Chapter 283: Pill Tower Branch

As they approached the nearby city, a magnificent city wall appeared in front of them, exuding a solemn aura. The towering city gates welcomed a constant flow of people, and the bustling atmosphere filled the air.

The four of them strode into the city, gazing at the spacious streets and endless rows of shops on both sides. The middle of the street was crowded with people, and the noisy voices transformed into a huge sound wave that spread out and soared into the sky.

Xiao Ming stopped at a crossroad on the street and said, "You three should find an inn to rest first. I'll gather information about the Pill Tower Branch in the city if there is one, and then I'll come to find you later."

With his strong soul power, Xiao Ming had marked everyone, so he wasn't afraid of getting separated.

"If you encounter any suspicious individuals, remember to crush the jade token I gave you and I will come immediately," he added.

The three of them nodded and agreed to Xiao Ming's instructions.

Then, like a big sister leading her younger sisters, Xiao Yi Xian led Zi Yan and Qing Ling away.

After watching their backs disappear into the distance, Xiao Ming had just turned around and walked a few steps when he heard a slightly familiar voice.

"A-Are you Xiao Ming?"

"Hmm?" Xiao Ming paused for a little and turned his head to look where the voice came from. At the same time, he was a little surprised in his heart, he didn't seem to know anyone in Central Plains, did he?

Turning his head, he saw a girl with fresh short hair and a somewhat dainty face.

Looking at the seemingly unchanged appearance, two words slipped out of Xiao Ming's mouth.

"Jia Yun?"

"Xiao Ming, I can't believe it's really you!" Jia Yun was pleasantly surprised to hear Xiao Ming call out her name.

"Jia Yun, it's been a long time. You're still as charming as ever." Xiao Ming smiled as he recognized Jia Yun, whom he had lived under the same roof with for five years during their time in the Inner Academy.

Meeting an acquaintance in Central Plains made Xiao Ming quite happy.

Hearing his words, Jia Yun smiled warmly.

"I haven't changed much in the past few years, but you've become more handsome than ever. I almost didn't dare to call your name just now."

Xiao Ming only smiled in response and then changed the topic. "What are you doing here? I remember that your family is not located in this city."

"I've been traveling around for the past few years and happened to pass through here. I've been staying in this city for two or three days, and I was just about to leave when I ran into you." Jia Yun smiled, adjusting her hair.

"I'm also passing through here, but I want to certify my alchemy tier in the Pill Tower. Do you know if there's a Pill Tower Branch here?" Xiao Ming's eyes lit up upon hearing that Jia Yun had been in the city for several days.

"I've been in the Pill Tower Branch once. Let me take you there."

"Will it delay your schedule?"

"No, it's just showing you the way. It won't take long, and besides, you've helped me a lot in the past. There's no need to be so polite."

...

Led by Jia Yun, the two walked along the street for half an hour before stopping outside an ancient stone tower.

At this moment, numerous alchemists were constantly coming and going outside the tower, and the noisy chatter turned into waves of sound spreading out.

"This is the branch tower set up by the Pill Tower, similar to some of the Imperial Alchemist Association's Branches." Jia Yun whispered to Xiao Ming as she led him into this rather ancient stone tower. After chatting for half an hour earlier, she learned that Xiao Ming had not been in Central Plains for long.

Entering the stone tower, Xiao Ming looked around, surprised at how spacious it was. It was no smaller than the headquarters of the Alchemist Association in the Jia Ma Empire.

Inside the tower, there were many Alchemists wearing robes representing different tiers, shuttling around.

"The trade fair area is located in the north of the tower. Many alchemists will trade for the medicinal materials or pills they need there. Of course, there are also non-alchemists who come to buy pills or medicinal materials. I came here yesterday to buy some Energy Recovery Pills." Jia Yun said, pointing to the north of the tower after introducing everything else.

"The certification area should be in the south."

Jia Yun turned and headed towards the southern area of the tower, and Xiao Ming quickly followed.

When the two arrived at the assessment area, a long queue had already formed.

"This is the place. The wait may be long, so I'll take my leave now. But if you ever have the time, do come to visit my city. I'll show you around." Jia Yun said with a smile before turning to leave.

Xiao Ming wouldn't waste her time since she was leaving the city anyway.

So, he thanked her and decided to gift her a bottle of Energy Recovery Pills he had made earlier. Even though it was a practice product, its quality was not low and it was suitable for Jia Yun's current cultivation level.

Initially, Jia Yun declined the gift, but eventually accepted it after Xiao Ming's persuasion. She understood that, during adventures outside, Energy Recovery Pills sometimes meant the difference between life and death.

After bidding farewell, Xiao Ming joined the back of the queue and waited patiently for his turn.

As Xiao Ming waited in the queue, his youthful appearance caught the attention of many people, but the alchemists soon withdrew their gazes upon realizing he was not wearing an alchemist's robe.

They assumed he was there to take the first-tier alchemist assessment, which was quite common for someone his age in the Central Plains.

During the wait in the queue, many people stood behind Xiao Ming.

The assessment was conducted in groups, and after an hour, most of the people in front of Xiao Ming completed it.

He walked to the front and pushed open the door, revealing an extremely spacious and quiet room. There were about nine people standing inside, and their eyes were fixed on a proud-looking old man.

The old man wore a badge on his chest with flames swirling around it, and a tower-shaped emblem on top of the badge. Six purple-golden stars shone brightly on the tower's body.

Four large doors stood behind the old man, each with the words "Tian, Di, Xuan, Huang" written in an ancient font.

When Xiao Ming entered, the old man spoke, "Everyone is here, so let's begin the assessment. First, tell me what tier you want to be assessed for, and I will arrange the assessment room for you."

The alchemists declared their desired tiers one after another.

"Fourth-Tier!"

"Second-Tier!"

"Third-Tier!"

"Fourth-Tier!"

"..."

When it was Xiao Ming's turn, he said lightly, "Seventh-Tier."

The other Alchemists in the room immediately turned their heads to look at him, surprised and incredulous expressions on their faces.