Together, Lin Yun and Yu Tao'er approached the grand building. The air around it was subtly different, carrying a faint, complex aroma of hundreds of different spiritual herbs and medicines, a scent that was both invigorating and calming.
Two guards stood at the entrance, their cultivation bases solid and their demeanor professional but not intimidating. They recognized the Lin Clan insignia on Lin Yun's carriage and gave a respectful nod as he passed, not blocking his way.
Stepping through the doors was like entering another world. The interior was spacious and airy, lit by glowing crystals embedded in the high ceiling.
The floor was polished dark wood, and the walls were lined with countless small drawers made of sandalwood, each labeled with the name of a spiritual herb or material.
The scent of herbs was much stronger here, a testament to the sheer volume and variety of ingredients stored within.
Disciples and attendants dressed in simple light blue robes moved quietly and efficiently between counters and back rooms. The atmosphere was one of serene, organized business.
At the center of the main hall was a large, circular counter. Behind it stood several receptionists, their expressions polite and helpful.
Lin Yun took a moment to simply absorb the atmosphere. The quiet hum of business, the rich tapestry of herbal scents, the sheer scale of the operation—it was both intimidating and inspiring.
Yu Tao'er, standing close beside him, finally voiced her confusion in a hushed whisper. "Young Master, what are we doing here? Shouldn't we be heading to the academy?"
Lin Yun's gaze swept over the countless sandalwood drawers lining the walls, each one a treasure trove for an alchemist.
"There's no hurry," he replied, his voice low. "I have a few questions I need answered."
His steps were purposeful as he walked towards the central circular counter. A young woman in a light blue robe, her hair neatly tied back, offered him a professional smile. "Welcome to the Azure Alchemy Association. How may I assist you today, young master?"
Lin Yun got straight to the point. "I would like to inquire about the process of obtaining an alchemist certification from your association."
The clerk's smile remained polite, but a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes. The young man before her was clearly from a major clan, but he seemed very young to be inquiring about certification.
"Of course. The Azure Alchemy Association offers a tiered certification system for alchemists, recognized across the Profound Sky Continent."
She gestured to a large jade plaque on the wall behind her, which detailed the tiers. "There are ten tiers in total, from Tier 9, the most basic, to Tier 0, the highest, reserved for legendary masters who have reached the pinnacle of the art, like our founding Emperor."
Lin Yun's eyes scanned the plaque. Tier 9 was for those who could stably produce Low-Grade Mortal pills, which included foundational pills like the Qi Gathering and Body Tempering Pills. The requirements became exponentially more difficult with each ascending tier.
"What are the benefits of certification?" Lin Yun asked.
"Many," the clerk explained. "A certified alchemist receives a badge corresponding to their tier. This badge grants them discounts on all purchases within any Association branch. They gain access to purchase higher-grade ingredients and recipes that are restricted to the public."
"Furthermore, they can accept alchemy commissions directly from the Association, which are often very lucrative. The higher the tier, the greater the benefits and the more respect the badge commands."
Lin Yun nodded, this was exactly the kind of neutral, external validation and resource access he needed. "And can anyone simply take the assessment?"
The clerk's smile became slightly more nuanced.
"For a distinguished young master from a prestigious local clan like the Lin Clan," she said, having recognized his insignia, "the process is straightforward. You may take the assessment for any tier you feel qualified for, without any fee. Should you not pass, you may try again in one year's time."
She paused, her tone shifting slightly. "For independent cultivators or those from smaller families, there is a significant assessment fee to prevent frivolous attempts. And if they fail, they must wait five years before they can try again."
The distinction was clear. The Association valued its relationships with powerful local powers. This privilege was another benefit of his birth.
Lin Yun processed this information. His current alchemy skill was undeniably low, reliant entirely on his Heavenly Eyes and the system's guidance. But he was confident about one thing: he could consistently produce a flawless Low-Grade Qi Gathering Pill and a solid Middle-Grade Body Tempering Pill.
That should be more than enough to pass the Tier 9 assessment, the lowest rung on the ladder.
He had considered this during his time at home. While the Lin Clan was wealthy, its resources were not infinite. They had to be distributed among the patriarch, the elders, their children, the core disciples, and the guards.
As the third young master, previously known as a "waste," his allowance was modest. He couldn't just requisition large quantities of high-level ingredients for personal practice without raising uncomfortable questions.
But with an official certification from the Azure Alchemy Association? That changed everything. A certified alchemist, even a Tier 9 one, had legitimacy. He could use his status to purchase ingredients, and his ability to produce high-quality pills could eventually fund his own cultivation. It was a path to self-sufficiency.
"Thank you for the information," Lin Yun said to the clerk with a polite nod. "I will consider taking the assessment at a later date."
He then turned his attention to the main hall. "For now, I would like to look at your available ingredients."
"Of course. The public selection is along the eastern wall. Please, feel free to browse."
Lin Yun and Yu Tao'er moved towards the vast wall of sandalwood drawers. As he approached, he subtly activated his Heavenly Eyes.
The world shifted into a golden overlay. The spiritual energy radiating from the drawers became visible streams of light. He could see the purity and potency of the herbs even through the wood.