Chapter 75: Roping Him In
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In contrast to Qin Jinglan’s amiable expression, the old alchemist Duan Zhilie remained completely impassive.
The reason for having an additional person in the Level 8 alchemist examination was to make the process more rigorous and cautious. Duan Zhilie, being a Level 8 alchemist himself, was more than qualified to serve as an examiner.
However, when Duan Zhilie saw Chen Fei’s youthful face, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
Indeed, among martial artists, Chen Fei was considered a mature youth. Having just entered the Bone Tempering realm, the major sects in Immortal Cloud City didn’t pay much attention to him, considering him a disciple with little potential.
But among alchemists, Chen Fei was still young. Alchemists valued comprehension and experience, and as one grew older, even with mediocre comprehension, they could accumulate experience and achieve perfection through practice.
Duan Zhilie himself had average talent in alchemy, but after so many years, he had become quite adept at refining the Eternal Floating Pill and other pills of the same grade.
On the other hand, his success rate with the Flying Ascent Pill was low, and the quality of the pill was not particularly good.
…..
Therefore, Duan Zhilie felt a twinge of discomfort seeing someone as young as Chen Fei taking the Level 8 alchemist examination. Lately, there had been an influx of young individuals attempting the pill-refining mastery examination. Chen Fei began by selecting the medicinal herbs, then proceeded to light a fire and prepare the furnace. He poured all the medicinal herbs into the pill furnace, and the scorching flames licked its base. Chen Fei used his inner strength to control the medicinal properties, and soon the pill furnace emitted a faint medicinal fragrance.
Qin Jinglan’s beautiful eyes shimmered as she observed Chen Fei. Initially, she thought his pill-refining movements were rough and unrefined. But now, upon closer inspection, it became evident that he didn’t fuss over trivial matters and exuded confidence.
Compared to those who were overly cautious in their pill refining, this seemed to be the true essence of pill refinement.
Duan Zhilie caught a whiff of the medicinal fragrance, and his expression changed slightly. This batch of Eternal Floating Pills would be of exceptional quality, surpassing the level of pills he had refined over the past few decades.
In fact, in certain aspects, they might even be superior.
“Bang!”
After just 15 minutes, Chen Fei slapped the furnace lid, causing the pill fragrance to intensify.
Unable to resist, Duan Zhilie stepped forward to examine the few Eternal Floating Pills resting quietly inside the pill furnace, a hint of surprise appearing in his eyes.
“Have you succeeded?” Qin Jinglan couldn’t help but ask softly.
“It awaits confirmation, but I believe there shouldn’t be any problems,” Chen Fei replied.
Duan Zhilie took the porcelain plate and closely inspected the quality of the Eternal Floating Pill. Indeed, it was refined better than his own. This kind of medicinal pill had tapped into the full potential of the Eternal Floating Pill in terms of medicinal efficacy.
“Junior, would you like to take the test?” Duan Zhilie raised his head to look at Chen Fei. Given that the Eternal Floating Pill had been refined to such a level, the quality of the Flying Ascent Pill was likely to be commendable as well. This was because the foundation was incredibly solid.
Qin Jinglan widened her eyes as she gazed at Chen Fei. Could it be that he could take the Level 7 alchemist examination?
A Level 7 alchemist held considerable status even in the vast Immortal Cloud City. Their standing was much higher than that of an ordinary Visceral Tempering Realm martial artist.
“I don’t possess the recipe for the Flying Ascent Pill,” Chen Fei replied, shaking his head. Although he had read numerous medical books and purchased the Flying Ascent Pill for study, deducing the pill formula had proven to be a challenging task.
Based on his current progress, if Chen Fei wanted to derive the Flying Ascent Pill successfully, it would take at least six more months, which was considered relatively smooth progress.
Duan Zhilie nodded in understanding. It was true that itinerant pill refiners from other regions rarely possessed the recipe for the Flying Ascent Pill.
With this level of alchemy, it was unlikely that they would be able to reach Immortal Cloud City. They would be besieged by aristocratic families in various regions. There was no way they would let him go so easily.
“Senior, would you be willing to sell the recipe for the Flying Ascent Pill?” Chen Fei asked hopefully.
As long as the price wasn’t too exorbitant, it would be best to obtain it directly. After all, Chen Fei would be able to earn back the money quickly once he refined it himself.
“My pill formula was obtained through exchange within the alliance. Private transactions are not allowed,” Duan Zhilie shook his head.
“Using contribution points to exchange for pill formulas within the alliance is strictly regulated. If anyone is caught engaging in private transactions, both parties will face severe punishment,” Qin Jinglan quickly explained.
Chen Fei nodded, understanding the situation. After all, if private transactions were allowed, the contribution points within the Alliance would lose their value. Pill refiners wouldn’t be motivated to complete the Alliance’s missions.
If such a scenario were allowed, the Alchemist Alliance would become a laughingstock.
“If you change your mind one day, feel free to come and find me, young friend,” Duan Zhilie nodded before walking away.
Qin Jinglan bowed slightly to Chen Fei and led him to the counter, where she handed over the porcelain plate and the photo stone.
The verification process took some time. At the same time, she sought Duan Zhilie’s opinion. As Duan Zhilie didn’t voice any objections, Chen Fei smoothly passed the Level 8 alchemist examination.
He received a new jade token, which had been warmed up for a while and had a different design from Qin Jinglan.
Examining the patterns on the jade token, Chen Fei noted that they were more exquisite compared to the previous ones. The surrounding cloud patterns were denser as well.
“I usually sell medicinal pills on North Street. Can I display the logo of the Alchemist Guild?” Chen Fei asked after receiving the jade token.
After stowing away the jade token, he turned to Qin Jinglan. She stared back at him, and when Chen Fei suddenly met her gaze, her face involuntarily reddened.
“Yes, the Alliance has a special medicine bottle that only authorized pill refiners can use. This way, others will know that you’re from the Alliance,” Qin Jinglan replied, her voice soft.
Chen Fei looked at Qin Jinglan, slightly puzzled. Could it be that this woman was harboring ulterior motives? Why was she blushing?
Fifteen minutes later, Chen Fei left the alliance and found Chi Defeng.
“How did it go?” Chi Defeng asked eagerly upon seeing Chen Fei.
While Chen Fei was in the alliance, Chi Defeng had taken the opportunity to gather information about the Alchemist Alliance and had gained a rough understanding of their strength.
Essentially, once someone became a pill refiner recognized by the Alliance, ordinary forces wouldn’t deliberately cause them trouble.
There would be no need for Chen Fei to worry about selling pills on North Street.
The Alchemist Alliance was quite well-known in the vicinity of Immortal Cloud City.
“From now on, you can use my jade token to buy medicine bottles from the alliance.” A smile appeared on Chen Fei’s face..