Morning sunlight filtered through the paper windows of Xian Tiandi's courtyard, casting soft golden rays across the wooden floors.
Tiandi had risen early, as was his habit, and was now preparing to leave for an important task.
Ying Yue stood nearby in the courtyard, carefully adjusting her veil to ensure it sat properly.
Her hands moved with practiced efficiency as she checked that everything was in order for their outing.
Today they would visit the Alchemy Association so Tiandi could obtain his official certification.
This was an important step in establishing his identity as an alchemist in Xianling City and beyond.
"Are you ready, Young Master?" Ying Yue asked, turning to face him. Her voice carried a note of anticipation.
"Yes, let's go," Tiandi replied simply. He secured his storage ring and moved toward the courtyard entrance.
They walked together through the streets of Xianling City toward the Association building.
The morning was still early, so the streets weren't too crowded yet. Shopkeepers were just beginning to open their doors.
A few early-rising cultivators passed by, heading to various destinations. The air was fresh and cool, pleasant for walking.
When they arrived at their destination, the grand white stone structure of the Alchemy Association stood prominently among the surrounding buildings.
It was three stories tall with wide steps leading up to the main entrance. Decorative pillars flanked the doorway, and the Association's symbol was carved above the entrance.
Xian Tiandi and Ying Yue climbed the steps and entered through the main doors. Inside, the reception hall was spacious and well-maintained.
Several counters lined the walls where staff members attended to various visitors. The scent of medicinal herbs hung faintly in the air.
Xian Tiandi approached the nearest reception counter where a middle-aged man was organizing some documents. The receptionist looked up when Xian Tiandi reached the counter.
"Welcome to the Alchemy Association. How may I assist you today?" the receptionist asked politely.
"I wish to take the alchemist certification examination," Tiandi stated clearly.
"I see. The examination fee is fifty low-grade spirit stones," the receptionist said. "May I know which grade you wish to attempt?"
"I'll start with Low Mortal Grade," Tiandi replied.
The receptionist nodded and accepted the payment of fifty spirit stones that Xian Tiandi placed on the counter.
He then produced a jade token and made some notes on it. "Very well. According to Association rules, all applicants must begin their certification from Low Mortal Grade and progress sequentially through each level. You cannot skip grades."
"I understand," Xian Tiandi said. This rule made sense. It prevented people from attempting tests beyond their capability and wasting resources.
The receptionist continued explaining. "Each grade of Mortal Rank alchemy is divided into four levels: Low, Mid, High, and Peak. The purity requirements are as follows: Low level requires forty percent purity minimum, Mid level requires fifty-five percent, High level requires seventy percent, and Peak level requires eighty percent or above."
He paused to ensure Xian Tiandi was following. "Pills below forty percent purity are considered unstable and potentially harmful. They can have unpredictable effects or even be poisonous. Therefore, forty percent is our minimum standard."
"That's reasonable," Xian Tiandi acknowledged. 'Most alchemists spend years trying to reach even seventy percent purity on a consistent basis,' he thought to himself. 'Those who achieve one hundred percent purity are rare masters who have specialized in a single pill type for decades.'
"Please follow me to the testing chambers," the receptionist said, gesturing toward a hallway. "Master Hong will oversee your examination today."
Xian Tiandi nodded and followed, with Ying Yue remaining in the reception area to wait. The receptionist led him down a corridor and opened a door to a spacious testing room. Inside, cauldrons, materials, and various alchemy tools were neatly arranged.
A stern-looking man in his forties stood near one of the cauldrons. He had sharp eyes that seemed to assess everything carefully.
His presence carried an air of authority and experience. This was Master Hong, and his cultivation was at the Mid Foundation Establishment Realm.
"Master Hong, this young man is here for the Low Mortal Grade certification test," the receptionist announced before bowing and leaving.
Master Hong turned his attention to Xian Tiandi, looking him up and down with an evaluating gaze. "You wish to take the certification test?" he asked, his tone neutral but professional.
"Yes, Master Hong," Tiandi confirmed respectfully.
"Very well," Master Hong said. "For the Low Mortal Grade certification, you must successfully refine three different pills within two hours. Each pill must achieve at least forty percent purity. The materials and cauldron are provided. You may begin when ready."
Xian Tiandi nodded and moved to the provided cauldron and materials laid out on the workbench.
He had deliberately chosen to use the Five Elements Refinement Technique for this test. It was a common method taught in most sects and alchemy schools throughout the cultivation world.
Using this technique would avoid drawing too much attention to his true capabilities and the more advanced methods he knew.
However, even though the technique was common, his execution was far from ordinary.
His flame control was precise to the smallest degree. His timing was perfect, showing an understanding that came from vast experience. His movements were efficient and confident, betraying years of practice.
Xian Tiandi began with the first pill, a Basic Qi Restoration Pill. He carefully processed each herb, extracting their essences with expert timing.
The flame beneath the cauldron burned steadily under his control. The medicinal properties merged smoothly. Within thirty-five minutes, the first pill was complete.
Master Hong approached and examined it carefully. His eyes widened slightly when he checked the purity. "Eighty-five percent," he said, his tone revealing his surprise. This was far beyond the required forty percent for Low Mortal Grade. In fact, this quality already met the Peak level standard.
Tiandi simply nodded and proceeded to the second pill without showing any particular emotion about the result.
The second pill was a Basic Body Tempering Pill. Tiandi worked with the same steady confidence.
His hands moved through the refinement process with practiced ease. This pill took thirty-two minutes to complete.