Chapter 154: Registration

Stepping into the doors of the Alchemist Guild, a rich scent of pills greeted them, prompting a deep breath and a refreshing sense of joy as they surveyed their surroundings.

Inside the entrance, the area was vast and roughly divided into three major zones: east, south, and west.

In the eastern hall, there were many neatly arranged square platforms made of blue granite. Behind these platforms sat several alchemists wearing long robes. On top of the platforms were various medicinal materials, jade bottles, scrolls, and other items. It seemed like this area was designated for transactions and treasure hunting.

In the southern hall, numerous furnaces of different styles were burning fiercely. Some alchemists sat cross-legged behind these furnaces, their hands forming seals as they controlled the fire with solemn expressions. Surrounding the furnaces, many lower-level alchemists were gathered, whispering among themselves, exchanging and observing pill refinement experiences.

Compared to the other two halls, the western hall was noticeably quieter. Even the passages were guarded, as if only certain alchemists who had reached a certain level were qualified to enter. Occasionally, lower-leveled alchemists passing by would cast looks of reverence and envy into it.

"That area is reserved for elders, branch heads from all over the Jia Ma Empire, and alchemists of the third rank or higher," explained the leading guard, guiding Wei Yang and the others towards the southern hall, stopping before a counter.

Behind the counter stood a pretty maid named Liya, her figure slender. The guard leader spoke to her, "Liya, these two are here for the assessment."

"Alright." Liya smiled and nodded, her voice sweet and pleasant.

The guard leader then turned to Wei Yang and Xian'er, "Just follow her arrangements in a moment."

"Alright." Wei Yang nodded.

"Thank you." Xian'er also smiled and spoke.

"You're welcome." With that, the guard leader left.

...

"May I ask, are you two here for the alchemist identity assessment?" Liya asked with a smile.

"Yes." Wei Yang nodded.

Swiftly, she retrieved two forms and a pen, placing them on the counter with a more respectful demeanor, smiling, "Please fill out the forms first."

Wei Yang picked up the pen and quickly filled out the form effortlessly. Xian'er did the same.

Soon, the forms were completed.

"Please wait a moment," Liya said, scanning the forms quickly. Gradually, a look of shock appeared on her face as her smile froze.

The forms read:

Name: Wei Yang.

Age: Twenty-one.

Mentor's Name: Yao Lao.

Assessment Rank: Third rank.

...

The other form read:

Name: Ye Xian'er.

Age: Nineteen.

Mentor's Name: Wei Yang.

Assessment Rank: Third rank.

...

She blinked, almost thinking she had misread, but even upon closer inspection, it remained the same.

Both a twenty-one and nineteen-year-old attempting a third-rank alchemist assessment? It must be a joke, right?

"Is there a problem?" Wei Yang asked, frowning.

"Oh? No, no problem at all." Liya quickly shook her head, responding somewhat flustered.

"Are you two taking the identity assessment for the first time...and aiming directly for the third rank?" Liya cautiously inquired.

"Yes. Why not?" Wei Yang replied.

"It's possible, of course. However... since it's your first time, you need to undergo the first-rank assessment. If you pass, then you can proceed with the second and third-rank assessments..." Liya explained hurriedly.

"What a hassle, but let's get on with it. Please arrange it quickly," Wei Yang said.

"Alright, Mr. Wei, Mr. Ye, please follow me." Liya's tone became even more respectful. She quickly walked from behind the counter, gesturing them to follow her.

"Alright." Wei Yang took Xian'er's delicate hand, and they walked side by side.

The leading maid, Liya, couldn't help but show a hint of envy in her eyes.

No one in their right mind would dare to disturb the headquarters of the Alchemist Guild, which meant that the information filled out by Wei Yang and Xian'er was likely accurate. A twenty-one-year-old and a nineteen-year-old third-rank alchemist? Handsome man and beautiful woman, walking hand in hand—a perfect match. Especially if Miss Ye could truly pass the third-rank assessment today, it would be remarkable. A nineteen-year-old third-rank alchemist could cause a massive sensation in the imperial capital. This would undoubtedly be a first in the history of all branches in the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Guild, enough to redefine the record for geniuses.

...

They walked through a wide passage, moving slowly forward.

Shortly afterward, they arrived before a large door, halting in front of it.

Outside the door stood four brawny men, all fully armed and guarding the area. Their gazes swept over the chest of these men, revealing that all four were of the nine-star Dou Shi level. Moreover, one of them, who appeared to be the leader, had a stable and long-lasting aura, clearly indicating he had remained at this level for quite some time. Dou Qi refinement and accumulation had reached a limit, suggesting stepping into the Dou Da Shi realm might be imminent.

"Uncle Weiya, has the assessment inside begun?" Liya handed the forms to the most powerful man among them, speaking playfully, "These two are here for the assessment."

"Haha, you're just in time; today's assessment is about to start. If you had come a bit later, you'd have to wait until tomorrow," the man, known as Weiya, spoke in a hearty tone. His gaze flitted over Wei Yang and Xian'er, rising with a sense of surprise, as he couldn't discern the specific level of strength of the young couple holding hands and maintaining calm expressions before him. At first glance, they seemed like ordinary people without any trace of Dou Qi emanating from them.

Upon looking down again at the forms in his hands, Weiya's pupils contracted, as shock waves rolled within his heart. Carefully re-confirming the information and stamps on the forms, his gaze met the maid, Liya's.

Liya nodded slightly.

Seeing this, although still harboring some doubts and disbelief, Weiya quickly composed himself, displaying respectfulness.

He pulled out two black armbands from his pocket, each adorned with a large '7' and '8'.

"These are your assessment numbers," Weiya said with a smile.

"Alright." Wei Yang and Xian'er accepted the armbands, placing them on their arms.

Weiya turned, gently pushing open the door to a width only wide enough for one person to pass through, gesturing, "Please, come in."

"Mr. Wei, Mr. Ye, I can only guide you this far. As per the rules, I cannot enter, so you'll proceed on your own," Liya said, bowing slightly and cheerfully wishing, "Good luck with your assessment."

"Thanks, and sorry for the trouble." Wei Yang smiled, nodded, and took Xian'er's hand as they stepped inside.

Behind them, the door creaked softly as it swung closed again.