Master Hong examined it next. "Eighty-seven percent purity," he announced, his surprise growing more evident. Two pills in a row with such high quality was no accident.
The third and final pill was a Basic Spirit Calming Pill, which was generally considered the most difficult of the three required Low Mortal Grade pills. The ingredients were more delicate and required more precise control.
Yet Xian Tiandi completed it in only twenty-eight minutes. When Master Hong examined this final pill, he stared at it for a long moment in disbelief.
"Eighty-nine percent purity," Master Hong said slowly. He looked up at Tiandi with a new level of respect in his eyes.
"Young man, this level of quality and speed is remarkable. I have overseen many certification tests, but your performance is truly exceptional."
"Thank you, Master Hong," Tiandi said respectfully, accepting the compliment with appropriate humility.
Master Hong moved to his desk and prepared the official certification documentation. He stamped a jade badge with the Association's seal and handed it to Tiandi.
"You have passed the Mortal Grade certification with outstanding results. This badge marks you as an official member of the Alchemy Association."
When a person takes the low grade test he receives less materials than those taking higher grade tests as more purity is harder to get and they didn't want to waste materials.
But Xian Tiandi didn't even use the extra set of materials provided.
"Your official rank would be Peak Mortal Grade as you have already proven your ability."
He then handed him a broze badge with a cauldron symbol with surrounded by four bronze stars. Each star represented a stage from low to peak.
Xian Tiandi accepted it and placed it directly on his chest. After all, he didn't get this badge for the sake of it. He got it to make use of it's influence in the near future.
Master Hong nodded and then continued, "As an honorary member of the Association, you now have several privileges. You receive a twenty percent discount on all materials purchased through Association branches. You have access to certain restricted alchemy texts in our libraries. You also have the backing of the Association's reputation, which can be useful in various situations."
He then handed him a broze badge with a cauldron symbol with surrounded by four bronze stars. Each star represented a stage from low to peak.
"I understand " Tiandi said, accepting the jade badge. The badge was warm to the touch and had intricate carvings on its surface.
He placed it directly on his chest. After all, he didn't get this badge for the sake of it. He got it to make use of it's influence in the near future
"You may return to attempt the Low Profound Grade certification if you wish to continue advancing when you have grown your abilities," Master Hong added. "Though I suspect you won't have any difficulty with it, given what I've just witnessed."
"Your skill is already close."
"I'll consider that. Thank you again, Master Hong," Tiandi said with a polite bow.
He left the testing chamber and returned to the reception area where Ying Yue was waiting. Her eyes immediately went to the jade badge now attached to his robe.
"Young Master, you passed?" she asked, though the answer was obvious.
"Yes, let's go," Tiandi replied.
By the time they left the Alchemy Association building and stepped back onto the street, word was already beginning to spread.
The receptionist and Master Hong had both been impressed enough to mention it to their colleagues. News traveled fast in cultivation circles.
A sixteen-year-old who had just achieved eighty-five to eighty-nine percent purity on his first certification test was noteworthy information.
Many merchants and cultivators in Xianling City would take note of this. Some would see opportunity. Others would see a potential ally or rival.
---
Meanwhile, across the city at the Zhou Clan estate, Zhou Kang was spending his afternoon with some other young clan members in one of the training courtyards.
Several young men around his age were gathered there, discussing recent events and trading stories about their cultivation progress.
"Did you hear about the match at the arena yesterday?" one of them was saying. "That Xian Tiandi actually defeated Zhou Kang in front of everyone."
Zhou Kang's expression remained neutral, though he felt a twinge of annoyance at being the subject of gossip.
Before he could respond, a steward approached the group with measured steps.
The steward bowed respectfully toward Zhou Kang. "Young Master Zhou Kang, your father requests your presence in his courtyard. He asks that you come immediately."
Zhou Kang was surprised by the summons but nodded. "I understand. I'll go now."
He excused himself from his friends and made his way through the Zhou Clan estate toward his father's private residence.
The walk took several minutes through various courtyards and hallways. Zhou Kang's mind wandered, wondering what this summons could be about. His father rarely called for him personally unless something important had occurred.
When he arrived at his father's courtyard and entered the main receiving hall, he found not only his father waiting but also another figure seated in the place of honor.
Zhou Kang's heart jumped in his chest when he recognized who it was.
It was his ancestor, Zhou Wuji, the Nascent Soul Realm expert who rarely appeared before the younger generation.
The old man's presence was imposing even though he sat calmly. His eyes held the depth of unknown years of cultivation.
"Kang'er, greet your ancestor properly," his father said, his tone carrying both pride and nervousness.
Zhou Kang immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply, showing the utmost respect. "Greetings, Ancestor. This unworthy descendant is honored by your presence."
Zhou Wuji studied him for a long moment with those ancient, penetrating eyes. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but carried undeniable authority. "I've been observing you since your Divine Body awakened several days ago. You have great potential, Kang'er. Your physique is rare and powerful."
"Thank you, Ancestor," Zhou Kang said, still bowing. "I'm doing my best to learn control over it."
"That's good," Zhou Wuji replied. "Self-control is essential. But what you need most right now is not just control. You need opportunity. You need direction."
Zhou Kang straightened slightly, listening intently.
"There is a young man named Xian Tiandi. You've met him recently," Zhou Wuji continued. His expression was thoughtful. "That young man carries great fortune around him. I can sense it vaguely. Those who stay close to him will naturally encounter opportunities and benefits."
Zhou Kang stiffened slightly at the name. Xian Tiandi was the one who had defeated him at the arena.
"I want you to join his journey when he leaves the city," Zhou Wuji stated. "Accompany him to the Four Symbols Sect selection. Stay close to him. Learn from him if possible. Your future prospects will improve significantly."
Zhou Kang's father, who had been silent until now, nodded in agreement. "The ancestor's wisdom is profound. This will be good for your future cultivation path, Kang'er. You should follow his guidance."
Zhou Kang didn't fully understand his ancestor's reasoning, but he knew better than to question the judgment of a Nascent Soul expert.
"I will do as you say, Ancestor. I'll join Xian Tiandi's journey."
.