruler in his hands before looking back at Xiao Yan, realizing just how extraordinary this youth was.

"Remarkable boy!"

"Here, take it back!" After preparing himself, Otto lifted the ruler and tossed it back.

With ease, Xiao Yan caught the Heavy Xuan Ruler and fluidly slung it onto his back.

Watching the seamless display, Otto chuckled bitterly:

"An alchemy prodigy and a combat genius… What a terrifying young man. I'm increasingly curious to know which master nurtured such an outstanding student."

The preparations for the second-grade alchemist assessment were finalized, and Xiao Yan began his first attempt at refining a second-grade pill.

(End of Chapter)

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