Chapter 96: Test It Out

"It's Dragon Scale Grass! We were mistaken!"

After a long while, Ouyang Cheng forced a wry smile. As a renowned alchemist in the Tianxuan Kingdom, he was accustomed to teaching others; he never expected to be taught a lesson himself today!

"Since it's Dragon Scale Grass, you are the only one who passed the second timed identification test. As long as your cultivation reaches the peak of the True Qi realm or higher, you will be an Alchemist Apprentice!"

Hearing this, Sun Tao stumbled, almost bursting into tears. He was probably the most unfortunate examinee; he had just been announced as passing, only for it to be revoked less than ten minutes later and given to someone else... Was this really necessary? Was it meant to be so humiliating?

However, despite his reluctance, seeing Zhang Xuan's astonishing memory just now, he could only swallow his tears. Taking an exam with such a freak was truly disheartening!

"Once the assessment is over, I'll find a secluded spot and get a chance to beat him up. After all, I'm almost thirty, nearly ten years older than him, so my cultivation must be stronger. Peak Martial Artist 4-dan Skin-Bone Realm should be enough to sweep him!"

He thought viciously, but before he could finish the thought, he heard the other person's voice again.

"My cultivation is peak Martial Artist 5-dan Dingli Realm!" Zhang Xuan declared, revealing his cultivation.

*Thud!*

Sun Tao fell. Was he really that ruthless? Not only did he have a terrifying memory, but his strength was also formidable. Sun Tao had actually thought of beating him up to vent his frustration; luckily, he hadn't, otherwise, he'd surely have been beaten to a pulp...

"Good, good! Congratulations on adding another Alchemist Apprentice!"

Seeing that Zhang Xuan's cultivation met the requirements, Ouyang Cheng wasted no more words. He took out a badge from his pocket and handed it over: "This is the Alchemist Apprentice badge. With it, you can freely enter the guild's lower-tier library for study, and you'll receive discounts and priority when purchasing elixirs sold by the guild!"

Elixirs sold by the Alchemist Guild to outsiders were typically very expensive, but internal members received significant discounts. Even as an apprentice, he was now considered an insider of the guild.

"Yes!"

Zhang Xuan's face lit up as he took the badge. He had gone through all that trouble to become an apprentice just to gain access to the library's books, and now his goal was finally achieved.

"Furthermore, as an apprentice, you can choose to follow an alchemist. By doing so, you'll gain better exposure to elixirs, and with your talent, I believe you'll become a true alchemist within a few years!" Ouyang Cheng looked at him with great anticipation as he said this. Clearly, he wanted Zhang Xuan to apprentice under him. Du Man, standing nearby, also had the same intention, his gaze sharp.

Seeing their gazes, Zhang Xuan shook his head: "My apologies, but I don't currently have any plans to apprentice under an alchemist!" Regardless, he was a teacher at Hongtian Academy and a transmigrator; how could he run errands for others and become an apprentice? What a joke! As an apprentice, one could choose to follow an alchemist or not; it was entirely up to personal preference.

"I was too hasty. You've just become an apprentice; there's no need to think too much about it right now. Make your decision when you've given it proper thought!" Seeing his immediate refusal, Ouyang Cheng realized he had asked too eagerly and gave an awkward smile.

"Indeed, go back and think it over carefully. You can only truly learn and become a genuine alchemist sooner by following one," Du Man also nodded.

"Mm-hm." Understanding their intent, Zhang Xuan nodded in acknowledgement, then suddenly thought of something and couldn't help but ask, "Does our Alchemist Guild have any elixirs that can awaken special physiques?" He knew a mere attendant wouldn't know, but these two were genuine alchemists of the guild, holding the highest positions, so they should know more.

"Elixirs to awaken special physiques?" Ouyang Cheng and Du Man exchanged glances. "Yes, there are. However, each physique is unique, and the required elixir varies. If you make a mistake, not only will it fail to awaken, but it might even have adverse effects!"

Zhang Xuan had read relevant books and knew this. He continued, "Then... are there any books about special physiques and their corresponding elixirs? Could I borrow them to read?" Yuan Tao possessed the Dragon Rhinoceros Bloodline, and before his special physique was awakened, the fewer people who knew, the safer it would be. Although these two alchemists seemed decent, one could never truly know a person's heart. There was no guarantee they wouldn't leak the information and cause trouble. Therefore, it was better to say less about the Dragon Rhinoceros Bloodline. He only mentioned special physiques without specifying whose, so even if they were suspicious, they would only guess he intended to use them himself.

"There are quite a few similar books, but they are all in the higher-tier library. According to regulations, only official alchemists are permitted to access them for research. Even I am not authorized to take them out and give them to you!" Ouyang Cheng shook his head.

"That's right. Elixirs and physiques are subjects only genuine alchemists research, and these books are kept exclusively in the higher-tier library. If you truly wish to read them, you can choose to apprentice under us. With your talent, I'm confident you could become a First-Rank Alchemist within a year. Once you succeed, you can read whatever you wish!" Alchemist Du Man seized the opportunity to persuade him: "Moreover, becoming a genuine alchemist guarantees exceptional treatment at any Alchemist Guild, giving you priority whether buying elixirs or searching for ingredients... You need to consider carefully. If you try to become an alchemist solely through self-study, it will be much slower. Even with extraordinary talent, it would be difficult to achieve in just a few years!"

"I can't borrow them?" Zhang Xuan's face crumpled into a bitter expression. Didn't that mean all his hard work had been in vain? He had spent a considerable amount of effort and time just to pass this apprentice exam.

If Sun Tao, Wen Xue, Li Shu, and the others knew what he was thinking, they would surely spit blood in his face. *We* diligently memorized various books, spending at least six or seven years, and still didn't pass, while you, at most, spent two hours... Bear in mind that two hours ago, you didn't even know what an Alchemist Apprentice was... You call *that* hard work? If *your* effort is considered hard work, then what do *we* call ours?

"Yes, if you want to read books in the higher-tier library, you must become a genuine alchemist. This is a rule set by the main guild. If you truly wish to research how to use elixirs to awaken special physiques, you should first find a way to become an alchemist!" Ouyang Cheng stated. In his opinion, the quickest way to become an alchemist was to study under a genuine one, and since he was the best alchemist in the entire Tianxuan Royal City, who else would Zhang Xuan choose but him?

Just as he was contemplating how to respond when Zhang Xuan would surely ask to follow him, he heard the young man's voice.

"Since... only alchemists can access books in the higher-tier library, then... how does one get assessed to become an alchemist?" Zhang Xuan pondered for a moment. "No, I'll take the test and see!"

"Mmm, that's a good decision. Just follow me, and I'll do my utmost to cultivate you... *Gah*?" Mid-sentence, Ouyang Cheng suddenly reacted, his voice catching in his throat. His eyes nearly popped out as he stared intently at the young man before him: "You... what did you say?"