Perhaps because Princess Yao Ye was following behind him, Chen Mo entered the Alchemist Association with little resistance.
The Association’s main hall was vast, its architecture steeped in ancient grandeur. At this mont, several groups of robed figures stood scattered within, their attire marking them all as alchemists.
They chatted softly among themselves, occasionally smiling, until the sound of footsteps drew their attention. The murmurs ceased, and countless eyes turned toward the new arrivals.
When they saw Chen Mo—and behind him the two princesses of the Jia Ma royal family—their expressions imdiately shifted to surprise.
Most present naturally recognized the two princesses. So also recognized Chen Mo.
Among them, an elderly man with graying hair, clad in the ornate robe of a Third-Tier Alchemist, broke away from his conversation and approached.
"Master Chen Mo, it has been so ti. What brings you here today?" The elder was one of the senior alchemists Chen Mo had once t at the Nalan Estate.
Chen Mo did not know the man’s na, but since he was being polite, Chen Mo responded with a faint smile. "I’ve co to take the examination for a Fourth-Tier Alchemist."
The elder: "..."
The crowd: "..."
The words had fallen so lightly from Chen Mo’s lips, yet they struck like thunder.
The elder who had asked the question froze in disbelief. Even Yao Ye and Yao Yue, who were following behind, stared blankly at him.
"Master Chen Mo, did I hear correctly? You wish to attempt the Fourth-Tier Alchemist examination?" the elder stamred.
A nineteen-year-old who was already a Third-Tier Alchemist was rare enough to be called monstrous. But to attempt the Fourth-Tier rank? Just the thought left people dumbfounded.
And the fact that Chen Mo had co to take the test ant he was confident in succeeding.
If he passed... then he would be a nineteen-year-old Fourth-Tier Alchemist.
The elder could only describe such talent with one word—monster.
After all, even the Vice President of the Association was rely a Fourth-Tier Alchemist.
Every gaze in the hall was fixed on Chen Mo in stunned silence. Whether or not he succeeded, the simple fact that he dared to attempt the exam was shocking enough.
And none dared to openly doubt him.
After all, he had already achieved the impossible—becoming a Third-Tier Alchemist at nineteen. Who was to say he did not possess so heaven-defying thod?
If he succeeded, any words of doubt would only slap their speakers in the face.
For a mont, the hall was utterly silent.
Then a warm, elderly laugh broke the tension.
"Your Highness, why linger at the entrance? If you’re here, I can also prepare the Second-Tier Alchemist examination for you."
The crowd turned toward the source. At the doorway to the left stood an old man, smiling kindly.
"Teacher!" Yao Yue cried in delight. She imdiately darted forward, no longer standing behind Chen Mo, and threw her arms around the elder’s arm.
"Little Chen Mo, it has been too long," the old man said warmly, ruffling Yao Yue’s hair before walking over. "If the President learns you are here, he will be most pleased."
Chen Mo raised his gaze. The man wore a finely-crafted alchemist’s robe, his wrinkled face softened by a genial smile. On his chest glead four silver ripples of light.
"Master Chemir, it has indeed been a long ti." Chen Mo extended his hand in greeting.
"Haha, and you remain as impressive as ever," Chemir replied heartily, clasping Chen Mo’s hand firmly.
Yao Ye’s eyes flickered with surprise. Smiling, she said, "So Master Chemir and Mister Chen Mo know one another."
Chemir gave her a respectful nod. "Your Highness, the last ti Chen Mo ca to test for the Third-Tier Alchemist rank, I was the one who oversaw the examination."
"I see." Yao Ye inclined her head slightly.
Turning back to Chen Mo, Chemir asked, "Little Chen Mo, what brings you to the Association today?"
Before Chen Mo could answer, Yao Yue tugged on her teacher’s arm with a mischievous grin. "Teacher, Mister Chen Mo is here to take the Fourth-Tier Alchemist examination."
"What?"
Chemir’s eyes widened, his usual calm expression giving way to sheer shock. He stared at Chen Mo in disbelief.
Seeing Chen Mo nod, Chemir asked carefully, "To attempt the Fourth-Tier exam... how confident are you?"
Chen Mo’s expression was calm. "I’d say about... ten out of ten."
"Gulp—" Chemir swallowed audibly. This boy really dares to speak like that.
The faces around them were once again filled with astonishnt. Even Yao Ye and Yao Yue stood frozen, their rosy lips parted slightly as they stared at Chen Mo in a daze.
Recovering, Chemir quickly summoned a staff mber. "Go invite the President at once."
He turned back to Chen Mo. "Little Chen Mo, only the President himself has the authority to preside over a Fourth-Tier examination. Please wait a mont."
Chen Mo nodded.
After roughly ten minutes, the President himself finally appeared.
Dressed in a grand violet alchemist’s robe, Fa Ma hurried into the hall, drawing gasps from the crowd.
"It’s the President!"
"President Fa Ma rarely shows himself. For him to co in person..."
Ignoring the chatter, Fa Ma strode straight to the center of the hall. His first words upon seeing Chen Mo were:
"Little friend Chen Mo, you wish to attempt the Fourth-Tier Alchemist test?"
His tone was solemn, tinged with barely restrained excitent.
Everyone else in the hall was ignored completely.
Yao Ye’s eyes shimred in surprise. This elder, whom even her royal grandfather treated with respect, was addressing Chen Mo as an equal—"little friend."
Her desire to win Chen Mo over only grew stronger.
Chen Mo inclined his head.
"Good, good, good!" Fa Ma exclaid, nearly stumbling over his own words in his eagerness. "If you succeed, the position of President at any branch of the Jia Ma Alchemist Association will be yours to choose. Even if you wish for to vacate this seat as Grand President, I would not refuse!"
Boom!
The entire hall erupted in shock, jaws dropping in unison.
The seat of the Alchemist Association’s Grand President was a symbol of authority greater even than the royal family’s influence.
Though the Association did not participate in political struggles, its power was undeniable.
Even Chen Mo himself was slightly stunned. Then he smiled lightly. "President Fa Ma, you jest. I am a free-spirited man. How could I take on such an important position?"
"We’ll speak of this later," Fa Ma said, still trembling with excitent. "For now, let us arrange your examination."
He hurried off personally to prepare.
After the ti of a stick of incense, Fa Ma returned, a sheen of sweat on his forehead—proof that he had rushed without pause.
"Little friend Chen Mo, co with ."
He led the way, with Chen Mo following close behind.
The crowd wanted to trail after them, but guards quickly barred their path.
However, given their status, Yao Ye and Yao Yue were permitted to accompany them.
Fa Ma brought them into a special chamber.
The room carried an ancient, solemn atmosphere, its air heavy with the weight of history.
At its center stood a stone platform, three of its sides encased by transparent crystal barriers. Upon the platform rested a cauldron and a neat array of dicinal ingredients.
****
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