Chapter 96: Let Me Try the Exam

"It's Dragon Scale Grass. We were wrong!"

After a long while, Ouyang Cheng smiled bitterly.

As a renowned alchemist in the Tianxuan Kingdom, he was always the one teaching others. He never expected to be taught a lesson today!

"Since it's Dragon Scale Grass, you're the only one who passed the second timed identification. As long as your cultivation reaches the peak of True Qi Realm or above, you'll be an alchemist apprentice!"

Hearing this, Sun Tao stumbled and nearly burst into tears.

He might be the most miserable examinee—just declared passed, then revoked within ten minutes, replaced by someone else...

Was this necessary? Such a slap in the face?

But despite his resentment, seeing Zhang Xuan's terrifying memory just now, he could only swallow his tears.

Taking the exam with such a freak, you had to accept defeat!

"After the exam, I'll find a secluded spot and teach him a lesson. After all, I'm nearly thirty, almost ten years older than him. My cultivation must be stronger. At the peak of Martial Artist Fourth Layer Skin and Bone Realm, I should be able to crush him!"

He thought viciously, but before the thought ended, he heard the other's voice again.

"My cultivation is at the peak of Martial Artist Fifth Layer Tripod Strength Realm!" With that, Zhang Xuan revealed his cultivation.

Thud!

Sun Tao fell over.

Was this necessary? Terrifying memory and such strength too? He had planned to beat him up for revenge. Good thing he didn't—otherwise, he'd be beaten to a pulp...

"Good, good! Congratulations on adding another alchemist apprentice!"

Seeing his cultivation met the requirement, Ouyang Cheng wasted no more words. He took out a badge from his robe and handed it over: "This is the alchemist apprentice badge. With it, you can freely enter the guild's low-level library to study, and enjoy discounts and priority when purchasing pills sold by the guild!"

Pills sold by the Alchemist Guild to outsiders were very expensive, but internal members got significant discounts.

Though just an apprentice, he was now considered an insider of the guild.

"Yes!"

Taking the badge, Zhang Xuan's face lit up with joy.

He had gone through all the trouble to become an apprentice just to enter the library and read books. Finally, his goal was achieved.

"Also, as an apprentice, you can choose to follow an alchemist. By shadowing him, you can better access pills. With your talent, I believe you'll become a true alchemist in a few years!"

Ouyang Cheng looked at him expectantly.

Clearly, he wanted Zhang Xuan to follow him.

This young man had such a terrifying memory and talent. With careful guidance, he would surely rise to prominence soon. If he became his apprentice, it would also bring him great fame.

Du Man on the side had the same intention, his eyes gleaming.

Seeing their gazes, Zhang Xuan shook his head: "Sorry, I don't plan to follow an alchemist for now!"

After all, he was a teacher at Hongtian Academy and a time traveler. How could he run errands for others and be an apprentice?

What a joke!

As an apprentice, he could choose to follow an alchemist or not—it was entirely up to him.

"I was too hasty. You've just become an apprentice, don't think too much about it. Decide when you're ready!"

Seeing his outright refusal, Ouyang Cheng knew he had asked too soon and smiled awkwardly.

"Yes, think it over carefully at home. Only by following an alchemist can you learn skills and become a true alchemist sooner!" Du Man also nodded.

"Mm."

Understanding their meaning, Zhang Xuan nodded in acknowledgment. Suddenly thinking of something, he couldn't help asking: "Does the Alchemist Guild have pills that can unlock special constitutions?"

He had asked a server earlier, but she surely didn't know. These two, however, were the guild's true alchemists, the highest-ranking people, so they should know more.

"Pills to unlock special constitutions?"

Ouyang Cheng and Du Man exchanged glances: "There are, but each constitution is different, and the pills used vary. If you get it wrong, not only will it fail to unlock, but it might even backfire!"

Zhang Xuan had read relevant books and knew this, so he continued: "Then... are there any books about special constitutions and their corresponding pills? Could you lend me some to read?"

Yuan Tao had the Dragon Rhinoceros Bloodline. Before his special constitution was unlocked, the fewer people who knew, the safer.

Though these two alchemists seemed decent, you never know a person's heart. They might leak the information and cause trouble.

So it was better to say little about the Dragon Rhinoceros Bloodline, just mention special constitutions without naming anyone. Even if they suspected, they would only guess he wanted it for himself.

"There are quite a few such books, but they're all in the high-level library. According to regulations, only official alchemists can enter and consult them. Even I don't have the authority to take them out for you!"

Ouyang Cheng shook his head.

"Yes, pills and constitutions are matters studied only by true alchemists, stored only in the high-level library. If you really want to read them, you can choose to follow us. With your talent, you'll surely become a first-grade alchemist within a year. Once successful, you can read whatever you want!"

Du Man took the opportunity to persuade him: "Moreover, as a true alchemist, you'll receive high treatment at any Alchemist Guild, with priority in buying pills or finding herbs... You need to think carefully. If you just explore on your own, becoming an alchemist will be slow. Even with exceptional talent, it's hard without several years!"

"Can't borrow?"

Zhang Xuan's face fell.

Did that mean all his hard work was in vain?

He had spent a lot of time and effort to pass the apprentice exam.

If Sun Tao, Wen Xue, Uncle Li, and others knew what he was thinking, they would surely spit blood in his face.

They had painstakingly memorized various books, spending at least six or seven years, and still didn't pass. He had spent a mere two hours... Two hours ago, he didn't even know what an alchemist apprentice was...

And he called this hard work?

If this is hard work, what do we call it?

"Yes, to read books in the high-level library, you must become an alchemist. That's the guild's rule. If you really want to study how to use pills to unlock special constitutions, first find a way to become an alchemist!"

Ouyang Cheng said.

In his view, the fastest way to become an alchemist was to study under a true alchemist. He was the best alchemist in the entire Tianxuan Royal City—who else would he choose?

Just as he was thinking how to respond if Zhang Xuan said he wanted to follow him, he heard the other's voice.

"Since... I have to become an alchemist to read the high-level library books, then... how do I take the alchemist exam?" Zhang Xuan thought for a moment: "Alright, let me try the exam!"

"Mm, that's a good decision. As long as you follow me, I'll do my best to train you... Huh?"

Halfway through his words, Ouyang Cheng finally reacted, his voice caught in his throat, eyes bulging as he stared at the young man before him: "You... what did you say?"