Chapter 50

Chapter 50: Certification Success.

"Young man, you cannot enter. Only alchemists are allowed inside our guild," said a staff member emotionlessly, blocking Ye Shi's entry.

Ye Shi frowned, pointing at Zhuang Yu in frustration, "Why can he enter but I can't?" He had just seen Zhuang Yu exit the guild.

The staff took a glance at Zhuang Yu and said to Ye Shi with indifference, "He was escorted by this alchemist. A level two alchemist can bring along three guests. If you find an alchemist to accompany you, you can enter as well."

"Understood. I'll wait outside," Ye Shi clenched his fist, mumbling under his breath, worried about the three hundred spirit stones that might be wasted.

Zhuang Yu, noticing Ye Shi, casually remarked, "Ye Shi, if you truly wish to enter, Ruofeng can bring you in."

Ye Shi glanced at Zhuang Yu, "No need, I'll just wait for him outside."

Ye Shi lowered his head, pondering: There's something eerie about Lan Ruofeng, like he has some sorcery that affects me. But the effect seems to diminish recently. Maybe his skills aren't as potent as I thought.

"I heard you moved to the Mu residence?" Zhuang Yu inquired.

Ye Shi nodded, "Yes, Uncle Mu asked me to move in." He internally rolled his eyes, thinking Zhuang Yu was odd for making small talk when they weren't even close.

"When Lord Mu asked you to move, you did, disregarding your principles. Living under someone else's roof, where's your dignity, Ye Shi?" Zhuang Yu remarked critically.

With wide eyes, Ye Shi thought: What is he even talking about?

Ye Shi, not understanding, chose to ignore Zhuang Yu, glancing uneasily towards the Alchemist Guild.

Zhuang Yu, irritated by Ye Shi's indifference, felt resentment. He offered advice out of goodwill, yet Ye Shi showed such attitude.

Lan Ruofeng looked at Ye Shi, reassuring him, "You need not worry. The level one alchemist certification isn't too hard. The guild gives five chances. You just need to produce a level one elixir."

"Ruofeng passed the certification on his first attempt," Zhuang Yu said with evident pride.

Lan Ruofeng smiled subtly. The level one alchemist certification wasn't tough, but not many passed either. Besides skills, the alchemist needed a calm demeanor. Some could create elixirs independently, but under the pressure of the guild's chambers, they'd falter.

Ye Shi pursed his lips, thinking to himself, "These two really have nothing better to do. Why aren't they leaving?"

Lan Ruofeng looked calmly at Ye Shi, asking, "How long has Mu Chen been practicing alchemy?"

Scratching his head, Ye Shi replied, "I'm not quite sure, maybe a month?" Though it might not even be that long.

Narrowing his eyes, Lan Ruofeng remarked, "Only a month? It might be challenging for Mu Chen to pass the Alchemist Guild's certification then."

"Mu Chen has always been so impulsive," Zhuang Yu sighed and shook his head.

Although Ye Shi felt uncertain inside, he put on a brave front and said, "How can it be difficult? Being a first-level pill alchemist isn't that hard. Considering how smart Mu Chen is, he should pass with ease."

Lan Ruofeng: "..."

As they spoke, Mu Chen emerged, escorted by a delicate-looking young girl whose eyes shone with admiration for him.

"Congratulations on becoming a first-level alchemist, Young Master Mu. It's rare to see someone as young as you achieve this in our city. Your future is bound to be bright," the girl praised sincerely.

Mu Chen smiled and responded, "Thank you for your kind words."

Lan Ruofeng's expression shifted upon hearing the young girl's words. Mu Chen had truly become a first-level pill alchemist. "Mr. Mu, who would have thought you'd keep such talents hidden?"

Mu Chen chuckled nonchalantly and said, "It's just a first-level certification. Nothing particularly impressive. After all, Lan, you're already a second-level alchemist. I'm nowhere near your level."

"You're too modest, Mr. Mu," Lan Ruofeng remarked, looking at Mu Chen.

Ye Shi eyed the robe in Mu Chen's hands and asked, "What's this? An alchemist robe? It looks so cool! Can I try it on?"

Zhuang Yu frowned, saying, "Ye Shi, the alchemist robe signifies an alchemist's identity. You can't just wear it casually."

Ye Shi grimaced, sounding defeated, "Alright, forget it then."

Seeing Ye Shi's disappointment, Mu Chen leaned in and whispered, "I'll let you wear it when we get back."

Ye Shi's eyes lit up upon hearing that.

Zhuang Yu looked at Ye Shi's sparkling eyes, feeling a mix of sadness and bitterness. Seeing Mu Chen's actions, was there really a need for him to go to such lengths for Ye Shi's sake?