Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Level 1 Alchemist Certification

"Let's head down later," Ye Shi suggested, pulling at Mu Chen's arm and furrowing his brow.

Mu Chen looked puzzled. "Why?"

"Lan Ruofeng and Zhuang Yu are downstairs. I'd rather not bump into them," Ye Shi said with a hint of petulance.

Mu Chen nodded, compliantly replying, "As you wish. I don’t want to encounter them either."

Only when Ye Shi was sure that Lan Ruofeng and Zhuang Yu had moved away did he and Mu Chen leave their booth.

"Where to next?" Ye Shi asked Mu Chen.

"My father instructed me to head to the Alchemist's Guild for my Level 1 Alchemist Certification," Mu Chen replied nonchalantly.

"Level 1 Alchemist Certification?" Ye Shi exclaimed, eyes widening.

Mu Chen elaborated, "Yes. A Level 1 Alchemist receives a monthly stipend of thirty elemental stones from the guild. It's not a lot, but it adds up over time."

Ye Shi couldn't help but frown. Doing nothing for a month earned him thirty yuan stones. Mu Chen deemed this inadequate, yet Ye Shi's laborious butchering work for a month yielded the same amount.

"I heard Level 2 Alchemists get even more—a monthly stipend of 300 elemental stones," Mu Chen said with a grin.

"Alchemists really do earn a lot," Ye Shi commented, gritting his teeth.

Mu Chen agreed, "Indeed! Let's go."

As Mu Chen approached the entrance of the Alchemist's Guild, a melodious voice caught his attention. It was so enchanting it seemed to send chills down his spine.

"Mu Chen, what brings you here?" Zhuang Yu asked, her innocent eyes fixed on him.

Ye Shi shot Zhuang Yu a deep, contemplative look before sharply pinching Mu Chen.

Mu Chen made a face, clearly exasperated. He had been avoiding Zhuang Yu, but fate had other ideas.

"Mu Chen's here for his Level 1 Alchemist Certification," Ye Shi declared, standing protectively in front of Mu Chen.

Zhuang Yu glanced at Mu Chen, expressing surprise, "Mu Chen, can you already concoct Level 1 pills?"

"He's just trying his luck. He's not quite there yet. Why are you here?" Ye Shi inquired defensively.

Zhuang Yu smiled, "I'm with Ruofeng. He's collecting his stipend. He's a Level 2 Alchemist, so he receives 300 elemental stones each month."

"300, huh?" Ye Shi mused, shooting a meaningful glance at Mu Chen.

Mu Chen rolled his eyes, thinking to himself that he'd soon reach that mark.

"Young Master Chen, are you here for your Level 1 Alchemist Certification?" Lan Ruofeng inquired, his tone cool and detached.

Mu Chen nodded in agreement, "Indeed."

Ye Shi frowned in dissatisfaction. Although Lan Ruofeng looked calm on the surface, there was an unmistakable disdain in the depths of his eyes. Seeing Lan Ruofeng's expression made Ye Shi uneasy. Why should Lan Ruofeng look at Mu Chen like that? Even if he is now a level two alchemist, he started as a level one, just like everyone else.

"Mr. Chen, the Alchemist Association imposes a fee of three hundred spirit stones for the first level alchemist certification to prevent malicious disturbances that affect our operations. I know you, young master Mu, come from a wealthy background and might not care about such a sum. However, if you're not confident, I'd advise caution," Lan Ruofeng remarked coolly, gazing at Mu Chen.

"Three hundred spirit stones!" Ye Shi couldn't help but grit his teeth, thinking to himself: No wonder they say alchemy burns money! He earns only thirty spirit stones a month working at the tavern, which means it would take ten months just to save up for one certification attempt.

"Are you sure about this?" Ye Shi turned to ask Mu Chen.

Mu Chen nodded, saying, "I want to give it a try."

Ye Shi, furrowing his brow, tugged at Mu Chen's sleeve, pulling him aside. "Be very careful. If you fail, you won't get the yuan stones back. Three hundred yuan stones could buy a hundred lotus chickens."

Mu Chen observed, "...It seems, Shi, that you really enjoy chicken."

"Shi, if you pass the certification, there will be many benefits in the future," Mu Chen added.

Ye Shi bit his lip, voicing his concerns, "Just be careful during the alchemy process."

Mu Chen nodded reassuringly, "Don't worry."

Ye Shi nervously let go of Mu Chen's hand, watching with a pained expression as the Association's representative took Mu Chen's spirit stone card and withdrew three hundred spirit stones.