The sun rose over the horizon, casting a warm morning light upon the city of Zhenqi. The city's architecture evoked bygone eras, with tall pagodas piercing the sky and intricate roof edges appearing to touch the heavens. The buildings were adorned with dragon motifs and golden embellishments that sparkled in the sunlight. The streets bustled with life, filled with people dressed in vibrant attire. Men wore long robes with high collars and elegant dragon embroideries, while women were draped in silk Qipao dresses adorned with shimmering floral patterns.
The air was filled with the scent of incense and spices, blending with the excited murmurs of the people. Traders offered exotic herbs and rare ingredients, while alchemists showcased their craft in narrow alleyways and courtyards. In the Alchemy Guild itself, magnificent towers and arched roofs stood as testaments to centuries-old craftsmanship. The play of light and shadow on the red bricks resembled the grace of ancient Chinese palaces.
The alchemists themselves were clad in plain robes, symbolizing their connection to the ancient tradition and wisdom of the cultivation world. Their garments were adorned with subtle embroideries inspired by Chinese symbols and patterns. The alchemists recited ancient scrolls in hushed voices and performed ritualistic hand movements to harness and direct the energy of the universe.
The merchant stepped down from the cart and settled the agreed-upon payment with a warm smile. He expressed his gratitude for the pleasant journey and wished us luck on our further path. After a respectful nod, he resumed his place in the cart and guided the horse, which calmly moved the wagon forward.
"So, an Alchemy Guild," I said thoughtfully.
"Do you think what I'm thinking?" Mark replied.
"Yes, it could be the perfect place to utilize our cheat skills," I agreed. After all, alchemy was an area that required a multitude of knowledge and skills.
Determined, we entered the imposing Alchemy Palace. An alchemist of the lowest rank, recognizable by his green attire and unfriendly expression, approached us and reprimanded us:
"If you're here to take the exam, pay the entrance fee of 50 silver coins or leave the premises immediately."
"We have the money. When does the exam begin?" I asked the alchemist.
"You should know that, and you're already late. It starts in less than an hour," he sternly replied. "Most participants arrived two days ago to prepare thoroughly."
"I see. Can we use the library in the meantime?" I continued.
"Yes, as long as you gather in the examination room by the fourth hour. At that time, the door will be locked, and anyone who is not an alchemist must leave the building," the alchemist explained.
"Alright, thank you," I replied and turned with Mark to sprint towards the library. We had only one hour left to absorb as much information as possible.
Mark and I immersed ourselves in the books while Nori supported us with her data analysis ability. We absorbed not only the pages with our eyes but also allowed Nori to scan the texts and extract important information. With each turned book page and scanned page, we synchronized ourselves, exchanging thoughts and insights to expand our knowledge. It was a seamless collaboration between human and AI, enabling us to scour the books more efficiently and quickly grasp the relevant content. It was as if we were engaged in a perfect dance, with each movement synchronized, helping us absorb knowledge at lightning speed.
On the yellowed pages, we found short excerpts that provided glimpses into the diverse world of alchemy. There was mention of the "Silverroot," a plant that enhanced mental clarity and improved concentration. Next to it, we discovered the name "Firespod," an exotic plant that ignited inner energy and amplified fire elements. We also came across the term "Mistbloom," whose flower nectar possessed healing properties and promoted bodily regeneration.
As we delved deeper into the alchemical books, we encountered sections that dealt with pill production. We saw drawings of complex apparatuses and read about the precise steps to extract, mix, and shape ingredients into pills.
Our eyes traversed the pages as Nori analyzed the information with her rapid data processing. She projected diagrams and instructions before our minds' eyes, allowing us to follow every step of the production process.
We observed the alchemists carefully selecting herbs and grinding them in special mortars. Nori showed us the exact proportions and the appropriate duration for each step. We could almost feel the energy of the herbs flowing through our fingers as we mimicked the movements of the alchemists.
Step by step, we scanned the information and connected it with our own knowledge of alchemical processes. We grasped the secrets of temperature control, proper mixtures, and fine-tuning of ingredients. The magical essence of pill formation revealed itself to us as we resonated with the alchemists and absorbed their art within us.
As we delved deeper into the alchemical books, Nori worked in the background, quietly and efficiently. Her virtual sensors scanned every word, every line, and every diagram as we flipped through the pages.
Suddenly, I noticed subtle flickers in Nori's holographic display. It was a subtle indication that she had detected errors and inconsistencies. Her algorithms analyzed the information and compared it with her extensive database.
In an incredibly fast sequence of calculations and data comparisons, Nori silently corrected the discovered errors. I could see the texts subtly changing before my eyes as she replaced inaccurate sections with more precise information.
It was fascinating to witness Nori's work in the background, improving the accuracy and consistency of the alchemical books. Her automatic corrections were seamless and precise, making it seem as though the books had been written correctly from the beginning.
[Important Announcement: You have only 5 minutes left to reach the examination room]
"Thank you, Nori," I gratefully said to my virtual companion. "We would be lost without you."
Mark and I hurried to reach the room on time. Our heads were filled with new insights, and we felt prepared for the upcoming exam. With the scanned information and Nori's assistance, we had the necessary knowledge and confidence to succeed.
As we entered the room, we saw the other examinees already seated, focused and eager. We joined their ranks and took our places, ready to demonstrate the knowledge we had acquired.