BTTH-Chapter 33: Alchemist Conference

BTTH-Chapter 33: Alchemist Conference

"Pa!"

A crisp slap sounded in the hall, followed by a voice: "Mm, it hurts. It turns out that I am not dreaming; a demon-like monster really appeared."

Frank and Ao Tuo were also awakened by the slap. "Are you really going to take the third-grade alchemist exam? Are you kidding?"

"Really," Xiao Tian said with certainty.

Ao Tuo and Frank looked at each other in shock. If Xiao Tian really passed the third-grade alchemist assessment, it would bring great honor to Black Rock City and even greater medicinal material support and rewards from the General Association. The two of them trembled with excitement and said, "Quick, prepare the third-grade alchemist assessment procedures for us. Forget it; let's go prepare."

The two old men circulated their dou qi, leaving a trail of afterimages as they quickly made their way to the third-grade alchemist assessment hut to prepare.

Lin Fei walked up to Xiao Tian and poked his arm. "Are you even human? I doubt if you are some kind of ancient monster."

"A genuine young man," Xiao Tian asserted, patting his chest.

"Then how did you manage to pass the third-grade assessment at this age?" Lin Fei pinched Xiao Tian's arm again.

"Just keep refining, and the grade will go up. It's not difficult," Xiao Tian replied, spreading his hands.

Lin Fei couldn't help but grit her teeth at this. This statement was infuriating.

"Young friend Xiao Tian, please come over. The examination room is ready," Frank called out.

Xiao Tian walked to the door of the third-grade assessment room and stepped inside.

Ao Tuo closed the door behind him.

About an hour later, Ao Tuo and Frank emerged with expressions that were a mix of excitement and disappointment.

"He's simply a monster; there's no comparison. At his age, he's too accomplished to be real," Frank sighed.

The excitement was due to Xiao Tian's success in the assessment, which would bring immense benefits to the Black Rock City Alchemist Guild. The disappointment stemmed from feeling overshadowed and inadequate.

After packing up, Xiao Tian walked out. Seeing him, Frank waved his hand, and one of his men approached with a tray holding a black robe.

"I think you know the significance of the alchemist robe," Frank said.

Xiao Tian nodded.

Frank continued, "There are also some hidden effects which you need to wear in order to experience."

Initially confused, Xiao Tian began to understand upon considering the status of the alchemist.

He took the alchemist robe. It had a medicine cauldron badge on the chest, which featured three ripples inside it.

Xiao Tian took off his previous robe and put on the alchemist robe. He felt a cool sensation and became more energized.

Wearing the alchemist's robe enhanced his already extraordinary demeanor, making him appear like a banished immortal—precious beyond words.

When Xue Mei and Lin Fei saw Xiao Tian in the luxurious robe, they couldn't help but stare at him in awe.

Frank addressed the others. "Those of you who have passed the assessment can go to the front to register and then receive your own alchemist robes."

As the others left, Frank led Xiao Tian outside and said, "Friend Xiao Tian, in half a year, the capital will hold an alchemist conference that will gather alchemists from the Jiama Empire and even from other empires. If you have time, you can participate. With your talent and age, you can both accumulate experience and make a significant impression, which will be advantageous for you."

"Okay, I'll attend if I have time," Xiao Tian nodded, accepting the invitation.

He had originally planned to attend the Alchemist Conference in six months because it followed Xiao Yan's three-year appointment.

"Great! We'll wait for you at the Capital Alchemist Guild," Frank and Ao Tuo said, smiling and applauding in approval as they walked away.

Xiao Yixian saw Xiao Tian walk out of the examination hall and stood up to approach him. "How did it go?"

"It lived up to expectations," Xiao Tian said, pointing to the badge on his robe.

"Is this the alchemist's robe? It looks nice and feels comfortable. What rank is yours?" The Little Medical Fairy was momentarily stunned, then smiled as she reached out to touch Xiao Tian's clothes.

"Rank Three. How about it? Don't I look more handsome in this outfit?" Xiao Tian said, smiling proudly as he grabbed her hand while she touched his robes.

"Ahem, pay attention; there are older people here," Ao Tuo said as he averted his gaze, unable to watch any longer.

"I can't help it," Xiao Tian replied nonchalantly.

The Little Medical Fairy had a flushed face, staring at her feet. The saying goes that if you can't see your toes when looking down, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. However, this didn't quite apply to the Little Medical Fairy, as her toes were clearly visible.

"Two masters, do you know where we can obtain poisonous herbs and poison-attribute dou skills?" Xiao Tian asked the two.

"What do you want those for? Do you still want to become a poison master? Poison masters are not popular and it will waste your talent," Frank frowned as he advised.

"I just want to collect them; I don't need them for anything else," Xiao Tian said.

"It's good that you know this. Our guild doesn't have these two types, but I know where they can be found," Frank said, looking at Xiao Tian seriously.

Xiao Tian bowed respectfully. "Please tell me, President."

"These can only be purchased on the black market. Fortunately, there is an underground black market in Black Rock City, but you will need a token to enter."

"Where is the underground black market? How do I obtain the token?" Xiao Tian asked, confusion evident in his expression.

"The underground black market is located in the west of the city. I have a golden token here. This token can allow three people to enter. I can give it to you; just make sure to keep your identity secret and be careful while you're in there." Frank produced a golden token from his ring, which had a black skull painted on it.

Xiao Tian took the gold token. "Thank you, President Frank."

…

After saying farewell to Frank and Ao Tuo, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yixian purchased two masks and two black robes on the way. They wrapped themselves tightly as per Frank's instructions and made their way to a remote street in the west of the city where they entered a store called Zhizhenlou.

Upon entering the shop, they approached the shopkeeper and presented the golden token. The shopkeeper's eyes widened when he recognized the token. Such tokens were extremely rare in Black Rock City.

The shopkeeper carefully led the two into a back hall and arrived at a hidden small door. Upon entering, they were met by two strong men standing guard at the doorway.

"Please show your token," one of the sturdy men requested, his sharp gaze assessing them.

Xiao Tian retrieved the golden token again and held it out to them.

Upon seeing the token, the two guards quickly opened the door, bowed slightly, and gestured for them to enter. "My lords, please come in."

Xiao Tian led Xiao Yixian inside. The room contained a staircase leading underground, illuminated by moonstones on either side.

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Day 1

(End of this chapter)